Hi Everyone;
I decided to help others by sharing both positives and negative experiences in the world of healthcare and nutrition.
When my father was diagnosed with cancer I was only in junior high. At that time, there was no affordable computers or even word processors for that matter. Which meant my mother became a loving and caring research assistant for her husband, sometimes coming home from one of our Sonoma County libaries with 5 books on Cancer etc.
What was not available was support groups or none at least offered for the patient or their loved ones.
Thus, after my father went through radiation treatments, etc, my mother and I continued to be supporters of the cause. Relatives began not calling and invites to holiday parties became less. It was our belief that they thought Cancer was "contagious"...We now know of course that not to be true.
Thus, to turn a negative situation into a positive:
In my senior year of high school, we co-founded, "New Horizons" illness support group for teens with Diabetes, cancer or any other disease where they could find support. We were lucky to find a support counselor to lead a once a week discussion. With at least 8 members, we were recognized and supported in the Healdsburg, CA community.
Then my transition to continue my education lead me to Santa Rosa Jr. College. What a blessing to have the same concept accepted there ! We called it "New Pathways". This time it was open to all students, faculty and staff with any chronic or acute illness, and we were fortunate to have a Ph.D facilitator hold a weekly session. The only difference was that the campus required more community involvement so we also established the first ever "Cancer Awareness Week". A success where many phyicians and nurses volunteered their time on lectures for mens and womens cancer issues. In fact, we tabled information from the American Cancer Society. As long as I was a student I made sure that this valuable resource remained, as so for 3 years.
Currently, in my life's work I noticed people of all ages needing
"Healing Hands and Hearts"..my interest of Reiki..Everyone can use a "happiness boost" ! Thus, I feel that if one is diagnosed with a disease, that drains energy, lack of which diminishes self-confidence, and happiness is at times lost.
Therefore, with the senior citizens I work with I encourage them to look in the mirror and say, "Good Morning Sunshine !" Both men and women have admitted to laughing, but..that's the idea !
In such a positive affirmation can heal the soul..confidence can increase and on a good day, people want to exercise more, and are genuine happy, and pass that radiance onto others that they walk by.
Untill next time, when I am brave to post more....
Would appreciate your comments and or suggestions.
Thank you.
Andria.
