Research Saves LIves – It Is National Cancer Research Month!

The sad truth is that most, if not all, of us have been touched by cancer in some way or another. Millions of people are diagnosed each year, but many of these diseases, which used to be death sentences, can now be beaten. Thanks to cancer research, countless lives have been saved over the last few decades, and we continue to inch closer to curing the more than 200 different types of cancer…. This is why Congress unanimously decided to honor May as National Cancer Research Month in 2008. Helping to Solve the Mysteries of Cancer We are

3 Incredible Financial Resources for Cancer Patients

For anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, the financial costs of treatment and care can be insurmountable. In some cases, some patients aren’t able to afford their treatment even when they have health insurance. Luckily, there are resources available which can provide the financial assistance… that many cancer patients and their families desperately need. However, it is always good to review your available options before choosing the agency that is able to provide you with the best assistance. So without any further ado, let’s have a look at some of the best options that are currently available for

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Each year during the month of March, patients, survivors, health care providers, and many others whose lives have been touched by colorectal cancer come together to help spread awareness about this deadly disease. Colorectal cancer actually refers to any cancer that originates in the colon or the rectum, and it is second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. According to the CDC, many of these deaths could be avoided if more people (50 years and older) would get routinely screened for colorectal cancer. The Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer Unfortunately, this type of cancer… often does not produce

World Cancer Day 2013

What would happen if the entire world came together to combat cancer? Well, this is exactly what will happen on February 4th as we celebrate World Cancer Day. This is a very special day when individuals and organizations from around the world get the chance to send a very important message: It is time to make ending cancer a global health priority! Every year on this date, World Cancer Day is celebrated in order to help raise further awareness for cancer and to help encourage better prevention, detection, and treatment… practices. This global health awareness day

Lance Armstrong Finally Comes Clean

Lance Armstrong, after more than a decade of facing numerous lawsuits and making even more heated denials, has officially acknowledged that he was using performance enhancing drugs during his record-breaking seven Tour de France victories. During a much anticipated interview with Oprah Winfrey, the now disgraced cyclist admitted to using testosterone, EPO, human growth hormones, and other banned substances over the course of his career. In the interview, Armstrong did still challenge a few of the charges that had been levied against him in the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency… report that had rocked the sport’s world when it was released

The Status of Cancer in 2013

According to the Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, one can easily see that we have been making progress in the treatment of certain tumors. Unfortunately, further analysis of this report also shows that the rates of human papillomavirus-related cancers are still quite high. Overall things are definitely looking better, as there are now lower cancer rates among both genders, and across all racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. for the most common forms of cancer… (including prostate, breast, colon, and lung cancer). On the other hand, the rates of HPV-related cancers, which

Top 5 Cancer Stories of 2012

As the year of 2012 comes to an end, we wanted to look back at some of the biggest headlines from this memorable year. Some of these stories made us cry, some made us angry, and some showed us the true strength of the human spirit. So as we say goodbye to yet another year of human history, we should remember these stories for some time to come. Lance Armstrong’s Epic Downfall 2012 was certainly a rough year for this former seven-time Tour de France champion. Lance faced a doping scandal… that would cost him not only his sponsors, but

Stand Up To Cancer Funds Cancer Research Dream Teams

There is hardly a person who walks the earth today who has not been affected by cancer in some way. While many cancer research centers… are closing in on discoveries which could one day save the lives of countless cancer patients, there is also a substantial need for additional funding in order for them to continue their research. This is an area where one movement, Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) has started to become a real beacon for hope and support. Just check out what they pulled off at the last World Series, it was truly remarkable:Stand Up To

Getting Ready for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is right around the corner, and that means that people are starting to gear up for this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month! This is an annual event that takes place every October in order to help raise awareness for breast cancer. During this month, plenty of information and support will be offered to anyone who has been affected by this illness. It also serves as a great opportunity to remind women everywhere of the importance of early detection…. So, it is time to break out the pink ribbons and show your support for breast cancer awareness this

Being There to Lend a Helping Hand

One cannot overlook the emotional toll that cancer can have on a patient and his or her family. After receiving a diagnosis, there are many emotions which can make it very difficult for the cancer patient to cope with the situation at hand. Often, they need some more help, because their illness can make them feel isolated even from their loved ones. Fortunately, there are various groups and services available which can help cancer patients and their families… through this most difficult of times. Actually, there have been a number of studies which have shown just how important emotional support

4 of The Top Cancer Research Centers in America…and What They’re Up To

All around the United States, researchers at the top cancer research centers… are hard at work developing new ways to treat a myriad of different cancers. Thanks to the research done at these facilities; we now have the ability to diagnose and treat various forms of cancer which had alluded us not long ago. This ongoing cancer research is imperative to one day developing a comprehensive cure, but the road ahead is long and very difficult. Despite the hardships they face, these researchers continue to make new breakthroughs which have improved our understanding of how these diseases work. So without

Know Your Options: Home Health Care and Hospices

If you of a family member has been diagnosed with cancer, it is nice to know that you have options available to you even during the toughest of times. For some patients, they may no longer need to be in the hospital, and with home health care services they can still receive the required care at home. Unfortunately, there are some patients who will succumb to their illness. When it comes to this stage, a hospice can help… to make sure that they feel as comfortable as possible in their final days. Advantages of Home Health Care With home health

Benefits of Medical Imaging & Screening for Cancer Patients

The benefits from continued medical imaging and screening for cancer… cannot be understated. As many people know, catching cancer at an early stage can mean the difference between life and death. With new improvements in medical imaging and screening, our doctors can now see things that they once missed. Medical Imaging With new advancements in medical imaging, doctors can make better decisions when it comes to choosing the appropriate cancer treatment. However, medical imaging, taken on its own, is not a treatment. Its true value lies in providing more detailed information about the patient’s condition. These state of the art

Jose Padilla vs. Leukemia

We were recently contacted by Jonathan Goudy, a Utah Valley University entrepreneur student. One of his fellow classmates was diagnosed with cancer this semester and for their final project, the entrepreneur class is raising money for him. They made a really cool video about this story and asked that we post it to our blog and social media channels…so, here it is!This fundraiser is licensed by the state of Utah and all proceeds will be going to Jose Padilla. You can also check out the page they created here…!

Fight Cancer with the Benefits of Juicing (Recipes)

Tired of being exhausted? Feeling sluggish at work? These are symptoms from the body telling you that your body is lacking important nutrients…! In order to gain these nutrients and to know 100% you are getting all the right nutrients you need, a healthy diet must be part of your daily lifestyle. We all know that it is very tempting to grab a high carb, fast and easy lunch but you can do this and still get the nutrients you need by up taking a daily habit of juicing! Throw out your food journal and your 2 hour-long recipe

New Radioactive Cream Used as Skin Cancer Treatment

A new study of one thousand individuals in Rome found that skin cancer tumors were completely eradicated in ninety-five percent of the patients using a new type of skin cream. And thats after only one treatment! This particular therapy is for a specific type of cancer called basal cell carcinoma, which is actually the most common type of skin cancer…. The cream has not yet been approved for use, and is still undergoing further trials…but seems quite promising as an alternative to invasive surgery. It uses a radioactive isotope and kills cancerous cells in under an hour, and

Creator of Pink Ribbon, Evelyn Lauder, Dies from Ovarian Cancer

The daughter-in-law of world famous cosmetics founder Estee Lauder, died from ovarian cancer on Saturday. Evelyn Lauder was 75, and was well known for her creation of the Pink Ribbon Campaign, now known around the world as a symbol of Breast Cancer Awareness…. Evelyn had been originally diagnosed in 2007, many years after she had already battled breast cancer. Lauder was a huge proponent of breast cancer research and awareness, and brought forward the pink ribbon campaign in the early nineties along side Alexandra Penney of Self Magazine. She also helped raise funds necessary to create the Evelyn

5 Cancer Organizations Doing Really Great Things

Here’s another quick list of some cancer organizations you may have not heard of: Cancer Support Community On June 1, 2011, Gilda’s Club Worldwide and The Wellness Community merged to become the Cancer Support Community (CSC). The CSC advocates on behalf of cancer patients to provide them with care that is focused on the patients’ concerns and emotional wellness…. In addition, CSC worked with the American Cancer Society, the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, and LIVESTRONG on the development of the 2012 accreditation standards for hospital cancer programs. The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer has just

New Vaccine for Breast Cancer & Ovarian Cancer Shows Promise

Could we one day see a vaccine for certain types of cancer? Those at the Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research at the National Cancer Institute are hoping so! Here’s the quick abstract: Purpose: PANVAC is a recombinant poxviral vaccine that contains transgenes for MUC-1, CEA, and 3 T-cell costimulatory molecules. This study was conducted to obtain preliminary evidence of clinical response in metastatic breast and ovarian cancer patients. You can read an overview of the results here…. Monthly shots of a cancer vaccine produced encouraging results in a small, very early trial of 26

5 Breast Cancer Organizations You Probably Never Heard Of

As we come to a close of Breast Cancer Awareness Month… here in October, we like to take a look at different breast cancer organizations that held events throughout October. Breast Cancer Organizations come in all different sizes and from all over the globe. Lets take a look at the 5 breast cancer organizations you have probably never heard of. Mothers Supporting Daughters with Breast Cancer (MSDBC) A mother is someone who is there for you, through thick and thin, and always trying to protect you from anything that could hurt you. When a woman is struck with breast cancer,

Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Celebrating 25 Years of Awareness!

As most of us already know, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month…! This month will be filled with a whole lot of emotion, support, awareness and PINK! The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) Organization The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Organization is working together with other national organizations to promote breast cancer awareness, share information on the disease, and provide greater access to screening services. Their primary mission is to encourage women to get periodic mammograms. The organization celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2009 and continues to spread the word about breast cancer. While October is recognized

Breast Cancer Awareness, Pink Ribbons & Some Quick Facts

Pink, Pink, Pink! Throughout October, You may find Pink Ribbons all over (yogurt boxes, t-shirts, hats, bagels..) to represent Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Let’s help you learn a little bit of information behind this widespread form of cancer. Types of Breast Cancer There are two main types of breast cancer:Ductal carcinoma – starts in the tubes or ducts. Lobular carcinoma… – starts in the parts of the breasts, called lobules, that produce milk.Breast Cancer can be invasive or noninvasive.Invasive – it has spread from the milk duct to other tissues in the breast. Noninvasive – it

Ovarian Cancer: Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Risk Factors for this too-Often Undetectable Disease

Ovarian cancer occurs when cancerous, abnormal cells spread on the ovaries, killing off healthy cells. Did you know Ovarian Cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer? A major cause of this cancer’s high fatality rate is the difficulty in detecting it. However, If ovarian cancer is found in its early stages, women have a 93% survival rate! Ovarian Cancer Signs & Symptoms The signs of ovarian cancer… are extremely subtle and difficult to diagnose:Bloating Pelvic or Abdominal pain Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly Urinary urgency or frequency Nausea, indigestion, gas, constipation or diarrhea Extreme fatigue Shortness

Prostate Cancer Awareness – Symptoms, Prevention,Testing & Risk Factors

Prostate cancer is represented by a light blue ribbon throughout the month of September (You may remember September is childhood cancer awareness month, too). Prostate cancer… starts in the prostate gland, situated between the bladder and the rectum in men. The prostate is usually compared to a walnut in both size and shape. It makes up part of the man’s reproductive system and wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. Prostate Cancer Risk Factors Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages. It is

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Get out your Gold Ribbons! On September 1, 2011, Barack Obama proclaimed that September 2011 is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The Facts About Childhood Cancer:Each year in the United States approximately 12,400 children from birth to 19 years old are diagnosed with cancer. Approximately 1 in 300 boys and 1 in 333 girls will develop cancer before the age of 20. Children who have had radiation or chemotherapy for prior cancer treatments are at higher risk to get cancer again.Types of Childhood Cancer Childhood Cancer rates vary by cancer type. Unfortunately, many childhood cancers have about a…

Top 7 Financial Assistance Resources for Cancer Patients & Survivors

Anyone who has had to deal with cancer knows the financial responsibility that comes along with it. Don’t panic! There are many resources out there to help cancer patients and survivors in need of financial help. When dealing with the financial aspects of cancer treatment…, you should first talk with your health care team and their billing department to see if they can point you in the direction of local financial assistance programs. While there are many, take a look at our top 7 financial assistance resources for cancer patients and survivors: American Cancer Society Here you can learn

“Sketchy Pink” Initiative to Raise Awareness for Breast Cancer Month

With National Breast Cancer Awareness Month coming up in October, we wanted to ignite a meaningful initiative to raise money for Breast Cancer in a local community…and that’s exactly what we’ve done! We proudly introduce to you the “Sketchy Pink”… initiative! A partnership between Know Cancer and Sketchy Miami that will use caricature drawings to pay homage to local Miami breast cancer fighters and raise money for University of Miami’s, Braman Family Breast Cancer Institute. Sketchy Miami Sketchy Miami is an online art project that aims to connect Miami artists and the general public through portraiture. It’s a simple process:

The Know Cancer Resource Directory Overview

The Know Cancer website is a great place to join a community in the fight against cancer. It is a support center,  a place to ask questions and a place to get general information about cancer. When you start browsing through the site, you will discover more and more resources! Particularly, the cancer resource section is huge and contains most anything you can imagine for dealing with cancer. Below is an overview of the Know Cancer Resource Directory… which will help you navigate the topics and get the support you need. Navigating through Know Cancer The site contains tabs at the top of the

How to Live a Happy & Meaningful Life

There’s a plaque on my daughter’s wall: “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” I was thinking about the word “moments”. We require the use of so many of our moments in those mindless activities for general survival. You know, sleeping, eating, sleeping, eating some more. Add to that our routine activities such as working for a living, managing relationships, minding a home, planning a vacation, taking time to exercise, and the moments are used up faster than we can think about them. A cancer diagnosis…

How to Fight and Overcome Cancer

“You have cancer.” I gasped. The doctor said these words to my husband after a week-long hospital stay which included an assortment of medical tests… to determine the source of his unexplained pain. We were forced into the battle. No swords, no shields, no plans in place; however, the battle against cancer had begun. After the shock wore off, I will always remember the next conversation with my husband when the doctors left the room to give us privacy to cry together. The first words my husband said were: “I’ll fight this thing.” Tears of gratitude poured down my cheeks.

Tidbits from the Know Cancer Forum – Take 3

As you’ve probably heard by now from our last 2 posts…the Know Cancer Forum is a little over 2 years old now and is populated with fabulous little tidbits of information and inspiration! This is post #3 in the series here on our cancer blog… – where we are sharing some of what’s been said when we let you guys "Tawk amongst Ya'selves". :) Once more a LOUD KC SHOUT OUT to everyone who shares here on Know Cancer!!! Together we are changing the way we collectively & individually deal with cancer.  Check out some more posts and discussions

Tidbits from the Know Cancer Forum – Take 2

As you may have heard in our last post about the Know Cancer Forum…we're just a little more than 2 years old now and the forum is filled with amazing tidbits of information and inspiration! This is post #2 in the series of posts here on our cancer blog…– where we are sharing some of what’s been said when we let you guys "Tawk amongst Ya'selves". Once again a BIG SHOUT OUT to everyone who shares here on Know Cancer!!! Together we are changing the way we collectively & individually deal with cancer. Check out the most next

Tidbits from the Know Cancer Forum – Take 1

The Know Cancer Forum is a little over 2 years old now and is filled with amazing tidbits of information and inspiration. In a series of posts here on the know cancer blog… – we wanted to share some of what’s been said when we let you guys "Tawk amongst Ya'selves." :) Big ups and a whole lot of love to everyone who shares here on Know Cancer!!! The more we exchange with each other the better we collectively & individually deal with cancer. Without further ado, here’s your first gander at some topics, posts and discussions that went on…hope

Financial Assistance for Cancer Patients

Cancer can be a financial burden for patients and their families due to the increased medical and prescription expenses incurred. In addition, unanticipated costs such as childcare, employment, transportation and household expenses all contribute to the need for financial assistance for cancer patients…. The key to navigating the financial issues is communication. First and foremost, be willing to communicate with your physicians about your financial assistance needs. They are your healthcare team and can refer you to resources available in the hospital’s business office. Ask them about the expected costs for your care before you begin treatment, if possible.

“CANCER” is a six-letter word

My husband was sent to the hospital a few months ago with familiar symptoms: abdominal pain radiating to his back. We expected the usual myriad of tests to provide the same result we had experienced before: ulcers. Ulcers are no piece of cake, but treatable. But now: cancer. Seriously? Our first reaction was to go into crisis mode. I couldn’t even say the word “cancer” without an extra swallow to choke it down. I resorted to referring to it as the “c” word but soon realized my word games were giving it more power than it deserved. I started to…

How to Choose an Oncologist

Finding a reputable, compassionate oncologist who can help you navigate the scary waters of cancer is an important step in your treatment plan. Since you’ll be working closely with your oncologist, you want to be sure you do your homework and find an oncologist who is a good fit with your personality, beliefs, and desired course of treatment. Below are a few more helpful tips for finding an doctor: Ask for referrals Ask folks you trust for a …recommendation. Family, friends, colleagues, your personal family doctor—if someone in your inner circle has had a good experience with a particular oncologist,

Cancer and Your Career: Overcoming Obstacles

You’ve been diagnosed with cancer and a million thoughts are going through your mind. Of course you worry about your health, you go on an emotional roller coaster ride and you struggle with the uncertainty that the future brings. You feel strong enough to fight and overcome cancer…. But then it hits you – will I lose my job? How do I deal with this while working full time? What do I tell my employer? How much time am I going to need off from work? During a time filled with many emotional and physical stresses, the last thing

“Garden variety” breast cancer?

When my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer… last year I was amazed that the doctor called her at her office, during work hours, to tell her the news. I guess I thought these things were told to you in person, maybe with the support of a family member or friend by your side. I was even more surprised when we went to meet with him and he called her cancer “garden variety breast cancer”. I suppose that’s a good thing, but when you think of your mother and cancer, “garden variety” are not the next words you expect to

Welcoming our newest “Expert” Oncologist Dr. Wascher

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Know Cancer’s “Ask the Expert” section…, you need to take a break from your day and check it out! This section has archives of Q & A from patients, survivors, caregivers and family members – as well as the ability to ask your own question to our on site oncologists and receive an answer without sitting in a waiting room or being poked & prodded! At this time we are very excited to welcome our newest oncologist to KnowCancer.com…Dr. Robert A. Wascher!!! Dr. Wascher is a Surgical Oncologist, cancer researcher, professor

Pressing Pause: The day I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer

So often, my life has seemed to move in fast forward.  One minute I’m graduating college. The next I’m getting married and buying a house and starting a career. Now I’m quaking as I bring my first baby home from the hospital. Before I know it, I’m putting that same child on the school bus for her first day of school. Bang, zoom, zip.  All I can do is try to grab memories as they fly past, stuff them in my pocket and hope like hell they’ll still be there when things slow down and I have a moment to…

What Nobody Tells You About Major Surgery

I have always been pretty healthy, and my hospital experience had been limited to the labor and delivery of my three kids. I’ve never even had a cavity, let alone major surgery. So when I entered the hospital early on the morning of December 7 to undergo bilateral mastectomies…, there were some surprises. Walking My first big shock of the day was when the nurse came to take me to the OR for surgery—and she MADE ME WALK THERE! The movies always show patients being wheeled down the hall on a gurney while their loved ones hold their hands

From Brain Tumor to Dream Changer

Cancer is many things. For Mark Young…, 25, it was a dream changer. Young was a college student living a charmed life. Tall, handsome, witty and talented, Young had countless friends and was the oldest son in a close knit family led by mom, Penny, and dad, Mark. As a baseball player for Norfolk State University, it seemed certain that Young was going to be one of the lucky ones who truly gets to live his dream: to play professional baseball. Baseball scouts were interested in him, and as his college career drew to a close, it didn’t seem

A Mother’s Words Help Heal Her Children’s Grief

Losing a mother is always a traumatic event. When Omar Sneed, 22, and Sienna Sneed, 23, lost their mother, Ernestine, to Acute Myelogenous Leukemia earlier this year they were, as would be expected, overcome with grief…. Sienna had an infant daughter, Lorynn Graycee Bennett, that her mother doted over constantly and it saddened her that Lorynn would never fully know the love of her grandmother and what an amazing woman she was. As they dealt with their grief, they began to go through their mother’s things. It was during this sad process that they found something that would help

The Day I Found Out

The day a person is diagnosed with cancer is one of the most difficult days of his or her life. While the Internet holds an endless supply of cancer related information, genuine emotional support can be hard to find.  TheDayIFoundOut.com features 22 compelling videos of cancer survivors, young and old, offering inspiration, insight, and advice to help cancer patients take the first steps toward beating their disease.   Currently the site profiles patients diagnosed with breast cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leukemia, lung cancer, prostate cancer, sarcoma and testicular cancer…. The site

Movember Foundation on a Course to Create a Global Men’s Health Movement

November is well-known as American Diabetes Month and the month of Thanksgiving. It's also Aviation Month, Vegan Awareness Month, Stamp Collecting Month, Novel Writing Month, and Peanut Butter Lover's Month.  But what not everyone knows is that November is also the month in which tens of thousands of men from around the world grow out their moustaches to raise millions of cancer-fighting dollars. The initiative is called Movember…, a combination of "moustache" and "November."  Here is an explanation of the idea behind the moustache movement from the Movember Foundation website: "The idea for Movember was sparked in 2003 over

5 Things Every Woman Should Know about Breast Cancer Screening

In the last two decades, breast cancer screening… with mammography exams has reduced the number of deaths from the disease by one-third. Still, there has recently been confusion over when women should begin screening (age 40? 50?), and some women aren’t undergoing routine testing at all. In sorting fact from fiction, here are five things every woman should know about this very important—and life-saving—diagnostic test. 1. Don’t wait. According to the American Cancer Society, women should begin annual mammography exams at the age of 40. Yearly testing should continue until the age of 70. 2. Go to a specialist. Certain

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is here!

It’s finally October!  Here at Know Cancer, it’s a time of year that gives us great pleasure to be able to help bring awareness to the most common type of cancer in women – breast cancer. Public awareness of this particular cancer is very important, given its prevalence among women, and keeping in mind that the earlier the detection the better chance one has of becoming a survivor.  So…be sure to find a cancer screening service… in your area and get those regular mammograms! There’s a lot going on this month in similar efforts to bring about awareness to

“Living With a Brain Tumor” Conference

With October just around the corner, its easy to find plenty of information about breast cancer awareness and all of those celebrities affected by the disease. However, there are still plenty of other great initiatives that deserve just as much attention. We recently spoke with the good folks at The National Brain Tumor Society who let us know about an important event coming up soon. The National Brain Tumor Society… invites you and your family to join us at our exciting conference, "Living With a Brain Tumor" – A Conference for Patients and Families on October 8-9, 2010 in Dallas-Ft. Worth.

Martinis for Mammograms – August 25th

WHAT: A very pink night to remember featuring; live music from local artists, food, drinks, massages, makeovers, raffles, a silent auction, and tons of giveaways!  Also available will be a wealth of material on breast cancer prevention & survivorship—as well as on-site scheduling for FREE mammograms. Pink attire is encouraged!!…

Xeros Dry Mouth Pump Aids Cancer Survivors

Hi. I’m Al Toman, and I am a cancer survivor. I live in eastern North Carolina so all y’all are welcome to stop by anytime and share stories or just talk about things! If you like the beach we’re just 6 miles up the road from the white sands and blue water. If travel is out of the question, please drop by our site… and leave us your story. Your story will help the next person who’s about to go through what you already did, and they will thank you for it. The kind people of Knowcancer.com invited me to

Hope- The Most Essential Element

"‘Hope to the last!’ said Newman, clapping him on the back. ‘Always hope; that's a dear boy. Never leave off hoping; it don't answer. Do you mind me, Nick? It don't answer. Don't leave a stone unturned. It's always something, to know you've done the most you could. But, don't leave off hoping, or it's of no use doing anything. Hope, hope, to the last!’” –Charles Dickens One of my favorite quotes from Charles Dickens. There are a plethora of essential elements to life…- love, happiness, tolerance, respect, faith- the list goes on, and on. It varies from person

Letters to God Red Carpet World Premier

Oh, what a night! It’s hard to put an exact order to the top ten nights of my life but the Letters to God (LTG) Orlando premier is most certainly on that list! On March 31st the LTG actors, actresses, producers, partners and supporters walked the red carpet at the Plaza Theatre smack in the heart of downtown Orlando—and what a love-fest it was! :) Those guys are up there among the kindest most thoughtful group of individuals that we Know Cancer …folks get to work with. It all started with the red carpet walk and a 2 hour mingling

Karma Krew Fundraiser to support Camp Kesem

When cancer affects a family, support is often there for the adults, but not always for the children. Camp Kesem… ("kesem" meaning "magic" in Hebrew) is a college student-run summer camp for kids 6-13 who have/had a parent with cancer. By enjoying a week of fun and meeting kids in their same situation, these young children can find the support and attention they need, that might be difficult for their parent(s) to provide at home during this time. What is also so magical about these camps is that each of the college student volunteers raises the necessary funds each year,

Camp Kesem Creates a Week of Fun for Kids

In February 2001, Sam and Matthew’s father was diagnosed with prostate cancer. For five years he fought to live, then passed away when Sam was 10 and Matthew was 8. Their mother says, “Living with and losing a parent to cancer is something no child should ever have to experience.” Three years later, the boys’ mother discovered Camp Kesem…. She didn’t know much about the camp, but knew that the boys needed to be with other kids who “got” what they were going through. At first Sam and Matthew were reluctant to join in. But within 30 minutes

TED Talk: A new strategy in the war on cancer

This AMAZING TED Talk by Dr. David Agus is just another example of great people making strides in cancer research and prevention.  It truly provides hope to all of us that a cure is attainable in our lifetime. Please take the time to watch this and leave your comments below. Also, please share this with others, as it is without a doubt an "Idea worth Spreading". Traditionally, David Agus explains, cancer treatments… have had a short-sighted focus on the offending individual cells. He suggests a new, cross-disciplinary approach, using atypical drugs, computer modeling and protein analysis to treat and analyze

I’m Too Young for This! i[2]y Cancer Foundation

So we recently received a few Facebook, Twitter and Blog comments from the i[2]y team giving us an earful about why the "I’m Too Young For This! Cancer Foundation” was not included in our blog post about Cancer and Social Media…. Soon after that, I personally received a message from Mathew Zachary (i[2]y’s Founder) bringing this same striking fact to my attention. One would have thought I hacked onto their website and shut it down…lol…getting a message directly from their Founder, it must have been a code red alert at the i[2]y headquarters! However, no code red…but

40 ways to live a Happy, Meaningful Life!

Just had a little inspiration thrown our way from our old friend Steph and figured we’d share! It’s called LifeBook and was originally posted here…. There’s some great rules to live by…enjoy! Health: 1. Drink plenty of water. 2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar. 3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants, and eat less food that is manufactured in plants. 4. Live with the 3 E’s — Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy. 5. Make time for prayer and reflection 6. Play more games. 7. Read more books than

Medical Marijuana now being grown in America’s Garden (State)!

On Monday, The New Jersey Legislature approved a measure that will legalize marijuana for medical use by those with chronic illnesses like cancer, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, Lou Gherig's Disease and AIDS. This move makes New Jersey one of the few east coast states to take such action, and only the 14th state to pass such legislation.Within 9 months, the state plans to have 6 dispensaries in which cancer patients can receive prescribed doses of medical marijuana from their doctors. It will be interesting to see the reaction from Oncologists in New Jersey… over the next few weeks as

How the Cancer Community has Benefited from Social Media

While cancer is certainly not a new disease, the new generation of tech savvy volunteers building fund raising, forums and awareness for cancer research is. With over 320 million Facebook profiles, 18 million Twitter users, and 35 million LinkedIn professionals, you can’t deny the power of spreading a message through online social networks. Here are some of the best examples to date: #BlameDrewsCancer & #BlameEthansCancer Drew Olanoff was diagnosed with cancer in May of 2009 and decided to publicly challenge the social media community to help find a cure to cancer. His current effort, using the hashtag on Twitter #blamedrewscancer…

Know Cancer Partners with Possibility Pictures on its new film Letters to God

I am very excited to announce Know Cancer’s partnership with Possibility Pictures on their film “Letters to God!” The movie is about a young boy’s battle with cancer who finds strength and hope in writing letters to God. Created by the team who made Facing the Giants and Fireproof (which was voted the #1 independent film of 2008), the movie is destined for greatness. Know Cancer is proud to be the official cancer social network… for moviegoers looking for post-movie support. There is a little story to tell about how Know Cancer linked up with the incredible Letters

Know Cancer 1 Year Anniversary

Exciting times in KC world! We are officially celebrating Know Cancer’s 1st Birthday!!! It’s hard to believe that an entire year has passed since the KC concept was hatched…and what an incredibly rewarding year it has been. On behalf of the Know Cancer team… we thank all of you so much for your support. On a personal level, I am eternally thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this movement—but I am even more grateful to know the people behind the movement. Watching everyone’s dedication this past year, I cannot help but be overwhelmed. It takes a special

Know Cancer Welcomes Dr. Simeon Jaggernauth!

I'd like to personally welcome Dr. Simeon Jaggernauth, our newest Oncologist… who will be answering your questions in our "Ask the Expert" section. Dr Jag is young, extremely accomplished and so tech savvy that he even helped develop a PalmOS application that serves as a mobile library of oncology information for physicians in areas without Internet access. This makes him a perfect fit here at KnowCancer.com!  As a techie, he makes time to do his part online so be sure to check out Dr. Jagg on facebook to see what else he's got going on. Keep reading to learn

The Journal of Eva Sifis (continued) – April 22/23

For those of you who are new readers, this is a continuation of the journal entries of a courageous and inspiring woman named Eva. She has overcome tremendous odds, lived/traveled all over the world and is currently battling Hodgkin's Lymphoma…. Continue reading about her journey through her first days as a cancer patient… Wednesday, April 22, 2009 Well today is the day my hair comes off. It’s not coming out much, only a few strands. It probably would hold out another week or so but that’s it. I’m not holding on to a lost cause. I don’t have enough

Know Cancer Bracelet Giveaway – The Results are in!

A couple of weeks ago we decided to run a little contest and give away some Know Cancer Bracelets. The deal was…you had to provide us with feedback on how we can improve the site. Needless to say, the Know Cancer Bracelet Giveaway was a huge success!  First, we would like to extend thanks to all that participated. We received some great feedback…..so great that we had to select TWO winners! And the winner’s are….drum roll please……HeatherIrvin & Jody19!!! These two lovely community members… offered us the following feedback: •    Provide a  list of organizations/programs available to help uninsured

Shambhala Mountain Center hosts “The Courageous Women and Fearless Living Retreat”

Shambhala Mountain Center…, the name alone brings an air of peace and tranquility; a welcoming place where Buddhist spirituality is brought to our modern lives in hopes of conscious awakening and ultimate enlightenment.  For close to forty years, this 600 acre Colorado mountain valley center has represented one of the basic truths of Buddhism: that people can be profoundly open to the wisdom of the present moment. In accordance with ancient tradition, Shambhala Mountain Center seeks to create an enlightened society where it is understood that humans inherently possess wisdom, compassion and goodness. The Center also boasts hundreds of

Know Cancer Bracelet Giveaway

Howdy! By now I'm sure you've seen the totally awesome Know Cancer Bracelets we've been selling. We hand make these at the Know Cancer Headquarters with lots of love, and $5 from every sale goes to the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute. Anyway…we've been mentioning on twitter that we will be conducting another Bracelet Giveaway! So, here are the rules: 1. Join the Community (and dont just fill out the basic stuff, put up a picture so we can see your pretty face :) 2. Send me (TheKnowme…) a message: this message should contain one thing about our site

Beads of Courage – Encouraging Positive Coping Strategies for Children with Cancer

Seeing a child go through a battle with Cancer is heartbreaking. It’s hard to know what to say or do as they are going through the tough emotions and confusion that comes with this fight. How do you help them cope and find meaning in their illness? Well, Beads of Courage, an organization that implements evidence-based supportive care programs in children’s hospitals has developed a program to do just that. Colorful beads, each having a meaning are given to a child marking big milestones throughout their treatment; blue ones represent each trip to the cancer clinic, white for chemotherapy…

With donations down, special-needs camps battle recession

Jordan Melnick is a grad school scholar, a phenomenal writer/journalist and…my sisters’ fiancé (And might I add what a fine young chap he is!). He recently wrote an article that we both felt needed to be shared, about the economies effect on funding for special-needs camps…. Many camps are getting hit twice by cutbacks in corporate support and then again by subsidizing camper admission fees, because families just don’t have money right now. Read more and together let’s figure out what we can do to help: The recession has hurt all summer camps this year, but special-needs camps—those serving

Inspiring Quotes: When Words can be More than Words

Most of us have life mottos that we like to live by, a sort of inspiration to be that better person, or maybe just a motto to get us through everyday life or tough times. Great thinkers before us have shared classic inspirational quotes… that will resonate through time, a visionary quote that gives us all that glint of life. Gandhi, Ralph Waldo Emerson (a personal favorite of mine), Albert Einstein, Confucius, Thomas Jefferson, the list could go on for days of great thinkers that have given us words to live by. Words of inspiration can take us many

The Journal of Eva Sifis (continued) – April 17-21

For those of you who are new readers, this is a continuation of the journal entries… of a courageous and inspiring woman named Eva. She has overcome enormous odds, lived/traveled all over the world and is currently battling Hodgkins Lymphoma. Continue reading about her experiences from her first days with cancer… Friday, April 17, 2009 I had woken when they brought the breakfast tray in about 7.30 but lay in a bit of a stupor for a while. Thank god the Oncologist came in today and said they were decreasing those Dexie drugs yet more. This is why I am

Peapod: Who Says Grocery Shopping has to be a Chore

Peapod began in 1989 when two brothers, Andrew and Thomas Parkinson, decided to improve the lives of others with this phenomenal convenience. Since that time, Peapod’s online grocery has served over 13 million customers in 22 U.S. markets and is busier than ever. Determined to change the way Americans shop for food and dedicated to provide an excellent experience to every single customer, Peapod has grown into an online industry leader. Peapod even allows people to easily find specific nutritional products, create shopping lists, use manufacturer coupons and take advantage of weekly specials. Need a recipe that includes the items…

Know Cancer Bracelets are Now Available!

One day a couple weeks ago, a few members of the Know Cancer Team decided to play hooky from work and make some trendy Know Cancer bracelets.  We put up some pictures on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace & Flickr… and got such an overwhelmingly positive response that we decided to make them available to all of you. These bracelets are handmade (with love) and feature the Know Cancer name, cancer ribbon logo, and colored beads of your choice. We’re selling them for $16 plus $4.95 shipping,  and donating $5 of every bracelet sold to the amazing folks at

The Journal of Eva (continued) – From Diagnosis to Chemo

For those of you who are new readers, these are ongoing  journal  entries of a courageous and inspiring woman named Eva.  She has overcome enormous odds, lived/traveled all over the world and is currently battling Hodgkins Lymphoma. These are 3 entries she wrote from her day of diagnosis through her first experience with chemo…enjoy :) Tuesday, April 14, 2009 Well, there it was, today. I was moved to Calvary Hospital. I get moved here and start losing it in the car almost immediately. I was being childish and plain rude. I could see the way I was behaving but had…

Welcome to the Know Cancer Community!

After many months of hard work and dedication, the Know Cancer Team is thrilled to announce the launch of our one of a kind Cancer Community! It has been a long road and we are proud to finally share this adventure with you. Our goal is to provide the cancer community with all the resources they need including the latest social networking & communication tools, access to health care professionals and an open forum for support and inspiration. Join the Community… and check out all the cool features, and be sure to let us know what we can improve

The Journal of Eva – The begining…

Eva is a courageous and inspiring woman who I’ve had the privilege of getting to know through our community. She has overcome enormous odds and lived/traveled all over the world, as you will quickly see by reading her profile. Residing in Australia, Eva is Know Cancer’s first International Member…much love to our Aussie friends on the other side of the globe :) Currently, she is battling Hodgkins Lymphoma… and was brave enough to share her journal entries from the first experiences as a cancer patient. Over the coming months we will all get a closer look at her

Hair loss a familiar chemo side effect, but Red Lobster cheese biscuits tasting like lard???

In between tweets the other night I stumbled across this compelling article on "how to counter the side effects of chemo." Hair loss is familiar as a chemo side effect, but Red Lobster cheese biscuits tasting like lard? That’s odd (and unfair)! It got me thinking of all the other possible side effects doctors "neglect" to mention for one reason or another before you start chemo. So of course, I posted a tweet in Twitterland: QUESTION: "Anyone doing chemo…?? What is one side effect the doctors neglected to mention? Just curious…" I was particularly intrigued by some of

Chai Lifelines’ “Young Leaders” send children to camp!

This past Sunday, Danielle and I took a journey down to Miami to rock out with my friends from  Chai Lifeline at their Young Leadership Event…and what a “trip” it was…literally! Chai Lifeline is a Jewish organization that focuses on enriching the lives of children who have been faced with life threatening diseases like cancer….  Since 1987 they’ve been changing lives through programs that deal with the social, financial and emotional needs of children and their families. The event was held at Bruce Grayson’s Wherehouse 2016; which appropriately is a “warehouse" filled with psychedelic art and strategically placed trinkets.

Grafton Roll, an Old Dream from a Young Inspiration

At our first Know Cancer Community Awareness Fair, we partnered with the most informative and influential Cancer Organizations to heighten cancer awareness in Orlando…our home! The day was filled with live music, tasty treats, and raffle giveaways, all to raise money for the Florida Hospital… Cancer Institute.  At the event, a young man named Grafton Roll approached us asking if he could read a speech that he wrote. His speech was originally done as a school assignment to honor Martin Luther King with a work inspired from King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech.  Since his mother has battled

Welcome to the Know Cancer Blog!

Let us be the first to welcome you to the Know Cancer Community! A place to make friends, find inspiration and share stories! In the coming entries we will introduce you to our friends, our inspiration and our story. My name is Josh Snyder and I am the Founder of Know Cancer…, as well as a survivor of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. I am fortunate to stand alongside an inspiring group of individuals who are working tirelessly to make this project possible, and are extremely excited to invite YOU to be a part of this world we call Know Cancer. I