Tag: cancer

Santa’s Out of Gas

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin
SantaGas5430wmI have to confess that the holiday season, from Thanksgiving to yesterday, two days after Christmas, have exhausted me. Black Friday, Ladies’ Night, Men’s Night, the GMG Holiday party (the last two being back to back). I was also open every afternoon except Sundays from about noon to 5:15 pm, catching the last CATA bus to Rockport. My electrician described himself as “feeling like junk”, after a tough night. I feel like that every day, especially in my legs and abdomen, from the exertion at PT, work, and related to my cancer. If not for my medical professionals and friends helping me, it never could have happened.

Tomorrow, Monday, I have physical therapy at Addison Gilbert Hospital, which may be my last session until a rollover date. I’ve been a steady show-up at PT, like a football pro who’d get fined for a no-show. January will be a time of rest. This week, I’ll be open Monday 12/29, Tuesday 12/30, Friday 1/2/15, and Saturday 1/3/15. I carry on.

 

AGH Lights of Love

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin

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This is Dr. MacIntyre, my oncologist (cancer doctor). He has helped me through hormone and chemo therapy. He spoke at the Lights of Love event at AGH. His talk impressed me with all the Leahy and other connections they have. I'm glad I went for treatment in the Oncology clinic at AGH, and even more so now.
This is Dr. MacIntyre, my oncologist (cancer doctor). He has helped me through hormone and chemo therapy. He spoke at the Lights of Love event at AGH. His talk impressed me with all the Leahy and other connections they have. I’m glad I went for treatment in the Oncology clinic at AGH, and even more so now.

The first person I recognized at the Light of Love event at Addison Gilbert Hospital Wednesday was Joanne Gibbs. She put her reassuring hands on my shoulders. From the start of my cancer journey, she was on my side, offering care and information when I was still in a wheelchair. She still is there for me. When you enter the health care world, there are key front line people that help save your life; She is one of them, as is Dr. MacIntyre.

Lights of Love at Addison Gilbert Dec. 3rd

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin

KnowlesPainting Addison Gilbert Hospital’s Seventh annual celebration of life and hope – Lights of Love – will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 3 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the hospital. Lights of Love was co-founded by Sue Kyle, who fought a courageous five-year battle with colon cancer. Together, Sue and her partner Shawn Wilson founded Lights of Love to ensure that Cape Ann residents could benefit from the comprehensive care provided by the cancer care team at AGH. Since 2008, Lights of Love has raised more than $116,000 to ensure access to high-quality cancer care for Cape Ann families and the 2,000 patients served each year at the Gorton’s Specialty and Cancer Care Center. This year’s goal is to raise $25,000 for cancer services, with proceeds supporting Addison Gilbert Hospital’s cancer program, including the provision of special care packages to new cancer patients. This year’s event will be presented in honor of Tina Ketchopulos.

For a chance to win an original 20×24 framed oil painting, “Schooner Races in Gloucester,” by renowned Cape Ann artist Ken Knowles, visit the web site listed below. All event proceeds support cancer care at Addison Gilbert Hospital, including special care packages to patients.

For more information or to make a donation, please visit addisongilbert.org/lightsoflove.

Writer’s Note: This is my special place is for cancer care, which I’ve written about extensively here and for my Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/BodinHistoricPhoto?sk=wall. I look forward to attending and also donating.

Brothers in Cancer, Brothers Forever

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin

RobtFred4513wmThis past Sunday, my friend and brother-in-law, Robert Lee Doss (L), died after a courageous battle with cancer. He was diagnosed last February, two weeks after my own cancer diagnosis. Robert and my sister, “Painter Barb,” lived on Martha’s Vineyard, and were frequent guests at GMG and my own events at the gallery.

Robert was a CPA, attorney, and Chief Revenue Officer for the State of Alaska. This photo was taken by sista’ Barb during our last visit together, which was a delightful luncheon at the Emerson Inn. Rest in peace Robert, you were a true friend and the best oyster shucker and grill master I ever knew.

The “C” Word Plain Old Sucks

Posted on by Nichole S.

Cancer.

Sadly, I’m not sure how many of us have not been somehow touched by at least one form of this nasty disease, and surely no one needs me to try to wax poetically about how wretched it is.

So, I’ll try to keep this short.

Someone who once meant the world to me lost his battle with cancer back in May.  His fight was sadly, and yet thankfully, all too brief and he was gone, I believe, before many were able to completely wrap their heads around the fact that they may lose him.  I felt his loss in weird ways…and kind of lonely ways.  It had been many years since we were close and, having gone in slightly different directions, I didn’t really have anyone to share my memories of him with after he was gone.  Much of my sadness was actually for the MANY friends and loved ones who were still fiercely close to him and who had to feel the sudden loss of him from their immediate lives….as opposed to a life that they shared a number of years earlier, like mine. I couldn’t help but lay awake at night and hurt for his family, his girlfriend, his teammates, and his incredibly close circle of friends. The thought of his dog not understanding where he was stung me significantly.   But, I missed him too…even though it felt selfish.

But this post isn’t intended to be about me….or even solely about him….it is about everyone who has had cancer detonate their world.  You know what, this post is actually for anyone who hasn’t been rocked by the “c” word also.

This weekend, August 2nd (what would have been his 45th birthday) and August 3rd mark this year’s Pan-Mass Challenge.  The PMC has been raising money for the fight against cancer since 1980 and, in those three plus decades, riders have raised over $400 million.  As they say, “Closer By the Mile” towards a cure.  I have had the honor of photographing the PMC for the Boston Red Sox.  The Red Sox organization has had its own team of riders, Team 9, out riding for a cure for many years. They are also unwavering supporters of Dana-Farber and The Jimmy Fund.  Being witness to such camaraderie during the course of the 2 day ride has been beyond moving.

I have donated, in very modest ways, since 2004.  Not every year, but most years.  Each year, in the hopes of being able to donate more the following year. This year I have sponsored 3 amazing, dedicated, and humble riders.  Three riders who are riding to celebrate loved ones and to be proactive in the fight against this heinous disease.  Three riders who I am incredibly motivated by and proud of.  If you do not know anyone riding this year, you can still donate.

So, if you’ve been thinking that you’d like to be charitable…or more charitable as the case probably is for many of you…there is still time.

The Pan Mass Challenge

 

The Kids That The GMG Farm Bar and Grille Bikini Speedo Dodgeball Tournament Helped

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Aria McElhenny writes-

Hi Joey, Frankie and Ryan,

As the weather starts to get chilly, here at Next Step we all start thinking about one thing: bikini & speedo dodgeball.

Thought you guys and the 2012 tournament participants might like a reminder of how their hard work raising funds at the tourney had an amazing impact on teens with cancer. The video below is from our summer youth conference for teen cancer survivors. These youth spent four days together learning how to manage their disease, laughing, riding a zip line and sharing their stories. The music in the video is an original song written by the youth and recorded at the conference.

Way to go dodge-ballers, you changed a lot of lives this year.

Thanks again from all of us at Next Step,

Aria McElhenny
Development Director

Like us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/NextStepFund

The Next Step Fund
For Young People With Cancer and Blood Disease
www.nextstepnet.org

For those new to GMG here is a recap of the Tourney from Craig Kimberley-

Photos from the Relay for Life “Luminaria” Ceremony

Posted on by Matthew Green

To jump straight to a slideshow, click here.

Last night I stopped down for the Luminaria ceremony of the Relay for Life at Gloucester High School in the Newell Stadium.  On one hand, I wanted to be there in memory of friend and family members who have died from cancer (including my maternal grandmother and a high school classmate). On the other, I knew it would be a great opportunity for some inspirational photography…

Here’s an explanation from the Relay for Life website (with my photos from yesterday):

“Simple white luminaria bags are transformed and illuminated after dark at every local Relay For Life event. Each one is personalized with the name, photo, message or drawing in memory or honor of a friend or loved one who has been affected by cancer.  Each luminaria candle represents a person.  They are our mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, friends, coworkers and so much more!

As the sun sets at a Relay For Life event, luminaria lining the track illuminate the night and a hush falls over the event that had been filled with the sounds of celebration. Relay For Life participants, survivors and caregivers then gather together for the Luminaria Ceremony to remember loved ones lost to cancer and to honor those who have battled the disease.

As participants walk the track lined with luminara bags in reflection, a caregiver who has lost a loved one may find comfort from a fellow caregiver who has faced a similar loss. Meanwhile, a survivor gains hope and strength from others who have followed the same journey and survived. All resolve to keep fighting to save more lives so no more luminaria bear the names of those lost to the disease.”

I don’t know the details of how the relay works, but there are clearly different teams who are camping out.  They set up campsites with different themes and decorations. Here are a couple:

Click here for the full-size slideshow. There are a few pics not included elsewhere this post.

-Fr. Matthew Green

Jalepenos Night to Benefit Breast Cancer

Posted on by God's Morning

Jalapenos Night to Benefit the Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk – 60 Miles for a Cure!

Wednesday, May 16 (5:00 pm to close)

Live Music by ColdStream (4 piece acoustical group) from 6:30-9pm
 
Jalapenos will donate 10% of night’s sales to Liz Dooley’s Breast Cancer 3 Day walk this July.
 
Raffles include Red Sox/White Sox tix, GLOSTA package (Lat 43, George’s Coffee Shop, Captain Bill’s Whale Watch tix, etc.), Artistic Offerings, Wine/Restaurant package and more!
Please join us for live music, great food, cold Margaritas and support a great cause while we have a fun night.

Thank you!

Liz Dooley

Proud 4 time Veteran Walker – SGK Breast Cancer 3 Day – 60 miles for a CURE!


http://www.the3day.org/goto/LizzieD_5

 

3Day_runningribbon.gif Breast Health Fact: One woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every two minutes in the U.S

 

Help me reach my goal for the Susan G. Komen Boston 3-Day

jalapenos flyer 8 x 11 rvs sized

Liz Dooley is a neighbor in Annisquam and a dedicated fundraiser for a cure.  Make a date to go to Jalepenos on May 16 and help her reach her goal.

E.J. Lefavour

 

Gloucester resident Aria McElhenny talks about Julia Roberts, Paul Newman and how Gloucester businesses are stepping up to help kids with cancer and HIV

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

If you would like more info- www.nextstepnet.org

or if you would like to contact Aria directly to find out how you can help- aria@nextstepnet.org