SITES FOR SORE EYES . . .
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In
this day and age of the information superhighway and mass-ive media, there
is no shortage of resources in which one can find whatever they seek. It
can also be extremely overwhelming: Where do I begin? What exactly AM I
looking for? How do I know if it’s right for me or even applies to my
particular situation? How do I tell if it’s a scam or if the information
is legit? And then, what am I to do with all of this information? The
bad news is, I don’t have the answers. The GOOD news is that I found
some really wonderful sites/resources that were incredible guideposts
along my path. As the Buddhist saying goes: the journey of 1,000 miles
begins with one step (beautiful, eh?). I’m
sure there are many many others, but these are the sites I found helpful
and I share these with you with one HUGE caveat: these are guides, not
definitive answers. I strongly advise that you have a doctor, a physician,
a qualified healer with whom you can consult on all of these choices and
options. These are not intended for nor do I advocate/endorse
self-diagnosis, self-treatment, and/or unsupervised methods of healing.
Whatever healing choices you make (Western, Eastern, other), make them
fully-informed, and that means that most often, the answers may come with
more questions. Having the right person to whom you can present the
information and questions is vital. Gather
your team of healers and work together to make a plan. Ultimately, it’s
most important to tune in to yourself and find what resonates with you so
that whatever decisions and choices you make come from a place of peace,
calm, and clarity.
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SUPPORT:
These
are sources of inspiration, support, and community . . .
I
can’t say enough about this community/organization – I’m their biggest
fan, “unofficial” spokesperson, huge supporter of everything they do and
stand for on every level! They are truly the most comprehensive cancer support
organization, with an understanding that cancer affects the person on that
journey, as well as friends, family, supporters, all of whom might need support
and comfort. It’s for men, women, and children with all types of cancer, and
their loved ones – and it’s not just groups of people talking about cancer.
They have programs and events just for fun and specifically to NOT talk about
cancer, dig? AND . . . it’s all FREE (they figure if you’re going through
cancer, you’ve already paid your dues). There are at least 15 clubs
nationally. Check ’em out!
Support
group/organization for women living with breast & ovarian cancer
A groovy non-profit organization that helps women with a history of cancer improve their quality of life by using clothing as a creative means towards wellness; S.W.Y. supplements traditional methods of healing by acknowledging that a woman's body-image, or how she feels about her own body, affects her overall well-being.
As you may have read seen from the
book or the TLC documentary (or the fabulous DVD with extra bits 'n bytes), this
is from an incredibly inspiring and empowering young woman named Kris Carr. An
awesome and informative
resource for anyone
experiencing cancer, their families, loved ones, and anyone who wants to get a
fresh and positive perspective on cancer and living a healthy life in general. A resource for working women living with cancer
Youth-oriented, really amazing coalition for raising awareness, funds, events, community, support
Through private and corporate donations, and the goodwill and humor of the comedy industry, the mission of ComedyCures is to entertain and educate kids and grown-ups living with a health challenge, as well as their families and medical caregivers about the benefits of laughter and a comic perspective on the mind, body, and spirit. Through their innovative, joy-filled programs, and live-events, ComedyCures provides people living with a health challenge the opportunity to integrate joy and laughter into each day.
International,
non-profit network of breast cancer survivors and supporters dedicated to the
concerns and issues that are unique to young women and breast cancer. Through
action, advocacy and awareness, the Y.S.C. seeks to educate the medical, research,
breast cancer and legislative communities and to persuade them to address breast
cancer in women 40 and under. The Y.S.C. also serves as a point of contact for
young women living with breast cancer.
I
was blessed to have ’em in my family/friends, but for those who are on their
own or whose family are perhaps too far away, or if you simply need extra
support for whatever reason.
Providing
women and children experiencing baldness from chemotherapy and their support
network with greeting cards boasting hopeful, humorous, empowering and
life-affirming images. Debra Zak, the founder of this incredible company, is an
inspirational, amazing, kind, loving, incredible woman, and I love her! Hi Deb!
Musicians
DO make hospital calls; one-on-one concert just for you! NY/Philly-based – but
ask your hospital about similar programs locally. I had a guitarist come and
play for me in my room in South Florida, so . . . ask your hospital social
worker about it.
The
cutest lil’ dolls to bring a smile to your heart and soul
Fuck
Cancer Tee-shirts; cool design, cute sense of humor, and why not? heehee
Not cancer-related, but can provide fun and new ways to consider embracing your hair loss.
Beautiful scarves/textiles. Should you decide to wear this accessory, they have a wide range of gorgeous designs to choose from. They lovingly donated some scarves to a friend of mine with a brain tumor, and she loved them all! Thanks!
A fun and unique way to shave your head, should you need to do so.
A wonderful and very comprehensive site about alopecia, and, for all of us, empowerment, embracing ourselves, defining our beauty and femininity for ourselves on our own terms (sound familiar?), and raising consciousness in the world!
PERSONAL STORIES An
inspiring story by cancer survivor Barbara Carr Phillips Another
personal story of a woman’s personal journey
BRAINFOOD / KNOWLEDGE IS POWER: Places
to get information about your health situation, perhaps get a “tanglible”
understanding of what is physically happening in your body (if you are
interested in that, which I encourage – knowledge is power), and help you to
be able ask informed questions to your doctor(s) . . .
They can help you find local resources, general info, and they do amazing awareness and fundraising to help find cures for all cancers
Medical
resource site; ask,
ask, as
Medical
resource site; ask,
ask, ask
New
developments, technologies, clinical trials, etc
Nat'l Cancer Institute site, the 3rd menu item along the top bar is "clinical trials" where she can select her type of cancer and put in her zip code or whatever and see what's out there
Sloan Kettering -- another top cancer center
Nat’l
Institute of Health
NATIONAL CENTER FOR COMPLEMENTARY & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE Nat’l
Institute of Health’s Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine
Found
this one by accident ... give it a look-see
People
Living with Cancer (w/Amer Society of Clinical Oncology) – oncology-approved
patient information, resources, etc
A website for discussions about any type of cancer,
including lung cancer, breast cancer, mesothelioma, prostate cancer, laryngeal
cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and others
OVARY-SPECIFIC
. . . (just a few)
NATIONAL OVARIAN CANCER COALITION
Johns Hopkins Univ; top docs there; I had my original pathology read by one of their pathologists at the suggestion of my surgeon
WEB MD - OVARIAN CANCER CLINICAL TRIALS Found this one by accident; typed in "ovarian cancer trials" and voila!
MONEY
HONEY: It can’t buy me love, but maybe can contribute to finding a cure, organizations that give a smile, inspire confidence, “soul” food for all those on the journey. Of course there are many, many, MANY more organizations, and this is a handful of my personal faves . . .
BALD IS BEAUTIFUL GEAR 'N GOODIES
This is a new thing for me . . . I started an online
Bald Is Beautiful store. The items The items available for purchase here support
the Bald Is Beautiful organization, bringing inspiration, encouragement,
empowerment, healing, Light, and Love to so many people who deserve a HUGE
societal hug. From tees to teddy bears to tote bags, share a hug and a smile
by sharing the Bald Is Beautiful message with the ones you love!
I
can’t say enough about this community/organization (but you can read what I
already said about them in the "Support" section above!) heehee
My personal favorite fundraising walk-a-thon! New York & L.A. events every Spring!
An
amazing breast cancer awareness movement/organization
Buy all kinds of goodies to raise $$dough for a variety of charities of your choice
See description in the "Support" section above.
HERA OVARIAN CANCER CLIMB FOR LIFE HERA Ovarian Cancer Climb for Life
See description in the "Support" section above.
Very cool organization that creates events to promote awareness of and raises funds for select New York City Charities. Utilizing a variety of creative means that empower both charity and community, Metrofly's vision is to create events that nurture community spirit, benefit philanthropic and humanistic causes, and bring people together for the betterment of all. |
* Sites for Sore Eyes * The Kitchen Sink ("Alternative" Alternatives) * Library *
* Food
for Thought (Words of Wisdom) * Can
I Quote You on That? * Pictures Paint
1,000 Words *
forgive
the kinks!
©
2003 sharon blynn / baldisbeautiful.org
We are
currently in the process of constructing our website, so please
In the meantime, if you would like to contact Sharon directly,
please email her at sharon@baldisbeautiful.org.