This year I will be turning 50 years old and I wanted to do something to commemorate this milestone. I’ve decided to set a goal to perform 50 acts of philanthropy by my birthday. In addition to donating my time to help others I will use this blog and my facebook profile to promote these organizations and causes. I hope that you will be inspired to help them with your time, or financial support. Please check back for more information about who I will be helping.
Some people have mentioned that my blog archives older posts and makes it difficult to see all I have done this year. This post puts all my activities in one place so everyone read them as they please. Just click on the listing to read that post.
Please help these organizations if you are able. Thanks for visiting my blog!
This morning I left home about 3:35 AM to volunteer for the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This past Tuesday was my birthday, but I registered for the parade in August, and accepted the delay completing my goal because I wanted to help out this event. Read the rest of this entry »
I was recently contacted by David Haas a blogger at the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance Blog about guest posts on my website. This is from David and I hope that it helps someone.
Fitness and the Benefits When Battling Cancer
There are many benefits to being fit and exercising regularly, no matter what the circumstances of your life may be. Exercise is particularly beneficial to cancer patients in a variety of ways. Whether they are battling breast cancer, mesothelioma or skin cancer, almost every cancer patient can receive the benefits that exercise offers such as increased lean muscle mass, release of endorphins and increased energy. Cancer patients are especially likely to feel like they are battling against their body and exercise allows them to use their body in a way improves their health and makes them feel good.
Increased Survival Rates
Several studies referenced by the National Cancer Institute have shown that patients who have undergone treatment for cancer and exercised regularly were more likely to survive cancer and not relapse than patients who didn’t exercise regularly during and after their cancer diagnosis. This is especially true for patients who have been treated for breast cancer and colon cancer. Each patient should talk to their doctor about the benefits and risks of different types of exercise to determine the exercise routine that is most beneficial to their health.
Physical Appearance
Patients who fight cancer and undergo cancer treatments such as chemotherapy often lose weight as well as muscle mass. Exercising for about 150 minutes per week helps these patients build up some of the muscle mass they have lost and tone their remaining muscles for a stronger body and healthier appearance.
Improved Mood
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic and other major research centers have found that regular exercise offers many benefits that are physical, psychological and social. The psychological benefits of exercise include the release of neurotransmitters and endorphins in brain that improves the patient’s mood naturally. Exercise also increases the temperature in the body, which has a calming affect on most patients. People who exercise are more likely to interact with other people than people who are sedentary, which also improves their mood.
Risks of Exercise During Cancer Treatments
Cancer patients who are undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy, often have their immune system weakened. It can be dangerous for these patients to exercise in a normal gym environment because of the amount of people and germs that may collect in that environment. These patients may choose to buy their own treadmill or other exercise equipment that they can use at home so they can get most of the benefits of exercise without risking further damage to their health.
This weekend I volunteered for the Hot Chocolate 15K/5k Chicago. This is just one of several runs and triathlons organized by RAM Racing annually. It is called, “Chicago’s Sweetest Race” because the after party offers hot cocoa and chocolate fondue provided by race sponsor Ghiradelli. Read the rest of this entry »
This morning the American Cancer Society held it’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at Montrose Harbor. It was a non-competitive 3 mile walk that unites communities to celebrate people who have battled breast cancer, educate people about ways to reduce their risk, and empower communities to join the fight. Read the rest of this entry »
Last Spring Donate Life Illinois started a campaign to raise awareness for the organ/tissue donor registry. After visiting their website I learned that they were preparing for an Autumn face to face campaign in Drivers License Facilities here in Illinois and registered to be an organ donor and a volunteer. Read the rest of this entry »
In the fall of 2010 Dan Savage and his partner Terry posted a video on YouTube to inspire gay teens and young men facing harassment that it gets better. What started as an attempt to address several tragic deaths of young gay men bullied for their sexual orientation has evolved into a international movement of support for all young people facing bullying and harassment. Soon, supporters from every walk of life were sharing videos to help LGBT youth believe that IT GETS BETTER. Read the rest of this entry »
This morning my bus was detoured over mile before I arrived at the South Loop Hotel to report for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Read the rest of this entry »
This morning I volunteered at the Center for Economic Progress. The Center for Economic Progress (CEP) helps hard-working, low-income families move from financial uncertainty to financial security. For over 21 years the CEP has provided free, professional tax preparation for low wage families and individuals. Read the rest of this entry »
This afternoon I went to the De Paul Center down town to donate during their blood drive. The motto of the American Red Cross is “The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give Blood.” Read the rest of this entry »
This morning my bus was detoured over mile before I arrived at the South Loop Hotel to report for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. 
This morning I volunteered at the 
This afternoon I went to the De Paul Center down town to donate during their blood drive. The motto of the 
Tonight I helped at the