The extra mile is what this organization does provide.  They often listen to a parent, of a young cancer patient, express their fears, anxieties and questions about what to expect when cancer hits their family.  Mark and Deloris Bailey, founders of the organization know what it is like as they have been in that position when their son was diagnosed and treated for cancer.  So they created Friends Like Us to meet the needs of young cancer patients by providing them with a chemo bear. 

This chemo bear comes with a medical bag which has tools that doctors and nurses can use to help explain treatments and procedures that the young child may be having to go through.  It is a wonderful tool.  This chemo bear even may have a port just like the child and can have it removed in a bear clinic when the child has his or her port removed.  In the meantime, the bear can be of service when the child is at it most vulnerable going through tests or long lonely nights in the hospital.

Because they are a nonprofit they must get their funds through fund-raising and sponsors.  It costs approximately $550 dollars for them to get 100 bears manufactured to be given to children.  Lately they have combined efforts with some other groups to add books about cancer, musical cds and blankets that wrap the child in warmth.  All of this is done in the name of healing and supporting patients while they are in the battle of their lives.

So if you are a business, a church or an organization that is willing to be a sponsor of Friends Like Us and donate one order of bears to their cause you can contact Mark Bailey  at (419) 557-8543 info@friendslikeus.org .   In exchange for that donation of 100 bears, they are willing to send you a bear with a t-shirt that says Friends Like Us , we helped make a difference, a card shipped with each chemo bear that says generously donated by “your company, church or organizations name on it” and three months of advertising on their front page of their website.

Not only would your business, church, or organization be helping 100 children and their families but you would also be getting exposure for yourself by the willingness of Friends Like Us to promote your name and give you credit for your generosity.   You will be instrumental in helping a child to heal and help to encourage a family who is dealing with a major medical crisis.  Thank you for considering this opportunity to be a friend to Friends Like Us and helping them to fulfill a vital role in the lives of those who are trying to recover their health and well-being!

           Daniel and his mother chose to run away rather than face the forced chemotherapy.  That is what people often do when they feel threatened or afraid; who can blame him.   His father begged for them to return in the media.  It is supposed that they were on their way to Mexico for alternative treatments; although, I dont believe that was confirmed.  Regardless they were gone and everyone was worried about them disappearing.   However, when a warrant was issued for the arrest of his mother…they chose to come back.  I am glad that the family is reunited during this difficult time.

            Today, a judge has ordered that Daniel Hauser start chemo on Thursday.  Please pray for this family and Daniel’s healing.  Not only will he need medical support but the whole family will need emotional support as they travel this journey!

       The family has now been ordered to have him evaluated by a doctor; to see whether he would benefit from starting chemotherapy again; if so, he WILL have to start it.  If the family does not follow through, their son could be removed from their custody.  If he would not benefit from the chemo, then the judge will allow him to opt out of treatment…but, if the doctor says that there is potential for an improvement with his cancer; then, he is to start chemo right away.  The problem is…how do the doctors enforce a patient to take treatment?  Chemo is not something that you can shove down someone’s throat…it takes time to administer.  You must have co-operation from the patient…I dont know how the court expects the medical profession to force a patient to endure all that chemotherapy entails!

         In his ruling, the judge allegedly said that, with the information provided to him…that he had sufficient evidence to over-ride the wishes of the family and their constitutional rights to freedom of religion.  With the chemotherapy,  the young man will have a 90% chance of surviving his cancer; without it…supposedly,  he would die.

          The thing is, chemotherapy is a mish- mosh of many toxic substances.  Yes, it often does kill cancer cells…but, it also kills good and healthy cells; which can cause other healh problems.   The truth is, there is no guarantee that chemotherapy will definately keep anyone alive and well.   There can be complications and serious, sometimes life threatening-side effects.  Those can be both short and long-term complications. 

           Since it is the young man who will be facing this physical, spiritual, financial, and emotional battle; why does anyone else have the right to force him to go through chemotherapy?  I understand that a judge does have legal authority…but, who felt it was their place to bring it before a judge to make that decision?   Alledgedly, it was Brown County Family services who provided the information to the judge for him to make his decision; but, I wonder who brought it to their attention?  Obviously, it was someone who disagreed with how the family was handling their son’s medical condition.

         I understand that family services around the country are formed to try and protect youth from abuse and neglect…and, that is important; but, if the young man expressed his own desire to resist having chemotherapy…why isn’t that decision being honored?   I understand that some people feel that he doesn’t understand the possible consequences of refusing medical intervention because of his age.   However,  couldn’t a medical advisor explain the options to him and make sure that his decision to stop chemo was indeed his own decision?

        It seems to me that this should be a decision that the family makes together with the advice of their doctor and religious advisors.  To have the courts step in and make the decision for them, basically alienates the authority of the parents regarding the  physical, spiritual and emotional, well-being of their child.  If the child wanted the treatments, against the parents wishes…then, I would think that that is the time for the courts to step in.  What are your thoughts, should forced chemotherapy be allowed?  What next…what other things could be forced on you medically if you are in disagreement say with your doctor, neighbor or friends?  Could you be forced to end a life if a doctor recommeded it, like in some other countries?

          The family belongs to a religious organization called, the Nemenhah Band; they believe in natural healing for those in need.   Here is their website which explains more about what they believe: http://www.nemenhah.org/.   What do you think?

Today, Farrah is blazing a trail or for different reasons.  She is living a legacy that she never set out to do.  Farrah is battling cancer, she is battling tabloid papers for her right to privacy when it comes to her medical information, and she is video- documenting her struggle to over come the difficulties associated with her journey.   She is doing this with the help of her friend Alana Stewart.  It is an honest and gritty real experience. 

I saw an interview recently where Farrah said that she is trying to discover a purpose or a reason behind her being stricken with cancer.  She has  allegedly tried alternative treatments to fight the cancer that has attacked her body.  It is not easy to hear that some of her reports have not had the results that she would have hoped for…a healing.  It is even harder knowing that cameras are recording her real life experiences and reactions.   Her long time love, Ryan O’Neal, has said on video tape…”Just Pray For Her”.  I dont think that is an unreasonable request…in fact, I think it is the best thing one person can do for another; if they truly believe what they are praying for can and will be given by God to that person.   This documentary is going to be available on the 15th of May for people to view.  Some people are saying negative things about Farrah’s well-being right now; only God knows the outcome.  However, dont let that stop you from praying for Farrah or anyone else in her condition…God still does miracles.  No matter what, she is struggling to overcome this disease and needs the power of prayer to gain strength and to be free from pain and discomfort.

The documentary has been in the works for some time.  I suspect it will be studied for a variety of reasons..some out of curiosity, some will watch for up to date reports on her health,  others for news information…and, i think some will watch it for personal reasons.   No matter why someone watches it…i think it is wise to remember that Farrah Fawcett’s legacy is that she is more than a pretty face, or another famous bikini body that someone can exploit for personal financial gain.   She is a human being who is struggling to make sense out of an unimaginable disease that seeks to destroy every person it comes in contact with.   And as such, she deserves respect and admiration for trying to make some good come out of a very difficult time in her life; hoping that it will help others in her situation.  May God bless her and help her during this ordeal!

          Loss is one thing; that is bad enough…but, add to that… justifiable feelings of abandonment, anger, denial, financial distress, shame, isolation, shock and even rage for being rejected by the loved one; for something as unknown and final as death, many times without any warning that suicide was being considered. 

           It is a hard subject to talk about because studies often have shown a correlation to discussions about suicide and the rates of suicides that have increased after say a media interview or article that is published in a large viewership.  So how do you address such a terrible thing as suicide without taking the risk of an outbreak of suicides?  I am not sure…but i do know…that listing some of the signs or risk factors is important…because it is possible to at least become aware of some signals that may alert friends or family to a person who is contemplating taking their own life.  1-800-273-TALK.
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/  

            Some of the obvious signs are:  sudden changes in personality or behaviors, drug or alcohol use, life changes such as loss of job or marriage, verbal comments such as life isn’t worth living…, depression, neglecting personal well-being or appearance, loss of interest in things the person previously enjoyed, extreme mood swings, sleeping excessively, giving away precious things, avoiding close friends or family, isolating themselves, gaining or loosing noticeable weight without trying, lack of effort at school or job, listless, a feeling of hopelessness or failure, lots of negative or sad comments, focussing on negative circumstances and obsessing about them.

             There are times when people are more at risk than others, for some it is during their teenaged years if they struggle with acceptance and sometimes depression, for others it is in middle age when possible sudden life changes are perceived as failures or loss such as divorce or forclosure, the elderly are often at risk of suicide because of health issues, isolation from friends and family and many times because of financial issues.   It is important to remember that some medications carry the risk of increased thoughts of suicide…so talk to your doctor about these issues if there is any concern at all.

            All ages and sexes are at risk of a potential suicide.  People must get better at listening to each other; and, they need to stay connected by communication on a regular basis.  No one wants to think of friends or family doing the unthinkable; but, it can happen to anyone. 

            Many people try to respect people’s privacy and back off when in fact, it is at these times that they are needed more than ever.  Fear of not knowing what to say or do is common.  When in doubt…it is always best to contact a professional.    Here is a national hotline to contact if you or someone you know is dealing with the idea or fear of suicide:   1-800-273-TALK.
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

                The impact of suicide is long lasting on those survivors who are left behind.  Every life that can be saved is a gift…every person has value.  We must begin to find ways to open the opportunities to share with one another the hurts and disappointments in life and find ways of overcoming the effects of those things in our lives and in the lives of people that we care about.  Do you know someone who was able to turn the corner and avoid the tempation of suicide?  How did they do it?  Do they share with others about their experience?  Many people in schools, nursing homes, and professionals in your local communities could benefit from that knowledge so that they can help others.  How can those experiences benefit others?

           Amy’s father, Mitch Winehouse, says that Amy has apparently damaged her lungs by smoking crack cocaine and by smoking cigarettes.  Mitch Winehouse is asking some of her friends, the ones who use drugs, to stay away from Amy.  He says, what hope will she have if they are using drugs around her. 

           Amy’s doctors allegedly are warning her that unless she stops the drugs/cigarettes; she will have to be on oxygen and she could die.  There are dark spots in her chest and around her lungs.  The lungs are only operating at about 70% of capacity.  Amy now has an early degree of emphysema; as well as, an irregular heartbeat.  

          Amy’s life has been filled with drama of late.  Her husband has been in jail for alledged witness tampering; and, Amy herself has been brought to the authorities for her alledged drug usage.  Addictions are a very controlling force and are destructive, in a variety of ways, to those who are drawn to their drug of choice. 

           At only 25 years of age, Amy is a musically, talented woman…let’s hope that Amy can get the help she needs to regain some health and peace.  The sadness and angst are part of what she has been struggling with…but, for those who care about her…they must be incredibly fearful for her well-being.      

     The state of Washington is trying to get 225,000 valid voter’s signatures before July 3rd so that they can get an initiative on the November ballot called Death with Dignity.  If they can accomplish this goal…in November, voters will have the chance to create a new law condoning suicide in certain circumstances.

        If a person has been diagnosed as having a fatal disease; and has less than 6 months to live, and two seperate doctors are in agreement about that diagnosis; the patient will then have the option of submitting a request to receive a perscription for a medicine combination that will cause their death.  When making their verbal request to receive that medication, they must request it twice, 15 days apart; they must also submit a written request, witnessed by two other people who are not their doctor, family or friends who will not benefit, legally or financially, from the death of that person making the request.  It all seems so logical and thought out; however, it doesn’t take into account the possibly opposing wishes or moral convictions of the patient’s loved ones.   What about religious beliefs…suicide goes against the grain of most religious beliefs…and family members who are left behind struggle with their feelings and emotions at the complex blend of rejection,fear,anger and loss..not to mention guilt about being unable to prevent the suicide.  At the end of that person’s life…offering the option of suicide can cause great distress, at a time when support is what is needed most!  I think great harm can come from this with regards to having emotional conflicts between the patient and the people closest to them.  What do you think about this issue?

       Washington state is and will always be my second adopted home state.  I have many loved ones there; I would hate to think that anyone i loved could choose to leave the world in this way.  Every life has value…and is precious…every day is a gift of time with each other.  http://www.save.org/ or http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ or http://www.afsp.org/

          What causes a person to either become submerged under the weight of negative influences; or, to spring up and bounce back even stronger ? 

           I believe it is a combination of things.  We are all products of our past; we have been taught many things throughout our childhoods and young adulthood that influences how we perceive things.  Most of those things are unconscious and basically invisible, but, still they are there; determining how we interpet the challenges in life; and, therefore, how we handle those same challenges.  We have to make a personal committment to ourselves to change the direction our lives are going if we wish to live a life that is full of the good things life has to offer.

          If we have been lucky enough to have a strong healthy foundation during those formative years we have a huge headstart.  If we were instead rooted in poor soil and unhealthy relationships during those years; we often have alot to overcome. 

          It is not impossible to overcome those things.  It is by strength of will and determination that we learn how to channel our inner self to go in the direction of love, health, and personal well-being.  It is a matter of retraining how we think about things and learning not to focus on the obstacles and the negativity that surrounds us on a daily basis.

          I was reminded of these things today, when i read about Elizabeth Fritzl, the young Austrian woman held captive by her father in a basement for 24 years.  She was forced to endure loneliness, sexual abuse, emotional damage and physical confinement.  She was raped repeatedly by her father and gave birth to seven children during this time.  They grew up without “normal” human interaction. 

        At this point they are receiving treatment in a  psychiatric facility.  The family is getting help learning how to bond together; how to communicate with others, how to function outside of their basement prison.  Elizabeth, the mother of the children grew up at home, with her mother and father…until she was 18 years old.  At that point, he forced her to live in the basement while explaining her “disappearance” to the rest of the world by saying that she had run off to join a cult.

          Elizabeth and her children are bouncing back in amazing ways.  One would think that they might never recover.  After all, some of them didn’t speak as we know speaking; they communicated with grunts and noises.  However, they survived against all odds.  Their healing and renewal will happen with good guidance and therapy.  It should be encouraging to us all that the human spirit is resilient; it is meant to sustain us in times of devastation.

            At some point in life we have to “choose” to overcome the negative forces that have gone before and “decide” to grow, heal, strengthen; and, claim victory over the things in life that hold us back from who we were created to be.   It is work, it isn’t easy and often professional help is necessary; but, it is so worth it to have the freedom to once again live life fearlessly, and fully, with joy!

       Each week, each contestant is given a certain amount of money…they all have the same rules each week to make the most of giving the money away.  Then they are each judged by a panel of three who judge them on their creativity, effectiveness and follow through.  If a person is judged to have ill used the money or not followed through or in some way…didn’t exhibit the good intent of the helpfulness then they are let go.  Each week…at least one person leaves.

        As the responsibilities increase so do the expectations of the panel of judges.  In the beginning they worked in teams.  They use their talents and knowledge to find ways to raise additional funds in some cases.  If they didn’t work well together or tried to go their own way…they were let go.  Some were successful and some were not successful at teamwork.

           It was and is about using the money to achive the most positive help available and using their skills to tap into communities to support and inspire others to be looking for opportunities to be a blessing to others.. 

         I have to say that this show really challenges the viewer to “pay it forward”.  Last week, one of the gentleman failed to follow through.  He did some good work…but it was frustrating to see him promise to help pay for a person’s funeral..only to fail to show up because of his commitment to help others and he missed the time frame.  That is a heavy load of responsibility and disappointment.

        I like that Oprah is doing a show that is an extention of her Christian faith by the idea of “to those who much is given, much is expected in return”.   The contestants must find ways to help those in need; and so should we all.   

           It is a joyful show to watch.  It definately springs forward hope to those who have been helped and hopefully will allow them to be able to do the same when they are able for others.  The show is a beautiful  inspiration for finding the way to live our lives.  Keep up the good work!

        The Ramen….it is where we have all been at one time or another.  !