The isolation of illness is real. Not only because you don’t feel well enough to go out in public, but because some treatments suppress a patient’s immune system, making it physically unsafe for them to be around large crowds and even family and friends. Every time I was
The assist is one of the most important and underappreciated stats in sports. It’s the largest contributor to scoring, and without assists, the games would not be as productive or compelling. Whether it’s a volleyball player setting the ball for a kill by a hitter or a point
You are so brave. I’ve realized over the years that those four words grate on the nerves of many cancer patients. I’m always up for a compliment, so I wasn’t quite sure why others were bothered by the phrase. Their explanation: “I’m not brave, I’m
November 27, 2013 — I was at a coffee shop this morning when I heard the man next to me say "Use it to pay for the next person who walks in and tell them Happy Turkey Day from anonymous!" I looked over and saw extra cash sitting on
Even if you achieve remission from cancer, the worry often lingers. In two months, I will celebrate five years since my stem cell transplant, five years leukemia-free. Five years is a major milestone in cancer terms; some even consider it to signify that you are cured. I will celebrate October
Meet Julie Kerbaugh, one of the patients in the Side-Out Protocol, the pilot study funded entirely by volleyball. Julie and the other patients who benefit from the research Side-Out supports are the reason we Dig Pink! New pilot study at Scottsdale Healthcare gives cancer patient hope
Originally published in Norfolk Daily News, June 29, 2013 by LaRayne Topp In addition to their passion for volleyball, team members have recently been named a top winner for their contributions to The Side-Out Foundation and its Dig Pink® campaign. The Pinnacle Juniors, under the direction of club director, Gina
Simple joys make every day special. Fireflies, a really good cup of coffee, your favorite song, an evening walk, reading a book in bed, marveling at the stars...the list is truly endless! This Sunday on National Cancer Survivors Day, I plan on playing with my two dogs, soaking up
The below story was read at the 2012 Capitol Hill Classic. Boxer and actor Randall “Tex” Cobb once said “Courage isn't the absence of fear; it's the dealing with it.” Fear has the potential to motivate and encourage you, something Julie Matthews understands well. Julie is
When Matt Mullikin (IMG College) and Robin Bordleon (Sun Belt Conference) asked me to be the keynote speaker at their 2010 Sun Belt Conference banquet I must say I was hesitant. In fact, I was terrified. I thought to myself, "what message can I give them that will have
“I will recover fully, I will stay in remission, and I will live a normal life.” I created and recited this mantra throughout my treatment for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Well, to be more specific, throughout my second go-round with leukemia. After three and a half years in remission, I
I recently joined an on-line dating service. I’m 32, I’m decent looking, I have a job I enjoy and family and friends I love. My motto is “go with the flow”…well, more specifically, my e-mail tagline is “When you come to a fork in the road, take
