Showing posts with label OUR MOM. Show all posts
Showing posts with label OUR MOM. Show all posts

Monday, November 17, 2014

Comfort Foods


11/17/2014

"Dinner is served...black bean and mushroom quinoa stuffed peppers!" 
Caroline made this for our mom on her last trip over to visit.

"Sad to say nothing tastes good anymore -- not even the cinnamon rolls I popped out of the can this morning! But I keep trying, tho my chocolate consumption is way down. I gravitate to comfort foods like soups." Via text from my mom.

Anyone have any great meal ideas for my taste-budless mom?! 
I found this helpful list online (that obviously my lil sis already researched :).


10 foods that fight breast cancer

Mounting research shows that healthy eating habits can put a significant dent in the new cases of breast cancer. Here are ten of the most powerful breast cancer–fighting foods
By Matthew Kadey, RD

1. Mushrooms
Cremini, oyster and shiitake mushrooms, among others, contain antioxidants such as L-ergothioneine that may confer cancer protection.
 
2. Broccoli Sprouts
These peppery sprouts are high in sulforaphane, an antioxidant that University of Michigan scientists found may target and destroy cells that fuel tumour growth.
 
3.  Pomegranates
The crunchy seeds of a pomegranate (also referred to as arils) are well endowed with ellagic acid, a potent antioxidant that may inhibit an enzyme that plays a role in breast cancer development, according to U.S. scientists from the City of Hope’s Beckman Research Institute. Pomegranates, a rich source of antioxidants, have also been linked to improved heart health. You can get the same antioxidants from pure pomegranate juice, but drink only one cup (250 mL) a day to keep sugar intake in check, or have half of a fruit.

 4. Lentils
Lentils are brimming with folate, fibre and a host of other nutrients that may help keep breast cancer at bay.

 5. Walnuts
Preliminary data suggests that snacking on up to two ounces (60 g) of walnuts a day could halt the development of breast cancer tumours. Researchers from West Virginia’s Marshall University School of Medicine surmise that walnuts’ omega-3s, antioxidants and phytosterols may help slow the growth of cancerous cells. 

 6. Blueberries
Research suggests that pterostilbene, a phytonutrient in blueberries, can halt the growth of breast cancer tumours by causing cancerous cells to self-destruct, a process called apoptosis. And frozen wild blueberries are just as antioxidant- and nutrient-packed as fresh.

7. Spinach
The B vitamin is necessary for proper cell division, and stymies changes to DNA that may lead to breast cancer.
 
8. Eggs
Choline, an essential nutrient abundant in eggs, is associated with a 24 percent reduced risk of breast cancer, according to a U.S. study involving more than 3,000 women. This essential nutrient, found in the yolk, is necessary to ensure proper cell functioning. The U.S. Institute of Medicine says women should aim for 425 milligrams per day; there are 126 milligrams in a large egg. Other sources of choline include fish, poultry, pork, beef, broccoli and wheat germ.

9. Salmon
Salmon is one of the few foods to contain vitamin D in significant amounts. Researchers at Toronto’s Mount Sinai Hospital determined that increased intakes of the “sunshine vitamin” were associated with a 24 percent reduction in the risk of developing breast cancer. Vitamin D may prevent cells from becoming cancerous. Also, eating fresh or canned salmon provides docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a supercharged omega-3 fat that may kill off breast cancer cells and help stop the spread of the disease to other parts of the body.
 
 10. Rye Bread
Consuming whole-grain rye can help slash breast cancer risk. A synergy between fibre, lignans, vitamins, minerals and the phytonutrient phytic acid make rye bread a breast cancer fighter. When buying, check the ingredient list to ensure that the first item is whole rye flour and not wheat flour.

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Leslie's Story

10/12/2014

Strength, resilience, and selflessness.  These are the traits of our mother, Leslie, who has dedicated her life to helping others.  It's taken all three, and then some, to get her where she is today.  Our mother bravely went back to college after a divorce, while single parenting us four kids, to become an occupational therapist (OT).  As an OT, Leslie focuses on helping people with a physical, sensory, or cognitive disability be as independent as possible in all areas of their lives.  She customizes therapy activities specifically for each person and their goals.  After working in the public schools and outpatient rehab settings, she started a private practice to specialize in sensory processing disorders that impact life for children and their families.  She loves the challenge of working with kids on the autism spectrum, most of whom have sensory processing as their number one difficulty.  Her clinic, KidSPOT, has been doing well in Kennewick, Washington for five years.  There are very few specialized therapy options available in the area, and clients drive long distances to get the services and support that they provide.  Leslie has gained an outstanding reputation for her expertise, calm and kind ways, and generosity of time. 

 This summer our mom was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer, invasive ductal carcinoma, triple negative, Stage IV.  It is aggressive.  Being the “go-getter, get-it-done” kind of person that she is, she has kept working through several months of weekly chemotherapy treatments and numerous medical appointments.  If cancer weren’t enough, she also has Type I diabetes to complicate matters.  Even with medical insurance, treatment is very expensive and has imposed financial stress at a time when stress should be minimized. 

 How Your Donations Will Help: 
Being self-employed, it is necessary for Leslie to continue seeing clients to generate income for overhead costs and to keep her clinic doors open.  Since the side effects of chemo are cumulative, she knows there will quickly come a time when she can’t give her usual 110 percent. Being in a business partnership with physical therapist colleagues, Leslie’s share of expenses is necessary to successfully keep the clinic going.  If she fails to meet her commitment, the continuation of both therapies will not be possible.  It is urgent that she find a talented OT to work for her and with her clients.

 The demand for occupational therapists is big, and most want to live and work in more densely populated areas than rural Eastern Washington where her clinic is located.  Recruiting and paying for this private practice OT position is a lofty task.  Leslie needs help to fund this search and to offer a competitive salary.  Free and low cost job posting sites have not proved helpful so far.  Enlisting more expensive OT associations’ recruiters would be most effective.  Because of your help, when the goal is met, Leslie’s business will be able to continue free screenings for children, and serve deserving families.

Our mother's example has given us strength and courage throughout our lives.  She inspires us everyday, and we are amazed by all that she does.  She has always put everyone else first, and now it's time that we do the same for her.  Let's help Leslie get through this difficult time, so she can continue to inspire and touch other peoples lives.

To donate, please click on the "DONATE" button located in navigation bar. If you would prefer to mail a check, please email Kim at krackenney@hotmail.com.

 We are grateful for your help.
For more information on KidSPOT visit www.mykidspot.net.
Copyright © 2014 Don't Let Cancer Close Doors on Children's Autism Clinic