|
 | |||
| Lopez Island | Orcas Island | Visitor's Guide | ||
| Email this page to a friend | ||
| ||||||||||||||||
EVE BURTON's ANNUAL THANKSGIVING COLUMN |
Related pages | |
Thankful for ways islanders help islandersBy Eve Burton posted 11/25/04
It is 13 years and counting up! Personally, I have an awful lot to be thankful for - my breast cancer was detected early, it was non-invasive, the mastectomy got it all, reconstructive surgery was done, and no treatments! As I look around me these last few years, it hurts to hear about so many who have not been as fortunate as I with cancer. The pain of the disease itself is more than enough, but then there's the radiation and/or chemotherapy - more pain and suffering! What can we do? How can we help? So, many questions. Some thoughts on my list include: Take charge of your own health. Make sure you have an annual checkup and more importantly, talk to you physician if you feel something is bothering you. Keep a positive mental attitude. I believe how you think about yourself and life will have a positive or negative effect on how you feel, and also the success or failure of treatments. This past year, the American Cancer Society held its first Relay For Life (an international event) on San Juan Island. And, a success it was -- raising over $16,000 for cancer research! It was "islanders" that made this happen! The teams that raised money and actually participated in the "walk", those who raised money by selling "luminaries" (in memory of those lost, in celebration of survivors, and for those who are still fighting the battle), and those who gave their time, energy and donations. I look forward to helping again in 2005 and joining other survivors walking the special lap dedicated to us. And then, the Soroptimist! This year is the first year of their non-profit status to receive donated funds specifically designated to provide financial assistance to any San Juan island resident with cancer. And, everyone is more than grateful to our angels in the sky - the San Juan Eagles - the volunteer pilots who have been flying patients to treatments on the mainland. Yet, another example of "islanders helping islanders" in times of need. Let's keep helping - I'm sure that our continued donations will go a long way! My own personal project is "Project Faith." As I learn about other cancer patients, I send one of my "quilted angel" squares to let them know that others care and to try to help them over the rough moments. My "little angels" have been mailed to island residents, their friends or family members, to complete strangers, and have found their way to points as far away as North Carolina. If you know a cancer patient who should have one, please let me know even@rockisland.com - one of my little angels will immediately fly their way, or to you if they wish to remain anonymous. I leave you with a quote from a cancer survivor: "The only thing worse is having cancer and not knowing." It's annual check up time! And, I click daily for mammograms! Eve Burton is a resident of Friday Harbor and annually dedicates this article to all those diagnosed with cancer and to remind everyone to have their annual check-up. |
|
|
SAN JUAN ISLANDER © 2009 |
|