Prayers for Chuck Pagano

Chuck Pagano, the new coach of the Indianapolis Colts has just been diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia, or APL--the same type of leukemia that I have. Please include him and his family in your prayers.

The Colts play the Green Bay Packers this Sunday. As much as I love the Packers, Pagano's battle in his hospital room is far more important than the one that will transpire on the field. On second thought, I do believe that the lessons learned from sports help in fighting illness, and he will be cheering for his team from the bed.

Therefore, I will not feel guilty routing for the Packers, while I am routing for their opposition's coach.

P.S. Mom, when the broadcasters mention Pagano's situation during the game, please don't cry. We're both going to be okay.

Hollywood, You'll Have to Wait

The celebrity testimonial is a common (and effective) form of advertising. For example, the objective of this Louis Vuitton advertisement is to convince me that if I buy a Louis Vuitton tote bag and travel to Cambodia, I will be as beautiful as Angelina Jolie. Or maybe, just maybe, I'll believe that buying the tote bag will be enough to make me feel like I'm Angelina.

Nope, sorry, I'm too smart for that one. I have, however, fallen victim to a different type of celebrity testimonial. Since I lost my hair, a good friend of mine has been sending me pictures of starlets, in fancy evening gowns, who have blonde, pixie haircuts.

As my hair had been growing back, I'd been picturing myself with one of those trendy, short, blonde styles. Unfortunately, the imagination didn't stop there. I had myself convinced that once I'm able to have the haircut, I'll actually be a glamorous Hollywood star, just like the celebrities in the forwarded photos from my friend. 

Running for Research

It is 99 degrees outside. The heat index is 111. On an average temperature day, the thought of running a half marathon makes me want to faint. Today, I can't even write about running without wishing I had one of those elaborate Camelbak hydration packs strapped to my back, the clear plastic drinking tube draped over my shoulder.

Hopefully my good friend, Sarah Gleason, has one of those fancy hydration systems. If not, I'm buying her one. I am so honored by what she is doing for me. On Sunday, August 14th, she is running the Rock 'n' Roll Chicago 1/2 Marathon in my honor to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

The only reason I am alive today is because of advancements in drug therapies. Funding for cancer research made the breakthroughs for acute promyelocytic leukemia possible. There are so many other forms of cancer for which breakthroughs haven't yet happened. I believe the brilliant doctors and scientists in this world can crack other cancer codes. Every dollar given to fund their research gets them closer.

If this had happened to me just 30 years ago, I'd be dead. Instead I am thanking Sarah for her sweet gesture and friendship. Imagine how many miracles could be possible 30 years from now...

Sarah's American Cancer Society Fundraising Page

Sarah dancing at my wedding with one of Ryan's groomsmen, Dave Neiman.
Although Sarah is engaged, I'm including this photo of her and another guy because:
 A) It's a cute shot of her and B) It might guilt Dave into donating.

Again, Sarah, thank you.