13thirty Threads: Do Your Life
Do Your Life – Vicki Ties It Together
13thirty member, Jeremy (Hodgkin’s lymphoma) offers his advice to newly diagnosed teens and young adults.
Looking back, there were many times during my cancer adventure when I couldn’t visualize a future. Not because I lived in fear, but because I lived and loved in the moment. I realized that on any given day the course of my life could be changed in an instant.
I began to look at my life and the world in front of me through a different lens, one that provided me clarity and purpose like nothing I had ever experienced. I realized that I want to be the person who remembers your birthday and goes all out to make it special. The one who gives her time freely and shares her gifts with the world. The person who always does her best despite how she feels. The one who loves purely, with her entire heart, without judgment or barriers.
As Jeremy said in his video, “You only regret the things in life you don’t do. So, give everything a shot.” I have to say, he was spot on!
Do your life.
Not the life to make someone else happy, not the life someone wishes for you, not the life someone expects of you.
Do your life.
Do it big, do it messy, do it bold, do it wrong, do it with humility, do it with grace.
Do your life.
Do it sideways and backwards, do it multi-colored, do it loud, do it quiet, do it epic, do it brave!
Do your life.
The one you dream, imagine, hope for, the one you want with every fiber of your being. The one that brings you peace, makes you love better, laugh harder. Do the life you deserve!
Own your life!
Until next time my dear friends.
Peace, love, and light.
Be well,
Vicki
Learn more about our upcoming events!
13thirty Threads: I am Still Here
I am Still Here – Vicki Ties It Together
13thirty member, Kelly (Hodgkin’s lymphoma) reflects on how her relationships changed after her diagnosis.
From the moment you learn you have cancer, your life changes and so do the relationships surrounding you. There will be those that rally around you cheering you on, offering their kindness, and showing their support. Unfortunately, there will be those that run away, hide, become distant, and eventually disappear. This happened to me. Has it happened to you?
When this happened I wanted to shout…I am still here! I am still the same person I was before cancer. Yet, I knew I wasn’t. My perspective had changed. My priorities had changed. And as a result, my relationships changed.
It is difficult to lose connection with someone close to you, especially during a time when everything seems so out of control. But at the same time, you are presented with a unique opportunity to open your heart and make room for new relationships. The friendships that I built during my cancer adventure are some of the nearest and dearest I will ever know, the beautiful souls that carried me through. Yes, they know who they are. They are forever in my heart.
You see, it is not you causing this rewiring of your relationship network – it is the disease. You are just getting a rare glimpse into the human condition. Your family and friends are merely showing their inner selves. Who is strong? Who is optimistic? Who is scared? We all handle difficult times in different ways. My advice – continue to love the ones who have run away and show grace to the ones who have disappeared. If it is meant to be, the universe will guide them back.
Until next time my dear friend.
Peace, love, and light.
Be well,
Vicki
Learn more about our upcoming events!
Back to School
It’s that time of year again! Returning to school will definitely be different this year, but there’s one thing that remains the same- there are tons of scholarship opportunities. There’s a common misconception that you have to have stellar grades to receive a scholarship. While there are many academic scholarships available, there’s plenty out there based on financial need, race, gender, academic programs, athletics, study abroad programs, and even cancer experience. Some are specifically for childhood cancer, young adult cancer, or specific types of cancer. Scholarships that are for students affected by cancer typically require a written statement or essay about how cancer has impacted your life, recommendations, and a note from a physician to confirm your diagnosis.
Remember, most scholarships have specific application deadlines. If you miss the deadline, keep it bookmarked and apply the following semester or year. Some scholarships have rolling deadlines, so you have the opportunity to apply all year long, but early applicants have better chances of being awarded funds.
Need tips on writing a scholarship essay? Check out SCHOLLY’s “Hot Tips for Writing a Winning Scholarship Essay” for guidance. Once you get those scholarships, be sure to send a thank you letter! Find examples here.
Scholarship Links:
General
($5,000) Cameron Siemers Foundation For Hope
($2,500) Baron & Budd
(Varies) Scott Delgadillo College Scholarship
(Varies) Kay/Moore Scholarship Fund
($10,000) Bristol-Myers Squib Scholarship for Cancer Survivors
(Varies) NCCF Survivor Scholarship Program
(2,000) Children’s Cancer Cause
Specific Eligibility
(Varies) Cancer Survivors’ Fund: offers financial aid to those needing prosthetics following cancer
($250 – $4,000) Cancer for College: offers college scholarships to amputees and cancer survivors
($2,500) Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults: provides a scholarship to young adults who were diagnosed or treated for cancer at age 15 years or older
($2,500) Matt Stauffer Memorial Scholarship: offers $2500 to college students currently fighting cancer or who were diagnosed and treated after the age of 15
($2,000 – $3,000) Michael A. Hunter Memorial Scholarship: offers an annual scholarship of between $2000 and $3000 to those affected by leukemia or lymphoma
(Varies) Nicki Leach Foundation: offers financial assistance to those who were diagnosed and treated for cancer between the ages of 18 and 30 years old
($3,000) Patient Advocate Foundation Scholarships for Survivor: offers scholarships for cancer survivors under the age of 25 and diagnosed within the past five years
($1,000 – $6,000) Tim & Tom Gullikson Family Support Fund: must be diagnosed with a primary malignant or non-malignant brain or spinal cord tumor prior to age 19
(Varies) Jackie Spellman Scholarship Foundation: provides scholarships to deserving students whose lives have been impacted by leukemia and lymphoma
($1,000) The John Foy & Associates Strong Arm Leukemia Scholarship: scholarship will be awarded to one college student who has battled leukemia or whose life has been affected by it
(Varies) Bone Marrow & Cancer Foundation: student must have undergone a transplant and demonstrates financial need
($500) The Izzy Foundation: diagnosed before the age of 18 with pediatric cancer
Scholarship Search Engines
Scholarships.com: Cancer Patient/Survivor (or Child of) Scholarships
Cappex.com: Cancer Scholarships
ACCO.org: Financial Aid for Students
5 Ways to Stay Healthy this Summer
I don’t know about you, but it feels as though every May, I start mapping out all the awesome summer plans I have; swimming, being at the lake with friends, trying new restaurants, attempting a roadtrip, hiking, and looking forward to warm summer evenings around bonfires. Pinterest and Instagram are filled with snapshots of happy people seemingly having the time of their lives (which, of course, is hardly ever the case!).
But, suddenly it’s mid-July, and I haven’t accomplished most of that!
Maybe time is flying by for you, too. But as the days get busier and fuller with things to do, we tend to let our health slide to an after-thought. As cancer patients and survivors, it’s even more critical to pay attention to our health and wellness, and to be careful to make space for relaxing and stress-relief!
Here are five easy ways we can focus on staying healthy this summer!
- Put the phone down.
Let’s be honest- whether you’re in the hospital right now while it seems all your friends are out living “carefree” summer days, recovering at home with energy levels that require more naps than endless summer nights, or you’re back at the routine of life and trying to keep up with the everyday, social media is an easy way to lose track of time and create a severe case of FOMO (fear of missing out). 
Give yourself a break! You’re doing great! Schedule times in the day when you let mindless scrolling happen – but don’t forget to turn the phone off for a while and connect with actual, real life.
- Rest!
One of the hardest things to do is listen to your body. When we ignore our need for rest and recovery, we cause ourselves more harm than we realize. Find what makes you feel rested: reading, a nap in the hammock, taking a second to breathe and practice mindfulness. In a culture where being “busy” makes us feel most productive, it’s imperative to our healing to take time and rest.
- Protect your skin.
With skin cancers continually on the rise, it’s not surprising that sunscreen usage is even more important these days! Make sure your sunscreen is as natural as possible (i.e., no cancer-causing chemicals!), as it only takes about 20 seconds for anything applied to your skin to reach your bloodstream! Visit the Environmental Working Group’s website for a list of best sunscreens to use this summer.
- Eat local!
Seasonal fruits and veggies will nourish your body and spirit this summer! Visit your local farmer’s market, or gather up some friends and go blueberry-picking at places like Wild Hill Farm, or look for the “Locally grown” signs in your favorite grocery store to support sustainable growers 
in your area! When you buy produce in-season, you are saving money and eating the freshest, most nutrient-dense, immune-boosting foods.
- Enjoy the little things.
Practice gratitude. No matter where you’re at this summer – whether life looks exactly like you want it, or you’re facing an uphill battle right now – every day is a new day to be thankful for the little blessings. It’s not always easy to see the bright side, but the more you practice being grateful for the small things, there’s something beautiful that happens inside of you. When you can see beyond your current circumstances and see a glimmer of light, it’s life-giving and strengthening.
No matter the season, your health should always be a top priority.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or you’re already working on living a healthy lifestyle, it’s always easier when you have support and encouragement! At 13thirty Cancer Connect, we’re here to support you in your whole wellness journey through connections with each other, our 13thirty Fit! programs, yoga and massage, activities and events that bring us together (like our 2017 Bandana Bolt!) and helping adolescents and young adults (AYAs) impacted by cancer live their very best lives – today! Check out our events page and follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!) to stay up-to-date on how to get connected!
About the Author
Sabrina Gauer is our Communications Coordinator and Wellness Coach here at 13thirty Cancer Connect! Follow her blog and Instagram for more tips and encouragement for whole health and wellness living!