A Day of Healing Cranes...

Warm, sunny weather and warm, sunny greetings is how my day at Moffitt Cancer Center started.  With each visit to a new place there is always an excitement and anticipation of the unknown.  I do my research before deciding where to visit but there are still things you cannot anticipate.  I have discovered that no matter how comprehensive the website you cannot fully understand all that you may experience when you finally arrive at a cancer center.


Whether you are there as a patient, a caregiver, or simply a guest, there are so many unseen experiences to be found.

Moffitt Cancer Center is located in Tampa, Florida on the campus of the University of Florida.  The first thing I noticed was that just the building alone had a welcoming presence.  It didn’t have a cold, clinical feel.

My day began with the Manager of Patient Relations.  We dropped my bike and bags in the office and there is where the day began.  I had a small audience to share my story of survivorship with and since that is what this trip is about I was happy to oblige.  Sharing my story would end up being a theme throughout the visit.

I was taken to many parts of this wonderful facility and I will highlight a few of what I like to call the lesser known aspects of the day.

An early stop was in the Arts In Medicine department where I was introduced to several people and shared my story again.  It was there that I learned the story of the healing cranes, inspired by the family of a patient.  In Japan the crane is a symbol of peace and healing and the tradition is to fold a thousand “cranes,” for healing.  There were cranes on display throughout the area and I would soon discover they were on the desks in other parts of the center.  The Arts In Medicine department decided to put their own unique spin on this tradition so instead of having each patient fold a thousand cranes, their patients are instructed to write a healing message on the inside of the wing and hang the crane where it can be seen a thousand times and used as a reminder of peaceful, positive moments.  They graciously offered me the instructions on how to make my own healing crane.  I can’t wait to try it.  Arts in healing is so very important, it can bring a sense of calm in the midst of the storm.  Arts is a way to focus the mind on something positive, energy flows where attention goes and therefore focusing on the positive brings positive results.

I heard them make an announcement for a soon to begin meditation session for stress reduction.  That was the next sign that this center was treating the person and not just the disease.  The sentiment with patients and families seemed in agreement, as I heard them express they were glad that they were receiving their care at Moffitt. 

As we made our way through the different parts of the building I got an explanation for the things I saw along the way and the next place I would share my story was in the patient library.  That is where I left my gift of Livestrong wristbands.  That would also be where I would be introduced to the hospital president.  A very welcoming man, he was sincerely interested in my story and the fact that I had chosen to visit Moffitt along the way.  We chatted for a bit and then it was time to move on.  I now had a new tour guide. 

I was thrilled when I was shown HER Place, a special place for women where they can research and get information on the illness they have.  Her Place is complete with computers, written materials and so much more and it is quietly tucked in a corner away from the hustle and bustle of patient activity.



Another wonderful, relaxing feature was a fairly large rock display with a fountain.  It was very serene and in the warm, sunny weather of Florida would be a plus for anyone needing to escape.

Next I would be shuttled off the main campus to meet with a woman who is doing some wonderful work in risk assessment, detection and intervention.  She has an amazing story and the work she is doing focused on HPV is certainly near to my heart.  I think we could have talked for hours.  Needless to say, I will spread the word wherever I go, on the importance of her work.

I lost count of how many times I shared my story that day.  To be honest, the time just seemed to slip away.  Everyone at this facility went out of there way to make sure I had a successful visit.  When the day was done, I was given a ride to my host’s home and all ended beautifully.

For more information on Moffitt Cancer Center click here.

A World without Cancer?

In light of the most recent tragic loss of Steve Jobs, one of the greatest minds this world will ever know, I really have to ask what would our world be like without cancer?  Can you imagine a world where cancer is something you read about in a history book and never experience first hand?  I can and that is what makes this trip so much more important. 
If we can create a vaccine that eliminates a virus that is linked to cancer thereby effectively eliminating that cancer, there is no reason, in my mind, that we can't do it for other cancers.  Which vaccine does that, the HPV vaccine.  We can't stop there.  We need to keep pushing toward a cure for all cancers.  I don't want to hear about "rare" cancer's, all cancer sucks!  Whether you experience cancer first hand or you are a family member or friend, the impact is great.  We can't just sit back and do nothing.  Look around you 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will at some point in their lives be faced with cancer, those numbers need to change.
Okay so maybe those of you reading this aren't crazy enough to ride a bicycle around the world, but we can all do something.  It may be just holding the hand of someone suffering or offering up a prayer, it may be speaking out and keeping this disease in the forefront of everyone's mind, we all have some way of giving back.  I challenge you to find yours!

I have to make my opinion known!

I needed to take the time to make my opinion known about a controversy that has arisen through the political scene. I would not normally do this but this hits very close to home for me.  As someone who was diagnosed with HPV and has had ongoing cervical issues, first 18 years ago, and then again for 3 out of the last 4 years, I am disheartened by anyone who speaks out against a preventive vaccine.  I firmly believe that it is our duty as parents to protect our children in anyway we can.  To the best of my knowledge, this is the first vaccine available that has been shown to protect against a virus that causes certain types of cancer.  It is time for people to get some courage and speak out, this is not a taboo subject.  Yes, HPV is sexually transmitted, and I ask, how many of you are celibate?  Studies show that a very large percentage of all women will at some time in their lives contract this virus, which also means that a large percentage of men will also.  The greatest thing is the vaccine is now available for both boys and girls.  If this had been available when I was young it would have saved me numerous surgeries, the emotional stress, and ongoing fear of living with this virus.

As you all know cancer is a cause I take to heart, I do what I do because I can, so many people cannot.  Please watch the video, I ride for many reasons, cancer being one of them.  I have lost a Grandfather, 2 Aunts, an Uncle, and a Sister to this disease.  I have a sister who holds my hand in survivorship.  I want to know that there will be a day when my grandchildren are reading about cancer in a history book, not experiencing it first hand. 

Long fruitful day.

From the front lines of advocacy, I spent the entire day at the PA Immunization Conference.  I learned quite a bit that will help me in the future as I speak to others.  I was a guest speaker for the part of the day focused on the HPV vaccine.  I followed a very knowledgeable, fun loving, physician.  I was given the opportunity to share my story and why I believe it is important for us to be spreading the word about this vaccine.  Our presentation sparked a very informative conversation with the audience and that was a good thing.  If you were there, thank you.
I made a new friend as I sat next to a wonderful physician from the local area.  He introduced me to one of his friends and as the day went on I had met many wonderful people.  I even recruited someone who wants to volunteer to help out Tamika & Friends.  This was a great group to speak to and everyone there was very receptive to the conversation. 
I am so blessed and I love getting the opportunity to share and help others.  If I can bring a smile to one persons face it is worth it all and today there were many.