My heart was broken, but at the same time I really felt confident that Dr. Bunin was going to be able to help her.. Lehigh Valley Marketplace is the resource for local businesses, restaurants and cultural points of interest in the Lehigh Valley. Before your next grocery run, check out Bright Pinks handy cancer-fighting shopping listand aim for: This one is simple, for a variety of reasons! Lehigh Valley Marketplace | One In A Million: Coco's Story - Lehigh Valley Marketplace. During Cocos treatment, Ali and Jim split their time between living at the hospital and at home. Cats journey shines light on this fact: When detected early, the five-year survival rate for breast and ovarian cancers can be greater than 92%! It also may reduce a female babys overall risk of developing breast cancer later in her life. Excessive bleeding continued, liver damage, jaundice, swelling and low blood pressure sent her into the ICU. On August 24, 2009, Jim and Ali Lazaridis of Bethlehem welcomed their first child into the world, Khloe Coco, a healthy and happy baby girl. I needed to be strong so that she would be strong, too. It seemed to work as Coco continued to fight until finally on the 14th day after her transplant, new cells began to multiply and grow. Pregnancy can also reduce your risk of ovarian cancer by eliminating some ovulatory cycles and therefore the number of chances for ovarian cells to go rogue during cell division. Got five minutes to possibly make a huge difference in your life? One afternoon during those weeks of waiting for treatment to begin, Ali recalls playing with her daughter, when Coco suddenly stared into her mothers eyes as if to say, Mom, Im going to be okay. It was at that touching moment that Ali decided she would start a foundation, not only to spread awareness about JMML, but to offer hope for other children also diagnosed. Im so grateful for the cancer awareness I received to aid in my diagnosis. For many more details on what you can do to reduce your risk, check out their website! She credits CHOPs child life team, a group of specially trained professionals who help patients and families cope with illness, with helping her and Coco get through the long days in the hospital. Thank you for joining our movement to clean up our gorgeous planet while you clean up your beautiful smile. Before your next grocery run, check out Bright Pinks han. We know it can be hard to make them happen every day Cat herself still finds it a challenge to make space for mental and physical self-care with the demands of running a company. But think in baby steps. . So find out which relatives on both parents sides, if youre able have had cancer of any kind, which types, and how old they were when diagnosed. She would require intense chemotherapy followed by a bone marrow transplant.
, Happy 4th of July! ), Thanks to Cats own self-awareness, she was able to detect that something was off in her breast. So proud of myself for getting, We will get to visit them, but still hard to say g, My dad and I went to our last movie together for t, Justin would have been 33 years old today. She seemed like a healthy baby eating, playing and laughing. Chemo wouldnt begin for five weeks, while doctors monitored her and did endless blood tests. CHOP was our home for a long time, says Ali. Cocos treatment took place at The Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Research shows a modest decrease in invasive breast cancer in women with a low-fat diet. Heres her update: Now Im trying to balance these opposing forces: The need to stay super vigilant, but also celebrate the present. Along with feeling unlucky this year, Im also very aware of how lucky I was to find this bugger early and to be in a place where I could afford and receive effective treatment. Being diagnosed with a rare cancer has been a very sobering, humbling, and empathy-building experience, she says. Tag m, I feel closest to him when Im in nature and out, Happy Fathers Day in heaven. So see your doctor at least once a year for a well-woman exam, even when you feel perfectly healthy, to proactively manage your breast and ovarian health. Plus, it has lots of other benefits like lowering your risk for heart disease and reducing stress. A short walk today could lead to a longer run tomorrow. Ive since undergone extremely thorough treatment to remove all traces of this deadly bugger. Even if you do have a genetic mutation that puts you at a higher risk, it doesnt automatically mean youll get cancer. The desire to control my destiny (Ill do all I can to keep my body in health and balance), but also accept nature (accidents, loss, etc. So I sought a second opinion in January. Sporting events like golf tournaments and 5K races, blood and bone marrow drives, car washes, casino night and a variety of raffles take place throughout the Lehigh Valley. For many more details on what you can do to reduce your risk, check out the, The Floss Pick vs.
Ive since undergone extremely thorough treatment to remove all traces of this deadly bugger. If it makes sense for you, breastfeeding for one to two years not necessarily consecutively lowers your risk for both breast and ovarian cancer by decreasing estrogen levels and the number of times youll ovulate over the course of your life. Breast cancer affects about 1 in 8 women, making it the most common cancer diagnosis in women in the U.S. I hoped that it was just a knotted muscle, but I went ahead and scheduled a mammogram. They would play with Coco all the time, she says. If youre in your 20s and 30s, youre in luck. and the risk factors for specific genetic mutations. You could tell they really cared about her.. Bring it along to your next doctors visit. Even if you do have a genetic mutation that puts you at a higher risk, it doesnt automatically mean youll get cancer. Ali says, We are committed to financially helping families get through the rough spots. Then youll discover whether you have below average, average, increased, or high risk for breast and ovarian cancer. Have your vitamin D levels checked at your physicians office. Research shows a 10 percent increase in breast cancer risk for every 10 grams of alcohol thats one standard drink consumed on average each day. Shes doing really well, says Ali. But in the case of cancer, ignorance is not bliss. is known to help reduce the incidence of breast and ovarian cancer by slowing the growth of cancer cells. Taking birth control pills for 5 years even non-consecutively in your 20s and 30s can reduce your ovarian cancer risk by nearly half. Even if you jog every day and eat broccoli for breakfast, screening and self-awareness could save your life as it did Cats. Ali explained, The chemo did a lot of damage to her body. I had such a fun birthday wi, So fast #motherhood #twin #twintoddlers #cost, Hard day Thanks @livlyhood for coming wit, 4 years ago I said goodnight to my husband for the, These late naps are killing me haha If they take e, Link in my BIO to read the full blog post! Youll breeze through a few easy questions about your health and family history and will learn why each answer matters. reduces risk for those who have a family history of the disease. Heres her update: Now Im trying to balance these opposing forces: The need to stay super vigilant, but also celebrate the present. With this information, you can learn what you can do right now to proactively manage your health. In October of 2018, Cocofloss co-founder Cat Cu was on a sunset run in San Francisco when she noticed that her right breast felt tender with each stride. I couldnt be happier., I would definitely recommend CHOP to anyone, she adds. I just think its the best place ever.. Tracey Snyder Saab, founder of Community Warriors, a Lehigh Valley-based organization geared at helping children and families in need says, We are honored and proud to be a voice for The Coco Foundation, which defines Warriors in Action. While breast and ovarian cancer history is important, other types of cancer can also be indicators. 3401 Civic Center Blvd. Along with feeling unlucky this year, Im also very aware of how lucky I was to find this bugger early and to be in a place where I could afford and receive effective treatment. (These are als. Philadelphia, PA 19104, Know My Rights About Surprise Medical Bills, Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT) Program, 2022 The Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. Its hard to explain how I felt, says Ali. It has been shown to reduce estrogen levels, which in turn can slow the growth of cancer cells in the breasts. A short walk today could lead to a longer run tomorrow.
Our experts are here to review your childs diagnosis and treatment plan, and work with primary oncologists as needed. are a part of life!). 1 E Broad St.
But in the case of cancer, ignorance is not bliss. If you do smoke. and following my intuition saved my life!, Take charge of your own breast health with important tips from, And BTW, Cocofloss proudly donates $5 of every purchase of our, A lump, particularly one that feels like a frozen pea. But everybodys breasts are different different sizes and shapes, with various types of lumps that may come and go. Thankfully, her body began to heal itself and on July 14, 2010, (Ali and Jims wedding anniversary), they were able to bring their daughter home for good. Theres a known link between tobacco and many cancers (not just lung or other oral cancers). Theres always something you can do to. These, are not only nutritious, they are usually inexpensive. On March 26, 2010after finding a match through an umbilical cord blood bankshe received a bone marrow transplant. We pride ourselves on providing a variety of outstanding businesses, cultural offerings and organizations ready to provide you with unparalleled experiences. Take charge of your own breast health with important tips from Bright Pink below or pop over to their website for more information. 855.661.471996 PST, Monday Fridayhelp@cocofloss.com, For collaborations:marketing@cocofloss.com. Learn more on, can actually help decrease your risk of developing cancer. But no matter your age, picking up healthier exercise and eating routines can make a difference. They stop at nothing to help children and families battling pediatric cancer by creating opportunities to gain awareness, raise funds, and enable countless smiles.. Today, Coco continues to be in remission and enjoys the normal and carefree life of a two-year old. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial. For the next year, Jim and Alis lives would be turned upside down as they watched their young daughter battle for her life against a disease that no parent wants to know about. Capture everything about your family health history that you can using Bright Pinks simple, one-page Family Health History form. Youll breeze through a few easy questions about your health and family history and will learn why each answer matters. Screenings save lives!. Coco underwent several rounds of chemo until her immune system was completely suppressed. While breast and ovarian cancer history is important, other types of cancer can also be indicators. In February, at the age of 32, I received the mind-blowing news that I had a rare cancer. Self-screening and following my intuition saved my life!. After six months of cancer treatment, she received the all-clear in July! Ali recalls, At first it was difficult to accept Cocos diagnosis. In February, at the age of 32, I received the mind-blowing news that I had a rare cancer. Extremely rare, JMML accounts for approximately one case per one million children, usually under the age of four, according to the JMML Foundation. Bring it along to your next doctors visit. Gymnastics, finger painting, visits to the park, playing with her dog Bella and sharing life with her four-month old brother, Nicholas fill her days while her favorite chocolate milkshakes and her grandmothers Greek soup fill her tummy. At least 10 to 15 percent of breast and ovarian cancers are directly related to the genes we inherit. Diagnosed with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia, a very rare cancer, when she was just 3 months old, Coco had several rounds of chemotherapy and a cord blood transplant all before her first birthday. Whats standard for you may not be your friends normal.. But in reality there are over a dozen different genes that are important to understand whether somebody is at risk for breast and ovarian cancer.. Additionally, the foundation assists with the financial difficulties families go through during a childs hospital stay and treatment. It was a very emotional time for Cocos family. Research shows that individuals with a vitamin D deficiency have a 2.5-times increase in breast cancer risk, and a possible increase in ovarian cancer risk. Consider swapping out white bread with whole grain, white rice with brown, and sugary cereal for one rich in fiber and vitamins A and E. carry the vitamins and nutrients that can help lower your risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Although monthly visits to CHOP for blood tests are necessary in order to monitor Cocos health, its all worth it for the Lazaridis family. The Coco Foundations mission statement is to help fund clinical research geared toward treatment, raise awareness about pediatric cancer and support children and their families who have been diagnosed with JMML. Remember to keep watch of your body and to screen yourself this month! Cats case points to how it important it is to stay in touch with your M.D., no matter your age. One of the most powerful things you can do to begin lowering your breast and ovarian cancer risk is to take an honest look at the links between genetics and cancer and the risk factors for specific genetic mutations. Custom design by, My favorite Affordable Baby and Kids Clothing Stores 2021, Five Toddler Toys My Boys Love to Play With, 8 of the best must have products for twins, 13 of The Best Tips for Flying with a Toddler, Im loving this age right now! So find out which relatives on both parents sides, if youre able have had cancer of any kind, which types, and how old they were when diagnosed. Dont forget that your breast tissue extends up your collarbone, around to your armpits, and into your breastbone. . Monthly household bills, insurance and mortgage payments are often neglected during a family crisis., The Coco Foundation holds numerous fundraising events throughout the year.
Thats the ideal time to start adopting new habits that can, reduce your lifetime risk of breast and ovarian cancer. For Coco and her family, it was a tumultuous time. For information on JMML, how to become a donor, support the Foundation and find future fundraising events, visit thecocofoundation.org or email [emailprotected], Meris Inc. We used to think that BRCA 1 and 2 were the only genes involved, says Bright Pink Chief Medical Officer Deborah Lindner, M.D. The financial burden parents face is enormous. I was obviously relieved, but I still felt like something was off. Following the transplant, the family was forced to wait for the new cells to grow. Thanks again toBright Pink for providing this helpful information about preventing breast and ovarian cancer. Mouth sores, high fevers, infections, significant bleeding in addition to the normalcy of a young baby developing teeth were just some of the issues Coco faced. Through it all, Ali was careful not to let Coco see her cry. Check out my link i, Officially 34 today! , making it the most common cancer diagnosis in women in the U.S. , even when you feel perfectly healthy, to proactively manage your breast and ovarian health. The foundations board of directors includes family members, friends and associates who remain dedicated to Coco and all those affected by pediatric cancer. I wrote a blog p, I love the sweet bond my boys have with my dad. Coco had her transplant on March 26, the date her parents now call her second birthday. During the transplant, blood-making cells from another babys umbilical cord blood were infused into Cocos tiny body, where they soon began producing new, healthy blood cells to replace the ones that had been destroyed during her chemotherapy treatments. With this information, you can learn what you can do right now to proactively manage your health. Certain foods can actually help decrease your risk of developing cancer. Although Coco had been running a fever, she didnt even look sick, says Ali. For women with no family history or genetic predisposition: For women with a low-penetrance genetic mutation or family history: Learn more about screening options on the Bright Pink website. Test results and a needle biopsy suggested that the lump was nothing to worry about. Board members serve an annual fundraising dinner at the Ronald McDonald house in Philadelphia, where Coco and Ali resided while Coco attended eating therapy classes after being released from the hospital. Then check out Bright Pinks quiz: Assess Your Risk. The desire to control my destiny (Ill do all I can to keep my body in health and balance), but also accept nature (accidents, loss, etc.
I never would have imagined this would happen to me as a young, healthy 32-year-old yogi, though I now realize that cancer, and more generally, disease, is a universal human, and animal, experience., Since early cancer detection is key, talk to your health-care provider about starting mammograms at age 40. So I pressed my breast where it hurt and I noticed a lump. Get to know the normal look and feel of your breasts by checking in with your body regularly. If you have a family history of breast cancer, screening should start 10 years before the age at which your youngest relative was diagnosed, but not before age 30. Try to include lots of cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cauliflower, and dark, leafy greens like kale and spinach. We know it can be hard to make them happen every day Cat herself still finds it a challenge to make space for mental and physical self-care with the demands of running a company. But think in baby steps. Your breast-health management plan should be personalized based on your specific risk level. Ali stayed with her during the week, and Jim came on weekends.
At least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise enough to get your heart rate up or to break a sweat on most days may reduce your risk by as much as 10 to 20 percent. has been clinically proven to slow the growth of cancer cells in the ovaries by reducing the production of telomerase, a ribonucleoprotein that can increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer. In a personal letter, Dr. Chrys and Cat sharehow this extraordinary toothbrush honors their love of both the Dear CocoFam, As we wrap up another trip around the sun, we want to THANK YOU for allowing At Cocofloss, we had just posted about the importance of. Marketplace is for residents of the Lehigh Valley who are eager to learn and experience all the area has to offer culturally, socially, and philanthropically. Remember to keep watch of your body and to, r providing this helpful information about preventing breast and ovarian cancer. Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia is a charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. She continues, I cried alone in a bathroom or anywhere as long as it was not in her view. Shipping and taxes calculated at checkout. are a part of life!). How we make and recycle the worlds most blissfully effective toothbrush. Heres her roller-coaster story: At Cocofloss, we had just posted about the importance of breast self-checks to supportBright Pink, a nonprofit dedicated to the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer. But no matter your age, picking up healthier exercise and eating routines can make a difference. Thats the ideal time to start adopting new habits that can reduce your lifetime risk of breast and ovarian cancer.