There is Always Hope

The Mystery of Miracles

By Donna LaBelle

Much about cancer is mysterious, maybe because people themselves are mysterious and complex - that's for sure! And we are more than the sum of our parts. Basically our physical bodies are the same – head, heart, muscles, bones. But we are more than just bodies. We have minds too. That adds another factor all together. Especially in dealing with cancer and here are a few reasons why.

One person may have a healthy, organic diet, no smoking, no drinking and exercises regularly. Another person may have a terrible diet, is sedentary and also smokes and drinks. Common sense would say that the second person would be more likely to get cancer than the first, but cancer doesn't always follow common sense. Or does it? The added factor of the mind and how we think plays a very big role in our health. Everyone knows by now that stress is a big issue of our times.

“It's pretty clear that chronic stress disrupts the immune system, making us vulnerable to everything from a cold or flu to the uncontrolled growth of mutated cells,” says Lorenzo Cohen, PhD, in his book Anti Cancer Living: Transform Your Life and Health With the Mix of Six.
Does stress have a hold on you? Find some useful information and suggestions on how to deal with it here.

Mental Affects Physical

In the battle against cancer, the physical aspect – what we eat, drink, put into and do with our bodies – as well as our mental attitude, is important. Stress and negative emotions can turn us into toxic chemical factories. The body is made to heal itself if we don't get in the way. But how do we account for healing that doesn't fit any of the rules? “Spontaneous remission, also called spontaneous healing or spontaneous regression, is an unexpected improvement or cure from a disease that usually progresses. These terms are commonly used for unexpected transient or final improvements in cancer.” 1

Spontaneous healing and idosyncratic diseases/disorders are two sophisticated ways of saying, “We don't know how they healed or why they are sick.” Science measures physical phenomena and produces repeatable results. But what about things that are not measurable? Such as: love, patriotism, trust and kindness. Answers to those unexplained spontaneous and idiosyncratic mysteries just might be found in the spiritual dimension. Faith is definitely found there.

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things believed,” (Hebrews 11:1). And so is fear. “God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, of love and of a sound mind,” (2 Timothy 1:7). We also know that the enemy of our souls is out to steal, kill and destroy us (John 10:10), but he goes about “like a roaring lion” (1 Peter 5:8), and perhaps his greatest weapon is the fear we allow ourselves to have of him, the toothless lion.

The ecstatic reaction to a spontaneous healing is often, “It's a miracle!!” because it is supernatural, that is, super or beyond what naturally happens. Who says no one can walk on water? Isn't it reasonable that the One who made everything including the rules can suspend them when He chooses? Even in the natural, things that we thought were impossible do happen. They never thought the 4-minute mile would be broken but as soon as it was, many followed.

Micol Sanko, Founder of Cancer Warrior Inc., received such healing of her cancer. In her book Hope Over Fear she tells her story and provides helpful, inspirational guidelines for others. She shares her testimony in this video Miraculously Cancer Free Cancer Survivor. What if Micol surrendered everything to the Lord and in doing so she let go of fear? What if she spent so much time with Him that she knew His voice? And His voice led her beside still waters and out of chaos, caused her to lie in green pastures to rest and heal? What if her body, soul and spirit were lined up for healing? Not even identical twins have identical stories. Many healings have no logical explanations – like falling out of a tree and getting healed as little Annabel Beam did. We step out into uncharted waters as we set sail on spiritual seas with His voice as our North star. Each story, each life is unique. But I write this to say that Hope reaches out her hand to those who are willing to take it.

We believe in miracles! Please know CWI's prayers are with you.

Meet the Author

Author and CWI Founder, Micol Sanko shares her vision and inspiration for her book Hope Over Fear in this new video.

During her battle with aggressive stage IIIB metastatic uterine cancer, Micol Sanko literally dreamed of writing Hope Over Fear in order to bring strength and insight to others facing similar insurmountable challenges.

Hope Over Fear offers decision-making exercises, important information, and a tale of miracles woven through its pages for inspiration. You will gain clarity as you read and participate in each exercise. Create your action plan and begin walking "a fearless warrior path to wellness."

Cancer Warrior Inc. is a non-profit organization founded by Micol to support anyone confronted with cancer diagnosis, and empower their choices for the best treatment path. CWI needs and appreciates your donations to fulfill its mission in helping cancer patients get the treatment they need.

Available on Amazon

Available on Amazon

Make Your Health Go Viral

By Donna LaBelle

Corona virus, also known as COVID 19, has a wide variety of symptoms. According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) they include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, shaking, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, loss of taste and smell. There has even been found on the front lines purple, blue or red lesions on feet and toes, fizzing sensation on the skin, pink eye and confusion. 1 All of these as well as no symptoms at all! With the whole world shut down and singularly focused on this virus, fear has understandably run rampant along with the invisible enemy, as some have called it.

Here are some basic facts about defending yourself against viruses in general and COVID 19 specifically, plus a few suggestions on what to do about it.

Who's At Risk?

Studies show that men*, minorities*, people with compromised immune systems, the elderly, the obese and those with diabetes are hit harder than average. But logic indicates that what's at the center of this last sentence is also at the center of the issue of who is affected most: compromised immune systems, because all of these people have immune systems that are not working in an optimal way. Regardless of your position on extending or ending the shutdown, on masks, or six-feet gaps and disinfectants we can all agree that a healthy immune system is important!

What Helps Strengthen Our Immune Systems?

Stay Healthy!

Stay Healthy!

A Simple Basic List:
• good nutrition
• good sleep
• stress reduction (did you know that not only stress, but fear, anger, worry and other negative emotions lower the immune system?) 2
• drinking lots of pure water
• exercise
• sunshine
• animals
• friends
• laughter
• optimism
• healthy habits such as minimal alcohol drinking and not smoking
• gardening – more specifically hands in the dirt! 3

Most of these things are free and don't need an explanation except to say that they work with your body to provide building blocks and circumstances for your immune system to be strong. If your life is not filled with the good stuff but with stress and fear, it can be a downward spiral – you grab a cigarette or a candy bar, you get tired, you pull back from people, you start over-thinking, imagining, worrying, blaming – you can start anywhere on this list and like most of us know, it is easy to roll downhill.

A few tips to break out of that cycle:

• before you watch another show, sit in the sun for 5 minutes
• think of a friend who is struggling and text them a few reasons why they are special
• pick out some flowers to plant (the sun, fresh air, dirt and beauty make an impact)
• spend five or ten minutes thinking about things for which you are thankful
• start an exercise habit with SMALL goals – run 1 block, 10 squats, 10 curls; if you are a 'list' person, decide on the small habit (the 1 block) and check things off. If you are a 'rewards' person, plan small rewards for small goals and bigger ones for big goals
take deep slow breaths 4

Are Food and Vitamins Important?

Absolutely! If you seriously want good health and a strong immune system what you eat and put into your body is very important. What to eat:

• good protein for white blood cells such as meat, nuts, dairy and eggs
• good fats such as olive and coconut oil and avocados
• vitamins such as beta carotene, vitamins C, D, E and zinc and selenium or
• food forms of beta carotene – sweet potatoes, broccoli, carrots, spinach, peppers
• for vitamin C – citrus fruits, red bell peppers, papaya, strawberries and tomatoes
• for vitamin E – sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts and peanut butter
• for zinc – lean mean, poultry, seafood, milk, whole grain products, bean, seed, nuts
• for selenium – tuna, beef, Brazil nuts
• certain foods such as garlic, kale, navy beans, reishi mushrooms, blueberries and raspberries help raise your immune strength
• one particularly good mushroom is Chaga, full of antioxidants! 5
• other herbal teas blends like matcha, tulsi, echinacea, ginseng, aloe vera and green tea 6

Slowing Down

Many people have taken advantage of the gift of slowing down and having more free time. Not everyone was given these great opportunities, but truly many lives have been changed in big and small ways because of the times we are going through. “Unprecedented” is a word I hear often to describe it. No one has been unaffected and no matter where you fall on the spectrum, it really is a great time to evaluate your life. Are you happy with your career, your relationships, your health? Use this viral shake-up as a catalyst to make the changes you have always wanted to make. One of the most important factors in establishing new habits and lifestyles is how deeply you desire them and sometimes you just need a good push to take the dive!

*Men and minorities may have lower immune systems on average due to many factors which we will not cover in this article.

Photo: Frepik

Our Gift for Your Giving

A Free Gift for This Season

With appreciation, CWI offers a special Gift of the Season

CWI-Mugs-web-crp.jpg

Every donation made to Cancer Warrior Inc. helps to fulfill our mission and empower those who suffer with cancer. Because of your thoughtful donations, CWI has recently helped alleviate financial burdens for many patients suffering from breast, prostate and lung cancer.

To show our appreciation for your donations of $200 or more, we offer a special Free Gift of the Season. This season’s gift is a set of two beautiful ceramic mugs featuring CWI’s logo, which signifies that you are a Cancer Warrior, Empowering Choices!

 

 

 
CWI-SingleMug-web.jpg

Season Gift

A Free Gift for This Season

In appreciation, CWI offers a special Gift of the Season for donations of $200 or more.

CWI-Mugs-web-crp.jpg

Every donation made to Cancer Warrior Inc. helps to fulfill our mission and empower those who suffer with cancer. Because of your thoughtful donations, CWI has recently helped alleviate financial burdens for many patients suffering from breast, prostate and lung cancer.

To show our appreciation for your donation, we offer a special Free Gift of the Season. This season’s gift is a set of two beautiful ceramic mugs featuring CWI’s logo, which signifies that you are a Cancer Warrior, Empowering Choices!

 

 

 
CWI-SingleMug-web.jpg

Season Gift

A Free Gift for This Season

In appreciation, CWI offers a special Gift of the Season to anyone who donates $200 or more.

Tiger-pieces.jpg

This season, when many of us are facing the challenges of being confined at home, CWI offers this beautiful art puzzle “Tiger” created by CWI founder, Micol Sanko. Any amount you can donate will help, but CWI offers this perfect puzzle as an incentive to anyone donating $200 or more. This art puzzle is 10 x 14 inches with 240 pieces and it provides a fabulous way to help you and your loved ones enjoy engaging and creative entertainment. Art puzzles have many benefits including interactive connections with family, stress relief, and alternatives to electronic devices and TV.

Every donation made to Cancer Warrior Inc. helps to fulfill our mission and empower those who suffer with cancer. Because of your thoughtful donations, CWI has recently helped alleviate financial burdens for many patients suffering from breast, prostate and lung cancer.

The current COVID-19 pandemic is causing is a difficult moment for everyone around the globe. In these challenging times, let us not forget those who have already been compromised by cancer.

 

 

 

World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day is an international day marked on February 4 to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment. On World Cancer Day, and everyday, Cancer Warrior, Inc. stands alongside cancer patients as they fight for their lives. Please donate today and join our community as we empower patients to receive the treatment of their choice.

WorldCancerDay.jpg

The Power of People

By Donna LaBelle

For a human being, being with humans is irreplaceable. 

While healing and battling cancer, the importance of other people is essential and grossly underrated. After a diagnosis, it is completely natural to go through stages of emotion - denial, anger, bargaining, depression - and sometimes these can only be experienced alone. But much like the stoic expression, “pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps” is basically impossible to do, so too is battling cancer alone. Other people play a very important role in healing; physically,emotionally and even spiritually.

In a solid physical way, we need other people. Yes, we need doctors’ expertise, but we also need our friend to pick up the kids when we have an appointment or a family member to order food or even cook for us. It’s important to ask for the help you need. People want to help but may not know how. In Cancer Support: Tips for Family and Friends a WebMD article, R. Morgan Griffin writes, “Don’t lean too much on one person. Instead, ask for help from several people. That way, you won’t feel guilty about imposing too much on one person, and no relative or friend will feel overwhelmed.“  The article also quotes Harold J. Burstein, MD, a staff oncologist at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, “A cancer diagnosis adds an enormous amount of stress to a person’s life, but people who have strong social supports -- good friends and family -- tend to cope much better.”

Many people have faced a cancer diagnosis, beat it and want to share how they did. They can give you practical information that keeps you from reinventing both the informational and learning curve wheels. You can find support and many informational groups online, resources in your area,, caregiver support groups (because caregivers are under tremendous stress too!, and books on how to tell children about what is going on in your life. There is even AirBnB community support.

But we also have an emotional need to be heard. To be truly heard is so important for healing. Releasing your thoughts and sharing the feelings you have to a therapist is valuable but does not compare to connecting with someone who listens and dialogues with you. This talking with feedback may be a powerful stress reliever which reaches down into the cellular level, stopping the toxic effects of unresolved issues that may contribute to dis-ease. It is a sad fact in our busy culture that some people don’t have ‘that person’ who would take the time to listen like this. Contrary to what one might think and in a surprising plot twist, even as a cancer patient or caregiver, you may need to give before you get; the classic Golden Rule in action. Everyone around you is dealing with something hard in their life and it is possible that listening to them and caring may help you divert attention from your situation. Helping them heal may help you do some healing too. It is good to know that when you need to talk for emotional or psycho-social health as professionals call it, there is a free number: 1-888-793-9355, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 9PM EST. Sheila Hammer, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at the Cancer Support Community explains more about this need for emotional support.

When emotional needs are cared for it produces HOPE. And hope is a very spiritual experience. We need it to go on. Spontaneous healings have even resulted. Our desire for a purpose bigger than ourselves causes us to climb to higher levels of existence. Who am I really? Why am I here and what can I contribute? This is super-natural. There are people who can help in the search for answers to these deep questions.

Founder Micol Sanko has written a book, Hope Over Fear, A Personal Guide to Cancer Survival, that combines all three needs that people have in this challenging place. Having been through so much, Micol has emerged with a beautiful message of hope! 

Together we pray that you overcome and have your own story of hope to share with others!

 

 

hearthands.jpg

Photo: freepik.com

January - Item of the Month

Each month CWI offers a special Item of the Month. All donations of $200 and up in January receive this special item free, in appreciation for your donation.

 

Evening-Leaf-trivet.jpg

Our January Item of the Month is this beautiful trivet featuring artwork by CWI founder, Micol Sanko.

With your generous donation of $200 or more to CWI between January 1 - 31, 2020, you will receive this trivet as our special thank you - FREE!

 

 

 

We Won!

Thank You
for Your Votes!

Cancer Warrior Inc. is very grateful to all those who voted for our Tree of Hope in Boyd Gaming’s charity competition. You helped our tree to win First Place Prize in the on site contest at Main Street Station Casino Brewery and Hotel in Las Vegas.

WE WON!
Thanks to YOU!

Your votes helped us win funds that support those battling cancer.

CW-ThankYouVote-Note-01.jpg
Micol Sanko (right) proudly accepts First Place Prize! (Photos: Enrique Malfavon)

Micol Sanko (right) proudly accepts First Place Prize! (Photos: Enrique Malfavon)

IMG_0474.JPG

Vote EACH DAY for Cancer Warrior Inc.'s Tree of Hope!

Cast Your Daily Vote for CWI !

Follow THIS LINK and choose Cancer Warrior Inc.’s tree. The more votes we receive, the more chances CWI has to win!

Vote Daily - Now through Sunday, December 15th (voting ends at midnight 12/15/19).

Both in person and online votes count daily!

ONLINE VOTING IS EASY! FOLLOW THIS LINK

ON SITE IN PERSON: CWI’s Tree is located at Main Street Station Casino Brewery and Hotel
(by the B Connected Club desk)
200 North Main Street
Las Vegas, NV 89101

ONLINE VOTING IS SIMPLE AND TAKES LESS THAN ONE MINUTE. REMEMBER TO VOTE EACH DAY, AND SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY TOO! THANK YOU!!

VOTE HERE

VOTE HERE

CWI Founder Micol Sanko has finished creating beautiful decorations to help our tree win! Please vote for our tree HERE!

CWI Founder Micol Sanko has finished creating beautiful decorations to help our tree win! Please vote for our tree HERE!

Cancer Warrior Inc.'s Tree of Hope is up!

Cast Your Vote for CWI !

Follow THIS LINK

The more votes we receive, the more chances CWI has to win!

Vote Daily - Tuesday, Nov. 26 through Sunday, Dec. 15. Both in person and online votes count daily!

ONLINE VOTING IS EASY! FOLLOW THIS LINK

ON SITE IN PERSON!

CWI’s Tree is located at:
Main Street Station Casino Brewery and Hotel

(by the B Connected Club desk)
200 North Main Street • Las Vegas, NV 89101

CWI Founder Micol Sanko has finished creating beautiful decorations to help our tree win! Please vote for our tree HERE!

CWI Founder Micol Sanko has finished creating beautiful decorations to help our tree win! Please vote for our tree HERE!

Time to Vote for Cancer Warrior Inc.

Cast Your Vote for CWI !

The more votes we receive, the more chances CWI has to win!

Vote Daily - Tuesday, Nov. 26 through Sunday, Dec. 15. Both in person and online votes count daily!

ON SITE IN PERSON!

CWI’s Tree is located at:
Main Street Station Casino Brewery and Hotel

(by the B Connected Club desk)
200 North Main Street • Las Vegas, NV 89101

ONLINE VOTING IS EASY!

Via Boyd Gaming’s Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and/or Instagram pages - follow these links…

TWITTER @boydgaming
INSTAGRAM @BoydGaming
Facebook

Via Main Street Station’s Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and/or Instagram pages -- follow these links…

TWITTER @MStreetCasino
INSTAGRAM @mstreetcasino
FACEBOOK

CWI-TOH-orn1-01.jpg
CWI Founder Micol Sanko has finished creating beautiful decorations to help our tree win! Please vote for our tree —@boydgaming@mstreetcasino#TreesofHopeLV

CWI Founder Micol Sanko has finished creating beautiful decorations to help our tree win! Please vote for our tree —

@boydgaming

@mstreetcasino

#TreesofHopeLV