Stop the Silence - Sean Patrick's Fight Against Ovarian Cancer

The first message that she was dying came by bicycle. Sean Patrick rode up the steep trail on Smuggler Mountain, Aspen, Colorado, on a cool, pre-fall day in 1995. She had spent many summer afternoons biking through the Aspen groves, enjoying the late sun shining patchwork on the trail. Normally energized from the strenuous workout and her daily 15- to 22-mile rides, Patrick was shocked when she became so out of breath that she had to get off the bike to avoid throwing up.

It was radical, she says. I couldnt get up. At first she thought she had over trained or suffered from exhaustion from too much traveling. Confirming her ideas, Patricks doctor suggested that she slow down and get a hobby. If you cant slow down, he said to her, I can always give you a prescription for Valium.

After weeks of still not being able to ride or rock climbher favorite sportPatrick returned to her doctor, who did blood work, but found nothing obviously wrong. He told her not to worry. It wasnt until 1997 that she finally found out that she had a rare form of ovarian cancer called Micropapillary Serous Carcinoma. After the late discovery, Patrick endured seven surgeries and, at one point in 2001 after being flown to a hospital via flight for life, doctors told her she wouldnt live past six weeks.

------------------------------------------------------

Patrick did live, and she says, in large part it was due to her experiences in the mountains. She was strong from regularly biking and lifting weights, and she was mentally balanced after decades of rock climbing. The wilderness and leadership skills she gleaned in places like the Rocky Mountains prepared her for the greatest challenge of her lifesurviving that six-week ordeal in the hospital.

While on her deathbed in the ICU, a doctor inserted a blood gas line in her body, and it hurt like hell, she says. I snapped and got angry, and at that moment I came back into my body. She likens the feeling to being really scared after a rock climbing fall or when she has been stuck on the side of a mountain on a ledge in a thunderstorm. I would get scared and then angry, and that would act as a catalyst to get moving. I knew if I did not keep moving in the face of my disease that I would not make it.

Since her extraordinary recovery six years ago, Patrick continues to move rapidly forward. Not only does she still climb and play in the mountainsshe topped out on the Grand Teton after 22 hours of climbing through blizzard conditions in 2004but she also decided to make it her mission to raise awareness and money for the cancer that almost killed her. My lifes goal is to prevent as many women as possible from going through what I experienced, she says.

In the last few years Patrick has helped create an ovarian cancer website for the Johns Hopkins Medical Institute, and she regularly travels around the country on speaking engagements. Patricks crowning achievement is the non-profit HERA Foundation (Health, Empowerment, Research, Advocacy), which she created in 2002. She organizes Climb For Life events around the country and in Mexico, which bring women and men together to rock climb, do yoga, watch climbing slide shows and films, and, most importantly, learn about and raise money for ovarian cancer.

Friend and Climb for Life volunteer, Deanne Pranke says that Patricks climbing events have been incredibly inspirational for thousands of people. Sean has brought ovarian cancer out in the open and empowered many women such as myself to take charge of our health and educate our loved ones and friends about this kind of cancer.

Adds Patrick, The need for perseverance forces women to reach deep inside themselves when they feel like they cant go further. The lessons you learn from climbing and taking care of yourself in the wilderness translate into successful life strategies on a day to day basis. In fact, Patrick has never seen a sport as empowering as climbing is for women. Often when Ive seen women get to the top of a route in the gym, the transformation on their face is phenomenal, she explains.

------------------------------------------------------

Sean Patricks wide smile greets the climbers as they stream into the third-floor room of REI Denver, spring 2004. Running her hand through a shock of white blonde hair, she says shes nervous when speaking publicly, but her voice is steady and vibrant as she talks about ovarian cancer and the HERA Climb for Life REI Road Tour (now in its third year), sponsored by REI, black Diamond, and HERA. She speaks to the audience with the fluency of someone who possesses a vast knowledge of the disease and the politics surrounding it.

After her diagnosis, Patrick became a research maven, reading everything she could find on the subject and hounding doctors all over the country. With her energetic and insistent attitude, shes penetrated the wall of scientific jargon to understand her disease. What she learned inspired her to reach out to others.

Since its inception, she says, the foundation has provided doctors with research grants; provided seed grants to a number of small communities, which have allowed them to offer immediate assistance to aid patients with travel, hotel rooms, and childcare while they are undergoing treatment; and established awareness programs throughout the United States.

Patrick has also convinced thousands of women and men to work with her. Among those women are famous alpinist kitty Calhoun and Salt Lake City, Utah, resident Hillary Silberman. Both women worked with Patrick to create a video highlighting the HERA Foundation and ovarian cancer.

According to Silberman, making the video and volunteering for HERA changed her life. Silbermans mother died in 2003 from ovarian cancer, and she says that she felt helpless in the face of her mothers illness. My involvement with HERA gave me the tools to work with to deal with my mothers death as well as people to connect with who understand where Im coming from.

By being involved and being proactive, Silberman explains, she has done something positive for others by presenting them with information. I have also done something positive for myself by beginning to think about what I needed to do to protect myself and get early detection.

With cancer affecting most of the female members of her family, Silberman is at a high risk for contracting the disease, although she doesnt currently have it. Her nurse practitioner tried to convince her not to worry, but Patrick and the Climb for Life events convinced Silberman to follow through on her own to seek the medical services she needs for early detection. The feeling of strength, perseverance and tenaciousness that climbing engenders made me not give up when professionals were telling me not to worry.

------------------------------------------------------

As with most female-specific diseases, says Patrick, ovarian cancer has typically been ignored by the medical industry. Despite the fact that it kills women of all ages and more women than all the other gynecological cancers combined, many doctors are ignorant of its symptoms and think the disease affects only the elderly. This, explains Patrick, partially results from the medical fields traditional focus on men and male-specific diseases.

For example, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality found that although coronary heart disease (CHD) causes more than 250,000 deaths in women each year, much of the research in the last 20 years on CHD has either excluded women entirely or included only limited numbers of women.

Additionally, doctors treat women different than men in hospitals. According to a fall 2001 study published in the Journal of Law, Medicine and Ethics, womens pain reports are taken less seriously than mens, and women receive less aggressive treatment than men for their pain. Also, women were more likely to have their pain reports discounted as emotional and therefore, not real.

I have had several experiences with this kind of dismissive treatment by both male and female doctors, says Patrick. It is a flaw in how medicine is taughtwomen complain, men dont, so they take mens complaints more seriously. To get the best treatment, you have to find a doctormale or female (one is not better than another in being more empathetic)that sees you as a person and not a statistical group.

Although Patrick seeks to change the way doctors view ovarian cancer and other women-specific diseases, she believes its more imperative to encourage women to take control of their own health. Ovarian cancer is not a silent killer, she says, the disease has symptoms, and its important that women are made aware of what they are. Women who go to the doctor with gastrointestinal symptoms must make sure that ovarian cancer is ruled out.

through climbing, Patrick believes that women can be taught to stand up for themselves. Not only do these events teach women self-reliance, but they are also places where we can turn our passion for climbing into a passion for making a difference.

I think success in climbing no matter what level you climb at5.4 to 5.14translates to successful life strategies, Patrick says. I want women who are empowered by the mountains to take this back into everyday life, and as it relates to the medical community, I want them to trust their intuition despite their doctors contention that they may not have a problem. In climbing and in life, trust yourself.

For more information on ovarian cancer and the HERA Foundation, please visit the HERA Foundation website at www.theherafoundation.org. Climb For Life events are held regularly around the country. The next 2007 event will be held in Boulder, Colorado. Registration has started.

Lizzy Scully Writer lizzy@girlsed.org

To find out more about registering or volunteering for the June 15-17, 2007 event, please visit: http://www.climb4lifeco.kintera.org/.

Yoga Mat Bags Yoga Bags

Wakeboarding Tricks

When it comes to wakeboarding, some riders are always a cut above the rest. Others make small ripples while others take on the challenges of billowing waves. Surely though, most riders dream of becoming the latter. If you are one of these, then you better start working on your wakeboarding tricks immediately. From achieving the perfect heelside blinds to completing fruit loops, there are just too many wakeboard tricks to choose from. All youve got to do is work the one which challenges you the most.

The most diverse wakeboard tricks set of all consists of the heelside blinds. This is a combination of jumps and mid air spins. This ranges from 80 degree movements to the much coveted 540. The best thing about this trick is that anyone can take on it step by step until they reach the latter. Generally, it involves jumping off the wake, taking a spin and landing on the wake once again. When it comes to the hillside wakeboard ticks, all you need to learn are specific moves which define whether the spin you made qualifies as a 189, 3690, 8o or others.

You may also want to try out the wakeboard trick called 911. To do this, you must cut in normal after going heelside. after that, put more weight n your toe side. after that, you must stand tall and just let the wake take you off. Once you get through the jump, throw your legs back to feel like you are flying. You must make sure that your body is flat so that you feel greater sensations. after that, hold the position for a while and then return to your normal stance by landing on the wakeboard.

Air Raleys are also perfect wakeboard tricks to master. To do this, you must stand taller as you try to come off the wake. While the wake speeds on water, try edging through it progressively. To make sure the whole wakeboard trick works, make sure that you keep your head up and look at the boat. This will keep you from over rotating. after all these are done, its time for you to extend your arms and start pulling the handle up and down.

On the other hand, Bel air is the trick to boot when it comes to water back flips. Here, the whole trick is actually reliant on the speed that the wake is running. Once the wakeboard has generated enough speed, throw a back flip. Making sure that you start and the edge of the wake is crucial in this trick.

There are more tricks in store for the wakeboard daredevil in you. What you have read here are but a mere fraction of all the possibilities that the sport holds for you. With a little determination and a lot of practice, you will be able to exhibit the finest wakeboard tricks in as easy as 1- 2- 3. Try it now and experience ultimate sporting sensation through the best wakeboard tricks.

Visit us or share your opinions at the worlds best homepage or free content resource.Do you want to quit smoking? Visit Smokefree England for further information.

Carol Mitchell Yoga On The Ball

Your Almost Complete Fun Guide to Niagara Falls

niagara Falls, sometimes referred to as the Canadian Falls, draw tourists by the thousands each year to catch a glimpse of the stunning view of the falls, making it one of the most well-known and famous waterfalls in the world. The falls are situated right on the border of Canada and the United States. Further, the name Niagara Falls may at first be deceiving to people who have never visited the falls as it sounds as if it only refers to one waterfall. In essence, Niagara Falls is actually a total of three falls: the American Falls, the Bridal Falls and the Veil falls. This immense water feature allows the passage of well over 160,000 cubic meters of water to topple over its immense crest line every sixty seconds!

Best Time to Visit Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls and the surrounding area is an area that is exposed to a variety of weather. All four seasons occur in Niagara Falls because the area is roughly equal distance from the equator as is the city of Boston, Massachusetts. Thus, Niagara Falls experiences cold winters, and balmy springs and equally warm summers. Finally, autumn is a fantastic time to tour the Niagara Falls regionthe landscape and changing leaves make for a truly memorable experience.

The coldest temperatures in Niagara Falls occur during the months of early November to late March: in November the temperature ranges from 22 degrees Fahrenheit to 47 degrees Fahrenheit, while the month of March displays similar temperatures anywhere from 30 degrees Fahrenheit to nearly 43 degrees Fahrenheit. January is typically the coldest of all months, with low temperatures averaging around 15 degrees Fahrenheit and highs peaking right around 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is typical and abundant during the winter months in Niagara Falls.

spring, especially in the time period between late March and mid-May, offers a mixture of mild to brisk temperature changes, as does the months of September through October. In striking contrast, the summers are comfortable enough in Niagara Falls that tourists can feel comfortable in casual shorts and short-sleeved shirts. In late May temperatures begin to warm considerably, averaging just about 55 degrees Fahrenheit and the months of June through August offer temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

No matter what the weather in Niagara Falls, no matter what the season, it is imperative that you are prepared for the weather. If you plan on visiting the falls, they should also make sure they have a change of clothing or they may even want to bring some rain gear along. Windy days can move the splashing water about and tourists often get wet while viewing the falls.

Traveling Around the Niagara Falls Area
Taxi services are available while staying in Niagara Falls. The taxi service is available 24 hours a day and tourists can be picked up when they arrive at the airport. Further, handicapped accessible vehicles are available upon request. Taxi rates vary depending upon destination, but taxis will transport you to all of the main attractions in the region.

Shuttle buses are another transportation choice for tourists, and there is an equal diversity in the various routes offered by shuttle bus companies. Places that can be visited via shuttle bus transportation include the American Falls, Casino Niagara, the Clifton Hill Amusement Area, Garner Road, Great Gorge, the Horseshoe Falls, the IMAX Theatre, Lundys Lane, Lundy's Lane Historical Museum, the Niagara Whirlpool, The Skylon Tower, and the Spanish Aero car just to name a few fantastic destinations.

tours Available at Niagara Falls
If you are visiting Niagara Falls for the first time you might want to take advantage of the numerous tours available. From guided to self-guided tours, you are bound to find a tour offered with a variety of services which include bus tours, limo tours, boat tours, and walking tours all available while visiting the Niagara Falls region.

Limo tours
Tourists can explore the Niagara Falls region in style when they book one of several limo tours available. View the citys sites while riding in a climate controlled limo. Some touring packages even offer picnic options to tourists. Further, tourists viewing the sites in Niagara Falls can choose their destination: check out great places like Buffalo, Lewiston, the Lower Niagara River, and Niagara on the lake, Old Fort Niagara and toronto during a stay in Niagara Falls.

bus tours
bus tours offer site seeing opportunities equal to those of limo tours. Depending on the package you select, you can take a ride on the world famous Maid in the Mist, and see fantastic sites like the Dufferin Islands, the International Control Dams, the Marineland in Niagara, the Niagara Parks Greenhouses, the Old Marooned Scow, the Sir Harry Oakes Estate and the toronto Power Plant. Some bus touring packages even have sight-seeing opportunities that include the Angel Inn, the Apothecary Museum, Fort George, Fort Niagara, the Shaw Theatre and the Old Town Clock.

Walking tour
Walking, self-guided tours can be taken any time at the Whirlpool Park. A walking tour along the hiking trails in Whirlpool Park takes roughly three hours to complete. One final note: some tours are only offered on a seasonal basis.

Night Life
You will certainly want to take advantage of the nightly entertainment available at Niagara Falls area. Music, dancing, exhibits, shows, and plenty of cultural activities are in abundance in this region.

Clifton Hills, ontario
From night time miniature golf games at the Dinosaur Park to unbelievable sites at the Ripleys Believe or Not Museum, Clifton Hill is the place to visit when looking for diversity in terms of entertainment. You can catch a movie, play video games in a fantastic arcade; bowl a game or two; or watch your favorite television show on one of several big screen televisions. Other attractions offered at Clifton Hill include an all star wax museum and a number of thrill rides!

Meanwhile, for those looking for a little music, the Caf Etclocated at 462 Third Street in Niagara Falls, New York offers live jazz entertainment every weekend. The hours of operation for Caf Etc are from 3 pm to 3 am every day and the menu the eatery offers is diverse. From Italian cuisine to seafood, the Caf Etchas something to please every palate.

Other Nearby Tourist Attractions
From gorgeous gardens and lakes, to fun recreational activities for the entire family, the Niagara Falls region offers something for everyones enjoyment.

Aquarium
Tourists and their families are sure to love the Aquarium of Niagara Falls, located at 701 Whirlpool Street. The aquariums operating hours are from 9 am to 4 pm each day and the aquarium is the home to penguins, seals, sharks, sea lions, and more. The cost of admission into the aquarium is reasonable: adults pay $8.00, children from 4 to 12 pay $5.50, and children under 4 are free. Group rates are also available at the aquarium.

Whirlpool Park
Whirlpool Park is also a fantastic family attraction in the Niagara Falls region. Whirlpool Park is easily accessed from the Ross State Parkway; its a natural park with hiking trails, and a view of incredible rapids and whirlpools. Whats best about Whirlpool Park is that it is open all year long and there is absolutely no cost for admission.

Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens
Again, there is an abundance of fantastic sites in the Niagara region and tourist might enjoy visiting the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, located at 2565 Niagara Parkway. With more than 100 acres of land consisting of herbal, rock, vegetable, and floral gardens, in conjunction with the fantastic exhibits available, the entire family will have a memorable experience at this popular tourist destination.

Copyright Statement
This article was written by Jonathan Tan and may be reproduced on any travel-related website provided this copyright statement is displayed unedited in its entirety at the foot of the article and you use the exact same HTML code to ensure a clickable link back to the author's site. Further articles are also available. Contact the author for more information.

Copyright www.last-minute-vacation-guide.com

The most affordable way to make a weekend trip to and within Canada is via last minute getaway deals! Check out last minute getaways before the weekend is up!

Cool Online Stuff Yoga Coolonlinestuff Com