Judy Blume Opens Up about Her Breast Cancer

Who doesn't love Judy Blume? If you don't, I don't want to hear about it, because she's absolutely great. And she's always been absolutely great. Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing, and Forever are all awesome.

Well, it seems Miss Blume is still absolutely great. She had a post yesterday about her breast cancer diagnosis earlier this summer and her surgery and recovery afterward. It's smart and moving, just as you'd expect.

Paul Newman's Camp for Sick Kids

Do you guys ever watch CBS Sunday Morning? If you're up early on a Sunday morning and not at church yet, I recommend it. It's a great show. Last weekend they had a long segment on the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp that Paul Newman started years and years ago to get kids who are sick a chance to get out into nature and, as he said, "raise a little hell."

It's a pretty amazing thing. I recommend it whole heartedly.

Chicago Cubs Record Message for Kid Battling Cancer

That's it. I've got a new favorite baseball player.

Anthony Rizzo was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins' lymphoma at the age of 19. Now he's playing 1st base for the Chicago Cubs and was named rookie of the month for July. That's amazing! Rizzo and teammate Tony Campana, also a cancer survior, recorded this video message for Luke Strotman, who's enduring his third fight with cancer.

Good stuff.

Congressman Diagnosed with NHL

It's an easy thing to forget sometimes, but it's important to remember. Cancer doesn't care who you are or what your job is. No matter how powerful or wealthy you are, it can still come to find you.

Michigan congressman Dave Camp, who is the chairman of the important House Ways and Means Committee, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma last month. Fortunately for Camp, he says that his prognosis is good, and there's a very good chance that he'll beat the disease:

Thankfully my health is otherwise excellent and my doctors and I expect a full recovery and cure. My family and I appreciate the support, good wishes and understanding we have received.

 Let's hope so!

Some inspiration from the field

I’m not the biggest football fan, but I came across this really uplifting article about a former NFL player that had non-hodgkin’s.

Merril Hoge played for the Steelers, and has a new book about his experiences in the NFL.

“From a young age, Merril knew it would be up to him to act on his dreams. He suffered abuse at the hand of his father, lost his mother at age 19, and was considered “too small and too slow” to play professional football.

He proved his critics wrong. Merril played eight seasons in the NFL before retiring in 1995 after a series of concussions. But in 2003, he faced his biggest challenge of all: cancer. Diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Merril took on chemotherapy with the same tenacity that got him to the NFL.”

Now Hoge is a commentator on ESPN. It’s really heartening to hear success stories about people suffering with this kind of cancer. I’m thinking about putting together a list of people who have or had non-Hodgkin’s. If you know of anyone famous, feel free to let me know.

Actor Diagnosed with NHL

Star of the television series Spartacus: Blood and Sand, Andy Whitfield has just announced that he's been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, according to LA Late News. He will be leaving the show to attend to treatments. According to this article, Whitfield recently released a statement saying:

"It’s with a deep sense of disappointment that I must step aside from such an exceptional project as Spartacus and all the wonderful people involved. It seems that it is time for myself and my family to embark on another extraordinary journey. Thank you sincerely for the support so far."

Our hearts are with you Andy! You can do it!

Mr. T kicked cancer's butt

Mr. T, the actor made famous by such hits as The A-Team and Rocky III, was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma in 1995. He is presently in remission. He was never very public about his battle with cancer but I managed to find a video interview with the famous mohawked actor. Click here to check it out.

No need to pity that fool! Congrats Mr. T.

Co-Founder of Microsoft living with NHL

Lucy and I just got back from another visit with her doctors, and she is going to have to go in for more treatment in a couple weeks. Bummer. But at least it will make her better.

While we were talking to the doctor he told me about a few people who have been diagnosed with non Hodgkin's Lymphoma, so when I got back home I decided to look up a few of the names we talked about, and here is an interesting article about someone who has been so important in shaping how we live life today.

"Paul Allen diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma



Considered one of the world’s leading entrepreneurs, Allen co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates in 1975. Now one of the wealthiest men in the world with an estimated net worth of approximately $10.5 billion, Allen spearheads many corporations and continues to create and oversee multiple technological projects the world over.

Allen, 56, while more than successful in his career, has had to endure several pitfalls in regards to his health. He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma sometime earlier this month, it was reported.

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma occurs in the white blood cells of the body, known as lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are the body’s defense mechanism and help fight diseases and infections. In non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, these white blood cells are produced uncontrollably and build tumors. Allen is reportedly suffering from B-cell lymphoma.

NHL is a life-threatening disease, and while its cause is still unknown, it has been confirmed that Paul Allen has begun chemotherapy."

http://www.celebrities-with-diseases.com/celebrities/paul-allen-diagnosed-with-non-hodgkins-lymphoma-1710.html