Breast cancer survivor flies, climbs, models, and more

Ann McHardy's cancer diagnosis inspired her to become a pilot, play polo, dance, climb mountains and more. Sounds like our kind of gal.

Suzanne

ANNE McHARDY has always been a bit of a high-flier - with a top job in the RAF's Air Training Corps.

But it took a diagnosis of breast cancer at the age of 42 to persuade the dedicated career woman it was time to take flight herself.

Mum-of-one Anne, who lives near Glenshee, Perthshire, was determined to make the most of life that she signed up for flying lessons and is now a qualified pilot.

And that's not all - she's also become a go-karting champ and a budding polo player as well as a mountaineer, skier and dancer.

Anne, 48, said: "Since diagnosis, I've changed a lot about my life.

  

(Read more from the Daily Record)
Lady pilot image from e-cart.biz

UPDATE:Whale turns out to be star breast cancer fundraiser

Y'know my loop friends...just when I thought I had seen it all. There was a paddle boarding lady surfer named Jodie Nelson, trying to raise money and awareness for a breast cancer charity, and it wasn't going so well, until this rare whale showed up.

We love unusual fund raising stories, and this one may take the cake. Go ahead and click, there is even video. The story has now received national attention...here is a link to the coverage on the CBS Early show.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/04/05/earlyshow/main6364792.shtml
(see more)


Photo from Paddle with purpose

Breast cancer widower transforms loss into legacy with photography

Very touching story with great photos of breast cancer survivors. Boston reporter Joan Anderman profiles a breast cancer widower named David Fox who now takes remarkable pictures of survivors. His website is www.artbecause.org.
Suzanne

David Fox knows a few things about survival. After losing his wife to breast cancer when she was 34, Fox was left with a 1-year-old daughter, a 4-year-old son, and a fledgling photography business on the verge of going under. Grief was a constant companion, but the demands of caring for his children and tending to his livelihood kept Fox anchored.

(read more from the Boston Globe)

Study: Some survivors should double the veggies

It seems like over the past few months, the biggest news about breast cancer research has been on fairly "low-tech" strategies like nutrition. Now we all know there is nothing simple about changing your life style, but it's interesting to see the science being explored.

This next story is a tad complicated, but the upshot is for certain women, increasing fruits and vegetables may make more of a difference.
http://www.canada.com/sports/Fruits+veggies+slash+breast+cancer+risk/1083005/story.html

Row, Row, Row your way to recovery

Good story about a fitness program for survivors that utilizes rowing.
http://www.buffalo.edu/ubreporter/2010_03_31/we_can_row

New type of screening device being developed at UVA

This next story is a bit scientific, but really interesting. I am always encouraged when I see new types of screening tests being developed.

Suzanne

 Perhaps no one can appreciate the importance of early cancer detection as much as Izora Armstrong. That’s because UVA Cancer Center researchers, using a first-of-its-kind hybrid breast imaging device, found what mammography, ultrasound, MRI and even a needle biopsy couldn’t.

(read more)

Mom and son both battle cancer

This story was brought to my attention by a new twitter pal, @PiedPiperinKC. It was also featured on ABC here is the link!
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/mother-son-cancer-battle-inspires-pediatric-cancer-advocacy/story?id=10212041 

Suzanne

Canadian Study: Certain Chemicals Increase Breast Cancer Risk

Sometimes considering all of the risk factors can feel overwhelming. Earlier this year  was interviewed for a documentary about a possible night shift work-breast cancer connection. Here is something else to consider.
 
http://www.usnews.com/health/family-health/cancer/articles/2010/04/01/workplace-chemicals-may-boost-breast-cancer-risk.html