Connected to Everything

The other night, I went to the movies and saw "My sister's keeper", a story about a young girl with Cancer, and her sister who was born in hopes that she is a match to her older sister, and can save her. It's a touching, heart warming and sad story, and for many of us it had us leaving the theater at the end of it in tears.

I was crying for certain parts of the film, like when the young girl meets a friend, a guy who reminded me so much of my friend Patrick that lost his battle against cancer in September of 2007. The young girl battling cancer, reminded me so much of myself and what I went through. The bone marrow biopsies in the film made me cringe, the moment she mentioned that she had APL (Acute Promylocitic Leukemia), which is a subtype of AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia). There I was in the theater, feeling ultimately connected to this young girl, who was fighting for her life, the same way I did when I was diagnosed with final stage Leukemia. (Just a note: There are 7 sub-types of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. I sufferred from Acute Promylocitic Leukemia. M3 has the highest peri-induction mortality rate. More people die during the first few doses of chemo than in any of the other sub-types! And did you know that 1/3 of people diagnosed with Leukemia, don't have symptoms! Wow, just like me!) As I continued to watch the movie and the young girls' trials and tribulations and decreased immune system, I saw how sick she was, and knew that when I was at the hardest part of my battle, I looked like her. I remember being in the hospital and hearing people tell me how sick I looked, how pale and yellow my face was, and how as my health improved, I was regaining color back in my face.

There was so much signifigance in this movie, to what I experienced in my battle against cancer, and it touched me in so many ways - mentally, emotionally and physically. As I continue surviving and thriving in my life after cancer, I have lots of time to look at the past 2 and a half years. Re-evaluating the way my life once was and the what my life has become all because of this intervantion from God. I feel connected more than ever to God, and to my great friends & family, and to my newfound love of life.

Letters of Recomendation

The Leukemia Lymphoma Society Team in Training (TNT):

To whom it may concern:

Rachel Shur became an honored teammate with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training (TNT) program in 2008. Honored teammates are blood cancer survivors who volunteer their time to advocate for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and provide encouragement for participants who are training for a marathon, half marathon while raising money for LLS. Rachel speaks at information meetings about the program and conveys to potential new participants the difference that the money raised by TNT has made. Rachel’s story tells the seriousness of this disease and the importance of raising money to cure it, yet somehow she is also able to put on a big smile and make people laugh. She shows them that even though she has been through some really tough times fighting cancer, she is determined to live life to the fullest and have a good time.

Rachel also comes out to TNT practices at 6:30AM on Saturday mornings to cheer on participants while they are training. In her words she is “that crazy one out there screaming and yelling and cheering them on”. Even when they have just finished running 18 miles, Rachel can bring a smile to their faces and reminds them of the reason they are training. Rachel also attends TNT social events and allows participants to get to know her. This allows them to get a glimpse of what it is really like to be a cancer survivor and gives them the chance to ask any questions that they might have about blood cancer and its treatment.

Rachel is a tremendous advocate and inspiring speaker for the cause and is willing to do anything within her means to help improve the lives of patients and their families and find a cure. I can always count on Rachel to step up and volunteer for anything that is needed. She loves to speak about her journey and spread the word about the need for others to join the mission to find a cure for blood cancer. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Elise McConeghy

Campaign Manager

Ventura County, Team In Training

Greater Los Angeles Chapter

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

(T )805-485-1781

(E) elise.mcconeghy@lls.org

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Ventura Community College:

Dear Rachel,

Thank you so much for coming and speaking to my health classes at Ventura College. Not only was your story inspiring and enlightening, but your positive outlook on life is a lesson in itself. It was especially informative to bring the books filled with information and pictures detailing your experience. Those who have never experienced cancer themselves, or through a loved one, saw vivid pictures and your real life story. You are wonderful, bright, and positive despite the hard times you went through during your cancer battle. I hope that that you can continue speaking about your cancer experience and spreading awareness throughout the community.

Thank you again for speaking, and I look forward to hearing you again!

Mary McDonough-Giles

Professor of Health and Physical Education

Ventura College

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Children's Cause Cancer Advocacy:

Ms. Rachel Shur:

Thank you for your participation as a speaker in this year's Rise To Action (RTA) conference for young adult cancer survivors held in Los Angeles, California. The Children's Cause for Cancer Advocacy is grateful to you for your selfless contribution of time and energy towards our February 7, 2009 conference held at USC's Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Your role on the survivor panel was an invaluable contribution to the overall success of the conference. The courage you demonstrated by sharing your survivorship story, as well as your kindhearted interactions with younger survivors in attendance, helped to make the day a memorable and meaningful experience for everyone.

RTA-LA was attended by over one hundred young adult cancer survivors in their teens, twenties, and thirties and their family members. RTA aims to help survivors learn how to manage their follow-up care and deal with issues unique to them, relying heavily upon role model survivors like you to lead by example. RTA-LA featured panels and breakout sessions on topics ranging from late effects and fertility concerns to health insurance and employment issues.

Your active participation and leadership in programs such as Rise To Action are important because you inspire and empower other survivors to take action to protect the health of their bodies and minds. Research indicates that as many as two-thirds of childhood cancer survivors are likely to experience at least one late effect - or health complication - from having had cancer or treatment. As a speaker at RTA-LA, you have helped to equip survivors with the necessary tools to deal with some of those issues and know where to find help.

On behalf of the Children's Cause, we thank you and we highly recommend your leadership skills to other conferences and organizations that may have the good fortune of benefiting from them.

Best Wishes,

Jess Reamy

Program Associate

Children’s Cause for Cancer Advocacy

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Ombudsman of Los Angeles - Pink Day

November 5, 2008

Ms. Rachel Shur

Leukemia Survivor Advocate

Dear Ms. Shur:

Your participation as a panelist in our first Survivors’ Panel Forum ensured the success of our 2008 “PINK” Day Breast Health and Cancer Awareness Wellness Program Activity. Thank you for your time, enthusiasm, and your commitment to motivating others challenged with surviving cancer. Your insights as a leukemia survivor was well received and commented on by those who attended the Q&A session.

Over 100 County employees and others attended this one-day event. The materials you donated provided up-to-date information on leukemia and the valuable outreach programs and resources available. Our goal for this year was to include information about different types of cancer to broaden and challenge participants learning experience; your presentation about twice surviving leukemia helped us achieve that goal.

Ms. Shur, we are sincerely grateful for your accepting our invitation to speak on such a short notice. We look forward to having you join us at next year’s Breast Health and Cancer Awareness Wellness Program Activity. The program is always held on the last Thursday of October.

Sincerely,

Mary L. Calhoun, Wellness Program Activity Coordinator/Executive Assistant to OMBUDSMAN JOHN S. FERNANDES

510 South Vermont Avenue, Suite 215 Los Angeles, CA 90020-1912 (213) 738-2003 FAX: (213) 637-8662 1-800-801-0030 (Complaints) E-Mail: ombudla@ombuds.lacounty.gov

Pay It Forward

Every month or so, my mom & I go out to splurge on our favorite thing to do together – we get a pedicure! As we sat waiting for our freshly painted toes to dry, I did my usual thing – made some jewelry, and my mom next to me was playing a brain game on her cell phone. The lady sitting in front of us seemed sad, I could see it in her eyes, and all I wanted to do was hug her and let her know that whatever she was going through was just a stepping stone. She ended up talking to me – noticing my jewelry that I was working on. She asked me how long I had working with jewelry and I told her – about fifteen years. As I talked to the nice woman, I told her a little more about me, about having cancer and experiencing life. She in turn looked at me and told me her sad story, a tragedy had hit her when her sister was killed recently, and she was still grieving. I was so saddened to hear her story, about her immense loss and about her new found kids (her sister’s children) that she was caring for. In an instant her life had changed drastically, she went from being retired to working again to support her new family. I understood a part of what she was experiencing – the loss of a family member. We continued talking and she told me about her other sister who was battling brain cancer. Her sister was having a hard time going through the radiation and I understood, because I too had been there with the heavy radiation treatments. I offered my ear, and my shoulder to the woman, I gave her hope and inspiration. The tools and gifts that I know God has supplied me with to help those in need. As we talked, I made a little key-chain – a wire woman with boobs and stilettos and a hope ribbon – one of my signature creations and handed it to my new friend. I told her that anytime she needed someone to talk to, she could call me, she could talk to me about anything – cancer, etc and I would be there to help in any way that I could.

I spoke to a friend of my aunts recently, a man who was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s b-cell lymphoma, and was going through the same things I was experiencing when I was first diagnosed with cancer. He really needed to talk to someone who had been there, gone through the treatments, I understood the side effects – chemo brain mainly and the life changes. I provided him with the tools he needed, the links to numerous support groups online, support groups in his city, all online forums and networking sites, where he could meet others who were going through or had gone through the same thing as he was. Even though I had gone through a different type of cancer, and some very different treatments, I helped him and provided him with the tools and information that he needed to get through it. I know that he appreciated it, and ended up passing on the information I had given him to his nephew in California who had cancer as well. I did send him some booklets in the mail that I felt would help him with his battle against cancer, and help him understand more of the treatments he was going through.

This is my way of paying it forward, by helping people any way I can and not expecting anything in return. Just helping someone is its own reward. I know that I not only brought some hope to that woman, but I brought her inspiration and the realization that she’s not alone. Even a stranger can bring a new thought or provide you with the inspiration that you may need to get by. My mom was really impatient as we waited in the salon, and just wanted to be able to go, but she was stuck because I had driven us there. After we left the salon, I turned to mom and said. We were there longer than expected, but there was a reason. We were meant to meet that woman, to share stories and to give her the inspiration that she needed, the hope she wanted and the strength and ability to overcome her obstacles. I looked at mom and said “It’s a God thing. God wanted us to cross paths.” It was a God thing, if we had left minutes earlier, we never would have met that woman, and we never would have been able to help her. The important things to keep in mind are: 1) Our lives can change, even drastically in a moment and we need to realize that we have a choice – to embrace the change and help & inspire others, or just move on with life as we knew it. And 2) If you are given a second chance at life, after a diagnosis, whether it be cancer, becoming a quadriplegic or anything else that alters your life, you MUST pay it forward. Help someone in anyway you can. Improve your life as you once knew it and help others, cook dinner for a homeless person, provide someone in need with information they need, give a neighboring kid a summertime job to help him/her pay for college, etc. Whatever you decide to do to pay it forward, don’t think about what you can get out of it. Happiness and gratefulness is enough.

I pay it forward in many ways, more ways than spreading hope and inspiration to those I meet. I try to bring a smile to at least one person’s face a day, somehow, someway. Even the little things we do can impact peoples' lives - like the homeless man I see near my house, I always bring Tom a little something to eat when I can, because I know he appreciates that so much. :) I dance in my car and sing out loud with my friends staring at me and laughing in my car, I make various presents for the wonderful people at the City of Hope, I speak for events and at local schools to get the word out there- That there is always hope, there is always a way to overcome obstacles and the people we loose in our lives leave a footprint on our hearts and in our minds. We always have their memories, and most of them leave an impact – no matter how big or small in our lives. This is what makes these people truly memorable, and this is what makes life worth living!

Life is too short - Live it up!

With the recent passing of the king of pop Michael Jackson, yesterday and sex symbol & actress Farrah Fawcett, as well as Ed McMahon most of us are coming to realize that life truly is too short. MJ was only 51 and died from a hear attack, Farrah was 41 and battled cancer, Ed passed on in his sleep due to numerous health problems. These recent deaths have affected our country in a huge way, the king of pop was an American Icon, Farrah was the first Charlie's Angel, Ed is well known for his work with Johnny Carson. It's not just the recent deaths than we notice, it's also the alarming number of people who are diagnosed with cancer, people we know, children we meet, and stars we love; like Christina Applegate, Patrick Swayze, Sheryl Crow, Fran Drescher, Kylie Minogue, Leona Lewis, and Kathy Bates to name a few. Cancer doesn't discriminate, it doesn't matter how old or young you are, whether you are famous or poor, cancer can strike at any time. During times like these, we try to stay positive, even when we find out that these beloved stars like Farrah, Ed & Michael have passed on. We must keep in mind, that we only have this one life, these moments are precious and sacred. Life is too short, and we need to live it up!

I send love to the families of these fallen well known favorites. I want everyone to take a momnet to ask themselves: " Am I living my life to the fullest? Am I doing the things I love to do? Am I inspiring people anyway I can?" I was given a second chance at life, perhaps a 3rd chance if you consider my stem cell transplant as a rebirth - like many do. I am living my life to the fullest, working on the things I love most, surrounding myself with the people who bring me positivity, serenity and laughter, and inspiring others along the way. I know this is a lot to think about, our present, the future and how our lives can change in a moment, and we can't control it, we can only find a way to work with it, and help others along the way and just live. My favorite saying is "Fight 2 Live". Because after cancer rocked my world, it changed my life and impacted my life in such a way that I finally saw, what was really important, what I really needed to survive and strive. I surrounded myself with people who brought joy in my life and got rid of the negative energy that was devouring me.

Like Nike says "Just Do It". No excuses, nothing is holding you back but yourself. LIVE!!!

The Importance of Support Groups 4 Cancer

There I was sitting in a room full of fellow survivors, there was one big difference between them and me...... I was the youngest, and they had at least 21 or more years on me. This is the monthly group that I not only look forward to attending, but that I have been accustomed to attending. Even though most of them were diagnosed with cancer, at a later stage of their lives, they were given the chance to really live their lives. Most of the members of my cancer support group are older, married and with children and grand children. They've lived their lives, they've ran businesses and most of them are retired and enjoying live even more. For some of them, they are still working to feel like they have some amount of normalcy in their lives.

So, last night I went to my monthly group and listened as a newcomer spoke to us about the problem he was having. The problem was something that many of us in the room could understand and fully comprehend. He was a young 50 year old, working a job he loved, and had been involved with for well over 20 years, and he was feeling fatigue on a big level. As I listened to what he said, a lot of things that hes was feeling really hit home for me. I listened to the other adults in the room, share their insight and advice on what this man should be doing, or what could help him with this difficult transition. When I was able to talk, I said to him "Everyone in this room, knows my story and what I have been through. I have been where you are in your life too. When I was diagnosed, I returned to work quickly because I LOVED my job, even against my doctor's orders, I worked from home until I was able to work at the office again. After every treatment and even after my stem cell transplant, I quickly rushed back to work. But when my company went out of business in December of 2008, I was crushed and tried to replace the job i loved with other jobs. They didn't even come close. Eventually, I got to a point of my life where I noticed changes - brain changes. I was checked out by my doctor and told that I have scaring on my brain as a result of my chemotherapy & radiation treatments, and when I was stressed out, I would experience memory lapses, small blackouts and forgetfulness. As much as I wanted to resume to my life - the normalcy, I had to come to terms with myself that it wouldn't. So when my doctor suggested that I take a leave from working, I did. I can't tell you how much it's helped me. I haven't worked in about 4 months now, but it's made me see that I need to focus on the things that are important to me, the things I enjoy doing - like making jewelry! Now I am at a very different place in my life, than anyone else in this group. You all have lived full lives, gotten married, worked a lifetime, had children, and grand children. I am only 29 years old, unable to have kids, experiencing fatigue spells that make me sleep all day some days, not even close to be married, and trying to get my life to something that I can call somewhat normal. Perhaps, you need to take a break from work, like I did. Take time off, maybe try something part time, enjoy life and do things that make you happy, like I do. I get out there and spread the word about my experience with cancer and spread hope and inspiration. I know that we all want to resume our lives where we left off, before we had cancer - we all want to be normal, but after cancer, our lives have changed and we will never have that normalcy again. We need to learn how to cope with the change and find the things we enjoy most in life and do them! We all experience fatigue and I wish that my friends would understand that I don't have the energy that I used to and I may never again. That's why I speak, to spread the word."

The truth is, that after a cancer diagnosis and treatments, we realize what is really important in our lives, and we utilize this experience to make us better people. We all suffer from the side effects - the assorted size effects - many suffer from chronic fatigue, some suffer weight gain or weight loss, brain scaring, memory loss and more. The importance of support groups for cancer survivors and simple - it brings us a place to share a common understanding, a common experience, and to realize that we are not alone. We can't expect our friends to fully understand what we are going through and what we are experiencing, but we can share it with them, and hope that they understand in some way where we are coming from. Fellow survivors amazing people to have in our lives. As I say on my myspace profile, Thank You Cancer. As dysfunctional as that may sound, I am thankful for the experience, the life change and the wonderful people I have met along the way, in addition to helping me realize who my true friends are. The truth is I wouldn't have it any other way! This is my life, I have one life to live and gosh darn it, I am going to make it a good one!! *CELEBRATE LIFE!!*

Remembering Dad

Last night was just one of those nights. I stay positive about 95% of the time, but after watching an episode of House MD, I found myself in tears. Usually, when I see a show where they talk about people with cancer, I sympathize and understand what it's like to go through those hard times, but I don't become overly emotional. But last night, when I watched the show and saw a father being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Even though my dad didn't have a rare form, he still had cancer.

I'm sad that I never got the chance to really get to know my father and I think about it a lot. Recently, mom and I went through some old things of his that I have, and I had to stay strong and keep myself from crying. And I know it's good to let it out, but for that moment, I wanted to and needed to keep my composure. I wish I had the chance to get to know him, to be able to talk to him and hear his voice. But I think that if I had, I wouldn't be the strong Cancer A$$ Kicker that I am now. I wouldn't be the same person. My mom tells me stories about him, my aunt and family members tell me how loving and intelligent he was and how I am so much like him. I have pictures of him, pictures of random things - street signs, flowers, fruit, etc. And I know I have so much of him in who I am. I will continue to think of my father - Bar K. Shur, continue to do the things I am passionate about (just as he did), continue to inspire and help others, continue to follow my dreams and continue to remember that he was a remarkable man and is in Heaven with the Angels. :)

In Memory of my father, You are amazing, you are loved, you are missed, you are part of me, you are beyond remarkable!!!

Cancer Survivors Day - Celebrate Life!

This past weekend, I celebrated Cancer Survivors Day with friends and family. The truth is, that we only have this one life to live, and you need to spend your time living, laughing and loving. We all know that you are a survivor of cancer from the moment you are diagnosed. If you happen to relapse, your survivor counter doesn't start over again, when you have a stem cell transplant or bone marrow transplant you are considered close enough to being cured. When you reach your 5 year remission date, you are told the cancer likely won't come back. These are point of our cancer moments, that we look forward to - even more so - to find a cure for cancer.

For this Cancer Survivors Day, I celebrated life to the fullest. I had an interview on Q 104.7 FM with Nancy Rodriguez (which was pre-recorded on Thursday and aired on Sunday) with a fellow young survivor friend of mine - Collin. I spent my Saturday at an event at the Wellness Community in Westlake Village and celebrated with other survivors, ate great BBQ, listened to music, got some presents and hung out with my friend Jason. It's even more exciting to meet survivors who have been cancer free for 25, 35, and 40 years! I spent the weekend sleeping over at my friend Ryan's house and enjoyed good times with my friends: Ryan, Adam & Richelle until monday morning, when I left early in the morning and attended a wonderful event at the City of Hope with my friend Ranee - it was their Cancer Survivors Day Celebration of Life.

Whatever you did this past weekend in celebration of Cancer Survivors Day, keep in mind always that it's all about keeping positive, staying strong and living your life to the fullest. For me, God gave me another chance to live, another chance to help me realize what I was truly meant to do with my life. I live every day not only as a survivor, but as an advocate for those who have battled and continue to battle this disease. On a sign at the City of Hope, there is a quote, I recite to people often - "There is always Hope." This is true in all of our lives. We are giving this one life to live, this one chance to do something amazing. And no matter what sentence you are given by a doctor, you must remember that there is always Hope and positivity really works. I have met people who were given 2 years to live, and have surpassed their doctor's life expectancy - even up to 25 years and more! The truth is, it's up to God.

So for Cancer Survivors Day, I thank those that have helped me through these hard times - My mom - Jean , my "pop-aratzzi" Evan, my best friend Julie, my best friend Brianne, Dr. Pablo Parker, Lynn Bonner, Kelly P (share my birthday would ya?), Sallie, Soraya, Pat, Raz, Samantha, Kari, Art (David Copa-feel), Fernando, David, Monique, Ann C, Maila, Wendy, Ron, Jeanne, Corie, Gloria, Najat, Angie W, Stella, Cassie, Kathryn, Charisse, Dr. Mike Chen, all my pals down in radiation, all my phlebotomists, Jeanine, Mary, Honey, Jobe, Gilbert, Randy, Valerie, Bonnie, Ginny, Bella, Celia, all the gals in ETC and Infusion, Danny D, Yvonne, Elvira, Annie, Sandra and the list does go on. So many people at the City of Hope have helped me, and if I wasn't suffering from such chemo brain I would list you all. but you all know that I love you, now and forever!

Hope you all had an amazing Cancer Survivors Day - continue to live each day to the fullest, do something amazing, inspire and live, laugh love like you've never done before. xoxox Rachel

National Cancer Survivors' Day is TODAY!

Today is the day to Celebrate. A day to celebrate life and being a survivor. An estimated 11 million people all across the world are cancer survivors and are given this great day to celebrate, their lives, the lives of those we have lost to cancer, the lives of those close to us, whose battles are harder than others, and those who are newly diagnosed.

You are a survivor from the moment you are diagnosed. The moment the doctor says those fearful words to you and brings a feeling of uncertainty and confusion. You are a survivor from the initial date of diagnosis, if you've gone through a relapse, like I did, you are still surviving, a stem cell transplant - still kicking butt. It's all about what you do after your diagnosis, if it changes your life in a significant way, which I am sure for lots of us it has.

For those of you that know my story, know that i was diagnosed with final stage Luekemia and given a very slim chance of survival, the doctors at VCMC didn't expect me to make it to the City of Hope - but yes I did - will bells on! Coming out of the ambulance with the EMTs laughing and having a blast. Remember that Attitude is Everything! No matter what the doctors say about your chance of survival, you need to embrace life and live it the best you can! I have met a lot of survivors in my time, and have seen some of them embrace the experience and utilize it to help other fighting cancer, while some of us choose to move on with our lives as if nothing happened. that;s fine, it's you choice. But this life, this experience, brings us the realization that the simple things in life are amazing, that the colors of the leaves in fall are amazing and vibrant, that hanging out with grandkids or nephews for a few hours a week really are worthwhile, that finding your true passion in life and persuing it really is more remarkable and rewarding than any $120,000/year job that doesn't even make us happy.

I recently did a radio interview with Nancy Rodriguez of Q 104.7FM radio in Ventura County, Ca in celebration of National Cancer Survivors' day and we talked a little about my story and what I do to spread the world about cancer awareness. I have done so much in such a short time to spread awareness and inspire those battling the disease, or those still trying to decide what to do with their lives. We only have one life to live, so we might as well enjoy it, spread the love, help those when we can, volunteer to the fullest and embrace - those who have been there for us, stayed by our sides, helped us through our trials and tribulations, told us they love us, and made a lasting impact on our lives.

For this Cancer Survivors Day, I want to thank my Mom for being there for me through even the hardest of times and always lending me a hand, an ear, a kiss and a hug when I needed it. To my "pop-aratzzi" Evan for all of his support, love, and great times watching movies, and rubbing my feet at the hospital. My vest friend Julie for sleeping at the hospital with me, even when I was unconcious, coming to my side when I had a bad experience with a nurse and being there indefinately to help me through it all. My aunt Jaymie and grammie Lucille who always brought a smile to my face with their cute cards and phone calls. My Aunt Rita & Uncle Avi in florida, who sent their prayers and wonderful cards to me, with great inspirational words. My AMAZING DOCTOR - Pablo Parker, WONDERFUL NURSE PRACTITIONER - Lynn Bonner for saving my life and never giving up HOPE. Thank you to all of my family and friends for supporting me through it all and being there when I needed help. The amazing staff at the City of Hope and forgive me if I don't mention you all - Irene, Angie, Kelly P, Bonnie, Ginny, Jeannene, Anne C, Valerie, Stella, Cassie, Marie, Janine, Gloria, Najat, Corie, Sallie, Annie W, Stacey, Maria, Susan, Holly, Sandra, Ron, Monique, Maila, Wendy,and other wonderful and amazing people!