Change a Life Road Trip 2016

My boyfriend Doryn Betton and I are about to embark on the most amazing experience of our lives. On Thursday we leave with a main purpose to Change to Lives of Cancer Patients across the country. We are traveling 10,000 miles in 40 days and 40 night all the way around the country visiting national monuments and travel spots along the way, filming and documenting our trip and best of all, helping and changing the lives of cancer patients.

For those of you who have followed me over the years, you know that I'm not a novice to the cross country experience. If you're just joining us, let me give you a little background information. two years after my cancer treatments finished, i had a startling discovery, my teeth started to break on my mouth and fall out. My oncologist and radiation techs had no idea why this was happening to me. So when I went to a health expo and spoke to a dentist about it, I found out that it was a common side effect for those going through chemotherapy and radiation. He told me that I could have prevented it with something as simple as fluoride trays. My teeth continued to fall out and up to date I have had 10 teeth removed, including all but one of my molars. I have over $45,000 worth of damage that I cannot afford to fix and this could have been prevented.

 

Because I didn't want to same thing happening to other cancer patients, I decided to go on a trip to visit some of the top cancer centers in the country to find out what information they provided to their patients to prevent this devastating damage. My friend and volunteer assistant Sarah and I drove 9,000 miles in 21 days through 25 states and visited 4 cancer centers. The trip was amazing and throughout it we met cancer patients along the way and gave away 100 Share the hope bracelets. 

 Meet Bree!

 

But it didn't end there, because of my experience and the trip, I started a Fluoride tray program through UCAAN and connected with 2 dentists that donated them to our clients in need. 

Then in 2014 we applied for a grant through Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills for  our UCAAN CARE (Caries and Restorative Education) program and we WON it because they loves our heart warming video of a dear friend and former cancer patient, Debbi. Watch our video below:

Now, 5 years after the initial trip, Doryn and I will drive across the country connecting to cancer hospitals, organizations and patients to provide them with information about preventative dental care (both holistic and western medicine) and healthy eating and living. We believe that cancer patients need to know their options and what's available for them.

The Purpose of the trip is to achieve the following goals:

 Raise Awareness about UCAAN, what we do and what we hope to do in the future – becoming a large source of financial assistance for cancer patients nationwide!

 Raise Awareness in the cancer community through patients, nurse navigators, oncology nurses and other staff about how to prevent dental deterioration that’s caused by chemo and radiation. Offering patients information about Western Medicine and Holistic options.

 Raise awareness about healthier eating options and avoiding refined sugars. How to change the way you eat to benefit your health. And avoiding foods high in Glutamate.

 Connecting with cancer hospitals and organizations and sharing their stories and what makes them different through a documentary, which includes footage from our 2011 trip.

 Hearing stories of cancer patients nationwide about what their needs are – many of which are not being met, to raise awareness of the importance of more funding for cancer patients.

 Empowering cancer patients nationwide.

Part of our trip also includes:

·        *  Meeting 10+ patients we’ve worked with over the years for the 1^st time

·         * Enjoying the Simple things in life by checking out national monuments and wonderful sights along the way including the Grand Canyon & Mount Rushmore.

·        *  Filming healthy meals we create throughout our journey and sharing with our fans and supporters!

·         * Sending out daily newsletters/blog and sharing our trip with our fans and supporters. Information about our sponsors, videos, photos and sharing our healthy meal recipes will be included, also on our social media and YouTube!

·         * Attending the Fancy Food Show in NYC to scope out our competition when it comes to the future of our frozen dessert!!

We’ll be Visiting the Following Cities:

Battle Mountain, NV              Idaho Falls, ID                        Jackson, WY                                         Gillette, WY                           Keystone, SD                          Sioux Falls, SD                             Bloomington, MN                   Minneapolis, MN*                  Chicago, IL*

Warren, MI*                           Niagara Falls, NY                   Rochester, NY

Kent, CT                                 New York, NY*                     Queens, NY   

Middleton, NJ                         Point Pleasant, NJ*                 Hillsboro, WV

Irvington, KY*                       Clarksville, TN*                      Nashville, TN

Dawsonville, GA*                  Lawrenceville, GA*                Jacksonville, FL*

Altamonte Springs, FL           Winter Park, FL                      Orlando, FL

Tampa, FL                               Gainesville, FL                        Pensacola, FL

Baton Rouge, LA                   Lafayette, LA                         Granbury, TX

Channing, TX                         Arvada, CO                            Farmington, UT*

St George, UT                         Las Vegas, NV*                     Grand Canyon, AZ                         Cardiff, CA*                          Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

*Cities of patients we’ve helped!

If you’d like to receive updates for this trip, please let us know!

Do you have our UCAAN App? UCAAN Download it from your smartphone! Just search in your Google play store or Apple Store for UCAAN

We hope you enjoy and follow our trip. Donations will continue to be accepted through out the trip!

Thank you to all of our amazing Sponsors!!

YOU ALL MADE THIS TRIP POSSIBLE!

Diamond Sponsors

SoCal Signworx    Sandy Mills   Miss Alynette Aly Cat

Gold Sponsors

Sallie Godoy     Ben Asher Aderet- Laser Designs 4 U    

Talia Wheeler    Mitchell Sayer

Wendy Gentile-Molier   Judy Friedman    Theresa Davies

Aunt Zafrira & Uncle Yehiel   Ken Leibof

Silver Sponsors

Laurie Kelly Weber    David White    Tracy Walker   Doug Ruland

Laurie Ann Hennessy   Jean Stacy   Steve Friedman   Karen Barnes

Brianne Williams    Holly White    Angela Gardner

Kirsten Korot    Becky Evans   PJ & Bridget Hughes

Alice Matzkin   Darleen Voegler

Letting Go and Letting Love In...

I've learned a lot about my experience with cancer. Some people won't understand, some people won't know how to help you and some people may not stay. But being able to see and understand that things may change in your life and friends will come an go.... that's another step we must take with open arms. Those people may have loved us at one point and perhaps the fact that you have cancer scares the daylights out of them and they just don't know how to love you, how to show you that and how to support you... so they leave. Now listen, YOU MUST be strong through this and understand that perhaps they are not the right people to be in YOUR LIFE, when you're fighting. Perhaps there are BETTER people to be in YOUR LIFE during YOUR FIGHT that will LOVE YOU Unconditionally.

For a long time after my initial diagnosis of terminal cancer, I was shattered when my "Friends" turned on me, But soon enough I realized that I DIDN'T Need or want people like that in my life, during my fight, during my battle or for the future. What I needed, were STRONG People, People who Embraced Life, People who Embraced Love and People who would Support Me No Matter What Decisions I Made.

Ok, I'll give you a little history... I wasn't always outgoing and bubbly. Around a certain group of friends in high school i was to an extent. But after cancer, that all changed. I became this super outgoing person that wanted to talk about it. Talk about Cancer, my Life Changes, my Experiences and I just wanted nothing more than to Share Life with others. Most of all, I had a Hankering to HELP, Anyone that I could. Now, most of my friends at the time didn't understand my newfound Love, Desire and Passion. And Honestly I didn't want to stop, not for a moment, not for anyone. Even at the times my doctor told me to slow down, I worked as hard as I could and shared as much as people would let me.

Now, Further back than that.... I'll tell you about Love and Life. I always thought that I knew what love was and what it felt like. I can be honest here and tell you that my Love Life was a complete Mess. I was searching for "Love" or what I Imagined it to be, you know.... typical fairy tale dreaming....I was meeting people at Online - through countless dating sites, phone chat lines, singles events, Mormon dances (and I'm not Mormon), through friends and through a ton of online chat rooms. Who knows what I thought I would find.... The reality was that if I was always searching, I would most likely find exactly what I didn't want. Well it's true. I dated to my hearts content, no matter how wrong they were for me... I think a lot of us do this, because so many would rather be with someone, than alone right? I know, this is a piece of my life story Before Cancer (BC) and After.

So, I ALWAYS dated the WRONG GUYS! Even when I saw it and knew it, I still did. So After CANCER (AC), that just added a little more... complication... something else to the mix. At this point I saw more Value in Myself and my Life. I Almost Died and I cherished the fact that I was Alive. Now, my picker honestly was still a little off and I was still clouded from Chemo. but Let me tell you, I DIDN'T Stop dating just because of cancer. But I did find other ways that seemed to work better. Like Speed Dating, Singles Events and yes... certain Dating Sites. I remember those Dates and Boyfriends Like Yesterday.

*There was the Chef who couldn't spell or cook that was in love with his best friend
*There was the guy who wore a kilt to our first date (Because I didn't believe he wore one to a wedding), he wasn't sexy one bit in that kilt
*There was the Stalker "Cancer Patient" (Claimed to be one, who knows if he really was)
*There was the Guy who didn't know what he wanted
*There was the Guy who ditched me at a restaurant and left me with the bill
*There was the Guy, who I really liked, but I wasn't his type and he was an alcoholic, used me to find a place to live (used my friend for a place to live) and ended up being a big douche.
*There was the Guy, who was actually Married...

I still laugh at those moments. There was one guy that I really cared for. Mainly because he had become my best friend and I loved him for so many reasons. As much as I told myself that things were right... I didn't listen to my gut and stayed in a "non-relationship" for over 2 years. I guess I still thought, like many of us women do that we can "change them" or "Change their Minds". The reality was that I never could and I would never be just the only one. After Cancer, I saw things more clearly, especially after this last one. While we're still friends.... the love I thought I had, wasn't what I thought it was. But I've learned from the experiences I've had. All of them and I've learned that....
We Need to Let GO of the Past We're Holding Onto, this include the Past Life we Once Had. Because Especially After Cancer.....LIFE CHANGES... and Depending on how we face it, it will either be For the Better or Not. So, my best advice whether you're dealing with cancer, a crazy life change, a break up........ The Best Thing to Do Is to Let Go of the Past and Move On, So UCAAN Be Ready to Let Love In when it's ready for you......
Make sure to read the continuation... Where I found someone... Finally. A REAL MAN PERFECT FOR ME.

Health Inducing Products and What to Avoid!

At a recent networking luncheon, I listened to a woman talk about why she started to work for her current company. She saw an alarming number of people in her community get diagnosed with cancer. She soon learned that there were chemicals in our everyday products that had been proven to cause cancer. Her solution was realized, when she started working for a company called Melaleuca. So, with her new venture, she decided to share what she had learned with her friends and family. She's now an advocate for others and spreads the word about the damaging effects of these toxins in our personal care products & beauty products.

We've already switched out the old toxic products for some new healthier products at the UCAAN Office. Maybe it's time for you to change? Below we've included a few of our favorite options. Enjoy!

Before buying a product, we suggest looking up the toxicity level of the ingredients on the label - you're better off to be well informed than under or uninformed. The Environmental Working Group is the best place to search the ingredients in products you use and to find out the level of toxicity that it is. Check out the EWG Here!

The Best in Aromatherapy - John Steele in Sherman Oaks. Essential Oils by John Steele 
You can also find John's oil blends at Capitol Drugs Pharmacy in Sherman Oaks 

Ferris-Farms, Aleen Ferris creates amazing essential oil blended products - from perfumes to bars of soap and more!! Ferris Farms 

Alabaster Box Soaps - All natural hand crafted artisan soaps created by a fellow cancer warrior. Unique custom quality scented soaps. David C. Fleming  info@alabasterboxsoaps.com 213-928-7790. My Personal Favorites include: Honey Oatmeal Vanilla Lavender, African Green Musk, Frankincense & Myrrh, Honeysuckle and Cucumber Melon.  Click for more info!


AvaAnderson - Quality Products without Harmful Chemicals:AvaAnderson NonToxic/

Melaleuca is serious about getting harmful and toxic ingredients out of your home. Melaleuca cleaning products use the best of science and nature to combine for the safest most effective
cleaning. Learn about just a few of our natural solutions to some of the toughest cleaning challenges in your home. If you don’tt have a Melaleuca membership yet, now is the time! Check out this new way of shopping while saving money for products you already have in your home that are better for us and our environment.

The best part is setting up your account today will benefit UCAAN now and in the future: 5% of your redirected purchase goes to UCAAN. This is a great way to give back while doing everyday shopping. For more information contact: Lisa Sepe  805-242-1133   lisasepe@gmail.com   www.lisasepe.advancingwithus.com


  
Chemicals in Your Current Products to Watch Out For

In your beauty products
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1. Lead: It seems crazy, but according to the Campaign for safe cosmetics (CSC), more than 60% of popular lipsticks contain lead. Brands with the highest lead levels were L’Oreal, Maybelline, Cover Girl and Revlon. And an FDA study found lead in hundreds of lipsticks (five of the 10 most lead-contaminated were made by L’Oreal). Lead is a proven neurotoxin, and its particularly dangerous for pregnant women and children.

2. Triclosan: Triclosan is a suspected endocrine disrupter, meaning it messes with your hormones and could lead to fertility problems (in men and women), breast cancer and thyroid issues (they’re particularly dangerous for fetuses and tween/teen girls). Because triclosan is antimicrobial, it’s found in deodorants, toothpaste and soap (including Bath & Body Works soaps). But studies have shown no evidence that it's better than soap and water at killing germs.

3. Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is present in more beauty products than you’d think, even though it's been classified as a known human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Though there’s been outcry about formaldehyde in chemical hair straighteners, it can also be found in nail polish, face wash and makeup. DMDM-Hydantoin, a preservative that releases formaldehyde, is also common in shampoos.

4. Toluene: Found in nail polish, perfume and hair dye, toluene can cause dizziness, headaches and skin irritation. It also poses special danger to developing fetuses, upping risk of both miscarriage in moms and birth defects in babies. The European Union banned its use in cosmetics in 2004. It might also appear on labels as phenylmethane, methylbenzene, or toluol.

5. Hydroquinone: Hydroquinone is one of the most toxic chemicals still used in cosmetics today. A carcinogen in and of itself, it can also increase exposure to UV rays (thereby upping risk for skin cancer, too). It’s most commonly found in skin-lightening products, but it’s also found in hair relaxers, hair dye, hair-extension glue, hair removers and sunless tanning products. The FDA moved to ban its use in these products back in 2006, but never has.

6. Phthalates: Used to preserve color and scents in makeup, phthalates are endocrine disruptors that have been linked to cancer, sperm damage and reproductive problems. Phthalates are often added to synthetic fragrances, which are uber-common in soaps, lotions, cleansers and hair care products. Because products are allowed to list a "fragrance" as an ingredient without specifying what that means, many products contain phthalates even though their ingredient lists don’t.

7. Parabens: Used as a preservative in cosmetics, shampoos and lotions, parabens are also endocrine disruptors that have been linked to breast cancer and male reproductive problems. Look out for ingredients methylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben and propylparaben.

 ( This is a previously published article and can be found at: Toxins in beauty products )

Toxic Chemicals in Your Personal Care Products

The article that I found online has a startling statistic: The average adult uses nine personal care products a day, with roughly 120 chemicals spread among them, many of which are incompletely tested for toxicity.Do you know whats in your products that you use for you and your family?

1. Synthetic fragrances often contain phthalates (pronounced THAY-lates), synthetic chemicals commonly used to stabilize fragrances and make plastic more pliable. These endocrine disrupters mimic hormones and may alter genital development. Avoid products that list fragrance as an ingredient unless the label states that it’s derived from essentials oils,
or look for a phthalate-free label on the packaging.

2. Parabens, ubiquitous in skincare, preserve other ingredients and extend a product’s shelf life–but these antimicrobial chemicals also have hormone-disrupting effects.

3. Ureas, formally known as diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, or DMDM hydantoin and sodium hydroxymethyl-glycinate, are preservatives that have the potential to release formaldehyde in very small amounts and are a primary cause of contact dermatitis.

4. 1,4-dioxane, a chemical carcinogen, is created when ingredients are processed with petroleum-derived ethylene oxide. Common ethoxylated compounds include sodium laureth sulfate and polyethylene glycol (often listed as PEG). To avoid it, skip any product with the following ingredients: myreth, oleth, laureth, ceteareth (or any other -eth), PEG, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene, or oxynol.

5. Petrochemicals are derived from crude oil. Petroleum-based ingredients such as petrolatum, mineral oil, and paraffin (derived from nonrenewable sources) form a barrier when applied to the skin that does not allow it to breathe and can clog pores.

6. MEA/DEA/TEA are “amines” (ammonia compounds) and can form harmful nitrosamines when they come in contact with nitrates. Used as foaming agents, synthetic stabilizers, and to adjust the pH of cosmetics, they can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation, and dryness of the hair and skin.

7. Sulfates, such as sodium lauryl and sodium laureth, are harsh detergents that give cleansers, soaps, and shampoos their latherability. Often derived from petroleum, sulfates can also come from coconut and other vegetable oils that can be contaminated with pesticides. Sulfates can cause eye irritation and skin rashes.

8. Chemical sunscreens, such as oxybenzone and octyl methoxycinnamate, have been shown to disrupt endocrine activity. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are safer alternatives.

9. Quats, such as benzalkonium chloride, steardimonium chloride, cetrimonium bromide, and cetrimonium chloride, give a positive charge to conditioners in order to prevent static. They are necessary for conditioners, but we have allowed only the mildest quats in our Beauty With a Conscience standard: guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, hydroxypropyltrimonium oligosaccharide, and SugaQuats.

10. Antibacterial compounds, such as triclosan and chlorphenesin, do not break down in the environment and may contribute to bacterial resistance.

11. Synthetic polymers, such as sodium polyacrylate and carbomer, come from petroleum and give viscosity to skincare products. They are highly processed and their manufacture
creates toxic by-products.

12. Synthetic colors are made from coal tar. They contain heavy metal salts that may deposit toxins onto the skin, causing skin sensitivity and irritation. Animal studies have shown almost all of them to be carcinogenic. They will be labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a color and a number.

13. Chelators, such as disodium EDTA and tetrasodium EDTA, are used in personal care products to remove impurities from low-quality raw materials. They do not readily biode-
grade in the environment.

14. Nanos are a new technology with inconclusive but potentially hazardous study results. Research suggests that when tiny nano particles penetrate the skin, they may cause
cell damage.

15. Animal testing: A grim history of cruelty to animals lies behind many cosmetic ingredients. But scientists are developing new technologies to test cosmetics before a European Union ban on animal testing begins in March 2009.

 
This is a previously published article and can be found: Toxic Home

Creating "Boards of Love" - Surround your friend/family member with LOVE

One of the hardest things I faced while battling cancer was not always having people at the hospital with me. At times I found myself trying to find ways or reasons to call in a nurse, so I wouldn't feel alone. I did what I could to keep myself busy - watching movies, crafty things, drawing and writing. But sometimes I just wanted a friend to be there to talk to or hang out with. I even looked forward to receiving cards in the mail and phone calls.

This is why I came up with the option of creating "Boards of Love". Boards that the loved ones in your life would create and surround your room with them, in order to "Surround you with Love", so you would never feel alone. :) This is a creative project that anyone can help with, especially your scrap booking savvy friends!

Creating a "Board of Love" is easy and can be done by everyone in your family, your friends and your community.Everyone can work on one board, or each group of family members, friends and community groups can create one.

First, purchase your poster board or foam board - the 99 cents store and the Dollar tree are great for this. Next, come up with a theme, something inspirational or something that you know the person you're making it for will love. Try some of these themes:
* Favorite Memories (about Them) - include stories, photos, drawings, etc.
* Exciting Things To Experience (Make it fun)
* Places to visit
* Love from all of us - photos of your family, friends or cummity with inspiring words.
* Best Life Moments (Births, marriage, graduations, etc)
* Things I Love about YOU..... (Use drawings, magazine word cut outs, photos, words, etc to tell them what you love about them)

The ideas are endless and make sure when you're done with the board to share with your loved one what you put on them.and then put them all around their room, so even when you're not there, they will feel like you are and will be SURROUNDED WITH LOVE!  Even making videos of love would work as well that you could upload to their phone or text to them. Sending video texts to them as well. You could even create a scrapbook of greeting cards signed by the ones that love your fighter.warrior.
Remember to make it Colorful, Inspiring and Filled with Love!

Here are samples of Boards you could create: 

All the Good Things to Eat - Vegan

A Special Holiday Feature

Sending lots of Love!

                                                                              It's All About YOU!

Knock it out!

Everyone is Here for YOU!

HAVE FUN CREATING A BOARD FOR YOUR LOVED ONE!  

They'll Appreciate it More Than You Know!