ATT: Cancer survivors try to give back through advice, donations

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all who give back to the community. Every bit makes a difference.

THE American Cancer Society's Bags, Baubles, and Baskets — A Girls Night Out, was last week at Gladieux Meadows and I was the honored survivor. For me, the honorees were those in the audience who supported me along the way. The doctors' visits, cards, letters, flowers, meals, calls, prayers, and yes, house cleaners, all made a difference for me.

Laura Emerson of WUPW-TV (Channel 36) gave a great introduction.

In my talk, I tried to leave the audience with something to help them cope. The key is taking responsibility for yourself. I kept a positive attitude, and it never entered my mind that I would not survive. I urged everyone to talk to their doctor or medical personnel, listen to their bodies, and care enough to take action because it may someday save your life. It saved my life from Hodgkins disease, ovarian cancer, and a cancer scare on my neck. Ovarian cancer, known as the silent killer, is in the league with heart disease for women. It can get you before you know it. Many survive because they have had annual checkups, but many don't. I am one of the lucky ones.

The fun event is bundled with the annual Babe Zaharias Golf Classic slated for June 21 at Brandywine Country Club. Both events are expected to raise more than $30,000.

THE Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at Levis Commons on Sunday raised more than $90,000, thanks to the more than 4,000 cancer survivors and supporters and sponsors, including Fifth Third Bank, Savage and Associates, UTMC, the Thompson Williams Group for Merrill Lynch, and the Town Center at Levis Commons. Fifth Third Bank was the top fund-raising team, and Kelly Savage was the top individual fund-raiser.

The organization helps save lives by finding ways to prevent, detect, and treat cancer. Free help for breast cancer patients, day or night, is at 800-227-2345.

In Lucas County, some 200 women are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and 76 women are expected to die of it, yet nearly all breast cancers can be treated successfully if they are found early, said Wendy Simpkins of the cancer society.

This Saturday at 6 p.m. is the 11th annual Treasures of the Vine wine tasting and art auction at the Hilton on the University of Toledo Health Science Campus. Proceeds benefit the Victory Center, a support house for cancer patients and their families.

Anita Dunipace, keynote speaker Barb Hendel, and Sarah Foos enjoy the American Cancer Society's Bags, Baubles, and Baskets event at Gladieux Meadows on May 6.

GETTING on with life, there is plenty to do to keep busy.

Go to baseball games, visit the many art galleries, and dance. Golf, tennis, and boating season is just starting up, too. Not to mention the season for dining al fresco.

HOT DOGS, peanuts, cotton candy, frozen lemonade and beer! It's all at Fifth Third Field, the home of the Toledo Mud Hens. It is also at Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers.

Monday night I was at Comerica. The sun set on the sunny and crisp day into a clear night. Jose Feliciano played the national anthem, a flag was raised in honor of Ernie Harwell, and the Tigers beat the Yankees.

OK, it was a bit cool — down to 47 — but we all had gloves and coats and blankets, so no problem. But it was a great way to get on with enjoying life and I have my hostess, Pat Appold to thank.

BALLROOM dancing is fun for socializing while getting exercise. If you want to learn how to shake a leg, there are many dance studios in the area, all listed in the local directories. Once you have a few steps in place, you may want to get out on the town to whirl and twirl.

Jeff McDonald has several bands under his name that get all over town. Trotter's Tavern at Heatherdowns and Reynolds is where his Big Band All Stars are on Tuesday nights. His Big Band Revival is 8 p.m. every Thursday at South Briar Restaurant in Sylvania.

His Swingmania band appears at many social gatherings such as Paramount Elite's annual Garden Party that was recently held at Stranahan Great Hall.

This Saturday, the band will perform at the “Saturday Night Alive” dinner dance at the Toledo Club. Latin, swing, pop and more tunes will be played for listening and dancing.

CENTENNIAL Terrace in Sylvania is the host of many dance bands including the Johnny Knorr Orchestra which is slated for June 12 for Dancing Under the Stars.