Learning the Fundamentals

Did you know that today is
World Cancer Day?

The International Union Against Cancer, a consortium of organizations in over 100 countries, has designated February 4th a day to raise awareness of the disease through education about prevention, detection and treatment. Cancer has now surpassed heart disease as the leading cause of death worldwide.

According to the World Health Organization, the following are the most prevalent cancers:

• Lung (1.4 million deaths)
• Stomach (740,000 deaths)
• Colorectal (610,000 deaths)
• Liver (700,000 deaths)
• Breast (460,000 deaths)

30% - 40% of cancers can be prevented, and 1/3 of cancers can be cured through early diagnosis and treatment.

~ Tobacco use is the single biggest cause of cancer in the world. Don't use it!
~ Drink alcohol in moderation.
~ Avoid over-exposure to the sun.
~ Beware of environmental carcinogens - polluted drinking water, asbestos, poor air quality, food chemicals...
~ Watch your diet and be physically active for at least 30 minutes per day.
~ Some cancers are caused by chronic infections.  Hepatitis, HPV and HPB all increase the risk of cancer.  Be aware of available immunizations and exercise responsible social behavior.

That's the good news.  Unfortunately, there are also cancers that cannot be prevented and cannot be cured at this time.  Those of us who've had our loved ones taken from us by the disease are fully aware of the random selection of its innocent victims.  Our focus turns to the hope of promising research on the horizon and toward the support of others who are presently in head-to-head combat and in need of some reinforcement.

World Cancer Day just happens to coincide
with the first day of the

2011 Erin Potts Invitational Volleyball Tournament
hosted by St Cletus School.

PLEASE JOIN US
Friday, Feb. 4 ~ Alumni Games beginning at 6:30pm
Saturday, Feb 5 ~ 8th Grade Games beginning at 8:00am
Sunday, Feb 6 ~ 7th Grade Games beginning at 11:00am

Thank goodness the big blizzard came through town a couple of days ago and is long gone. The sun has been shining, we've had time to dig ourselves out and we're ready to begin the event this evening with our Alumni Games. We'll start at 6:30, and if some of you can't make it until a bit later, that's fine. Join us when you can.

I've been working on my volleyball fundamentals since the
2010 Tournament.
Look out all you young things!

Since December of 2006, I've had the opportunity to become well-versed in many fundamental elements of the cancer world as well. Somehow, Erin was chosen for this Elite Team. I don't recall taking her to the try-outs, but evidently she had what it took to make the top team.




A courageous attitude among pediatric cancer patients is not the exception, but rather the norm. Kids with cancer possess the ability to live extraordinary lives while staring down this all-too-often lethal opponent, and they have an astounding impact on those fortunate enough to be involved in their lives. Their positive attitudes and gifted understanding of living in the moment are just a couple fundamentals they exercise with proficiency.

In memory of Erin and other randomly chosen ones, we strive to make a difference in our own little corner of this big world by hosting the tournament this weekend. All monies raised will be directed to The Bear Necessities Foundation to provide support to those affected by pediatric cancer today.  There are so many.

Please stop in the gym, watch us alums play, cheer for your favorite 7th & 8th grade teams, have a slice of pizza, buy a t-shirt and support our cause. If you're unable to attend and would like to make a donation, you may do so directly.  Thank you for your generosity.

The Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation

55 W Wacker Drive

Suite 1100

Chicago, IL 60601

If you don't live locally and there is a Foundation in your area you prefer to support, please consider doing so in memory of someone's child whose life was taken too soon by this disease as a meaningful way to recognize World Cancer Day.

I'll leave you with a few more statistics.

According to the American Cancer Society, these are the most common types of childhood cancers in the United States.

• Leukemia - 31%
• Brain and Nervous System - 21%
• Neuroblastoma - 7%
• Wilm's tumor - 5%
• Hodgkins Lymphoma - 4%
• Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma - 4%
• Rhabdomyosarcoma - 3%
• Retinoblastoma - 3%
• Osteosarcoma - 3%
• Ewing's sarcoma - 2%

These are further divided into subcategories,
and there are others not specifically listed ~ too many...

I'd really rather be looking at stats regarding hitting percentages, aces per match, assists per game and even block attempts by shorter players who used to get upset when hit over by opponents!

Hope to see you!