The Crusaders’ Campaign–Only ONE Week Left!
By now, you have seen several posts on my blog highlighting The Crusaders’ characters–including Vox, my personal comic book hero! There is only ONE week left to donate to the Kickstarter campaign to fund this ever-important venture. Please click on The Crusaders’ site to read more and donate, if able! Any amount counts and is appreciated!
read moreCheck Insurance
Although I suggested last week that getting a second opinion is a good idea, be certain to check with your health insurance company to see if the second opinion will be covered before proceeding. In most instances, insurance companies will pay for a second opinion but there may be important details you need to know. They may have a list of doctors and require you to obtain a second opinion from one on this list. Also, be sure to keep detailed records of with whom you speak and when. That way, if there is any question when payment is...
read moreMeet The Crusaders: Vox
Alesia Shute: Vox Merely a girl of 11 years, Alesia Shute has been diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer. An unprecedented side effect of which is increased aptitude for psychic sensitivity and influence. With the power of her voice, she can plant powerful hypnotic suggestions in her opponents and telepathically communicate with others. Should the tumor ever be removed, this power would vanish. Despite her young age and uncertain mortality, Alesia is motivated to make a difference in the world and use her abilities to help other as much...
read moreChecking Your Personality
Sometimes, you and your doctor may not chime. It may be a new doctor or even an old one, but if for any reason things are not comfortable, you need to express this out loud. I remember feeling uneasy with one doctor; I felt as though he was very knowledgeable but had a terrible bedside manner. In other words, he spoke to me in medical terms and came across as very unfeeling about the emotional part of the illness and what I was going through. Mentally, you may not be ready to hear everything, and handling a patient with...
read moreMeet The Crusaders: El Barrio
Robert Renteria: El Barrio Raised on the mean, bloody streets of East LA, Robert Renteria sought to escape life in the barrio by joining the military and serving in the U.S. Special Forces. During his honorable service, he took part in the testing of a magical suit of armor made from a metal with mysterious properties. The suit bonded with him psychicly and now obeys his mental commands, increasing his awesome strength and durability, and giving him the ability to fly at the speed of light. His visor allows him to communicate with his armor,...
read moreMeet The Crusaders: Excalibur
Angelica Harris: Excalibur Like many young girls who are victims of abuse, Angelica Harris often drifted into a fantasy world to escape her problems. Unlike most young girls, her fantasy world was real. Angelica is the rightful guardian of the legendary sword Excalibur, a blade infused with magical power that can cut through anything. When not overseeing her literacy and arts mentoring programs for youths and young adults and assisting abused women and children by raising awareness about domestic violence, Angelica keeps the forces of evil at...
read moreJoin The Crusaders’ Campaign!
I’m very excited to be part of a very special project. The Crusaders is a comic book designed for youth 5th grade and up. “When a group of drug peddlers, bullies, and dream suckers band together to enshroud the world in darkness, a group of seven real-life super heroes will have to overcome their own inhibitions, learn how to work together, and ultimately accept their role in life as Crusaders if they’re going to save the world from certain destruction.” To pledge support of the Kickstarter Campaign and join The...
read moreMore about Second Opinions–Sometimes, They Are Necessary!
Some seek them for insurance reasons, some for personal reasons, but at times getting a second opinion is the only way to truly find out the problem and the necessary treatment. Some doctors may become insulted about this, but remember it is YOUR life and it is important to be certain that no mistakes are being made with your treatment plan. It may cause confusion and beg the question, “who is your real doctor,” but in the end, you are the one in charge and the one searching for the correct diagnosis and treatments. It may even...
read moreSecond Opinions
I have vivid childhood memories of being carted from doctor to doctor in order to get a second (and third) opinion. When a child, or anyone for that matter, is diagnosed with something serious, it is only natural to hope the diagnosis could be wrong. After you get past that feeling, reality sinks in, and you come to realize that life is going to change, getting another opinion is not only important but at times necessary. Different doctors sometimes see different things and have other ways to tackle the problem and treat it, even if the...
read moreAppreciate Your Nurse
Let us take a moment to let our nurses know how we feel about them. It can be a simple thank you card, a box of candy, flowers or even something handmade, but it is worth taking the time to say thanks. I was a patient often at CHOP, with as many surgeries and weeks in the hospital as I can remember. I personally remember making the nurses cards when I felt up to it, with my mother gifting them large boxes of candy and donuts so everyone could share. My favorites of the bunch were given small bottles of perfume from my parents at my...
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