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COLORADO TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY

James "Rhio" O'Connor Memorial Scholarship Fund

Whitney Dark May 16, 2012

My name is Whitney Dark and I am a thirty-three year old single mom of two amazing boys! I work in the medical field as a Certified Medical Assistant. Through the years I’ve had the opportunity to develop many wonderful relationships with patients. The learning experiences are gratifying, their continuous strength and courage provides inspiration as I pursue my education. It is a win-win situation. They help me and I help them. If I am chosen to receive the $5000.00 scholarship I would use this money to help ease the stress of some of my extensive student loans. As you know medical bills and school expenses are at an alltime high. As a single mom who works full time and goes to school full time, this would be so helpful. One of my dreams is to be able to complete my Bachelor’s Degree in 2013 from Colorado Technical University in Kansas City, Missouri. I want my children to see how their mom pushed through financial obstacles and managed to complete the degree. I want them to see that no matter what life presents, you can still reach your goals. James Rhio O’Connor’s story was very inspiring to me. His diagnosis of Pleural Mesothelioma with one year to live was heart breaking. I couldn’t imagine going through that. Pleural mesothelioma is a rare cancer and the primary cause is asbestos exposure. The cancer develops in the mesothelium, which is the thin layer of tissue that lines and protects the chest cavity and other organs as well. While other types of mesothelioma may result

from asbestos exposure, pleural mesothelioma is the most common, making up approximately 75 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Although mesothelioma is considered to be a rare cancer, between 2,000 and 3,000 people are diagnosed in the United Stated each year. The average life expectancy for a mesothelioma patient ranges between four and 18 months (www.pleuralmesothelioma.com/cancer/). Rhio turned down the chemotherapy treatment option even though his Doctor told him it would give him a few additional months. He looked at his diagnosis head on and told it that it will not define him. He lived every day to the fullest. He did research to find ways to beat this diagnosis. He switched his eating habits to be primarily vegetarian. He became more active in life and added vitamins and minerals to his daily regimen. Along with mind-body therapies he was able to surpass the one year mark and live more than seven years past his previous prognosis. Just as Rhio demonstrated during his fight with cancer, you cannot let a poor prognosis ruin your life. You have to change your thought process and focus on the positive. Rhio and I are proof of that. As I thought about James Rhio O’Connor, if I had been diagnosed with cancer and given a year to live, how would I have lived my life? I would have no regrets and make sure I do things that I’ve always wanted to do. I have two kids and I would make sure that I spend as much time with them as possible. During this period I would be sure to be involved in cancer research and drug trials. I would apply to trials to see if I am a candidate. Several patients I work with believe in holistic therapy. This would be something I would add into my medical therapy along with mind-body medicine. Mind-body medicine explores the influence of your mind and emotions on your body and immune system, and vice versa. Mind-body specialists are typically psychologists or other

mental health professionals who examine the effects of your mind, thoughts, attitudes and beliefs on physical health and well-being (www.cancercenter.com). Trying to have a positive attitude regardless of the circumstances is the key to whatever you want to achieve in this lifetime. Just as James Rhio O’Connor demonstrated, you are only given one life, what you do with it does matter. I want the chance to make my mark on this world. If given a diagnosis like Rhio I would also avoid Chemotherapy, surgery and radiation unless it became my only option. The side effects from these very common treatments can be horribly difficult for the person going through them. These therapies can also be very costly. Chemotherapy and radiation can be hundreds of thousands of dollars. Many websites promote healthy eating once you have been diagnosed with cancer. •Taking in daily supplements and the right type of foods can be extremely beneficial to people diagnosed with cancer. •Eat more protein. According to the American Cancer Society, protein helps heal tissues and fight infection, especially after a round of treatment. Good sources of protein include lean proteins such as fish, chicken and turkey, as well as lentils, beans and soy. •Lower your intake of fiber if you're suffering from digestive issues. •Eat more carbohydrates. If you have not had gastrointestinal issues, focus on whole grains. If eating too much fiber makes you sick, eat more white carbs, including pasta, white rice, potatoes, corn and bread. According to the American Cancer Society, carbohydrates can help people with cancer keep their energy levels up (www.livestrong.com). When you have done the best you can do by improving your diet and increasing your exercise it is time to start focusing on research. Get more than one opinion. See several Oncologists to get their

opinion on your diagnosis. If they are all saying the same thing, then it is your time to take a stand and show them what you are made of. You need to look this cancer in the face and tell it that it won’t consume you. You are your own person and this cancer is just hitching a ride for the mean time. If you keep this outlook on life there is nothing you can’t beat. You need to mentally beat this cancer and hopefully your body will follow your lead. Rhio was a wonderful inspiration to so many. Living life to the fullest no matter what cards you are dealt is the best gift you can give to yourself and loved ones. I aspire to teach my kids the same morals. Trying to instill into my children how to be a good person, a role model to others and try your best at whatever you do in life are just a few of the things I want my kids to take from our life together. If they are happy adults and can fulfill their dreams then I know I did my job as their mother. To find out more please use this link: www.survivingmesothelioma.com

References: (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.cancercenter.com/complementary-alternative-medicine/mindbody-medicine.cfm. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/271109-how-to-eat-healthy-when-youhave-cancer/. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.pleuralmesothelioma.com/cancer/.

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