Friday, August 6, 2010

In Memory of my younger brother Mike Papale

Dear friends,

On June 7, 2010 at approximately 10:30 AM my younger brother Mike passed away from colon cancer. He was only 51, had 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and a beautiful wife, Debbie.

Below is the Eulogy I read at my brother Mike's funeral. This posting is dedicated to my brother Mike. We all love and miss him. Oh, did I mention that I HATE CANCER.

Good evening,

Thank you all for being here this evening.

I know my brother Michael is going to be truly missed by many. Memorial Hospital Pedi-ICU will never be the same and neither will his family. Mike helped save many children over his 30 years at Hollywood Memorial. But, we know that Mike would want us to move on as difficult as this may be.

To my mother Lena who every morning was dropped off at the hospital by my brother Joe to be at her son’s side I know this is a difficult time for you. But, just look around and see how much your son is truly loved.

To my sister-in-law my brother’s wife Debbie, he loved you so much. You were his shinning diamond. I made a promise to Mike to make sure you are okay. This I will carry out for sure. I just hope I don’t drive you crazy.

To his children, Little Mikie, and Little Debbie. Know he loved you very very much.

To his sister-in-law Barbara and brother in law Joe, and his in-laws Frank and Leona, he truly loved you all very much. He loved those days visiting you all in Georgia.

We all have our own memories of my brother Mike. I know I have many especially as a child when we lived in NY. Playing in the snow, sleigh riding, going to the roller rink, the World’s Fair, and raking those leaves on a crisp beautiful Fall day in NY and then jumping in them. I remember one time after raking those leaves I jumped in them and to my surprise smelled something very funny. It was dog poop, which he enjoyed watching me jump out very fast. Needless to say, I never jumped in a bunch of leaves again. I am positive this is the reason why Mike SMELLED everything before eating. Those of us who really knew Mike picked up this habit for sure. I know both my brother Joe and I did.

I thank you all for being here this evening. May God Bless you, all of you, on this day and bring you each the comfort and peace that Michael now has. This is ever as much a celebration of Michael's life as it is saying fare thee well, for farewells are only temporary till we meet our loved ones at Heaven's Gate.

It is at this time I would like to read of beautiful poem by Linda Ellis titled The Dash. Some of you may already have heard it.

I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend he referred to the dates on his tombstone from the beginning to the end.

He noted that first came the date of his bi rth: My brother Michael’s is from November 2, 1957 to June 7th, 2010 (too short as far as I’m concerned)

But he said what mattered most of all Was the dash between those years For that dash represents all the time That he spent alive on earth.

And now only those who loved him Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not how much we own; The cars, the house, the cash, What matters is how we live and love And how we spend our dash.

My brother Michael was loved by many as we can see here this evening. He loved his wife, children, friends, and his job where he has saved so many children.

So think about this long and hard. Are there things you’d like to change? (I definitely do!)

For you never know how much time is left, That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough t consider what’s true and real and always try to understand
the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger, and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives
like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect, and more often wear a smile remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read with your life’s actions to rehash would you be proud of the things they say wbout how you spent your dash?

Thank you,

Cindy Papale

Your Signature Can Help Faith

Sunday, May 16, 2010

"LIFE, IT IS MUCH TO SHORT"

5/16/10

As I sit here typing and thinking of my younger brother in the hospital so terminally ill, I realize just how fragile life can be.

My brother was diagnosed a year and a half ago with colorectal cancer. His prognosis at that time was classified as "poor." He went through extensive chemotherapy, radiation therapy and then surgery. He seemed to be doing well until December of 2009 when he went for a PET scan. The scan revealed a small mass that appeared to be a hematoma. His oncologist told him to enjoy the Christmas Holiday and to return in three months for another PET scan.

One evening in early January he became very ill and was taken to the emergency room. He had been in severe pain and was vomiting. Another PET scan was done, which revealed that he had suspicious carcinogenesis (more cancer) in his abdomen. Surgery was perfomed two weeks later to find that his cancer had spread extensively and he was inoperable.

Not to make this posting very long, my brother is now in critical condition in the hospital. Many feel that the doctors were negligent. I did at first, but unfortunately they are not GOD, and PET scans are not the "find all" of any cancer. I have worked for a surgeon 11 of my 27 years and know that many do care about their patients. It is difficult to understand that because many physicians do not show compassion or have a difficult time showing it. There are the small group who do, but in all my years working for physicians I found that most do not.

I sit at my brother's bed side and watch him in so much pain and feel so helpless wondering what is it I can do to help him. I tried to talk to him but if you mention anything about "dying" either he will throw you out of his room, or he doesn't want to talk about it. This is okay as this is part of the process to "death and dying." I have found other ways to comfort him and one was just to be there and get him whatever he needs. I am sure that one day soon he will pass away and life will go on. He will leave behind a lovely wife, three children, six grandchildren, a sister and brother, and a 82 year old mother.

Whoever reads this posting I want you to know that I am okay. The advice I would give, however, to anyone that has a loved one who is dying is be there and just listen. Never argue, judge, or tell them what to do. Most important, do NOT walk into their hospital room or bedroom and ask "how are you feeling" when you know they are dying. Just say "hi" thought I would stop in to chat for a while. If you know they like a particular food and can still eat bring it, if they can only drink then bring them what you know they like or ask for, if they cannot eat or drink and are just lying there unable to talk then just bring yourself. Also, I want to let everyone know that they still can hear. Therefore, enter and say "hi" and your name that you are there. They will appreciate it, I'm sure.

Wishing everyone a Blessed Sunday and most of all, "Live Life as if it were your last day as tomorrow is never promised to anyone."

Cindy

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Natalie Grant HELD

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOufqWodFNo

Monday, March 8, 2010

Tabitha & Chichi

Dear friends,

Happy Monday! Had a great weekend filming in the studio. Unfortunately, I had to leave little Tabitha home.

Attached, you will see a photo of me (on the right) holding Tabitha and on the left is my friend Natalie and her dog Chichi. We are both wearing the shirt with the amazing photo of FAITH, made by Cher Marketing.

Photobucket

For those of you who do not know of FAITH, she is truly an inspiring bipedal dog. A book and movie will soon be coming about her. Owner, Jude Stringfellow is a very good friend of mine. Her son Reuben Stringfellow found FAITH 7 years ago, abandoned by her mother. When Reuben took FAITH home and showed his mother Jude, it was at that time they noticed she had no front legs. The story truly is amazing how the entire family came together to get FAITH to walk. Visti http://www.boardthefaithtrain.com to read more about FAITH and to contact Jude.

Have a great week. Until next time.

Cindy

Saturday, March 6, 2010

I will never stop!

Hellow to all my wonderful blog followers,

Hoping you all are enjoying your weekend. Went into the studio today and filmed for a wonderful upcoming TV show. I shared with many on camera the journey and challenges I am still faced having had breast cancer. Some negative and some positive.

More importantly, all of the wonderful, amazing people I have met through Foundations and Organziations such as The Pink Rose Inspirational Foundation, which I am one of the Board of Advisors to. The vision plan for this Foundation is amazing. More to come soon about this.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Cindy

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Be careful when you say harsh words to someone

Good morning and Happy Thursday to all my wonderful bloggers.

Over the past few weeks in Florida it has dipped into the mid to low 40's in temperature. This has got to be the coldest winter I can remember. While it is much colder elsewhere, for South Florida this is cold!!!!!!

At this time I would like to remind all of you to keep many of the families who lost loved ones in Haiti and Chili in your thoughts and prayers. Loosing a loved one, as many of us already know, can be devastating. Especially when it is unexpected. One never has closure loosing someone so quickly. No goodbye's, no I'm sorry's. Which brings me to the topic of choice today, and that is "Be careful when you say harsh words to someone because you can never take them back should they die before you ever see them again. Imagine the guilt one would feel should that happen.

I don't mean to bring up a depressing topic, but sit back and think about whether this has ever happened to you. My only suggestion to resolve some of the pain one feels during this kind of situation is to pray. Pray for the one you lost suddenly and were unable to say goodbye or I love you ever again. Trust me they will hear it as they would want us all to go on and live our lives to the fullest.

At this time, if you can, sit back and take a moment of silence for all the families sufferring in Haiti and Chili.

I thank you to all my bloggers who visit Cindy's Talk. I will be sure to return the favor as well by visiting all your blogs.

God Bless,

Cindy Papale

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Getting Your Mojo Back

Good morning,

It has been awhile since I have blogged on my site. Been really busy writing and reviewing my movie screenplay and also working. Story of my life!

Topic today is "Getting Your Mojo Back." Would love to hear your story as well.

I got my Mojo back when I finally had my breast reconstruction. Doens't sound like a big deal but believe me having no breasts for five years after loosing them to breast cancer is.

What does it feel like to have no breasts at all? Absolutely terrible! I lost my self esteem, and any clothing I put on didn't look good at all. I even at one point felt like a guy, if you can imagine that one.

The worse part was having to wear those heavy prosthesis (fake boobs), which some of you may already know about. They were hot, the bras ugly as hell, and they didn't make me look or feel great at all.

One day I decided not to wear the heavy prosthesis and went to a store to buy small silicone ones, which were more comfortable and much better than the prosthesis I had. I inserted both in my bra and off to grocery shopping I went. As I was shopping I saw the can of soup I was looking for on the bottom shelf and as I bent down to get the soup can I hear "plop." As I looked down at the floor there was my left boob I just bought. Well, not my boob but the silicone breast I just bought. As I looked around I noticed a little boy on the isle looking at me; his eyes open wide with shock. His mother was down the isle and all I heard was "mommy that lady's boob just feel on the floor." I was so humilated at that point I wasn't sure whether to pick up my breast or run out of the store. However, I quickly remembered that I paid $60 dollars for these fake boobs and I wasn't about to waste my money. I quickly picked up my boob, put it in my bra, left my cart and ran out hysterical laughing, leaving the little boy still in shock. Okay, not funny you think? Truly you had to be there. It was hilarious.

It was not long after that incident that I interviewed a young girl for my book "The Empty Cup Runneth Over".April, another breast cancer survivor was sharing her survivor story with me. We began talking about breast reconstruction and I told her I had not considered doing mine yet. What came next I was not prepared for. April decided to flash me her breasts to show me her reconstructed, new breasts with her nipples tattooed as well. Needless to say, I had the shocked look like the little boy in the gorcery isle had when I dropped my boob on the floor. April said that I must get a pair. I laughed hysterical and shared with her my story in the grocery store. Even more of a reason to get new breasts, she said.

The next day I had an appointment with a plastic surgeon and the rest is history. I am happy with my "B" size boobs. Many of my friends asked why didn't I get bigger ones. I laughed and said "Been there, done that." You see I had almost a size "D" before my breast cancer. I was considering having a breast reduction but breast cancer took care of that for me, unfortunately.

A Small B is Fine For Me! I love my new breasts, and going shopping was a blast. I loved shopping for a bathing suit for the first time after loosing my breasts, and everything I that I did put on looked great. It even made my waist look slimmer.

It was after my breast reconstruction that I got my "Mojo" back. I felt like a woman again, clothes looked great, and life is good!!!! That my blog friends is how I got my "Mojo" back.

I hope you all will share how you got your "Mojo" back too.

Have a great day eveyone.

Cindy

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Just when you think all is going well

Dear friends,

Hope you all are having a wonderful Valentine's Day.

Just when you think all is going well something always pops up. Some say "that's life," and other's say "what will be will be."

This year, 2010, certainly began with a bang for me. First, my job salary gets cut in half, then I find out that my brother's cancer recurred.

I want to thank everyone who sent prayers for my brother via FB friends and on TWITTER as well as their continued support and friendship. It is great to know that people do care. What surprised me even more was the outpour of calls I received asking if there was anything they can do.

I remind myself to enjoy life while you can because you never know when it will be over. I am living life to its fullest, and of course to always remember to love and laugh.

Best regards,

Cindy Papale

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Breast Cancer: "A Gift Without The Bow"

Welcome to Cindy's Blog Talk, which has not been up long. We hope you will come back and also jon in by posting. Thanks

My life totally changed in July, 2000 when I heard the words for the first time, “your biopsy is positive for breast cancer.” Because I worked for a breast surgeon for eleven of my twenty-seven years at the University of Miami my first thought was: How bad is my cancer? Then I thought am I going to die.

I was diagnosed with a stage I, multi-focal, invasive left breast cancer. The first procedure I had was a lumpectomy followed by a modified radical mastectomy, and three months later my right breast was removed prophylactically (meaning by choice). I had no breasts for the first five years as I had many concerns about going under anesthetic, rejecting the implant, and worrying how they would look. After having the opportunity to meet an artist/photographer and his friend who is a body painter I decided to be daring and have my body painted so that I could inspire other survivors and to let them know that they too, can still look beautiful after having both or one breast removed. AS THE COOL PAINT BRUSHED ACROSS MY BODY I FLASHED BACK TO THE DAY I WAS WHEELED INTO THE OPERATING ROOM TO HAVE BOTH MY BREASTS REMOVED. HAVING MY BODY PAINTED HAS TRULY BEEN AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ME TO SHARE MY DREAM OF HOW THE BEAUTY OF BREAST CANCER CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

I hated not feeling like a woman, but I overcame this one day after interviewing a young girl for the book I was writing. After talking about breast reconstruction she decided to “flash me her breasts” and told me that I should get a pair. What a shock that was. Needless to say, it is because of her that I now have size "B" boobs!
For me having had breast cancer is “A gift without the bow.” The not- so- great part of the gift is that I eventually lost both my breasts. The best part is that I was able to choose the size breast I wanted and to give back the blessings I received by speaking to high school and college age students letting them know that being proactive with their body is important, and if they felt uncomfortable with the doctor they are seeing it is okay to question someone of authority. Seek a second opinion if they have to, but be proactive!

After speaking for two years to the students, I wanted to do more. I decided to write my book ‘The Empty Cup Runneth Over,’ which is a treasure trove of information to help inspire, empower, and educate young women and men about breast cancer. To date, I have spoken to hundreds of thousands of students as well as to middle school students.

If having had breast cancer wasn’t challenging enough, my greatest challenge came when my 20 year marriage ended. Sometimes I feel the break-up was caused by my having had breast cancer because we drifted apart after that. In some circumstances breast cancer either brings couples together or breaks up a relationship. I do not have any regrets divorcing, but being single, now 55 years old, and having had breast cancer is a lot of baggage to carry around. Dating is difficult because when does someone let their date know they are a survivor? It is hard for me since I wrote a book and of course I let my date know what the book is about. Next question from my date “Oh, are you a survivor?” I proudly say yes. Guess what? No second date. I have to say that I have overcome this challenge because I know I am a good person and very confident.

I continue to inspire and educate young women and men by participating on many health panels and speak at many conferences. Just recently I was on Sirius satellite radio and spoke at the ACS Making Strides for Breast Cancer, on channel 6 South Florida Today Show, and made front cover to our Miami Herald Neighbors newspaper section.

I would like all breast cancer survivors to know that being diagnosed is not a death sentence, and to surround themselves with positive people. Diet and exercise are important, maintaining a healthy body weight, and limiting alcohol intake are all important to living a healthy lifestyle. Peace of mind is very important, and I have found mine by giving back and helping others.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Journey Through The World of Breast Cancer

Below is a little about me and my journey through the world of breat cancer. While Self Breast Examination is important, "Awareness" is crucial for early diagnosis both for men and women as breast cancer has no boundaries. There is a 1-2% risk for men developing the disease. For more information please visit my website www.theemptycuprunnethover.com and watch several educational videos, radio shows I have been on, and more important, the survivor stories. Thank You, Cindy Papale/author/breast cancer survivor

My name is Cindy Papale, and I am a breast cancer survivor. My life totally changed in July, 2000 when I heard the words for the first time, “your biopsy is positive for breast cancer.” Because I worked for a breast surgeon for eleven of my twenty-seven years at the University of Miami my first thought was: How bad is my cancer? Then I thought am I going to die.

I was diagnosed with a stage I, multi-focal, invasive left breast cancer. The first procedure I had was a lumpectomy followed by a modified radical mastectomy, and three months later my right breast was removed prophylactically (meaning by choice). I had no breasts for the first five years as I had many concerns about going under anesthetic, rejecting the implant, and worrying how they would look. After having the opportunity to meet an artist/photographer and his friend who is a body painter

I decided to be daring and have my body painted so that I could inspire other survivors and to let them know that they too, can still look beautiful after having both or one breast removed. AS THE COOL PAINT BRUSHED ACROSS MY BODY I FLASHED BACK TO THE DAY I WAS WHEELED INTO THE OPERATING ROOM TO HAVE BOTH MY BREASTS REMOVED. HAVING MY BODY PAINTED HAS TRULY BEEN AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ME TO SHARE MY DREAM OF HOW THE BEAUTY OF BREAST CANCER CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

I hated not feeling like a woman, but I overcame this one day after interviewing a young girl for the book I was writing. After talking about breast reconstruction she decided to “flash me her breasts” and told me that I should get a pair. What a shock that was. Needless to say, it is because of her that I now have size "B" boobs!For me having had breast cancer is “A gift without the bow.” The not- so- great part of the gift is that I eventually lost both my breasts. The best part is that I was able to choose the size breast I wanted and to give back the blessings I received by speaking to high school and college age students letting them know that being proactive with their body is important, and if they felt uncomfortable with the doctor they are seeing it is okay to question someone of authority. Seek a second opinion if they have to, but be proactive!After speaking for two years to the students, I wanted to do more. I decided to write my book ‘The Empty Cup Runneth Over,’ which is a treasure trove of information to help inspire, empower, and educate young women and men about breast cancer.

To date, I have spoken to hundreds of thousands of students as well as to middle school students.If having had breast cancer wasn’t challenging enough, my greatest challenge came when my 20 year marriage ended. Sometimes I feel the break-up was caused by my having had breast cancer because we drifted apart after that. In some circumstances breast cancer either brings couples together or breaks up a relationship. I do not have any regrets divorcing, but being single, now 55 years old, and having had breast cancer is a lot of baggage to carry around. Dating is difficult because when does someone let their date know they are a survivor? It is hard for me since I wrote a book and of course I let my date know what the book is about. Next question from my date “Oh, are you a survivor?” I proudly say yes. Guess what? No second date. I have to say that I have overcome this challenge because I know I am a good person and very confident. I continue to inspire and educate young women and men by participating on many health panels and speak at many conferences.

Just recently I was on Sirius satellite radio and spoke at the ACS Making Strides for Breast Cancer, on channel 6 South Florida Today Show, and made front cover to our Miami Herald Neighbors newspaper section.I would like all breast cancer survivors to know that being diagnosed is not a death sentence, and to surround themselves with positive people. Diet and exercise are important, maintaining a healthy body weight, and limiting alcohol intake are all important to living a healthy lifestyle. Peace of mind is very important, and I have found mine by giving back and helping others.

Cindy Papale is the cousin to former Philadelphia Eagle, Vince Papale, whose inspiring story "Invincible" became a movie starring Mark Walhberg, distributed by Disney. The movie was a huge hit, plus the book and DVD.

Friday, January 29, 2010

University of Miami helps survivors in Haiti

How wonderful to see that the University of Miami physician staff is still jumping up to the plate to help so many survivors in Haiti.

To improve continuity of care, medical volunteers heading to Haiti to work in the Miller School’s rapid response hospital or elsewhere are being asked to serve at least five days. By mid-February, they may be asked to stay at least a week.

The longer deployments come as the UM Global Institute’s Haiti Relief Task Force, the tireless cadre of doctors, administrators, staff, and volunteers who are working non-stop to coordinate the massive medical mission, settle in for the long haul. On Tuesday, the task force was moving from the Lois Pope LIFE Center to new quarters at the Medical Training and Simulation Lab.

Though University of Miami/Jackson physicians, nurses, and other personnel have helped save hundreds of lives since Barth Green, professor and chair of neurological surgery, led the first medical team to the devastated capital a day after the January 12 quake, tens of thousands of survivors still need immediate and long-term care. The threat of widespread secondary infections and other epidemics from unsanitary conditions also hovers on the horizon.

At the group’s daily briefing, Green ticked off an ever-growing list of needs at the urgent care hospital the University opened last week at the edge of the Port-au-Prince airport. Among them: a multi-slice CT scanner, dialysis units, and crutches and prosthetics for the countless Haitians whose limbs were crushed by collapsing buildings and have endured or will undergo amputations.

“Children and adults are dying every day because there are no dialysis machines in Haiti,’’ said Green, who co-founded Project Medishare to improve health care access in Haiti after a medical mission to the impoverished country in 1994. “In Haiti, if you can’t walk, you can’t get anywhere.’’

He also said the University is helping set up interim camps for hundreds of post-op patients no longer requiring acute care. Even if they are stable enough to be released, many have nowhere to go, nor any idea if their families are still alive, complicating the many challenges at the hospital.

Likewise, the University is working with Haitian orphanages to place post-op children without known family and is enlisting U.S. hospitals outside Florida, which has received the lion’s share of survivors brought to the U.S., to accept spinal cord and burn patients.

“The hospitals are willing to take them,’’ Green said. “We just need ways to fly them directly.’’

While some of the Miller School’s orthopaedic surgeons and neurosurgeons have been dispatched to the U.S. Navy hospital ship, USNS Comfort, to treat trauma patients there, the University has few nurses to spare, especially Creole-speakers able to communicate with frightened Haitian patients.

To ease the burden, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist signed an executive order on Monday allowing licensed nurses from other states to work in Florida for the next three months. Sought by nursing, hospital and union officials, the temporary measure is designed to help South Florida hospitals accommodate the many Haitian nurses on staff who yearn to return to their homeland to render assistance but, due to the ongoing nursing shortage, are unable to obtain leave because their skills are needed here. The out-of-state nurses would temporarily take the place of nurses who want to follow their hearts to Haiti.

“With that kind of plea I don’t know how to say no, so what I’m going to do is sign that order and to thank these wonderful people for their… kindness and their willingness to share their talents with our neighbors,” Crist said at a Monday afternoon news conference at Jackson’s Ryder Trauma Center.

In addition to health care professionals, especially Creole-speaking nurses, who can assist in Haiti, raising money for the UM Global Institute to support the University’s doctors, nurses and students in Haiti remains a priority. You may make an online donation directly to the Global Institute or send a check made out to the “University of Miami-Global Institute” to P.O. Box 248073, Coral Gables, Florida, 33124.

Thank you all for your continued support.

Personal blog from Cindy will be coming soon.

Monday, January 25, 2010

University of Miami Opens up Hospital in Haiti

The University of Miami Leonard School of Medicine continues to help many families in Haiti.

Conditions improve but challenges remain as the Miller School opens a 300-bed hospital in Haiti

Adult and child patients now rest in separate and more spacious wards, their flimsy cots no longer crammed tight. Two operating rooms boast anesthesia machines and surgical lights. A pathology lab is opening and, finally, an imaging center is enabling orthopedic surgeons to quit repairing shattered bones with visual inspections and touch alone.

The University of Miami’s hospital in Haiti would hardly meet U.S. standards, but the four-tent compound at the edge of the Port-au-Prince airport is a vast improvement over the makeshift clinic the Miller School’s Global Institute/Project Medishare began operating a day after the Jan. 12 earthquake left Haiti in ruins.

“Now we’re going to be able to use more modern medicine,” a weary Eduardo de Marchena, associate dean for international medicine reported Friday. “This is the most inspiring effort I’ve ever participated in. I really don’t think there’s ever been a university that has put together a working field hospital in an emergency situation like this.”

In addition to two operating rooms, which are expected to double the Miller School’s surgical capacity to about 50 operations a day, the 25,000-square foot air-conditioned compound includes two carnival-like, white tents to store medical and other supplies, and provide sleeping quarters for the nearly 200 volunteers from the University and beyond who have been toiling around the clock to stabilize and save lives. It has been dubbed “UM Inn.”

But as welcome and impressive as the UM hospital is, it will barely make a dent in the enormous medical needs of a country with hundreds of thousands of dead, gravely wounded and homeless people.

“There are thousands, if not tens of thousands, of patients on the ground who will require this level of care and they require it as soon as possible, if not now,” de Marchena said. “There will still be many, many more who will die in the next few weeks and this is before we’ve even started with some of the secondary infections and epidemics we’ll see.”

Transported by volunteers and Chilean and Argentine U.N. peacekeepers, patients began arriving at the new field hospital on Thursday from the crude clinic that Barth Green, M.D., professor and chairman of neurological surgery, established about a half-mile away after he led the first medical team to the ravished capital a day after the earthquake struck. There, doctors were amputating limbs by flashlight, on slabs of concrete outside.

Along with Arthur Fournier, M.D., professor of family medicine and associate dean for community health affairs, Green co-founded Project Medishare 15 years ago to improve health care access in Haiti. Their longstanding commitment and deep ties to the impoverished country facilitated the University’s quick and expanding role in the medical relief effort.

But even with the larger, cleaner, better-equipped field hospital, de Marchena noted, many other obstacles remain. Even patients who no longer need acute care present major challenges. After all, many have nowhere to go and no idea if their families are still alive so the UM clinic is, and the hospital will almost surely become, a de facto refugee center.

Yet, de Marchena said, the rewards of helping people in such desperate need make up for all the hardships, challenges and images of misery that will haunt him for a long time.

“There is such beautiful humanity down there you feel enriched,” he said. “You feel like you’re a more complete human being for having been there.”

As the Miller School continues to expand its medical mission in Haiti, the need for translators, anesthesiologists, surgeons, critical care nurses, surgical nurses and specialists in infectious disease, and family and internal medicine remains.

If you are willing and able to assist in Haiti, please send an email to haitivolunteers@med.miami.edu. Include your name, contact information, including all phone numbers and e-mail addresses, and list your availability, language fluency, skills, specialties, title, affiliation with UM, or an external organization, and your country of citizenship, with your passport number and expiration date.

To support the Global Institute’s health care mission in Haiti you may give to the United Way/UM through “Operation Helping Hands,” make an online donation directly to the Global Institute or send a check made out to the “University of Miami-Global Institute” to P.O. Box 248073, Coral Gables, Florida, 33124.
Share this Listing:

Courtesy of e-veritas

Cindy

Friday, January 22, 2010

Candlelite Vigil on University of Miami Campus

Eye on Haiti

Posted on 21 January 2010

A community forum and candlelight vigil on the University of Miami campus drew attention to the plight of Haiti’s quake victims and addressed strategies for the country’s recovery. Students observe a moment of silence during the candlelight vigil that drew hundreds.

Students observe a moment of silence during the candlelight vigil that drew hundreds.

After the quake had subsided, Arielle Duperval and her two University of Miami classmates cautiously stepped out of the car in which they were passengers and began to walk the streets of Haiti’s capital city, witnessing horrific scenes of death and destruction.

“Take everything you’ve ever seen on CNN and multiply it by infinity,” said the 19-year-old Duperval, describing what she saw after last Tuesday’s devastating 7.0-magnitude earthquake destroyed much of Port-au-Prince.

But amid the chaos, she also saw scenes of courage: men and women running fearlessly into buildings on the verge of collapse to rescue children trapped beneath the rubble.

The daughter of Haitian immigrants, Duperval was one of several speakers who addressed an audience of hundreds of students, faculty, and staff members who gathered on the UM campus Wednesday evening for a candlelight vigil honoring Haiti’s quake victims. She and her two classmates, Kristina Rosales and Austin Webbert, were in Haiti as part of Assistant Professor Louis Herns Marcelin’s initiative to establish community youth centers in the country when the earthquake hit.

All three, as well as several other UM students who were in the country on intersession courses, made it back safely to the U.S.

With the Haitian national flag displayed on the stage at the vigil and a small choir performing inspirational music, some people in the crowd shed tears. Others embraced or held hands. All were deeply saddened by the recent events.
At Wednesday's candlelight vigil, President Shalala reiterated UM's commitment to helping Haiti recover.

At Wednesday's candlelight vigil, President Shalala reiterated UM's commitment to help Haiti recover.

“Tonight we remember and pray for the Haitian people, for their families and friends here in the United States, and for all the caregivers who are trying desperately to get help on the ground to the people in Haiti,” said UM President Donna E. Shalala, calling the tragedy “unprecedented.”

UM, Shalala said, has made a commitment to help the impoverished nation, noting that leaders from the Haitian Student Organization are working closely with the Butler Center for Service and Leadership to initiate donation drives and mobilize community support. Many other student organizations are organizing aid drives, such as concerts and auctions, the specific details of which will be announced in the coming days.

The University also hopes to donate phone cards that will help Haitians in the quake zone communicate with loved ones in the U.S. So far, the institution has raised more than $2 million for Haiti quake relief—the largest amount raised by any university for Haiti relief, Shalala said.

Shalala saluted the efforts of Miller School of Medicine physicians Arthur Fournier and Barth Green, who were among the first doctors on the ground in Haiti. The two are co-founders of Project Medishare, a Miami-based nonprofit that has worked to improve health care in the nation since 1995.

Arielle Duperval talks about her experience in Haiti when the quake hit, as fellow student Austin Webbert listens.

“As a student of Haitian descent, it warms my heart to see the amount of support the University community, City of Coral Gables, and the world have been offering to the victims of this tragedy,” said Student Government President Lionel Moise.

Donations will ultimately play the largest role in helping Haiti recover, agreed many of the people who assembled at the community forum, “Coming Together as a People of Haiti,” held in the UM Fieldhouse before the vigil.

Hosted by UM’s Center for Latin American Studies, the forum gave the audience of mostly faculty, staff, and students the chance to “share their concerns, pains, sadness, hopes, and ideas in the face of this tragedy,” said CLAS director Stephen Stein.

“I haven’t stopped crying since last week,” said Haitian-born MarieGuerda Nicolas, an associate professor at UM’s School of Education who has several relatives still living in the Caribbean nation. Four of her cousins died in the quake.

Stein said the center is organizing a series of upcoming symposia on Haiti, including a roundtable discussion that could lead to initiatives on the reconstruction of the country.

But before the rebuilding process begins, the treatment and care of the injured continues, with the Miller School taking a “rapid responder role in providing medical care for the people in Haiti,” said Steven Falcone, executive clinical dean for the Miller School’s regional campus at Florida Atlantic University and chief medical officer for the school’s medical relief efforts in Haiti.
With the Haitian flag behind him, physician Steven Falcone gives details on the Miller School's medical relief efforts in Haiti.

With the Haitian flag behind him, faculty physician Steven Falcone gives details on the Miller School's medical relief efforts in Haiti.

Falcone said that since the quake struck the school has been organizing three to five flights daily in and out of Haiti, supplying physicians, nurses, surgeons, and operating room technicians who work out of an airport-based urgent care center that has treated and triaged hundreds of quake survivors.

“They are not great conditions, but we’re going to improve them shortly,” he said, noting a 300-bed tent hospital that is now up and running, and equipped with two operating rooms, dialysis and X-ray machines, and telemedicine capabilities.

He said achieving consistent and reliable communication remains a challenge, and that while many pharmaceutical companies have given drugs, the medications that are needed most are sometimes not the ones that are being donated.

“This effort will take weeks and months, and many hands will be needed,” Falcone said. “This has been an unfortunate disaster. But it’s shown us how we can pull together as an institution and as a community to provide important resources for the survival of the Haitian people.”

Her voice shaking and her eyes nearly coming to tears, Duperval issued a challenge to the audience at the forum: “We all need to work together,” she said. “Haiti’s been through so much and will go through so much more before it can realize it dreams.”

It truly is amazing when something tragic happens how people come together. Thank you all for your continued support and for reading Cindy's Blog Talk!

Wishing you all a nice weekend.

Cindy Papale

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Uncovering a Common Mutation

Very interesting information:

In a study published online in the Annals of Human Genetics, Margaret Pericak-Vance, Ph.D., John T. Macdonald Professor and director of the Miami Institute for Human Genomics at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, searched for small genetic variants associated with ASD.

Uncovering a Common Mutation

The symptoms are gradual and insidious. An infant or toddler begins to withdraw from social interaction and to take refuge in solitary, often repetitive behaviors. As the months and years pass, the child becomes increasingly difficult and unresponsive—and another family is devastated by the effects of autism.

Autism and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) affect an estimated one in 150 U.S. children. While rare genetic mutations are known to increase the risk of such conditions, UM researchers recently identified common gene mutations that could also play a role.

In a study published online in the Annals of Human Genetics, Margaret Pericak-Vance, Ph.D., John T. Macdonald Professor and director of the Miami Institute for Human Genomics at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, searched for small genetic variants associated with ASD. Data gathered from 438 families with autistic children were validated with findings from another 487 affected families. The multi-center study included investigators from more than a dozen sites and more than 10,000subjects.

Assembling the Autism Puzzle

The findings from the breakthrough study, published online April 28 by the journal Nature, may implicate a gene involved in forming the connections between brain cells.

As many researchers continue to do more research about Autism, we continue to know more as time goes on.

Cindy Papale

Bascom Palmer Eye Inst. Restores Woman's eyesight

This is truly an amazing story.

An unusual procedure performed at UM’s Bascom Palmer Eye Institute restores a blind woman’s sight—and makes ophthalmic history in the U.S.

Sharron “Kay” Thornton describes her joy over being able to see again. Victor L. Perez, M.D.

An Extraordinary Strategy:

Blinded by a syndrome that severely scarred her corneas, Sharron “Kay” Thornton saw only shadows for nine years—until she regained her vision at UM’s Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, thanks to a complex and highly unusual series of procedures known as modified osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis (MOOKP).

Developed in Italy and proven effective as a solution to end-stage corneal disease, MOOKP had never before been performed in the United States. “This procedure ‘of last resort’ implants the patient’s tooth in the eye to anchor a prosthetic lens and restore vision,” explains corneal specialist Victor L. Perez, associate professor of ophthalmology, who performed the surgery. The interdisciplinary team also included Yoh Sawatari, assistant professor of clinical surgery at the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Dentistry at UM’s Miller School of Medicine.

Rediscovering the World

“Through the work of Dr. Perez’s team, patients in the United States now have access to this complex surgical technique,” said Eduardo C. Alfonso, chairman of Bascom Palmer, which has been rated the nation’s leading eye hospital for six years in a row by U.S.News & World Report.

For Thornton, the surgery marked the successful conclusion of a long medical odyssey. Now she is excited about seeing her three grown children and nine grandchildren, as well as rediscovering simple joys like watching clouds and playing cards with friends. “Without sight, life is really hard,” she says. “I’m hoping this surgery will help countless people.”

What an amazing story. Medical technology certain has come a long way.

Cindy Papale

Update on Help to Haiti victims Courtesy of U of M E-Veritas

Update: Courtesy of University of Miami E-Veritas News:

Donations to crisis-hit Haiti began to flow from University of Miami employees through a special Web site launched just a day after the devastating earthquake killed tens of thousands in the island nation. The initiative is just the beginning of a series of relief efforts under way at UM as students and faculty return this week after a month-long winter break.

UM officials have met regularly since the quake hit, discussing relief efforts to aid victims and planning events such as a “Coming Together as a People of Haiti” forum and candlelight vigil, both of which will be held Wednesday night on the Coral Gables campus. The University is also working to facilitate the return of students who were in Haiti on intersession courses when the quake hit, assisting South Florida’s large Haitian community, and sending much-needed aid, especially the medical expertise of Miller School of Medicine physicians, to the country.

Money is what’s needed most, UM officials say. Employees can still make donations via the ’Canes Helping Haiti Web site, which includes extensive information on how to help and updates on upcoming programs and events related to the disaster and relief efforts. At tonight’s men’s basketball game against Boston College, which starts at 9 p.m. in the BankUnited Center, the Department of Athletics will be collecting monetary donations in support of the UM/United Way “Operation Helping Hands” initiative, which supports the UM Global Institute and the work of its doctors, nurses, and students who are working directly with quake victims.

Other UM initiatives are also under way or in the planning stages as student organizations, schools and colleges, centers, and institutes mobilize resources

The School of Law’s HOPE Public Interest Resource Center was among the first to respond, launching a Web site that includes information on how to send aid, campus-wide relief efforts, upcoming fundraisers, and resources for families affected by the tragedy.

The Rosenstiel School’s Center for Southeastern Tropical Advanced Remote Sensing, a satellite receiving and analysis complex in southern Miami-Dade County, is supporting the U.S. Southern Command and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency with imagery to aid their rescue efforts in Haiti.

Counselors have been made available to students through the Counseling Center, and the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program is aiding employees in need of help.

The Miller School has sent medical equipment, supplies, and teams of specialists to Haiti to provide lifesaving treatment to survivors.

A medical team led by neurosurgeon Barth Green, cofounder of Project Medishare, an initiative dedicated to improving the health of the Haitian people, arrived in Haiti a day after the quake, treating critically wounded people within five minutes of landing at the airport in Port-au-Prince.

Emergency personnel at the University of Miami/Jackson Ryder Trauma Center have admitted patients evacuated from Haiti. The Ryder Trauma Center is coordinating with other South Florida medical centers, including Jackson North and South and University of Miami Hospital, to handle the large number of patients anticipated.

On Wednesday, January 20 at 8 p.m., a candlelight vigil will be held at the University Center Rock.

We continue to keep the victims of friends and family in our prayers.

Cindy Papale

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Help still needed in Haiti

As I watched CNN on TV show the devastation in Haiti, it makes me want to hug everyone that I love because you never know when they will be taken from you.

The earthquake in Haiti saddens me beyond belief.....it is not only the collapse of buildings, but the collapse of cities, villages, families and lives. Please help by sending a $10 donation by texting ‘Haiti’ to 90999, to the American Red Cross, funds will go to support the relief effort in Haiti. Please pass this on to others, and text to support the Red Cross.

Thank you,

Cindy Papale

Friday, January 15, 2010

Getting Old and Managing to Still Be Married!

Today is finally Friday and I am looking forward to a fantastic weekend of networking at a great conference on Saturday. I love meeting people and networking is a one of many ways to meet them.

My title today is "Getting Old and Managing to Still be Married." Some people may see getting old as depressing. I visualize getting old as being happy and healthy. I like to look at one side of a coin with a happy face, and the other with a sad face. I choose to take the happy face. After all they say a smile is a frown turned upside down. The married part I'm not to sure about yet.

Some people are afraid of getting old and being put into a nursing home or an assisted living home. Many actually are. Ever go into a nursing home? I'm sure some of you have at one time or another. Is it depressing? Do you see happy faces or sad faces? I suppose it depends on the nursing home. Let's just say not all assisted living facilities are like the movie "cocoon."

I took a walk the other day and saw the cutiest couple walking and holding hands. I would say they were in their late 70's. They were walking slow and talking together. I wondered how they lasted so long together. I wondered how many children they had, and if they traveled a lot. I continued walking around the complex passing them by two laps. By the third lap I decided to smile at them both. They looked and smiled back. On the next lap I smiled again and once more they both smiled. My next and final lap I decided instead of smiling I would say hello and ask them how long they lived in the complex, and also how they liked it. I felt this would be an ice breaker to begin with before I ask anything personal, like how the hell does one grow old and stay as happy as they are?

As I turned the corner on my final lap there they were, the cutiest couple walking hand in hand talking away. When we got up to each other I introduced myself and asked if they lived in the complex. Sometimes people just visit so you never know. The man turned and introduced him self as Max and his wife as Sylvia. Max told me he lived in the complex for 20 years and loved it. I shared with Max and Sylvia that I just moved into the complex and have been here for 3 months. I told them that I really liked it better than where I used to live.

Max began to ask me where I worked. I also told him that I am a breast cancer survivor/advocate and that I wrote a book The Empty Cup Runneth Over, which was available at Barnes and Nobles and on my website. He told me that he would love to read my book and also asked if I would sign it if he bought a copy. I told him of course I would.

Max then asked whether I lived alone or was I married. MARRIED!!!!! Now there's a lead in to my question whether they were married and how did they manage to get along and still be together. I told Max and Sylvia I was married for 20 years and that I had been divorced for 3 years. Then it was my turn. I asked politey and you two? Max smiled at Sylvia and turned to me and said well, we just got married about a year ago and while we known each other since we were kids, that he said they were considered newlyweds. I stepped back and never laughed so hard in all my life. I told Max and Sylvia that I was just wondering how they managed to get to a wonderful old age and still be happily married. Max said you marry when you get older. OMG, the joke was on me. It never crossed my mind that Max and Sylvia were newlyweds.

It was at that moment that I learned a great leason, which is one should never judge a book by its cover. I know that's an old saying, but it definitely appropriate in this sitution. Max and Sylvia were newlyweds. But the nice thing is that they new each other as kids, respected each other, and now they were finally married. The best part was that they managed to stay out of nursing homes.

Well,time to get ready to work out again. Maybe I will run into Max and Sylvia again!

Thursday, January 14, 2010

University of Miami Relief Efforts Have Begun

Courtesy of The University of Miami E-Veritas:

At the University of Miami, relief efforts have begun, with President Donna E. Shalala sending a University-wide e-mail letter explaining how students, faculty, staff, and alumni can aid quake victims and the launching of a Web site, ’Canes Helping Haiti, that details UM’s assistance activities.

Meanwhile, in a move to provide immediate assistance, UM’s Miller School of Medicine is mobilizing its resources in Haiti, which include Project Medishare and its community health project in the country’s Central Plateau as well as a family medicine training program for Haitian physicians in the city of Cap-Haitien. A UM medical team led by Barth Green, who co-founded Project Medishare, departed for Haiti yesterday, bringing with them much-needed medical supplies and equipment.

As international agencies and rescue workers continue to assess the disaster relief needs for Haiti, UM officials have said the University’s initial response is just the beginning of its efforts. Working with the Haitian Student Organization, the Butler Center for Service and Leadership, and schools and colleges, UM is continuing to provide information on the various ways to contribute to its coordinated relief efforts.

It is wonderful to see all communities come together to help others at a time when it is needed. As I know how painful it can be to loose someone you love suddently, my heart and prayers go out to all the families who lost loved ones in Haiti.

Cindy Papale

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Another Glorious Day!

Hi all, Here I am again, another gloris day, however freezing. South Florida hopefully will be warming up soon. It was 43 degrees outside this morning. Farmers are worried about their crops freezing limiting our future OJ. (orange juice for those that need to know that it is orange juice and not OJ Simpson LOL)

American Idol is on AGAIN tonight. It's a two hour special, and can you believe Simon Cowell is leaving the show. Oh boy, I need to get a life! However, Ellen DeGeneres is going to be on the show this season. It should be interesting how she interacts with Simon. It's only for one season,gosh, hope it will be fun? Let's see how they both interact on Ellen's first season. I also was told that the show is fixed. (LOL)

Life is rather exciting right now. I am looking forward to continuing writing my movie screen play and second book. I love writing and blogging helps me get into the mood. I am looking forward to a net working conference this Saturday, January 16th at the Signature Grand. I'm also having a book signing on Sat, Jan 23 where I will be speaking on spiritual matters. This event will be filmed for a possible HBO series. I will let everyone know of course.

Wishing everyone a great day, and I promise my blog will get more interesting! Cindy

Monday, January 11, 2010

Another cold day in South Florida

Well, here it is Monday, January 11, 2010 and we are going on our second week here in South Florida of cold weather. This morning it was 33 degrees and with the wind chill it was 25. We even had some snow down the street at the Town and Country Shopping Center. Incredible!

I am still working on my movie screenplay and second book. My first book, The Empty Cup Runneth Over - www.theemptycuprunnethover.com is doing well, and I just found out this weekend that it made the top ten best seller list with my publishing company. Great way to begin 2010.

As I sit here at my desk at work, and planning my new year. I will begin looking for a better job. I cannot express how difficult that is for me as I have been at the U of M for 27 years. Many cut backs have been made and I was one of them. I took a huge bullet, $23,000 pay cut! I am no different then many others who lost their jobs. Some are in worse shape then me. I know this too shall pass. If I survived breast cancer I can survive this right? Need encouragement from you all.

Met many wonderful people on Facebook and Twitter. I am up to 5,200 on Twitter and over 2,070 on Facebook. What a great way to network and communicate with others. Don't get me wrong, I had to block at least 40 people since I have been on Facebook this past year. But I had to. It amazes me how people just don't get it when you let them know in the beginning that you are on their to net work and NOT date!!! Okay, I admit there have been so good looking guys on Facebook that I wouldn't mind getting to know. So there you have it, double minded!!

Well, until next time. Wishing everyone a great day. Hopefully, I will have more exciting news to blog. This is my first blog. Therefore, I need to get with the program!

Cindy Papale/author of The Empty Cup Runneth Over/breast cancer survivor