Guest Post: James "Rhio" O'Connor Memorial Scholarship Essay Contest

There once lived a man who looked death in the eyes and said “no”. When James Rhio O’Connor received his prognosis of one year to live in October 2001, he was determined to do everything in his power to outlive mesothelioma; a cancer of the mesothelium caused by exposure to asbestos (www.survivingmesothelioma.com). Mesothelial cells create the membranes that cover very important internal organs. When affected by cancer, these cells divide uncontrollably. Due to the position of the tumor, conventional medicine was unable to help Mr. O’Connor. Therefore with the help of countless clinicians and his own research, he was able to dramatically change his life in order to accommodate for this disease. Alternative medicine, diet, supplements, and sheer determination and optimism aided Mr. O’Connor to live until July 11, 2009 (Monthly).

James Rhio O’Connor’s story, along with countless others’, has truly compelled the scientific community to devote its time and money to cancer research. Perhaps the biggest display of dedication to this cause was shown in 1971 when President Nixon signed the National Cancer Act; a legislation that increased research to improve understanding of cancer, prevention, and treatment. Although it may seem that little progress has been made since the War on Cancer was announced, there have been many scientific breakthroughs since the early 2000s. In fact, the percentage of survivors increased by 19% from 2001 to 2007 (War on Cancer, 15).

As I registered once again this year for the annual Relay for Life, a fundraiser thrown on by the American Cancer Society, I realized I had no idea how my money was actually helping cancer research. How has cancer research advanced since the “War on Cancer” was announced? Are we making noteworthy progress or is the scientific community at standstill? What kind of research does my money contribute to? I decided to dig into this messy topic in order to educate myself.

Currently scientific research may be at a dead end for cancers like melanomas, pancreas, and childhood cancers, but it has certainly made great advancements in other fields (Reports Highlights, 2010). For instance, the four most common cancers, as well as cancer in general, have a decreased death toll. Colon cancer has had markedly lower rates of mortality due to improvements in common medicine such as chemotherapy and surgery (Kopetz, 2010). Prostate cancer mortality rates have also significantly decreased due to new inventions like the PSA, a test that monitors the amount of a specific protein secreted by the prostate gland (Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test, 2009). Researchers on breast cancer have come out with even more effective treatments like the medication Tamoxifen; an estrogen binding site blocker that in turn prevents cancer cell growth (Tamoxifen, 2012). Furthermore, awareness of the risks of cigarettes and second-hand smoking has finally made an impact on the prevalence of lung cancer (Reports Highlights, 2010).

Interestingly, even after all of these major advancements, cancer is still the leading cause of death by disease in people under the age of 85 (as a side note, the reason cancer does not affect people over the age of 85 as much as younger people is due to the fact that their cells do not divide nearly as quickly, therefore it takes much longer for cancer cells to metastasize). After further research on the prominence of cancer, I realized that the current treatments are not the underlying problem; prevention is. Cancer research has clearly spelled out the risk factors associated with cancer yet most people ignore these warning signs. For example, obesity, a rapidly growing phenomenon in the United States, has been linked with cancers of the esophagus, breast, colon, kidney, thyroid, and much more (Obesity and Cancer Risk, 2012). Yet even after research on its link to cancer and other major diseases has come out, the rate of obesity is still skyrocketing in America. Furthermore, eating unhealthy food has been linked with colon cancer. Taken in high quantities, the sulfur preservatives present in processed foods and meats have been found to create carcinogenic changes in the DNA of cells in the gut (Jopson, 1998). Due to the high importance given to these food groups in the United States, many people become at risk of having serious bowel diseases. Additionally, ethanol, the type of alcohol found in alcoholic drinks, has been found to increase the risk of mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, colon, and breast cancer when ingested in great quantities. Ethanol damages body tissues, helps other harmful chemicals enter the body more easily, raises the level of estrogen in females (a hormone linked with breast cancer), and causes weight gain (Alcohol Use and Cancer, 2012). Moreover, although the rate of smoking has declined significantly since 1982, about one in five people were reported to be smokers in 2010 (Cigarette Smoking, 2011). Firsthand and secondhand smoking both cause equally grave results; the most common being lung cancer (accounting for the most deaths by cancer). Lastly, Vitamin D deficiency has also been a concern to many cancer researchers. Vitamin D is a hormone with many functions that is usually obtained through UV rays. It is involved in bone growth and repair, calcium absorption, and immune function. Unfortunately, many places do not get enough UV rays to sufficiently provide Vitamin D. Newer studies show that Vitamin D regulates the production of proteins that are in charge of cell differentiation and death. Therefore, Vitamin D deficiency can cause abnormal functions of these proteins, in turn causing uncontrollable cell proliferation (Vitamin D Deficiency: Information for Cancer Patients, 2008). One study specifically confirmed that taking 1100 IU/day of vitamin D3 and 1450 mg/day of calcium causes all cancer rates to drop 77% (Vitamin D and cancer, 2011). Unfortunately, much of the U.S. population is unaware of this fact and fails to get tested for Vitamin D deficiency. On a more positive note, all of the aforementioned behaviors and actions are easily reversible on a personal level compared to other types of carcinogens.

Primitive research on the environment has concluded that it has its fair share of blame for the high toll of cancer mortalities. Epidemiological research (the study of disease origin and development) on humans has found that pesticides, especially in high quantities, are carcinogenic. With the accretion of pesticides come accumulations of DNA changes; frequently causing the lymphatic system cancer called non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. A study done by the National Cancer Institute in 1987 even showed that children in frequent contact with pesticides have a four times greater risk of developing leukemia (Petreman). Another environmental factor that is most likely contributing to the cancer toll is pollution. For example, diesel exposure has been linked with lung cancer. Although field research is still controversial, lab research has shown diesel’s abilities to change cell DNA, a preliminary step to cancer (Diesel Exhaust, 2010).

As I take a step back from my research, I realize how easily preventable so many of these risk factors are. Cancer screenings, washing produce with water to rid food of pesticides, eating less meat to decrease sulfur intake, not smoking, getting vaccines for cancers like HPV, and exercising 30 minutes per day are all manageable tasks that have already been proven effective by the scientific community (Reynolds, 2009). Not only will these behaviors prevent cancer, they will make the American population healthier in general. Therefore, education is key; both the young and old need to realize the downfalls of their lifestyles. We already have school systems implemented to teach the next generation, so why not take the time to teach them how easily cancer can be prevented? Even if their parents are not healthy, educating kids from an early age on how to have healthy habits will surely influence their lifestyles. Spreading the word to older generations is also mandatory. I realize that preventative studies have already been published in science and news articles, but this information needs to be communicated in even more ways (i.e. billboards, fast food restaurants).

I ended my inquiry with the most interesting topic of all, current cancer research (what my Relay for Life donations are funding). Since the genome project ended in 2003 (a project that identified millions of genes in human DNA), the scientific community has been able to use this enormous amount of data to create a new treatment called gene therapy. In simple terms, gene therapy is an experimental treatment that introduces new DNA or RNA into a person’s cells via a safe virus in order to aid them to fight or prevent a disease. It has already proven successful for the treatment of ADA but is still in its clinical trials for cancer treatment (Gene Therapy for Cancer: Questions and Answers, 2006). More research is vital to more forward and overcome all of the difficulties associated with such a complicated procedure. Unfortunately, funds are limited, therefore so is research. I urge everyone who is interested in this life-saving technology to donate in order to explore the full potential of genes therapy and eventually apply it to cancer prevention and treatment.

Works Cited
War on Cancer. (15, April 12). Retrieved from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_on_Cancer
Gene Therapy for Cancer: Questions and Answers. (2006, August 31). Retrieved from National Cancer Institute: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/gene
Vitamin D Deficiency: Information for Cancer Patients. (2008). New York, New York, United States: The Bone and Cancer Foundation. Retrieved from http://www.boneandcancerfoundation.org/pdfs/Vitamin_D_Booklet.pdf
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test. (2009, March 18). Retrieved from National Cancer Institute: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/detection/PSA
Diesel Exhaust. (2010, November 08). Retrieved from American Cancer Society: http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/CancerCauses/OtherCarcinogens/Pollution/diesel-exhaust
Reports Highlights. (2010, April 15). Retrieved from National Cancer Institute: http://progressreport.cancer.gov/highlights.asp
Cigarette Smoking. (2011, November 21). Retrieved from American Cancer Society: http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/CancerCauses/TobaccoCancer/CigaretteSmoking/cigarette-smoking-who-and-how-affects-health
Vitamin D and cancer. (2011, October 12). Retrieved from Vitamin D Council: http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/health-conditions/cancer/
Alcohol Use and Cancer. (2012, January 27). Retrieved from American Cancer Society: http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/CancerCauses/DietandPhysicalActivity/alcohol-use-and-cancer
Obesity and Cancer Risk. (2012, January 3). Retrieved from National Cancer Institute: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/obesity
Tamoxifen. (2012, April 15). Retrieved from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamoxifen
Jopson, D. C. (1998, August 11). Higher Cancer Risk for Big Beat and Junk Food Eaters. Nutridate.
Kopetz, S. (2010). Colorectal Cancer Survival Rates.
Monthly, C. (n.d.). James Rhio O'Connor. Retrieved from Surviving Mesothelioma: A Patient's Guide: http://www.survivingmesothelioma.com/rhiooconnor.cfm
Petreman, G. (n.d.). Pesticides and Cancer. Retrieved from Toxics Info: http://www.toxicsinfo.org/Lawn/Pesticides%20&%20Cancer.htm
Reynolds, G. (2009, August 18). Phys Ed: Does Exercise Reduce Your Cancer Risk? Retrieved from The New York Times: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/18/phys-ed-does-exercise-reduce-your-cancer-risk/

25 Date Ideas

LOVESSS. i have no boyf. will have to do with best friend. :)

http://www.seancarney.ca/blog/2009/05/04/25-date-ideas-from-xkcd

Easter OOTD

I wish I studied harder
I wish I didn't feel like I was getting left behind
I wish more of my friends were going to my school
I wish I had options
I wish I wasn't so sad

I hope I'll study hard in school
I hope I'll be able to get ahead
I hope I'll make new friends
I hope I'll open doors for myself instead of hoping they'll open themselves
I hope I'll be happy

Blog Name Change?

I'm thinking of changing my blog name and URL b/c my posts are becoming more and more centered on my job at Abercrombie & Fitch. This strays 180 degrees from what I used to be like....It's kind of funny.

Since I wear the clothes so much now and have been taking a photo of my work outfits every morning before I go to work I thought I might as well put them to work. Plus there are lots of things I can talk about pertaining to the job....such as what it's like to work retail, how to NOT spend all your paychecks on clothes at the store, and makeup you can wear for the "AnF Look Policy" <--yes, there is one. It's not that bad. It's seriously not that bad....I wear eyeliner/mascara/foundation/bronzer to work...as long as you aim for a natural makeup look you can't go wrong.

Opinions on the probable name change?

REDLINES 50% OFF = madnessss

This morning before i went to work. 9:30AM starting shift? yah I needed coffee at McCafe first (oh McDonalds. so classsy)

Me pretrialing the outfit the night before. go me

I should just rename my blog since it's just pics of my work outfits these days....

New top! They didn't have any smalls left :( I bought it too late. sigh. probably will buy more clothes this week. I love summer clothes. SIGH. their cardigans are actually SO SOFT. i want to buy stuff b/c the clearance stuff right now is NUTS. everything priced in red ink is half price so even the thick sweatshirts marked at 19.90 is really 9.95. Insanity. Some asians buy whole arms worth of clothes.

And to work I went!

*Note: that is not stomach pudge!! My shirt puffs out :(

Crazy day at AnF today. We're doing 50% any sales item whose price was marked in red ink. I was ringing people up and the line went from the cash register to the back sales section. Chaos...

Pretty sure I burned off the muffin I ate this morning from all my running around, swiping, folding, desensoring (taking off the security tags from EACH item. yes, they all have them.)

At the end of the day my hair was completely flat, and i did not look so chipper

Heels as well

If you have a fancy brunch/lunch/whatever...the lace top knows no bounds!!

Ok i'm done posting pictures of this top...I got a little photobooth happy. what can i say?

OOTD

Top: H&M
Camisole: Aritzia
Jeans: random store
Boots: Urban O.

Before midway through last year I always dressed..a bit over the top? Kind of stifled. Like I was trying too hard. Nowadays I strive for the middle ground between prepping my outfit the night before and not caring at all. There's something about girls that try too hard that's off putting when it comes to fashion.

It could also just be that I'm lazy. Either way I'm happier now :) I feel much more comfortable in my clothes even if that means I'm not getting compliments as often as before.

Current fashion inspiration: Fashion Hedonism

New York City!

Top: H&M
Under Top: Aritzia
Shorts: American Eagle

I'm back from my Connecticut/New York spring break :)

It was a lovely vacation and I so much good food. Of course that's all I care about. I will upload my foodporn on another day. I bought alot of new clothes and two pairs of boots (including the ones I have already showed you!)

I only took photos of one of my new tops...and it's my absolute favorite. It's a lace top with buttons in the back :) Cute for layering and looks great tucked into skirts or just over tanks with jeans/shorts.

Excuse my extremely messy room. That's what happens when I pack my luggage...I literally pull out everything to debate what to bring yet I never even wear 3/4 of it on the trip.

Tumblr!

I caved and got a tumblr. I love visuals anyway so might as well find something that allows to not need to do anything else but.

check out MY TUMBLR aka organicmilke.tumblr.com

To You- "Someone Like You" by Adele (Cover)

So obsessed! Love this girl's voice :)

Girl on a Vine

They are a clothing line that has such beautifully artistic pieces. Very antique lounge southern california.

All their photos are gorgeous but this one just floored me!~

Les Boots!

I finally got new boots. I've been searching for the perfect new pair for almost a year now. I had three requirements

1) can't be suede. Did that in 10th grade. I wanted something new

2) can't be leather. Everybody has those these days

3) Has to fit around my calves. My calves are huge :(

Here are the beauties that I found!! They were originally 180.00 or something but I bought them for 86.00. It wasn't like a magnificent steal because 86.00 is still quite pricey but I'm on vacation and the fitting of the calf was an amazing experience. Did I mention they fit around the calf WITH jeans on? Twas awesome

Summer Days are Here Again!

Today it was so sunny and warm which is so unusual for this area.

As soon as i got home i changed into shorts and a big loose tank top <-- outfit I where in 70+ degree weather! I'm so desperate for sunshine, shorts, and sandals.

Here's a polyvore set you can wear with this type of big blank lightweight tank

Rise by MissIndie featuring old navy jackets

I curled my hair with a straightener but i didn't like it much....it was too tight. I like really loose, big, natural curls. My hair felt so destroyed and dry afterwards, too :(

Summer Bronzey Tan Yummy Goodness

I need summer. I loved the vibe of big shades, glowy bronze skin, rays leaking through tree leaves, denim cut offs, big flowy tops, and unique sandals. LOVE!!!!

All pics from lookbook.nu

Apricot Heels

Topshop Heels

Everyone loves nude heels....but I want apricot heels! It's more of a fusion of light pink and nude...I like it more actually :)

Pray for Japan

Work work work (kinda)

Went to work today but woke up too early (I went to bed at 10pm...it's becoming a nice trend) so I decided to curl my hair for fun
God it's been such a long time since I've done it! Ever since I made my hair a bob (2 1/2 years ago) my hair was just too short to curl...I always looked like a middle aged asian woman. Not hatin. just fact.

My shift ended when the BFF's shift started next door (at Hollister, haha, yes it was planned) so I went by and ended up folding clothes with her for 2 hours. I should be paid for this. Fun times, nevertheless

how funny are these tag lines? "hey what's goin on?" and "Hey what's up?"
I feel like it corners the customer into saying "nothing" or accidentally saying "good" b/c they were expecting "Hey how're you" <--which makes more sense. I feel bad sometimes.

short lace leggings

Fashioning

I noticed these short lace leggings a couple times online but didn't pay much heed to them. Lately I've been glancing at them for longer periods of time so now I'm just getting curious! I imagined them under long tanks/tunic tops with some wavayyy boho hair or under a pair of denims like above with a big batwinged top. I found a pair for just 7 dollars so I'm on the fence. I think it's a fun take on the "lingerie as outerwear" trend.

I might as well go for it I've been dressing pretty blandly this year....