In this Issue:
Greetings
[[firstname]],
Kat's Interview
with Ann Fonfa, Alternative Cancer Treatment Advocate & Educator
I saw a note in my email about a conference one of my long-time pen pals, Ann
Fonfa, is running in January. Ann is up to such great things in life, I decided
to give her a little promotion.
One look at Ann Fonfa's schedule would send most folks running for the hills,
but she has the “energy of a teenager” when it comes to forwarding alternative
cancer treatment research.
Her schedule provides work to dozens of organizations including the Cochrane
Collaboration and the American Association of Cancer Research. Ann involves
herself in cancer legislative affairs, research protocol and volunteer
organization, and much more.
Ann’s personal struggle with breast cancer took her life in an unexpected
direction and even spurred the creation of a world-renowned web site. Here is
Ann’s story.
OHC: When were you first diagnosed with Breast Cancer?
Ann: I was only 44 and pre-menopausal with no family cancer history.
On top of that I had been a vegetarian for 18 years. I thought ‘How could this
happen?’ But knowing what I know now, it's not surprising. I didn't eat meat but
I didn't eat healthily either.
I would still go to Wendy's and get everything but the hamburger. I would
have salad but it would be an iceberg lettuce salad with little nutritional
value.
I wasn't getting nearly enough fruits and veggies, and I didn’t recognize
organic was important. It was hard to get a decent vegetarian meal in the 1970s!
Even now, I see so many people in the health food store with so-called
healthy sodas, candy bars, and corn chips!
Anyway, back then, I had just started donating money to a breast cancer
group, but I didn't even think to call them for support. I didn't get to pick my
doctor, and I thought getting a second opinion was just something your insurance
company required.
They took 18 lymph nodes from under my arm. I didn't want chemo because my
cancer was caught early enough. Besides that, I was so chemically sensitive, I
got sick just looking at an aspirin bottle.
My doctor insisted that I really should have the chemo. I refused and said,
"There must be some alternative!" I went to the book store and found whatever I
could on alternative methods. In those days, there were just a few books --
nothing like the resources we have now -- but it was enough to get started!
Read the rest of Ann's story by clicking here.
More from MeFi!
MeFi, the Fishing Cat, was such a
big hit last time, this kat dug up a few more pictures for you enjoyment.
Check out our
Favorite Pets page for the goods.
'Til next time, fair members!
Still purringly yours,
Guido
Guido Housemouser
Chief Kat and Community Manager
Our Health Co-op, Incorporated
4188 Westroads Drive, Unit 123
Riviera Beach, FL 33407
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