THUMBS UP: Each October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Carroll County Times is proud to devote an edition to raising awareness while bringing readers news about the latest treatment options and stories about members of the community fighting cancer in one way or another, and we wanted to briefly recognize some of the people we wrote about in our "Pink Paper" on Tuesday, Oct. 10.
Like Tamara Manahan, who does microblading, a form of tattoo artistry in which pigment is implanted under the skin with a manual handheld tool instead of a machine, to help those whose eyebrows have thinned or fallen out. Her "brows2bless" campaign gives complimentary appointments to cancer survivors. And Helen Eyler, of Union Bridge, who, after learning she had breast cancer, participated in a clinical trial that looked to use a medication to shrink the size of her tumor prior to surgery. It didn't help her much, but the trial results may help many down the line. She is glad she did it and recommends others in her situation participate in a trial, too, if they qualify. And Frank San Fellipo, of Eldersburg, and Bobbie Pratt, of Taneytown, both of whom volunteer at Carroll Hospital's William E. Kahlert Regional Cancer Center, have had people close to them touched by cancer and wanted to help, a trait so many of the hospital volunteers share. And Dr. Darlene Gabeau, the hospital's medical director of radiation oncology, has started to encourage patients to use the deep inspiration breath hold technique, designed to reduce any incidental radiation dose to the heart during treatment. "Using the DIBH technique has been helpful in reducing the dose to the heart while ensuring that the breast/chest wall area receives the full prescribed dose," Gabeau told us. And Zoe Stauch, a 7-year-old diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia two days before Christmas in 2015, is doing very well thanks to a fighting spirit and the care she has received from, among many others, Dr. Aziza Shad, head of the Herman & Walter Samuelson Children's Hospital at Sinai who also sees patients at the Mount Airy Health and Wellness Pavilion. Treating kids with cancer is different from treating adults with the disease. As Shad told us: "You can provide the best medical care in the world, but if you don't attend to the psychosocial needs of kids and their families, you are not doing your job right." Kudos to those who are doing their jobs right, and to those fighting the fight every day.
THUMBS UP: For the second year in a row, the Carroll County State's Attorney's Office, in partnership with Terry's Tag & Title, is putting together supplies for those in domestic violence situations — filling "survival satchels" with donated items for the domestic violence shelters in the county as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. State's Attorney Brian DeLeonardo said it all began by asking the shelters what they needed and evolved into the "survival satchels." Throughout October, anyone can pick up reusable bags from the state's attorney's office or Terry's Tag & Title offices in Eldersburg, Taneytown, Union Bridge or Westminster, according to a release from the county. Once the bag is filled, it can be returned to the state's attorney's office, any of the offices of Terry's Tag & Title or any branch of the Carroll County Public Library. The bags can be filled with items such as nonperishable foods, canned foods and personal hygiene supplies.
THUMBS UP: The grand reopening of CHANGE Inc.'s Respite Inn, a safe and comfortable place for individuals with disabilities to stay when their families need to get away, was a good chance for those in the community to learn about, or be reminded of, the important role the Respite Inn plays. Being a caregiver for a person with disabilities can be more than a full-time job and being able to take a little time off, while knowing the individual will be well cared for, can be a perfect opportunity to recharge. "We've had folks stay at the inn because mom or dad are having surgery, or someone is getting married, or they are going on vacation, or they just want to go out for dinner for the night," said Leah Schryer, director of program services for CHANGE. "The families have a break from the rigor and responsibility that is surrounding being a full-time caregiver." The Respite Inn opened in 2004 and, after some recent renovations, is in better shape than ever to serve its community.
