CLF - Live Beyond Cancer

CLF is proud to announce a new program “Random Blessings”. The idea of Random Blessings originated with John Hollaway. John and Michelle have known one another for 27 years. They have always shared in common, a giving heart…. After 15 years of separation their vision to educate the community, and change the world one life at a time was reunited.

Random Blessings mission is to educate about health, nutrition and to eliminate hunger in families that have a family member in the home that has been affected by cancer. We are excited about this new program and the goals we have set for 2010. Hunger is never an option but having cancer and the hardship of not being able to feed your family is a disservice to mankind

About the foundering partner of Random Blessings, a program affiliated with CLF

Founder John was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan to two wonderful parents who instilled in him that “his dreams are bigger than his obstacles”. This double-edged statement not only cut through many challenges but propelled him to many heights. Coming from a loving family with four brothers and five sisters, he was never bored to say the least. His siblings always encouraged him to be victorious in whatever endeavor he chose. After graduating from CSUDH with a 3.67 GPA, he worked as a Systems Analyst for a manufacturing company. Two years later, he decided to follow his passion .The world of sales...
John has four children: three daughters, and one son. John believes that life is built on three must haves: ones relationship with God, ones relationship with family and ones commitment to improving humanity.

After a successful career in sales, several successful businesses and currently the owner of a successful business that is thriving in an economic recession, it was now time to give back in an effective way to the community. John’s mother had one of the most deadly diseases which was pancreatic cancer and for the first time, cancer was real and had a face attached to it. The good news is that she is a seven year survivor. He knew that he wanted to make a difference regarding cancer but wasn’t clear how he would tackle this huge task. Hunger was always close to his heart and if he could he would feed the world.

He later came up with the idea to randomly bless families with a meal. After reuniting with whom he considered a little sister Michelle Hannah, he was convinced that his mission was to ensure that families affected by a family member with cancer would not feel the affects of hunger. Random Blessings was not just a dream but a living and breathing program

Celebrate Life Foundation is proud to announce that we have formed a new partnership with The Investment Forum. Anthony Von Mickle is the founder of The Investment Forum which mission is to educate and provide the world with the tools to make smart and good investments. So you ask how an Investment forum and a non profit cancer foundation teamed up….Well CLF wanted to provide education in every area regarding living life beyond cancer, which meant that we had to start addressing the issues of financial hardships and other financial options.

We are not experts in investments however our expertise The Investment Forum is, and will give anyone the tools to financial freedom. Often when cancer survivors have completed chemo, they are not able to return to the same industry and are looking for another way to sustain there life style or enhance the one they have. With that said it was a no brainer that CLF and Investment Forum agreed that collectively will provide the resources to survivors that will consist of directives how to invest, and financial strategies.

Anthony Von Mickle was excited and looking for an organization that he could not only give back to the community but also to a woman’s organization specifically that deals with women diseases. Of course this is no surprise because his Chief of operations Annie Mickle is a cancer survivor. Von supported his aunt and stayed by her side until she was well. Anthony Von Mickle is a co survivor!

The partnership is defining itself everyday but we do know that we are both committed to an Investment Forum that will be hosted by CLF twice a quarter. Please join us in our kick off forum on February 13th at the Donovan Hotel, 6:30 pm in Washington DC. Please visit Vonzforum.com to purchase tickets or pay 40.00 at the door. Cancer patients/survivors are Free!

Denial turns into survival and now “I LIVE”

In 1999 while serving in the military during the cold and flu season, I had a slight cold and a really bad cough. My doctor prescribed a cough suppressant and sinus medication. I took the medication as prescribed and continued working. I was a senior Soldier with a lot of responsibility, part time college student and my job required me to travel 45% of the time. I was in charge of 25 Soldiers who were just waiting to take my place if I could not perform my duties. I took the medication and continue working. I was a hard charger. I was not going to let a little cold stop me!

Later that year I ran out of cough medication and my cough was worse. I went to the hospital where I was working and asked for more medication. The doctor took one look at me and said we should do a biopsy on your left lymph node in your neck. The procedure was done and then he said, “You have cancer”. Sitting there in shock! The doctor went on to explain, “in order to remove it we must cut off your face, take it out and then put your face back”. I said what? Can I get a second opinion? The doctor turned to the other physician who had performed the procedures and said, “Yes, we will need to cut off your face to remove the cancer and then we will sew it back on”. Still in shock and not knowing whether I was about to die or not, I said, do I have to do this now? They both said, “No, go and think about it and let us know what you decided. What I decided was to get the heck away from them and go back to work.

In early July of 2000 while preparing to retire from the military. A second doctor notices my enlarged left lymph node. She set up an appointment at Walter Reed for me to get a biopsy. The biopsy turned out to show Cancer again. This time before I could run away, the doctor who was very kind, scheduled me for surgery the same week. He and a team of doctors informed me that the enlarged lymph node was swollen due to bacterial or an infection, which could have been caused by a cut, scratch, or insect bite.

Surgery was performed on Friday. I stayed in the hospital for only three days. There was a lot of pain and I was very nauseous from all the medication. My nephew (Von) was at my side the whole time. Thirty days after the removal of the lymph node, I had to have another surgery to remove all my back wisdom teeth prior to radiation treatment. Again I was in pain and nauseous from all the medication. In August I started taking radiation treatment everyday for 30days. When I started with radiation treatment I weighted 115 pounds. When I completed my treatment I weighted 100 pound and wore a size 2.

Each time I went to radiation treatment I was mad at the world for this happening to me. I wanted to go back to being a Soldier but the radiation treatment was like kryptonite. I was sick, weak and tired after each treatment. However, every time I went for treatment, God would put someone in my path who would say to me, “it is not that bad, you are going to be alright”. I am a retired Soldier and cancer free now for nine years! And now I fight cancer with a check up and a check.

Press Release

http://www.afro.com/tabid/456/itemid/1581/A-Survivors-Guide-to-Celebrate-Life--Celebrate-L.aspx

http://blackgivesback.blogspot.com/2008/04/meet-michelle-hannah-celebrate-life.html

July 19, 2007

Celebrate Life Foundation is hosting its first of its kind pageant for cancer survivors/patients, representing the state of California. It will be a purple carpet event. One of the highlights is that the contestants, winner and the audience will receive O’s gifts from the O list (Oprah Winfrey). In addition Sheryl Flowers, executive producer from The Tavis Smiley Show of PRI will be the Masters of Ceremonies.Celebrate Life Foundation is hosting a 3 day retreat entitled “Mending Hearts”. This 3 day seminar will change and enhance the lives of the participants. The retreat will consist of seminars that will motivate attendees to examine emotional, physical, spiritual and financial areas in their lives. Participants are given a forum to take their first steps towards restoration during this retreat. They can leave with the tools to soar like an eagle above the trials and tribulations they have experienced.When we are hit with a life changing circumstance such as “Cancer”, our lives are turned upside down and inside out. But there is “Life Beyond Cancer”. We not only need to heal physically but we also need to be restored, and rejuvenated in other areas such as past emotional, spiritual and financial hurts.July 27th, seven women will participate in the Survivors pageant. This pageant will be unique in that we will celebrate the beauty inside. This type of beauty is the best kind….There will be a talent contest, an evening gown competition and the “Royal Court Ceremony”. The winner will be crowned Ms/Mrs. CLF of the state of California. She will receive many prizes from our sponsors, a chance to reach out to the community and the chance to be heard in a special kind of way. The pageant is free however CLF welcomes and appreciates any donation that your heart moves you to give. We will have items you must have for purchase. All proceeds will aide in establishing and maintaining the survivor pageant/mending heart retreat.

The Survivor Pageant is held at the Embassy Suites, El Segundo Ca. All guest need to arrive at 6:00 PM. Please RSVP AT 202-491-1474. If possible please wear black.

Warm regards,

Michelle Hannah
President



	CLF News CLF is proud to announce a new program “Random Blessings”. The idea of Random Blessings originated with John Hollaway. John and Michelle have known one another for 27 years. They have always shared in common, a giving heart…. After 15 years of separation their vision to educate the community, and change the world one life at a time was reunited. Random Blessings mission is to educate about health, nutrition and to eliminate hunger in families that have a family member in the home that has been affected by cancer. We are excited about this new program and the goals we have set for 2010. Hunger is never an option but having cancer and the hardship of not being able to feed your family is a disservice to mankind About the foundering partner of Random Blessings, a program affiliated with CLF John was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan to two wonderful parents who instilled in him that “his dreams are bigger than his obstacles”. This double-edged statement not only cut through many challenges but propelled him to many heights. Coming from a loving family with four brothers and five sisters, he was never bored to say the least. His siblings always encouraged him to be victorious in whatever endeavor he chose. After graduating from CSUDH with a 3.67 GPA, he worked as a Systems Analyst for a manufacturing company. Two years later, he decided to follow his passion .The world of sales... John has four children: three daughters, and one son. John believes that life is built on three must haves: ones relationship with God, ones relationship with family and ones commitment to improving humanity. After a successful career in sales, several successful businesses and currently the owner of a successful business that is thriving in an economic recession, it was now time to give back in an effective way to the community. John’s mother had one of the most deadly diseases which was pancreatic cancer and for the first time, cancer was real and had a face attached to it. The good news is that she is a seven year survivor. He knew that he wanted to make a difference regarding cancer but wasn’t clear how he would tackle this huge task. Hunger was always close to his heart and if he could he would feed the world. He later came up with the idea to randomly bless families with a meal. After reuniting with whom he considered a little sister Michelle Hannah, he was convinced that his mission was to ensure that families affected by a family member with cancer would not feel the affects of hunger. Random Blessings was not just a dream but a living and breathing program Celebrate Life Foundation is proud to announce that we have formed a new partnership with The Investment Forum. Anthony Von Mickle is the founder of The Investment Forum which mission is to educate and provide the world with the tools to make smart and good investments. So you ask how an Investment forum and a non profit cancer foundation teamed up….Well CLF wanted to provide education in every area regarding living life beyond cancer, which meant that we had to start addressing the issues of financial hardships and other financial options. We are not experts in investments however our expertise The Investment Forum is, and will give anyone the tools to financial freedom. Often when cancer survivors have completed chemo, they are not able to return to the same industry and are looking for another way to sustain there life style or enhance the one they have. With that said it was a no brainer that CLF and Investment Forum agreed that collectively will provide the resources to survivors that will consist of directives how to invest, and financial strategies. Anthony Von Mickle was excited and looking for an organization that he could not only give back to the community but also to a woman’s organization specifically that deals with women diseases. Of course this is no surprise because his Chief of operations Annie Mickle is a cancer survivor. Von supported his aunt and stayed by her side until she was well. Anthony Von Mickle is a co survivor! The partnership is defining itself everyday but we do know that we are both committed to an Investment Forum that will be hosted by CLF twice a quarter. Please join us in our kick off forum on February 13th at the Donovan Hotel, 6:30 pm in Washington DC. Please visit Vonzforum.com to purchase tickets or pay 40.00 at the door. Cancer patients/survivors are Free! Denial turns into survival and now “I LIVE” In 1999 while serving in the military during the cold and flu season, I had a slight cold and a really bad cough. My doctor prescribed a cough suppressant and sinus medication. I took the medication as prescribed and continued working. I was a senior Soldier with a lot of responsibility, part time college student and my job required me to travel 45% of the time. I was in charge of 25 Soldiers who were just waiting to take my place if I could not perform my duties. I took the medication and continue working. I was a hard charger. I was not going to let a little cold stop me! Later that year I ran out of cough medication and my cough was worse. I went to the hospital where I was working and asked for more medication. The doctor took one look at me and said we should do a biopsy on your left lymph node in your neck. The procedure was done and then he said, “You have cancer”. Sitting there in shock! The doctor went on to explain, “in order to remove it we must cut off your face, take it out and then put your face back”. I said what? Can I get a second opinion? The doctor turned to the other physician who had performed the procedures and said, “Yes, we will need to cut off your face to remove the cancer and then we will sew it back on”. Still in shock and not knowing whether I was about to die or not, I said, do I have to do this now? They both said, “No, go and think about it and let us know what you decided. What I decided was to get the heck away from them and go back to work. In early July of 2000 while preparing to retire from the military. A second doctor notices my enlarged left lymph node. She set up an appointment at Walter Reed for me to get a biopsy. The biopsy turned out to show Cancer again. This time before I could run away, the doctor who was very kind, scheduled me for surgery the same week. He and a team of doctors informed me that the enlarged lymph node was swollen due to bacterial or an infection, which could have been caused by a cut, scratch, or insect bite. Surgery was performed on Friday. I stayed in the hospital for only three days. There was a lot of pain and I was very nauseous from all the medication. My nephew (Von) was at my side the whole time. Thirty days after the removal of the lymph node, I had to have another surgery to remove all my back wisdom teeth prior to radiation treatment. Again I was in pain and nauseous from all the medication. In August I started taking radiation treatment everyday for 30days. When I started with radiation treatment I weighted 115 pounds. When I completed my treatment I weighted 100 pound and wore a size 2. Each time I went to radiation treatment I was mad at the world for this happening to me. I wanted to go back to being a Soldier but the radiation treatment was like kryptonite. I was sick, weak and tired after each treatment. However, every time I went for treatment, God would put someone in my path who would say to me, “it is not that bad, you are going to be alright”. I am a retired Soldier and cancer free now for nine years! *And now I fight cancer with a check up and a check.* Press Release http://www.afro.com/tabid/456/itemid/1581/A-Survivors-Guide-to-Celebrate-Life--Celebrate-L.aspx http://blackgivesback.blogspot.com/2008/04/meet-michelle-hannah-celebrate-life.html July 19, 2007 Celebrate Life Foundation is hosting its first of its kind pageant for cancer survivors/patients, representing the state of California. It will be a purple carpet event. One of the highlights is that the contestants, winner and the audience will receive O’s gifts from the O list (Oprah Winfrey). In addition Sheryl Flowers, executive producer from The Tavis Smiley Show of PRI will be the Masters of Ceremonies.Celebrate Life Foundation is hosting a 3 day retreat entitled “Mending Hearts”. This 3 day seminar will change and enhance the lives of the participants. The retreat will consist of seminars that will motivate attendees to examine emotional, physical, spiritual and financial areas in their lives. Participants are given a forum to take their first steps towards restoration during this retreat. They can leave with the tools to soar like an eagle above the trials and tribulations they have experienced.When we are hit with a life changing circumstance such as “Cancer”, our lives are turned upside down and inside out. But there is “Life Beyond Cancer”. We not only need to heal physically but we also need to be restored, and rejuvenated in other areas such as past emotional, spiritual and financial hurts.July 27th, seven women will participate in the Survivors pageant. This pageant will be unique in that we will celebrate the beauty inside. This type of beauty is the best kind….There will be a talent contest, an evening gown competition and the “Royal Court Ceremony”. The winner will be crowned Ms/Mrs. CLF of the state of California. She will receive many prizes from our sponsors, a chance to reach out to the community and the chance to be heard in a special kind of way. The pageant is free however CLF welcomes and appreciates any donation that your heart moves you to give. We will have items you must have for purchase. All proceeds will aide in establishing and maintaining the survivor pageant/mending heart retreat. The Survivor Pageant is held at the Embassy Suites, El Segundo Ca. All guest need to arrive at 6:00 PM. Please RSVP AT 202-491-1474. If possible please wear black. Warm regards, Michelle Hannah President

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Press Release

July 19, 2007