Art therapy ups breast cancer patients’ well-being!

Because art therapy is a big part of our cause and our event, I thought I would post this interesting article…

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Women having radiation treatment for breast cancer experienced lasting improvements in mental and physical health and quality of life after participating in five sessions of art therapy, Swedish researchers report.

The findings “strongly support art therapy as a powerful tool in rehabilitation of patients with breast cancer and, presumably, also in the care of patients with other types of cancer,” Dr. Jack Lindh of Umea University, Umea, Sweden, and colleagues conclude in the European Journal of Cancer Care.

Women face major stresses after a diagnosis of breast cancer and art therapy could offer a way for women to express and “process” their emotions, the researchers say, thus improving their quality of life.

To investigate, they randomly assigned 41 breast cancer patients receiving radiation treatment to five once-a-week, hour-long sessions of art therapy or to a control group who didn’t receive art therapy. Study participants completed surveys addressing their quality of life and self-image before beginning radiation, two months after radiation treatment began, and six months after the beginning of treatment.

A trained art therapist led each session, in which women were given a wide variety of art materials. Goals of the intervention were to offer time and space for expression and reflection; give support in the process of restoring body image; and reduce stress.

By six months, the researchers found, women who had participated in art therapy showed significant improvements in their overall quality of life, general health, physical health, and psychological health, while the control group only showed improvements in psychological health. The art therapy group also showed specific improvements in their body image, perspectives on the future, and radiation therapy side effects.

In previous studies, Lindh’s team demonstrated improved coping skills and better ability to deal with others’ demands in the breast cancer patients who did art therapy.

Art therapy may have improved the women’s quality of life by helping them to maintain a positive identity, to deal with pain, and to feel control over their lives, the researchers say.

“The results of our studies suggest that the women, through image-making and reflection on their images, were able to give legitimacy to their own interpretations and experiences,” as well as to “recognize and question” limits and boundaries imposed by traditional gender roles, they conclude.

SOURCE: European Journal of Cancer Care, January 2009.

Reprinted from Reuters

Full Sail Brewing Supports KB4C for 2009

Full Sail has supported Kiteboarding 4 Cancer since the beginning in 2007 with Full Sail buckets of goodies including Full Sail and Sessions Tees, Hats, Glassware, and 12-packs. They also provided all of the brew for our beer garden, with all donated proceeds going to Kiteboarding 4 Cancer and Celilo Cancer Center in The Dalles. Full Sail is supporting KB4C again this year! We are thrilled to have such a fantastic local company be a part of the event.

Protecting yourself against cancer with what you put in your body

Cancer is affecting as much as one-third of the population. The rise in cancer in the West (that means in the United States and Europe… we’re talking to you!)  has paralleled the rise in factory farming and the use of processed foods containing vegetable oils and additives.

Orthodox methods for treating cancer (radiation and chemotherapy) do not prolong life. The best approach to cancer is prevention.

Traditional diets, containing animal and plant foods farmed by nontoxic methods, are rich in factors that protect against cancer. Many of these protective factors are in the animal fats. Simply try to eat whole foods and grains, not that unnatural stuff that you can’t pronounce on the outside of a box.

What to Avoid:

Trans Fatty Acids: Imitation fats in shortenings, margarines and most commercial baked goods and snack foods. Strongly associated with cancer of the lungs and reproductive organs.

Rancid fats: Industrial processing creates rancidity (free radicals) in commercial vegetable oils.

Omega-6 fatty acids: Although needed in small amounts, an excess can contribute to cancer. Dangerously high levels of omega-6 fatty acids are due to the overuse of vegetable oils in modern diets.

MSG: Associated with brain cancer. Found in almost all processed foods, even when “MSG” does not appear on the label. Flavorings, spice mixes and hydrolyzed protein contain MSG.

Aspartame: Imitation sweetener in diet foods and beverages. Associated with brain cancer.

Pesticides: Associated with many types of cancer. Found in most commercial vegetable oils, fruit juices, vegetables and fruits.

Hormones: Found in animals raised in confinement on soy and grains. Plant-based hormones are plentiful in soy foods.

Artificial Flavorings and Colors: Associated with various types of cancers, especially when consumed in large amounts in a diet of junk food.

Refined Carbohydrates: Sugar, high fructose corn syrup and white flour are devoid of nutrients. The body uses up nutrients from other foods to process refined carbohydrates. Tumor growth is associated with sugar consumption.

Vegetarianism does not protect against cancer. In fact, vegetarians are particularly prone to cancers of the nervous system and reproductive organs.

2009 KB4C Scheduled for Aug. 7-9 in Hood River, Oregon

It’s scheduled, so book your summers accordingly! More details to come as they become available.

1st Snow KB4C Event Raises $25,000 in Canada!

Aaron Hackel traveled to the summer KB4C from Regina, Saskatchewan to Hood River, Oregon last summer with a mission. He wanted to soak it up. The event, the people, the stories, the vibe, the success, and the details. Aaron, after all, already had sponsors, supporters, and athletes lined up for the 1st ever SNOW KB4C scheduled for February 2009 in his home town of Regina. I sat down with Aaron and gave him as much inspiration and information as I could spill out while being deep in our event. It was great timing. I only wish I could have been there for his event in February! It was a huge success!

Blue skies, sunshine and sub-zero temperatures greeted 51 kiteboarders who signed up for the first-ever Taylor Volkswagen Kiteboarding 4 Cancer winter event this weekend in Regina, Saskatchewan in Canada.

A calm day at the Snow KB4C

Competition was delayed due to lack of wind, but that didn’t stop kiters from gathering in support of the event.

“If we get wind you will see 50 kites up and running,’’ said event organizer Aaron Hackel.

Kiteboarders traveled from Western Canada and as far away as Switzerland, to show off their skills and raise more than $25,500 for the Canadian Cancer Society.

Calling himself the “poster boy for cancer,’’ Billy Bentley provided fellow kiters with living proof that advances in cancer research can make a difference in a person’s life.

“I wanted to be part of this event to raise awareness and help raise some money to help get rid of this disease,’’ Bentley said. “You want to raise awareness and show people that: hey somebody can survive this and get through it, move on and enjoy life.”

Diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia, Bentley underwent a lifesaving stem cell transplant on Nov. 20, 2007 in Seattle, Wash.

Winnipeger Brian Beveridge said he was drawn to the event as much by the love of the sport as by the opportunity it provided to honor fellow Winnipeger Jim Welsh, a friend and fellow kiter who died from brain cancer last year.

John Wayne Cancer Foundation Teams up with Kiteboarding 4 Cancer Race for a Cure – $143,000 Raised

Official Press Release is out!

The John Wayne Cancer Foundation (JWCF) recently supported the 2nd Annual Kiteboarding 4 Cancer race along the Columbia River in Oregon on August 9, 2008.  Kiteboarders raced in a 6-hour Kite Derby to raise money for the fight against cancer.

Kiteboarding 4 Cancer (KB4C) was established by Tonia Farman in August 2007 in memory of her brother Scott, after she watched him battle Leukemia. Tonia’s love for kiteboarding and desire to raise cancer awareness led her to establish this unique event.   “We were so excited to work with JWCF, whose spirit and tenacity embodies John Wayne’s zest for life, just like so many of our athletes.  This event is just one way our community comes together to fight against this disease which touches everyone’s life,” says Tonia.

“JWCF is thrilled to work with KB4C in the fight against cancer. This unique event includes an endurance race and long distance jump contest; providing kiteboarders a way to express themselves in the fight against cancer. The event brings together athletes, donors, spectators, bands, volunteers, the kiteboarding industry, and local companies, who are all focused on finding a cure. To reward everyone’s hard work and dedication, JWCF is matching the KB4C donation to JWCF, and JWCF is working with KB4C to support local cancer organizations and innovative new radio wave cancer research. My dad would have loved this event, and I’m looking forward to competing in the 3rd annual event in 2009.”  – Ethan Wayne, son of John Wayne.

The John Wayne Cancer Foundation vowed to match the funds initially raised by KB4C which totaled $48,000. Including the money raised during the event’s silent auction, the total funds raised during this one-day event equaled $143,000. These funds will be donated to the following four cancer organizations:

Children’s Healing Art Project
Children’s Healing Art Project (CHAP) brings the healing power of art to children in crisis and their families with a mobile team of teaching artists working in Portland’s children’s hospitals (Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Shriners Hospital for Children, Legacy Emanuel Children’s Hospital) & at Art Club, CHAP’s post-hospital art camp in our Pearl District studio. http://www.chap.name

Celilo Cancer Center Patient Services Fund
Celilo offers cancer patients and their families healing opportunities for the body, mind and soul. Located on the campus of Mid-Columbia Medical Center in The Dalles, Oregon, Celilo employs the latest in cancer treatment technology and some of the nation’s top oncology professionals. Beyond technological advancements, Celilo aims to personalize, humanize and demystify cancer treatment through the host of complementary healing and patient service features that comprise the center’s integrative therapy program. http://www.celilo.org

The Scotty Guild for the Child Life Program at Children’s Hospital Seattle
The Scotty Guild was found on the premise that children and teens battling cancer and other debilitating illnesses should have access to therapeutic activities that stimulate the mind, soul, and body, while going through their individual treatments. 100% of the Scotty Guild proceeds funds the Children’s Hospital ChildLife program, which brings art, music, and activities to the bedsides of these children. http://www.seattlechildrens.org/

John Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation
The John Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation (JKCRF) donation will be received by Steven Curly at M.D. Anderson. The KCRF is a group of dedicated individuals supporting ongoing research for the Kanzius Radiowave Treatment project. Treating cancer more effectively and without the debilitating side effects associated with current therapies were the goals of John Kanzius when he began; the result is a novel radio wave generator that warms nanoparticles attached to or absorbed within cancer cells. The warming kills the cancer cells with little or no damage to nearby cells, thus dramatically reducing or eliminating side effects. And, the treatment is non-invasive without surgery or multiple insertions of probes. Our mission is to create regional and national awareness of the potentials of this therapy, and to help to accelerate the speed at which research progresses.  We believe that by acting together in support of continuing research and development we can make a difference in the lives of people who suffer from this disease. http://www.kanziuscancerresearch.com/index.htm

About The John Wayne Cancer Foundation

John Wayne beat lung cancer in 1964. He died 15 years later after a struggle with cancer of the stomach. During this difficult period, he became passionate about helping others fight this terrible disease. John Wayne’s children promised to fight cancer in memory of their dad  and they created the John Wayne Cancer Foundation (JWCF) to bring courage, strength and grit to the fight against cancer. Since its founding in 1985, JWCF has supported awareness, education and support. JWCF has also been committed to groundbreaking cancer research and education at the John Wayne Cancer Institute (JWCI).

JWCF recently created the Team DUKE fundraising program to empower everyone to take action in the fight against cancer. Team DUKE is an athletic fundraising program unlike any other. You pick the sport. You pick the event. We help you get geared up, enlist sponsors and meet your goals. And all of your hard work benefits JWCF’s life saving programs. Saddle up and join Team DUKE online at www.teamduke.org.

Find us online at www.jwcf.org and www.teamduke.org or contact us by phone at 949.631.8400.

John Wayne and DUKE are exclusive trademark property of Wayne Enterprises. The John Wayne name and likeness and all related indicia are intellectual property of Wayne Enterprises. All Rights Reserved.  www.johnwayne.com

The 1st Snowkite 4 Cancer set for February 13-15 in one of the windiest spots in Canada!

Our first winter Kiteboarding 4 Cancer event is taking place on the cool, windy plains of Saskatchewan, BC this February! Who would ever think that snow, kites, and wind make a great match, but snowkiting is growing faster than ever before! Here’s a chance to check it out and give to a great cause….

Regina’s Snowkite 4 Cancer February 13-15, 2009, will be our 3rd event in two years. All proceeds benefit the Canadian Cancer Society, which provides financial support for cancer research and delivers community-based support programs and prevention information for all types of cancer.

Events at the Winter Snowkite 4 Cancer will include a combination of events never done before in kiteboarding: A Speed Race, Endurance Race, High Jump, Long Jump, and Freeride Terrain Park. The site for the event, only 5 minutes from Regina, includes a warm up tent and is situated 8 minutes from the event’s Gold sponsor The Tap Brewing Co. The location is renowned to Saskatchewan kiters’ for its rolling terrain, 60’ wall of powder provided by train tracks, and a natural ½ pipe bowl created by an old dugout.

During the day entertainment will be organized for all ages. Ages 10- and under will have the opportunity to sign up for a sleigh rides behind kiteboarders. Ages 10+ and over will have an opportunity to fly a kite with all proceeds going to charity.

To end the day’s festivities participants will reconvene at The Tap, ages 19+, where DJ will keep everyone in tune and pumped up for the night. The silent auction items along with bragging rights will be awarded. There will be a check presentation to the CCS with the funds raised on Friday Feb. 28th.

For more information, check out the Snowkite 4 Cancer website: http://www.kb4c.ca or email us!

Bring the family Saturday, Dec. 20 for KB4C and CHAP Holiday Bizarre Day in the Pearl, 2-5pm!

and KB4C beneficiary Children’s Healing Art Project presents…

This weekend brings the Children’s Healing Art Project and KB4C together again for a day of art-making and holiday fun at Children’s Healing Art Project’s Holiday “Bizarre.” KB4C has been specially invited to host a day of one of CHAP’s Holiday Bizarre Studio days of Christmas in the Pearl District. There will be all kinds of shopping traffic in and out of the studio and Kiteboarding 4 Cancer was fortunate to host the Saturday right before Christmas!

Come see the John Doyle Bling Kiteboard, sequined by the children of CHAP and auctioned off at the 2008 Kiteboarding 4 Cancer! In the studio,  help us bead, paint, and sequin up the new board for 2009!

John Doyle Bling Board decorated by the CHAP kids at KB4C

Art stations will be up and running — Make-an-Ornament Zone, Bead Factory, Silkscreening T’s and more. Shop the Columbia Sportswear Sample Sale — thousands of donated Columbia items that are selling at greatly reduced prices ($5-$40).

Kids get to paint clothes and sell them!

At 2:30, don’t miss Crackd Nutz — A performance of NW Professional Dance Project artists leading CHAP young artists in a short improv of The Nutcracker. Very entertaining and really… a crack up.

The children of CHAP entertain at the Holiday Bizarre Blastoff Party in November.

Covering half a city block in the heart of Portland’s historic Pearl District, the 10,000 square foot art studio is open to the public through Christmas to peruse, create, and fascinate. Bring the kids — you and the kids will be entertained for hours! Come this Saturday from 2-5pm to volunteer or just make stuff at the Kiteboarding 4 Cancer studio day at CHAP. For more info, email tonia@kb4c.org.

KB4C donates to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and makes 100 kids very puppy happy.

Kiteboarding 4 Cancer  recently donated to the Mid-Columbia Health Foundation through their annual Festival of Trees auction, and went home with 100 puppies and 200 nutcrackers… on Christmas trees, that is.

Mid-Columbia Health Foundation’s annual fundraiser is the Festival of Trees – an event where local businesses decorate and donate themed Christmas trees to raise money for various programs by MCHF. The event takes place the weekend after Thanksgiving, with a live & silent auction, and some very interesting trees.

Gregg Gnecco and Tonia Farman of KB4C attended the tree auction with the intention of getting a tree to donate to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital’s Oncology wing.  Gregg & Tonia sought out the most children’s-themed trees of the event: The 100 Puppy Tree and the Nutcracker Tree!

KB4C’s trees:

The 100 Puppy Tree: Adorned with over a hundred stuffed animal puppies and dog-themed ornaments, this tree was skirted with christmas dog dishes, dog books, buckets of dog treats, and even a holiday dog house. Throughout December, oncology outpatients and inpatients were allowed to take a puppy from the tree, making 100 very happy kids!

The 100 Puppy Tree

The Nutcracker Tree: Adorned with hundreds of miniature nutcrackers, this tree came with 2 tickets to the Nutcracker ballet and was surrounded by standing nutcrackers, and even a life-size nutcracker that plays MP3s and lights up.

Two oncology nurses and KB4C's Tonia Farman at the 100 Puppy Tree in Doernbecher Children's Hospital

Kiteboarding 4 Cancer donated the Puppy Tree to Doernbecher’s Oncology wing, where children will be able to pick a puppy from the tree at christmas. KB4C donated the Nutcracker tree to the Department of Human Services in The Dalles, which provides social services to children and their families.

GoPro strut-mounted cameras captured riding scenes at KB4C

It seemed like a crazy idea at the time, but we thought “what the heck, let’s just test this thing directly on the strut!”. Hesitant in 20-30mph winds, we did it anyway.

Well, it worked. Using one of the slightly curved helmet 3M sticky mounts that comes with the GoPro camera accessory kit, we mounted the matchbox-sized video camera onto the middle strut of a 2009 Liquid Force Havoc kite. The camera accessory kit comes with a durable acrylic waterproof housing that is simple, tight, and easy to open and close.

Not sure if the camera would stay on the strut, we launched the kite riders were on their way. Keep in mind that the little 1 1/2″ 3M mount is attempting to hold the weight of the camera upside down in 30mph winds. Well, see for yourself, below. I actually rotated the image in QuickTime Pro so you wouldn’t have to turn your head to watch the footage. The camera is mounted straight perpendicular to the strut, however when the kite tilts anywhere below 45 degrees (most riding), the camera does as well, turning the footage a 90 degrees on the strut. So, I rotated it. That’s why the image looks stretched to fit the screen.

Check it out….

The winners of the GoPro Digital Hero Cam and Expansion Kit are:

Cynthia Brown for Aspen Colorado – Top female finisher in the Long Jump and 2nd Place Women’s Overall

Tyler Barnes – Top Junior finisher!! Congratulations!!!