By The Survivors Club Staff
November 19, 2009

Brandon Silveria was an outgoing teen full of plans for the future until he crashed his car after drinking at age 17 and became permanently disabled. Today, he travels across America speaking to students in hopes of warning them about the dangers of underage drinking and drunk driving.

One of his recent appearances took him to Fenton High School in Chicago where he talked about the importance of "making the right choice" about alcohol and driving. To illustrate his point he described how he fell asleep at the wheel after he had a few beers at a party, crashed into a tree and spent three months in a coma with a severe injury that left him brain damaged.

"When I was 17, I had a job and a girlfriend [but because] of my crash, I lost both of them," the 39-year-old said. "My hope is that by sharing my experiences with other young people, I can prevent others from being hurt or killed."

As November is Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, it may be worth remembering that about three in every 10 Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some time in their lives, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, an advocacy organization that accepts donations. In 2008, an estimated 11,773 people died in car accidents caused by intoxication.

Experts say those who have sat behind the wheel while drunk should seek counseling. Meanwhile, partygoers who consume alcohol should designate one person who does not drink as a driver or use alternative means of transportation such as a taxi or bus.

It is possible for survivors and their families to thrive again after a traumatic accident, and resources such as the Crash Survivors Network may be able to provide valuable assistance.

Senator Robert Byrd recently suffered a series of adversities, including the death of his wife of 69 years as well as several hospitalizations. However, yesterday the venerable lawmaker from West Virginia was honored for becoming the longest serving member in the history of U.S. Congress.

During a ceremony on Capitol Hill, in which his achievement was celebrated by America's top politicians, Byrd gave an emotional speech in which he thanked the people of West Virginia for allowing "this foster son of an impoverished coal miner from the hills of southern West Virginia [to have] the opportunity to walk with kings, meet with prime ministers and debate with presidents," quoted by Huntington News.

And to prove that despite surviving 56 years of the rough-and-tumble of high politics he is still thriving, the 91-year-old recently said on the Senate floor that he will "continue to do this work until this old body just gives out and drops. Don't expect that to be any time soon."

The Census Bureau estimates that nearly 36 million Americans are 65 or older.

Although secrets to good health and longevity vary from person to person, experts agree that physical activity, proper diet and low alcohol consumption may be key to a long and healthy life.

In addition, many people who reach venerable age and report high personal satisfaction confirm the importance of a trusted network of friends, strong family relationships and a satisfying career path.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Byrd spent 20,774 days on the job since he was elected in 1953 and told his colleagues, "I've loved every precious minute."

Individuals who would like to learn more about how to thrive in old age may consult the National Council on Aging which accepts donations towards improving the lives of seniors in America.

Two-time Major League Baseball Manager of the Year Joe Torre's biggest fight was against prostate cancer with which he was diagnosed in 1999. Describing the devastating news and his subsequent determination to survive and thrive, Torre appeared recently on a public affairs TV program that tells the compelling and inspirational stories of real patients.

He told the program that after the initial shock, he decided to take the disease on aggressively and eventually emerged cancer-free. The experience also showed the former Yankees manager he could use his fame to help spread the word about the importance of screening.

"I've had so many people come to me and whisper in my ear, 'Because of you, I'm getting checked for cancer," Torre stressed.

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, and the
American Cancer Society estimates 192,280 new cases will be diagnosed this year. However, experts say physical exercise and a low-cholesterol diet can help reduce the risk of developing the disease.

In addition, regular PSA testing is highly recommended for those at an elevated risk, which includes African Americans and those with a family history of prostate cancer.

Those affected by the disease may consult the website of the Prostate Cancer Foundation to access valuable information and networking resources as well as donate money for research.

By The Survivors Club Staff
November 18, 2009

She is primarily known as a lively judge on Fox TV's So You Think You Can Dance competition show, yet choreographer Mary Murphy experience also includes a painful period as a battered wife more than 30 years ago. Recently, she opened up about the alleged abuse, spurred by other celebrities' public struggle with the problem and the upcoming International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Appearing on CNN's Larry King Live, Murphy said it took her nine years to move past the relationship in which violence was fueled by bouts of jealousy.

She also admitted that it was only when she discovered her talent for dance that she gained enough confidence to leave her husband, a decision that has allowed her to pursue a thriving and fulfilling career.

"I put this behind me, went out and worked like I've never worked before," she told King.

Statistics suggest an estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year, and approximately 5.8 million children were involved in abuse allegations in 2007 alone.

Experts agree that it is difficult to break the cycle of domestic violence without outside intervention. They therefore recommend that those affected by it seek help from law enforcement, social workers or healthcare providers.

Survivors can access valuable resources through the website of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, while victims of abuse may use the National Domestic Violence Hotline, which is available in all 50 states and offers confidential and anonymous around-the-clock help.

By The Survivors Club Staff
November 18, 2009

Glenn Close is one of Hollywood's icons, but until recently few of her fans knew she is also a co-survivor of mental illness as her sister has struggled with life-long bipolar disorder.

Recently, the Emmy, Golden Globe and Tony Award winning actress teamed up with her sister Jessie to help end the stigma of mental illness by producing a public service announcement which was shot at the Grand Central Station in New York, and embarked on a media tour that included an appearance on ABC's Good Morning America.

In that interview, the sisters talked about the lack of understanding of mental disorders when they were growing up, which significantly delayed Jessie's diagnosis.

The actress's sister also offered advice to viewers, saying "be patient with yourself, love yourself" and rely on a trusted support network, while Close, who shot to fame with her 1987 role in Fatal Attraction, added that thanks to better therapeutic methods it is now possible for people with mental problems to thrive and live full and productive lives.

The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that bipolar disorder affects some 5.7 million American adults.

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, which accepts donations from interested individuals, says people with bipolar disorder face up to 10 years of coping with symptoms before getting an accurate diagnosis, although there are effective methods of treating the condition.

That is why it is important to seek medical evaluation for symptoms that include unusually intense emotional states that occur in distinct periods and go from severe depression to euphoria and back.

By The Survivors Club Staff
November 18, 2009

When she was diagnosed with lung cancer three years ago, cabaret singer Hildy Grossman was in the middle of recording a CD. She was devastated and feared that her career would be over, but fortunately as the cancer was discovered in an early stage she made a complete recovery and continues to thrive as a performer.

Having survived a major health scare, Grossman also founded a non-profit organization called Upstage Lung Cancer and is using her talent to raise money and awareness about this potentially deadly disease, according to WBZ.com.

"My hope is in some small way to fund research on early detection," she told the news provider.

On November 17, the Brookline, Massachusetts, resident along with some of her colleagues performed at a fundraiser called Life Is a Cabaret at the Boston Center for the Arts.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly 200,000 Americans are diagnosed with lung cancer and more than 90,000 die from the disease each year.

Quitting smoking is the single most important thing one can do to lower the odds of developing lung cancer, as 82 percent of deaths from the disease can be linked to tobacco, according to the American Cancer Society. In addition, a healthy lifestyle that may reduce the risk also includes proper diet, limited use of alcohol and regular exercise.

Individuals who would like to contribute to finding a cure may donate to the National Lung Cancer Partnership which works to improve treatments and generate funds for research.

By The Survivors Club Staff
November 17, 2009

Not realizing the power of addiction, Natalie Fleming took up smoking in college because she thought it was "cool" and she wanted to fit in. It was only when her beloved grandmother was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2008 that she finally decided she had to quit.

Incidentally, the day she took her last puff was November 19 which is also celebrated as the Great American Smokeout.

The Alabama resident, who recently described her experience in the Gadsden Times where she works as copy editor, says quitting was probably the hardest thing she has ever done.

"It took about three weeks to totally get over my addiction to nicotine," Fleming recalls, adding that "looking back, it was the best thing I could have ever done for myself."

As the next Smokeout approaches, the American Cancer Society says tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the U.S., and that cigarette smoking accounts for about 443,000 premature deaths, including 49,400 in nonsmokers.

There are a number of methods individuals can use to help them quit, including nicotine patches, chewing gums and psychological counseling. In addition to that, an innovative anti-nicotine vaccine is set to go to Phase III clinical trials.

Survivors struggling with lung problems due to smoking may consult the website of the American Lung Association.

By The Survivors Club Staff
November 17, 2009

To her dismay, Rihanna's bruised face became front page news last February after she was reportedly assaulted by her then-boyfriend Chris Brown. The aftermath of the event also played out in the public eye, but the songstress has recently expressed hope that her adversity will shed light on domestic violence and help women who struggle with it.

Although she drew criticism for initially standing by Brown, the 21-year-old has subsequently shown she learned a valuable life lesson and in the process uncovered a fulfilling vocation.

"I want to give as much insight as I can to young women, because I feel like I represent a voice that really isn't heard," Rihanna said, quoted by Star Magazine.

"Now I can help speak for those women," she added.

The news source also reveals that Rihanna, who is thriving professionally as she prepares to release a new album, will talk about domestic violence in the December issue of Glamour magazine.

As the world prepares to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, it may be worth remembering that an estimated 1.3 million American women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year.

Most experts agree the cycle of domestic violence is unlikely to be broken without outside intervention and recommend those affected by it seek help from law enforcement, social workers or healthcare providers.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers confidential and anonymous around-the-clock help and is available in all 50 states.

Those struggling with abuse as well as survivors can find valuable resources on the website of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

By The Survivors Club Staff
November 17, 2009

Billionaire investor Paul Allen is already a cancer survivor, having beaten the disease for the first time 25 years ago. On Monday, however, Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist revealed that he had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and began chemotherapy treatment.

At the same time, Allen's sister Jody - who sent a memo to the employees of Vulcan, his private asset management company - has said her brother was optimistic about the outcome of his treatment and had no plans to change his role in the company of which he is chairman.

In addition, Allen's close friend and fellow Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates expressed support and stated that, "I know him to be a strong and resilient individual."

The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 66,120 new cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were diagnosed in the U.S. in 2008.

According to the University of Maryland Greenbaum Cancer Center, the only known preventable risk factor for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is infection with HIV and other infections that weaken the immune system.

Despite similar diagnosis, many people have been able to live thriving lives, and organizations such as Leukemia and Lymphoma Society provide access to valuable resources and accept donations towards finding a cure.

By The Survivors Club Staff
November 16, 2009

Trey Schwab was facing the prospect of dying of pulmonary fibrosis until a lung transplant surgery saved his life in 2004. This weekend, the former assistant coach for the NBA Minnesota Timberwolves and Marquette University men's basketball will be joined by his doctor to speak to patients facing the challenge of PF in an effort to celebrate their lives and offer hope.

The two will participate in the Living with PF patient seminar that will be held on November 14 in Lisle, Illinois, and hosted by the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis (CPF) which accepts donations towards finding a cure.

"I am so fortunate to be able to speak at this event to inform and inspire others," says Schwab, who thrives again and serves as an outreach coordinator for the transplant program at University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, where he underwent his surgery.

Meanwhile, Mishka Michon, the CEO of CPF, says "Trey is a walking miracle," and adds that the organization is determined to fight for more funding and research to ensure that "thousands more like Trey survive this disease."

According to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, another organization that accepts donations, there are more than 500,000 people in the U.S. who suffer from the disease.

The foundation says that while the exact cause remains unknown, various studies have suggested that limiting one's exposure to inhaled environmental and occupational pollutants, cigarette smoke and radiation may reduce the risk of developing pulmonary fibrosis.