We have written here at the cancer blog about Courtney Nicole a few times. You can find posts here and here. Courtney passed way about eight months ago. Her mom still keeps a journal of what is going on in her life and how she is coping with the loss of her nineteen year old daughter.

I find myself going to her site often to see how she is doing. It is heartbreaking to read her words at times and encouraging at other times. She is trying to go on -- but how, without her daughter?

Recently, Court's mom posted Its Like a Scab! on her website. Here's what she said:

Nicole was a fellow member of an online group called Sisters In Survivorship. It is a Yahoo support group for women under 40 that have been diagnosed with breast cancer. I remember speaking to Nik on the phone a few times a few years ago when she needed some support and encouragement. I knew she wasn't doing that well lately and I found out today that she has passed away.

Her obituary reads as follows:

Nicole Norman Wetzel passed away on Wednesday, June 20, 2007 at her home in Mandeville, LA.

Beloved wife of Jason Steven Wetzel and devoted mother of Dominique Claire Wetzel, she is survived by her parents, Dale David and Elmire Begovich Norman; one brother, Kevin David Norman and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandparents: Dominick and Josephine Begovich, Dennis and Rose Norman.

Age 35 years, a native of Marrero, LA and a resident of Mandeville, LA for 14 years. Nicole was a 1990 graduate of Immaculata High School, she received a degree in Business from UNO before moving to Mandeville where she worked as a Notary and Paralegal.

Nicole Labrecque was only three years old when she lost her battle with hepatoblastoma, a rare liver cancer. That was 16 years ago and for the last six years, Nicole's father Richard has been raising money to help seriously-ill children like his daughter have their special wish come true.

Richard said his daughter died suddenly three days after the family's Make-A-Wish trip to Disney World. Richard Labrecque told reporters, "She spent a beautiful week having fun and for a few days, she was able to forget about the pain of surgeries and chemotherapy. It is priceless to see these kids have fun. Nicole was three years old and we were swept off our feet. I'm dedicated to this organization."

In the past five years, Nicole's walk has raised over $70,000, which has gone to the Vermont Make-A-Wish Foundation. The annual walk, which will be held this year on May 20, 2007 on the Toonerville Trail in Springfield, VT starts at 9:30 a.m. The trail is 6.2 miles.

All participants get a purple T-shirt -- purple was Nicole's favorite color.

The York Mints "Designer Series" tins are the ultimate fashion accessory. Celebrity designers Nicky Hilton and Nicole Miller created two fresh new York Mints designer tins exclusively to benefit the Young Survival Coalition (YSC). The intricately designed tins house the latest mint offering from York, featuring a soft mint center surrounded by a layer of dark chocolate and hard-candy shell.

Hilton's tin features a chic black and white design with a muted floral pattern, capturing the essence of her signature style. Miller's tin has a black and cream intricately designed palette following suit of her Spring 2007 collection.

Each tin features the designers' signature and will retail for $25 with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the YSC.

A True Survivor - written by Courtney Nicole - April 18, 2005. Courtney passed away in November 2006.

When the word survivor comes to mind, there are always a few typical thoughts that come into one's mind. One might say a survivor is a person that never dies, or someone that can handle anything without any troubles. Another person might say something as simple as this" a survivor is someone that has beaten an illness". A common thought that most people have when they think of a survivor is that he or she is extremely tough, both physically and mentally. But a survivor is so much more than all of those things. A true survivor is fearless. He or she is not afraid of any challenge that is put in front of them. A true survivor is strong in all aspects of an individual. He or she can stay mentally strong during even the roughest times. A true survivor perseveres through it all. For example: when a cancer patient has been told that her next few months are going to be some rough ones, that doesn't mean it is time to just give up; she has to stay strong and keep fighting. That brings another point: a survivor is a fighter. He or she never loses hope -not even in their very last moments of life. What makes survivor so unique is their warm-heartedness. A true survivor is not someone who is only concerned about oneself, but he or she is concerned about others first. To sum it all up: a true survivor is one whom may undergo many battles and defeat without a single complaint.

A survivor is fearless. They are challengers. they are not afraid to take on a battle when the time comes down to it. Survivors take it to the limit because they know their boundaries and how much they can handle. Many children diagnosed with cancer fall into this category of true survivors. During my previous years in and out of the hospital, I have met the most amazing children. These kids are probably more mature than many adults I know today. These kids have been through it all and are fearless because of that. Kids don't have that self-consciousness about themselves. They are not afraid of what they look like. A person that has never been affected by cancer or some other illness would probably have a nervous breakdown if they had to go out in public bald. But a true survivor, on the other hand is not afraid of her appearance. They are not afraid of risking their reputation to benefit others. A true survivor is an amazing person all around.

One quality that people look up to in a survivor is their will to persevere. A survivor is one who never gives up, no matter how long it takes. The road may be a long one, but they will follow it every step of the way. A true survivor is an optimist. They never think about what might happen or what could happen. They always look at the bright side and never lose hope - those are the keys to survival. Survivors don't have time to dwell on what is happening now and wait around for something good to happen. They are go-getters and are not afraid of what might face them on the road ahead.

Finally, a survivor is warm-hearted. These people are the best of the best. I've always thought that it was so ironic when I heard that about 85% of the donations that are taken in by charities and cancer programs are from the survivors themselves. A true survivor is looking out for what is best for others. They feel obligated to stay strong for their family. They never show fear in any form, probably because they don't have any fears. As I said before, survivors are amazing people with amazing stories.

A survivor is an ultimate achiever, honored for his or her meaning as a person and contributions to humanity. A true survivor is surely a person of strength, power and grace. It may be further understood by those who know them well that he or she is bursting with patience and endurance, a little known key to success. Such a person is filled with inner beauty, elegance, and harmony. Survivors don't dwell on uncertainty when life deconstructs around them. Survivors resist weakness - they love and embrace every ounce and sign of life. Survivors are our life force, and because of this they never really die. Everyone looks up to them as our heroes. I know quite a few people who would call themselves survivors, but only a select few actually fit into this category.

These words were written by a True Survivor - my hero - my daughter...

A mom of a daughter who has died of a cancer related illness has expressed on her blog how angry she is after seeing the broadcast on the news about cancer death rates declining....I think these are valid points that need to be addressed.

This week has been kind of emotional for me. I'm not going to spend a lot of time writing about me, because I am kind of angry right now. Yesterday, as I was watching the news while getting ready for work, there was a spot that they were talking about how excited they were that deaths from cancer showed a tremendous decrease last year. I agree, it is good news - however, the only cancers they talked about and showed the figures for were ADULT cancers (breast cancer, colon cancer, prostrate cancer, etc). Where are the numbers on childhood cancers? And - until the number is 0, I see no reason to get really excited.

According to the Lance Armstrong Foundation - With every second of 2006 two Americans were diagnosed with cancer and one died. Think about that! That is like re-living the horror of 9/11 every two days for the entire year. As a nation we have become too complacent about this disease (last year, for the first time in 35 years, governmental funding for cancer decreased) and that can no longer be tolerated.

After spending hours on the computer doing some research - I found this:

Leukemia, which is the most common childhood cancer, INCREASED by more than15% over the past 20 years. Most of the increase in leukemia rates in the past 20 years has been in a kind of cancer called acute lymphoblastic leukemia or ALL. A recent study in the American Journal of Public Health reported an association between household chemicals and ALL. In the study, the researchers from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the University of Minnesota found children were more likely to develop ALL if they lived in households where family hobbies involved the use of solvents (such as refinishing furniture, or building models). They were also more likely to develop ALL if more than 4 rooms in the house had been painted while their mothers were pregnant. According to the Children's Cancer Group Epidemiology Program, a network of pediatric epidemiologists, children are 5 to 6 times more likely to develop leukemia and brain cancer if their families use pesticides at home.

It is difficult to find current information and statistics on childhood cancers. And, I guess one of my questions is, where does Courtney fit in these statistics. Did she fit in the "cured" survival rate because she was considered cancer free for over 5 years? Is her death considered in the cancer death statistic for 2006 - the cause of death was not cancer, but necrotizing faciitis - however, she would not have contracted this deadly bacteria or been immune compromised if not for cancer.

I guess my point is - where are the priorities of our health care leaders and our nation. How can we pay someone $250 million dollars to come to the US and play soccer (Dave Beckham) , when there is such a tremendous need for not only medical research, but children without insurance that are being denied medical treatment (transplants) because they don't have the money. How many children have to die? What is it going to take?

I have been following about 12 online journals written by mothers of cancer patients. I began reading the journals while in the hospital with Courtney - it was what filled the long nights of no sleep. It breaks my heart to tell you that 5 of those children have now passed away and 2 more are home on hospice. I have written before about how mothers of children with cancer are members of a club that we never wanted to join. I now find myself in a new club - mothers who have lost a child to cancer. How big does this club have to get before something more is done? How many broken hearts? How many shattered families?

I have been trying to get through the paperwork to get Courtney's Angel Foundation off the ground - however, it is extremely difficult without the aid of a lawyer. I have not given up - it is just going to take some time and money to get things going. I appreciate all of you who have written to let me know that you want to be part of it and so I ask for you to continue to bear with me. I am still dreaming BIG - I am determined to do it for Court -I am determined to do it for all of the children who are spending their days in the hospital instead of living the life that they deserve.

Who and what was the most googled in 2006? The Year-End Google Zeitgeist top ten lists for general and news searches on the Internet this year include Paris Hilton and Bebo -- and cancer.

Of the celebrities most searched for, Paris Hilton outranked Orlando Bloom and the social networking site Bebo outranked MySpace. In the news category, cancer ranked as the third most searched for topic, before podcasting, autism, Hurricane Katrina, and bankruptcy.

The top ten Google searches were, in this order: Bebo, MySpace, World Cup, Metacafe, Radioblog, Wikipedia, Video, Rebelde, Mininova and Wiki. The top ten Google news searches were, in this order: Paris Hilton, Orlando Bloom, cancer, podcasting, Hurricane Katrina, bankruptcy, Martina Hingis, autism, the 2006 NFL Draft and Celebrity Big Brother.

Surprised to see Paris Hilton topping the list of news searches? Sadly, me neither. Personally, I am not certain that she has ever done anything newsworthy, other than having proven a supreme talent for the uniquely cunning ability to stay in the headlines for no particularly meaningful reason.

It is substantially interesting that cancer was the third most searched for news topic this year. I know that those whose lives have been touched by cancer can feel very alone, and if this proves anything, we are certainly not alone in trying to sort through the many issues linked to cancer.

I've been reading her blog ever since Kristina Collins first wrote about her. I've been reading about her battle with leukemia -- for the second time -- and about the bone marrow transplant she received just recently. I read about her brother who became her bone marrow donor and her family and friends who became fierce supporters and cheerleaders for this young woman sure to beat cancer six years after she first conquered the disease.

Courtney Nicole did not win this battle. Just days ago, in the midst of her bone marrow transplant process, Courtney's body was infected with a bacteria that forced the removal of one leg. It turned out the bacteria was not confined to her leg -- it had invaded her entire body -- and it became clear that the fighting spirit of this woman was needed not here on Earth, but in the heavens above.

On November 14, 2006, Courtney earned her angel wings. In the words of her sister, "she will be young and beautiful forever and always." Indeed, she will.

Goddesses Don't Buy Green Bananas is a heart felt compilation of extraordinary photos of some extraordinary women. The Goddesses that are photographed in this book are real women; they are wives, mothers, daughters and friends. Lesley Daley, the author and photographer, published her book after her thirty five year old husband was diagnosed with cancer. Lesley says that those who have faced this life threatening disease have inspired her to do this project.

Last week I did a post about Courtney Nicole and her battle with leukemia. Courtney's mom gives updates on her daughter daily and I'm happy to say that she tells us she is getting stronger everyday. Of course they are not out of the woods yet at day +26 after her bone marrow transplant -- but things are definitely turning around for the better. I mention Courtney because she is featured in the book as The Goddess of Spunk and Cheerleading.

This book is a tribute to all women who's lives have been touched by cancer.

I came across Courtney's webpage last week and have been reading updates every day since. Her mom is keeping friends and family updated on Courney's progress at her website called Courtney Nicole. Right now Courtney is in the hospital on day +19 after receiving a bone marrow transplant. Her brother Gabe was a match and became Courtney's donor.

Courtney's mom lives at the hospital with her daughter, day and night watching and waiting for her to recover. Thats what moms do. It just breaks my heart knowing that Courtney is suffering each day not able to be given any food or liquids because of complications from the chemotherapy/bone marrow transplant.

Courtney was first diagnosed with Leukemia (ALL) in September of 2000. This is her second time battling the disease. I thought that it would be nice to have some survivors, moms of survivors or anyone for that matter to leave a message on Courtney's guestbook. I know I'm going to!

He is known as the man behind the voice of Charlie on the television and film versions of Charlie's Angels and for his patriarch character Blake Carrington on the television show Dynasty. He is actor John Forsythe and at the age of 88, he is battling colon cancer.

Forsythe was diagnosed with the disease on September 28, received treatment this past week, and is now recovering in a Los Angeles hospital. He is in good spirits and hopes to return home this weekend -- to the ranch he shares with his wife Nicole Carter.

This is the second recent cancer diagnosis for the Charlie's Angels cast. Actress Farrah Fawcett revealed on October 6 that she too is battling cancer.

Goody Products Inc. is holding a national celebrity auction to benefit Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC). The auction will be from August 15th until the end of October. Goody Products Inc. is one of the largest manufactures of brushes, combs and hair accessories.

Over 50 limited edition brushes signed by celebrities will be available. Some celebrities that will be signing the brushes include Jennifer Lopez, Hilary Duff, Nick Lachey and Nicole Richie.

The auction is part of "Comfort Meets Cause", a nationwide campaign to raise awareness and funding for women affected by breast cancer.

LBBC's mission is To empower all women affected by breast cancer to live as long as possible with the best quality of life.

This summer, Dorothy Perkins is introducing a limited edition and exclusive line of fashion tees artistically designed by celebrities Nicole Kidman, Sharon Osbourne, Sienna Miller, Charlotte Church and Denise Van Outen to benefit Breast Cancer Care. The specialty tees, retailing at £15, go on sale Monday July 10th at the Dorothy Perkins website and in their 600 UK stores. £5 of each tee sale will go to Breast Cancer Care. Last year, Dorothy Perkins raised  over £1.3 million, through the pink wristband campaign in support of the breast cancer charity.

Nicole Kidman was only a girl when her mother battled breast cancer. Kidman chose her design because it represents the power and importance of support, comfort and care. Both family members and friends of Sharon Osborne have been diagnosed with breast cancer, and she chose her design using the symbol of a cross and heart to represent Hope, Peace and Love. Sienna Miller chose a quote that inspires. Denise Van Outen lost her grandmother to breast cancer last year and chose the rollerskate as her design because it reminds her of her childhood visits with her grandmother.

There are 50,000 tees for sale. I doubt they will last long. If you are interested, visit Breast Cancer Care Dorothy Perkins Little Tees for more information.

Celebrities can bring awareness to cancer causes. Celebrities can attract money to cancer fundraisers. Celebrities influence our society in fashion and lifestyle trends. Whether you are one who thinks celebrities have too much influence, and wondering why there seems a global obsession with celebrity -- or you are someone who applauds the efforts of those who have risen to success in fame and fortune and take time to give back, there is no doubting celebrities have power. And even when celebrities aren't trying to make a difference, they do, by the simple fact they are a celebrity.

A news story out of Canada is reporting that young girls, inspired by fair-skinned celebrities like Australian actress Nicole Kidman, are rejecting the fashion standard that a tan makes you attractive and embracing what they are calling the pale and proud of it attitude. When it comes to reducing the rising incidence of skin cancer, this couldn't come as better news. Really good news since it is in the young where a shocking number of new skin cancer cases are being diagnosed, a trend that is fairly recent to our times.