Fall has always been one of my favorite season

Why Fall Has Always Been Special to Me

Fall has always been one of my favorite seasons.

I love pumpkins, cinnamon, leaves changing colors, crackling fires, and sweater weather.

Except now I live in Florida so the seasons don’t change quite the same way.

This season brings Pediatric Cancer Awareness, Ovarian Cancer Awareness, Blood Cancer Awareness including National Lymphoma Awareness and, Suicide Awareness and healthy aging.

Cancer Awareness in the Fall Season

The fall season brings attention to several important health awareness campaigns, including:

• Pediatric Cancer Awareness
• Ovarian Cancer Awareness
• Blood Cancer Awareness
• National Lymphoma Awareness
• Suicide Awareness
• Healthy Aging Awareness

Each of these causes touches countless lives and reminds us of the importance of education, early detection, support, and advocacy.

Pediatric Cancer: A Cause Close to My Heart

Back when I was still living in Chicago I volunteered in hematology/oncology at Children’s Hospital and at a cancer camp for kids. I always say that experience with children battling cancer gave me some of my resilience when I faced my own diagnosis 7 years later.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness and BRCA Genetics

Since I am BRCA2 positive that was something I needed to be keenly aware of. The reason Ovarian cancer is so tricky is typically by the time you have symptoms, the cancer may be advanced and this is why it is often called the “silent killer”, as it does not have early symptoms.

I remain deeply grateful to:

• Dr. Laurence Heifetz of The Memorial Gene Upshaw Tahoe Forest Cancer Center
• Dr. Helen Chew from University of California - Davis Hospital

For suggesting the genetic testing even though I was the first in my family to have advanced cancer at an early age. It came from my father’s side of the family but he passed away decades before my diagnosis.

Blood Cancer Awareness and the Leukemia Cup

I raced sailboats for many years on the Great Lakes and we always had a regatta called the Leukemia Cup which raised funds for Leukemia and Lymphoma.

How Cancer Creates Lifelong Connections

I made friends with someone on Facebook, almost by accident, during my own cancer battle, Amy. She has become a lifelong friend and we met because her sister-in-law was battling breast cancer at the same time as me. Sadly Jennifer lost her battle. I have considered Jennifer one of my angels ever since and every Cancerversary I think of her. Almost 2 years ago Amy was diagnosed with lymphoma.

Our life is a delicately woven fabric of relationships. What has become obvious is that almost every person I meet has been touched by someone who has had cancer.

Sadly the numbers seem to be on the rise and striking people younger and younger.

Why Dermavitality's Mission Matters

Dermavitality's Comprehensive Skin Support for Chemotherapy and Radiation Patients.

This is why our mission to bring products to the marketplace that help alleviate the collateral damage of the treatments that save our lives is so important to us.

Getting your regular checkups, being aware of your body and what you put both in it and on it is so important.

The fall weather also signals drier air. We have a body lotion in our line that is a great mouisturizer. You do not have to be a cancer patient to use our products!!

Please feel free to go to our social media page and share your own story of how cancer has touched your life.

Fall Skin Care and Dry Weather

As temperatures cool and humidity drops, many people experience drier skin.

Even if you are not undergoing cancer treatment, seasonal changes can affect your skin's moisture levels.

One of my favorite products during the fall season is our:

Oncology Body Lotion

It's designed to provide deep hydration and support dry, sensitive skin.

And remember—you don't have to be a cancer patient to enjoy the benefits of our products.

Share Your Cancer Story

Cancer affects families, friendships, and communities.

We would love to hear your story and learn how cancer has touched your life.

Please visit our social media channels and share your experiences, memories, and messages of encouragement.

Your story may provide hope and inspiration to someone who needs it.

Next month, we'll explore the products we put on our skin and why ingredient awareness matters more than many people realize.

Fall Recipe: Baked Pears with Gorgonzola, Walnuts & Honey

This simple fall recipe combines sweet pears with creamy cheese, crunchy walnuts, and honey for a delicious seasonal treat.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• 82 Calories
• 16g Carbohydrates
• 1g Protein
• 2g Fat
• 1mg Cholesterol
• 29mg Sodium
• 112mg Potassium
• 2g Fiber
• 11g Sugar
• 70 IU Vitamin A
• 4.9mg Vitamin C
• 23mg Calcium
• 0.3mg Iron

Ingredients

• 3 ripe but firm pears (Concorde or Green Anjou work well)
• 1 tablespoon liquid honey, plus extra for serving
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 6 teaspoons soft blue cheese such as Gorgonzola
• 6 walnut halves
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Best Pears for Baking

Choose pears that are ripe but still slightly firm. Concorde and Green Anjou pears are excellent choices because they hold their shape during baking.

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 390°F (200°C).
2. Cut the pears in half and remove the seeds using a teaspoon.
3. Place pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish.
4. Drizzle with honey and top with thyme sprigs.
5. Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Allow the pears to cool slightly.
7. Add one teaspoon of Gorgonzola or other soft blue cheese to each pear half.
8. Garnish with walnut halves.
9. Drizzle with additional honey if desired.
10. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.

As the seasons change, may we all take time to appreciate life's simple comforts, support one another, and remain grateful for every day.

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Disclaimer

This content is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding questions about cancer screening, genetic testing, treatment, or skincare during cancer care.