Editor's Note: September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and we appreciate the Cadenhead family for sharing their experience so readers can learn more about this issue. 

CRESTVIEW — Cancer treatments have improved so much in 50 years that the "c" word doesn't have to signal death.   

For instance, in the 1960s, less than 10 percent of children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia survived, according to the University of Colorado Cancer Center.

ALL — the most common childhood cancer — occurs when bone marrow makes too many immature white blood cells that prevent healthier agents from fighting infections.

Today, ALL's survival rate is more than 90 percent, according to the American Cancer Society's website.

'WE CAUGHT IT EARLY'

Bonnie and Paul Cadenhead of Crestview are thankful for such medical advancements and their son Westin’s early diagnosis.

“We caught it early, so we had a better outcome,” Bonnie said. “Twenty years ago, it would have been a death sentence for him.”

Westin, who was diagnosed with ALL at age 5, is now 7, and he is in remission, the Cadenheads said. He takes monthly chemotherapy treatments at the Nemours Children’s Clinic in Pensacola, and doctors hope for full recovery by next year.

“He should be completely done with treatments (which include taking medications and receiving spinal taps) by next August,” Bonnie said.   

KEEPING THE FAITH

Cancer is just a footnote for Westin, a first-grader at Walker Elementary School who plays baseball and basketball.

And Westin said he looks forward to playing football in the near future.

But two years ago, when the situation was new and scary, friends and family offered emotional and financial support, which included organizing fundraisers to help cover medical costs.

Although diagnosis and initial treatments can be rough for any family facing childhood cancer, Paul suggested keeping the faith.

“I would just suggest relying on (Jesus) Christ," he said. "Nobody has the strength to go through something like that alone."

Bonnie added some advice.

"It gets better with time," she said.  

DID YOU KNOW?

Childhood cancers annually account for 1 percent of all cancer diagnoses. More than 10,000 children under age 15 have been diagnosed with cancer this year. Source: The American Cancer Society.

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Couple credits medical advancements, faith for son's progress

CRESTVIEW — Karen Bell believes a household cat is just what her autistic son, George, needs. Even though the 6-year-old is allergic to cats.

Since being diagnosed with autism at age 4, George has trouble interpreting the environment, especially when there's a lot of commotion, Bell said.   

Her son never bonded with therapy dogs; in fact, most dogs seem to scare him, she said. George is more of cat person.

“I think it’s their gentle nature that he likes,” Bell said. “Dogs tend to be excited and jump around … cats are more laid back."

In addition to helping people reduce anxiety and improve social skills, Siberian cats are known to bond with at least one person in a family. Bell hopes a kitten would bond with George.

And his allergies may not be a problem. The Russian breed seems less likely to trigger allergic reactions compared to others, according to Wedmd.com. Although Siberian cats typically have shaggy fur, the breed produces a low level of the allergy-affecting protein enzyme in its saliva.

Bell is optimistic, but now cost is a concern.

She found an Orlando cat breeder who sells Siberian kittens for $900. The family has set up a Gofundme.com account to help raise money for the kitten.  

So far, the account has raised $800 of a $1,200 goal. Bell said the family could afford the travel costs to retrieve the kitten in Orlando.

She hopes it works out.

“I think it would help George improve his quality of life,” she said.

WANT TO HELP?

Visit http://www.gofundme.com/ckn5gg donate toward the purchase of a Siberian cat for 6-year-old George Bell.

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Family seeks cat, donations to help autistic son

CRESTVIEW — Madison Baxley is turning 5 years old on Sept. 30.

“It’s a big deal,” her mother, Ashley, said. “Even before she was born, she wasn’t expected to make it.”

Madison has Turner syndrome, a chromosomal disorder that affects growth and can result in a wide neck, hearing loss, visual impairment and irregularities with the heart, liver and kidneys, according to the Turner Syndrome Society of the United States website.

The disorder itself — which is present in one of 2,000 female births, according to the society's website — typically isn't life-threatening, but complications can be.

Madison was just 9 days old when she received open-heart surgery in Atlanta, Ashley said.

Madison, at 4, still struggles, but her mother is optimistic.

 “She has done pretty well so far,” Ashley said.  

 The family spreads awareness by wearing Turner syndrome T-shirts and supporting Turner Syndrome Family Fun Day, set for Sept. 27 at Old Spanish Trail Park.

The event will feature children’s bounce houses, a video game truck, face painting and live music. Wrist bands, lunch plates and snacks will be sold for donations.

 In addition, residents dealing with the disorder will be on hand to share insight, Ashley said.

Most of the event's proceeds will assist with Madison’s medical expenses. Twenty-five percent will benefit the Turner Syndrome Society of the United States, Ashley said.

In addition to weekly physical and occupational therapy sessions, Madison soon will need another open-heart surgery, along with a neck procedure, Ashley said.

Having Madison in her life has given Ashley purpose in spreading awareness for Turner syndrome, she said.

“I never knew what my calling was until I had her,” she said.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Turner Syndrome Family Fun Day

WHEN: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 

WHERE: Old Spanish Trail Park, corner of Industrial Drive and Stillwell Boulevard, Crestview

COST: $5 per wristband, $5 for barbeque plate and $25 for family of four package (including two children's wrist bands and four lunch plates)

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Woman spreads Turner syndrome awareness following daughter's diagnosis

CRESTVIEW — Tami Black's recent hair coloring appointment became a lifesaver when her hairdresser found a suspicious spot on her scalp.

April Linton, a cosmetologist at the Hello Beautiful salon, found a blemish about the size of a pencil eraser on the Baker School teacher's head last month.

After Linton showed Black a cell phone photo of it, the 33-year teaching veteran made an appointment with her dermatologist, Dr. Charles Trapp, who removed the cancerous spot and surrounding skin.

Checking customers’ heads for irregularities should be standard professional practice at any salon, Linton said.

“I always look,” Linton said. “I’ve found things before because you can’t see the back of your neck or behind your ears or on top of your head.

“They’re not just our clients, they’ve become our friends. Notifying them is just the right thing to do if you find something.”

EARLY DETECTION

Black, who has a family and personal history of skin cancer, said the cancer didn’t have time to get worse.

“They got it very early so I didn’t have to go through chemo. There was no invasion of my lymph nodes,” she said. “But I had 10 stitches on my head because (Dr. Trapp) cut out a quarter-size spot.”

Black, in turn, paid Linton’s deed forward by including discussion of cancer in her high school science classroom.

“I teach anatomy and we go over all that,” she said. “Some kids are cautious, but I have seniors and, come prom time, they’re tanning-bedding like crazy.”

Black, who brought Linton a floral bouquet in appreciation for her attentiveness, said the cosmetologist probably saved her life.

“I had some people praying for me,” Black said. “They said God knew it (the cancer) was there and he used April to find it.”

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LIFE-SAVING HAIR APPOINTMENT: Cosmetologist discovers cancerous spot on woman's head

The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County has issued a 60-day rabies alert after two bats recently tested positive for rabies in the Mary Esther and Hurlburt Field areas.

The alert applies to the following areas.

Avoid all contact with wildlife and keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets, Dr. Karen Chapman, the local health department's director, said.

Call Okaloosa County Animal Control, 244-0196, to remove any stray domestic animals from your neighborhood.

Anyone bitten or scratched by wild or domestic animals should seek medical attention and report the injury to DOH-Okaloosa, 689-7859.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa health department issues rabies alert

CRESTVIEW — Dr. Wanda Batson says the decision to dance during Covenant Hospice's Oct. 4 Blue Jean Ball came easy.

Fred Astaire Dance Studio owner David Colón just asked her.

“My friend, David, asked me if I’d be willing to help out with the hospice fundraiser,” Batson said. “My answer was, ‘Of course.’"

Initially, she thought he meant financial assistance or volunteering.

When Colón said, “Oh, by the way…,” she realized he meant being one of four sponsored, celebrity dancers.

Now, she's practicing for the big night.

DANCING STAR

With a recording of Frank Sinatra crooning “Nice and Easy,” Colón whirled her around his dance studio on Wednesday as they perfected their routine.

Batson joins Stephanie Overstreet, Joel Davis and Dr. Khalid Moussa, who with their Fred Astaire professional partners are learning new dance steps — or how to dance at all — while raising money for Covenant.

Judges will critique their dancing skill, the audience's enthusiasm and how much money they raise.

Covenant organizers have set a $12,000 target for this year’s Dancing with the Crestview Stars segment, a $2,000 increase from last year’s donations.

“I’ll be harassing loved ones — with love,” Batson said of her fundraising technique.

She also plans to solicit donations through her Facebook page and through an online donation site she has yet to set up.

A SERIOUS CAUSE

Though she jokes about how Colón “voluntold” her to join the effort, her support for Covenant Hospice — which provides free end-of-life care for needy patients — is serious.

“Every family I know has been affected by cancer, so I’ll just ask them for money,” Batson said.

She believes in Covenant Hospice's service to terminally ill patients and families trying to cope with a loved one’s illness and impending death.

“If you emotionally can’t be there for support, hospice is,” Batson said. “It’s a whole level of care you have to have. Covenant Hospice provides that whole level of compassion you need to have.

The “Arabian Nights”-themed Blue Jean Ball, benefiting Covenant Hospice, is scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive.

Tickets cost $60 each and are available at Covenant Hospice, 4100 Ferdon Blvd. S.; by phone, 682-3628; or at www.covenanthospice.org.

Email News Bulletin Arts Editor Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Hospice's 'compassion,' support for patients motivates dancer

The American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program seeks volunteers to drive local cancer patients to and from their chemotherapy or radiation treatments. 

"An integral part of treating cancer successfully is making sure cancer patients receive their treatments, but many find making transportation arrangements is a challenge," an American Cancer Society spokesperson said. "Road to Recovery drivers in the Emerald Coast area continue to provide necessary trips for cancer patients, but there is a critical need for new volunteer drivers to keep up with the demand for transportation."

Drivers use their own vehicles to drive patients to and from treatments. The schedule is flexible and treatment appointments take place weekdays, primarily during business hours.

HOW TO HELP

Call the American Cancer Society's local office, 266-2280, if you are interested in driving cancer patients to their appointments.

If you are a cancer patient seeking more information about the Road to Recovery program, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Volunteer drivers needed for cancer patients

CRESTVIEW — A fundraiser featuring a pancake breakfast and yard sale are planned for Paul Garrett, a Baker nine-year-old with autism and an eating disorder.

The pancake breakfast and yard sale start at 7 a.m. Oct. 4 at Central Baptist Church, 951 S. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview. Breakfast will be served until 10 a.m. and costs $5 per person.

To buy breakfast tickets in advance or for details, contact Lauren Roper, 864-723-7297, to purchase tickets or with any questions.

SEE previous News Bulletin story about Paul here>>

Paul has pica, which causes an appetite for things with no nutritional value, such as metals, plastics, and more.

He undergoes treatment and schooling for his autism at the Emerald Coast Autism Center in Valparaiso, which may help cure pica. This costs more than $2,100 each month, and about $26,000 a year.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Volunteers to help with the sale are wanted. You may also donate gently used items for the sale or funds toward breakfast ingredients.

Monetary donations directly to ECAC are tax deductible and can be made two ways:

•a check written to Emerald Coast Autism Center, 315 Edge Ave., Valparaiso, FL 32580, with the words "Paul Garrett" on the memo line.

•Visit the school website and click on "Help support ECAC." Follow the steps to pay with your credit, debit, gift card, or paypal account. Prior to confirming your donation, click on the small link that states, ”Add special instructions for the seller.” This is where you will designate Paul Garrett's name.

 You may also donate at the "Pitching for Paul" gofundme site. More than $4,000 of the yearly $26,000 tuition has been collected there so far.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: "Pitchin' for Paul" tuition fundraiser planned for Baker resident

Editor's Note: The Crestview News Bulletin is a proud sponsor of this year's Healthy Woman program.

CRESTVIEW — North Okaloosa, get ready to laugh.

Award-winning comedian Etta May will headline Tickled Pink, a Tuesday night fundraiser for Healthy Woman, a North Okaloosa Medical Center resource.

May — who has appeared on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," MTV and CMT, and has been a guest commentator on "CBS Sunday Morning" and syndicated radio shows including “Rick & Bubba” and “Bob & Tom” — will bring her standup routine to the Crestview Community Center.

May — called "the queen of southern sass," "the princess of polyester" and the "white trash wizard of wisdom" — tackles a number of topics including marital and weight issues, hemorrhoids and dealing with teenagers.

She's currently touring a one-woman show called "Etta May's White Trash Diary."

May said she looks forward to her Crestview performance and that attendees will quickly see what her kind of comedy has to do with Healthy Woman. 

“A night of good knee-slapping laughter is more healing than a shot of penicillin” she said. "When you start laughing, the mortgage is not too important.”

Laughter aligns with Healthy Woman’s mission, organizer Alicia Booker said.

“Healthy Woman promotes total wellness — mind, body and spirit,” Booker stated in an email. “Laughter is a powerful antidote to stress, pain and conflict.”

LISTEN: 

"Bathtub"

"Teenage Daughter"

"Marital Advice Rule #1"

More>>

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Tickled Pink, a Healthy Woman fundraiser featuring comedian Etta May

WHEN: Doors open at 6 p.m. Tuesday. Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive

COST: $30 per ticket; purchase now or call 689-8446

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Award-winning comedian brings polyester, sass (AUDIO)

Okaloosa County’s arsenal to thwart breast cancer is larger, thanks to the White-Wilson Community Foundation of Fort Walton Beach, which awarded a $25,000 grant to the local Florida Department of Health office.

The public-private partnership allows DOH-Okaloosa to leverage federal funds and local dollars to ensure more women aged 50 to 64, with little or no insurance, can access necessary breast cancer screenings and diagnostic and treatment services.

The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, as administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, funds the Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.

Expansion of the program at the DOH-Okaloosa will start by Oct. 1. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Health department gets $25K grant for breast cancer battle