Parents of son’s who suffered from cancer to take on Isle of Wight challenge – Bournemouth Echo

THE PARENTS of a boy from Poole who lost his battle with cancer three years ago are urging the public to join them on a charity walk in his memory.

Soon after celebrating his 18th birthday, Lucas Dennett was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in December 2017.

Despite the best efforts of the doctors and nurses on the Durlston Ward at Poole Hospital, Lucas passed away nine months later.

In August 2017, his older brother Alex, 22, was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. He underwent a gruelling course of chemotherapy, only for the cancer to return in December 2018, with Alex requiring a stem cell transplant.

Alex is now recovering.

Lucas and Alexs mother and stepfather, Clare and Simon Blissett, are now focused on raising as much money as possible for Leukaemia Educating and Fundraising, or LEAF, the charity that have supported them closely.

Simon, 44, said: I cant put into words what LEAF has done for our family. The charity has helped to rebuild our shattered lives.

Life will always be different for us now but thanks to LEAF we can smile, laugh and remember the good times, which is something we never thought wed be able to do.

The couple are midway through their training for the Isle of Wight Challenge in May, where theyll walk 106km non-stop around the entire coastline of the island to raise money for Dorset-based charity LEAF.

Clare and I want to do all we can to raise as much money as possible for LEAF, Simon added.

The work they do makes a huge difference to those people going through the hell of leukaemia and other forms of blood cancers.

Thats why I want as many people as possible to join us and take on the Isle of Wight Challenge in support of LEAF.

Participants can take on the full challenge of 106km in one go or complete it over two days.

Alternatively, they can take part in the half challenge of around 50km, or even the 25km quarter challenge.

LEAF supports blood cancer patients across Dorset and Hampshire.

The charitys founder, Natasha Hunt, herself a leukaemia survivor, worked closely with the the family during Lucass nine month battle with Leukaemia and Alexs battle with Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Having completed the full challenge last year in aid of The Teenage Cancer Trust, Simon wants to repeat his efforts and raise even more money for Leukaemia Educating and Fundraising.

Talking about his experience last year, Simon said: It was a great experience incredibly challenging, but so rewarding. Crossing the finishing line was such an emotional moment, knowing Id done it for Lucas.

I promised him Id raise 1million for charity, and I would love as many people as possible to join me on this walk, all raising money together in memory of our amazing son Lucas.

To sign up to the challenge and join Simons team to raise funds for LEAF, visit http://www.isleofwightchallenge.com.

If you cant join Simon and Clare for the Isle of Wight Challenge, but you still want to support them, you can sponsor them at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/simon-blissett7.

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Parents of son's who suffered from cancer to take on Isle of Wight challenge - Bournemouth Echo

Colne woman widowed after husband dies just six months after wedding – LancsLive

A woman from Colne was left widowed after losing her husband to cancer just six months after their wedding.

Emma Smith has told how her husband Scott died after a battle with Hodgkins Lymphoma - a type of blood cancer - in August last year.

The pair - who met in their teens - had got married just six months earlier in March.

The 29-year-old said: "Scott and I met when I was 18 and he was 19, we were both on a night out in Burnley. I remember saying to Scott that I didnt want a boyfriend as I was going away to university in Birmingham and I wasnt going to be coming home every weekend!

"But he said that was fine, and the rest is history."

Just over two years ago, Scott Smith, a 29-year-old firefighter, discovered a lump on his neck.

Due to his dad having recently died from prostate cancer, he was particularly aware of his health and went straight to see his GP.

Emma added: "His GP said it wasnt anything serious. Scott wasnt happy so he went back again and saw the practice manager who told him to come back in six weeks if the lump hadnt gone."

After returning to his GP six weeks later, Scott was referred to hospital for tests which revealed that he had Hodgkins Lymphoma - a type of blood cancer.

Emma said: "We were told that if you get cancer, this is the one you want to get as its so curable and easy to treat. Six months of chemotherapy and then you should be fine.

"Because of this we really thought everything was going to be okay, but things didnt work out that way at all."

A few days after receiving his diagnosis, Scott started chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, he didnt respond to treatment like doctors had hoped.

This is when the possibility of a stem cell transplant was first mentioned. Despite numerous knock backs, Scott approached the road ahead with positivity and bravery.

The Colne woman explained: "We were told if chemo works, he will need a transplant. That was the dream, a transplant. The chance of a cure."

Emma and Scott had got engaged in 2017 and had their wedding booked for April of last year.

Due to Scotts diagnosis, they took the decision to cancel the wedding in advance, as they thought Scott would be too ill to go ahead with the day.

Emma recalled: "However when we were sat in the hospital one day, we decided to get married. We were madly in love and best friends, we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together.

"Just six weeks later we got married surrounded by our closest friends and family, it was a magical day filled with love and laughter."

Shortly after their wedding, Scott developed a hole between his oesophagus and bronchial, which was caused by the cancer and worsened by the radiotherapy he was having. This resulted in fluid directly entering his lungs and he developed pneumonia after pneumonia.

Emma explained: "At this point we were told that we had two options, stop the radiotherapy and give Scott end of life care or they could attempt to reconstruct Scotts airways, but we were told that he could be in hospital for up to two years and chances are he wont survive.

"So, they gave us two choices but really there was only one."

In April, Scott stopped all treatment and Emma stopped work to care for him.

Emma's sisters, Hannah and Charlie, and the rest of their close family and friends rallied around both her and Scott during this time.

Scott died in August, at the age of 30.

Emma said: "The week before Scott died our friends and family didnt leave the house. Charlie lived in London but came to stay with her boyfriend, Lynas and Hannah was even with Scott when he passed away.

"Im so close to my sisters, we speak numerous [times] a day. Its the little things, Hannah has given me a house key and they took me away between Christmas and New Year, as they knew it was going to be a difficult time.

"The list of things they do for me is endless, Im very lucky. As clich as it sounds, I couldnt have got through it without them.

"I know that Scott took great comfort in knowing I had them by my side."

Before Scott died, Emma talked to him about doing the London Marathon and after asking Hannah and Charlie if they would be up for the challenge, the three of them signed up for the 2020 event together.

They are raising money for the blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan.

The trio call themselves the Hope Runners as they aim to give hope to other people like Scott, who sadly died before he was able to have a stem cell transplant.

Emma claims running has helped her to cope since the passing of her husband.

She said: "Weve set ourselves a big goal for fundraising and training to give us something amazing and positive to focus on in what we know will be the hardest year.

"Weve seen each other through the darkest of times so if we can get through that together, we can get through a marathon."

Anthony Nolan is the charity that finds matching donors for people with blood cancer and gives them a second chance of life.

The charity also carries out ground-breaking research to save more lives and provide information and support to patients after a stem cell transplant.

Anna Scalera, head of events and community at Anthony Nolan, said: We are delighted that the Hope Runners are lacing up her trainers and running theLondon Marathonfor us this year.

"With every mile completed they will be providing hope. The funds they raise will enable us to recruit more potential stem cell donors to the Anthony Nolan register any one of whom could give a second chance of life for someone with blood cancer.

To find out more about The Hope Runners, or to make a donation, click here.

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Colne woman widowed after husband dies just six months after wedding - LancsLive

Brief respite for Wills in cancer battle – Pentiction Western News

Its Saturday afternoon and nine-year-old Wills Hodgkinson has just returned from visiting a friend. Upstairs in the playroom of his familys Naramata home, his attention is divided between the shiny new Yamaha drum set and the Mighty Ducks movie playing on television.

This is the best part, he said, cranking up the volume on the remote for the critical scene of the show. Its just a really well-made movie, I like the storyline. This is the second Ducks movie, the first one was really good but the third one sucks.

For most kids his age, this would not be anything special. But for Wills, who for the second time in his young life is battling cancer, its anything but typical.

Last week Wills, his father Tim and younger sister Scarlett got to come home from B.C. Childrens Hospital for the first time as a family since late December when Wills had surgery and began chemotherapy again.

But at least for a few days, even with the medical tubes still attached to the outside of his chest, the punishing hospital routine is a lifetime away.

Im feeling really good, its nice to come home and see my friends. I just got back from my best friend Jordans an hour ago and hes coming over tomorrow morning, weve been friends for five years, ever since kindergarten, said Wills with his ever-present smile. Its really great to see my friends, theyve been there to see me at the hospital and its really important that I get to see them again, I miss them.

READ MORE: Nine-year-old Penticton boy fighting cancer with a smile

The other fun thing he got to do on this trip home: I went to school again on two days and saw my other friends and everybody was glad to see me again and they asked about the hospital and I told them some stuff. It was fun.

Wills is in Grade 4 at Holy Cross School and staff and students have been in close touch, even buying him an iPad so they could Facetime back and forth and allowing him to participate in class when hes able.

In Feb. 2018, Wills was diagnosed with a Wilms tumour, a rare kidney cancer that primarily affects children. Then, just before Christmas almost a year past he was cleared two new tumours on his lung were discovered and treatment began all over again, including surgery to remove one of them.

Coming home for Wills has been immense, massive, said his father, Tim. Its so important to have that human contact, for him to sleep in his bed, have his toys, with all the best intentions in the world you cant replace that, theres nothing like it.

Just to let him be part of normal life, he gets to swap being a cancer patient for being a kid again.

Hodgkinson admitted it was with mixed emotions when they walked in the front door of the house last week for the first time since their hasty departure in December. Scarlett, Tim and mom Neeley Brimer have been staying with Wills at B.C. Childrens Hospital as he was treated.

We came home to all our Christmas decorations still being up, our tree had unfortunately lost all its needles and there were unwrapped Christmas presents still waiting. It was a really happy return but it was also kind of a bit sad, he said. But it has really been good for Wills, coming home is not going to be a miracle cure but it does lift a lot of weight. We hope the happier he is the better it will be for him to fight the cancer itself.

READ MORE: Nine-year-old Penticton boy faces return of lung tumours

The three returned to Vancouver Feb. 25 and Wills was expected to undergo a medical evaluation this week and learn his prognosis.

The family is expecting to get those results from the doctors on Friday at the hospital.

This will be one of those hold-the-breath moments, to see how effective the chemo has been on the remaining tumour they deliberately left in, said Hodgkinson, adding Wills could be in for another four, month-long chemo cycles as well as a stem cell implant.

So were in it for the long haul, we know that, just fingers crossed.

Both he and Brimer, who separated in 2016, have been spending time in Vancouver during treatment, Brimer at the hospital with Wills and Scarlett, who is four-and-a-half years old, and Hodgkinson at Ronald McDonald House.

Both parents had immense praise for the enormous support they have received from friends and the many people they dont even know.

Its incredible, in the best possible way its overwhelming, said Brimer. Im incredibly grateful for where we live and the people that are involved in our community.

Cancer

Tim Hodgkinson with his children, Scarlett, 4, and Wills, 9 at their Naramata home. The family has been in Vancouver since late December for Wills cancer treatments. (Mark Brett - Western News)

Wills Hodgkinson, 9, relaxes on the front porch of his Naramata home after being allowed a break in his cancer treatment in Vancouver. (Mark Brett - Western News)

Wills Hodgkinson takes a break from the drums that he got to play again after returning home from B.C. Childrens Hospital for a few days. (Mark Brett - Western News)

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Brief respite for Wills in cancer battle - Pentiction Western News

Michael Everest DeMarco Is Advancing Medical Education By Sponsoring Ground-Breaking Research – Yahoo Finance

Los Angeles, Feb. 28, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dr. Michael Everest through his foundation Everest Foundation is strengthening medical institutions by allocating to them millions of dollars each year to help with effectuating ground-breaking research in stem cell technology, nanotechnology, spinal injuries, and other areas.

Dr. Michael Everest is helping to train the next generation of doctors by providing sponsorships in the form of grants, residency fellowships, research fellowships, and unrestricted long-term gifts. His sponsorships have helped thousands of postdoctoral fellows to pursue cutting-edge medical research that is facilitating important medical breakthroughs.

Michael Everest DeMarco is an Indian-American physician who is the Chairman of the Everest Foundation, a non-profit group dedicated to advancing medical research and education. The Everest Foundation is mainly funded by an endowment from his father Dr. Edwin Everest. It also receives further assistance from several ventures undertaken by Dr. Michael Everest.

The Everest Foundation funds several exciting medical research projects at top medical schools. Michael Everest DeMarco through his foundation supports the SCI and exoskeleton research at the Bronx VA. This is one of the few places in the world where they are doing extensive research on spinal code injuries. Through the efforts of this project, seven men and women who were wheelchair-bound for years were able to walk again.

Among the medical schools supported by the Everest Foundation include New York Medical School, Stanford University, University of Texas, Northwestern University, University of California Davis, University of California-Irvine, and Texas Tech University among others.

The Everest Foundation recently made a 10-year commitment of $1 million to the Keck School of Medicine. This will support medical research for postdoctoral fellows in the Department of Internal Medicine. Dr. Michael Everest made this donation in his father's name in support of medical research and education.

A gift of $162, 500 from Michael Everest DeMarco has already sponsored the first neck and head postdoctoral fellow at the Keck School of Medicine.

The 10-year commitment will also benefit the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, which is a nonprofit teaching hospital affiliated with the Keck School of Medicine. It will help to support the hospital's global education track.

Medical education is important to Michael Everest DeMarco. He is proud to have made a contribution towards advancing medical education at the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles. As a premier pediatric teaching hospital, medical research is important to innovations in clinical care.

Dr. Michael Everest hopes to ultimately fund global initiatives. This will help train doctors in India and other countries.

A global initiative was recently started at the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles by the Everest Foundation. This will bring foreign doctors from poor countries in Southeast Asia. According to Michael Everest DeMarco, these doctors will be brought to the US and trained on cutting-edge medical technologies and subsequently sent back to their countries. These doctors will be trained to provide improved healthcare in their home countries.

Many foreign medical schools such as those in the Caribbean and East Asia provide "good basic science." However, their graduates lack research experience. That is why Michael Everest DeMarco has undertaken to support international medical graduates by sponsoring them to acquire the research training that they lack.

One of the latest initiatives of Dr. Michael Everest banquet involves supporting pathology training for international medical graduates. He donated $500,000 to the University of California to support this endeavor. This will help Asian Indian graduates and other international graduates. The Davis School of Medicine at the University of California has a large Indian American student population. It is also known for cutting-edge medical research.

The Everest Foundation also supports community-based hospitals in developing countries. These hospitals mainly rely on government funding which is usually not enough. They are not well-financed as private hospitals. By financing community-based hospitals, Dr. Michael Everest aims to enable them to undertake paradigm-changing research that will have a positive impact on the community.

Story continues

Dr. Everest's philosophy is to support medical education and research with a focus on global health. This is something that is very close to his heart. His mission is to create good patient care in medicine and subsequently to improve the quality of life.

info@everestfoundation.com

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Michael Everest DeMarco Is Advancing Medical Education By Sponsoring Ground-Breaking Research - Yahoo Finance

Family Doctors: Their Role, Education and Responsibilities – The Hear UP

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is becoming a growing concern across the nation for doctors and caregivers alike.

Recent statistics provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that 1 out of 150 kids display the symptoms of this affliction in the United States alone. The surging number of ASD cases across the nation has spurred the medical community to find and prescribe suitable treatment solutions that are viable and safe for children.

The last decade has witnessed a sharp increase in the use of HBOT for autism relied on. Initiating the right treatment methods such as HBOT for autism-related issues in the early stages is proving to be a life-saver for several kids ailing from this disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodegenerative condition that can significantly affect the cognitive functions of a child. Kids with ASD are known to experience challenges whilst communicating or engaging in simple day-to-day activities.

Autistic kids often struggle with basic issues such as:

These conditions are visible in kids from a nascent stage. Any delay in providing adequate treatment post the initial diagnosis can result in the children behaving erratically or turn reclusive.

The most commonly reported symptoms in patients with ASD are:

Medical experts attribute the causes of autism to varied factors.

A few have been listed herewith:

However, clarity on the veracity of these claims remains unfounded and efforts by researchers to unravel the actual causes of autism are still ongoing.

Medical experts treating cases of autism are increasingly recommending HBOT for autism-related complications.

Hyperbaric researchers recently conducted a randomized, controlled study on a group of 62 autistic kids aged between 2 to 7 and the results have been quite encouraging.

The children underwent 40 hours of hyperbaric therapy for four weeks. The following observations were recorded by the research team post the HBOT program:

Pure oxygen, an integral element of HBOT, has been used by physicians for centuries to provide relief to individuals ailing from a range of health disorders.

During the early 1960s, doctors in the US Navy used hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to provide relief to deep-sea divers for decompression sickness.

Gradually, hyperbaric experts realized that this alternative therapy could also be applied to treat varied ailments such as:

Apart from these above-mentioned FDA approved conditions, researchers discovered that HBOT can be successfully used to treat patients with an autism spectrum disorder.

As medical professionals claim that ASD is linked to pre-dominantly low levels of oxygen in the body, hyperbaric therapy is being widely recommended by specialists, as an ideal treatment program for autistic patients.

During the HBOT process, the autistic child is placed into a hyperbaric chamber and administered pressurized pure oxygen at levels that are 1.2 to 3 times greater than normal atmospheric pressure.

The pressurized oxygen instantly dissolves into the body fluids of the child and boosts the oxygen-rich plasma to all the parts of the brain that are affected due to the reduced blood-oxygen levels. The surge of oxygen-rich plasma stimulates the dormant neurons in the brain and activates fresh cell regeneration.

Hyperbaric experts have observed a significant improvement in the autistic patients condition post undergoing regular HBOT.

Cerebral hypoperfusion is linked to repetitive behavior, affected facial expressions and distorted speech patterns.

Autistic kids have displayed a marked increase in their cerebral perfusion levels post HBOT.

Oxidative stress is known to reduce antioxidant enzymes that are vital for brain health. Patients have recorded healthy antioxidant enzyme levels post undergoing hyperbaric therapy.

Neuro-inflammation, gastrointestinal inflammation, and immune dysregulation are serious conditions that occur due to abnormal cytokine levels, leading to health setbacks such as disruptive behavior, inflammatory bowel disease, and chronic diarrhea.

Autistic kids undergoing HBOT have experienced substantial relief in their condition post hyperbaric therapy as this alternative treatment is known to regulate cytokine production.

ASD is known to cause mitochondrial dysfunction in children. A few related complications such as higher CSF lactate levels, decreased cerebral blood flow and brain oxygen levels are potential health hazards that disrupt the patients overall well-being.

Controlled studies conducted by hyperbaric researchers have revealed that HBOT aids in elevating both the brain oxygen level and cerebral blood flow. A decrease in the CSF lactate levels have also been observed in the patients post the therapy.

The current success rate of HBOT for autism relief is definitely enabling kids to dream of leading a healthy life by effectively countering and overcoming this debilitating disorder.

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Family Doctors: Their Role, Education and Responsibilities - The Hear UP

Be a Bone Marrow Hero – University of Utah Health Care

Feb 25, 2020 12:00 AM

Every ten minutes, someone passes away from a blood disorder. Thats 148 people a day. There is a way to prevent many of these deathsa bone marrow transplant. DNA matching has the power to help thousands of people waiting for a life-saving bone marrow donation, but this special donor list depends entirely upon the willingness of individuals to sign up. Could your unique DNA hold the match that helps one person live to see tomorrow? Heres how you can find out.

Be The Match is a global hub for bone marrow donor registry working with hundreds of partners to support the transplant community. Signing up is easy online. You provide registration information, receive a kit in the mail, use the DNA swab as directed, and send it back for DNA typing. Your potentially life-saving information is secure and becomes available to specialized doctors around the world.

Even if you arent a match right away, the fact that every three minutes a person is diagnosed with a blood disorder means you could be called at any time to be a hero in someones time of need. Paloma Cariello, MD, MPH, says, Its absolutely a life-saving procedure. Its a new life that people getwe call it a new birthday, and at many hospitals they give it as a new birthday date in their chart. We sing Happy Birthday. Its a big event.

To find a close enough match to help fortify a patients immune system, doctors have to be precise. They first reach out to family, but even then, only 30% of patients find a good match. The odds of finding a match in an unrelated donor can be as low as 18%, especially with minorities.

The need for more individuals of every background cannot be overstated, says University of Utah Health Hematologist Sagar Patel, MD. He emphasizes the need for ethnic minorities to register. Every ethnicity is represented in the pool of patients, so the donor pool likewise needs to be diversified to improve the availability of similar DNA typing.

If a doctor finds you to be a suitable match, they select the ideal method for their patient and prepare you for donation. There are two donation methods: peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) donation and bone marrow donation. Because every donor is carefully screened and prepared, and because a small amount of fluid is ultimately needed, neither procedure method impacts the performance of your own immune system, says Cariello.

With PBSC retrieval, you receive a stimulant for five days to increase the presence of blood-forming cells in your blood stream. Then a refined process of extraction occurs: Your blood is drawn, a machine collects just the cells the patient needs, and your remaining fluids are safely returned to you. This process can usually be done in one eight-hour session. Most donors report a full recovery within a week to 10 days, but you will be followed-up with until your full recovery.

If the doctor determines that the patient needs bone marrow, your procedure is a bit different. Marrow needs to be drawn from your pelvic bones. It happens in a hospital and under anesthesia, and you will feel no pain as the donation is collected. You can go back to routine activity the same day, and your system fully replenishes within four to six weeks.

Even with thousands of people in need, only about one in 430 donors in the Be The Match system are called in as a match. And the simple processes and expert professional care you receive minimize potential risk. A common side effect is bruising at the procedure sites, and some donors occasionally experience mild pain, fatigue, or dizziness. Reactions related to the use of anesthesia might also occur.

With such little risk, it shouldnt be a question as to whether you sign up, but when. And today is a perfect day. The low odds of finding a cure that these patients face are as extreme as the high rewards that await themand youwhen you make the choice to become a donor. Visit BeTheMatch.org to learn more and to become the one who initiates the miraculous call: We found a match.

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Be a Bone Marrow Hero - University of Utah Health Care

R3 Stem Cell Heroes Program Performs Complimentary Regenerative Therapies on 70 Veterans in 2019 – PR Web

R3 Stem Cell Heroes Program - Free Regenerative Procedures for Veterans

LAS VEGAS (PRWEB) February 20, 2020

R3 Stem Cell, the nation's leader in regenerative therapies and provider training, announced that its Heroes Program was able to complete 70 complimentary stem cell procedures on military veterans in 2019. The veterans traveled from all over the US to receive the regenerative therapies at no cost.

At the R3Stem Cell Training Course for doctors, providers of all kinds learn how to perform regenerative procedures in a supervised setting. This includes stem cell and exosome procedures on military veterans of all ages and from all branches of service. Any veteran can be nominated (or nominate themselves), and the pain being experienced does not have to be a result of a service related injury.

According to R3 Stem Cell CEO David Greene, MD, MBA, "When we hear the stories of these Veterans and what they have done for America, it's so exciting to be able to do something to help improve their quality of life. Especially Veterans of the Vietnam War, all they wanted to do was protect our country. To see how well they do afterwards and then refer in their Veteran friends for procedures, it's amazing!"

The chosen Veterans receive an evaluation by the Board Certified doctors who are trainers, and then procedures include whatever amount of regenerative biologic deemed appropriate. The Veteran patients are followed up the R3 staff, and invited back for additional therapies when necessary.

To date over 70 Veterans have successfully receive regenerative therapies in the program. Over a dozen patients are treated at each workshop, with more opportunities upcoming. Added Dr. Greene, "Our stem cell courses are extremely hands on an providers love it. They have been increasing in popularity continuously, which allows us to treat more Veterans!"

For those who would like to nominate a Veteran for the Heroes Program to receive free stem cell therapy, simply visit https://r3stemcell.com/hero or call (844) GET-STEM.

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R3 Stem Cell Heroes Program Performs Complimentary Regenerative Therapies on 70 Veterans in 2019 - PR Web

PROGRESS 2020: Business briefs – The Times

FINANCIAL SERVICES

West-AirComm Federal Credit Union

West-AirComm Federal Credit Union has been a proud part of Beaver County for more than 70 years. Founded in 1949 by the employees of Westinghouse Electric, the credit union has its roots deep within the industry of the region.

West-AirComm serves more than 20,000 members with both technology and personal service. The financial services include investments and loans at some of the best rates in the region, free checking, first mortgages and home equity loans.

West-AirComm puts the credit union mission of People Helping People into motion on a daily basis. The staff offers personal service if you have questions about your finances.

The staff also volunteers their personal time to charitable organizations in the community. In 2019, they volunteered more than 1,200 hours and raised $11,000 for the spotlight charity, Operation Troop Appreciation.

West-AirComms 2020 charity initiative Cruisin for a Cause, will benefit the Beaver County Association for the Blind. The nonprofit organizations mission is to provide services to blind and visually impaired persons that promote their independence, prevent blindness and give those who are blind or disabled employment opportunities. The money raised help to fund the associations goal to provide a better means of transportation to the visually impaired.

From being deeply rooted in industry to providing financial services and supporting the communities it serves, West-AirComm cares about its members.

For more information, visit http://www.westaircomm.com or visit any one of the branches in Beaver, Aliquippa or Moon Township.

Farmers Building and Savings Bank

ROCHESTER Farmers Building and Savings Bank, 290 West Park in Rochester, specializes in mortgage loans, home equity loans and home improvement loans. The bank also offers do-it-yourself construction loans to enable those who have construction knowledge to assist in the building of their home.

The bank has drive-through facilities and off-street parking. It is handicapped accessible.

Farmers provides premium-rate passbook savings that earn interest from day of deposit to the day of withdrawal.

What is unique about our passbook savings accounts is that they are not internet accessible. This helps alleviate identity theft issues, said Dennis L. Goehring, president and managing officer. You, the account holder, bring in your passbook for transactions. Its simple and safe.

Farmers also offers Christmas club accounts and direct deposit of payroll, Social Security and pension checks. Funds are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

Farmers Building and Savings Bank is one of Beaver Countys few remaining independent financial associations. All employees and managers are from the Beaver County area and boast more than 150 years of combined banking experience. They include Martin Samchuck, Rita L. Hinton, Sarah Brogley, Pamela Locke and Dennis L. Goehring. Since the bank was founded in 1894, theyve employed only 17 individuals.

More information is available by calling the bank at 724-774-4970. Youll speak with a real person, not an automated answering system.

Friendly Federal Credit Union

ALIQUIPPA Friendly Federal Credit Union, 2000 Main St. in Aliquippa, is a full-service institution that continues to expand its offerings and membership.

Friendly Federal offers auto loans, home equity loans, holiday and vacation clubs, mortgages, IRAs, certificates of deposit, money markets, free checking, direct deposit, a youth club, debit and credit cards, home banking, bill pay and an onsite ATM machine.

For the past 18 years, the institution has received the Bauer Financial five-star rating for exceptional performance. This year, it celebrates 65 years of service.

The credit union was founded in 1955 as the J&L Service Department Employees Federal Credit Union. The J&L Byproducts, Seamless and Steelworkers Credit Union joined the institution. In 1986, the financial facilitys name was changed to Friendly Federal Credit Union. Today, the credit union has assets of more than $53 million, with a membership of about 5,000.

Cynthia Hladio is the chief executive officer/manager. Phyllis Heckman is the branch manager. Carl E. Hennen is the chairman; Ed Murphy is the treasurer; and Lynn Nero, Helen Pane, Sue Ronosky, Amy Walker and Deanna Ross are directors.

The branch office is located at 384 State St. in Baden.

Information: 724-375-0488; 724-869-3500; http://www.friendlyfcu.org.

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE

Myers Service Center & Quality Quick Lube

BEAVER In January 1990, Rick Myers and his sons, Rick and Ron, opened an auto repair business at 475 Buffalo St. in Beaver. They wanted Myers Service Center & Quality Quick Lube to do three things: be honest and upfront with customers, provide quality, affordable work each and every time, and earn the continued loyalty and trust of each customer.

Thirty years later, the Myers family has been blessed to have so many returning customers, many of whom they consider extended family, and blessed to have dedicated auto technicians and employees.

To Mark, Matt, John, Paige, Gray, Alaina and Paul, thank you for your dedication and for giving customers excellent service day-in and day-out. That commitment to excellence is what makes the business successful.

The Myers family business couldnt have succeeded without these great employees and loyal customers. Thank you. Myers Service Center and Quick Lube looks forward to continuing such service for many years to come.

Information: 724-774-7655.

EDUCATION

Geneva College

BEAVER FALLS Geneva College prepares undergraduate students to serve faithfully and fruitfully in their lifes work. With a vocational focus and liberal arts core, a Geneva education is grounded in Gods word, enabling students to think, write and communicate well in todays world.

For traditional students, Geneva offers more than 145 majors and programs, including biology business, communication, computer science, education, engineering, nursing, psychology and student ministry. The faculty cares about the success of each student, and the 13-to-1 student-faculty ratio makes that possible. Geneva professors have real-world work experience, academic achievements, and are actively engaging the culture through research and writing while professing an active Christian faith.

In addition, Geneva fields 18 varsity sports teams in NCAA Division III athletics for men and women, hosts intramural sports leagues and coordinates more than 200 student activities each year.

Adult undergraduates can earn a degree at Geneva in as few as 16 months and complement their professional and family commitments with full online programs.

The masters degree programs MBA, counseling, cybersecurity, higher education and leadership studies can help students excel toward a more promising future. These high-demand professional degrees equip students for principled Christian service to their organizations and the world.

In 2019, U.S. News & World Report ranked Geneva as the No. 3 Best Value Regional University for combining high academic quality with affordability. Kiplingers Personal Finance also lists Geneva on its prestigious list of national Private Universities of Value.

Genevas main campus is located in Beaver Falls. The college is governed by the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America.

Geneva College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, disability, and national or ethnic origin.

Information: 800-847-8255; http://www.geneva.edu.

Penn State-Beaver

CENTER TWP. Penn State Beaver offers the personal experience of a small campus with the resources of a Big Ten research university. Students come from western Pennsylvania as well as 28 states and seven foreign countries to live in our newly remodeled residence hall, participate in our championship-winning intercollegiate sports and learn from award-winning faculty.

Students and the community now have an opportunity to participate in the Beaver Valley LaunchBox, a signature program of Invent Penn State, a commonwealth-wide initiative to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in the region and help spur economic development, job creation and campus-community collaboration.

The LaunchBox is powered by community business leaders, professors and ambitious students to provide subject matter expertise and training to help local entrepreneurs and innovators to build and grow their businesses and convert their ideas into a reality successfully. We have partnered with the Beaver County Library System to establish Creative Corners in each of the countys public libraries. We also offer community workshops in the libraries and on the Penn State Beaver campus.

To learn more about the Beaver Valley LaunchBox and our community programs visit on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and at beavervalley.launchbox.psu.edu.

Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School

MIDLAND Educating children in kindergarten through 12th grade, the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School, better known as PA Cyber, is one of the largest and most experienced online public schools in the nation.

Students will find creative online learning environments, personalized instruction and top-notch curriculum at PA Cyber. Qualified, state-certified teachers use rich academic content that is aligned to state standards and meets the approval of the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

PA Cybers instructional model focuses on its students. It recognizes their changing developmental stages while respecting their differences and unique abilities. Using a flexible but focused learning model, PA Cybers teachers create a personalized education program for each student.

Headquartered in Midland, PA Cyber has offices throughout Pennsylvania. They serve as a hub for enrollment, orientation and enrichment. The nearly 10,000 students enrolled in PA Cyber belong to a real community, where they grow academically, emotionally, socially and physically.

PA Cyber offers choices for live and self-paced instruction, along with a variety of opportunities for interaction with teachers and peers. The extensive course list and program offerings include the creative and performing arts, STEM and gifted programs, advanced placement classes, and a variety of clubs and other activities. Certified faculty and staff are available to engage with students and families at their convenience.

PA Cyber provides a tuition-free, accredited curriculum with access to all technology and the personal guidance students need for success. The technology platforms are leading edge, user-friendly and enhance the educational experiences of the students. Each student receives a laptop, printer, textbooks and online connectivity, as well as an expert technological support team that is responsive, skilled and dependable.

PA Cyber graduates can be found attending highly regarded universities, colleges, professional academies and vocational schools. Any school-aged child living in Pennsylvania may enroll.

Information: 888-722-9237; http://www.pacyber.org.

Community College of Beaver County

CENTER TWP. Community College of Beaver County, the second smallest community college in Pennsylvania, accomplished big things in 2019 on its Center Township campus.

In March, Roger W. Davis was named the colleges ninth president after serving as interim president since May 2018. Davis, who holds a doctorate in urban educational leadership from Morgan State University in Baltimore, is the colleges youngest president. He joined CCBC in July 2016 as executive vice president and provost.

Academically, CCBC launched the School of Industrial Technology and Continuing Education. The School of Aviation Science founded by James M. Johnson was renamed in his honor. The program, which celebrated 50 years of flight, offers the No. 1 aviation training program in the nation. It includes four two-year degree programs professional pilot, air traffic control, aerospace management and unmanned aerial vehicle (drones).

Additionally, Nursingprocess.org ranked CCBCs nursing school fifth in the nation, and G.I. Jobs magazine named the community college a military-friendly school. CCBC also received the Carnegie Science Award for Leadership in STEM education of its high school academies, and is the first non-profit higher education program in the state to provide digital textbooks for a single low-cost fee.

For more than 50 years, CCBC has been a gateway to success for area students and continues to provide a path to prosperity and family-sustaining careers.

Clarion University of Pennsylvania

Clarion Universitys more than 4,700 determined students are building a bright future through challenging academics and diverse interests, all while living in a charming, civic-minded town that embraces them.

Clarion offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in business, education, health science and the arts with a 19-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, and nationally and internationally accredited programs. The university leads Pennsylvanias State System of Higher Education with 28 national accreditations and offers a multitude of internship and study abroad opportunities that give students hands-on experience in their chosen field and in research before they earn their degree.

The university is comprised of its scenic campus in Clarion, which has evolved since its seminary beginnings in 1867, its Clarion University-Venango campus in Oil City and Clarion Online, which offers excellence in education from anywhere in the world.

The 2020 US News and World Report ranks Clarion Online in its Top 100: best online bachelors programs and business programs, best online nursing graduate programs and best online master of education programs.

With a focus on professional development, the university has launched inventive programming and certificates. The Respiratory Care three-year bachelors program prepares students to be registered respiratory therapists and work in diverse roles through the health care delivery system.

The Department of Special Education and Disability Policy Studies and the Competent Learner Model Center of Excellence announced new, online certificate programs. Undergraduate and graduate level certificates in assistant applied behavior analyst and competent learner model are available as well as an advanced competency certificate program for special education students.

The university also offers an online opioid treatment certificate, the first of its kind in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

More than 160 student organizations complement 175-plus academic programs, including academic, Greek, political, multi-cultural and service groups. Students from 42 states and 15 countries attend Clarion which boasts 58,236 alumni worldwide.

ENTERTAINMENT

Sheffield Lanes, Lounge

ALIQUIPPA Once again this summer, Sheffield Lanes and Lounge in Aliquippa will expand.

Owners Rick and Jeannie DAgostino and their son, Zach, plan to enlarge Rickey Dees Pizza kitchen. Since it reopened in 2009, the former Crescent Township-based business has become an integral part of Sheffield Lanes.

During these winter months, live entertainment continues. With the vinyl sides down, the veranda, warmed by a gas fireplace and heaters, is the perfect place to enjoy local musicians, wonderful food and a beverage. The veranda, which opened last May and provides customers with a non-smoking area, is a great place for private parties.

Sheffield Lanes offers a comfortable smoking lounge and wide selection of bourbon and Scotch, as well as many domestic and craft beers. The lounge also features a humidor stocked with premium cigars. Local musicians play several evenings during the week.

The state-of-the-art Pro Shop, managed by Matt Mowad, recently completed its third second year of business and is quickly becoming a premier spot for bowlers to upgrade their equipment or buy their first bowling ball. The Pro Shop opens at 1 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Friday, and at 11 a.m. on Wednesday and Saturday.

The lower-level Fallout Shelter, which will celebrate its 12th anniversary in March, is an intimate venue for live music, special events and private parties. The Shelter is a host to the Beaver County Cigar Club which meets the Thurd Thursday of each month. The cigar club plans to hold its fourth Knob Creek Single Barrel Bourbon release party this summer.

Sheffield Lanes has been a local landmark since it opened in 1950 as a 12-lane duckpin center. Now, the landmark is a 20-lane, 10-pin center that hosts mens, womens, mixed and youth bowling leagues. During the week, Sheffield Lanes offers open bowling specials including Family Funday on Sunday and Electric Bowl on Friday and Saturday. The facility also hosts birthday parties, corporate events, and family and class reunions.

Sheffield Lanes is a go-to spot for league and recreational bowlers who enjoy music, good food, and a well-stocked bar. The friendly staff knows many of their patrons on a first-name basis and strives to keep things running smoothly.

Sheffield Lanes is looking forward to summer with the veranda, open-air deck and bocce courts. Stop by.

Information: 724-375-5080; http://www.sheffieldlanes.com.

FOOD

Oram's Donut Shop

BEAVER FALLS For more than 80 years, Orams Donut Shop, 1406 Seventh Ave. in Beaver Falls, has delighted customers with its famous cinnamon rolls and donuts. Orams takes pride in making fried pastries the old-fashioned way from scratch with quality ingredients and original family recipes.

Customers in Beaver County show appreciation to Orams year after year by voting it the Best Doughnut Shop in The Times Best of the Valley contest. Orams appreciates the community support and will continue to produce the best sweet treats for Beaver County.

Each week, the creative staff at Orams comes up with exciting new flavors. Past specials have included the original cinnamon roll with maple-cream cheese icing and a pumpkin cream cheese-filled doughnut rolled in cinnamon-powdered sugar. To learn about the weekly specials at Orams, follow the shops Facebook, Twitter, Google and Instagram accounts.

Customers can now order their favorite doughnuts online by visiting the shops website, http://www.Orams.com. Online orders require a minimum of a dozen doughnuts and orders must be submitted before 8 p.m. for next day pickup. Orams continues to take orders by phone.

Hours: 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

To order: 724-846-1504; http://www.orams.com, http://www.facebook.com/oramsdonuts

Rosalind Candy Castle

NEW BRIGHTON Rosalind Candy Castle, 1301 Fifth Ave. in New Brighton, is a full-line chocolate candy manufacturer, wholesaler and retailer. Specialties include custom favors for weddings, showers and anniversaries, fund-raising candy and gifts for all occasions.

Rosalind Candy Castle has been in business for 106 years and employs 30 people. The century-old business offers an extensive line of chocolate confections made from scratch.

Jim Crudden is the president of Rosalind Candy Castle. His children Michael, vice president of operations and Jennifer, vice president of sales and marketing are carrying on the family tradition of manufacturing chocolates using the original recipes. Crudden believes the business is successful because of the passion and dedication of its employees, who treat each other like family.

The business continues to expand through new retail outlets and popular fundraising programs, used by many schools and organizations throughout western Pennsylvania. The redesigned company website also has led to growth throughout the United States.

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PROGRESS 2020: Business briefs - The Times

Mum meets the stem cell donor who saved her four-year-old son’s life – Nottinghamshire Live

A mum has shared the emotional experience of meeting the stranger who saved her son's life.

Alfie Commons, now aged four, was just seven months old when he was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2016.

After three rounds of chemotherapy failed, Alfie received a life-saving bone marrow donation from a school teacher in Germany, who recently made the trip to the UK to meet him.

Alfie's mum, Lorna Commons, 40, of Toton has spoken about the experience in the hope it will encourage more people to sign up to become potential donors.

Looking back to the day of diagnosis, she said Alfie had been to his GP for a third time in February 2016 after suffering a cold since Christmas.

She said: "The GP told us to go to A&E for further tests as he was a little concerned.

"We got to Queen's Medical Centre in the morning and by early evening, we had the diagnosis; Alfie had infant acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)."

Ms Commons, who works in HR, added: "Even now, four years down the line, I still feel the emotions of that day. Nothing can prepare you."

The plan was to treat Alfie with chemotherapy, but after the first round failed, Ms Commons was told his only chance of survival was to get a bone marrow transplant.

The family was told Alfie was unlikely to leave hospital for the next six months.

She added: "Worse was to follow, his second course also failed and on the same day, we were told that Alfies nine-year-old brother, Billy, wasnt a bloodstemcellmatch for him either.

"The fear of losing Alfie was overwhelming, I felt helpless but I had to carry on for Alfies sake.

The transplant could not go ahead without the cancer being near enough eradicated and even when the good news came that a donor had been located, Alfie still had a mountain to climb.

After a third failed round of chemotherapy, Alfie was put on a trial immunotherapy drug as a '"last ditch attempt". Against all the odds, it worked.

"I think at that point all the doctors and nurses were preparing us for the worst. Your head has to go there," Ms Commons said.

"But then the cancer went, and it was enough to give us the bridge to getting the transplant done."

While the transplant was a success, Alfie suffered for months with Graft versus Host Disease (GvHD) on his skin and in his gut, which is the body's reaction to the new stem cells.

However, doctor's were encouraged the body was gradually accepting the cells and beginning to produce cells of their own.

On February 19, Alfie and his mum were able to meet the woman who saved his life after she made the 600-mile trip.

Christin Bouvier, 34, from Schwerin in Germany, was matched with Alfie after she registered in 2010 with DKMS, a charity dedicated to the fight against blood cancer.

The school teacher had been on the bloodstemcellregister for a number of years before she was contacted and tested as a match for Alfie.

Ms Bouvier said: When they told me that the recipient was a baby I just cried.

"Its a moment that is always with me and whenever I feel a bit down, I think back to it as it always brings me so much happiness!"

Ms Commons said she had been able to contact Ms Bouvier anonymously, as per UK law, but they were permitted to meet two years after the transplant.

Ms Bouvier added: It was always a dream to meet Lorna and Alfie and I never thought it would happen I was so delighted when Lorna invited me. I was very nervous but also very excited to meet them both in person.

"I knew the meeting would be one of those very special moments in my life."

Ms Commons feels the meeting has meant a new chapter has begun in both hers and Alfie's life and she is now focussed on the positives.

She added: "For something so small, there really is no greater gift than being a donor - I get to see my child grow up. To meet Christin, I was able to say 'this is what you've done'.

"We will be in each other's lives forever now - Alfie has her DNA in his blood. But Christin and I also share a special bond, we're just so similar and some people say we even look like sisters.

Alfie is such a special little boy and I truly believe that this story can make a real difference and save more lives.

"There is a match out there for everyone with blood cancer, people just need to come forward and register."

Anyone aged between 17-55 and in general good health can go on standby as a potential lifesaver.

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Mum meets the stem cell donor who saved her four-year-old son's life - Nottinghamshire Live

Cumberland County family turns to non-FDA approved stem cell treatment to help two-year-old son with cerebral palsy – FOX43.com

Lance was diagnosed with cerebral palsy a year ago. His family hopes non-FDA approved stem cell treatment for the disease can help him walk and talk.

CAMP HILL, Pa. A family in Cumberland County has turned to stem cells to treat their two-year-old son diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The only problem: stem cell treatment for the disease hasn't been approved by the FDA.

The day he was born, when he wheeled him down the hall and he was only a pound, and I started to cry and said, will he live? And he said, of course Hes only small," said Danielle Maxwell, Lance's mom.

The words, "he's only small," are what Lance's mom and father Rob have lived by since the day he was born. The preemie, born three months early, has been through several surgeries and complications along the way. But, Lance has always been a fighter.

Lance fought so hard just to survive the beginning of life, and come home with us," said Danielle. "And he is just so happy and loving and amazing.

About a year ago, Lance was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Doctors told his family, he will never walk, talk or take care of himself.

We just dont believe that," said Danielle. "We dont.

Lance receives a lot of different therapies but, his parents did not want to just stop there.

We both overwhelmingly feel, he never gave up, he never gave up on us, he never gave up on himself," said Rob. "So, we owe it to him to give him the opportunity. Its really that simple, he deserves the opportunity."

Danielle began researching stem cell therapies, even speaking to doctors in countries overseas where treatment with stem cells is more readily accessible than in the U.S. The FDA has approved stem cell treatments for some conditions but not cerebral palsy. However, trials to determine the effectiveness of stem cell treatment for the disease are underway.

What weve seen is a small but real appearing improvement in motor function," said Doctor Charles Cox with University of Texas Health in Houston, began a trial in 2013 on the safety and effectiveness of banked cord blood or bone marrow stem cells in children with cerebral palsy, and is now just wrapping up the results from the trial.

The overall results of this study depend if youre a glass half full or half empty kind of person," said Dr. Cox. "It is not a compelling miraculous result. Its not, Oh my God, this child was treated and look at this profound benefit.'"

Because stem cell treatment for cerebral palsy is still in trial phases, it's not approved treatment by the FDA. However, the Maxwells did find a doctor in Harrisburg willing to transfer stem cells from a full-term baby's umbilical cord to Lance. But, since it isn't FDA approved, we were not allowed to be there to show Lance receiving the stem cells. The Maxwells are hopeful following this procedure Lance may someday walk and more importantly be able to communicate with them.

He wants to be involved," said Rob. "You can tell hes trying to communicate he just cant get over that hump. We believe stem cells could be that bridge to help him move a little faster.

Danielle says, it will take about six months to see if the stem cells will have any definitive benefits for Lance. But, already says she's seeing progress. She says Lance is not able to stand on his own.

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Cumberland County family turns to non-FDA approved stem cell treatment to help two-year-old son with cerebral palsy - FOX43.com