The following story is in loving memory of Ann Hartline.  Annie passed away on January 30th but only after making a permanent imprint of joy and laughter on so many of us.  

This weekend, a special silent auction and raffle will be held in Maggie Valley, NC with the help of many local Asheville artist. (sold out event with Peter Mayer & Friends)  All proceeds will help Wind River continue to provide support to future budding artists who are also cancer survivors, at no charge to them! 

Annie Hartline was an Asheville Artist. inspired by the love of a local artist Bee Seiburg and Wind River Cancer Wellness Retreats,  In June of 2007 she was diagnosed with breast cancer.  That fall she attended the inaugural Wind River Cancer Wellness Retreat where she was given watercolors and a brush.  Long after the others had put their brushes away, Annie continued to paint, dipping her toes and then her brush into the water. “I have been unable to concentrate on anything for more than 5 minutes since chemo started. Finally I found something I can sit and do for hours (paint). It’s AMAZING to feel alive again!!!”

After returning home, she had a new zest for life and a yearning for more art in her world.   She found Bee who opened her heart and her studio to Annie and that was the beginning of Annie incredible talent being unleashed for all of us to share and enjoy.  Annie continued to paint throughout her 6 1/2 year fight with cancer.  She is missed dearly by many of us, but her incredible heart continues to live in ours.

Thank you to the planners of this weekend's event and for the support to Wind River, and also for continuing to let Annie's passion for art be spread in the world.  With love,  Shannon

How cool to gather 20+ women together to celebrate each other!  As one participant shared when asked what will you change when you go home, "EVERYTHING!!!"

We enjoyed so much including:

• Healing energy of movement through Qi Gong with Glenna.
  
• Rhythm of Life Drumming with Greg (Whitt)
  
• Healthy Easy Eating tips with Julie Lanford
  
• Creative PLAY time with Annelies (Gentile)
  
• Bon fire time with Dave
  
• Inspiring survivor moments with Stephanie; and so much more!
  

Thank you EVERYONE for your support and participation.  I am looking forward to deepening friendships and joy!!!!

Colorectal Nurse Navigator Pam Gwaltney of Novant in Charlotte wrote a great article on colorectal cancer prevention! 

As a GI cancer nurse navigator, I initially had the mindset that all the patients I would see were going to be over the age of 60. I have worked in oncology for more than 25 years and have seen many changes in that arena. Nothing I had seen prepared me for the population of younger patients affected by colorectal cancer.

I look back to when I first started in my navigator role and one of the first patients I met with stage IV colorectal cancer was a 33-year-old woman with three young daughters. I was sure I was in the wrong room, had the wrong patient. The truth is, colorectal cancer rates are rising in adults under the age of 50. Even so, screening for such a cancer doesn’t begin until age 50. Those who do get screened early have certain risk factors, such as family history, predisposing genetic condition, or problems with anemia, change in bowel habits, bloody stool or bloating.

The good news is that, overall, rates of colorectal cancer have declined, thanks to early detection and screening. However, there’s still a lot of work that needs to be done.

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in both men and women. Symptoms include bleeding from the rectum, bloody stool, changes in bowel habits, cramping or bloating, diarrhea or constipation that is new and lasts for more than a few days, and unintentional weight loss.

By now we all know that exercising, being physically fit and eating a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables and whole grains and low in red or processed meat will help in the prevention process. These facts are worth repeating in any article. What we don’t often talk about are the different faces of colorectal cancer. 

FULL Article:  Colorectal Health and Prevention

Special THANKS to the 25 hard working volunteers that come out for our (6th?) Tom Sawyer Volunteer Day!  

ALWAYS lots to do around here, but especially prior to our Spring Retreat Season.  You all gave us a great start on the season and (I think) had a lot of fun as well!

As always, we are grateful, grateful, grateful for our friends, volunteers and supporters!!