Your Ghosh Circle News

September 30, 2018

Stories and updates for patients, family members, friends and colleagues.

Recent Events

Sixth Annual Blesie Tree Walk

Every year, the Blesie Tree Walk gets better and better. This year, the weather was bright and beautiful, the music got us moving, and the speeches touched us and left us in tears.

We heard from the Blesie family, whose initial gift in memory of Eric, their husband and father, helped kick off the Blesie Tree Foundation’s mission of paying kindness forward. Amy Blesie and her son Carson spoke; Amy also read a message from her son Ethan.

Nick Haerther, a current patient, provided an eloquent testimony about how the Blesie Tree Foundation has touched his life. Dr. Ghosh also shared his perspective, provided updates on the work of The Ghosh Center and thanked everyone for coming together.

A few photos from the walk are below. To see more and read an article about the event, go to our website .

See more photos.

Nick Haerther's Message

We are grateful to Nick Haerther for sharing his story with us. He took time out of a busy Saturday of kids' soccer games to return kindness with his talk. He told us, in part:

"The gifts my family have received have meant very much to us, and the smallest acts of kindness can affect people in a large way. A positive attitude can make a difference in how you feel physically and the gifts given by the Blesie Tree Foundation have always boosted my spirits and let me know I wasn’t alone in my fight. That support has made all the difference in my battle with cancer."

Watch the video to hear Nick's remarks.

Nick Haerther's Message - Blesie Tree Walk 2018

To see more videos from the Blesie Tree Walk, go to our YouTube channel .

Blog Posts & Stories

The Health Benefits of Hypnotherapy

Did you know that hypnosis has clinical benefits?

Hypnotherapy is a reliable therapeutic intervention that’s been proven to help cancer patients tolerate treatment and manage side effects. Group or individual sessions are available with Dr. Luiken by appointment and are generally covered by insurance.

Good Medicine Takes Many Forms

"If I had seen Dr. Ghosh for hematology when my medical problem was first evident, I would have avoided a lot of heartache," says Ellen Skripsky, age 91. " When my family realized that Dr. Ghosh practiced hematology as well as oncology, we switched my care to him."

Health & Nutrition

Practice Makes Positive

From our health coach, Leesa Morrison:

We can all identify that one person in our life we just love to be around. It seems no matter the circumstances she finds herself in, she’s always able to remain positive. Though he may be struggling with a chronic illness, a cancer diagnosis, or challenges of everyday life, he’s able to maintain a healthy, upbeat attitude.

Researchers are finding that being positive has numerous health benefits and can actually make a difference in how we physically feel. It's possible to avoid certain diseases and have a better quality of life by practicing positivity.

The Power Within You

In Tammy Darling’s article, “How to Be a Positive Person”, she states, “We tend to become what we think.” If we’re thinking negative thoughts, we’ll likely become a negative person. Negative attitudes can lead to discouragement and depression. If our thoughts are cheerful and healthy, our attitude and ultimately our bodies will follow suit.

Darling continues her article by offering great ideas for practicing positivity.

Smile. Even if you don’t feel like it, smile. Smile at anyone you come in contact with during the day. Their smile will raise your spirits in return.

Do something you love every day. Planning activities that you enjoy will give you something to look forward to. Watch your favorite movie, meet a friend for lunch, or enjoy a bike ride in the park. Whatever is fun for you, do it every day.

Count your blessings. Instead of focusing on what you may not have, look around at what you do have. Practice gratefulness and give thanks for the many blessings in your life.

Find ways to help others. When we turn our attentions away from ourselves and toward serving others, we’ll feel uplifted and encouraged – we gain the ultimate blessing.

Create positive thoughts. Phrase your thoughts and words in a positive way. For example, instead of saying “I don’t like broccoli,” you could say, “I prefer to eat carrots”. Or rather than complaining about a rainy day, try thinking “I love it when the sun is shining”. Minimizing negative thoughts leaves a lot more room for the positive ones.

Finally, Take out the trash. When you decide to become a more positive person you will realize how much “trash” has been stored in your mind. Eliminating negative thoughts and criticism (especially self-criticism) frees your mind for the truthful, uplifting thoughts that will honestly nourish your mind and body.

Years ago, King Solomon penned the statement, “A cheerful heart brings good healing, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Prov. 17:22). Becoming a more positive person will take some effort, but I’m positive your body will thank you for it.

In Touch with Our Team

Home in a New Rhythm

Two weeks ago, Laurie returned from her journey with Above + Beyond Cancer to Tibet. She returned home forever changed.

Laurie tells us she's still processing the experience, which was a radical departure from the life she's known. While it's good to be back, she misses the sheer simplicity of life in the Himalayas.

Every morning, the group started their day with a blessing. This one was read by Dr. Deming on the first day of their journey to signify the beginning of stepping into a new land - and on the last day to signify the beginning of returning, transformed, home.

For a New Beginning

In out-of-the-way places of the heart,

where your thoughts never think to wander,

This beginning has been quietly forming,

Waiting until you were ready to emerge.

For a long time it has watched your desire,

Feeling the emptiness growing inside you,

Noticing how you willed yourself on,

Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.

It watched you play with the seduction of safety

And the gray promises that sameness whispered,

Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent,

Wondered would you always live like this.

Then the delight, when your courage kindled,

And out you stepped onto new ground,

Your eyes young again with energy and dream,

A path of plenitude opening before you.

Though your destination is not yet clear

You can trust the promise of this opening;

Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning

That is one with your life’s desire.

Awaken your spirit to adventure;

Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk;

Soon you will be home in a new rhythm,

For your soul senses the world that awaits you.

- John O’Donohue, To Bless the Space Between Us

Watch for future opportunities to see photos and hear about Laurie's experience.

Visit our website

The Ghosh Center for Oncology & Hematology

1951 51st St. NE

Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

319-294-1899