TEAM JLO HAS REACHED 10%

Good news folks. In just 8 days TEAM JLO has reached 10% of the $5000.00 fundraising goal. A continued thanks to all those who are sending prayers and good wishes to mom. She is feeling better after her first treatment, and handeling the treamtent like a champ. Aside from joint pain she's running on all cylinders and will be off to south jersey tomorrow to watch her grand kids for the day. She cant wait.

IF YOU WANT TO SUPPORT TEAM JLO DONATE HERE

Below you will find a list of the newest TEAM JLO Supporters.

Shelly Thielmann & Charles Thielmann
Stephen Markowski
Charles Cardaneo

Thank You All,

Chuck Lopez

SUPPORT TEAM JLO

As you may all recall last April I ran in the 2nd Annual Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer 5K Run/Walk. Thanks to the support of all those who donated we were the single highest fundraisers with a total some where over $1200.00. To all of you who supported us, THANK YOU. Now I am back again starting eariler than ever on this years race. So TEAM JLO is looking for a few things in particular.

First, we have set a new high fund raising goal of $5000.00 for our team so if you click the "Support Team JLO" Link you will be able to donate to TEAM JLO.
SUPPORT TEAM JLO

Now, we are not only looking for financial assistance this year I want to put together the largest team in the history of this RUN/WALK. Have no fear, if you not a runner it's a great walk to take part in. In fact there are more walkers than runners. If you would like to JOIN TEAM JLO as I hope you all will please click the "JOIN TEAM JLO" link. It's important to remember that when your signing up and it asks you for your team, be sure to enter TEAM JLO in all CAPS. JOIN TEAM JLO

My mom and dad spent the day with me at this event last year and let me tell you how increadible it was to see hundreds of people all coming together for one common goal. Now, Philly's not all that far and it's an amazing day so come on out and take a walk in the park. You wont regret it.

Below you will find a list of names of those who have donated to TEAM JLO thus far.
Thank you all for your generous donations.

Ginette Bell
Michael Daher
Donna Cardaneo
Laura Ritter
Bill Orcutt
Denise Schatz
Laura Tarte
Michael Piegaro
Jennifer Williams
Billy Orcutt

Best Wishes and Happy Racing,
Chuck Lopez

Janice vs Cancer (Janice 1, Cancer 0)

From 9am-2pm on Monday October 15th, Mom had her first chemotherapy treatment for her second bout with cancer. This 5 hour stint at Dr. Canavan's office was nothing compared to last year when she was stuck for half a week at Rahway Hospital. Funny story... On Monday I was in a pretty somber mood just thinking about Mom and all this crap she's going through so I decided to give her a call during my lunch hour at work. The phone started ringing and I expected to hear that she was probably in a pretty bad mood and couldn't wait to leave. BOY WAS I WRONG.

Mom: Helllloooooo?
Andy: Hey Ma'.
Mom: Whaat? Andrew?
Andy: How are you feeling??
Mom: (mumbling) I feel prrreetty goooddd... they got me puuumped with Benedryl.
Andy: Haha... Great. So you're doing well?
Mom: Yeah I'm fine really. Sittin' here with Nanny. Dad's in the other room...I just feel like I've had a couple shots. I wish I did have a few actually.. Hahah

When I got home Mom was her normal self and had her second dose of chemo when Chuck and Lauren's dog "Kemo" came to pay a visit. Today after work I called home and expected worse, but again I was wrong. She felt a little sore and tired but all in all pretty good. Still cooking and doing her daily routine which as many of you know is a great thing for her. Her spirits are still great and is getting ready to make an appointment with her stylist Jeff in preperation for when her hair starts to thin again. So be on the look out for a couple of bald Lopez's running around in a month or two!

That's all for today. Stay posted for more on how to get involved with TEAM JLO. You can send any questions to lopezsupportpage@hotmail.com. Otherwise please post friendly comments on this site! They'll all be read by Mom at some point.

Best,

Andrew

The Strongest Woman I know

Just a few days after celebrating Mom's 6 months of being in remission, we received news that Cancer cells have once again started to grow in her body. Shock...Disbelief...Anger... Sadness... These words can barely even begin to describe how we all felt after hearing this news. In the words of Mom herself, "Crying isn't going to do any good. I'm just gonna have to fight it and beat it like I did the first time!" That's the spirit and state of mind that made her initial recovery possible, and is going to get her through it this time as well.

If there is any "good news" in all of this, it seems that the doctors have caught her cancer in very early stages and will be treatable with several rounds of chemotherapy. And unlike last time, Mom only needs 5 hours of chemo every third Friday as opposed to 2 days straight of chemo every third Friday. Also, she doesn't need to check into a hospital this time. I'm sure she's reeeeaaaalllllllllyyyyyy upset about not having to wear those drafty yet stylish hospital gowns.

More good news is that her cancer cells are not attached to any major organs. Rather, they are growing on lymphnodes located near (not on) her liver and colon. That fact alone makes a big difference.

Mom is the strongest woman I know, and she isn't going to let anything stand in her way of living a happy, normal, and healthy life. She remains inspired by her three grandchildren, her mother, sisters, cousins, friends, children, her incredibly supportive husband, and her new "Grand-dog" Kemo. More recently she tells me that she MUST be healthy for next October when Laura and I are engaged to be married (more news on that to follow!). Mom looks as healthy as ever, and with your good thoughts and prayers is on pace for remission once again. UPDATES AND PICTURES TO COME!

Best wishes always,
Andrew

R-E-M-I-S-S-I-O-N

Yes you read it right, as of yesterdays doctor's visit mom is offically in remission. We are all so excited, but I dont think there has ever been a better Mother's Day gift. Mom is off the wall about the good news, and is looking forward to great health ahead. As her doc said, with Cancer your never sure how long remission lasts or maybe if it will last forever, but I know if we all keep praying and hoping she'll be just fine. Thanks for all the prayers and good wishes that contine to come. We hope you all have a great Mother's Day weekend. We know we will. (even though it's bound to be a bit soggy)


Thanks
Charlie Lopez

JANICE 6- CHEMO 0

So, it's been over a week now and mom is done with her chemotherapy (hopefully for good) but for now. The doc's are happy, and she feels great. She'll be following up with her specialist and getting another CAT, but we are all just so excited to that she is doing so increadibly well.

Last Saturday mom pushed through the day to get though Andy's recitial, while I think it was more difficult for her to let Lauren and I take care of the reception she did a great job. And on that note, Andy was just increadible. I am so proud of him.

Finally Lauren and I have some long awaited news. Yes we're parents. We have an almost 3 month old little puppy ( actaully the most adorable puppy in the world) and his name is......drum roll please.................. Kemo. Yes, it's really a name, it's Hawaiian, but mom loved it. She thought it was great. She actually had a hand in picking the name. Once I can get him to sit still I will get some pictures of him up. Currntly he's passed out on the couch, nobody told me puppies were so much work. But we love him and mom loves him along with everyone that has met him thus far.

To look ahead I am running an Ovarian Cancer 5K this weekend, and if you would still like to donate please click here .

I'll let you know how it goes. Since my puppy has arrived some allergies have come with him, so we'll see what kind of effect he'll have on my running. I'll be in touch soon.


Thanks
Charlie

A Wrap Up of Relay

Through the contributions of many, my team (The Rutgers University Glee Club) was able to surpass our fundraising goal of over $1000 and topped out at a little over $1100 towards RELAY FOR LIFE. As most of you already know, the Relay happened this weekend, stretching from 6pm on Friday afternoon into Saturday morning at 8am. Many thought that I would be walking straight through the entire time, but that was not the case. The idea was to be on a team so that atleast 2 members from each team had to be on the course at all times. Overall, I probably walked a good 7 or 8 hours and I had an absolute blast. When we weren't walking, we were either watching some awesome live bands, playing games or listening to survivors tell their miraculous tales. And if anybody caught a glimpse of the schedule online, NO I did not participate in the 5am drag queen competition!

By hour 14, members of my teammates and I were hurting and delerious with exhaustion, but we knew we had been a part of something amazing, and that was all we needed! In the end, my team was ranked 6th out of 32 teams in the amount of money we raised, and through your generous donations, I was ranked 5th out of hundreds in the amount raised by an individual. Thank you all and please don't stop learning, asking questions, getting involved and donating money towards the search for a cure. Please support my brother in his quest to raise money for the Sandy Rollman 5k. If you aren't able to donate, please consider joining Chuck in the race just as I have.

AND LASTLY, you all are aware that Mom is doing amazingly well. But what you may have forgotten is that tomorrow (April 10th), mom will have been SMOKE FREE for 4 months so please call her and let her know how proud you are of her. I know she'd love to hear from you.

Best,

Andy

OVARIAN CANCER 5K-

Friends and Family,

As you all problably know by now my mom Janice is currently battling
ovraian cancer. Actally she is more like kicking the crap out of ovarian
cancer, but all that aside if you know mom you know she's tough, and you
know she'll fight the good fight.

You in past all have received a donation request from from me when I was
running for breast cancer. Well as you now know my cancer focus as
changed, and though breast cancer still needs support I am focusing my
sights on fighting ovarian cancer and rasing money for the cause.

This coming April 29th I will be running in the Sandy Rollman Ovarian
Cancer Foundations 5K Teal Run. Many of you have already offered
donations for my brother Andy's upcoming event, so please do not feel to
need to give again. If however you do feel the need or have no yet
donated this is a great time and a great place to start.

Cut and Paste the link below, and you will be taken directly to my
donation page.
Please take the time to consider giving anything you can spare to help a
great casue that is now so close to all of us.

MAKE DONTATION OR SIGN UP HERE

Another way you can help in a big way is to send the page link to all of
your friends, family and collegues to ask them to help too.

If you consider running with me it would be great to have you on TEAM
LOPEZ.
So, let's get out there and as my mom is doing, KICK THE CRAP OUT OF
OVARIAN CANCER!!!!!!

Best Wishes,
Charles Lopez

More on Relay for Life and how to get involved

If you have not read my article on Relay for Life, please check it out below. But for those who have, you can visit my personal donation website at https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=128228&lis=1&kntae128228=D5804FFB60714B29BE2474CFA279AFC8&supId=123431369

If you are interested in donating any amount of money to help me reach my goal of $1000 towards cancer research please do so soon as the actual really is only a few weeks away. Thank you all for your love, prayers, and support.

-Andy

A young man was walking along the beach when he came upon a site of thousands upon thousands of starfish washed upon the shoreline. One by one he immediately started throwing them back into the ocean. And soon another man came by and said, "Are you crazy? There must be a million starfish out here. There's no way you can make a difference." And just as the young man threw in another starfish he said, "Well I made certianly made a difference for that one."

IT'S A MIRACLE

Mom just called me with the best news we have had since this whole cancer nightmare started. She was at the specialists office today and all she could say what "It's a miracle". She said she would have never guessed that 3 months from her first visit mom would be doing so well. From all CAT scans it seems as if the chemo is working like a charm. The next step for mom is to finish her 2 last rounds of chemo, then another scan. At that time the doc said they'll either do another round of chemo, or stop treatment for a while.

Please keep your prayers coming, someone up their must be listening. PRAY PRAY PRAY.

The doc said to my mom...you must really be a fighter.......man if she only knew the half of it.
So, I hope you enjoy the great news as much as we did, and again please keep the prayers coming.

Thanks
Charlie

RELAY FOR LIFE

On April 7th-8th, I will be participating in a fundraising event sponsored by The American Cancer Society called RELAY FOR LIFE. This event was created in 1985 by a doctor in Tacoma, Washington to help raise money for his local American Cancer Society office. That first year, he raised $25,000 with the help of friends, family and his community. Today, RELAY FOR LIFE is taking place all around the world and with the help of participants and donors, they are able to raise millions to help fight cancer. But as we all know, it is never enough! There is always somebody in need, and there is always a fight to win.

From 9pm-6am I will be walking with a team of a dozen friends of mine from the Rutgers Glee Club (the choir I sing in at school) on Cook Campus of Rutgers University where this particular event will be taking place. My individual fundraising goal for RFL is $1000. If you would like to help me reach my goal and contribute to the fight against cancer of all kinds, there are a few ways you can help. For a $1 donation, you can purchase a "sun" to honor somebody who has survived, or is currently battling cancer. And for the same price of $1, you can purchase a "moon" and honor someone who has died fighting the disease. For $10, you can purchase "Luminarias" that will light the path of the relay on the evening of the event. There is no minimum or maximum amount that you can purchase. In addition, you can donate directly to the American Cancer Society on their website at http://www.cancer.org. All cancer survivors are invited to kick off the event by walking the ceremonial "first lap" around the relay track.

The only way we can make a difference in this fight is through our actions. If you would like more information and/or would like to join with me and contribute to the cause by purchasing a sun, moon, or luminaria please call me on my cell phone at 732.841.7927 or e-mail me at lopezsupportpage@hotmail.com. Together we can BE the difference.

Thanks,

Andy

Janice 4 - Chemo 0

Mom came home Friday and is doing great. She has been on the tired side, but that's to be expected with four rounds of chemo in her. Her spirits continue to be great and those phone calls from her grandkids always help. There will be more to come.


Thanks
Charlie

ROUND 4 IS ALMOST DONE, AND MOM'S MAKING SENSE

Since mom has been undergoing chemotherapy she hasnt always made the most sense of things. Her perspectives have been a bit off, but recently she's come around. For instance I meantioned in my last post about her dieting and revelation that since she's not out of the woods yet, why the hell be on a diet. Just yesterday she was talking to my wife Lauren and said "You know, I was tired after reading, so I slept. I walk through the halls of this hopsital and everyone's sleeping, maybe I should too"

Oh Janice, how your brain has gone to mush. But I must say mom's doing great and she's funnier than ever. Just the other day she was tossing out some of the funniest comments I have ever heard. I was rolling. It will be great to have her home again tomorrow. She is eager to get back to her normal everyday life, and also very much looking forward to Andy's Senior Recital which we'll be posting info about in a few days. It would be great to see you all there. That's all for tonight.

Thanks
Charlie

SOME GOOD NEWS

Mom got some good news today. She had her first CAT Scan yesterday since starting chemo, and the doctors say it looked so much better. All of her doctors we're really pleased with the results and she'll need a follow up Scan in 4 months. The next step is for mom to get in to see the specialist and to see what she wants to do.

Mom's feeling great and downed a hot fudge sundae tongiht. I know she'll kill me for putting that up there. For a while she started to pull back from eating a lot. Then when I called her tonight to see if she wanted me to bring up some goodies to the hospital she said "what the hell am i doing? I dont need to diet". " Get me a sundae"
She cracks me up. Well keep the prayers coming. She'll be home Friday and I am sure we'll have more to post soon.

Thanks,
Charlie

p.s I get to give mom another needle on Friday...I actually enjoy it.....that will teach her...ha ha ha ha ha ha (that's my evil laugh)

Here comes Round 4

It is hard to believe that it was almost 3 months ago when we first heard the horrible news of mom's cancer. Since then we have been up and down and up and down and up and down and all over. We could not have gotten through any of it without the love and support of our friends and family.

Next Monday mom goes back to the hospital for round 4 of chemo. Though she's not looking forward to it she know's she has to go. They will be doing the first CAT scan since mom started chemo so hopefully we will have some great news about the size of the remaining tumor. Mom mentioned that her doc's might want to go back in a try to remove more tumor, but everything is kind of up in the air right now. She's taking everything day by day.

Just yesterday she took a drive for the day with Leslie and Nanny down to LBI for the day to make sure their pipes didnt burst, and all was well. Theyn enjoyed lunch at Kubels and I am sure mom is eagerly looking forward to getting down there this summer.

Last Saturday Mom had the chance to spend time with some family she has not seen in quite some time. She looked great, she felt great and I know she had a great time. Thank you for making that night not only so special for my Aunt Debbie on her birthday, but also for my mom. I know she loved seeing everyone.


Keep the calls and emails coming.

Thanks,
Chuck

Hey we're back!!!!!!!

So, we've been a bit quiet on the posting front for a little over a week now. Mom is home a week from her 3rd treatment today and doing well. There was a bit of a drop in her Red Blood Cells, but the doc's said that was to be expected. Mom is feeling pretty good these days though still tired at times.

Her hair as you may all know never quite all fell out when her boys shaved their heads. Infact it started to grow again, and it was coming in in some very interesting colors. Red, Black, White. She takes it all like a champ though. What I love best about my mom lately is that she really dosent give a crap what people feel about her hair and how she looks. Her attitude is "Yea..I have cancer...so what...deal with it...I am". She's really amazing. She has yet to wear her wig going out, and she really looks great in a hat and scarf.

Today mom and dad's youngest went to his first job fair. Andy as many of you may know has sort of followed in my footsteps a bit. When I was in college I was the state collegiate president of New Jersey music education organization, Andy is now serving very well in that same position. He's created some amazing programs as president. His latest brainchild which is launching in March is a free music lesson program for any student in new jersey that wants lessons. He's headed for the big time. I am really proud of him. I know he'll be an increadible band director. I spoke to the music supervisor in the district where he is student teaching and he feels that Andy is bound for greatness as well. Nice Job Andy!!!!!!!

Tomorrow Andy performs with the Rutgers Saxophone Quartet at the New Jersey State Music Educators Convention in East Brunswick, I think mom's gonna make it out for that one.

Well, that's it for tonight. We'lll be in touch, sorry for the big gap in posts. Have a great night

Thanks,
Charlie

Cancer Shmancer!!

A lot has happened since my last update. Mom went in on Monday to begin round 3 of her chemotherapy treatments and we've received nothing but GOOD news! Today we found out a test that monitors how much cancer is in her has changed drastically for the better! So rather than going into the medical jargin that I don't even understand, the jist of it is that the chemo is working and she's beating it slowly but surely.

I think Mom's getting a little sick of these hospital visits. Crossword puzzles and trashy supermarket magazines probably get old really fast! But if nothing else, she has given up completely on the hospital food! Who can blame her? Every day she has my Uncle Ed or some other fmaily member drop off lunch and dinner. And for those of you who know Ed's cooking, you know she's eating well.

Another good thing is that Mom is now smoke-free for over 2 months and counting!!! Just a little reminder that she quit cold-turkey after over 30 years of continuous smoking! Talk about tough...

And if you haven't read, Senator Menendez has decided to show support for a very important bill that will really make a huge difference in the fight against O.C. (Read the articles below by my brother Charlie to learn more about Johanna's Law and other ways people are trying to make a difference!)

Please continute to visit this site and leave messages. They all get printed up and show to Mom. Also if you haven't yet, give her a call. She's got a lot of time on her hands these days and would love to have a friendly chat.

Thanks,

Andy

Senator Menendez Sign's On

I received this info in an email from Sheryl Silver the woman who created Johanna's Law

Charles-

Didn't know if you noticed but Senator Menendez has
signed on as a co-sponsor of S. 1172. I'm sure the
letters you generated to his office (and/or calls)
helped make that happen. Thank you soo-o-o much.


So folks, we can make a difference. Please contact me so we can do this together..
Remember email me at charleswlopez@comcast.net or call me at732-236-0681


Thanks,
Charlie

DO YOU WANT TO HELP ?????

As you may have seen from some of my earlier posts I am currently working to help pass a piece of legislation known as Johanna's Law. This law would create a national awareness campagin about ovarian cancer and other women's cancers. Ovarian being one of the toughest to deal with because by the time you find out you have it it's already ususally in the advanced stages.

I am working as a member of the Alliance for Women's Cancers Awareness. My main goal is to contact as many Congressmen/women and Senators who are not signed on to support this bill and to convince them to do so. There is a lot to be done. Fortunatly for me all of my Congressmen and Senators in New Jersey are suporters, but many others around the country are not. If you would like more information on how you can help please email me at charleswlopez@comcast.net or call at 732-236-0681

I have already contacted some family and friends around the country who live in states that dont have 100% from their elected officals. Together we can make a difference. Together we can get this passed. I have never done anything like this before, but I have always been told it is the difficult things in life that make it worth living.

Thanks,
Charlie Lopez

Thank you!

Hi, this is Janice. I've been reading the website each time it's been updated...that is when someone prints it out for me! I am not a computer person. I'm feeling great and today I will be seeing my grandchildren this afternoon. Can't wait!

Anyway, I want to take this time to thank everyone who has sent cards, called, sent flowers, gifts, their thoughts and prayers, and cooked dinner for my family while I'm under the weather. The biggest thank you goes to my husband, three sons, two daughter-in-laws, two sisters, and especially my mother who has been taking care of me since day one!

Thank you all,
Janice