Page 14 - Boca ViewPointe - April '25

Page 14, Viewpointe April 2025
Why I Drive For Road To Recovery

For The American Cancer Society

By Joseph B. Ludwig I was now a three-time cancer survivor and had a every restaurant in South Palm Beach County, I was able
weighty question. How could I repay my good fortune to take her to a place of which she was unaware.
I consider myself to be the luckiest person that I know. to others? I decided that one way that I could do this The American Cancer Society is on a mission to free
In May 2010, I was diagnosed with malignant was to drive for the American Cancer Society’s Road to the world from cancer. It invests in lifesaving research,
melanoma and treated at the Beth Israel Deaconess Recovery. Through its “Road to Recovery” program, the provides 24/7 information and support, and works to
Hospital in Boston. The melanoma was surgically American Cancer Society provides free rides to treatment ensure that individuals in every community have access
removed. After, I was given infusions of interferon and for people with cancer. to cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. Part of this
then self-injected doses of the same drug. I was declared With this program I would be able to repay my good mission is to improve the lives of people with cancer and
in remission after the treatments. fortune to others. Because I had been through various their families through patient support.
In April 2012, I was diagnosed with a malignant treatments, I could share my experiences with others who Driving patients to lifesaving treatment is one of the
neoplasm of the tongue. Again, I was treated at the Beth were new to the process. When I was diagnosed in each most meaningful volunteer experiences you can have with
Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston. The surgical ear nose of my three cases, as most patients do, I had much stress the American Cancer Society. Last year, more than 3,600
and throat specialist said that he would cut out part of the and many concerns. Since I had been through it, I might volunteers gave about 77,000 rides to more than 4,000
underside of my tongue. He also informed me that the be able to ease their minds somewhat and give them hope. patients across the country through Road to Recovery.
surgery might be quite extensive and could require plastic The first person that I drove was Gay Snider, a senior The American Cancer Society is actively working to
surgery as a result. The surgery that might have lasted citizen like myself, who lived in Boynton Beach. She recruit more volunteers across Southeast Florida and serve
four to six hours was completed in about 45 minutes. The had many maladies, cancer being only one of them. Gay the needs of people with cancer near you. You can change
surgeon said that the margins were very clear and he was and I got along famously and bonded over many things someone’s life in as little as one hour a week by ensuring a
quite confident that he had removed all of the cancerous including the fact that her son and my daughter attended ride is available, so care isn’t stopped or delayed. Connect
lesion. Again, I was declared in remission. Syracuse University at the same time, although they did with them at cancer.org/drive or call them at (800) 227-
In January 2021, I was diagnosed with diffuse not know each other. I have since driven Gay many times 2345 to learn more about Road to Recovery volunteer
large B-cell lymphoma. This time I was treated at the and have even taken her to lunch once. Although she opportunities in your area. 
Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. I had six thinks of herself as a “foodie” and has eaten at almost
rounds of R-Chop chemotherapy. Two years after the
treatments I was again declared in remission.
Sustainability And Ecosystemic

Balance Is About Creating Connections

By Steve Handwerker support to the balance of nature and therefore to the creation
of a balance in the ecosystem.
What does it mean A main component of sustainability is the creation and
to “create connections”? maintenance of ecosystemic balance. The connections
If we think about it, it is we are open to, emotionally, intellectually and physically
about looking in to our and are part of the formulation for ecosystemic balance and
each being’s ROLE in the therefore a sustainable lifestyle and way of living!
whole, or the community Our role as humans is, in part, maintaining this openness
in which we are a part. and also to provide support to your or any community by
Every living being has a following simple guidelines for sustainability including
role to play. As humans it recycling; reusing, conserving energy through moderating
is not only physical but also psychological, intellectual and energy consumption, usage of resources including foods
socio-political. and fuels, and the purchasing of products needed versus a
To create a meaningful balance between all the “actors” conspicuous consumption.
of the community it is important to see what essential
elements comprise each individual’s role. For example, being Steven E. Handwerker Ph.D. D.div, RM
emotionally open to the support given by trees, flowers, even Board Certified Licensed Psychologist
grass and any aspect of nature will provide an energy of 50 years’ experience
peace and nourishment to anyone that is emotionally open to www.peacewk.org.
that force. Dogs, horses, even birds and squirrels provide a Books and Blogs 

LEAH'S PET CARE

My name is Leah Goldberg, a full time
resident of Villa Sonrisa for the last six years.
I have been working with dogs of all sizes
for over 15 years. Services I provide include
daily walking, administering medications,
veterinary and grooming runs, or just plain Authentic Italian Dining in East Boca!
spending some time with dogs that are home
alone during the day. I am bonded and Experience the flavors of Italy just 8 minutes from Boca Pointe in the Fresh
insured through Pet Sitters International. Market Plaza on Camino Real. Enjoy fresh, handcrafted Italian cuisine in an
I would love the opportunity to take care elegant setting, warm hospitality, conversational atmosphere, no loud music,
of your pet. P.S. I will also take care of cats full liquor bar and free parking for your convenience.
for anyone who needs that service. I can be
reached 7 days a week at 561-849-8191.
Join us at Ernie's Piccolino—where every meal is a true taste of Italy!
170 W Camino Real Boca Raton 33432

Reservations 561.395.8858 or Reserve on Open Table and RESY
www.PiccolinoBoca.com