(York) -- The American Cancer Society hopes to enroll hundreds of people in the midstate in its Cancer Prevention Study-3. The study aims to gather health and lifestyle information to help advance ACS research.

“I have been a very lucky woman to live a creative life as a painter, art teacher, and to write a book,” says Anita Cherry, a resident of York, PA.

Anita also describes herself as a “cancer traveler,” who has been able to move beyond the pain of overcoming the darkness of ovarian cancer, infertility, and recurring thyroid cancer in her life.

Her book, “Letters to Sam,” is the product of thirty years of writing. She says, “The pages went into a private drawer. Before my last surgery four years ago, I went to this drawer, took all of the writing out, and pitched them. After the surgery I wrote the distilled version of all of those pages.”

Writing “Letters to Sam,” not only helped Anita to process her own journey, but it has made her look outside herself and see that her words have helped others face their own fears.

• “To be able to reach deep within your sprit and reveal the truth is an amazing ability. Anita truly takes flight and comes face to face with her fears. She is free. A great read.” -Annie

The chapters in her book are moments and feelings that others can relate to. The words let them know that they are not facing their fears alone. Anita says, “It made me feel beautiful inside, and it was a validation that I was a worthwhile person to myself. Nothing creatively had ever set me so free. This book is what I am most proud of.”

A description of the book: 
A poetic telling to her adopted daughter of the author's reflections on early-adulthood ovarian cancer, infertility, and recurring thyroid cancer, and of moving beyond the pain to celebrate life and growth.

Anita has generously shared her book (.pdf file), with our community… Because, we truly are in this together.

Click on the book cover to read her inspiring journey and we invite you to share your thoughts, feelings, praise in the comments below.

Enjoy, “Letters to Sam” by Anita Cherry:

We’re in this together… many thanks, Anita, for your moving words.

Reader reviews: "Letters To Sam" This is a poetic journey which maps the triumph of the mind and the spirit of the extraordinary author,Anita Cherry, as she faces life as a cancer traveller.Her sensitivity and sweetness light the way with an upbeat and powerful strength of will which produces a shared bond of joy and hope in the reader. I recommend this book highly and believe it will one day be find its way to the Oprah Show. -Roslyn

Another reader shared in a handwritten note to Anita:

Buy the book at Amazon. 

(Hershey) -- The upcoming opening of the new Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital building has one former patient and her family reflecting on the role of the facility in the community.

How to Help a Parent Who Has Cancer: 10 ways to support your parent -- and yourself-- through the journey.

Harrisburg, PA – The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) of Central Pennsylvania announced today that it will host a Town Hall Meeting open to the public.

Are you facing cancer in your own  life?  Or, do you know a friend and loved one who is looking for support?  Three new support groups are starting up in our community.

This is a special program for women who are dealing with breast cancer recurrence.

Five years ago on October 21, Diana Denenberg Durand died after an incredible 18 year heroic battle against breast cancer. During that time she faced and DEFEATED the cancer as it re-occurred - at first in a breast, then six years later her other breast, then her bones, next to her liver, and finally in her brain.

(Carlisle) -- Most students these days learn about the dangerous effects of tobacco early on in school, and many live in homes where smoking's not allowed.

10th Annual Walk on Saturday, October 13th at New Cumberland Borough Park

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – September 28, 2012 – For the 10th straight year, Vickie’s Angel Walk is preparing for their signature fundraising event in New Cumberland Borough Park. Registration at 8:00 am, program at 9:30 am and the walk begins at 10:00 am. A local non-profit organization, Vickie’s Angel Walk helps cancer patients and their families by providing a bridge to ease financial burdens such as food, rent, fuel, car repair, and other expenses, so the family can focus on fighting the disease.