Engaging in a Cure!

Wednesday June 8, 2011

Wellness is a lifestyle that has the power to heal. As a new AmeriCorps member working with the Littlest Tumor Foundation, I believe this statement is absolutely true. Before I began working for this foundation, I knew very little about Neurofibromatosis, let alone had even heard of it. I decided to dive into researching the illness and learning all I could about individuals dealing with NF. Neurofibromatosis effects 1 out of 3,000 people, which is much more common than one would think. Even though I have only been working for the Littlest Tumor for a week, I am extremely excited to embark on an incredible journey in making NF preventable. As a recent 2011 graduate from UW-Stevens Point, I graduated with a double major in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication and International Studies. My career goals are centered on improving and inspiring lives by working at the root of an aggressively passionate non-profit organization. Through the foundation’s holistic approach and dedication, families and children are helped each and every day. The Littlest Tumor Foundation is the inspirational grassroots organization I was looking for and I am thrilled to be a part of the cure this summer.

Run Kyle Run

Two years ago when I was first asked to join the “run little run” team to be honest I just laughed, I am no way a runner but when my then nine-year-old son Kyle said he would like to join me I was inspired to give my all. On May 15, 2011 Kyle and I completed our third half marathon at the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon.

Although the entire course is beautiful, yet extremely windy that day, the final mile is the most exciting and not just because you are almost to the finish line. Once you hit the final mile you are led onto Lambeau Field, yes right on the field where the Super Bowl Champions the Green Bay Packers play their home games. It is such an amazing experience to feel how large the field actually is and to hear the cheers of the crowd as you exit the tunnel to finish line.

This was our second time running the Green Bay Marathon and I must say that although we do not have many races to compare this one to it was the one that inspired me to continue running and be sure it would not be my last.

run little run

We have a running endurance team run little run and everyone can join us. I am an NF runner mom wanting to raise awareness about NF and our foundation. I am going to run as many 1/2 marathons as possible in our state of Wisconsin this year. Join me! We will add your story to ours.

Instep Icebreaker Indoor Marathon: #1

Ice Breaker: 1st half of the year. Well I will admit I was not trained for this race . It was slow going and I could tell by the peoples faces cheering they knew I was digging deep. The race is held at the Petit National Ice Center in Milwaukee. There were a few great things that stood out at this race-- One you were able to watch Olympic Speed Skaters train. It was truly amazing to watch them skate. Another great thing about this race is that it is green. You call out your number as you round the water station and someone gets your water bottle to you. Lastly, the volunteer and race staff were so encouraging on the course of many laps.

Catherine McCord of Weelicious contributes recipes Littlest Tumor Foundation

Coconut Rice

If I allowed them to, my kids could probably eat brown rice for three meals a day. It’s one of those foods the both of them have loved since they first started eating solids and, lucky for me, it’s as nutritious as it is tasty. But as easy as plain old steamed rice is to make, I wanted to try making something a little bit different that’s still simple to prepare.

I’ve used coconut milk before as an ingredient in my kids’ baby food purees like Sweet Potato Coconut Puree, but I never thought of adding it to rice until recently. The milk gives it a subtle coconut flavor and an almost creamy consistency that totally livens up the every day rice that we’re used to.

And if you find that you have some left over from dinner, you can try what I did with mine. Just add some vanilla rice milk and a touch of cinnamon and you’ve got a unique breakfast treat or a special spin on rice pudding for dessert! My guys ate it as both! When a recipe is as easy to make as this one is AND everyone is happy eating it no matter when I serve it, I realize that I better keep it stocked in the fridge at all times!

Coconut Rice (Serves 4)

1 14 oz Can Coconut Milk, unsweetened (low fat or regular)
1/4 Cup Water
1/4 Tsp Kosher Salt
1 Cup Brown Jasmine Rice

1. Place the coconut milk, water and salt in a medium size pot and bring to a boil.
2. Add the rice, stir until combine, bring back to a boil, cover and reduce to a simmer.
3. Cook for 30 minutes, turn heat off and let sit covered for 10 minutes.
4. Serve.

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Carrot, Broccoli & Cheese Orzo

A dear friend of ours who is an amazing dad to twins (and a really good cook to boot) turned me on to the idea of this recipe. He’s always looking for new and interesting recipes to feed his kids and encourages them to be balanced eaters through the variety of food he exposes them to. He uses a lot of orzo, a rice-shaped pasta, which I’ve rediscovered my love for.

As much as I love to cook, being in the kitchen for more then 30 minutes isn’t always desirable or a possibility, so it’s essential for me to come up with quick and easy recipes that I can count on to satisfy my family. For this dish, I just toss the veggies in my food processor and pulse them into tiny pieces (which cuts down on the prep time having to chop everything) and then cook all the ingredients until the orzo and veggie mixture is soft and has a rich cheesy flavor.

My friend’s kids love his version of this dish and I was so happy to see Kenya and Chloe felt the same way about mine.

Carrot, Broccoli & Cheese Orzo (serves 4)

1 Small Garlic Clove
1 Small Shallot
1 Cup Baby Carrots
1 Cup Broccoli Florets
2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter or Olive Oil
1 Cup White or Whole Wheat Orzo
1/2 Tsp Salt
1 Cup Water
1 1/2 Cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth
1/3 Cup Parmesan Cheese, grated

1. Place shallot and garlic in food processor and pulse to chop.
2. Add baby carrots and broccoli florets to the food processor and pulse, scraping down the sides half way until finely chopped.
3. In a large stock pot, heat 2 tbsp of butter or olive oil and sauté the chopped vegetables, raw orzo and salt for 4 minutes stirring continuously.
4. Add the water and broth to the pot and cook over medium heat for 10
minutes uncovered, or until the liquid starts to evaporate and the mixture thickens.
5. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir to combine.
6. Serve.

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LTF is an amazing foundation! I have had the best experience as an intern for LTF; it has opened my eyes to a world I was unaware existed before I received the assignment as part of the BSW Social Work program at the University of Green Bay. I am learning innovative approaches to nonprofit management that my Field Instructor practices every day. Although I am impressed with the level of skill LTF is at implementing nonprofit management that is not the most impressive aspect of LTF. The dedication, morals, and work ethic is only topped by passion at LTF, the amount of time and energy given to this under represented disorder is unparalleled by any other organization I have ever been a part of. Before this placement I never heard of neurofibromatosis. This truly eye-opening experience has shown me how one “small to rest of the world” disorder can impact a family emotionally, financially, and personally. The amount of time, monetary resources and personal energy families invest is staggering and only a person of true conviction and dedication can endure this disorder. True dedication is defined, in this instance, by a mother who has a son with neurofibromatosis and has devoted her life advocating for victims and families of this disorder, pushing for public awareness, and dedicating years of her life looking to help gather research funds, and research for treatment and cure. There is no better role-model of empathy and passion I can ever hope for during the infancy of my career in Social Work.

We Love Green Juice!

We Love Green Juice!

We have posted about green juice in the past. Yet, I will share again our love of green juice. My 6 year old son loves green juice and asks for it all the time. I must admit nothing makes me happier than when my kids love and consume healthy organic super powerhouse foods. Here is his favorite recipe--so simple to make.

Taavi Loves Green Juice:

1 head of organic romaine lettuce (any green leaf will do)

2 organic celery stalks

1 granny smith apple

Juice and serve over ice with a fun straw. Guaranteed to instill a smile and a big “yum”.

The Coffee Cake Test by Jenny Rosenstrach

The Coffee Cake Test

I can't remember how it started but when my daughter is out of school with a cold or a fever I always ask her the same two questions when she wakes up in the morning. First: "How are you feeling?" and Second: "Would you like a piece of cinnamon coffee cake?" It's her favorite thing to eat in the world and I know that if she turns down this extremely generous offer, she needs to stay in bed, home from school another day. Usually, just about any cinnamon coffee cake will do for her, but I recently inherited this cake recipe from my neighbor, Lori after sampling (and swooning over) it at her Yom Kippur break-the-fast feast. Last week, after four days in bed, we celebrated my daughters' improved health by baking it together.

Cinnamon Coffee Cake

These instructions call for a 13-by-9 baking pan, but you can use a loaf pan like I did (there might be a little batter left over) and just bake it for about 50 minutes to an hour, until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover with foil for remaining bake time.

NUT MIXTURE

• 1 cup sugar


• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans


• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

BATTER

• 4 eggs


• 1 cup sugar


• 1 teaspoon vanilla


• 3/4 cup butter melted


• 2 cups sour cream


• 2 cups unsifted all purpose flour


• 2 teaspoon baking powder


• 2 teaspoons baking soda


• 1 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Grease 13-by-9 inch baking pan.

Make nut mixture — in small bowl combine sugar, nuts, cinnamon; mix well. Make batter — in large bowl, with electric mixer at medium speed, beat eggs until frothy. Add sugar and vanilla, beating until smooth.

Add melted butter and sour cream; beat until well combined. Sift in flour, baking powder, soda and salt; at low speed, beat until just smooth. Spread half of batter in prepared pan; sprinkle evenly with half of nut mixture.

Top with remaining batter, spreading evenly, then the nut mixture.

Bake 35-40 minutes, or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.