My journey shows how adversity can elicit hidden strength
Climbed Mount Everest & ran the Alaskan Iditarod Dog Sled Race
Cindy has always been drawn to the world of extreme sports. Already an extreme scuba diver and underwater videographer, in 2007, at the age of 48, she took up mountain climbing with the single goal of standing on the top of the world. A few months after she began training, Cindy was diagnosed with a serious and rare disease, but she was determined to achieve her dream and on May 23, 2010 Cindy stepped onto the summit of Mt. Everest.
Cindy spent the next year writing about her experience. In 2011, Reaching Beyond the Clouds: From Undiagnosed to Climbing Mt. Everest was published. "From a very personal perspective, my book reveals the extremes of both the disease and climbing Mt. Everest," says Abbott. "My journey shows how adversity can elicit hidden strength, and I hope to inspire readers to live life to its fullest and reach for their dreams."
With her book complete, Cindy decided on her next challenge and started training to race sled dogs with the single goal of running the 1000-mile Alaskan Iditarod Dog Sled Race. On March 3, 2013, Cindy and her team of amazing dogs started theWorld's Last Great Race- the Iditarod.
Since her diagnosis, Cindy has become a very active rare disease awareness advocate for the National Organization of Rare Disorders and the Vasculitis Foundation.
Cindy, age 54, lives with her husband Larry and daughter Teshia in Irvine, California. She teaches Health Science at California State University, Fullerton.
Last October a 15 year old student El Modena High School student noticed a lump in her right breast. Shewas diagnosed with a 10 cm high grade, aggressive Sarcoma Cancer tumor and had toundergo a right breast mastectomy and prep for reconstruction surgery.
This student, who's name is Miranda, had to be home schooled the first few months and finally did return to high school in January of this year. She had been able to maintain her straight A average.
In March of this year, Miranda had to undergo 5 weeks of radiation therapy. So far, so good. Miranda is now sweet sixteen and continues to show improvement. She has a strong positive attitude and is preparing for the reconstructive surgery later in 2013.
Miranda has been an inspiration for all she meets and often comforts others.
Upcoming Programs @ Orange Rotary
June 13
Captain Underwood from Camp Pendleton will visit ORC and provide the details of the "Largest Military Hospital in the World"!
Presented by Mike Merino
June 20
Get a first hand update from the VP of Communications for Angles Baseball....Tim Mead. Presented by John Burt
June 27Quiet on the set! Chapman University Film School's Bob Bassest will provide a most interesting program on the rise of Cinema at CU. Take Two. I'am ready for my closeup Mr. DeMille!! Presented by Dr Sheila Steinberg
Hey June 27 is the last program for this Rotary year ending June 30 2013. Many thanks to our members on the program committee and their hard work on arranging each and every program for our members. Now take a deep breath and exhale slowly!!
Hear Ye Hear Ye!
Come one, come all to the
Richmond Castle
for afternoon of mirth & merriment Get Ye Tickets Noweth Seeketh the Fair Lady... Jane of Rotary
Greeters, Flag Salute and Invocation Schedule
Greeters, please arrive by 11:30am
June 6
Greeter: Cheryl Corneliussen -- Flag Salute: Bill Schoppert -- Invocation: Steve Almond - Alternate: John Aust
June 13
Greeter: Holli Cossavella -- Flag Salute: Steve Almond -- Invocation: Donny Abernethy - Alternate: Tricia Bello
First Rotarian to correctly identify each Rotarian show below will win extra C-Rations, naw, how about a king size candy bar of your choice. Sound better?Once you have ID'd every Rotarian you can think of,.
Remember the lengthy survey you were asked to complete a couple of months ago? We got some really nice feedback and honest comments about our club practices, the venue, and what you would like to see happen for future meetings.
Next week, you can review the results of this far reaching survey...warts and all!
Video Promotion Rotary Convention Lisbon 2013 Convention: An Harbor for Peace
