Stepping out for a good cause

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” Confucius

told us.

If you consider the thousands that will be logged by participants

in the upcoming Relay for Life, you’ll have some inkling of local

support for the fight against cancer.

There will be abundant evidence of that support in steps taken

around the field behind Newport Harbor High this Friday and Saturday,

and further fuel for the journey on library shelves. You can read

about cutting-edge treatments in “The Coming Cancer Breakthroughs” by

clinical biochemist Joseph Dooley and cancer survivor Marian

Betancourt. Along with treatment options for many cancers, find

complex medical concepts explained in lay terminology in this

well-researched resource.

Also new on the shelves is “How to Prevent and Treat Cancer with

Natural Medicine” by Michael Murry, Tim Birdsall, Joseph Pizzorno and

Paul Reilly. From these holistic specialists, learn about

disease-fighting foods, natural supplements and the impact of

attitude in their guide to reducing cancer risk and finding effective

treatments.

Other alternative therapies are in “Breast Cancer: Beyond

Convention,” edited by Dr. Mary Tagliaferri, Isaac Cohen and Debu

Tripathy. Learn about the benefits of soy foods, vitamins and the

positive impact of spiritual practices in this new work.

The psychological challenges of healing are the springboard for

“Surviving Cancer Emotionally.” Penned on the premise that the more

patients understand their reactions, the more effectively they can

cope, Dr. Roger Granet addresses reactive realities, typical defense

mechanisms and treatment for emotional disorders frequently

associated with cancer.

Humor can be the best antidote for disease, and there’s an ample

dose in TV actress Fran Drescher’s “Cancer Schmancer.” In a memoir

recounting her two-year, 11-doctor odyssey in search of answers, “The

Nanny” star shares what she learned about herself and the depth of

her relationships in her successful battle against uterine cancer.

Equally meaningful for those who’ve faced the disease is “The

Victoria’s Secret Catalog Never Stops Coming.” With 35 life lessons,

breast cancer survivor Jennie Nash reveals how a devastating disease

can be the catalyst for positive, life-changing experiences. In a

final lesson about her first walk as a survivor, the 36-year-old mom

could be the inspiration for some of the bleary-eyed denizens

meandering around a track in the wee hours of May 2.

To join their ranks or for more information, call (949) 567-0634.

Or show up at City Hall at noon on Wednesday or Thursday to attend

the first annual No-Talent Show sponsored by the City Slickers Relay

for Life team. Tickets, for a mere $10 tax-deductible donation, are

going fast! Don’t miss this opportunity to see “Sizzling Roger and

the Briquettes” and other outrageous acts starring city leaders and

staff, stepping out for a good cause.

* CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public

Library. This week’s column is by Melissa Adams in collaboration with

Andrea Jason. All titles may be reserved from home or office

computers by accessing the catalog at www.newportbeachlibrary.org.