For years federal officials have acknowledged that some components of marijuana provide relief to patients undergoing treatment for serious illnesses, yet the government's policy has consistently been to prosecute those who distribute or smoke it for medical reasons. ...more

October 26, 2009

Here's a chance to help courageous kids who are battling cancer feel like kings and queens. ...more

July 11, 2009

The H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center recently launched a Web site for cancer patients, their families and others interested in getting an inside look at the Tampa Bay area's hub for oncology treatments. ...more

May 25, 2009

Lori Guelff got tired of seeing all the bad news about the economy. So, inspired by a story her mother sent her, the owner of a day spa and hair salon decided to do what she could about it. ...more

March 31, 2009

In the months before he died, 9-year-old Joey Doolittle got to put into action his idea to collect toys for children with cancer. ...more

March 11, 2009

In the months before he died, 9-year-old Joey Doolittle got to put into action his idea to collect toys for children with cancer. ...more

March 11, 2009

In the months before he died, 9-year-old Joey Doolittle got to put into action his idea to collect toys for children with cancer. Joey, who lived in Newnan, Ga., had spent most of his life in and out of hospitals for treatment of a rare form of cancer. He knew firsthand how much it meant to receive a little toy or treat after a blood draw or procedure, and he got worried when he saw the supplies dwindle. His family and friends helped create Joey's Toy Box, a nonprofit organization, to raise money and collect toys to donate to hospitals. The first effort, a "bike-a-thon" on stationary bikes at a gym, raised $1,800. ...more

March 4, 2009

Doctors, once hesitant to perform major surgery on patients older than 80, are starting to revise the standard of care. ...more

February 7, 2009

The state of Florida is facing an unprecedented budget crisis. Our lawmakers will be meeting in special session in early January, where they will need to make difficult decisions to address the pressing needs of our state. One area of the budget under consideration is the Medicaid hospice benefit. Because of that, I am writing on behalf of some of our most vulnerable citizens, the terminally ill and their families that receive dedicated end of life care from hospice organizations across the state. The demographics of hospice patients might surprise you. Along with our aging population and cancer patients, hospice organizations also care for children, teens, young and middle-aged adults, heart disease patients, Alzheimer's patients and kidney disease patients. Anyone of any age diagnosed with a terminal illness is able to receive hospice care, where healthcare professionals and trained volunteers address all medical, emotional, social and spiritual needs. ...more

December 30, 2008

Cancer patient Dick Lerch of Leesburg got put to work by his "neighbor" Chadley Weaver of Vero Beach at his temporary home at the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge. ...more

December 10, 2008