A Good Age: At 71, Stevie Abbot has an upbeat story of life with Down syndrome

Stevie Abbot, 71, of Quincy, thrives with Down syndrome thanks to inner joy, his devoted guardian and loving friends in the church community. QUINCY –  “I thought you might be interested in the story of my buddy Stevie Abbot from Quincy,” the email began. “He has lived in a group home in Quincy for 40 years. “He’s…

Dad Of 3 Who Believed He Had A ‘Sinus Infection’ Develops ‘Nasty Goiter’ In His Neck Which Surgeons Thought Was Benign: It Turned Out To Be Cancer

Like many cancer survivors out there, it took an actual life-threatening diagnosis of thyroid cancer to change Randy Kreill’s life. Finding the Light in the Dark Marketing professional Randy Kreill, 60, went through thyroid cancer back in 2004 and it “turned his world upside down.” Like many cancer survivors out there, it took an actual…

Giving breast cancer patients an added wellness boost

One year after beating breast cancer, Sue Weldon met a young woman who was about to begin treatment. The woman marveled at how healthy Weldon looked and apparently felt. Weldon said it was no accident: During treatment, she’d created her own healing plan, spending about $6,000 out-of-pocket on nontraditional treatments, including yoga and acupuncture. The…

Western Springs mom sends chemo care bags to cancer patients

A Western Springs woman wants to help cancer patients cope with chemotherapy.Jessica Brubaker, who went through chemotherapy herself, has started the #bettereveryday movement. She and other like-minded volunteers fill tote bags with products that are useful to people going through cancer treatment. They include a head scarf or hat; Biotene, a non-alcoholic mouthwash that eases…

A Principal, Her Dad, a Marathon, and a Sweet Tale of Thanksgiving

Stephanie Andrewlevich will sit down to Thanksgiving dinner Thursday with a heart full of gratitude. She’ll give thanks for her father, for hundreds of kids living in poverty who managed to raise money for their own school, and for another marathon under her belt, finished with cheers from both loved ones and strangers inspired by…

Artist In Santa Rosa Builds Tiny Houses For Homeless

A Santa Rosa artist has gone above and beyond when it comes to helping the homeless, designing and helping to build a group of miniature shelters for those in need. Harold Wallin is a Santa Rosa designer who began comparing his notion of the “starving artist” to the growing population of homeless people. “I just saw…