Leukemia

Up until the end, 12-year-old Moncerrat “Monce’” Bravo was upbeat, faithful and looking to the future. Monce’ died of leukemia Tuesday. In her final weeks, the Costa Mesa girl enjoyed life and what the people around her had given her. On Aug. 16 the nonprofit Grants Wishes fulfilled one of her dreams — a shopping spree at South Coast Plaza — and the Pilot chronicled it. Immediately after, she went to church — wearing her new clothes, of course.

When community members heard about the plight of Juan Leyva and his family, it wasn’t surprising that they rallied behind him. Friends and coworkers put on a benefit for the man who was recently diagnosed with lymphocytic leukemia to help relieve some of the burden put on his family. It was only natural that some people would give to help. But $12,000 was a little unexpected. “The turnout was amazing,” said Rebecca Long, one of Leyva’s former coworkers who helped put on a benefit.

Some days it's tough for Carlos Vazquez to smile. Some moments are actually difficult for the Costa Mesa High incoming senior, especially whenever football is mentioned. But Saturday wasn't meant to be sad. Vazquez was seen smiling, happy to see the support for him. Two months ago, Vasquez was diagnosed with leukemia. His life changed. It doesn't feel normal, he says. Support from the Costa Mesa football team has helped. The Mustangs, their coach Jeremy Osso and the team's boosters put on "Cutting for Carlos," a special fundraiser for Vazquez at Costa Mesa High on Saturday morning.

Study questions Viagra warning When Viagra was introduced in 1999, the drug's manufacturer warned of a number of visual side effects, including possible nerve damage to the eyes. But a UC Irvine College of Medicine study rules out some of these risks -- even when the drug is taken in high doses. According to Dr. Tim McCulley, assistant professor of ophthalmology, blood flow in the eye does not seem to be reduced by even high doses of the popular erectile dysfunction drug.

Big Kitty-Kitty needs help. He recently tested positive for feline leukemia and needs an indoor home without any other pets or to live with another leukemia-positive cat. He is 1 1/2 years old and a large, gray tabby. He is available for adoption through the Community Animal Network. Feline diseases are not transferable to people and doctors say that cats with leukemia can live for many years. Donations are being accepted to cover Big Kitty Kitty's boarding and testing costs at the Costa Mesa Animal Hospital.

NEWPORT BEACH — Amid death and cancer, Rich Saul can still smile. He was grinning plenty Wednesday, not just because he was receiving an award but also because he had another day of life. Saul, a Newport Beach resident and former NFL great who is battling leukemia, received the patient courage award from the American Cancer Society at the Newport Beach Marriott. The award is given to the cancer patient or survivor who has shown exceptional courage in the fight with cancer, and who typically helps the American Cancer Society reach out and motivate others in the fight against cancer.

Steve Virgen Water is a symbol for rebirth, and for cleansing. This has been true in Amy Catlin's life. She began swimming when she was 8 and showed great promise at age 12, but something happened to her that altered her life. Before, her challenges were all about beating a time on a stopwatch. But suddenly she took on tests of will and overcoming a life-threatening illness: leukemia. Catlin, a Corona del Mar High junior, seemingly used the water as a source of strength and refuge from her battles with leukemia and other ailments.

Lido Isle's Nancy Levy will welcome a host of community support tonight at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club in Corona del Mar. The 2001 Volvo Leukemia Cup Regatta Committee will throw its annual charity dinner at the yacht club, featuring a grand silent and live auction meant to benefit children with leukemia and lymphoma. "Our goal is to raise $300,000 to help fight children's cancer," offered Levy. "We've got a ways to go, but we know that every dollar is important and every person that gets involved is bringing scientists closer to a cure.

Madhuri Mistry Citizen Correspondent Matthew Nguyen was a dedicated volunteer recruiting potential marrow donors to help save lives of others; now he needs a donor to save his own life! There are only 16,000 potential donors of Vietnamese origin in the national registry. Because tissue types are inherited, a patient’s most likely match is someone of the same heritage. Often it is said that finding a match is one in a million chance so, with the help from his family, friends and the community Mathew wants to launch a massive effort to not only save his own life but of many others like him. Matthew attended UCLA and graduated in 2004 with a degree in Psychology /Biology.

Whenever the Costa Mesa High football team takes the field in 2010, it will remember the player who would give anything to be there. Carlos Vazquez was set up for a big senior year at linebacker until he was diagnosed with leukemia in June. The player who Coach Jeremy Osso said was easily the toughest player on the team still is, but now the tenacious hitter has to be on the sideline. Vazquez will also be on the Mustangs' helmets, as the team will wear decals with his No. 28. It's been an emotional off-season for the team, which opens its regular-season Thursday against Buena Park at Jim Scott Stadium.

Some days it's tough for Carlos Vazquez to smile. Some moments are actually difficult for the Costa Mesa High incoming senior, especially whenever football is mentioned. But Saturday wasn't meant to be sad. Vazquez was seen smiling, happy to see the support for him. Two months ago, Vasquez was diagnosed with leukemia. His life changed. It doesn't feel normal, he says. Support from the Costa Mesa football team has helped. The Mustangs, their coach Jeremy Osso and the team's boosters put on "Cutting for Carlos," a special fundraiser for Vazquez at Costa Mesa High on Saturday morning.

The Costa Mesa High football team is planning for a special event Saturday to help raise funds for Carlos Vazquez, an incoming senior standout who was diagnosed with leukemia in June. The footbal team will be conducting its annual Lift-A-Thon and BBQ at Costa Mesa with a meaningful morning event: "Hair Cutting For Carlos." In an effort to support Vazquez, the players are planning to shave their hair. The team will also have a few volunteer hair stylists to help with the cuts in the morning, that is open for the community.

COSTA MESA — There was a face missing among the football players/workers during the inaugural Battle of the Brush clean-up at Canyon Park Saturday. When his name was brought up, the faces that were there turned sad. Carlos Vazquez of Costa Mesa High couldn't be with his teammates, as they joined forces with Estancia for a day to landscape the park. He has more going on in his life. On Monday, Vazquez was diagnosed with leukemia, Costa Mesa Coach Jeremy Osso said. It's been an emotional week for the Mustangs.

H. Grant Robbins II October 18, 1932-August 27, 2009 A native Californian, Grant was born in Glendale, to Henry Grant and Rita Rue Robbins. He graduated from Pomona College (BA, Geology, 1954), served as an offi cer in the United States Navy (1954-1957) aboard the mine sweeper, USS Redstart, then returned to Stanford University (MBA, 1960). In 1960, he married Alice “Jill” McCutchan, the love of his life and wife of 50 years.

Cancer made 11-year-old Tommy Conforti and movie producer Frankie Smith friends. Tommy has acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The disease attacks the body’s white blood cells and weakens the immune system. Smith, who lives in Corona del Mar, was diagnosed with the same disease when he was 14. He and Tommy met through one of Tommy’s neighbors, who suggested the two cancer survivors get to know each other. Now, the two trade sarcastic jokes and talk about movies together like brothers.

After work, Dr. Christopher Duma trades in his surgical instruments for musical ones. As front-man for the band Circle of Willis, his stage performances are music to the ears of his patients. Duma uses the band to raise money for the medical patients. Duma and his band mates (all of whom are doctors) will come to the aid of 14-year-old Austen Landaas, who suffers from a rare form of leukemia called acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). The benefit concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. July 31 at the Friends Sports Tavern, 31911 Dove Canyon Drive, Trabuco Canyon.

After work, Doctor Christopher Duma trades in his surgical instruments for musical ones. As front-man for the band Circle of Willis, his stage performances are music to the ears of his patients. You see, Duma uses the band to raise money for the patients in Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, where he works. This Friday, Duma and his band mates (all of whom are doctors) will come to the aid of 14-year-old Austen Landaas, who suffers from a rare form of leukemia called Acute Myelogenous Leukemia.

Madhuri Mistry Citizen Correspondent Matthew Nguyen was a dedicated volunteer recruiting potential marrow donors to help save lives of others; now he needs a donor to save his own life! There are only 16,000 potential donors of Vietnamese origin in the national registry. Because tissue types are inherited, a patient’s most likely match is someone of the same heritage. Often it is said that finding a match is one in a million chance so, with the help from his family, friends and the community Mathew wants to launch a massive effort to not only save his own life but of many others like him. Matthew attended UCLA and graduated in 2004 with a degree in Psychology /Biology.

Heavy cancer treatment is known for causing hair loss, and Tommy Conforti was no exception. But his friends in school didn’t want him to feel alone, so a group of Newport Elementary fifth-graders got together and submitted to the clippers. Over a single weekend, more than 20 of his classmates went out and got buzz cuts, which they called a way to make him feel more comfortable while enduring tough medical treatment. Tommy, 10, moved to the U.S. this year, and he just started at Newport Elementary in September.