Suicide. Who wants to talk about it? Not many... It is one of those topics that has such a negative stigma surrounding it and takes such a destructive path on the people left behind.

My grandma committed suicide when I was only 6 years old. My mom was 31. She was a recovering alcoholic and was in a deep depression and just couldn't deal with it anymore. One day, she walked in to the water up in Edmonds, WA and gave her life away. Her body didn't even fight for the right to live. She left a note explaining she couldn't take it anymore but didn't say any I love you's or goodbyes. Just left people wondering if they were there enough for her, could they have done more and what went wrong? I can't even begin to imagine how my mom felt and how much it hurt her. My mom leads a wonderful life but to this day, she still wonders if she'll ever be able to get over it.

Now, think of your child committing suicide. How about 2 of them within a year? My heart aches just thinking of losing a child which has got to be one of the most devastating things to happen to a person. We received an email with a powerful article telling her mom's story of losing her 2 sons to suicide. It sent her in to alcoholism and a deep depression. Out of it came goodness as now the family is now active in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AASP).

Please read her story:
http://www.spokesmanreview.com/tools/story_pf.asp?ID=245084


The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has a very informative website and here are some key stats I was unaware of:
- More than 32,000 people in the United States die by suicide every year.
- It is this country's 11th leading cause of death, the #3 cause of death for 15-24 years olds and the #4 cause of death for humans aged 18 - 65.
- Suicide is often characterized as a response to a single event or set of circumstances
- A person dies by suicide about every 16 minutes in the United States. An attempt is estimated to be made once every minute.
- 90% of all people who die by suicide have a diagnosable psychiatric disorder at the time of their death.
- There are four male suicides for every female suicide, but twice as many females as males attempt suicide.
- Every day, approximately 80 Americans take their own life, and 1,500 more attempt to do so.

Suicide is something we can help prevent by identifying the signs and getting treatment. Sandy Ross has a little advice for parents, "Pay attention to your children. Listen to what they have to say. Appreciate every little moment with them. Be open with them. Discuss everything, good and bad."


How can you help raise awareness?
You can donate online at AFSP.
Visit the AFSP's Out of the Darkness Community Walks website to participate in a walk in a city near you.

This past Friday was a very hard day for me, as well as many other people who had the chance to meet John. John was a five-year-old disabled boy that I had the honor of getting to know. My sister was John’s nanny for two and half years and during that time he became a part of my family. Although he was severely disabled he brought joy to everyone he touched! His smile, laughter and high-fives were just a few things that touched my heart. John was born with cerebral palsy along with multiple other disabilities and was only given a life span of two years. With his determination and encouraging family he was able to live until he was five. I know every birthday for him and his family was another achievement as he had many struggles throughout his life. Friday was John’s funeral and as you can imagine was a very hard day, although we were grieving the speakers at his funeral really brought him back to life and gave us something to smile about. We will never forget this little boy as he has such a place in our hearts. If you are a parent I would take a few extra minutes out of your day to squeeze, hug, kiss and tell your child how much you love them, as we never know what the next day may bring.

Please think of John and his family in this time of remembrance and sorrow. You can sign his guestbook at https://www.legacy.com/Oregon/GB/Sponsor.aspx?PersonId=116097734.

We will miss you John!

One can’t help but watch the Olympics and be in awe of so many talented athletes. Their natural raw talent and passion to win are both addictively inspirational. For two short weeks many of us find ourselves glued to the television watching sports we only watch every four years. We cheer for our favorites as if we’ve been through the grind with them all along preparing both physically and mentally for this one shot at glory. Talk about jumping on the bandwagon – apparently I’m a huge fan of mixed doubles badminton.

…and yet with all these elements, a video like this comes along and reminds me of what truly matters. How a young man given the opportunity to make his dream a reality, grabs the bull by its horns and turns an ordinary high school gym into a roaring madhouse, equal to the electricity felt at the Swimming Cube in Beijing.

I’ve seen this video a few times before, and each time I watch it I choke up - not because a boy with autism made six 3-pointers in under five minutes, but because on this day a boy with autism was treated the way he ought to be…...equal.

Check it out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7w9rk7Psus

Lee Fine - First Human

I have been wanting to write a post for a long time regarding Alzheimer's. I know there are so many people affected by this cause, and I am one of them. I'll never forget when my mom told me about my grandmother, the person who I thought was going to live forever. She was so active and healthy and such a big part of my life. My grandmother lived with the disease for about 6 years. It was so hard to watch her turn into child and not be able to do or remember anything, I almost couldn't watch, my sister was absolutely amazing with her...taking care of her, changing diapers, feeding her, etc. I just felt like I did not want to remember her that way, so I was kind of in the background. I definitely stayed a part of her life and she stayed a part of mine...as a matter of fact my daughter's middle name was after my late grandmother. I could go on forever about this amazing women, just writing this blog brings tears to my eyes. As you know I am apart of FiveHumans and am really anxious to make Alzheimer's one of our causes. I am looking for people to share their stories...this will help us come up with some amazing shirts that bring about awareness and show their support in the fight to find a cure for Alzheimer's. Please comment on my blog or share your stories on our website at www.fivehumans.com. I appreciate you listening to my story and hope that some of you never have to watch a loved one go through this.

Thanks,
Nicole

As many of you know, "Ignorance is a Curable Disease" is the FiveHumans tagline. This is the foundation of what FiveHumans is all about; curing the ignorance surrounding causes that affect humans everywhere. We try everyday to cure our own ignorance about the many things humans suffer with and every time we feel proud that we have gained a little more knowledge and become a little less ignorant, something happens that lets us know we still have a lifetime of learning to do.

Recently a friend of FiveHumans, Brandy, wrote me about a cause near and dear to her, Duchenne muscular dystrophy. I was proud that, unlike Noonan Syndrome, I had actually heard of muscular dystrophy, even though I had never heard the term Duchenne associated with MD. Of course, like many people, I immediately thought of the Jerry Lewis telethon and the Jerry's Kids donation containers at the grocery store, but when I actually started reading about it, I realized that even a disorder like this that had received a ton of exposure over the years has not sunk in to the consciousness of humans enough for us to know much about it or worse yet, to have found a cure.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood, affecting approximately 1 in every 3,500 live male births . It is a degenerative disorder that affects "primarily" boys -- I haven't yet found in my short time researching, a case of a girl with Duchenne, but from what I read it is theoretically possible because it is caused by a defect in the dystrophin gene that is only carried on the X-chromosome. Because boys only have one X-chromosome, they don't have a chance of a second X-chromosome making up for the damaged one. My ignorant assumption is that in a rare case, a girl could have the damage in two X-chromosomes, but again, I haven't found much about this either way -- and they usually pass away in their 20's or 30's.

I'll be as quick as I can here, but what hit me the hardest was the stages of Duchenne... Boys who are seemingly normal babies are diagnosed typically between 2 and 7 when they start to miss some developmental milestones because their bodies produce no dystrophin which is a protien required to maintain the structure of muscle. Eventually, without dystrophin, muscles are unable to operate properly, suffer progressive damage, and eventually die. Boys with Duchenne eventually die from complications related to this, i.e. heart or respiratory failure. It somewhat reminds me of Lou Gehrig's disease, which is something I've been personally a little afraid of, but instead of thinking of myself dying of that someday, when I was reading about Duchenne, I immediately thought of my 1yr old son and thought, what if I had to watch him progressively lose mobility and bodily function and eventually die. That truly shook me...

That's why I had to write something and tell anyone reading this to do what I am going to do and think twice when you see a telethon or a donation bucket; try to think what you can do to help find a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Help open people's eyes, ears and most importantly, their hearts by spreading knowledge and staying aware yourself.

Brandy, I wish you and Finn the best. You are in my thoughts and I applaud you for not just sitting back and feeling sorry (which would be a completely normal response), but for being active and trying to do what you can to help Finn and the many other boys with Duchenne. You are an inspiration.

For more information on Duchenne muscular dystrophy, follow this link: http://www.parentprojectmd.org/site/PageServer?pagename=understanding_about

FiveHumans was recently made aware of a cause called Noonan Sydrome because the supporters of this genetic condition are so passionate about raising awareness. Mother's of Noonies (a child with Noonan Syndrome) have voted, left comments and emailed about the need for greater awareness of this cause that affects so many children.

Noonan Syndrome is a relatively common congenital genetic condition which affects both males and females. The principal features include congenital heart malformation, short stature, learning problems, indentation of the chest, impaired blood clotting, and a characteristic configuration of facial features. The syndrome is named after Dr Jacqueline Noonan.

It is believed that between approximately 1 in 1,000 and 1 in 2,500 children worldwide are born with NS. It is one of the most common genetic syndromes associated with congenital heart disease, similar in frequency to Down syndrome. However, the range and severity of features can vary greatly in patients with NS. Therefore, the syndrome is not always identified at an early age.

To find out more about Noonan Syndrome, you can visit The Noonan Syndrome Support Group’s website at: http://www.noonansyndrome.org/

Please keep informing us and educating us about this and any cause that affects you so that we can help spread awareness in any way we can.

The government has released new estimates stating that nearly 24 million humans in the US have diabetes, an increase of more than 3 million in two years. This means that about 8% of the US population is affected and up to 95% of that is type-2 diabetes which is linked with obesity, poor diet and a lack of exercise (National Institutes of Health).

Up to 25% of people do not know they have diabetes which is why it is imperative that educate and inform other humans so they can get the proper treatment.

It is the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States.

Risk factors for Type-2 diabetes:

1. Obesity
2. Poor diet
3. Sedentary lifestyle
4. Increased age - 21% of people over 60 have diabetes
5. Family history - Diabetes tends to run in families
6. Ethnicity - Diabetes is more common in the African-American, Native American, Latino, Pacific Islander and Asian-American populations
7. History of metabolic syndrome
8. History of gestational diabetes

Symptoms of Type-2 diabetes

1. Frequent urination
2. Increased thirst
3. Unplanned weight loss
4. Weakness and fatigue
5. Numbness or tingling in hands, legs or feet
6. Blurred vision
7. Dry, itchy skin
8. Frequent infections
9. Slow healing of cuts and bruises

Thought this was an interesting article. We all know how good exercise is supposed to be for our health, but now there is research that shows that starting exercise early in life can help prevent breast cancer. All the more reason we should be exercising!

Here is the link for more information...

http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/05/13/breast.cancer.teens.ap/index.html?eref=rss_health

We've received numerous emails and comments about what our next cause should be... Now we're putting it to a vote. What in your mind are people ignorant about? Where can FiveHumans spread some knowledge? Cast your vote on our blog page!

We also encourage you to tell us your story about how your cause has affected your life by sending an email to mystory@fivehumans.com

Today is a great day for FiveHumans, I'm still smiling from all the excitement.

An article in the Seattle PI was published about Lee, his type 1 diabetes, our autism t-shirt and everything FiveHumans. I am still amazed a reporter wanted to talk to me, how cool.
Please check it out and spread the word:

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/358259_fivehumans09.html

If you actually purchase or receive the PI on your doorstep, you can find us on the front page of the Local section.
::

We also filmed a Public Service Announcement today at NW Afternoon. It is a 15 second spot informing viewers that 1 in 150 children will be diagnosed with Autism this year and also how they can go online to FiveHumans.com to support autism and other causes. It will air today 4/9 at 3 pm PST, KOMO, Channel 4. Aaron said he made a weird face after his face tired of smiling and I think I looked away from the camera (it was odd to be smiling when talking about autism and the staggering statistic) so we'll have to see if we look like complete tools or not. hee hee

Thanks to the following for coming today and supporting us: Kristin, Stacy, Bob, Michelle, Nicole, Kitt, Arian, Dan, Cliff, Mark and Jill.

If you want to see our cheesy faces and the faces of our beautiful friends, the show we were in the audience for will air on Friday or Monday.
http://www.komotv.com/nwa/

Personally, I think the whole day has been kind of surreal but I am enjoying every minute of it.

Having launched just five months ago, FiveHumans™ is off to a busy start. Aside from influencing thought, and educating minds, we are committed to raising money for our partnered organizations through hip designs on fashionable T-shirts. Check out what's been going on...

SHIRTS

For National Autism Month FiveHumans™ has designed a one-of-a-kind t-shirt focusing on the heavy stats surrounding this disease. This t-shirt is pre-loaded with insightfulness, speaking volumes in representing autism righteousness. 10% of the sales price is donated to Autism Speaks.
Available in Men's, Women's and LittleHumans'. Click the following link to view autism shirts:
http://www.fivehumans.com/category/4004248141/1/autism.htm

CHARITY

FiveHumans™ has chosen to partner with the Autism Speaks®, which is now the nation's leading non-profit organization devoted to autism. The goal of Autism Speaks is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders. They are committed to raising the funds necessary to support these goals, and we intend for FiveHumans™ and our friends to be a big part of this effort. Click the following link to view our autism page:
http://www.fivehumans.com/content/Autism_Info.htm

MY STORY FEATURE

FiveHumans™ launched a new feature on our site called, "My Story", which will showcase stories of real people affected by a particular disease or cause in some shape or form, and provide a rare glimpse into the lives of fellow Humans and their experiences.

Meet Doreen, a devoted mother of two, including seven year old son, Aiden, who was diagnosed with autism when he was two years old. Doreen shares her experiences, beginning when Aiden was born, to where he is today, and everything in between. Click the following link to read her story (video coming this week):
http://www.fivehumans.com/content/Doreen-s_Story_-_Page_1.htm

THANK YOU!

Today starts Autism Awareness Month and looking online you can see how many people are affected by this cause. It is really important that we pay attention to our children and start talking about ways we can help this cause. I have included an article that I found on Ernie Els, the professional golfer, his son has been diagnosed with Autism.

Please spread the word, the more we get people talking about it, the more we can make a change.

http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/family/archives/134950.asp

I came across this article on what parents can do when they suspect their child might have Autism. I have heard from so many that there is not a lot of support out there and sometimes children are diagnosed late. The early you are able to get diagnosed the better off your child will be. I hope this helps...

http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/03/25/ep.autism.advocacy/index.html?eref=rss_health

Also, April is Autism Awareness Month...we need to all take part to bring about awareness on this disease.

I came across this article and I believe it is so important for people to talk about what they are going through and to get advice from people who have been through it before. The article mentions organizations where new patients can go to get a professional coach.

Another great place where people can meet to join others who have or are affected by cancer is Gilda's Club of Seattle. Gilda's club provides a meeting place for people living with cancer and their families and friends to go for social support. It is also free of charge. You can find out more information about Gilda's Club at http://www.gildasclubseattle.org/.


Here is the article I referenced above...

http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/02/19/cancer.coaches.ap/index.html?eref=rss_health

I came across this article that suggests that heart disease may be on the upswing for today's younger and middle age generations. This is a serious disease and is a leading cause of death in the United States, approximately 700,000 people die each year from it. Here are a few things you can do to help you from getting heart disease:

- prevent and control high cholesterol
- prevent and control high blood pressure
- prevent and control diabetes
- no tobacco
- moderate alcohol use
- maintain a healthy weight
- regular physical activity
- diet and nutrition

Please inform everyone you know about how serious heart disease is and hopefully you can help save a life!

Here is the article I referenced above...
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23117427/

For Asthma, we have officially partnered with the American Lung Association to be the recipient of our donations. I want to personally thank Trish from ALA for taking the time to make this official and for putting in the effort to ensure the FiveHumans supporters always know where the donations from their purchases are going. We look forward to a long and effective relationship with ALA so we can have an impact on the many great programs they have for asthma sufferers.

In an effort to reach our goal of curing ignorance on the various causes we support by informing the uninformed and sparking conversation with our products and the knowledge we give, we have created an informational page for the asthma cause that gives more information on the cause itself and our donation partner, the American Lung Association. Take a look at the Asthme More Info page here: http://www.fivehumans.com/content/Asthma_Info.htm .

We will be creating these informational pages for all of our causes. Keep an eye out for our updated content with videos, stories and more about all of our causes.

Lastly, I just wanted to share this interesting story I found about asthma and some new drugs being developed that actually target the cause of asthma and not just the symptoms. For those of you who aren't aware, most of the medications today, pills and inhalers, target the symptoms which are the inflammation of the airways that make it hard to breathe and trigger an "asthma attack". These medications would target the actual allergic reaction that triggers the inflammation of the airways. Very interesting...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23182682/

FiveHumans has chosen Autism as our next cause. We are excited to bring awareness and raise money to help find a cure.

Here are some staggering statistics:
- 1 in 150 kids are diagnosed with Autism.
- A new case is diagnosed nearly every 20 minutes.
- More children will be diagnosed with Autism than AIDS, Diabetes and Cancer COMBINED!!!

We cannot sit by and let this happen to our children.

Here is a very powerful autism video from What Kind of World do You Want, sponsored by Five for Fighting. Each time view their videos, money is donated to charity (see site for specifics).




With having a 7 month old child, it is something I think about every day.

I always knew smoking was a major cause of cancer and according to an article on MSNBC, obesity is on the rise and eventually will take over as the number one cancer killer. Currently, smoking causes 30% of the cancer cases in the US and obesity is right behind with 14% of deaths in men and 20% of deaths in women.
Check out the article:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23189181/

Sure, you know being overweight isn't healthy and can lead to many different types of health issues. I think most people don't realize how deadly these issues can be until they are faced with them down the road. It is hard to look at your life currently and say, "If I eat healthier and exercise now, when I am 60 - 70 - 80 years old, I'll still look and feel great". Many people in my family have suffered with Heart Disease and Cancer due to smoking but I don't think getting CANCER from obesity ever crossed my mind. Just one more reason to put down the pint of ice cream and take the dog out for a walk.