Gracie Jiu Jitsu and Oasis for Wellness Acknowledge Carol Rodonis (carolrodonis.com) as she Courageously Fights Leukemia

West Hartford, CT, March 28, 2007 --(PR.com)-- Caroline Rodonis is a mother of two young children, ages 6 and 4, the wife of a teacher, and a teacher herself, is now a stay-at-home mom. But she has an extra job. In June 2006, she was diagnosed with the acute form of leukemia AML. She spent approximately a month at UConn hospital, where she underwent chemo. Miraculously, her brother tested 100% compatible as a bone marrow donor. On July 26, Caroline received the bone marrow transplant at Yale New Haven Hospital, after 4 days of intensive chemo. She came home to recuperate on Aug. 12.

Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu is, the leading self defense coaching organization in CT, MA, and New England with 10 locations. It is famous worldwide for its method of training fighters. Oasis for Wellness is Gracie Jiu Jitsu's sister organization that helps doctor referred patients enhance their health and wellbeing through stress reduction and evidence based exercise protocols. They are acknowledging that Carol Rodonis is exemplary of a person who fights with grace and poise and lives day to day as shinning example of how to live life well in the face of AML.

What is AML? This form of cancer is relatively rare. Those with AML produce immature red and white blood cells, which eventually crowd out the healthy cells. White blood cells are central to a person's immune system. Red blood cells carry oxygen around a person's body.

In facing this challenge Carol maintains a great sense of humor. She has been told by her doctors that she can have bananas and oranges because they have a thick rind and are not likely to carry bacteria. She jokes that she is going to "stuff her face" with bananas and oranges to stay healthy! She is going to ask her doctors whether there are other fruits such as grapefruit or melons that she can also eat. She can drink blueberry juice (another great immune system booster) as long as it's pasteurized.

She is supposed to eat a lot of carrots because the beta-carotene supports the immune system. She cannot drink carrot juice anymore using her juicer, and was wondering what to do with the almost 5 pounds of organic carrots she has -- until a wonderful mom dropped off some delicious carrot soup using her special secret recipe. When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade!

Thanks to the local group of moms who have donated a subscription to Blockbuster Video home delivery service! This will be a great source of entertainment for the kids too!

Caroline's sister is coming soon to give some much-needed TLC. Her sister has a smile with about the same wattage as Carol's and she can make you laugh in an instant. This is the best kind of therapy.

If you are searching for the perfect way to help someone, please know that the Rodonis Family Fund is a great way to help with the family's financial needs. There are ongoing bills from both Yale and UConn, and the family will need to fly Caroline's brother Joey up to donate blood.

Please go to carolrodonis.com for more information.

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