Official uVu Blog

Teen Cancer Survivor Hosts “For Hair’s Sake” Benefit at NSU

Most 16-year-olds have enough worries from getting their driver’s license, to passing their next exam, to making plans with that special someone. But when Nova Southeastern University (NSU) freshman Lesly Viera was 16, she had a different kind of concern – she was diagnosed with cancer.

 

 

Doctors discovered a lymphoma located between her heart and lungs, so Lesly went through chemotherapy to beat the disease. Now, the 18-year-old biology major is stronger than ever and wants to give back to other teens and young adults affected by cancer. So despite carrying a full course load at NSU, Lesly started Locks for a Cause – a student organization that helps raise funds for cancer research.

On Sunday, April 17, 2011, the group will hosted its first event – “For Hair’s Sake” – to raise funds for cancer research and collect ponytails for Locks of Love, a non-profit that creates high-quality wigs for children who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy or a medical condition. 

Local hairstylists from A'dazl Salon, Davie Smart Cuts, Gina's Barber & Salon, Glamore Salon, Red Head Salon, Salon Euphoria and Shear Designs will offer complimentary haircuts to hair and monetary donors. Criteria for donating hair includes: hair must be at least 6 inches long; dyed hair is acceptable but bleached is not. Those unable to donate locks were also welcome to make a financial contribution.

  
While attending Mater Academy Charter High School in Hialeah Gardens, Lesly and her friends held a similar drive that collected more than 200 ponytails in one day.

“A hairpiece can give a child confidence and can make a terrible situation a little easier to cope with,” Lesly said. “Our hope is that we can bring the community together and get even more donations this time!”

 

What Does it Mean to Be Black?

The most discussed episode of Pulse so far.

We gathered a panel of women to discuss what it’s like to be black in South Florida and the U.S. today.  What defines a person—their cultural heritage or the color of their skin?

 

Pulse part 1

Pulse part 2

Domestic Violence an Open Book

Author and survivor of domestic abuse, Leslie Morgan Steiner, talks about her life and her book, Crazy Love and why she felt compelled to tell her story.

Some help for Women and Children

In this economic climate, it is even more important to be aware of all the support resources available.

Broward County's Depart of Health has a program called WIC (Women, Infants and Children) which is a nutrition program that provides healthy foods for you, your infant, and your child plus helpful nutrition information – all at no cost for those who qualify. WIC also offers breastfeeding support and referrals to health care, immunizations and other community services.

For more information visit http://browardchd.org/wic.aspx

 

This is My Life project

 During the Spring semester 2010, uVu staff and WPBT2 employees teamed up to teach 16 girls editing and interviewing skills at JRE Lee Opportunity school. During the program, the girls shared storie about their lives, struggles, obstacles,successes and more. Afterward each girl had to edit her own video.

What lies in the Heart of a Woman?

This isn't quite a Valentine's Day story, in fact it starts out as the exact opposite.

Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA) is a Certified Domestic Violence Center providing Palm Beach County with emergency shelter, a 24-hour hotline, support services for victims of domestic abuse, and prevention and education programs for the community.

AVDA's 3rd Annual "Heart of a Woman" luncheon was held on February 9, 2010.

The afternoon was marked with a welcome by Executive Director, Pamela O'Brien and "Words of Inspiration" from Jeannette Markus, and we heard from 2010 Honoree, Rosemary Kreiger, who was introduced by 2009 Honoree, Arlene Hyman

But the most moving moments were provided by the keynote speaker, Victor Rivas Rivers, actor, author and former football player, who talked about his childhood as a victim of domestic violence, the angels in his life who helped him turn it around and break the cycle of violenc for himself and his family.

You can watch the video here

Lotus House mobile dental clinic

The Margulies Warehouse opened his art gallery to over 50 volunteer oral surgeons, dentists, hygienists and assistants on Dec 11th and 12th 2009. Organized by The Pankey Institute, the mobile dental clinic in the Margulies Art Warehouse served free of charges homeless women from the Lotus House Women’s Shelter.

Check out the rest of the photos on Facebook.

or watch the "Art of Dentistry" for Lotus House women video on uVu

Up close with Mia Leonin

uVu met with author Mia Leonin in her home as she talked about her carreer and her latest book "Havana and other Missing fathers," a memoir that traces the journey Leonin took in search of her father.

Leonin is a creative writing instructor at the University of Miami. She is the author of two books of poetry, Braid and Unraveling the Bed.

Leonin will be at the 2009 Miami Book Fair in November.

Watch the video here

Rally Against Cancer with Eva Longoria Parker

Eva Longoria Parker stepped into the spotlight for a good cause on Oct 16, at the Eden Roc Renaissance Hotel on Miami Beach. The first Rally for Kids with Cancer Scavenger Cup was designed to help the Jackson Memorial Foundation, International  Kids Fund and Holtz Children's Hospital.

Longoria Parker shared her story on how she became involved in the event as The Honorary chair. uVu was there among many media organizations to bring you the press conference.

Pink Tea event with Debbie Wasserman Schultz

Join special guest speaker, U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a cancer survivor, who spoke firsthand about the disease, treatment and prevention. Guests wore a bit of pink, sip a spot of tea, and had some tempting treats while sharing in the knowledge and showing your support. In addition to Rep. Wasserman, other speakers at the "Pink Tea" event include an oncologist, a radiologist and a dietician.Breast health professionals was also on hand to teach the Triple Touch Breast self-examination techniques recommended by the American Cancer Society.