Lung Leavin' Day

Lung Leavin Day is celebrated on February 2 every year. Heather Von St. James is an 11-year mesothelioma alliance and she is also helping others with mesothelioma around the world. The day was named Lung Leavin Day by Heather's sister because it was Heather Von St. James is eliminated. This is also a great day to observe not only fighting cancer but also anything that makes you struggle. Lung Leavin Day is all about managing your fears and moving forward.

History of Lung Leavin’ Day

Nn 2005 when Heather Von St. James was faced with a diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma, Lung Leavin' Day was created. Her world stood still in that moment when she was told that all she could think about was her three-month-old daughter and her new husband of six years. Fear may have frozen her in that moment but her determination soon became clear.

Faced with the fact that if she did nothing she would only have 15 months to live or she could try a radical new procedure, she chose to act. She endured a procedure to remove her left lung, pericardium, diaphragm, and pleura. It took her months to recover from the procedure with help and support from family and friends. Heather Von St. James and her family started the tradition of writing their worries and fears on a plate, then smashing them to show that they have power over fears! Don't you agree that doing this is empowering? Heather and family have been celebrating this day for 11 years! That's a far cry from the 15 months she was given first!

How to Celebrate Lung Leavin’ Day

The day is named after Heather's sister. It's also a great day to celebrate not only the victory of cancer but also of anything that might freeze you in your way.

Heather and her husband Cameron hope that people can learn from their experiences. If you can, find a plate and fill it with a list of all your worries, fears, and concerns. Then find a safe place and smash that bugger and know that when the plate falls to pieces, so do your fears. Find strength in the act of doing something.

If that's not your cup of tea, you can do the same type of exercise with paper. Again, write all your worries down on paper. Then tear it to pieces or crumple it! Better yet, share your fears with someone. Share download. It will be easier to manage a big deal with help. There is no reason to keep fear inside where it can grow and thrive.

You can find a plate and fill it with a list of all your worries, fears and concerns. Then find a safe place and smash that plane and know that as the saucer falls to pieces, so do your fears. Find strength in the act of doing something. Finally, take a moment and smile. Yes, smile. I know how you still remember. No matter how dire things seem, smile. Honor your battle. Honor your strength. Let enjoy a cookie or ice cream. Know you strong!