oc t o ber isbreas t c a n c re senerawa s m htno & celebrate with joy to lifE
Alabama animal adventures for kids
Expanding Access to ENT Care
Baptist Health ENT Partners is growing to better serve the river region with the opening of a new, state-of-the-art location at Baptist Medical Center East. Leading the team at the new location are board-certified otolaryngologist, Dr. Stephen Chandler and experienced nurse practitioner, Rebecca Alexander—offering expert care for both adults and children. Together, they provide compassionate, personalized treatment for a wide range of ear, nose and throat conditions. With this additional location, patients now have even more convenient access to high-quality ENT care.
Comprehensive ENT Services for Adults & Children
Acid Reflux
Deviated Nasal Septum
Ear Diseases & Tumors
Lips & Tongue Tie
Sinonasal Diseases & Tumors
& Taste Disorders
Vocal Cord Polyps & Nodules
Our
Providers
Stephen W. Chandler, MD
Rebecca Alexander, CRNP
Tonsillectomy
STUDDARD
Hi, everyone.
Welcome to this FALL issue of JOY magazine. In this issue, you will read the moving stories of two remarkable women, each on her own unique journey, and yet, both united by an unwavering spirit to reclaim their lives on their own terms.
Reading about the compassionate and understanding people surrounding both women on their paths reminds us of the power of kindness and community during life's most challenging moments. Writer Kym Klass and artist Lynn Muir exemplify resilience, strength, and hope— qualities that inspire us all. We at JOY are truly honored to share their stories, which serve as a beacon of strength and perseverance.
I have been blessed to know Kym Klass for many years, and her integrity, kindness and courage have always touched my heart deeply. Though I have not yet met Lynn Muir in person, I eagerly look forward to the day when I can thank her personally for her vulnerability and generosity in sharing her story with our readers.
I want to take a moment to remind everyone that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a time for us to honor and remember those who have lost their battle with breast cancer, always holding them dear in our hearts. At the same time, it’s a time to celebrate the incredible resilience of the many survivors who have fought so bravely and are winning their fight! Their
courage, strength and unwavering determination motivate us all to keep hope alive and support one another through ups and downs.
Our annual “Walk of Life” is on hold until next year, but this October, we share the wonderful opportunity to see Alabama’s own Reuben Studdard in concert on October 25 during our “Night of Joy.” The performance benefits the Joy to Life Foundation, and Montgomery’s own True Divine Baptist Church choir will be making a special appearance with Reuben, ensuring an unforgettable evening of music! Visit joytolife.org for concert details, as well as information about all of JTL’s other October events! Your support will help us continue our lifesaving mission!
All of the articles in this issue are wonderful, so happy reading!
CREATING SPACE TO LIVE POSITIVELY DURING BREAST CANCER
WHEN FACED WITH ILLNESS, ANXIOUS THOUGHTS AND NEGATIVE VIBES CAN BE TOUGH TO SHAKE. BUT WITH INTENTIONAL EFFORT AND SUPPORTIVE FRIENDS AND FAMILY ON YOUR TEAM, YOU CAN FLIP THE SCRIPT AND ATTAIN AND MAINTAIN POSITIVITY IN THE FACE OF FEAR AND CHALLENGES. YOU CAN EVEN FIND TRUE JOY.
THERE AREN’T MANY WORDS SCARIER THAN “CANCER.”
Fear of pain, fear of insurmountable financial burdens, fear of death: a cascade of worries floods the hearts and minds of anyone hearing the term uttered by a doctor delivering a diagnosis. Once treatment begins and patients start their cancer fight, other emotions and physical realities enter the picture. Anger, depression, fatigue, nausea, brain fog, aches and more. And yet, so many living with and through cancer have discovered ways to “flip the script” on the disease, refusing to give into the destruction it wants to bring, and instead finding peace, purpose and even joy in their cancer journey. Utah artist Lynn Muir did. She actually threw a party! Here, she shares how.
BY JENNIFER STEWART KORNEGAY
“I HOPE MY CANCER JOURNEY IS OVER, BUT CANCER IS A WILD RIDE, SO I’M FOCUSING ON LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST BETWEEN IT ALL, DOING MY BEST TO BE A GOOD MOM, A GOOD WIFE AND A GOOD FRIEND. AND TO KEEP HAVING FUN!” – LYNN MUIR
BOOBIE ADIEU
WHEN DID YOU FIND OUT YOU HAD BREAST CANCER?
At age 35, in 2020, I was diagnosed and did a lumpectomy and radiation. I recovered and thought all was well. My doctors monitored me closely, and last November, during the last scan before they could call me “cured,” they saw the cancer was back. I had just turned 40. The spot was small, so we did another lumpectomy. I have five kids at home, so less recovery time sounded good, and my doctors were onboard. But after the procedure, they said they didn’t get clean margins, and they discovered the cancer was pretty aggressive, so we all discussed it and decided to do a double mastectomy.
LIFE IS A PARTY: A FINAL FAREWELL
SO, YOUR FIRST THOUGHT WAS “LET’S PARTY”?
Not right at first, but a friend I’d made during my first round with cancer told me before her mastectomy, she wrote letters to her breasts thanking them for all they had done for her, like containing the cancer, letting her nurse her babies, and so on. That sparked the idea. I love parties, and so many people had so quickly rallied around me and my family, I really wanted to celebrate and thank them. Instead of going into the surgery with dread, which I did feel, I wanted to go into it with gratitude and a celebratory spirit. I felt I could draw strength from that in the future. So, I planned a “Boobie Adieu” party to say a final
TO BREASTS
farewell to my breasts and send them off in style.
WHAT ALL DID THE PARTY INCLUDE?
The invitation instructed everyone to wear sparkles and/or pink. That set a festive mood. There was a pink balloon arch (and the balloons had nipples!) and a pink ribbon backdrop for photos. We went all out on the boobie theme, including the food. There were boobie cookies. My 17-year-old daughter bakes and made two breast-shaped cakes decorated with the prettiest flowers. And, I hired a magician. He was great! Finally, inspired by my friend’s letter, I wrote a letter to my boobs, which I read at the end of the party.
T0P TiPS FLIP THE SCRIPT
Effectively corralling and managing emotions during cancer treatments plays an essential role in recovery. It may be key, but it’s not easy. Try these techniques.
SUNNY MOODS ARE CONTAGIOUS.
LET BAD FEELINGS BE TEMPORARY.
DID IT TURN OUT AS YOU’D HOPED?
Yes, and then some! About 80 women showed up, from all walks of my life: school moms, neighborhood ladies, other breast cancer warriors, church friends, best friends. Everyone signed a card with different jokes for me to read after surgery. But there were some really sweet notes too, and that’s a simple thing that meant a lot. They were so uplifting to read. It was really special for my two older daughters to be there too . They got to see and feel the support from other ladies, and women showing up for each other like that is so important. It did the trick. After the party, I came home and said to myself, “Ok, I can do this!"
Surround yourself with positive people. And keep time with “energy suckers” or negative Nellies to a minimum. “Keep those friends who feel like peace, who feel like a warm blanket, keep them close,” Lynn says. “Being around good people saved me. Having a friend just drop by to bring me a soda or something meant so much.”
“My biggest piece of advice for intentionally seeking joy is to recognize that it is okay to let yourself have days where you are mad or sad,” says Lynn. “But let those feelings flow through you. Don’t hold onto them, or they will keep you down. You have to pick yourself up.”
SAVOR THE SMALL STUFF.
Slow down to truly experience positive moments throughout your day: beautiful weather, a smile from a friend, a purr or tail wag from a pet, a delicious meal, a favorite TV show.
GET GRATEFUL.
Making a point to seek and record good things that happen every day goes a long way to lift spirits. “Look for the good. It is hard, but if you can do it, those little beautiful moments in all the garbage will mean so much,” Lynn says. Pay attention to the things you are thankful for and write them down in a “joy journal.”
Lynn Muir and her daughters.
CELEBRATE LIFE
CELEBRATE LIFE BY:
POURING YOUR FEELINGS ONTO A PAGE.
Keeping a diary or a journal helps you organize and express your thoughts and can be highly therapeutic. And it’s easy: You only need a notebook, a working pen or pencil, 10 to 15 minutes a few times a week and a quiet place to be alone. When you start writing, don’t worry about grammar or tone or penmanship. Write quickly so you don’t censor yourself, and begin by jotting down the first thing that comes to your mind. But remember: Don’t get mired down in negative thoughts. WRITE DOWN POSITIVE EXPERIENCES AND THINGS YOU’RE THANKFUL FOR, TOO. CONSIDER KEEPING A SEPARATE “JOY JOURNAL” TO JOT DOWN YOUR GRATITUDE. Grab a cute Joy to Life journal from our online shop at joytolife.org.
CELEBRATE LIFE BY:
BEING PRACTICAL.
Gonna lose your hair thanks to chemo? You’ll likely want some wigs or scarves. Don’t make these style decisions alone. GRAB YOUR BEST GALS AND HAVE A WIG AND SCARF PARTY, where everyone can try on the latest looks.
CELEBRATE LIFE BY:
SPREADING THE JOY.
Once a year, artist Lynn Muir puts her talents to good use, inviting eight other cancer survivors to her house in Utah’s red-rock desert for a creative retreat. “I hire two professional watercolor artists, and we paint, and we cook and talk about healing and gratitude,” she says. She’s also USED HER OWN PRESSED-FLOWER ART TO SPREAD AWARENESS AND RAISE FUNDS TO HELP OTHER WOMEN WITH THEIR MEDICAL BILLS. “I made a large breast-cancer ribbon with pressed flowers, and underneath the blooms are the names of survivors and those who have passed on,” she says. Last year, she auctioned it off online. “I love getting to use my art in that way, and seeing others’ response to it confirms how much good there is in the breast cancer community.”
CELEBRATE LIFE BY:
SHIFTING THE FOCUS OFF YOURSELF.
Take a cue from friends Kay Dobbs and Bobby Bingham. During her breast-cancer battle (which spans years), Kay channeled her energy outward, getting involved with local breast cancer organizations and raising money for them by walking in cancer walks and participating in fun and fundraising fashion shows. Today, she and Bobby work to SPREAD BREAST CANCER AWARENESS, HANDING OUT PINK-RIBBON PINS TO REMIND WOMEN TO GET THEIR MAMMOGRAMS AND PURCHASING JOY TO LIFE PINK TRASHCANS TO GIFT TO OTHERS. “If one person sees one of those cans and thinks, ‘I need to get my mammogram,’ that’s a win,” Bobby says.
Put potatoes in the spotlight they deserve this fall.
Potatoes have long played the supporting role, but these hearty recipes make them stars of the show and with good reason. This humble (and affordable!) root vegetable is endlessly versatile, full of starchy satisfaction and surprisingly nutrient-rich, too. They’re packed with potassium, fiber and vitamin C.
Whether mashed, smashed, roasted, or twice-baked, potatoes soak up add-on flavors while offering structure, comfort, and everything from crisp edges to fluffy centers. They’re a blank canvas that plays well with bold cheeses, punchy herbs and more. Cozy, creative and just indulgent enough, these recipes prove magic awaits in the root cellar.
HoT POTATO NEW TRICKS
BY SIDNEY FRY MS, RD PHOTOGRAPHY BY BIG DREAMZ CREATIVE
Roasted Sweet Potato & Arugula Salad with HoneyTahini Drizzle
SERVES 4-6
This sweet potato and arugula combo is bright, bold and anything but basic. The potatoes are roasted until caramelized and crisp at the edges (skin on!), and paired with peppery arugula, creamy avocado, punchy feta and toasted pecans for an explosion of textures, flavors and nutrition! A sweet-nutty honey-tahini vinaigrette ties it all together. The result? A salad that’s satisfying, but light— perfect for lunch, hearty enough for dinner and elegant enough to serve when friends are coming over.
INGREDIENTS
SWEET POTATO SALAD:
3 medium sweet potatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 (5-ounce) container arugula
1 ripe avocado
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup toasted pecan halves
DRESSING:
1/4 cup tahini
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
DIRECTIONS
To prepare potatoes:
Preheat oven to 425. Slice sweet potatoes into 1/4-inch-thick rounds. Place on baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over potatoes; toss to coat. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Roast until potatoes are crisp-tender, about 20 minutes. Set aside.
To prepare dressing:
Combine tahini, 1/4 cup olive oil, honey, mustard and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth.
To prepare salad:
In a large bowl, combine arugula, avocado, feta and pecans. Drizzle with half of tahini vinaigrette. Toss to combine. Top with sweet potatoes and drizzle with remaining dressing. Serve immediately.
French Onion Twice-Baked Potatoes
SERVES 4
Here, all the richness of French onion soup gets tucked into a crispy, golden potato skin. While most twice-baked potatoes come loaded with cheese, butter and sour cream, this version finds healthy balance without skimping on flavor. Caramelized onions bring deep, slow-cooked sweetness, a touch of light sour cream keeps things creamy but not over the top, and just enough nutty Gruyere makes it feel indulgent—but not overloaded. You get the essence of the classic soup, but in a form that feels more nourishing, more satisfying — more dinner — when piled over a fluffy, nutrient-dense potato.
DIRECTIONS
To prepare potatoes: Preheat oven to 450°.
PRO TIP:
Caramelized onions take time and do not like to be rushed. This is a slow-and-patient recipe, perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Carefully pierce potatoes with a knife or fork; rub with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Bake at 450° for 45 minutes or until potatoes are tender or internal temperature reaches 200°. Let cool 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 400°.
To prepare onions: Heat 2 tablespoons and 1 tablespoon butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat; swirl to coat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 8 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring frequently, 60-90 minutes or until very sweet and a rich golden color. Set aside.
To prepare stuffed potatoes: Slice the top third lengthwise off the potatoes.
Using a spoon; scoop out flesh, leaving 1/4-inch border of potato on the skin. Transfer potato flesh to a medium bowl. Scrape skin off potato tops; add flesh to bowl. Place bottoms on a baking sheet.
Add sour cream, 2 ounces gruyere, broth and 1 teaspoon salt to potatoes. Mash until smooth. Stir in 1/2 cup caramelized onion and 1/2 tablespoon thyme.
Mound potato mixture evenly into potatoes, making sure to pile high. Top with 1 tablespoon onion and 1 tablespoon gruyere. Bake 10-20 minutes until heated through.
For extra bubbly cheese on top; broil 1-2 minutes or until cheese is browned. Sprinkle with additional fresh thyme.
HUNGRY FOR MORE?
VISIT JOYTOLIFE.ORG
FOR A FULL ARCHIVE OF RECIPES FROM REGISTERED DIETITIAN NUTRITIONIST
SIDNEY FRY.
MEET SIDNEY
REGISTERED DIETITIAN NUTRITIONIST
Sidney Fry is a two-time James-Beard-Awardwinning food and nutrition writer who loves creating simple, healthy recipes and thoughtful, actionable content for the hungry consumer.
A healthy living proactivist, Sidney is also a registered dietitian nutritionist, recipe developer and mama of three based in Birmingham, Alabama.
Cacio e Pepe Potatoes with Bacon & Kale
SERVES 8
Move over smashed potatoes! There’s a new cheesy potato in town. Inspired by the punchy, peppery magic of Cacio e Pepe—the Italian pasta classic with sharp Pecorino Romano and cracked black pepper —this version reimagines the dish with golden, crispedged potatoes. It’s bold and grounding, with crispy pancetta for savory smokiness and crunchy kale for a healthy dose of color and earthiness. Every bite delivers the cheesycreamy dish you know, but with a heartier, crisp-tender base that just wraps your belly in a warm blanket.
INGREDIENTS
2 (1.5-pound) bags mini potato medley
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
4 ounces diced pancetta or bacon
2 cups chopped kale
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 tablespoon butter
4 ounces grated Pecorino Romano cheese, divided
2-4 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
DIRECTIONS
Place potatoes in a heavy saucepan; cover with water. Add 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Bring to a boil over high heat; simmer 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Drain. Set aside to cool.
Preheat broiler to high. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise. Place on a large foil-covered
baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil; toss to coat. Broil 3-5 minutes or until potatoes are crisp.
While potatoes boil, cook pancetta in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Remove pancetta with a slotted spoon to a paper towel lined bowl. Add kale to drippings. Cook 3-5 minutes or until kale is wilted and slightly crisp. Remove kale from pan; add kale to pancetta.
Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil and 1 tablespoon butter to pan. Swirl to coat. Add 2 ounces of cheese and pepper, stirring to create a sauce. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until sauce is creamy but not thin. Combine potatoes, kale and pancetta in a large bowl. Add sauce; toss to coat. Sprinkle with remaining 2 ounces of cheese.
A different approach at Dayspring Dairy is delivering delicious cheeses and renewed energy for the family behind it.
A New DAY
Dayspring Dairy
sheep milk products
Gallan t , Alabama
BY JENNIFER STEWART KORNEGAY
In 2011, Greg and Ana Kelly purchased a 30-acre farmstead in Gallant, a tiny rural town in the foothills that mark the piedmont region of northeast Alabama. By 2013, Dayspring Dairy was in operation, becoming the first sheep dairy in the state, raising its fluffy, friendly flock and churning out cheeses including feta, a variety of flavored fresca spreads (like lemon-fig and basil peppercorn) and halloumi, a semi-hard cheese that’s delicious fried.
The idea for the farm began when Greg decided to leave his stressful corporate IT job. At the same time, Ana, a chef who’d been at Birmingham’s Highlands Bar & Grill and was a culinary educator, was also feeling led away from her current profession. “I always felt like there was an alternate calling for us,” Ana says.
A cottage industry they could build together was appealing, and with Ana’s cooking background, producing a food product made sense. Several farmstead dairies in the South provided initial inspiration. “We looked at what they were doing and thought, ‘We could do that,’” Ana says. They knew they didn’t want to raise cows and chose sheep over goats. “I don’t really like goats; they eat everything!” Ana says. “And neither of us just loves goat cheese.”
According to Ana, sheep’s milk is superior to other milks, especially for cheese-making. “Sheep’s milk is very rich and concentrated, so you get more cheese from a gallon of it than any other milk,” she says. “And it is so delicious; it doesn’t have any twang or any aftertaste. It’s got a nutty and slightly sweet finish.”
“We want them happy, and we work with their natural cycles. In the morning, they all come up to me and greet me, and look up at me with their sheepy smile. They seem legitimately glad to see me.”
Not long after folks got their first tastes of Dayspring’s sheep’s milk cheeses, demand for its products grew, as did the number of sheep. It was initially exciting, but as the number of hours and amount of labor required to deliver what (and how much) customers wanted increased, the Kellys felt worn out.
By 2024, the couple reached a breaking point, and they decided to sell the farm. After several deals with potential buyers fell through, placing the Kellys on an emotional rollercoaster, they reassessed again. “God called us to do this to begin with,” Ana says. (The farm and creamery’s name, Dayspring, a Biblical reference to Jesus, reflects that divine inspiration.) Soon, selling didn’t feel right anymore. “We felt called again to keep going,” Ana says. But not wanting to go back to the burnout they’d experienced before, they found the solution in moving to a more manageable operation. “We downsized the flock and are now milking about 24 sheep; at one point we had about 80,” Ana says. And the business branched into a new revenue stream too, making private and custom-label products for others.
The “go smaller” strategy is working, allowing Dayspring to remain a true family farm. “Our 18-year-old daughter works with us, and that’s it,” Ana says. And sheep are still at the center of Dayspring. “We want them happy, and we work with their natural cycles. We’re not medicating them with hormones,” Ana says. Milking a smaller group of ewes also brings other benefits, allowing Greg to give each of the ladies, like Brownie, Cocoa and Meryl Sheep, some personal attention. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know them all better. In the morning, they all come up to me and greet me, and look up at me with their sheepy smile,” he says. “They seem legitimately glad to see me.”
The Kelly’s dedication to the sheep’s wellbeing is delivering dividends their customers can taste. But it isn’t the only factor making Dayspring cheeses stand out; Ana’s attention
to her craft helps too. When Dayspring began, she knew nothing about making cheese, but she immersed herself in information and hands-on training, taking classes in Vermont and then spending time working with a (now retired) cheesemaker in south Alabama.
Now a year into the resizing and rethinking of Dayspring, Ana says, “I know we did the right thing.” Customers agree. They’re still snapping up Dayspring’s original products —its spreadable frescas in seasonal flavors like lemon fig and basil peppercorn; its feta; and its halloumi, as well as a sheep’s milk caramel sauce—at Pepper Place Market in Birmingham, retail shops scattered around the state and from the farm’s online shop. A few new products are proving popular too, including a sweet-zippy satsuma jam.
The operation may be more manageable, but it still requires hard work. Market days can be especially tiring, but they provide rewards. “I sometimes dread it, but last Saturday, so many happy people came by to shop, and it was obvious how much they were looking forward to getting our products, so I think we are making a difference in people’s lives, even if in a small way,” Ana says. “That’s really fulfilling.”
WALK ON THE
Getting up close and personal with wildlife thrills all ages, but something about animal encounters really stirs wonder in kids. Seeing a monkey swing, a kangaroo bounce, an otter swim on its back and hearing a lion’s mighty roar widens eyes and awakens curiosity. Alabama has multiple spots where you and your family can get a good look at a wide variety of mammals, fish, reptiles and more. And the experiences go beyond entertainment; they provide opportunities to educate kids about biology, ecology and protecting our environment too.
BY JENNIFER STEWART KORNEGAY
TIGERS FOR TOMORROW, ATTALA
At Untamed Mountain and Tigers for Tomorrow the motto is “Life is wild by nature.” This wild animal preserve, rescue and environmental learning center is a sanctuary for nine species of big cats—including tigers, cougars and lions—the North American black bear and brown bear as well as wolves, hyenas, coyotes, and multiple species of foxes who have been rescued from road-side circuses, owners who tried to keep them as pets and other situations that put these majestic animals at risk. The preserve also houses rescued equines including horses, mules, donkeys and mini horses. Founder Sue Steffens worked for years in some of the country’s best zoos and is passionate about the message that wild animals should never be pets or be subjected to terrible living conditions for the sake of our entertainment. She believes giving the public closeups with the preserve’s residents educates people about their power and beauty while also teaching them to respect all wildlife and the habitat needed to support it.
Images courtesy of Tigers for Tomorrow.
This wild animal preserve, rescue and environmental learning center is a sanctuary for nine species of big cats.
ALLIGATOR ALLEY, SUMMERDALE
This preserve gives nuisance alligators, those who have gotten too close to people for comfort and lost their innate fear of humans, a second chance. In 20 acres of cypress swamp, more than 600 lucky reptiles, from hatchlings to full grown, live and roam freely in their natural habitat, and you can observe them feeding, courting or simply soaking in some sunshine from the safety of an elevated boardwalk. (The facility is fenced in at its borders, but since visitors can’t see the fencing, it feels as if you’ve happened upon these ancient creatures in the wild.) Meet characters Captain Crunch, a 13-foot, 2-inch-long gator who currently holds the world record for strongest bite. And in the airconditioned gator station, you can hold a baby alligator.
Images by Jack Van Matre Photography
GATOR HAVEN: In 20 acres of cypress swamp, more than 600 lucky reptiles live and roam freely in their natural habitat.
ALABAMA SAFARI PARK, HOPE HULL
Drive-thru viewing of animals exhibiting their natural behaviors is a highlight of this 350acre park. Ride in your own vehicle to watch and interact with zebra, camels, banteng, water buffalos, ostriches, llamas, wildebeests and more as they roam the open fields and freely run, jump and even play and often approach cars, especially if you’ve got some of the park’s approved food in an outstretched hand. Other options include strolling through the Village Walk-About and its menagerie, including two giant anteaters, seeing joeys pop their heads out of mamas’ pouches in the kangaroo walk-about, watching slow-motion wildlife at the sloth exhibit, feeding colorful little parrots as they perch on your arm and getting eye-level with reticulated giraffes while feeding the gentle giants from an elevated platform.
CLOSE-UP, HANDS-ON ENCOUNTERS
A SPECIAL MISSION:
The Alabama Aquarium brings to life the work of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, and every visitor helps support coastal research, education, and conservation efforts protecting the Gulf of Mexico for future generations.
ALABAMA AQUARIUM, DAUPHIN ISLAND
Previously called the Estuarium, this aquarium shows off more than 100 marine-life species from around Alabama’s watershed, including the surrounding Gulf Coast ecosystem, swimming it its multiple tanks, immersing visitors in a water wonderland via its engaging, hands-on exhibits. Interactive displays and its Rays of the Bay touch tank make a big splash with kids. And the recently opened Discovery Lab lets anyone be a marine science for a day, with opportunities to learn more about the Dauphin Island Sea Lab’s essential work.
Images courtesy of Alabama Safari Park.
Images courtesy of Dauphin Island Sea Lab.
ZOOS IN ALABAMA WITH EXCEPTIONAL ENCOUNTERS
THE MONTGOMERY ZOO, MONTGOMERY
The Montgomery Zoo features more than 500 species living in natural, barrier-free habitats spread over 42 acres, including a pair of white Bengal tigers, rhinos, hippos, otters, jaguars, alligators, monkeys, brilliantly colored birds and more divided into continent realms. Toddlers and teenagers alike skip through Asia, run around in Africa and stroll through South and North America, stopping often to marvel at the wide array of creatures, species they might spot in their own backyards and exotic animals hailing from the most far-flung locations around the globe and ranging in size from the tiny squirrel monkey to a 6,000-pound African elephant. Informative, interesting on-site signage puts an emphasis on conservation education. In addition to simply walking the shady paths around the zoo grounds include the reptile house, stingray touch tank, hand-feeding giraffes, train rides and trips on the Skylift, which flies you right over the zoo’s majestic lions.
DON'T MISS:
Peek at the baby animals around the zoo. In recent years, pigmy hippo calves and newborn giraffes have delighted guests.
ALABAMA GULF COAST ZOO, GULF SHORES
Just a few blocks from the beach, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo gained national attention after Hurricane Ivan nearly destroyed it, threatening its animal residents. The zoo is now firmly back on its feet, and boasts more than 300 animals, including lions, spider monkeys, gray wolves, bears, endangered clouded leopards and more. There is a reptile house, a petting zoo, and the zoo also offers animal interactions. Traversing the jungle-like environment of its South American Adventure might mean meeting a sloth. Destination Madagascar takes visitors into the ring-tailed lemur enclosure. And the Sulcata Tortoise Feeding allows guests to treat these large reptiles with their favorite leafy greens.
Daily keeper chats throught the zoo give guests even more insight into operations and conservation efforts.
BIRMINGHAM ZOO, BIRMINGHAM
Celebrating 70 years in 2025, this zoo remains one of the state’s most popular attractions, with its inhabitants, including red pandas, orangutans, bears, elephants, zebras and more—180 species from six continents in total—thriving amid its 122 acres. Its Trails of Africa exhibit puts the zoo among the foremost institutions advancing global elephant conservation and makes it a leader in elephant care. The exhibit is home to a herd of exclusively male African elephants and offers both ground and aerial observation opportunities. The Junior League of Birmingham–Hugh Kaul Children’s Zoo focuses on Alabama’s animals, including those found in both rural and urban areas.
DON'T MISS:
DON'T MISS:
Unique environments including a ring-tailed lemur enclosure and daily tortoise feedings add an extra-special experience.
Photography by Haleigh Duke.
AWARENESS WITH JOY TO LIFE
MEET THE WALK OF LIFE REMIX
We may have pushed pause on our annual Walk of Life 5K this year, but the party and its purpose continue, now in a big NEW way. Throughout October, the Joy to Life Foundation is bringing the community together to celebrate life, promote awareness and raise funding to fight breast cancer in Alabama!
This year, we're road-tripping across the River Region with our Walk of Life REMIX Tour to honor, celebrate and remember our breast cancer community. Each event is packed with entertainment, games, goodies, swag and treats, plus something special for survivors.
CHAPPY’S DELI AT HIGHPOINT TOWN CENTER IN PRATTVILLE
will come alive as we kick off our Walk of Life: Remix Tour with our first Pink Pop-up Party! From 11 a.m.–2 p.m., we’re turning the parking lot into a PINKFEST to highlight all the heroes making a difference when it comes to breast cancer— families, friends, neighbors, co-workers, supporters, fundraisers, sponsors and especially the cancer survivors who inspire us!
OVERLOOKING THE COOSA RIVER,
Wetumpka’s Farmers Market will play host to our next Pink Pop-up Party from 11am-2pm. BUT FIRST—make plans join us for a special PINK WALK in downtown Wetumpka at 10am! We'll provide a pink balloon for participants to carry over to the Farmers Market for the celebration. 2025 Walk of Life tees will be available to purchase.
We want to say a special THANK YOU to our Walk of Life REMIX community partners, Chappy’s Deli, City of Wetumpka and The Shoppes at Eastchase for making it all possible.
Presenting Sponsor:
ASE Credit Union
Diamond Sponsors: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, Hyundai , The S. Adam Schloss Foundation Platinum Sponsor: Baptist Health Gold Sponsors: ALFA, Dixie Electric Heating & Air, Guardian Credit Union, The JK Lowder Family Foundation
Silver Sponsors: Alabama Cattlemen's Association, The Shoppes at EastChase, Neptune Technology, Royal Nails Friend Sponsors: OB-GYN Associates Of Montgomery, Walmart 2025 REMIX SPONSORS:
WE’RE LIGHTING UP THE SHOPPES
AT EASTCHASE with a Glow-up Party, where we light up the night from 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Mark your calendar for a unique evening of fun and surprises, including a digital graffiti wall, glow foam pit, lighted dance floor, live music and DJ, bubble machine, and a spectacular laser light show for the big finale!
NIGHT OF JOY CONCERT FEATURING RUBEN STUDDARD
at MPAC, 7:30pm. Don’t miss the smooth, soulful sounds of this concert featuring Alabama’s own Ruben Studdard. The evening will include a performance with True Divine Church PINK choir—the popular ensemble singing at The Walk of Life each year—as well as a special gift for survivors attending. Visit or call MPAC box office or visit MPAConline.org for tickets via TicketMaster.
MEET JOY TO LIFE'S VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR:
EMILY AYERS
With more than 15 years experience as an esthetician, I have dedicated my career to making people feel comfortable, valued and cared for. I’m excited to bring these same skills to my new role as the Volunteer Coordinator at the Joy to Life Foundation.
by
Though this is my first time serving as a Volunteer Coordinator, I’m excited to grow alongside the volunteer team. I believe my background in building relationships and creating welcoming experiences translates perfectly into fostering a strong, connected community of volunteers. Our volunteers at Joy to Life are crucial in helping us continue our mission to help build and support breast cancer awareness among all Alabamians.
As I step into this new chapter, I’m committed to making volunteer experiences meaningful and uplifting. I have a heart for serving others, and I’m eager to support our volunteers, celebrate your contributions and ensure each person feels valued.
If you are interested in volunteering at the Joy to Life Foundation, we have many opportunities that will be coming up in October as we celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We are always looking for volunteers throughout the year as well. If you are interested, please email me at emily@joytolife.org. I look forward to meeting everyone, hearing your stories and working alongside you as we and JTL continue to make a positive impact throughout the state of Alabama.
Photography
Aubrie Moates
FAIRYTALE FUN & FUNDRAISING!
We had a sparkling good time with the Montgomery Biscuits during Princess Night. It was so much fun seeing everyone dressed in their finest princess (and prince) attire. We were able to help complete everyone’s look with JTL swag—including princess and prince capes! Biscuits General Manager Mike Murphy and even Big Mo wore one along with our royal crowns. Joy to Life’s co-founder Joy Blondheim even became a princess for a moment! To crown it all, the Biscuits auctioned off their “Knight in Shining Armor” game-worn jerseys (with pink capes on the back) to raise money for Joy to Life, bringing in funds to help the foundation continue its essential life-saving work.
LIVE HERE. GIVE HERE.
ON AIR NOW ON AIR NOW
Have you heard our podcast, Everything Joy to Life? If you haven’t, you’re missing out on some amazing stories from people like:
Chappy’s Deli has been a strong supporter of Joy to Life for many years, and one of the main reasons is that owner David Barranco is a breast cancer survivor himself! Of course, being treated for a disease that typically only effects members of the female population brings a whole new perspective on life and faith. In the years since his diagnosis and treatment, David has shared his story with many audiences, including in an episode of our Everything Joy to Life podcast. Learn more about David and Chappy’s by listening to his story on our website, joytolife.org.
Scan this with your phone camera to listen.
DAVID BARRANCO Photography by Big
A CONVERSATION WITH KELLY
BAZAN
When Kelly noticed a lump in her breast, she wasn’t initially worried, but when a sore on the skin around the lump formed, and a friend noted it could be inflammatory breast cancer, the fear set in. She was eventually diagnosed with a disease that mimics inflammatory breast cancer, but all along the way to find that out, friends and family loved her through it and Joy to Life helped her too.
What symptoms made you think you might have cancer?
Around six months after I stopped breastfeeding, I didn’t really know what was happening, but I could feel an obvious large lump on my right breast. At the time I didn’t really think much about it; it didn’t hurt. But then I started noticing a sore opening up. One of my friends that works on paperwork for the state regarding diagnoses had noticed I was not well and asked me what was going on. I showed her what was happening, and she told me about inflammatory breast cancer. Her immediate thoughts were that I needed to be checked for it, and she encouraged me to seek out a breast doctor that she knows for further advice. It wasn’t until her suggestion that I started thinking it could be cancerous.
So, what was your diagnosis and what treatment was required?
I was diagnosed later that year with a disease called granuloma mastitis. It is an autoimmune disorder, and while it mimics inflammatory breast cancer, it doesn’t have all the negative consequences of inflammatory breast cancer. Treatment was months of steroids and periodic antibiotics until eventually lump removal.
Tell us how Joy to Life stepped up to help during this time.
I was without work at this time and didn’t have insurance. I didn’t know how I would be able to get a mammogram or afford seeing a doctor. Joy to Life stepped in to get me the mammogram I needed and other testing done.
What was your first thought when you thought you might have breast cancer?
I was scared. I was a new mom. My child was just over two years old. The immediate thought of not being around for my child frightened me. But seeing so many success stories of other women who faced breast cancer gave me hope that I too could be strong if need be.
While waiting to find out, what did you want and need from your friends and family? Just their love and support.
As you figured out what was happening and then went through surgery, what forms of help and support stood out?
I had to have the lump removed, but also due to not having insurance, I could not afford to have it done. Dr. Pam Strickland helped me with her office visits and then helped me get set up with charity care. I still needed to have a certain amount of money set aside for the surgery, and my brothers and sisters at the Kingdom Hall (our church) had all gathered some money to put in an encouraging card. It happened to be
HEAR FROM SURVIVORS, COMPANIONS AND CAREGIVERS IN OUR Real Life SECTION .
I was a new mom. The immediate thought of not being around for my child frightened me.
But
seeing so many success stories
of other women who faced breast cancer gave me hope that I too could be strong if need be.
the exact amount we needed, and we had never told them the amount. That has always stood out in my mind as a blessing from Jehovah God.
What one thing that you did for yourself (exercise, meditation, prayer, some other habit, etc.) most helped you cope? What helped me most was prayer, Bible reading, staying active in the preaching work and continuing my Christian activities. These are the same things that I use today when I face uncertainties or disease. Also, when I focus on others and what they are going through, it helps me to think less of my own problems.
What advice would you give other caregivers/spouses/parents/friends, etc., on how to approach and help their loved one dealing with an illness.
Just be there for them. You don’t have to say I’m sorry. You don’t have to fill the silence with needless words. Just being there, holding their hand, hugging them, listening to their tears and understanding their frustrations: these little things do a lot. The Bible says to “weep with those who weep.” Just show them you love them, and this too can be simple acts: A thoughtful card, cleaning the house, offering a meal, calling to check on them, sharing an encouraging word, sincerely offering a prayer, or again, just listening to them and letting them weep.
FINDING COURAGE TO RUN AGAIN
A PERSONAL ESSAY
TAKING MY LIFE BACK SEEKING SUPPORT PATH TO FREEDOM
After a sexual assault, author Kym Klass spent years recovering from the mental and emotional trauma her attacker inflicted. The event took so much— including a beloved pastime, running. But by listening to herself and seeking—and finding—the support she needed, she found the path to take her freedom back.
BY KYM KLASS
AFTER ABOUT THREE HOURS AT THE POLICE STATION IN
1991,
following questioning, reviewing hundreds of mug shots, I sat with a sketch artist who asked, “What did he look like?”
And all I knew was that he had thinning hair.
Color of eyes? I don’t know. Hair color? Don’t know. Shape of nose? No idea. Shape of mouth, any tattoos, smell? I don’t know.
“Am I the only one who doesn’t remember?” She said no. Then she continued asking: Shape of eyes? Jawline? Scars? I don’t know. I don’t know. I don’t know.
Yet, she drew a composite and asked, “Does this resemble him?” The hair does, but the rest, I don’t know.
The composite was placed throughout the neighborhood. Two weeks later, a student home from college that summer saw it. Then the student saw him—in the same park where the man depicted in the sketch attacked me. The student pointed him out to an off-duty officer who he happened to know and who happened to also be in this park on that day.
The man was stopped by officers as he left the park. Questioned. Arrested. Charged. Convicted. He spent 19 years in prison. Today, he remains in a behavioral hospital.
And that sketch? It looked exactly like him. Exactly.
The day was beautiful. July 18. Sunny, slight breeze. I was 20 years old and home for the summer from college. I dropped my sister off at swim practice and headed out for a run. It was 9 a.m., and I had two choices. Turn left from the pool to run four to six miles. Or turn right and hit the neighborhood park and use its fitness trail. I turned right.
I would run the half mile or so to the park, use its 20-station fitness trail, and then finish some miles in the neighborhood I had just left. That was the plan. Instead, I only got to station number 17.
I was at a fitness station in which I had to “walk” my body across two metal bars using my hands/arms. My upper body isn’t so strong, so halfway across, I dropped to the ground to regroup. At that time, I glanced to my left and saw a man walking in the park: Clean cut. Wearing jeans, white undershirt tucked in. Tennis shoes. I noticed his thinning hair. Thought nothing of it. Or him.
I jumped back up to the bars and finished my “walk.” I then turned, bent down to pick up my Walkman I had left on the ground, and when I stood up, the man I had seen walking in the park was just feet in front of me. Holding a knife toward me, he repeated, “Don’t scream, don’t scream, or I’ll have to use the knife.”
And I fell to the ground, terrified.
I handed him my Walkman; that was all I had to offer. He refused it and handed me a business-sized card that read, “If you keep quiet, you MAY live."
And I chose to live.
He led me to a patch of woods in the park—a place he had already set down a garbage bag. A bag I was certain I would wind up in when this story ended. Still terrified for my life, and not knowing where the knife had gone, I did as I was told.
I was too scared to run away, to scream, to move. I still believed I would die—even though I chose life.
After, he said he didn’t know why he did this, but saw me in the park, and … and then his voice trailed off. He asked me not to tell anyone. I said I wouldn’t. He asked if I knew any Christians, and I said yes—myself, my friends, my family.
I was still waiting to die. We were still in the wooded area in the park. Nobody knew we were there. I didn’t know where the knife was. Where did he place it? What if I ran? I’m still imagining he’s going to place my body in that bag.
He then said, referring to Christians, “Well, they’re not very nice people, are they?”
I paused, not even sure if I was breathing at this point, but told him yes. That I believe they are. “You think so, huh?” To this day, that phrase jolts me.
But I said yes.
He let me go with the promise of not telling anyone. I hyperventilated as I half ran, half walked out of the park and to the first house in the neighborhood. I knocked on the door and a lady answered, and I told her what had just happened, and she let me in.
IT TOOK THE WILL OF 13 TO 14 YEARS TO RUN AGAIN. AND I HAD TO BE ACCEPTING OF THE YEARS I WAS ADDING TO RETURNING TO THE ROADS. MY TIMELINE WAS MINE.
Police arrived soon after.
We went back to the park. And that is when I began forgetting. The path he led me up, what he looked like. But not what he said. I remembered everything he said.
I spent a couple of hours in the hospital, even more hours at the police department. And two weeks later, he was found. He admitted to police he was looking for someone else. Anyone. In his bag on the morning they found him, he had duct tape, a fake gun. He woke up again with the “desire to have sex.”
The road after was tumultuous at best. While I’ve heard stories of some women going through this and running again the next day or a few days later, it took the will of 13 to 14 years to run again. And I still had to want to. And I had to be accepting of
the years I was adding to returning to the roads. My timeline was mine.
Finally, one day I just did. This was after years of therapy—both group and individual. After being afraid of both men and women for a while after the rape. Of not wanting to be around men (strangers) at all for a very long stretch.
TO ANYONE ELSE WHO FINDS THEMSELF
IN THE PLACE I WAS AFTER THE EVENT
I OFFER THIS ADVICE:
Find that therapy. Find that group. Find that support, however it looks. Find that comfort, that safe place. Speak your needs. As I was home that summer from college when I was attacked, I asked my father to put extra locks on the house doors. He did. My manager at the sandwich shop where I worked offered not to let me close alone. My friends didn’t let me walk home from class if it was dark. Don’t face this alone. Let people in, in whatever way is easiest for you.
I slowly began taking my life back after those dozen or so years. Running had been a part of my life since I was 12 years old. I ran for middle school teams, then high school. And I wanted it back. And today, I’ve had it back for over 20 years. Are there days I still stand at the door in my house wondering if I have what it takes to run outside? Yes. Are there days I still turn around and stay home? Also, yes. But I get back out the next day.
And the day after. You have that freedom, too.
BEGINNING TO HEAL
STEPS TO FEELING SAFE AFTER TRAUMA
BUILD A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT:
Surrounding yourself with understanding, compassionate people and creating spaces where you feel protected can make a significant difference in your recovery journey.
CULTIVATE SUPPORTIVE RELATIONSHIPS:
Surrounding yourself with empathetic and understanding individuals—whether friends, family, or support group members—can help you feel less isolated.
BE PATIENT WITH YOURSELF:
It’s crucial to allow yourself the time and space to heal without putting pressure on yourself to “get over” the trauma quickly. There may be setbacks, and that’s okay. What matters is that you are making progress, even if it’s slow. Acknowledge each step forward and remind yourself that healing is a process.
SEEK PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT:
Professional support can provide deeper insights and structured guidance during trauma recovery. Trauma often requires specialized care, and mental health professionals are trained to offer tools and strategies that help manage and overcome its effects.
START WITH SELF-TRUST:
Trauma can make you doubt your instincts and decisions, but learning to reconnect with your inner voice is key. Start by listening to your body and emotions. Practice self-care, set boundaries, and acknowledge your progress, no matter how small. Trust grows when you begin to honor your needs and allow yourself to feel without judgment.
Source: clamoncounseling.com
PRODUCTS, PLACES & THINGS
RAISE A WARM CUP TO THE SEASON
Photography by Hannah Wilson
North Alabama artisanal tea-maker Piper & Leaf’s 24 Teas of Advent Calendar invites you to steep your household in a new holiday tradition that’s as tasty as it is festive and fun, pairing holiday flavors via a warm mug of tea with moments of engagement. For each day of the traditional advent season, Piper & Leaf’s calendar includes a “book,” which contains two tea bags selected from the family owned and operated tea company’s collection of hand-crafted green, black and caffeine-free herbal teas. All are made with locally sourced fruits and herbs that are hand-washed, hand-chopped, hand-dried and hand-blended with high-quality teas from around the globe at its headquarters in Lacey’s Spring. Each book also contains a carefully chosen song, craft, recipe or other activity to bring the wonder and joy of the season to life. Some are sentimental. Some are spiritual. Some days’ directions are whimsical, like fun facts about the classic “A Christmas Carol” and the suggestion to watch the Muppets version of the tale. Many reflect the favorites of the Piper & Leaf family. But all are meaningful.
SOME LIKE IT HOT
Kitchen aprons protect clothes from spills and splatters, making them essential tools for both seasoned and novice cooks. With two handy pockets and an adjustable tie at the neck for perfect fit, these limited edition ticking-striped versions from Moulton, Alabama-based farm and maker Redland Cotton do the job but bring more than proper function to the table, fulfilling form wishes too with their stylish good looks. Plus, they’re made in America from Redland’s own Alabamagrown cotton in a process that partners with mills and other makers across the country and ensures quality and durability, weaving the utmost care from field to fabric into every inch. Redland Cotton’s commitment to craftsmanship is also evident and found in its sheets, towels and other textiles designed with an heirloom aesthetic. While its products have the look and feel of yesterday, Red Land is making them in a way that ensures they’ll hold up for many, many tomorrows.
Bring the heat to cheese boards, marinades or simply a cream-cheese smothered cracker with the flavor-packed pepper jellies made by Birmingham-based From Jennifer’s Kitchen. Owner Jennifer Lee first dipped into jelly making when she decided to give her dad a personalized treat for Christmas, a jar of his grandmother’s cranberry conserve. It was a hit, and her mom asked her to try her hand at another treat, pepper jelly. The sweet-heat condiment became a sticky sensation with family and then friends, and in 1998, Lee made her hobby a business. Today, From Jennifer’s Kitchen offers several varieties of pepper jelly, with milder Confetti and cranberryand pecan-studded Holiday Pepper Jelly winning the popularity contest. Lee loves adding her jellies to glazes for hot wings and using it in her pepper jelly cheesecake recipe. “It’s a delicious savory warm dip,” she says. FROMJENNIFERSKITCHEN.COM
TIE ONE ON
Photography by Laurey Glenn.
TAKE BACK CONTROL
of Your Bladder—and Your Life— with Aquablation Therapy.
A breakthrough therapy for BPH now offered at Baptist Medical Center East.
Urinary symptoms from an enlarged prostate (BPH) can be frustrating and hard to talk about. But there’s a new solution. Aquablation Therapy is a minimally invasive, robotic procedure that uses a heat-free, high-pressure waterjet to precisely remove excess prostate tissue—with no cutting and no impact on sexual function. This advanced, personalized treatment helps reduce symptoms, restore bladder function, and improve quality of life.
Aquablation is helping men feel like themselves again—with fewer bathroom trips, more control, and better sleep. Find out if it’s right for you at BaptistBladderControl.com or by calling 334-747-7070.
FORWARD MOTION
PADDLE ON
BY KYM KLASS
Pulling a paddle through the water works several muscle groups, making canoeing or kayaking great for physical fitness. But the activity provides equally valuable mental benefits, too.
One of my favorite things to do when visiting my daughter in central Oklahoma, is heading to Arcadia Lake, settling into a kayak and just … really, just sitting in the kayak.
While the paddling is good exercise—burning calories and strengthening muscles in my arms and back—it’s also fairly easy. But what’s even better is soaking in the quiet and solitude of the environment and not being needed by anything or anyone for an hour or more. I always walk away refreshed, recharged, and happy.
A Boatload of Benefits
According to Paddling Magazine, if you paddle:
You’ll be happier: Spending time in nature makes us feel more alive, with numerous studies linking exposure to nature with increased energy and a heightened sense of well-being.
You’ll make do with less: When you have to carry your possessions with you, you’re forced to bring less. It’s freeing to discover how little you need to survive and what can be achieved with the bare minimum.
You’ll disconnect to reconnect: Sometimes paradise is just a paddle stroke away. Literally and figuratively, pull away from the shore to feel lighter, breathe easier.
You’ll push your limits: There will be heat, and there will be cold, there will be rain and wind – there will be miles, and maybe sore muscles.
At the end of any paddle—short or long, relaxed or more taxing—you’ll come away having worked out without harsh impact, more mindful of what your body is capable of accomplishing and with increased mental clarity.
Paddling 101
Paddling is using your arms to propel a watercraft, whether it’s a kayak, canoe or standup paddle board (SUP). It’s a functional workout exercising the entire body to provide numerous health benefits, including better heart health, increased stamina, the engagement of multiple muscle groups, the enhancement of balance and flexibility, and the reduction of stress.
It also offers Vitamin D exposure thanks to the sunshine overhead. And while that’s good, make sure you stay hydrated, wear a hat, UV sun-protective clothing and sunscreen. As noted by paddleboard maker GILI on its website, “When swimming or boating, we need to be extra cautious and practice sun safety as best as we can. The surrounding water reflects the UV rays, strengthening them and making them more damaging to our skin.”
GO ALL IN:
The Alabama Scenic River Trail:
Alabama Paddle Experiences
The trail’s connected waterways include mountain streams, waterfalls, calm lakes, babbling creeks, multi-class whitewater, river deltas and salty Gulf waves. It is the longest and most experience-diverse river trail in the country, with more than 6,300 miles of accessible waterways and a statewide network of organizations, guides and retailers. Visit alabamascenicrivertrail.com and start planning your next adventure.
Favorite fall excursions on the Alabama Scenic River Trail include:
Terrapin Creek in Piedmont, which invites adventurers with its gentle meandering flow through picturesque countryside.
Autauga Creek in Prattville
This fun rowing route is easily accessible at the beginning of the Autauga Creek Canoe Trail in historic and charming downtown Prattville.
Creek to Cove at Lake Guntersville, a serene 4.5-mile paddle along the tranquil waters of Lake Guntersville, beginning at the Langston Boat Ramp. This stretch of the lake offers a peaceful environment, perfect for both seasoned paddlers and those seeking a leisurely afternoon on the water.
Southside Landing on the Coosa River just miles from Gadsden. Here, you can solo paddle via a self-service kiosk for easy equipment rental and unwind in the water.
Montgomery Whitewater Park: The park boasts an Olympic-standard recirculating whitewater channel, utilizing the world’s most advanced whitewater technology to create the ultimate playground for paddle sports. It’s an outdoor adventure center with a variety of activities, from the adrenaline-pumping Competition Channel to a more approachable Creek Channel for recreational paddling. montgomerywhitewater.com
Coosa River Adventures: The experts here will outfit you with a rented sit-on-top kayak, traditional kayak, stand-up paddleboard or canoe for traversing the stretch of the Coosa River near Wetumpka. Trips average three to four hours and scheduling ahead is a must. The numerous class II rapids, which mean wide open clear channels easily paddled by novices, make this section of the Coosa a great first-time whitewater experience. coosariveradventures.com
lines smile LEAVING YOU WITH A LITTLE JOY early detection saves lives
Self-exams are a critical first step. Visit joytolife.org to download a free shower card.
KNOW YOUR KNOCKERS.
No matter the size or shape of your melons, being familiar with your specific curves is key to good breast health. Be proactive and conduct regular self breast exams so you’ll know what your breast tissue feels like and be more likely to catch a change that could help you and your doctor detect breast cancer early, when it’s most curable.
When caught early, localized breast cancer has a five-year survival rate of more than 99-percent. Use these simple steps for your breast self-exam.
STEP 1:
In the shower, place one hand behind your head. Use finger pads (not fingertips) of left hand to examine your right breast.
STEP 2:
With the three middle fingers, apply three levels of pressure (light, then medium, then firm) in overlapping, dime-sized, circular motions to feel entire breast tissue, including underarm.
STEP 3:
Check for lumps or thickenings. Repeat exam on left breast, using finger pads of right hand.
Photography by Big Dreamz Creative
Breast Health Excellence backed by
Early detection matters. So does expert care before, during, and after your diagnosis.
At Baptist Health, we deliver the highest standard of care at every stage of your breast health journey. From initial mammograms and advanced imaging to surgical breast oncology and ongoing treatment, our patients benefit from a full continuum of expertise, backed by Central Alabama’s most trusted healthcare system. That care extends through our partnerships with the UAB Medicine Breast Health Clinic, offering specialized breast care by fellowship-trained providers right here at home, and the Montgomery Cancer Center, where patients receive advanced, coordinated cancer treatment in a supportive, patient-focused environment.
While a physician referral is required for mammograms, Baptist Health offers multiple convenient imaging locations throughout the River Region, so once you’re ready, care is close by. And should you need additional services following your mammogram, we’ll be with you every step of the way.
+ MONTGOMERY BREAST CENTER
+ BAPTIST BREAST HEALTH CENTER
+ PRATTVILLE IMAGING CENTER
+ UAB MEDICINE BREAST HEALTH CLINIC
+ MONTGOMERY CANCER CENTER
+ DRIVING HOPE MOBILE HEALTH CLINIC
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 334.747.HOPE OR VISIT
