Regrets or Homesick?

When I moved to Los Angeles 10 years ago, it was to follow a dream. I took a huge risk in moving here, as did my family. It was the hardest thing I have ever done, outside of losing my parents. With my son graduating High School this year, it has made me think....what would have happened had we not moved and had stayed in NC? THAT has been a question on my mind for a long time. You see, I left my best friends in NC; sure, I have made great friends, even best friends here too, but the guilt of leaving my closest friends was HARD! Even harder was seeing my son leave his best friend behind. Life is different here, very hard, compared to NC. I work more, I am gone more, am I a good parent? Would Cameron be a different child in NC with different aspirations and goals? Did I make the right choice? All questions left to be answered and I may never know the answer. IF I do ever "make it" in LA as an actress and can truly LIVE here the way I could have lived in NC, then I may have perspective.
I've noticed that my friends call less, and I also call them less....because it just hurts. Sounds silly, but it is how I feel. I don't visit NC as often, because it hurts to go home. Maybe that is what Thomas Wolfe meant when he wrote "You can't go home again".
I am visiting NC this year, and hopefully it won't hurt too much, as I really miss everyone!

Most Important!

I am the Spokesperson for the David Law Firm and Lung Cancer Awareness. I have a national commercial airing right now, and you can view it at: www.calldavid.com
For those of you just getting to know me and just visiting my blog for the first time, I am an actress, advocate and mom! I work hard to balance it all, and it is difficult without a mom or dad myself. I lost my mom to Lung Cancer in 1996 and my dad shortly there after from, well, a broken heart. My parents were everything to me, and I am grateful to have had them, even if only a short while. I don't know what I would do without my husband, Tony, and my son, Cameron, as they keep me strong and support my efforts to make a difference, live my dream of being an actress and host. It is a daunting experience to say the least - to pursue a difficult dream - but not impossible. Every now and again you live the dream, if only a brief moment - that is what I am doing with the David Law Firm (DLF). The work they are doing to help others with Lung Cancer is amazing! When my mom was diagnosed, there wasn't anyone to help us, like the DLF (and boy, we sure could have used that help). I lost my mom in under 7 weeks and my dad less than 2 years later! Support and help is necessary during this time. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed, please visit www.calldavid.com for resources on where to go for help, guidance, help with bills, etc....don't be overwhelmed, as you are not alone.
Feel free to post here or on my facebook to share your story, because I am here to help.

Sorry I have been "absent" from blogging!

It has been a chaotic year, so I am sorry that I have been away from blogging. There is so much to write and I am going to do a weekly update newsletter, starting this weekend. For now, a quick update on my life!

What I have been up to:

Advocate Consultant for Lung Cancer Awareness and the David Law Firm. Trying to do what I can to help others in their fight against lung cancer. Please check out www.lung-cancer.com and, as always check out my favorite organization, www.nationallungcancerpartnership.org

Running again! I am committed to running again, and run a 10k or 15k each month, as I prepare for a Half Marathon this October and December!

Producing and Directing Mrs. California United States! In my 3rd year already and we are growing soooo fast! Please visit www.mrscaliforniaunitedstates.com

Acting - although slower than I like, I am with a great Manager and great commercial Agency, www.lauralichenmanagement.com and the House of Representatives. For booking or to see my reel (which needs to be updated!) go to - www.janicemcqueen.com

My son - Cameron is DRIVING!!! I cannot believe that he is 17 and has his own car now. Where did the time go?

That's all for now. I will update after my 15k this July 4th, then will keep you in the loop for lung cancer events, Mrs. CA stuff and well, just life!

Love ya! Janice

Oh so much to write!

Here, I was promising to be better about writing, but....as always I am doing too much! Update on Janice!

April 23-26th, I attended the National Lung Cancer Partnership's Advocacy Summit in Dallas, Texas! It was 4 days of Advocacy, Awareness, Learning, and Friendship. We learned how to better spread awareness, how to better spread our message of hope and healing, how to raise funds, and how to erase the stigma. My mom died of Lung Cancer 13 years ago, next week actually, and it still seems like yesterday. I lost my best friend and protector - the one person, along with my dad, that loved me no matter what! By losing my dad only 22 months later, I feel that the disease took his life too. I have worked for 13 years for this cause, because I see other friends with their mom and dads, I see children enjoying their grandparents, and it breaks my heart! I don't wish this on anyone and Nobody Deserves Lung Cancer!!!! I am honored to be part of NLCP and hope to be a force behind the change that is needed and the CURE that WILL happen.

NOW - May 16th, I am excited that Mrs. California United States is next weekend! May 16th at 7PM in Santa Monica, CA!! This is my first year as Director, and I am so excited to Direct and Produce this glamorous event! We have 8 wonderful women, great events planned, amazing sponsors, and fantastic volunteers. I hope that each of you can attend. Please visit www.mrscaliforniaunitedstates.net for all the information you need to order tickets, mapquest the location, VOTE for your favorite contestant or just look and think about entering next year (hint, hint!!!). Come join us!

More to come....AFTER May 16th!


Blessings,
Janice

Updates on the CA UNITED STATES Website!

Make sure to check out our Mrs. California United States website, as updates and sponsors are added every week! We have recently added to our prize package, our sponsors and I have extended the deadline for entry fee payment! This year's pageant will be spectacular, as we have over $10,000 in prizes, a 4 STAR Hotel, TV coverage, and 3 Celebrities will be judging! Attending will be a former Miss USA, former Runner-Up to Miss America, a Model and Actress from Deal or No Deal, PLUS we have MIss America's "Countdown to the Crown" Noah Alexander!
Total cost to enter is only $595, which includes entry fee, AD page, local Mrs. Titleholder sash, breakfast each day for the contestants, rehearsal dinner for Contestant's and their husbands, pageant ticket for husband, PLUS gifts from our Sponsors for everyone! Please join us May 16th at 7PM at the newly renovated Simkins Hall in gorgeous Santa Monica, California, only blocks from the Ocean!
Get ready to walk the Red Carpet and make your debut as California's most beautiful and intelligent women!!!

PLEASE VISIT:
www.mrscaliforniaunitedstates.net

To health and eating your vegetables!!!

I know that I don't write much on my blog these days, but that will change, I promise. I wanted to briefly send everyone a link to a great VEGAN website and Podcast. Most who know me, know I am a Vegan. I began 5 years as of April 1st to keep myself healthy, to live the way God intended, and to be compassionate toward animals! My husband, Tony, is also Vegan, and our son, Cameron is Vegetarian (by his own choice, of course).
I know there are many "nay-sayers" out there, but PLEASE look at the website and listen to the podcast, as I am sure you can understand the logic that Heart Disease is linked to animal fat, diet, and unhealthy lifestyle choices; Cancer is linked to unhealthy lifestyle habits as well. When I lost my mom and dad to these lifestyle diseases, it made me read, listen, be open-minded to changing MY choices. It's not about being thin...it is about being healthy! I hope that you will take something helpful from either site, as there are great recipes too!
Diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle!

Visit: www.compassionatecooks.com

Podcast Link: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?i=47365287&id=147907532

Mrs. California United States Pageant, Executive Director

Well, I am once again trying new things! I accepted the responsibility of Executive Director/Producer of the Mrs. CA United States Pageant, officially about 2 months ago. As a former Mrs. United States, I truly believe in this system and feel that it celebrates married women. We can be involved with a platform, with our family and community - yet maintain a beauty, a "sexiness" that is carried with us throughout our lifetime, no matter what age! Combining beauty and brains, and adding maturity, allows us to be even more charismatic and powerful with each decade. I am excited to take on this new challenge, and although I may not have as much time to BLOG, please keep in contact (add me as a friend) through my facebook, myspace or by visiting www.mrscaliforniaunitedstates.net or www.janicemcqueen.com
Also, I am happy to announce that my state pageant will be featured in the upcoming edition of SuperModels Unlimited, link to the ad:
http://www.mrscaliforniaunitedstates.net/supermodels_unlimited_ad

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and the loss of a loved one...

Sorry it has been so long since my last post. This blog is meant to document volunteerism, but this has not been a good year, thus hard to post on a regular basis and equally hard to always be positive and uplifting, so please understand my need to just state fact.
I just attended the funeral of my father-in-law, Jack Ward. On May 14th, I was in Washington, DC, volunteering as a Lobbyist for Lung Cancer Awareness, when I got the call about my father-in-law. He had just been diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer, on the anniversary of my mother's death, YES - how is that for ironic! I know the pain my husband, Tony, is suffering and it isn't easy to lose a loved one this way.
When I told someone, they said something odd - "well, you have another cause now!" An odd thing to say, and yes I have another reason to reach out and help others, and yes, 1 in 3 people are directly affected by cancer. SO, why have I been touched by cancer so much? - with my mom, my father-in-law, my aunt, my great uncle to name a few, and I have watched both my parents die as I held their hand. I don't know why I have been touched more by this dreadful disease, but my quest is to find the answer to that question, and to do anything and everything I can to help raise awareness, funding and education along the way.
Please visit www.nationallungcancerpartnership.org or www.lungcanceralliance,org to see how you can help; also visit the American Cancer Society. thanks for allowing me to share. blessings!

Huge News for Lung Cancer Awareness!!!

IT IS OFFICIAL: $2O MILLION FOR NEW LUNG CANCER RESEARCH NOW LAW
President Signs Government Funding Bill -- Includes top LCA priority

WASHINGTON, D.C. [September 30, 2008]--Tonight, the President signed into law funding for fiscal year 2009. Included in this omnibus measure is money to fund the Department of Defense and a new $20 million Lung Cancer Research Program.

Lung Cancer Alliance President and CEO Laurie Fenton-Ambrose called the new program “a turning point for lung cancer.”

“This is the breakthrough we have all been working so hard for – our advocates, patients and their families, our staff and our Board,” she said.

Fenton-Ambrose credited the chairmen of the House and Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittees for their support and commitment to the new lung cancer research program.

The legislation notes that lung cancer is the most lethal of all cancers, taking more lives each year than all other major cancers combined and that military personnel have heightened exposure to lung cancer carcinogens.

“Priority should be given to the development of the integrated components to identify, treat and manage early curable lung cancer”, it states.

The bill requires the Army to provide a plan for how the funds will be spent and submit that plan to Congress within 120 days.

www.lungcanceralliance.org

From Joel Osteen...

The daily inspirations from Joel Osteen really keep me upbeat and focused. Nothing worth having is easy, and as I strive each day to reach for the stars, I can get frustrated and overwhelmed with the rejection and difficulty in life, especially as an actress. There was a time in my life that I felt as if I could do anything! I long for that feeling again, but I know that anything and everything that I have and do is because of God. I am blessed.

from Joel Osteen's Daily Inspirations - "Today's Word"

“Set your hope wholly and unchangeably on the grace (divine favor) that is coming to you when Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is revealed” (I Peter 1:13).

Is your hope set on God’s divine favor in your life today? One translation of this verse says, “Look forward to more and more of God’s favor.” That’s God’s dream—to pour out His goodness and grace upon you. He wants to help you get ahead in this life. He wants to lead you to the right job. He wants to lead you to the right relationship. But here’s the key: we have to be on the lookout for more of God’s favor. That tells me that we can’t get stagnant.

Don’t ever think that you can’t rise any higher. God wants to do more than you can even ask or think. It says in Ephesians, He wants to show us the immeasurable, limitless, surpassing greatness of His free favor. In other words, God wants to go far and above what we’re used to! He wants to show you favor in unusual and extraordinary ways. Set your hopes higher today. Increase your expectations of what God will do in your life. As you open your heart and mind to His unlimited favor, you will experience the abundance He has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for your increase in every area of my life today. I choose to set my hope in You knowing that You want to do more in my life than I can ever imagine. Teach me to be a vessel used by You today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Been a long time....

But I am finally updating my blog! My husband, Tony, is home after almost 4 months! His dad is stable, so keep him in your prayers. Tony is going back to England at Christmas time.
On August 3rd, I Hosted the Free to Breathe event in Los Angeles. While small, we are growing and growing. Your continued support of Lung Cancer Awareness initiatives and smoking cessation campaigns really help. Thanks to those who donate. If you wish to donate, please contact me for the link. Meanwhile, I will try to be better at updating on a weekly basis!

My father-in-law 's cancer update...

My father-in-law's pancreatic cancer is stable. My adoring husband, Tony, has been attending to his mom and dad for the past 3 plus months (in England) -making sure they eat healthy (we are Vegan and eat mostly raw food), and helping with doctor appointments, etc... My father-in-law, Jack, went through chemotherapy and he just had a CT scan. As you know, pancreatic cancer is one of the tough ones....terminal with 4-6 months to live! He is now at the 4 month mark and is doing better than ever! We are so happy, as it is important that he has a quality of life that keeps him happy, joyful and faithful. Prayer really works, so please keep praying for my family.
Blessings, Janice

Janice in the News! "Turning Tragedy into Advocacy"

Here is one of the recent articles written about my work as an Advocate. I am working to get more coverage for NLCP's Free to Breathe Events before November, National Lung Cancer Awareness Month!

Go to: http://www.smdp.com/site/archives/072808.pdf

OR click on the title of this post to be directed to the article! Thanks!

Los Angeles Free to Breathe 5K

Please help sponsor me for the Free to Breathe Race/Walk for Lung Cancer Awareness. In this tough economical year, any amount will be helpful. Thanks!
Go to:
http://www.firstgiving.com/janicemcqueenward

A time for reflection...

I have been through a lot as of late. I competed at Mrs. International July 17-19, and I did NOT give my very best. Before I left for the national pageant, not only did my custom Sherri Hill gown not come in - stuck in customs (which is the single most stressful thing to happen before a pageant), my hair and makeup person cancelled on me last minute! But I am a strong woman, so I got a gown at the last minute, a hair and makeup person at the last minute, and hoped I would still be able to do my best....well...
I am sharing this with each of you because of the real need to reach out. My father-in-law was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer about 1 month before the pageant. He was given 4-6 months to live. My dear husband, Tony, is in England now, taking care of his dad; he left as soon as he heard. I am visiting next week for 10 days, and my son, Cameron, is staying a month there...as it may be the last time we see Grandpa Jack. My family has been struck by cancer so much - my mom, my aunt, my great uncle, my husband's grandma and now his dad.
These experiences have left me...sad....questioning life, and my purpose in this life. My blog is a tribute to my mom and dad, but I also want to reach out to each of you to pray for my husband's family, for my family, for all that suffer from cancer. Be thankful for health, love, and each other.
God Bless,
Janice

Huge News for Lung Cancer Awareness!

This is from the LCA website and I wanted to share with everyone. Please visit the site, or contact me to receive talking points to sent to your local Representative or Senator. We need every Senator's support and co-sponsorship on this matter. Lung Cancer kills twice as many women than breast cancer and is the second leading cause of death in women, 2nd to heart disease.

LUNG CANCER ALLIANCE HAILS LANDMARK LEGISLATION
Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act Introduced in US Senate


Washington, D.C. - Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) hailed the introduction of legislation that creates the first ever multi-agency, comprehensive program targeted at lung cancer and authorizes $75 million to start the first phase of the five year program to reduce lung cancer mortality.

“This is the turning point,” said Laurie Fenton Ambrose, LCA President & CEO in thanking Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) for co-sponsoring the historic legislation, the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act of 2008 (.pdf).

Last year both senators authored a policy resolution stating that lung cancer must be treated as a public health priority and addressed with a comprehensive program of research, better treatments and earlier detection in order to reduce its mortality rate by 50% by 2015.

That resolution, which established Senate policy on lung cancer, was passed unanimously last year. The bill introduced today builds on that resolution by establishing the comprehensive program under law and authorizing funding.

Senator Hagel, a Senate leader on lung cancer issues since 2003, said: “The federal government should implement a comprehensive policy to help reduce the mortality rate of lung cancer, which accounts for 28% of all cancer deaths in men and women in the United States.”

“We have seen great advancements in prostate and breast cancer survival rates and we must commit ourselves to making the same progress with lung cancer,” he continued. “We must bring people together and have the resources to fight this insidious disease.”

Senator Feinstein, co-chair of the Senate Cancer Caucus and a strong proponent of increased lung cancer research, said: “It’s time for the federal government to step up its efforts and make fighting lung cancer a national priority.”

“Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women, but efforts to fund research and innovative new drug therapies have been shortchanged when compared to other cancers. This bill would boost funding and expand research into the causes and treatment of this deadly scourge," she said.

The new bill cites the impact of lung cancer which kills more people each year than breast, prostate, colon, kidney, melanoma and liver cancer--combined.

The Secretaries of Health and Human Services, Defense and Veterans Affairs are required to put together the comprehensive, coordinated plan with funding authorized for five years to accomplish the mortality reduction goal.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is required to review its funding priorities in order to meet the lung cancer mortality reduction goal and more national institutes are called on directly to take part, including the National Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood, the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering and the National Institute for Environmental Health

“Anyone who has researched lung cancer knows that as important as tobacco cessation is, that alone will not eliminate lung cancer," said Fenton Ambrose.

She pointed out that 50% of new cases are former smokers and an additional 10 to 15% have never smoked.

One in five women now being diagnosed with lung cancer have never smoked.

LCA Board Chairman, Rear Admiral Phillip J. Coady, USN (Ret.), a non-smoker diagnosed with lung cancer three years ago, called the Feinstein-Hagel bill “the most important legislation ever for lung cancer.”

“This bill defines the goal – a 50% mortality rate reduction by 2015 – and gives the agencies the authority they need to get it done,” he said.

To insure accountability, the bill requires an annual report to Congress and creates an oversight board composed of the three Cabinet Secretaries and representatives from the fields of lung cancer treatment, research and advocacy.

“We are deeply grateful to Senator Feinstein and Senator Hagel,” said Admiral Coady, speaking on behalf of the Board of LCA.

“They have been the leaders in bringing congressional and national attention to lung cancer and what needs to be done,” he said.

“Bottom line,” Adm. Coady added, “it will be up to all of us now who have been affected by lung cancer, our families and friends, our caregivers, doctors, nurses and researchers to get this legislation passed into law and fully funded and make certain that the agencies stay focused on the goal.”

In addition, the bill directs the Secretaries of Department of Defense (DOD) and Veterans’ Affairs (VA) to implement an early detection and disease management program for military personnel who are at high risk for lung cancer because of smoking or exposure to carcinogens during active duty.

The bill also:

Authorizes the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to create a new Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction drug program with incentives for new treatments, targeted therapies, vaccines and chemoprevention drugs for precancerous conditions.
Requires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to carry out an early disease research program targeted at the high incidence and mortality rates among minority and low-income populations.

The bill includes specific authorizations of $75,000,000 for certain NIH agencies in FY09 and authorizes such additional sums as may be necessary for all the cited agencies to accomplish the goal for FY 2009 through FY2013.

Stand Up to Cancer!

www.funnyordie.com/videos/d346d33656

Cancer is not a laughing matter, especially not Lung Cancer. I received this link to a Larry David comedy bit for "Stand Up to Cancer", which comically addresses why cancer needs to be ended! Copy and paste to view. It is well worth the view.
I thought I would share, as his main idea is one we all should share - STRIVING TO END CANCER!

Stand Up to Cancer will be aired on all major channels on September 5th at 8pm. Please click on the link to the right under my picture to see how you can view, donate, get involved and make a difference. Thanks!

In honor of my dad, Neil McQueen, a Veteran and a wonderful, generous man - Happy 4th of July! God Bless!

Senator Boxer to be National Sponsor and to write Bill for Lung Cancer Funding!

As I mentioned before, my trip to Washington, DC was amazing! Senator Boxer will sponsor and write the bill for National Lung Cancer Funding! I will keep you in the loop as I work with Lung Cancer Alliance to make this happen soon!
This picture is from my visit to DC on May 14th to speak with Congress and Senate face-to-face! Wow, what an incredible experience!

"Judge the day not by the harvest we reap, but by the seeds we plant"

Here are a few more photos from my busy, busy week. After attending the NLCP Advocacy Summit and the Governor's office, I traveled up to Gary, IN to sing the National Anthem at the Gary RailCats baseball game, Gary vs. Fargo. What fun! Then onward to Hammond, IN, where I sang and spoke at the Sisters in Song Charity on May 31st. I met so many wonderful women, many touched by Lung Cancer. I was able to share my message, and my mom's story. I spoke for those who can't, for those whose lives have been taken prematurely by cancer. I dedicated the song, "My Tribute" to the men and women who have died fighting lung cancer, to my mom and dad, and to those fighting for LIFE, funding, research and treatment! Believe that it will happen, believe that the seeds we plant today will result in bountiful harvest tomorrow, believe in HOPE.

Busy, busy, busy!

I just got home from Chicago where I attended the Lung Cancer Advocacy Summit, met with Indiana's Governor Mitch Daniels, and spoke at the Sisters in Song Charity for Women in Business. Whew! I have more photos coming, but here are a few to share with you.
At National Lung Cancer Partnership's Advocacy Summit, May 27-29, I met survivors and caregivers, like myself, that are advocating for lung cancer prevention and hope. It was an inspirational time, filled with stories, tears, and hope! HOPE - a powerful feeling and message. NLCP hosted the event, and leaders from the Lung Cancer community were in attendance.
I worked alongside the President of NLCP, Dr. Joan Schiller, as a volunteer, advocate and committee member. On the 29th, I met with Laurie Fenton Ambrose, President of Lung Cancer Alliance; we are working together on a Bill for Lung Cancer Research Funding, sponsored by Senator Barbara Boxer and Senator Chuck Hagel. I am excited to be part of this movement, and to have initiated Sen. Boxer's interest.
On Friday the 29th. I met with Governor Daniels and his Health Director, Ellen Witt. His administration is very supportive of National Lung Cancer Awareness Month and of ways we can increase funding in the state of Indiana!
More to come...