Lark_McCarthy's Blog

Here's the amazing thing I've learned about giving to a worthy cause.  Whether it's your time or your money, you always get back more.  That's how I feel about the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  It was my privilege to help with their Man and Woman of the Year campaign in the mid 1990's.

I learned so much about the great progress being made in the treatment of blood cancers:  progress that continues to this day.   The people at the society approached their mission with such joy and hope.   The Leukemia and Lymphoma society has a full calendar of events, and chapters look for volunteers to share their expertise.

Think of your own circle of family and friends.  You probably  know a leukemia survivor.   Give thanks, and consider supporting this great work.

Let me extend my heartfelt congratulations to Allison Seymour, who has been named co-anchor of Fox Five Morning News from 7 to 9 a.m.   Allison brings so much to the broadcast, including her knowledge of  Washington;  her intellectual curiosity;  her warmth and humor;  her ability to connect.   She is a natural when it comes to broadcasting.   Ever since Allison arrived at Fox Five in 1999,  viewers I meet consistently ask me about Allison, extending their best wishes and asking whether she really is that nice.   She is that nice, and more.  And I must confess,  it was always a good day if a viewer confused me for Allison and asked about the girls.   Allison's three girls are fine because they have such a fabulous mom.   Allison reminded me today of a present I gave her when she got married.  A book by a friend of mine called, Too Blessed to Be Stressed.  It is a blessing in my life to be able to say, I worked with the very talented Allison Seymour. 

The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship has helped to change the dialogue about cancer.  A generation ago, it was the disease people shied away from discussing. Fear often outpaced hope.   Now we have come to a point where more and more people are openly discussing their experiences.  And most important,talking about living after a cancer diagnosis.  Two people who immediately come to mind are Tony Snow and Elizabeth Edwards.   It was my privilege to serve on the board of directors for NCCS.   My mother is a colon cancer survivor.  Let me encourage you to check with your doctor about when you should get a colonoscopy.  And for more information, and links to other resources, let me recommend the website for the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship:  canceradvocacy.org

It's been my privilege to work with a number of charities through the years and over the coming weeks, I'll be blogging about groups that mean a lot to me.   Today I'm delighted to talk about Best Friends and Best Men.

Elayne Bennett started Best Friends to give girls positive activities to attend, and a positive message about valuing yourself and setting goals and supporting your friends in making better choices.   A program for boys has been added in recent years, called Best Men.

Last Friday, the annual donor dinner was held.  My favorite part of the program is watching the young people with all of their energy and talent and optimism.   It's also fun to see people of ages out on the dance floor trying to recapture some youthful energy.

I will continue to be a Best Friends supporter.  I hope you consider Best Friends in your giving, either of your money or time.   

For more information:  bestfriendsfoundation.org

June 1st, 2007.

That is my last scheduled broadcast for Fox Five Morning News.

After nearly 17 years I have decided it is time.

Time to stop getting up at 3:45 a.m.

Time to take some time off,  and figure out what I want to do next.

Leaving is my decision.  Let my publicly thank our general manager, Duffy Dyer, and news director Katherine Green for their efforts to get me to stay.   And I thank them for allowing me to have a graceful exit from a place that has meant so much in my life.

I am a better journalist and a better person for having worked here.

It is not goodbye yet.    I look forward to my final  weeks.

Thank you for allowing me into your homes and your lives over the past 17 years.

Blogging provides a forum to give your views to a worldwide audience.  It's a communication tool used increasingly by everyday citizens, as well as corporate leaders and politicians.

What's your goal in blogging?  If it is just to vent.  Great tool.  But if you are trying to expose a problem or get answers,  better send that blog to the proper authorities or our assignment desk.  That is one of my concerns about blogging.   The illusion of doing something. 

I'm also concerned about the information collected.  Be sure to read the privacy policies of any organization before you sign on giving your personal information.

Blogging is a great opportunity.  But do consider the promise and the peril.

Veterans and their families have been complaining for months,  and in some cases years, about red tape; quality of care; and poor facilities at some military and V-A hospitals.  After eye opening reports by the Washington Post on conditions for outpatients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center , officials are now listening.  From Congress to the President to the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, long overdue accountability is now being demanded.   Maryland Rep. Chris Van Hollen appeared on Fox Five Morning News today to preview an important hearing at Walter Reed.   If you know a veteran who is not being properly served, this would be a good time to send written information to your Member of Congress, as well as to the top official at the facility involved.

Does your life still fit?   If you're ready for a change, but don't know how to take the first step, a new book by two local authors may be helpful.  The book is called Repotting:  10 Steps for Redesigning Your Life.  The authors take principles from gardening to help you figure out if it's time to rethink your life.    You know what happens to a plant that outgrows its container:  it  won't reach its full potential and may just wither and die.  That's the message from Ginger Pape and Diana Holman who appeared on Fox Five Morning News today.    Because of breaking news I didn't get to mention that the book also contains a list of resources to help with your repotting journey. 

If you didn't see it, I encourage you to go to abcnews.com and view Bob Woodruff's report that aired Tuesday night.  I salute Bob for sharing his personal journey.  But I am even more impressed by his important reporting on the plight of too many veterans.

This transcends corporate interests.  I hope you will watch Bob's report, and then write the Department of Veterans Affairs or your local Member of Congress and demand accurate reporting on the number and types of injuries from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.   And most important , please demand the care our veterans deserve for their service.   The right care.  Right now.    Speaking truth to power is more important than blogging to me.    But I do hope to hear  your comments.

Did you know that  the D.C Public School system offers Universal Free Breakfast to all students?  That's right all.  From the youngest,  all the way through high school.  No sign up.  No income test.

Just show up half an hour before classes.  The Director of DC Public Schools nutrition program appeared on Fox Five Morning News today to remind parents and guardians of this valuable service. 

If  you don't live in DC, do check with your local school district to find out about free and /or reduced cost programs.

The child who has a healthy breakfast is better prepared to learn.  And having that breakfast at school guarantees that child is on time.  So, no excuses.  It's a healthy and smart start to the day.