Cat saves owner’s life
Published: September 25, 2006
Many people believe that animals - especially household pets - can predict natural disasters or forewarn their owners of imminent seizures or illness. Given that we have seen a spate or recent studies related to this phenomenon, is it too farfetched to believe that pets might be able to predict the onset of an illness prior to diagnosis? For Littleton residents Lynda and Steve Larsen, such a possibility is plausible, especially since their cat was instrumental in pinpointing Lynda’s breast cancer.
While relaxing in bed one Sunday morning, Lynda’s cat began kneading her left breast insistently. Unbeknownst to Lynda, the exact placement of her cat’s affection was a cancerous tumor. “Call it luck, providence - whatever you like - but my cat made me more aware,” says Lynda. “I probably wouldn’t even have noticed the area. But because of him, I cook a closer look and discovered a lump. I called my doctor immediately.”
Within days, Lynda was diagnosed with breast cancer and had undergone surgery in both breasts. The night before Lynda’s surgery, Steve posed a question that would lead the couple on a journey of self-discovery. At first blush, the question, “Why do people die from this?” seems simple. But as the couple discovered, there are a combination of reasons for the mortality rate — little or no health insurance, putting off diagnosis or treatment, and the lack of a reliable support system. Quite often, once these women are diagnosed with cancer, they are forced to deal with the tragedy, financially and emotionally, alone. Lynda and Steve decided that this was unacceptable, and determined to do something to help those less fortunate. Lynda says, “I could focus on helping others or being a victim. The choice was mine.”
As owners of Café Cartago - a specialty coffee company in Denver that sells to wholesale and retail buyers - the couple decided to do what they do best and create a blend of coffee and then offer it to not-for-profits to raise money to support women who are financially burdened by breast cancer. And so, Bald Lady Coffee was born. “As women we try to help everyone else. I learned during my diagnosis and treatment that we really need to let ourselves be helped when we’re at our weakest, and allow help and accept it from those who want to give it,” says Lynda. She found the ability to continue due to the caregivers around her, and has chosen to pay her good fortune forward, which in turn has provided Lynda with a mission in life. ” Bald Lady Coffee gave me a focus on what I can to do help others. It’s something I live and strive for,” Lynda says.
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