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• A rolling endeavor

• Coastal cleanup

• County park commission tours fire-torn Woodbridge Wilderness Area

• Theft suspect fails to show for hearing

• McNerney, Andal weigh in on Wall Street crisis

• Regional Roundup

November 21st, 2009

• Logbook

• Holiday drive spreads cheer to U.S. troops

• Galt High students want board to approve open-campus policy

• Poisoning victims remain hospitalized

• Expert: Half a mushroom cap can be deadly

• Tokay grad files claim over Lodi's Grape Bowl

• Lodi Middle School holds annual Turkey Trot

• Regional Roundup

• No motive or suspect in shooting

• Sacramento cop arrested for alleged kidnapping

November 20th, 2009

• Acampo woman killed

• Salvation Army Kettle Kickoff

• Advocacy groups sue East Bay Municipal Utility District over Pardee expansion

• Regional Roundup

• Galt plans to help residents with energy-efficient projects

• Stable southeast of Lodi approved

• One year after a heart attack, Lodi's Judy Mims thanks rescuers

• National Guard troops return home in time for the holidays

• Real estate market gets on more solid ground

November 19th, 2009

• Operation: Christmas

• Logbook

• Suspect arrested after hiding in fridge

• Chase ends in crash

• Galt Joint Union High School Distric hires new superintendent

• Sales tax hike yields dividends: 5 new officers join Galt Police

• Lodi Unified School District board votes to cancel summer school for 2010

• Water surges in Mokelumne River yield more salmon

• Lodi City Council will consider redevelopment next June

• Lodi City Council plans to cap number of taco trucks at 22

• Corrections

November 18th, 2009

• Regional Roundup

• Paranormal group conducts second investigation of building

• Congress allocates money for local water projects

• Sarah Palin's book hits the shelves: Locals react

• Lodi man finds wife's ashes during police display of stolen property

• Galt City Council rejects study on rent stabilization

November 17th, 2009

• Paying tribute to a Lodian

• Lodi Budget and Finance Committee to look into ways to save money on employee benefits

• Regional Roundup

• Decision on summer school expected at tonight's Lodi Unified School District meeting

• Clements gets free water rescue boat

• Redevelopment to be discussed by Lodi City Council again

• Court reinstates death penalty for killer of Lodi grad

• Clarification

November 16th, 2009

• Correction

• Public Meetings

• City Council 'triple-dog dared' to ditch cars, use Lodi buses

• Sierra Adventure store to close after four years in Downtown Lodi

• Lodi's First Sip event showcases area wineries' latest vintages

• Three members of Lodi-area family fall ill after eating poisonous mushrooms they reportedly found at Lodi Lake

• Regional Roundup

November 14th, 2009

• Galt school district narrows superintendent search to one

• Regional Roundup

• Despite budget cuts, some Lodi Unified School District salaries continue to rise

• Watchful neighbor in Lodi helped bust suspected burglars

• New Galt city manager juggles job, family

• Despite an increase in homeless students, school districts look to bolster enrollment, raise revenue

• A first look at 2009 vintages at Lodi's First Sip wine-tasting event

The following stories have received the most reader comments during the last 7 days.

• The country's mess is our fault (170)
• Obama is not a moderate (130)
• Sarah Palin's book hits the shelves: Locals react (73)
• Public health care is a Christian option (66)
• Lodi City Council plans to cap number of taco trucks at 22 (50)
• The haves should help the have-nots (30)
• Tokay in, traveling to unbeaten No. 3 Grant for football playoffs (25)
• Government-run health care is a bad idea (25)
• Young woman fatally shot at Acampo home (18)
• Sierra Adventure store to close after four years in Downtown Lodi (16)

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A helping hand

Foundation to provide financial aid for local breast cancer patients

Emily West's life was busy. A single mother of two, she kept herself going with her children's sports activities, church and her job in a mortgage office.

In 2005, a series of events unfolded. Life as she knew it was changed. A two-time cancer patient, the Lodi resident lost everything — her job, car and home.

"I hit rock bottom and it's been a constant struggle for me since. I've never been able to get out of the loop," she said.

Soon, there will be help for West. A new program, the Geweke Caring for Women Foundation, will use Pink October proceeds to help local breast cancer patients with their financial struggles. Proceeds in years past, approximately $45,000, have been given directly to the American Cancer Society. Kelly Higgs, chairperson for Pink October, said the money will help benefit local people and will target a more specific area of cancer.

"We will see tangible results of touching people's lives," she said. "We'll be able to see the looks on their faces and see relief."

West's story began at her new patient appointment at Kaiser. During her breast exam, the doctor felt something abnormal. West said she wasn't concerned but the doctor insisted they check it out. On July 17, just four weeks after losing her car and home, West was diagnosed with breast cancer. She knew, though, she had to take care of herself for her children.

"When I found out, I knew it was time to step on the brakes," she said.

With no other income coming in, West decided to get her real estate license.

Through all her treatments, she began selling real estate, only taking a few days off for chemotherapy sessions. After nearly four months of chemotherapy, radiation and a lumpectomy, West was told she was cancer-free.

"I was just so relieved," she said.

Two-and-a-half years later, she noticed a discoloration on the lumpectomy incision. She told the doctor she wanted a mammogram. Three weeks later, exactly three years after her first diagnosis, she was told it was cancer. She didn't let it discourage her. She believed God would help carry her through.

"I'm a very spiritual person and I just always believe there is a reason for everything," she said. "My motto is 'this too will pass.'"

West underwent a mastectomy and on Friday the 39-year-old was diagnosed as cancer-free. The money the foundation awards to West will help her get a vehicle so she can get back to work and go forward, she said. She then plans to obtain her broker's license.

"It's a jump-start. I think it's awesome that there's something like this," she said. "There is a definite need out there."

Higgs said their Yuba City affiliate began the program two years ago. Last year, aid was provided to 69 patients and $78,000 in grants were given. She said she is excited because it will help to relieve stress for the women, even if it's only for a month.

"That one month is just a big thing," agreed West. "The doctors say you need to have minimal stress."

The Foundation is partnering with the Ben Schaffer Cancer Institute, Delta Sierra Hematology, Woodbridge Medical Group, Community Medical Center, St. Joseph's Medical Center and the Hospice of San Joaquin, which will identify local breast cancer patients who are struggling financially. The women will have an opportunity to apply for a grant of up to $2,000. The funds will provide immediate assistance to help women pay needs such as medical expenses, transportation, mortgage, PG&E bills, funeral expenses and firewood to heat their home.

Pink October first began in 1997 as a challenge to Larry Geweke by Ford Motor Company. Higgs said it continues to grow.

"We couldn't do this without Larry Geweke's involvement and the generosity of his family," she said.

Now that West is clear of cancer, she hopes to help other women who have been in her shoes.

"I can't wait to give back," she said. "I want to be able to help other women and say it will be OK."