MY LIFE Matters - Spring 2022 - 30

Wellness & Nutrition
A SURVIVOR'S STORY
How Ramen Saved My Life
A bowl of
Steve's weekly
Ramen
Later I would realize that it was because
I wanted to escape. I wanted to see a world
I had never known and might never get
to know. I would lay in my bed wanting
to visit these places and try these foods.
There was one show that stood out and it
was Anthony Bourdain's: No Reservations.
Bourdain would travel to these incredible
places that I never thought of visiting.
He would eat food with strangers and
be completely happy doing so. Whenever
he would travel to countries in Asia one
could usually bet he would find an incredibly
tasty bowl of noodles. In Vietnam he
found the Lunch Lady. This incredible
woman makes these ethereal broths that
attract people from all over Ho Chi Minh
City. It appeared that everyone eating her
soup was happy, as if the problems of the
day had just vanished. It reminded me of
being a little kid again and eating my
mom's soup. I saw on their faces what I
felt as a child. I needed to find that feeling
again. It would take me 12 years, but
I would reach my goal.
Two years ago, my mother and I were in
W
30
hat do you recall from your childhood? What memories stick in your
mind? Is it playing with your friends? Is it birthdays or family vacations?
For me, there is truly one thing that sticks in my mind. My mom's
Avgolemono soup. For those of you who aren't Greek, or are unfamiliar
with Greek cooking, it is chicken and egg lemon soup. Ever since I was a
little kid, I remember my mom making it. I don't recall her making it for special occasions,
but it was something very special to me. I was a very picky eater growing up. I am pretty
sure my diet consisted of hard salami, slices of American cheese, Goldfish crackers, and
my mother's homemade pasta sauce.
In case you don't know, that is not a balanced and healthy diet. My poor mother,
try as she might, really struggled to get me to eat other foods. It was by no means her
fault. I do recall always liking one dish, it was her Avgolemono soup. I could also tell
my family really enjoyed it too. Whenever we were eating it there was just silence.
This was quite a feat for our family, between my brothers and I, our house was never
quiet. So, for there to have been utter silence, there must have been something incredible
going on. It was my mom's Avgolemono soup.
It wasn't until after my first cancer diagnosis that my taste for food really expanded.
I would watch hours of the Food Network and the Travel Channel. At the time
I was never quite sure why I watched these channels. All I was doing was torturing
myself. Most times I couldn't eat or drink and all I wanted to do was throw up. Yet
there I was watching the Food Network and the Travel Channel.
MY LIFE MATTERS
SPRING 2022
Washington, DC for the Childhood Cancer
Walk on the Mall. For one of our meals
I insisted that we go to Momofuku, one of
Dave Chengs' restaurants. The only seats
were at the bar. I started up a conversation
with the bartender. I asked him many
questions as I was very interested in the
restaurant. It wasn't until we were ready
to leave when I realized ramen wasn't on
the menu, so I asked the bartender. He told
me that it was a special and that he had
already mentioned that to me. I realized
that due to my exhaustion and sadness
from the day's events I didn't hear the specials.
I was so mad at myself. I have been
watching and reading about Dave Cheng
since I was first diagnosed. I dreamed of
trying the true ramen! I immediately told
my mom that we had to come back again
tomorrow. Thankfully she loved the food
as well, so it was not hard to convince her.
The next night we sat in the exact same
seat, and knew exactly what to order, the
Photos by Steve Giallourakis

MY LIFE Matters - Spring 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of MY LIFE Matters - Spring 2022

Contents
MY LIFE Matters - Spring 2022 - Cover1
MY LIFE Matters - Spring 2022 - 2
MY LIFE Matters - Spring 2022 - 3
MY LIFE Matters - Spring 2022 - Contents
MY LIFE Matters - Spring 2022 - 5
MY LIFE Matters - Spring 2022 - 6
MY LIFE Matters - Spring 2022 - 7
MY LIFE Matters - Spring 2022 - 8
MY LIFE Matters - Spring 2022 - 9
MY LIFE Matters - Spring 2022 - 10
MY LIFE Matters - Spring 2022 - 11
MY LIFE Matters - Spring 2022 - 12
MY LIFE Matters - Spring 2022 - 13
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MY LIFE Matters - Spring 2022 - 17
MY LIFE Matters - Spring 2022 - 18
MY LIFE Matters - Spring 2022 - 19
MY LIFE Matters - Spring 2022 - 20
MY LIFE Matters - Spring 2022 - 21
MY LIFE Matters - Spring 2022 - 22
MY LIFE Matters - Spring 2022 - 23
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MY LIFE Matters - Spring 2022 - 25
MY LIFE Matters - Spring 2022 - 26
MY LIFE Matters - Spring 2022 - 27
MY LIFE Matters - Spring 2022 - 28
MY LIFE Matters - Spring 2022 - 29
MY LIFE Matters - Spring 2022 - 30
MY LIFE Matters - Spring 2022 - 31
MY LIFE Matters - Spring 2022 - Cover4
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