Govind Sandhu, the head of TikTok Australia’s Global Music Partnerships, announced his battle with stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma last month at the age of 38. Sandhu shared the devastating news with his followers on Instagram on June 11th, sparking an outpouring of support and concern.

Sandhu’s journey with cancer began unexpectedly. Known for his healthy and active lifestyle, the diagnosis came as a shock. “I’m 38 years old and I’ve been diagnosed with stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. What the hell,” Sandhu expressed in a follow-up video on June 23rd. He reflected on the irony of his situation, given his commitment to fitness, including crossfitting, running ultramarathons and marathons, and optimizing his sleep, recovery, and nutrition. Just before his diagnosis, he had completed the Sydney half marathon and was training for the Gold Coast Marathon.

 

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Symptoms and Diagnosis

Sandhu first noticed something was wrong the day after the half marathon. He experienced severe flu-like symptoms, particularly intense body aches from his neck down to his shoulder, and wild body sweats that would drench him during the night. These alarming symptoms prompted him to visit a GP the next day, leading to his cancer diagnosis.

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, part of the body’s immune system. Unlike Hodgkin’s lymphoma, NHL can occur in various types of white blood cells called lymphocytes, which can develop in different parts of the body. NHL is classified based on the cell type involved and how the cancer behaves, including its growth rate.

Cancer in Younger Adults

Cancer in younger adults, like Sandhu, presents unique challenges. Although cancer is less common in younger people, the impact can be profound, affecting their personal and professional lives significantly. Younger adults often face aggressive forms of cancer and may require more intensive treatment. However, their bodies are usually more resilient, which can aid in enduring rigorous treatments like chemotherapy.

Govind Sandhu’s Battle and Outlook

Sandhu has been candid about his battle, sharing updates on social media to keep his followers informed and perhaps to inspire others facing similar challenges. He is set to undergo six intense rounds of chemotherapy. Despite the grim diagnosis, Sandhu remains determined. “Plan for the worst, hope for the best, but things can change daily. So, for me, it’s about taking it day by day, taking it step by step, and controlling what I can in terms of movement, nutrition, diet, and doing what I can to stave off this absolute monster of a disease,” he said.

 

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Sandhu’s story is a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of resilience and hope. His journey through this formidable challenge continues to inspire many, highlighting the crucial balance of mental and physical strength in the face of adversity.

In recent years, a significant shift has emerged in how Americans approach vacation time and personal time off (PTO). The concept of “Quiet Vacationing” is gaining traction, reflecting a broader trend of employees choosing to forgo traditional vacations in favor of subtler, less disruptive breaks. This phenomenon is tied closely to the alarming statistic that up to 78% of Americans are not fully utilizing their PTO. This article explores the reasons behind this growing trend, its implications, and what it means for the workforce and employers alike.

What is “Quiet Vacationing”?

“Quiet Vacationing” refers to the practice of taking time off in a manner that minimizes disruption to work and avoids drawing attention to one’s absence. Instead of taking extended vacations, employees might opt for shorter, more frequent breaks or even use their PTO to handle personal errands and responsibilities while remaining available for work-related communications.

This approach contrasts sharply with traditional vacationing, where employees would disconnect entirely from work for a week or more. Quiet Vacationing allows individuals to take time off without the stress of returning to a mountain of work or feeling guilty about leaving colleagues to handle their responsibilities.

The Growing Trend of Not Using PTO

The phenomenon of Quiet Vacationing is closely linked to the broader issue of Americans not using their PTO. A startling 78% of employees reportedly do not use all of their allotted vacation time each year. Several factors contribute to this trend:

1. Workplace Culture and Expectations

Many workplaces in the United States foster a culture that implicitly discourages taking time off. Employees may feel pressured to be constantly available and productive, fearing that taking a break could negatively impact their careers. This culture of presenteeism – being physically present at work but not necessarily productive – can create an environment where taking time off is viewed as a lack of commitment or dedication.

2. Fear of Job Insecurity

In a competitive job market, employees often worry about job security. They may fear that taking extended time off could make them appear less valuable or replaceable. This concern is particularly prevalent in industries with high turnover rates or where layoffs are common.

3. Increased Workload

Many employees face heavy workloads that make taking time off seem impractical. The prospect of returning to a backlog of work can be daunting, leading individuals to forgo vacations altogether. Additionally, some employees may feel that no one else can adequately cover their responsibilities in their absence.

The stage is set, and the excitement is palpable as the USA Gymnastics Team heads to Paris for the 2024 Olympics. Leading the charge is Simone Biles, accompanied by fellow Olympians Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, and Jade Carey, along with newcomer Hezly Rivera. Together, these five incredible women represent the epitome of dedication, resilience, and athletic prowess. Here’s a closer look at each gymnast and their inspiring journeys to the Paris Olympics.

1. Simone Biles: The Comeback Queen

Simone Biles, a name synonymous with excellence in gymnastics, has been a trailblazer in the sport. Born on March 14, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio, Biles quickly rose to prominence with her extraordinary talent and work ethic. She is the most decorated gymnast of all time, with a combined total of 32 Olympic and World Championship medals.

Journey to Paris: Simone’s path to the Paris Olympics is one of redemption and resilience. After withdrawing from several events in the Tokyo Olympics due to mental health struggles, particularly the “twisties,” Simone has made a triumphant return. She gradually increased her training, from once a week to a full schedule, while working closely with a therapist. Now, she’s back and better than ever, ready to reclaim her spot at the top of the gymnastics world.

2. Suni Lee: The Fighter

Sunisa “Suni” Lee, born on March 9, 2003, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, captured hearts worldwide when she won the all-around gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Suni, the first Hmong American gymnast to compete in the Olympics, has faced numerous challenges throughout her career but has always emerged stronger.

Journey to Paris: Suni’s journey to Paris has been marked by incredible perseverance. After winning gold in Tokyo, she battled two types of kidney disease, making her return to elite gymnastics even more impressive. Her tears of joy at the U.S. Olympic Trials were a testament to her hard-fought comeback. Supported by her family and fans, Suni is ready to shine once more on the world stage.

3. Jordan Chiles: The Light

Jordan Chiles, born on April 15, 2001, in Tualatin, Oregon, is known for her vibrant energy and captivating performances. She made her Olympic debut in Tokyo, contributing significantly to the team’s success.

Journey to Paris: Jordan’s journey is a story of overcoming adversity. Despite facing struggles, she has buried her doubts and emerged stronger and more confident. Her joy and infectious spirit on the floor have made her a fan favorite. Jordan aims to bring the same light and energy to Paris, hoping for a golden outcome.

In a move that has sparked widespread debate, Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters has announced that the Christian Bible will now be a required part of the curriculum in all public schools across the state. Additionally, each classroom will be mandated to have a physical Bible present.

The Announcement

Superintendent Walters made the announcement on Thursday, emphasizing the importance of the Bible as a historical document. “We’re going to make an important announcement today regarding the Bible and the Ten Commandments,” Walters stated. He explained that his staff had reviewed Oklahoma statutes and academic standards, concluding that the Bible is essential for understanding the history of the United States, Western Civilization, and the foundations of the country’s legal system.

Historical Significance

Walters elaborated on the Bible’s influence throughout American history, referencing its role in significant documents and movements. He mentioned the Federalist Papers, constitutional debates, and the Civil Rights Movement led by Martin Luther King Jr., all of which, according to Walters, drew heavily from biblical principles.

“We also find major points in history that refer to the Bible,” Walters continued. “We see multiple figures whether we’re talking about the Federalist Papers, constitutional conventional arguments, and Martin Luther King Jr. who used it as a tremendous impetus for the Civil Rights Movement and tied many of those arguments back to the Bible.”

Curriculum Requirements

To ensure compliance, Walters outlined a clear directive: every public school classroom in Oklahoma must have a Bible, and instruction from the Bible will be integrated into the curriculum, particularly for students in grades 5-12. “It is essential that our kids have an understanding of the Bible and its historical context,” he emphasized.

Walters defended this requirement by stating, “The Bible is an indispensable historical and cultural touchstone. Without basic knowledge of it, Oklahoma students are unable to properly contextualize the foundation of our nation which is why Oklahoma educational standards provide for its instruction.”

In the digital age, platforms like TikTok have become powerful tools for storytelling and advocacy. One of the most compelling stories to emerge is that of Brittany Bee, a child marriage survivor who uses her platform to share her harrowing experience and advocate for change. Her journey from a vulnerable teenager trapped in an abusive marriage to a vocal advocate for child marriage reform is both inspiring and deeply moving.

Brittany Bee: Early Life and Abuse

Brittany Bee’s ordeal began at the tender age of 13. Growing up in a patriarchal society in Utah, she found herself emotionally vulnerable and unable to seek help from her parents, particularly her father. “It wasn’t a safe place to come to him and say, ‘Hey, you know these men have come into my life and they’ve made me do things that I’m ashamed of,'” Brittany recalls. Her early years were marred by abuse from an adult man who groomed her, leading to an escalation of abuse when she crossed state lines with him.

The authorities eventually returned Brittany to her family, but instead of receiving protection, she was forced into marriage. “He showed up weeks later and had a conversation with my father. They went out to dinner, and they came home and said, ‘Brittany, you’re getting married.'” At just 17, Brittany was married to her abuser, an adult man who had manipulated, groomed, and abused her for years.

Life in an Abusive Marriage

Brittany’s marriage was a continuation of the abuse she had endured as a teenager. Her husband was physically, emotionally, and psychologically abusive. “He started throwing his hands, slapping, and hitting me. One time, he even unbuckled me and shoved me out of a moving car,” she recounts. Trapped in a cycle of violence with no support, Brittany faced a grim reality.

She had nowhere to go. “When I got back to the apartment, he had locked me out and packed a bag on the doorstep. That was my first indication of the reality of the situation I was in,” she explains. The lack of support from her family and the legal constraints made it nearly impossible for her to escape.

The Struggle for Freedom

Escaping from a forced marriage is a daunting task, especially for minors. Under the age of 18, leaving home often labels them as runaways, and legal actions such as filing for divorce are not options. This legal limbo traps many young girls in abusive marriages. “This is why the United Nations considers all marriage before age 18 to be forced, because minors do not have the rights of adulthood to say no to marriage and cannot give full, free consent,” Brittany explains.

At 18, Brittany managed to escape her abusive marriage, but her journey to freedom was fraught with challenges. She left in the middle of the night and found herself homeless. “I called my mom, but she wasn’t willing to take me in. I called my grandparents, and they said they didn’t have space but could loan me some money.” Using the borrowed money, she bought a car where she slept until she could find stability.

Movies like The Sandlot and Hook are fun to watch, but we don’t normally think of them as educational videos that can save a person’s life. But for 46-year-old dad, Brad Hassig, these movies are one reason he’s still alive today after he became unconscious last month in his backyard pool. At the time, his sons and their friend were nearby, and when the boys noticed something was wrong, these 10-year-old twins saved their dad from drowning, along with the help of their neighborhood friend. These brave boys used CPR techniques they’d seen on some of their favorite movies.

The Story of How the Twins Saved Their Dad

The Mountain Brook, Alabama family was spending time in their backyard pool like many other days. As Brad Hassig, a chiropractor by day, was doing breathing exercises in the pool, his 10-year-old sons, Bridon and Christian, played nearby with their friend, Sam Ebert, 11. Hassig’s wife and the boys’ mother was at work at the time. The breathing exercises were something Hassig had done many times before.

As he described it, even though he was going underwater as part of the exercise, “I wasn’t pushing myself or trying to be a Navy Seal.”

But something went awry this time. “I went from just complete peace, saying the Lord’s Prayer,” Hassig explained, “and then everything was just white.”

Shortly after Hassig lost consciousness, Christian noticed that something didn’t seem right with his dad; so he put on some goggles and swam underwater to get a closer look.

Christian explained, “He was laying on his side, and his face was starting to turn blue.”

Christian alerted his brother, Bridon, and his friend, Sam, and that’s when the action all started where the twins saved their dad with the help of their friend.

Bridon and Sam grabbed 185-pound Hassig by the arm and pulled him over to the steps inside the pool.

Hassig believes that the boys’ ability to even pull him out of the water was a miracle.

“There’s no way, physically, they should have been able to pull a 185-pound man out of out of the water like that, ” said Hassig. “And to know and do what all of them did, perfectly as quickly…No lack of action, to run as fast as they did. It’s God’s hands all over it.”

Bridon also noted, “Luckily we are strong swimmers.”

Once out of the water, Bridon began to do what he’d seen on The Sandlot and Hook. The boys recalled what one of the characters had been saying in on The Sandlot where a boy pretends to be unconscious under water. In an interview with Today Parents, the boys quoted the movie, “Smalls, come on!” as they explained that they knew that CPR might help from the movie.

According to the twins, the neighbor, Sam was yelling, “Do CPR!” and so Bridon started to pump on his dad’s chest and do mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

Watch the boys talk about the moment here:

But that’s not all on how the twins saved their dad. Meanwhile, as Bridon and Sam performed CPR, since the boys didn’t have a phone to call 911, Christian sprinted through the neighborhood to find help. He knocked on a door, but no one answered. That’s when he flagged down a car and said to the driver, “My dad can’t breathe. Help him.”

The driver called 911, and first responders came quickly. A neighbor, who is a cardiologist also came over to help.

When asked how he felt about the event, Bridon said, “I was like, I’ve had some moments with him, with happy, sad and some mad moments, but I’m like, ‘I don’t want this to be the last moment.”

Eventually, Hassig came to, coughing up blood and foam.

Hassig said as he was coming to, he heard his son saying, “Daddy, Daddy. Come back, Daddy. You have to be okay.”

And there is still uncertainty about what happened. Hassig shared, “I went from peace to being slammed on the deck of the pool, and then just chaos everyone was everywhere.”

Paramedics took Hassig to the hospital, where he stayed for 24 hours.

Click “next page” to find out how Hassig is doing now.

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Patrick Dispoto, a 59-year-old man from New Jersey, lost his life over the weekend while performing an act of bravery. Dispoto was struck by lightning as he attempted to warn a group of teenagers about an impending thunderstorm at J Street Beach in Seaside Park, New Jersey.

A Brave Attempt to Save Lives

The tragic incident occurred on Sunday evening. According to his girlfriend, Ruth Fussel, Dispoto ensured her safety by getting her into their car before heading back to the beach. Despite the looming danger, Dispoto’s concern for the group of kids led him to ascend the dune and approach the teens on the sand. At the time, there were no lifeguards on duty, leaving the beachgoers unaware of the approaching storm.

The Fateful Strike

At approximately 7:38 p.m., Seaside Park Police received reports of an unconscious man on the beach. Dispoto was found unresponsive, and immediate CPR was administered on the scene. He was then rushed to a nearby hospital but was sadly pronounced dead around 9 p.m. An autopsy later confirmed that his death was caused by a lightning strike.

A Community in Mourning

Patrick Dispoto’s death has sent shockwaves through the Seaside Park community and beyond. His selfless actions in the face of danger have been highlighted as a testament to his character. “We are devastated by this loss,” said one local resident. “Patrick showed true courage, and our thoughts are with his loved ones.”

Seaside Park’s Response

The tragic event comes at a time when the borough of Seaside Park is poised to upgrade its lightning detection system. According to Seaside Park lifeguard captain Jim Rankin, the plan to enhance the system has been in the works for about a year. The goal is to provide timely warnings to beachgoers about impending storms. “We don’t want to tell people when the storm is here; we want to tell people that the storm is coming so that they can stay ahead of it,” Rankin told News 12.

Rankin emphasized the dangers posed by thunderstorms at the beach. “In the event of a thunderstorm, the beach is a very dangerous place to be. So if you feel things like a wind shift, if it’s fluttering back and forth between hot and cold, you see the clouds, you hear little rumbles of thunder — those are signs to get off the beach,” he said.

A Stark Reminder

Patrick Dispoto’s tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by lightning. According to the National Weather Service, approximately 86 people are struck by lightning in the U.S. every year. These incidents underscore the importance of awareness and timely response to weather warnings.

Honoring Patrick Dispoto

Dispoto’s actions in his final moments speak volumes about his character. He placed the safety of others above his own, exemplifying true heroism. As the community mourns his loss, they also celebrate his life and the bravery he exhibited.

Patrick Dispoto’s story is a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the profound impact of selfless actions. As Seaside Park moves forward with plans to enhance its safety measures, the memory of Patrick Dispoto will undoubtedly inspire others to act with courage and compassion in times of crisis.