For Vadaire James, a wellness counselor from Winston-Salem, N.C., being single is fine especially right now while she is helping care for her octogenarian parents.

What nags at her, though, is what her life will look like when shes their age.

I moved here six years ago from Washington, D.C., to help support my parents, and since then, my retirement saving priorities have taken a bit of a back burner, the 51-year-old told Yahoo Finance. I feel like I'm way behind the eight ball right now, and I don't feel comfortable at all about what my future might look like.

In 2022, there were 43.5 million single adult women in the US, up from 37 million a decade earlier, according to the most recent figures from the US Census Bureau. Thats the highest level ever and for many of them, like James, the risk of running out of money in retirement is a serious concern.

Heres why single women are uniquely vulnerable: Its the combination of potentially longer life spans and the persistent pay gap when compared to their male peers, along with fewer years in the workforce due to timeout for caregiving all without the fallback of a partners income to rely on.

Single women dont have anybody else to lean on but themselves when it comes to their money, said Cindy Hounsell, president of the advocacy group Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement (WISER).

Now, several new research reports are shedding light on the precarious state of their financial security and retirement savings.

Lets start with the pay gap women in the US earn $0.84 for every $1 earned by men, according to the National Womens Law Center.

That, in turn, translates to less money available to set aside in retirement funds. Many women also tend to take time out of the workforce for caregiving of children and family members, which often means a pause in contributions to retirement accounts. That, combined with the pay issue, results in lower future Social Security checks.

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According to the Social Security Administration, the average monthly retirement benefit for retired men age 65 and older was $2,020 in 2022, and for retired women of the same age, it was $1,638.

In addition, about a quarter of women workers are not offered any retirement benefits by their employers, compared with only 16% of men, according to a 2023 Transamerica Institute report. That discrepancy is due in part to the fact that women are twice as likely as men to work in part-time contract jobs and many employers dont offer retirement benefits to their part-time employees.

The challenge is even greater considering that women tend to live longer than men nearly six years longer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That means women must get by for longer on far less.

See related story: Retirement planning: A step-by-step guide

Among women and men who have never been married, the wealth gap is notable, according to a recent analysis from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. The research focused on the segment (23%) of adults who have never been married, which strips out any outside sources of wealth that could come from being divorced or widowed.

In 2022, never-married women had $19,200 in inflation-adjusted median household wealth, and men in that group had $28,100. These women had $0.68 for every dollar of wealth owned by the men much wider than the broader gender income gap, which stood at $0.90.

The data reveals racial disparities among women as well. Never-married white women had a median $31,000 in wealth, almost 10 times the amount owned by their Black counterparts. Median wealth for never-married white men stood at $40,000.

An early start to retirement savings makes a big difference, but for many women in their 20s, debt can be a stumbling block to getting started.

Women hold an average of $31,276 in student debt, leaving them with a monthly loan payment of $307 the year after graduation.

In fact, women take about two years longer than men to repay student loans, according to an American Association of University Womens analysis. The reason: smaller salaries than their male counterparts. From the moment women graduate from college, most face a gender pay gap which widens as they age.

The upshot is that some women may put off saving for retirement, and even delaying by a few years can make a difference decades down the road when you consider the power of compounding interest and reinvested dividends.

Hounsell added that many single women figure they will just work longer if they are behind on savings. "But you might not be able to work as long as you expect, she said.

Read more: Tips for quickly paying off student loans

Caregiving is a key challenge. Overall, women are more than twice as likely as men to leave the workforce for more than one year to care for children or aging parents, according to new research, Challenges Women Face Saving for Retirement, from Goldman Sachs.

The data found that 40% of working women reported leaving their jobs for caregiving needs (childcare and eldercare), and 21% reported leaving a full-time job for part-time work to provide caregiving.

"Single women may have to step away from a job if they're going to help their parents, Kimberlee Davis, author of The Fiscal Feminist: A Financial Wake-Up Call for Women, told Yahoo Finance. And that could be really detrimental to them because they're the only game in town for saving for their retirement.

Women are programmed to be caregivers, and they also are programmed to put others ahead of themselves at their own financial risk, she said. And at some point, we need to learn that we have to be a little bit more selfish.

Her tip: Women who have enough income should start a taxable brokerage account and make it an automated investment. Whether it's only $250 a month, a hundred dollars a month, it's to get that habit going and get that feeling of seeing your account grow, Davis said. Because taxable accounts are as important as retirement accounts.

Only a quarter of single women have a retirement account vs. half of married women, according to New York Life Wealth Watch data. And two-thirds are not confident that their retirement savings will last the rest of their life. At the same time, 6 in 10 feel very knowledgeable or somewhat knowledgeable about saving for retirement.

James is in that knowledgeable crew now.I needed to make changes in my job so I could be with my parents, and it has been nice, even if they can be a handful, she said.

Her decision meant a significant drop in salary, but she hasnt stopped saving in her retirement account. I add money every month, although I waver on how much I'm able to do, she said. If my income was greater, of course, I would put more aside.

She admits she holds a lingering regret. I remember when I was 21, and my mom sat me down and said, If you put money in a retirement account now, this is how much itll be when you're 30, 40, 50, 60. Of course, that went in one ear and out the other, and while I have saved over the years, it has been inconsistent. I look back on it now and wish I would've taken her advice.

Kerry Hannon is a Senior Columnist at Yahoo Finance. She is a career and retirement strategist, and the author of 14 books, including "In Control at 50+: How to Succeed in The New World of Work" and "Never Too Old To Get Rich." Follow her on X @kerryhannon.

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For women who stay single, the pressure is higher to save more for retirement - Yahoo Finance

STANFORD, Calif. (AP) Tara VanDerveer gave her time and energy to a young Dawn Staley behind the scenes years before the South Carolina coach started winning championships or delivering an improbable undefeated season.

The Hall of Fame Stanford coach did the same for her Pac-12 rivals.

For Cori Close. For Lindsay Gottlieb. For Charmin Smith. For Charli Turner Thorne. And for Kate Paye, who will become VanDerveers successor now that the 70-year-old womens basketball pioneer is retiring.

Nearly everybody has a story of how VanDerveer went out of her way to do something kind along the way during her decorated, four-decade career. She cherished her role in helping the sport any way she could. And now, she is leaving on a high note.

The winningest basketball coach in NCAA history announced her retirement Tuesday night after 38 seasons leading the Stanford womens team and 45 years overall. A news conference was scheduled for Wednesday.

VanDerveer surpassed Mike Krzyzewski for the wins record in January. She departs with 1,216 victories at Idaho, Ohio State and Stanford.

Basketball is the greatest group project there is and I am so incredibly thankful for every person who has supported me and our teams throughout my coaching career, VanDerveer said in a statement. Ive been spoiled to coach the best and brightest at one of the worlds foremost institutions for nearly four decades.

And as has been the plan for years, top Cardinal assistant Paye is set to take over the program; Stanford said in a statement that negotiations with Paye are underway. Paye played for VanDerveer from 1991-95 and has coached on her staff for 17 years.

In 2013, Gottlieb was coaching California, which played in the same NCAA Tournament regional as Stanford. When VanDerveers top-seeded Cardinal were eliminated by Georgia and Cal had to face the Bulldogs next, VanDerveer reached out to congratulate Gottlieb and offer to help with the game plan.

The second-seeded Golden Bears went on to reach the programs only Final Four.

After beating Staley and South Carolina 70-32 on Nov. 26, 2010, VanDerveer made her way to the Gamecocks locker room in Maples Pavilion for a postgame pep talk.

For me being on the West Coast I had a front-row seat to all those things, Gottlieb said by phone Tuesday night, fondly remembering VanDerveer reaching out after Cal beat LSU. The first call after that win was from Tara and she asked if we wanted the Georgia scout after her season had just ended. Those are things you dont forget. It shapes the way you treat opponents, it shapes the way you treat other coaches.

Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer, left, celebrates with her players after her 1,000th career coaching win on Feb. 3, 2017, in Stanford, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)

Stanford, which lost to North Carolina State in a regional semifinal this year after last seasons second-round defeat at home to Mississippi, will play in the Atlantic Coast Conference next season after the Pac-12 imploded changes that VanDerveer called sad.

From the time I wrote Tara a letter as a senior in college until coaching against her 25 years later, she has always been the model for game-planning, for excellence and for growing our game, Gottlieb said, and I think our prevailing feeling should be gratitude for everything shes done for all of us.

Turner Thorne, a former Stanford player who later coached Arizona State and is now retired, reached out to VanDerveer immediately after hearing Tuesdays news.

She has done it all so just really happy for her to enjoy life after coaching! Turner Thorne said in a text message to The Associated Press. When you know you know.

UConn coach Geno Auriemma called it a monumental day in womens basketball, and in basketball in general.

When youve coached for this extended period of time and youve accomplished what Taras accomplished, it has an incredible effect on the basketball community, Auriemma said. The number of wins, the national championships, the Hall of Fame. Shes had an incredible career and shes left a great impact on the sport. Its been exciting to compete against her all these years.

Coaches who were mentored by VanDerveer said her legacy will be long-lasting.

Taras influence is both deep and wide. I went to her very first camp at Stanford as a camper, UCLA coach Close said in a text to the AP. I competed against her and worked her camps as a player. And I have now been competing against her and learning from her for many years as a coach. My coaching has been affected on so many levels by Taras example and direct mentorship at many crossroads. Congrats on an amazing career Tara. Our game, the Pac-12 Conference, and my coaching is better because of you. Enjoy retirement. You sure have earned it.

VanDerveers last day is scheduled for May 8 the 39th anniversary of her hiring. She plans to continue working for the athletic department in an advisory role.

Her Stanford teams won NCAA titles in 1990, 92 and 2021 and reached the Final Four 14 times.

Rosalyn Gold-Onwude played on the 2008 Final Four squad and is thrilled about the strides her sport has made since.

Whatever helped her decide, she deserves it all, Gold-Onwude said in a text to the AP. She steps away knowing her work was part of making all this possible, and she deserves all the rest, shes earned it! Im happy for her. Thankful for her.

VanDerveer took a year away from Stanford to guide the undefeated U.S. womens Olympic team to a gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Games.

The Stanford team listen to their coach Tara VanDerveer, upper center, during basketball practice at the NCAA Womens Final Four, April 4, 2009, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)

Coupled with my time at Ohio State and Idaho, and as head coach of the United States National Team, it has been an unforgettable ride, she said. The joy for me was in the journey of each season, seeing a group of young women work hard for each other and form an unbreakable bond. Winning was a byproduct. Ive loved the game of basketball since I was a little girl, and it has given me so much throughout my life. I hope Ive been able to give at least a little bit back.

For many in womens basketball, the answer is a resounding yes.

Shes a legend. The game will miss her, Smith, the current California coach and former Stanford player and assistant, said in a text to the AP. Im grateful for everything Tara has done to contribute to the coach I am today.

This story has been corrected to show that Lindsay Gottlieb was coaching California, not Southern California, in 2013.

AP March Madness bracket: https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-womens-bracket/ and coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness

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Tara VanDerveer retires as Stanford women's hoops coach after setting NCAA wins record this year - The Associated Press

Amy Harris, a local yoga teacher and energy and embodiment mentor in the Valley, has coauthored an anthology book which tells the stories of eight master students of Teo Alfero, a renowned spiritual teacher and shamanic practitioner who spearheaded the collaboration.

Transmission: An Anthology of Consciousness, Dreaming and Heart also features the stories of Jen Ziegner, Nicholette Routhier, Lauren Jane Heller, Stefanie Menack, Wendy Cirello, Erin Kinney and Janet Douglas. The book dives into each authors experience and touches upon Alferos specific technique for teaching practical consciousness known as recapitulation. Harris described it as a life assessment where events and relationships are viewed energetically to better understand them.

What were hearing from our readers is the different perspectives and versions of the journey helps people find themselves in the process. Im really proud of it, and us, she said.

Harris described the project as a journey filled with ups and downs, but rewarding, due to the nature of the stories presented. The communication between all of us was precisely what we needed, she stated. Personally, the hardest part is that theres a lot of vulnerable stuff in the stories. To show up and say look at how wild my life is is hard.

No stranger to spirituality or methods to deepen ones consciousness, Harris said she has been practicing for the majority of her life. She now holds a masters degree in spiritual science. She then began her career as a yoga teacher and started working with Alfero in 2020.

I did my first personal growth seminar when I was 8 years old, she said. My mom is really into spirituality, so its been something infused into my world for a long time Ive been immersed in spiritual endeavors in a practical way. Its always been a very practical set of questions Ive asked throughout my life: How does this actually matter on earth? How does this actually impact my life and the people I connect with?

The title of the book is a reference to the transmission of energy in all settings. It also represents the transmissions of each coauthors personal energy, depicted with nine symbols forming a circle on the books cover.

Each of those symbols is as close as we can get to a symbol of each persons transmission, Harris said. For example, Teo [Alfero] runs a wolf sanctuary and does wolf therapy and has done that for over 15 years. His transmission is very wolf-like.

For upcoming projects, Harris mentioned she is already in dialogue with her coauthors and Alfero about conducting a workshop based on the book. She hopes to do this in collaboration with a yoga studio based in Carbondale.

To keep up with Amy Harris and her classes, visit http://www.theamyh.com

To sign up for an online course with a four-day retreat taught by Harris and Alfero, visit http://www.teoalfero.com/thethreshold

Excerpt from:
Local yoga teacher coauthors new anthology The Sopris Sun - soprissun.com

For the fans of Tom Brady, his former wife, Gisele Bndchen, dating a Jiu-jitsu instructor, has been shocking. But for the supermodel, she had her reasons. As theorized by life and peak performance coach Corey Wayne, Bndchen is now happy with her personal life. In the latest episode of his YouTube channel, Coach Corey Wayne, he drew focus on the models personal life. Coach Wayne asserted, There were pictures of her with this guy, you know the Jiu-Jitsu guy, best football player in the world to just a regular Jiu-Jitsu dude.

Wayne pointed out that in a world that is ruled by beauty and money, all Valente has is a passion for the jiu-jitsu sport. However, it did not come in the way of Bndchen falling in love with him. Thats because, as pointed out by the coach, I think shes a billionaire, at this point. She doesnt need money. Shes set for life financially, shes got plenty of businesses and other things shes into.

Well, Bndchen might not be a billionaire yet, but with a net worth of $400 million, finance is not a problem for her. In fact, during Bndchen and Bradys their divorce, many were surprised to know that the models net worth was much higher than Bradys. Further, Wayne isnt wrong about her business ventures. She has a line of sandals with Grendene. Additionally, back in 2010, she also had her own skincare line called Seeja. While it was discontinued, the model ventured into other territories.

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She has authored two books: Lessons: My Path to a Meaningful Life (2018) and Nourish: Simple Recipes to Empower Your Body and Feed Your Soul (2024). Lets not forget that she has also been featured in The Devil Wears Prada, Taxi, and a few other movies and shows.

Thus, rather than financial dependence, Bndchen seeks emotional availability. On that front, Coach Wayne is of the opinion that Valente surpasses Brady. She dates a guy that is not at the same level as Tom and gives him a chance because hes present with her. But how did Bndchen and Valente even meet?

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Bndchen met Valente when she took her pre-teen son to his academy for jiuj-itsu lessons. Even though, initially, the supermodel visited the academy for her son, later on, she too developed an interest in the sport and started training in December 2021. Earlier in an interview, Bndchen shared, Initially, I wasnt even considering it for myself. But when I brought [her son] to the first class and started talking to Joaquim, I realized that it was much more than self defense.

It was the philosophy behind the sport that inspired her as she claimed, It felt very much in line with what I believe in and look for in my life, and how I have a path to develop and become the best version of myself. Besides the sport, both Bndchen and Valente share Brazilian roots which further added to the spark between the two.

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Recently, Valente was spotted supporting the supermodel at the launch of her cookbook at The Hub in Miami. Giseles newfound purpose formed the foundation of her friendship with Valente, which took a romantic turn.

Read more:
She is a Billionaire: Gisele Bndchen Left Tom Brady for Joaquim Valente Because He's 'More Present With Her ... - EssentiallySports

Cryptocurrency markets were trading higher in Friday's trade, led by Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and Dogecoin. Meanwhile, the global cryptocurrency market cap surged 1.8% to around $2.65 trillion in the last 24 hours.

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"Over the past 24 hours, Bitcoin has experienced relatively stable price movement, consolidating around the $70,400 mark. However, Bitcoin's trading volume has decreased by approximately 20%. The next resistance level for Bitcoin is at $71,855, with the next support level at $69,231," said Edul Patel, CEO of Mudrex.

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In today's session, Dogecoin emerged as the top performer among the leading crypto tokens, surging by 9.2% to reach $0.20.

"Technical analysis shows that DOGEs performance could be attributed to a prolonged reversal, with a flattened-out bottom. We can expect a strong support around $0.15 with resistance at $0.21," said Parth Chaturvedi, Investments Lead, CoinSwitch Ventures.

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A judge said Thursday that federal sentencing guidelines call for former crypto mogul Sam Bankman-Fried to spend the rest of his life in prison, but he'll order a sentence of less than life once he decides the penalty Bankman-Fried must pay for his role in the 2022 collapse of FTX, once one of the world's most popular platforms for trading digital currency.

(With inputs from agencies)

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

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Cryptocurrency Price on March 29: Bitcoin trades above $70,000; Dogecoin jumps over 9% - The Economic Times

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The wife of famed psychologist Dr. Jordan Peterson opened up on "Fox & Friends" about how she found faith and healing after a terminal cancer diagnosis in 2019.

The "pressure" of her health crisis motivated Tammy Peterson to begin living life through "spirit" versus "self-will" and she will officially become a Catholic this Easter Sunday.

Peterson was first diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma, an "easy" form of cancer that she said "wasnt going to kill me." After her first operation, doctors discovered a Bellini tumor, a rare, malignant metastasis. These are usually only diagnosed after someone passes away, she said, and doctors gave her 10 months to live.

EASTER IS ABOUT GOD'S LOVE AND SHOULD NOT BE 'DOMESTICATED,' SAYS BISHOP ROBERT BARRON

"[It was] a much more aggressive cancer in my kidney that pretty much kills everyone. It grows so fast. They don't diagnose this and they and they don't have any treatment for it," she told host Will Cain.

Canadian clinical psychologist and commentator Jordan Peterson. (Getty Images)

She previously told The Catholic News Agency that seeing her sons grief at the news made her realize that she "was worthy" of fighting for her life. She decided that only "God will decide when I am going to die."

"I would just pray. And I continue to do that now," she said. "I dont let myself worry."

HOLY WEEK LEADS THE FAITHFUL TO EASTER SUNDAY: HERE ARE THE SPECIAL DAYS OBSERVED AND WHAT THEY MEAN

After two surgeries, Peterson experienced further complications and doctors could not find the source. She told the Detroit Catholic that prayer "sustained" her during this five-week-long hospitalization. Prayer would "alleviate some of the pain." Peterson said she prayed the novena to St. Josemaria Escriva, a nine-day prayer to a specific saint. On the fifth day, doctors discovered Peterson's body began to heal on its own. Her next surgery was canceled and she left the hospital, crediting her recovery to God and dietary changes.

She told "Fox & Friends Weekend" co-host Will Cain that her husbands book "12 Rules for Life" discusses how to lead life in the "right direction" in the "spirit of truth" and gratitude. She said the weight of her diagnosis helped her find the pillars her husband outlines to lead a good life.

At 63, Peterson said her years of marriage with Dr. Peterson has thrived in the spirit of "living in truth." Every choice they make, she said, must be guided by truth versus self-will.

Living in spirit, she said, is the way to "make it right."

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In her good health, Peterson has continued her mission of faith and carries her great-grandmothers rosary with her. She hosts a YouTube podcast called The Tammy Peterson Podcast and speaks at events with her husband.

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How a terminal cancer diagnosis helped Tammy Peterson find faith and healing - Fox News

Canadian podcaster and cancer survivor Tammy Maureen Peterson stood with eight other catechumens and their sponsors Saturday night in front of a packed crowd of hundreds of fellow parishioners at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in midtown Toronto where three were baptized and 12 were confirmed as Roman Catholics.

Peterson received the triple blessing of sacraments: her first confession before the Easter Vigil, then the sacraments of confirmation and her first Holy Communion (receiving a low-gluten host due to living with celiac disease).

She had been baptized as a Protestant but was non-practising after she stopped attending Sunday school as a child. She remembers as a child seeing her Polish Catholic great-grandmother with her rosary every day, which sparked an interest in Mary that later grew into a devotion to the Rosary. Tammy now prays with the same rosary, which was passed down to her grandmother and then to her cousin, who sent it to her when she heard that Tammy was ill.

After the Easter Vigil, Tammy told The B.C. Catholic that her confirmation as a Catholic meant a new call to a more public role, including through her podcasts, where she will examine hot-button topics such as feminism through a countercultural lens and the inspiration of the Blessed Virgin.

I was looking up at the stained glass tonight when there werent any lights on, and you can really see the image there, and we were looking at Mother Mary holding baby Jesus and the Crucifixion beneath, and we were talking about how this was the message of the female hero. If Christ is the male hero, then Mother Mary, having this baby, knowing whats going to happen, thats the female hero, she said.

Peterson, who celebrated her 63rd birthday on March 16, was accompanied by her husband, Canadian psychologist Dr. Jordan B. Peterson, who sat beside her at the church.

Jordan told The B.C. Catholic that part of the reason (Tammy) was fascinated by the Catholic Church is because of its positioning of Mary. Its one of the things that the Catholic Church has (that is) very powerful to offer on the Christian side.

Its that insistence upon the divine nature of the mother, and thats something the West desperately needs, Jordan said.

Holy Rosary pastor Father Peter Turrone poured water over the heads of the three candidates entering the Church and baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

For the 12 who were confirmed, he made a Sign of the Cross on each of their foreheads with the sacred chrism oil to impart the gift of the Holy Spirit. He also placed his hands upon each of them to represent the conferral of the Holy Spirit from the Apostles. The congregation followed with a public recitation and renewal of their baptismal promises.

Father Turrone told The B.C. Catholic that he is encouraging the catechumens to continue to grow in their faith.

To each one (of the catechumens), I would say Congratulations for having made that bold decision, to having responded to the grace of God, he said.

God has been calling you from the beginning of time to be part of his Church, and thank you for saying Yes, for taking a leap of faith and for trusting in the goodness of God and Jesus love for you.

Its important for the new Catholic to remember that their faith is a faith in the living Triune God, he said. Regardless of the things that happen around us, they can never take away the splendours of Jesus Christ, so stay as close as possible to Jesus Christ because you cannot live your faith alone.

During the sacrament of confirmation, Petersons confirmation sponsor Queenie Yu was beaming with happiness for Peterson as she stood directly behind her.

Yu, who is a numerary member of Opus Dei and director of character education at Hawthorn School for Girls, told The B.C. Catholic that she marvelled at the hand of God working in Petersons life.

Who would have known that a visit to the hospital would result in Tammys praying the Rosary for five weeks, then getting cured after praying to St. Josemaria Escriva for five days, and getting confirmed five years later at Holy Rosary Parish, Yu said.

Her friend had been hospitalized for five weeks at Toronto General Hospital in 2019, suffering from a debilitating illness that baffled doctors. Doctors gave her and her husband the devastating news that she had a rare and aggressive cancer and gave her only 10 months to live. She underwent successful cancer surgery, with doctors removing half of her left kidney, leading to her hair falling out and her weight dropping dramatically to 90 pounds.

It was on the fifth day of praying the Novena for the Sick to Opus Dei founder St. Josemaria Escriva that she was gifted the miraculous recovery.

You and I couldnt have planned this. But God was behind it all, Yu said. And he writes the best poetry with the events in our life.

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Tammy Peterson confirmed in front of fellow parishioners in Toronto Catholic Church - The B.C. Catholic

Vegan influencer Chef Dave makes a big impact on social media with his creative, flavour-packed plant-based recipes

Four years ago, a video on animal cruelty at farms popped up on Chef Daves social media feed on his phone. It was a video of newly hatched male chicks being dispatched in a grinding machine, as it was not profitable to keep them alive due to low market prices at the time.

Dave, whose full name is Kalidevan Murugaya, decided to stop eating eggs immediately.

I asked myself: How many eggs am I eating in a day? Why I am a part of this, which I dont agree with? I eat eggs and I pay the industry to do this.

Two weeks later, another video popped up. This time, it was a video on the atrocities in the dairy industry, in which cows are caged in a crowded space while female cows are artificially inseminated.

When the female cow delivers, its newborn calves are separated and fed a blended solution while the nutritious milk from its mother is extracted for human consumption. Newborn female calves are kept alive and when they come of age, the same artificial insemination process is repeated. Male calves are sent to the slaughterhouse for veal and their skin is processed into leather.

This changed Daves mind completely. He recalled an advertisement for fresh milk, in which cows were living free and running around on green pastures at beautiful farms in foreign countries. But the reality was shockingly far from it.

xposed to speciesism

As Dave have always stood up for social justice, he found his calling in the animal rights movement.

Animal rights just (connects) with me. If this were to happen to cats and dogs, we would definitely fight for them. If a cat is bullied or treated badly, the public would be outraged. So, why are we not fighting for chickens, goats, cows, ducks or pigs? he said, adding that the world has accustomed itself to accepting some animals as pets and others as food.

This was when he decided to learn about speciesism prejudice or discrimination against animals based on species.

Why are we paying money every single day for the industry to do all these cruel things to farm animals?

The thought led to his awakening, and the journey towards embracing life as a vegan.

Switching to veganism

I decided I wanted to be a vegan, but I was afraid to share my thoughts with anyone. At times, I even doubted myself, wondering what would happen if I started craving for meat. So, I learned to challenge myself. For a week, I ate vegan food. Then, I began to turn all my favourite foods to vegan (versions), replacing chicken in curries and experimenting with alternatives.

Slowly, I started learning to eat well. I was surviving and this triggered my passion for vegan cooking even more. Now, I feel like I cook with a purpose and (hopefully) each of my recipes will save many (animals) from being killed.

The more people are inspired by my cooking and start cooking like me, the more it would help to free animals (from a brutal and premature death). This is my motivation, the symphony of a social justice movement, passion and fire in my heart and my love for cooking, fused together, said Dave.

Steep learning curve

One day, a friend suggested he post videos of his lifestyle on YouTube, but he had no clue on how to start. After undergoing a steep learning curve, Dave started to post videos in 2020. And the rest is history. Much to his surprise, the easy and simple recipes posted on his social media channels gained followers from all over the world.

Dave became immensely popular, receiving praise from all corners of the globe for his clever alternative ingredients, creative recipes, tips and presenting vegan versions of favorite Malaysian dishes without compromising taste.

For example, his vegan Nasi Kerabu is a big hit among locals, with some saying it tastes better than the original meat version.

All his recipes use local ingredients that are easily sourced and affordable for people from all walks of life.

My content revolves around vegan food, vegan travel and a vegan lifestyle. In terms of vegan food, I share recipes and give alternatives. For example, an alternative to cows milk is almond, cashew or walnut milk.

I will (provide information) on where to get ingredients and what you can get as alternatives or what alternative items to use in the cooking, such as vegetarian belacan.

Dave shares tips on how a vegan could travel and find food options easily, debunking the myth that vegans cannot get meals while travelling. He also speaks passionately about the vegan lifestyle, which is about activities, clothing, personal care products and cosmetics that are not derived from animals or involve the suffering of other species.

Advocating veganism

According to Dave, veganism is not associated with any religion, and the core ideology of veganism is avoiding the exploitation of animals.

We are basically brainwashed and made to believe that at every meal, we must have protein, at least one piece of chicken, or fish. But we can have tofu, dhall or chickpeas, which are all available in Malaysia, that are cheap and nutritious. The alternative source for animal protein are soy, legumes, lentils, nuts, seeds and tempeh.

Vegans abstain from meat, dairy, honey and any animal-based products such as cheese and butter and also avoid using leather products such as shoes, bags, belts and leather furniture and car seats.

My aim is not to convince people to become vegan, but to inspire those who are ready to (adopt this lifestyle), and show them it is possible.

I am not telling others what diet they should follow. That decision should come from inside each of them, on their own. They should discover the reason or have a turning point in life to become a vegan.

Daves social media channels serve as a guide and he provides information not just to vegans but vegetarians and those with health issues.

I dont want them to lose the flavour of Malaysia and I want them to continue enjoying Malaysian food.

A new challenge

Starting on social media was not easy for Dave, who had previously worked at the Shangri-La Hotel and on the Disney Cruise Line.

I would say from the beginning, I learned through trial and error. I realised I had to be consistent in producing videos. It went from zero to 30,000 subscribers within a year, with my live streaming sessions being the most engaging.

In the second year, something special happened when Dave was stir-frying Mee Goreng Mamak on a live session. Usually, he would draw about 200 to 300 viewers. But on that episode, there were over 3,000 people watching.

I could not believe it. But with that particular video, in just one night, my video reached one million views and drew 100,000 subscribers.

Since then, Dave has focused on live sessions and his subscriber numbers have grown tremendously. Last year, he launched Project 365, challenging himself by posting one recipe per day for the whole year.

The biggest challenge was keeping up with social media trends, which constantly changes... from short videos to long ones and then back to short videos again. But as a content creator, I keep updating myself with trends, knowledge and technology.

When you have no knowledge in the area of editing, photography or videography and solely depend on your team, you are in your comfort zone and you stop learning, said Dave, who learned from that mistake and mastered every aspect of making, editing and posting videos.

Revitalised during Ramadan

For every occasion, Dave comes up with traditional vegan recipes. For Ramadan, he has been posting plant-based recipes under Sehijau Ramadan 2.0, an improved version of the farm-to-table concept that he produced last year.

The ingredients are sourced from the farm and the video also shows to the world the life of Malaysians living in their kampung.

In these videos, a drama element was added, in which Dave plays the character of an adopted son of a Muslim parent, with messages on human values such as filial piety embedded.

I want viewers to immerse themselves in the feeling of serenity, peace and calmness. We hope people appreciate our culture and food, said Dave, who is making plans to diversify his content in different languages, such as Mandarin, to reach a wider audience.

Daves recipes can be viewed on Instagram @chefdave-veganjourney and his YouTube channel Chef Dave Vegan Journey.

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A voice for the voiceless - theSun

Prior to going plant-based, my diet consisted mostly of fatty, fried fast food I could quickly grab on my lunch breaks. Dinner was anything I could cook up quickly, always with some form of animal protein as the main course.

On December 24, 2021, I had an appointment with a hepatologist, arranged by my primary care physician after blood work revealed that my liver enzymes were in the cosmic range. The hepatologist ordered more tests, the results of which showed that I had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), likely the result of a nasty gene in my family: alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Imaging showed a median liver stiffness score of 13.2, which indicated severe fibrosis/cirrhosis.

I was also obese, weighing 184 pounds; had Type 2 diabetes, with an A1C (a measure of average blood sugar) of 7; and had high cholesterol. The doctor told me that if I did not change my diet and sedentary lifestyle, I would be a candidate for a liver transplant within three to six years. Well, that was a lovely Christmas present!

When I told one of my stepdaughters the news, she told me to watch the Forks Over Knives documentary. So I didthree times. After that, I immediately became a vegan. My focus was on repairing and keeping my liver healthy. I was pleasantly surprised when, a few weeks into my new diet, I found myself losing weight.

As for my liver, I went for another checkup in April 2022, and imaging showed a much improved liver stiffness score, of 4.3. Imaging in March 2023 showed a liver stiffness score of 3.7. And my most recent imaging, in January 2024, showed liver stiffness of 2.7, which indicates no significant fibrosis, or normal/inflammation.

Its been more than two years since I adopted a healthy vegan diet. Along the way, I have lost 35 pounds (I need to buy a new wardrobe!) and reversed my diabetes, with my most recent blood work showing an A1C of 5.6 (normal). Ive lowered my cholesterol to the normal range, as well. And I did it all with a plant-based dietwhich, by the way, is delicious!

Because I have never met a vegetable or spice that I dont like, I have really enjoyed making stews and soups with spices from North Africa, India, Asia, and Central America. There are some really great vegan cookbooks out there (including those from Forks Over Knives).

To minimize my exposure to toxic chemicals, I also stopped coloring my hair, as you can see from the photos. I actually like the silver look better than the dark brown!

I am so very grateful to my stepdaughter for telling me to watch Forks Over Knives. I no longer live in fear of liver failure, transplant surgery, or having to take immunosuppressant drugs for the remainder of my life. I tell everyone who asks how I did it to watch Forks Over Knives. For me, food is medicineso, as a dear friend says, I am self-medicating!

Ready to get started? Check out Forks Meal Planner, FOKs easy weekly meal-planning tool to keep you on a healthy plant-based path. To learn more about a whole-food, plant-based diet, visit our Plant-Based Primer.

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On a Healthy Vegan Diet, I've Healed My Liver, Reversed Type 2 Diabetes, and Lost 35 Pounds - Forks Over Knives

When it comes to his diet, the top tier actor Cillian Murphy is trying the vegan thing.

Apr. 1 2024, Published 10:34 a.m. ET

Cillian Murphy has been gracing our screens with intense character performances for decades. However, the talented actor has also made the news for other reasons. As it turns out, Murphy has been an on-and-off plant-based eater for years now, following a vegetarian diet and later a vegan diet out of concern for the environment and his overall health.

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As a prominent figure in film and television, including being an Academy Award winner for his portrayal of Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolans Oppenheimer, Murphy holds a lot of influence on his followers and fans. So, lets find out the details on Cillian Murphy going vegan.

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Yes, Cillian Murphy has been following a vegan diet since 2023. In a July 2023 episode of the WTF with Marc Maron Podcast, Murphy told the host: Ive been trying the vegan thing.

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Like many actors, it seems that Murphy has switched up his diet quite a few times in the past decades. According to an interview with Mr Porter in 2017, Cillian had just begun eating meat after being vegetarian for 15 years.

He told Mr Porter at the time, For the first series of Peaky Blinders, they were anxious that I shouldnt look like a skinny Irish fella, and my trainer recommended meat. The star explained that his vegetarianism had been based on his fear of mad cow disease, not his morals.

But since then, there have been further developments in Cillian Murphys diet.

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While on the WTF with Marc Maron Podcast in summer 2023, he told the host that his decision to go vegan was for the planet and his health. According to Plant Based News, Murphy explained on the podcast that eating meat didnt make him feel his best, and he doesn't miss it from his diet.

"I dont miss the meat. Ive been off the meat for a long time," he said on the podcast, per Plant Based News. "I did have a kind of a relapse and I didnt feel any better, so Im back off it again."

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Although Murphys original inclinations towards a more plant-based lifestyle were once based in his fear of mad cow disease, the actor made it clear that this step towards veganism was for the planet. However, according to The Daily Mail, when "pressed" on whether he missed any animal foods, he stated that he missed cheese.

Although Murphy hasnt explicitly said whether he is fully abstaining from animal products in all aspects of his life (such as fashion and entertainment), he has made clear that he sees his plant-based diet as a conscious decision for himself and the planet, per Plant Based News. And being an influential actor and public figure, even seemingly small decisions like this can have a major influence on the public.

The Oppenheimer star will make a return to his role in Peaky Blinders in an upcoming movie adaptation of the show, per NME. Perhaps this time he will opt for building muscle the vegan way.

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Is Cillian Murphy Vegan? 'Oppenheimer' Star Is Eating Plant-Based - Green Matters