There's no question that cancer treatment takes a toll on the mind and body of its patients (and as a breast cancer survivor, I can relate).

From diagnosis through treatment, the resistance and fortitude of cancer patients is tested. For patients at Children's Hospital Colorado's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, an upcoming trip was designed specifically to escape these pressures and allow them to focus on just being a kid.

Colorado Rockies All-Star shortstop and friend of Children's Colorado, Troy Tulowitzki, is underwriting an all-expense paid trip to the Colorado Rockies spring training camp for more than 20 patients and their medical caregivers. While in Scottsdale, Ariz., the children will enjoy an exhibition game, meet-and-greet sessions with players and coaches and even some one-on-one downtime with the players.

"Last year, I presented Troy with the proposal to fund this trip and he immediately agreed," said Jim Kellogg, vice president of community and retail operations for the Colorado Rockies. "That's just the kind of guy he is, he genuinely wants to help and give back wherever he can."

Denver actor shares in Oscar glow

Colorado native Scott Takeda wasn't able to attend the Academy Awards Sunday night, but he has come a long way from being a lambkin at Fort Collins High School.

The Hollywood actor-director had a vested interest in the March 2 Oscar results. He had a part in the popular "Dallas Buyers Club," the much-acclaimed film that earned a Best Actor Oscar for Matthew McConaughey and a Best Supporting Actor award for Jared Leto during the 86th Academy Awards ceremony.

Takeda remains a true Coloradan, living in his beloved Bonnie Brae neighborhood in south Denver.

"My family's here," he said. "I married my very lovely bride. When I'm not in front of the camera, I'm behind the camera. I'm used to flying to do corporate films. I've (flown) 17,000 miles in six weeks."

Takeda said that he has six agents around the country who scout potential film roles for him. As for landing his part in "Dallas Buyers Club," he said, "My Louisiana agent contacted me about that role. Probably a couple of weeks passed. I got the callback when landing in Denver. I walked off my flight and happened to see a flight leaving for New Orleans and walked on that flight."

As far as working with McConaughey, who lost 40-some pounds for his role, Takeda said that surprisingly the hunky actor "had a lot of energy."

"I found him to be a complete gentleman, right up there with Will Ferrell. (He was) really easy to work with. I was seeing the effects of his weight loss, but it was impossible for him not to be incredibly nice. He stayed in character, but during periods in the makeup trailer, he would drop character."

5280's top 10 new restaurants

The current issue of 5280 magazine is out and instead of its traditional eight picks for top new restaurants, this year they upped the ante to 10. Probably because there are so many worthy newbies in town, many I haven't even had a chance to visit!

So here's the list of 5280's fave new raves, which the magazine calls "The 10 Hippest, Most Delicious Restaurants in Denver Right Now."

1. Acorn at The Source at 3350 Brighton Blvd. (www.denveracorn.com).

2. Lower 48 Kitchen at 2020 Lawrence (www.lower48kitchen.com).

3. The Curtis Club at 2100 Curtis St. (www.thecurtisclub.com).

4. Los Chigones at 2461 Larimer St. (303-295-0686).

5. Café Max at 2412 E, Colfax. (www.cafemax.net).

6. The Plimoth at 2335 28th Ave. (www.theplimoth.com).

7. Session Kitchen at 1518 Pearl St. (www.sessionkitchen.com).

8. Old Major, 3316 Tejon St. (www.oldmajordenver.com).

9. Olive + Finch at 1552 E. 17th Ave. (www.oliveandfincheatery.com).

10. Beast & Bottle, 719 E. 17th Ave. (www.beastandbottle.com).

Check them out and let me know what you think.

LiveWell, CRA join forces on 'Take It Home'

LiveWell Colorado, a nonprofit organization committed to preventing and reducing obesity in Colorado, has joined forces with the Colorado Restaurant Association to kick off the "Take It Home" pilot program, aimed at helping people maintain a healthy lifestyle while eating at their favorite restaurants.

Beginning Friday, four participating restaurants will offer "Take It Home" to-go containers to encourage patrons to think about boxing up a portion of their meal and consuming a balanced portion size.

Four Denver-area restaurants, representing several different cuisine options and price points, are participating in the program, including all three Sam's No. 3 locations, Elway's Cherry Creek, Racines and Osteria Marco. Program materials available within the restaurants will encourage guests to consider packaging part of their meal in order to help them mindfully select a portion size that supports their healthy lifestyle.

 "Our goal in supporting this campaign is to remind people who you can eat out and be healthy at the same time - people don't have to choose between the two. This program serves as a reminder not to overeat while you are busy socializing," said Sonia Riggs, chief operating officer of the Colorado Restaurant Association. "Denver has an exciting, vibrant restaurant scene, and we want to help people enjoy it in a mindful, healthy way."

The seen and heard

Eavesdropping on a man: "My goal is to be the person that my dog thinks I am!"

Penny Parker's "Mile High Life" column gives insights into the best events, restaurants, businesses, parties and people throughout the metro area. Parker also writes for Blacktie-Colorado.com. You can subscribe and read her columns (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) at www.blacktie-colorado.com/pennyparker. She can be reached at penny@blacktie-llc.com or at 303-619-5209.