Fabulous Clothes for a Fabulous Cause

For one day only, all you have to do is try on great clothes. I don’t know about you, but I do love Coldwater Creek — and that was before I worked for Komen and knew they were a major National Race Series Sponser. We’re lucky to have three Coldwater Creek retail stores in the Triad — The Shoppes at Friendly in Greensboro, Thru-Way in Winston Salem and Alamance Crossing in Burlington.

 

Talking About Breast Cancer

When Nancy Brinker started Susan G. Komen for the Cure in honor of her sister Suzy, she faced many obstacles that today have been knocked aside. She couldn’t use the word “breast” in her publicity for the first Race. Some women who wanted to help were held back by husbands who were uncomfortable with their association with a “breast” organization. No one wanted to talk about, or think about, breast health and breast cancer. It was a taboo subject.Today, we educate women in the US openly about breast cancer and screening and prevention. Our breast cancer Survivors proudly don the pink t-shirt at our Komen NC Triad Race. We know that open discussion and educate helps in so many ways, from enhancing outreach and increasing utilization of mammography to helping women facing the disease feel less isolated and embarrassed by it.A new reason to talk openly about breast cancer, particularly within families, has emerged in a new study at Georgetown. An excerpt from the article at Medical News Today:

Whether or not relatives talk about the family’s history of cancer significantly impacts attitudes and knowledge about genetic counseling and testing for those at moderate risk of developing breast cancer, according to a new preliminary study presented at the American Society for Preventive Oncology meeting in Bethesda, Md. Prior research has shown that African Americans participate less often in genetic counseling and testing for the genes that put women at risk for breast cancer than Caucasians. Also, African Americans are often diagnosed with a later stage of breast cancer and thus are more likely to die from the disease.  ”In this study, we evaluated the impact of socio-cultural variables on knowledge and attitudes about BRCA 1/2 counseling and testing. We hope to use this information to better understand why there’s a difference in testing uptake among black and white women.” After controlling for education, income, and socio-cultural variables like medical mistrust and cancer fatalism, “We did observe a difference …among women who said their families discussed their cancer history versus those families who didn’t discuss cancer. The more family members the women talked with, the greater the level of knowledge about genetic counseling and testing.  

As we continue to make strides with research around genetic components of breast cancer and other diseases, it becomes more and more vital for each of us to have solid knowledge and a clear understanding of our family medical history. I hope that this is discussion that happens in your extended family. 

 

Komen’s International Efforts

One of the most exciting things Komen is doing these days is in the arena of international awareness of breast cancer and supporting women (and men) around the world through breast cancer education and programs. First Lady Laura Bush traveled with Susan G. Komen for the Cure to Saudi Arabia and Jordan and the United Arab Emirates in October where we announced the breast cancer partnership between the United States and the Middle East, and spoke at the recent launch of the U.S.-Mexico Partnership For Breast Cancer Awareness And Research. 

I can’t imagine a better reason to be here than talking about what our nations are doing together to raise awareness of breast cancer and strengthen medical collaboration to treat this disease.   

When Nancy Brinker founded Susan G. Komen for the Cure in the 1980’s, women were embarrassed by the disease. They didn’t talk about it, and didn’t seek treatment until it was often too late. Komen has helped to turn that around, both by raising awareness of breast cancer and the importance of early detection, and by funding vital research which has led to a vast array of treatment options, particularly for women who are diagnosed early.Unfortunately, women in many parts of the world still suffer under a culture of embarrassment where breast health and breast cancer are concerned. They are ashamed, or worse, to seek medical attention when they discover a lump. They do not have access to education about breast health or the importance of self breast exams, or available mammograms. They are dying a far too high a rate, and Komen is making strides world wide to turn the tide.Our vision of a world without breast cancer can not be realized until every person experiences that same new reality. We applaud Mrs. Bush for her involvement, and offer our heartfelt appreciation for her help and support.  See Mrs. Bush’s full comments here.

 

National Volunteer Week April 27 – May 3, 2008

National Volunteer Week will be celebrated April 27 – May 3 this year, and I can recommend the perfect opportunity to get involved this year — the Komen NC Triad Race for the Cure!Organized by Points of Light & Hands on Network, NVW began in 1974 but really saw tremendous growth during the late 80’s with the Points of Light Network. 

National Volunteer Week reflects the power that volunteers have to “inspire by example” — volunteers both encourage those they help and motivate others to serve.   

 I was working at United Way of Central Virginia in Lynchburg during those days, managing the local Volunteer Center. This is an important week for all non-profits, who depend on the generous gifts of time and talent from hundreds of community volunteers to do our vital work. It also serves to remind us of the great contributions made by volunteers and a time to recognize them–something we should do every day, all year long!I’ve been on board at Komen NC Triad as the first Executive Director only for about 8 months, and our Affiliate has had staff for only about a year and a half. It is awesome to me what our local volunteers have accomplished since our Affiliate was first dreamed by Pam Versaggi in 1999.From an idea and an incredible commitment grew, in less than 10 years, a thriving local organization, one that has made an indelible mark on the lives of so many affected by breast cancer in our communities. Last week, we set a local record with more than $500,000 in grant funding to breast cancer programs in our region.It would not have been possible without the hundreds of volunteers and local supporters who work with Komen in the Triad–those who walk with us in May, those who dedicate themselves to spreading awareness and raising much-needed funds during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, and those who work tirelessly year-round to support our work.This is a great time to get involved with an organization, step up your commitment, and thank those around you who choose to give their most precious commodity – their time and themselves – to help others.I hope you’ll join us on May 3, but I also invite you to contact us at volunteers@komennctriad.org to find out how to get involved with volunteering at the Race or in another important volunteer job for our NC Triad Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. 

 

Southeastern Symposium on Breast Cancer Disparities

In addition to our STEP Grants for local Triad breast cancer screening, education & treatment program, Komen NC Triad also provides small grants to help fund area conferences and training events around breast cancer issues. We are particularly pleased to be a co-sponsor of the upcoming Southeastern Symposium on Breast Cancer Disparities. Here’s some info from the WFUBMC release:

 The Maya Angelou Research Center on Minority Health at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center will sponsor the Southeastern Symposium on Breast Cancer Disparities, Friday March 28 at the Marriott Hotel, 425 North Cherry St. Registration is required.

      The symposium will address the differences in diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in minority women and other underserved groups and white women in America, describe issues affecting breast cancer survivorship, and examine mechanisms for community outreach in breast cancer detection, treatment and research.

      Researchers, clinicians, medical residents and medical students and members of the public with an interest in breast cancer and minority health are encouraged to attend.

 For more information, see the full announcement.

 

Dessert Auction News is Sweet!

Our Dessert Auction volunteers from sponsors Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center and Allegacy Federal Credit Union are really going above and beyond! I received an email from organizer Lisa Long today about some notable auction items pledged for the event.

Flossie Johnson, has pledged to donate one of her cakes and two of her cookbooks autographed; Maya Angelou has pledged two of her leather bound books autographed.

Well, I am just beside myself with this news! There will be some fabulous cakes — I know the new pastry chef at Dewey’s is on board to create something fabulous. But there also will be a whole host of great items up for bid to support our Komen NC Triad Race for the Cure and help us in our efforts toward our vision: a world without breast cancer.

And, we will have a special surprise VIP with an exciting Race Announcement right before the Auction Action starts! 

Again — it’s Saturday, April 19 at Belk Court in Hanes Mall. Preview at 10am with special surprise at 11, followed by the live auction. We’ll have onsite Race registration as well — you really don’t want to miss this event!

Meanwhile, tune in to WSJS on Friday April 18 to catch me dishing desserts with Candide Jones on “Foodies Friday” — a weekly spot on JR Snider’s “The Triad’s Live and Local” show. You can find us at 11:30 on AM600.

Keep watching for more on fabulous auction items!

 

We Made 1000!

I blogged yesterday with my wish to hit 1,000 by the end of the week. Well, early today we made it! We are now at 1,037 and growing strong! Thanks to those who have registered, and for the rest of you—-what are you waiting for?

 

Can We Hit 1,000 this week?

I’ll admit it, I’ve been race-watching again! That’s the latest craze here at Komen NC Triad — popping over to race.komennctriad.org for a quick check of the fund raising thermometer and the participant & teams numbers.

As of this minute, we have 967 registrants. Can we make that 1,000 by the end of the week? I know my weekend will be so much nicer (and I’ll go out on a limb and say the same for Race Chair Whitney Knott as well!) if I can wrap up my week by seeing 1,000 people!

 Have you registered?

 

Gave away a half-mil today —

Wow! What a day. We had our Grants Presentation Luncheon at Graylyn in Winston-Salem today and it was about as good as it gets.

I had the honor of representing the Board and announcing $545,808 in grant funds to 15 amazing Triad breast health programs. That brings our total as an Affiliate to $2.5 million since 2000. I am awestruck by that number.  

We had an amazing keynote address by Dr. Dwight Randle, Senior Scientific Advisor for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. There weren’t many dry eyes in the room as he talked of his family, his personal commitment to eradicating breast cancer and Komen.

This morning, the grantees met for an orientation session. We truly are blessed with an outstanding group of grantees! These organizations are committed to providing the best quality care, and to making sure that every woman gets the breast health care she needs.

 I hope to have the new grantees up on our website by the end of the week — I hope you’ll visit and see the reason we do what we do.

 

Let Congress Know that Breast Cancer Funding is Important

I received an email from Susan G. Komen for the Cure Advocacy Alliance yesterday reminding us that

It is that time of year, when Congress prepares to divvy up funding for the year ahead – and breast cancer research and early detection programs are on the line.

This is a matter of real lives, not just numbers. If programs like the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program and agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) aren’t properly funded, lives will be lost. We can’t let that happen!

Write to your members of Congress today asking for a responsible investment in breast cancer in the 2009 budget.

Cuts in these programs could cost lives – lives of real people like Nicole Henderson. The story of Nicole and Robert Henderson is one of courage, true love, and inspiration for others battling cancer.

A young mother of four, Nicole found a lump in her breast in 1999, which started Nicole’s and Robert’s long breast cancer journey. After some initial progress through radiation and chemotherapy, Nicole’s cancer returned in 2002 and spread to her lungs. Despite multiple treatments, second and third opinions – even traveling to Mexico in search of alternative treatments – and lots of prayers from friends, church members and her supportive family, Nicole’s cancer spread to her brain and her condition declined.

In 2006, the couple was told there was no other treatment that would help. Her time is more precious than ever, but she and Robert have decided to make the most of it by standing together to share their story and champion the cause of early detection and more funding for research.

Send a message to Congress that we need more funding for people like Nicole. Take action now!

Robert was recently honored with Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s Co-Survivor of the Year award, which recognizes a friend, spouse, or family member who finds meaningful ways to ease the burden of someone dealing with breast cancer. Robert’s support has ranged from helping Nicole bathe to accompanying her to every chemotherapy and radiation treatment to driving her to her many speaking engagements, where she spreads the message of breast cancer awareness and early detection.

Nicole continues to share her story despite her advanced stage of illness. Now, it is up to Champions like you to tell Congress that we must set aside increased funding through appropriations to continue offering programs for early detection and vital funding of breast cancer research. We owe it to Nicole – and to the 40,000 women who will lose their battle with breast cancer this year – to do our part.

Urge Congress to set aside more funding so we can help others catch cancer early before it claims even more lives.

Thank you for all that you do to help end breast cancer forever. Together, we’ll make sure that breast cancer continues to be a national priority.

I can’t overestimate the importance of this quick and easy action. There are still so many women for whom mammograms and other screening and diagnostic tests are unavailable. There are too many women who die from breast cancer every day. I hope you will take Diane’s message to heart and write your elected officials today.  

Note *** the majority of this post is stolen shameless from Diane Balma’s wonderful reminder email.