Finding a cure now...so our daughters won't have to.

Author Archive

Survivor Spotlight – Heather Vail

Posted By on April 13th, 2012 at 9:02 am | 0 comments.

I attended my first PBCC conference in 2001 when my good friend Helen Harshbarger was honored with the Shining Light award. Through Helen, I also became involved with the PBCC’s traveling photo exhibit. Then in 2006 my routine mammogram uncovered a density. I had a biopsy, just to be sure it was nothing to be concerned about but as it turned out, it was breast cancer. I had surgery, radiation, and was on tamoxifen for the next five years.

I had worked in the women’s center at Guthrie Hospital for quite some time, but until you’ve walked in those shoes yourself you really don’t know what it’s like. I was always supportive of patients and friends but being on the receiving end of that support showed me how important that is.

One of my two sons was in Iraq at the time of my diagnosis and I didn’t tell him about it. I didn’t want him worrying about me while I was worrying about him. My other son, my husband, my daughter-in-law, friends and neighbors were wonderful! Faith in God helped me get through surgery and recovery.

Now I work in the breast center at Guthrie, and one of the things I enjoy most is stepping in for Karen Cartwright, the nurse navigator, when she’s not available. I take the patient’s history, ask them how they are doing, and let them know that I’ve been through it too.

I like to read, walk my two rescue dogs, and work in my garden. My husband Red and I also have a 12 year-old cat that dislikes everyone and tolerates the dogs. I follow professional football and am an avid Penn State fan. I also watch “Dancing with the Stars,” and I actually vote!

Heather is featured in the PBCC’s traveling photo exhibit 67 Women, 67 Counties: Facing Breast Cancer in Pennsylvania.  See Heather’s photo and quote at any of our Spring opening receptions.

Breast Cancer Risks Associated With Lynch Syndrome

Posted By on April 13th, 2012 at 9:01 am | 0 comments.

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on cancer risks associated with Lynch syndrome yielded some unexpected results about increased risk of breast cancer. Lynch syndrome, an inherited condition, is caused by mutations in particular genes that are involved in repairing DNA damage, and had previously been linked to increased risk of colon, uterus, ovary, kidney, stomach, and bladder cancer. This study showed a significant increase in breast and pancreatic cancer as well.

Findings after five years showed that individuals with Lynch syndrome had a four-fold greater risk of developing breast cancer than those in the general population. The study also showed those with Lynch syndrome had a tendency to be diagnosed with these cancers at an earlier age than those diagnosed with these cancers in the general population. The findings on breast cancer suggest a need for further study to determine the optimal age for mammography for patients with Lynch syndrome and whether other tests such as breast MRI should be recommended.

Home Run Derby Website a Fundraising Hit!

Posted By on April 13th, 2012 at 9:00 am | 0 comments.

With baseball season hitting its stride, preparations for the Take a Swing Against Breast Cancer home run derby are in full swing. The Bethlehem Bombers – a team of young men stepping up to the plate when the derby rolls in to Reading on July 17 – have been using the PBCC’s new Donate to a Team feature to raise money through a personalized website. After exceeding their initial goal of raising $500 for the derby, these guys upped the ante and are now working toward a $2,000 goal! Register now and make a page for your team – or yourself!

Team and individual batter sign ups are open, so register today! Your registration will get you signed up for a day of fun at a ballpark of your choice. Your registration fee covers a batter’s jersey, program, souvenir team photo, gift bag and an experience you won’t soon forget to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.

There are also many great sponsorship opportunities available to meet any budget. If you want to find out more on how your business can be involved as a sponsor, check out these available opportunities.

The PBCC is also in need of volunteers to help out each day of the derby. If you want to help, please complete the online form.

Refunds for Breast Cancer Research Kick-Off at Capitol

Posted By on April 13th, 2012 at 8:59 am | 0 comments.

Donate Your State Income Tax Refund Today

The PBCC presented Allan Lipton, M.D. of the Penn State College of Medicine with a $50,000 grant at a kick-off event for the 2012 Refunds for Breast and Cervical Cancer Research Campaign at the Capitol Building. Michael Wolf , Executive Deputy Secretary at the PA Department of Health, and Debbie Freer, a breast cancer survivor and PBCC Board Member joined PBCC President & Founder Pat Halpin-Murphy in speaking at the event.

Dr. Lipton was one of three Pennsylvania researchers chosen to receive a research grant this year through the PBCC’s Refunds for Breast and Cervical Cancer Research program. His research centers on metastases and whether a biomarker can be found in blood to help doctors determine which of two FDA-approved therapies would be more effective in treating the patient. The two other researchers – Andy Minn, M.D., Ph.D. and Takemi Tanaka, Ph.D. – were presented with their grants at an event held at Philadelphia City Hall in February.

With only days left to file your taxes, be sure to check yes on line 35 of your PA state income tax form to donate all or part of your refund to the PBCC’s Refunds for Research program.

Online Free Treatment Course Now Available!

Posted By on April 13th, 2012 at 8:58 am | 0 comments.

Since the launch of the PBCC’s online course on Pennsylvania’s FREE Treatment for Breast and Cervical Cancer program on March 7, more than 110 people have learned how to help uninsured and underinsured women get the treatment and care they need to fight a breast cancer diagnosis. You too can take the course and learn how this program saves lives! The free online course is open to all and the continuing education credits for nurses and social workers are free.

Here is some of the feedback the PBCC has received from those who took the online course:

“This was exceptional!! Thanks so much for providing this valuable info – I hope many people take advantage of the learning opportunity.”

“Thank you so much for offering this course. I am currently enrolled in the program and quite honestly it has been a true lifesaver. I would hate to think where I would be if this program did not exist. I wanted to learn more about the program so I could educate others.”

“I found this course to be very helpful. I work as an ER social worker and occasionally have women – especially young women with families – who would qualify for this program.”

Survivor Spotlight – Merrilynn Cushman

Posted By on March 16th, 2012 at 9:02 am | 4 comments.

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer I was a 40 year-old single mother of two, a 3 year-old and a 5 year-old. They were my touchstones. Every decision was based on what would give me a better chance to be here for them. My first baseline mammogram detected the breast cancer. I had a needle localization biopsy and was told that the margins from that procedure were adequate and I could proceed to radiation and tamoxifen. I wasn’t comfortable though and I went to Dr. Norman Wolmark for a 2nd opinion.

I had read that the risk of recurrence after a mastectomy was less than 1% as compared to 5% with a lumpectomy. One of the things I love best about Dr. Wolmark is that he never leaves the room until all your questions are answered. After discussing it with him, I decided to have a mastectomy. During that surgery, previously undetected cancer cells were found deeper in my breast. Listening to my own inner voice was the right thing to do.

I live 250 miles away from my closest family but my sister, sister-in-law and mother took turns coming to stay with me. A friend made a schedule for others in the community to drive me to appointments, cook meals, and do whatever I needed. I had purchased new wallpaper for my living room and when I came home from the hospital I found that they had put it up!

I’m private and hadn’t planned on sharing so publicly about having breast cancer. But after my surgery my 5 year-old daughter (who is now 14) touched my face. She said “I’m like you. Will I have breast cancer too?” That motivated me to support finding a cure. That, and the desire to pay back for all the help I received.

Merrilynn is Community Relations Director at Titusville Area Hospital and represents Crawford County in the PBCC traveling photo exhibit. She loves spending time with her children and running.

Breast Cancer Remains Leading Diagnosed Cancer Among Women

Posted By on March 16th, 2012 at 9:01 am | 0 comments.

by Barbara Good, Ph.D.

Each year the journal CA, A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, provides an analysis of cancer statistics for all cancers.  Breast cancer continues to be the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. This initial report shows that the cancer burden continues to increase worldwide, attributable in part to the fact that people now live longer than in past generations.

In the US, cancer incidence has been stable for men and has been declining in women by 0.6% yearly since 1998.

In the United States for 2011, breast cancer accounts for about 30% of diagnosed cases and 15% of cancer deaths. Pennsylvania has one of the highest rates for both incidence and death from breast cancer in the US.

A follow-up report, issued later in the year, details statistics for the United States. For the complete US report, go to: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.3322/caac.20121/pdf

New Home Run Derby Website Offers More

Posted By on March 16th, 2012 at 9:00 am | 0 comments.

Baseball season is knocking and Mother Nature thinks it’s June. The PBCC’s 5th annual Take a Swing Against Breast Cancer home run derby will be touring the state this July. Registration is open and YOU can make a difference by registering online today! NEW THIS YEAR: Teams and individuals can fundraise their donations from friends, family and co-workers ONLINE! Check out the NEW 
PAHomeRunDerby.org! Start a team and ask your friends to join, create a special page on our website about why you are participating, solicit donations through Facebook, Twitter and email, and track your progress online.

We are also looking for a few good volunteers. If you and your co-workers, your children, or your neighbors would like to shag a few baseballs in the outfield, we can use your help! Volunteer registration is also available online.

Be sure to check out our July touring schedule and mark your calendars now! If you have any questions or need assistance through the registration process, call the batter’s box (ok, not really) but reach out to Kevin at Kevin@PABreastCancer.org or 800-377-8828 x109.

Take the PBCC’s Online FREE Treatment Course Today!

Posted By on March 16th, 2012 at 8:59 am | 0 comments.

Did you know that FREE treatment is available for uninsured and underinsured women battling breast or cervical cancer here in Pennsylvania? The PBCC is working to spread the word on this important program to all by offering a FREE online course. Check out our video! Nurses and social workers who take the course can earn free credits. Take the course today!

Those who take the course will have the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of this important program, and how it serves as a lifeline for those who are uninsured and underinsured battling breast cancer. As part of the course, you can review real-life case studies and read inspiring stories from survivors who benefitted from the program.

If you have any questions or problems with the course, please contact Jen at Jennifer@pabreastcancer.org or 800-377-8828 x101. Please note that the course is not compatible with mobile devices.

President’s Corner: How Your Dollars Make a Difference with Refunds for Research

Posted By on March 16th, 2012 at 8:58 am | 0 comments.

Contributing to potentially groundbreaking research is as easy as checking a box on your PA state income tax form, thanks to the PBCC’s Refunds for Breast and Cervical Cancer Research program. Every penny raised goes to fund grants to researchers working right here in the state. Join us on April 2 at the Capitol in Harrisburg for a press conference to present 2012 awardee Dr. Allan Lipton with a grant for $50,000.

Dr. Andy Minn and Dr. Takemi Tanaka were each presented with $50,000 awards at an event in Philadelphia’s City Hall in February. Last October, Dr. Craig Meyers, a previous Refunds for Research award recipient, announced the discovery of a virus that kills breast cancer cells – a groundbreaking discovery that could bring us closer to a cure than ever before.

Over $2.8 million has been raised through the PBCC’s Refunds for Research program thanks to the generosity of Pennsylvania’s taxpayers. You CAN make a difference. Help us reach $3 million this year – look for line 35 on your PA state income tax form and donate all or part of your PA state income tax refund to the PBCC’s Refunds for Breast and Cervical Cancer Research.