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

Posts Tagged ‘women’

Eagle Rock Women’s Golf “Swing Fore a Cure”

Posted By on August 15th, 2011 at 8:57 am | 0 comments.

Golfers put on their pink to hit the links at the Eagle Rock Resort for the Eagle Rock Women’s Golf “Swing Fore a Cure” Tournament on August 3. With a starting time of 8:30, golfers enjoyed a morning on the green before being treated to a luncheon following the tournament. What a wonderful way to mix a love of golf with the support of a good cause!

The PBCC traveled to Hazleton with information for the participants so that they would know how the PBCC works on behalf of breast cancer survivors and their families across Pennsylvania. Our gratitude and thanks to event organizer Judy Hall and all those who helped make the event such a tremendous success.

If you are planning a golf tournament or another event and would like to talk to someone about fundraising for the PBCC through your event, please email Sarah Lightman  or call 800-377-8828 x107!

KAMMCares: Grants for Non Medical Expenses

Posted By on August 15th, 2011 at 8:56 am | 2 comments.

KAMMCares is a California-based national organization dedicated to helping anyone going through treatment for breast cancer. KAMMCares places funds directly in the hands of patients. The money can be used for child care costs, groceries, and any other day-to-day expenses. To apply, you must currently be in treatment for breast cancer, and provide a description of yourself, your life and interests, and a recent photo.

The complete application process can be found at the KAMMCares website. KAMMCares also requires a letter from your doctor outlining information about the type of treatment you are receiving and the length of time you have been in treatment. The organization requires that this information be provided on your doctor’s letterhead and signed by hand in ink by the doctor. KAMMCares will not accept photocopies or faxes.

More information about KAMMCares and the application process is here.

Survivor Spotlight – Julie Rockey

Posted By on August 15th, 2011 at 8:55 am | 4 comments.

Julie Rockey describes herself as a Type A personality, someone who is always on the go. Combine that with her love of organizing fun and interesting things to do and you get the Ta-Ta Trot, a fundraiser to benefit the PBCC! Julie was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2010. She was 30 years old at the time and went for a routine ob/gyn exam. She was just checking to be sure everything was fine to get pregnant; a breast cancer diagnosis was the last thing she expected that day.

Her doctor did a breast exam, sent Julie for a mammogram, and within a day she learned that she had breast cancer. Julie was very open about what she was going through and was able to create a large support system with work, family and friends.

While she was going through chemo a friend who was planning a 5K walk/run approached her with the idea, offering Julie the option to select the nonprofit to benefit from it. He also introduced her to Cheryl Delsite, a breast cancer survivor and long-time PBCC volunteer. It was important to Julie that the money raised through the event would be used locally to help women in Pennsylvania. After talking with Cheryl, Julie decided that the PBCC would be the best organization to receive the funds.

Ta-Ta Trot was held in Sunbury, PA on July 9th and drew an astounding 655 walkers & runners who raised over $14,000! Everyone in the community is excited for next year and the goal is to increase to 1,000 participants! All the proceeds from the event benefitted the PBCC in memory of Marie Lamey, R.N., a breast cancer nurse at Geisinger Health System, where Julie is Senior Director of Operations. Many of the volunteers were Geisinger employees who wanted to honor Marie with their participation, and Dr. Victor Vogel, Director of the Geisinger Cancer Institute, spoke at the opening ceremony.

Julie completed her breast cancer treatment in June. She tells other women that she thinks of breast cancer as a life sentence, not a death sentence. She has learned to level out and take a deep breath once in a while. She decided from the first day that she would not let it bring her down. Now, because of having had breast cancer, she has hundreds of friends that she didn’t have before. And probably hundreds more next year after the Ta-Ta Trot!

Retrospective Study Results Reinforce Tamoxifen’s Reputation

Posted By on August 15th, 2011 at 8:54 am | 0 comments.

In a study that looks back at 20 randomized, controlled trials of the breast cancer drug tamoxifen, researchers in the Breast Cancer Trialists Collaborative Group report that 15 years after a diagnosis of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer and 10 years after stopping the drug, women who took tamoxifen had a 1/3 lower risk of dying than those who did not take it. A lead investigator in the study stated that tamoxifen “has probably saved more lives than any other oncological drug ever.”

In addition, as has been noted in earlier studies, women who took the drug were about 40% less likely to have recurrent breast cancer. This study will be published in an upcoming issue of the journal The Lancet. More information will also be available in the Fall 2011 issue of the PBCC’s quarterly newsletter, FrontLine.

Representative Todd Stephens Hosts Fox Chase Cancer Center MammoVan

Posted By on August 15th, 2011 at 8:53 am | 0 comments.

Representative Todd Stephens and Fox Chase Cancer Center are joining forces to save lives by bringing the ‘MammoVan’ – a mobile mammography van – to Rep. Stephens’ District Office in North Wales on August 19. Women 40 and older in need of an annual mammogram can call Rep. Stephens’ office at 215-368-5165 to schedule an appointment.

Rest assured that your medical and personal information will NOT be shared with Representative Stephens’ office – calls to the office are for scheduling purposes only. Those who wish to receive a mammogram through this program must meet certain requirements which include the following:

  • Must be at least 40 years old
  • Must provide name and address of one of your doctors
  • Must have prescription from your doctor
  • Must not be breastfeeding or have breastfed within the past nine months
  • Must not have had a breast cancer diagnosis or be under treatment for breast cancer
  • Must not have had a mammogram within the past 12 months
  • Must be able to board the van on your own and stand alone for the screening
Please note that appointments are required for this important screening, so please be sure to call 215-368-5165 to schedule ASAP.

Home Run Derby Round-Up

Posted By on August 15th, 2011 at 8:52 am | 0 comments.

It was a banner month for the PBCC this July, thanks to the statewide sponsors and the 151 teams and 16 single batters that took on the challenge to Take a Swing Against Breast Cancer in the 2011 Home Run Derby! The results have been tallied and we have quite the list of heavy hitters among our Top Ten Teams. And the winners are…

Top Ten Teams

1. PeoplesBank of York Team 3 – 2,360 points

2. The Hershey Brothers – 2,070 points

3. Neuman’s Crew (Rep. Brandon Neuman) – 2,025 points

4. Bald is Beautiful – Harrisburg – 1,925 points

5. TESCO & the Fette Family Team 2 – 1,905 points

6. Rep. Karen Boback Team 2 – 1,835 points

7. Sen. Mike Brubaker Team 1 – 1,795 points

8. Rep. Sue Helm’s Hitters for a Cure – 1,765 points

9. Rep. Karen Boback Team 1 – 1,700 points

10. Icing on the Lake Team 2 – 1,675 points

 

Top 5 Single Batters

1. John Furlong (Reading) – 550 points

2. Chuck Asman (Lehigh Valley) – 475 points

3. Jeff Lengle (Reading) – 410 points

4. James Wolfe (Scranton/Wilkes-Barre) – 400 points

5. Tyler Smith (State College) – 375 points

 

New this year is the ‘Rookie of the Year’ designation. This designation goes out to our youngest single batter whose turn at the plate brought tears to many eyes and pride to many hearts at Clipper Magazine Stadium in Lancaster. The honor of 2011 Rookie of the Year goes to 7-year-old Andrew Hackart, who stepped up to the plate in honor of his Grammie who is a breast cancer survivor.

 

For complete results from each stadium be sure to read each of the 11 stadium recaps on our blog. Be sure to visit our home run derby  Hall of Fame  to see a complete list of all the 2011 home run hitters!

Something for Everyone at October 11 Conference

Posted By on August 15th, 2011 at 8:51 am | 0 comments.

October is just around the corner – which means the time to register for the PA Breast Cancer Coalition Conference is NOW! The conference is a perfect blend of education and inspiration for everyone who has been touched by breast cancer. Join us in honoring our 2011 Pink Ribbon Award Recipients Dr. Thomas G. Frazier and Mimi Barash Coppersmith, who have each championed the cause in different ways, at our exciting Pink Ribbon Luncheon.

With workshops covering topics from advocacy to treatment, there’s certainly something for all to take away from the day-long conference. Whether you are a breast cancer survivor, a friend or family member, a health care provider, a community leader, or a concerned citizen – the PA Breast Cancer Coalition Conference is for you. Click here to see a complete list of the workshop sessions scheduled for this exciting day!

Swing For Support Raises $3,200!

Posted By on July 20th, 2011 at 10:34 am | 0 comments.

Blue Ridge Country Club and Executive Woman’s Gold Associate hosted a successful golf event, organized by Glenda Dechowitz, on Tuesday, June 28 raising $3,200 for the PA Breast Cancer Coalition!  Swing for Support took place at the Blue Ridge Country Club where golfers of all expertise came out to play 9 holes of golf followed by a dinner and prizes.

All of the funds raised by the event were donated directly to the PA Breast Cancer Coalition, which means the money remains in PA to help the 103,000 women living with breast cancer in the state.

We want to say a special thanks to the supporters who helped make Swing for Support possible:

Goodie Bags – Makin’ It Safe, LLC

Raffle Prizes
Ann Ketchum – Golf Seat Cover
Bricco’s
Dr. & Mrs. Peter Alagona- Wine Basket
Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Kreiner – Professional Teeth Whitening Kit

Event Committee – Marilyn Book, Anne Ketchum, Lynne King

Professional Services – Peter Mickelwright & Conrad Lickel

Thank you to everyone who participated and raised not only funds, but awareness, for the PA Breast Cancer Coalition!

 

PBCC Patient Advocacy

Posted By on July 15th, 2011 at 8:56 am | 0 comments.

Diana reached the maximum coverage limit through her insurance before she had won her battle with breast cancer.  Despite an earlier denial of free treatment/Medicaid through PA’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention Treatment Program because she had sufficient health insurance at the time, the PBCC encouraged her to apply again. She was approved for the program due to her “underinsured” status, and received coverage for her medical needs.

The PBCC advocates for all women and their families across PA. Our legislative victories have created changes that provide mammograms for uninsured women, insurance coverage for reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy, free treatment for breast cancer for uninsured and underinsured women, and funding for PA researchers working to find a cure. We are also here to advocate for women who might otherwise fall through the cracks in the health care system, who don’t know about available resources or how to access them.

Every day we hear from women who need guidance about how to navigate their way through an overwhelming maze of obstacles to medical care. Whenever we pick up the phone we know the caller might be a woman whose insurance company doesn’t want to cover the procedure that her doctor wants her to have. Or maybe her job is in jeopardy if she has to take time off from work for treatment. Or she has no health insurance and doesn’t know there are programs for which she might qualify.

Some days we are providing information about national, state, or local agencies that will provide the service she needs. Often we are explaining a complicated program in a way that makes it seem less confusing. Always, we can be a reassuring voice providing a personal touch in a world of voice mail and computer-generated phone responses.

If you or someone you know is facing an obstacle to their care that the PBCC may be able to help you overcome, please contact our Patient Advocate, Dolores Magro at Dolores@PABreastCancer.org.

Survivor Spotlight – Nicole Shaffer – Lititz, PA

Posted By on July 15th, 2011 at 8:55 am | 0 comments.

Nicole with husband Dave and their children Blair, Brandon, and Brady.

Nicole Shaffer was familiar with the PBCC years before her breast cancer diagnosis. Nicole, an occupational health nurse practitioner at Johnson & Johnson in Lititz,  participated in the annual Freshburst Race to benefit the PBCC in 2007. In December 2008 at the age of 35, Nicole found a lump in her breast.

A mammogram and an ultrasound both came back negative, but she wasn’t satisfied. That lump bothered her and she followed up with a surgeon and had an MRI. The surgeon confirmed that she had DCIS and Nicole had a bi-lateral mastectomy.

She has expanded her commitment to the PBCC, representing Lancaster County in our traveling photo exhibit, and co-presenting the workshop “Young Survivorship: Finding Your New Normal” at the 2010 PBCC Annual Conference.

Nicole believes that her purpose in life is to help other women. She was always a compassionate nurse but now where cancer is involved she finds herself reaching out even more. She never misses an opportunity to remind a woman to listen to her own body. Those initial tests Nicole had were read as negative but she knew something was wrong.

Nicole is now director of occupational health and wellness for North America with Pfizer. She and her husband Dave have three boys ages 9, 7 and 5. She loves to cook, spend time with her family hiking, biking and just being outside.