Cancer Research Journal » Fundraising

Sexy Survivors Raise Colorectal Cancer Awareness

Lisa — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 23:45:18 +0000

The Colon Club, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in New York, has announced the release of The 2009 Colondar.

This year’s fifth anniversary edition of The Colondar features beautiful photographs of 13 vibrant male and female colorectal cancer survivors who were all diagnosed under the age of 50. The models bravely volunteer to share their stories and bare their surgical scars to encourage colonoscopies and to raise awareness that colon and rectal cancers can strike anyone at any age.

Throwing all journalistic objectivity aside, I have to tell you I’m a BIG fan of this calendar. While feeling tired, bewildered and more than a little ugly after my own cancer surgery a few years ago, I stumbled across an earlier edition of The Colondar. The striking pictures of these courageous survivors offered me hope that I would soon recover from my cancer and return to a wonderful life.

The 2009 Colondar from The Colon Club

The 2009 Colondars are available from The Colon Club for $16.50 each with shipping included.

Consider getting a couple extras to give as gifts too. In addition to helping friends keep track of busy schedules, they’ll remind people to get screened, encourage cancer survivors throughout the year, and they’ll add something interesting and beautiful to bare office walls — my oncology nurse loved his!

(Click here to order a 2009 Colondar from The Colon Club.)

Note to readers outside the United States: The Colon Club’s web site does not process online international orders. If you’d like to purchase a copy to be mailed overseas, please e-mail them at Info@colondar.com.

The Colon Club is also looking for more survivors to appear in their 2010 Colondar. If you’re interested, please let them know as soon as possible.

Source: Colorectal Cancer Coalition

Technorati Tags: cancer prevention; cancer support groups; oncology; cancer outreach

Do You Really Want to Help a Cancer Patient? Donate Blood

Lisa — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 00:53:35 +0000

Back when I was routinely getting chemotherapy and radiation treatments, people asked me almost daily if there was anything they could do to help me.

Kind and generous folks offered me quilts, baseball caps or scarves, pill containers, stress balls, rides to the hospital, medical books and shoulders to cry on…it was all mine just for the asking.

I’m not just talking about the doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers involved in my treatment either. Along with the dedicated professionals who provided my medical care, there were relatives, friends, neighbors, nonprofit organizations, religious groups, fellow cancer survivors, co-workers and complete strangers offering to support me through those difficult days.

Most of the time I politely declined their offers telling would-be supporters I didn’t need anything while thanking them for their generosity. I could tell they really wanted to help, but I simply couldn’t think of anything I needed other than to be healthy again. After they got several assurances I would call if I ever changed my mind, they moved on and I continued with my life as a cancer survivor. Unable to help me directly, some did fundraising for scientific research (wonderful!), but many said they still wished they could do more.

Well, it’s been three years since my last treatment and I’m hoping some of those offers are still good. That’s because I’ve finally thought of something you can do for me and all the other cancer survivors out there: GIVE BLOOD.

I’m not sure why I didn’t ask sooner – maybe it was chemobrain. Back when I was in the military I, along with most of the people I worked with, regularly gave blood because…well…war and disaster relief are bloody businesses. Blood mobiles would routinely show up at our installation and we’d form a line, fill a bag, and enjoy a cup of juice afterwards. I guess most military professionals just figure donating is part of our duty to those we serve and serve with. (For similar reasons, civilian medical professionals tend to donate quite a bit too.)

After I started my cancer treatments, I couldn’t donate blood (turns out I still can’t — for now at least). That means I lost the opportunity to help my buddies in the oncology ward who are still battling for their lives.

The American Red Cross reports that every 2 seconds somebody in the United States needs a blood transfusion.

Every 2 seconds.

Thousands of those relying on lifesaving blood cells, platelets or plasma products are cancer patients. They may need blood because chemotherapy diminished their platelet supply, they could be a child with leukemia needing blood transfusions, or a breast cancer patient having a lumpectomy. They could even be a cancer survivor having an organ transplant.

All these cancer therapies and many more take blood – sometimes lots of blood.

A single leukemia patient can use 8 units of platelets daily for 2 to 4 weeks. One liver transplant takes an average of 10 units of red blood cells. I never required donated blood products while I was in the military, but my I consumed a couple units once I had my oncology surgery.

That’s why I’m asking for your help now. It’s really hard for me to see people I care about fighting The War on Cancer knowing I can’t replace the blood somebody generously donated to help me. Until I’m eligible to donate again myself I’m doing what I can which includes asking you, our Cancer Research Journal readers, to help.

I realize most of you probably envisioned something a little different when you offered your support to me or other cancer patients, but please trust me when I say this is one the best ways you could ever help the cancer community.

So, if you’re healthy enough and it’s not against your personal convictions, please consider giving blood. If you’re up to it, make time to go regularly and bring a friend.

If you’re a cancer survivor — or some other survivor who isn’t eligible to donate blood products – remember you can still help the cause. Organize blood drives in your community or suggest blood donations to anybody offering you support. You can even post a suggestion or public service announcement on your own web site. Consider your efforts a payback to all those who helped you make it this far.

If you live in the US and would like to locate a blood donation center near you, visit the American Red Cross Give Life web site at www.givelife.org or ask the staff at your local hospital.

To everyone who finds a way to contribute, my heartfelt thanks. You are truly giving the gift of life.

Source: CancerResearchJournal.com

Technorati Tags: cancer support; charity

Candidates Share Cancer Plans at 2008 LIVESTRONG Summit

Lisa — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 18:05:27 +0000

If you’re a cancer survivor, cancer advocate or oncology professional with time to travel this month, consider a trip to Columbus, Ohio.

Why Columbus?

The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) is hosting a major cancer summit at Ohio State University on July 24-27, 2008.

Organizers of the summit are planning to bring together 1,000 leaders from across the country to discuss the future of cancer research in the United States. By bringing together cancer survivors, healthcare professionals, major media outlets and prominent politicians, the event hopes to raise awareness about the importance of legislation funding scientific research related to cancer prevention and treatment.

The summit will also help voters learn candidates’ plans for addressing the cancer epidemic before ballots are cast this fall.

Republican presidential candidate Senator John McCain has already confirmed he will attend the 2008 LIVESTRONG Summit. Democratic candidate Senator Barack Obama has yet to respond to LAF’s invitation. (If you know him, please encourage him to accept.)

Whether Senator Obama makes the time to attend or not, the summit is an important step in keeping cancer research on the national agenda. As LAF’s famous founder said,

“We have 10,000,000 cancer survivors in this country. If they all came together and said, that’s it, that’s our issue — we’re going to vote that way, we’re going to ask the hard questions, and we’re going to hold our leaders accountable, then that’s how you affect change.”

Lance Armstrong
Champion Cyclist, Testicular Cancer Survivor, Cancer Advocate

To learn more about government funding for the National Cancer Institute, visit the NCI Office of Budget and Finance web site at http://obf.cancer.gov/.

Source: LIVESTRONG Newsletter

Technorati Tags: cancer awareness; government grants; election issues; national health policy; nonprofit organization

Horse Power for Life Offers Free Lessons to Cancer Patients

Lisa — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 21:16:31 +0000

A Pennsylvania-based nonprofit group is offering free horseback riding lessons to cancer patients of all ages.

Horse Power for Life is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Chesterfield County, Pennsylvania. Its goal is to improve cancer patient/survivor quality of life through therapeutic programs involving horses.

Horse Power for Life provides 16-week educational and recreational horsemanship programs to cancer patients and one accompanying family member at no cost. Both students will learn how to properly feed and care for horses, receive horseback riding lessons from trained equestrians, and enjoy fun horse-related activities like painting decorative horseshoes.

Organizers of the program report cancer patients improve their emotional, physical, and social well-being through interaction with companion animals. A survivor’s balance and muscle strength are improved through horseback riding and confidence is restored as new skills are mastered. As one breast cancer survivor whose testimonial is published on the program’s web site said,

“The program has given me a passion for life that I haven’t had for a long time, I just absolutely love it.”

Horse Power for Life lessons are conducted by experienced riders at Banbury Cross, Ltd, a facility which has both outdoor and indoor riding arenas and horse stables. To enroll as a student, cancer patients must have their current doctor certify they’re healthy enough to participate and emergency medical releases must be completed.

Horse Power for Life was incorporated in August 2007 and is the first organization of its kind in Pennsylvania. The results of the program’s opening months were so encouraging, the program is being expanding this year with support from a Howell Lockhart Seiple Trust 1 grant from Wachovia Trust.

If you’re in the Pennsylvania area this month and would like to support Horse Power for Life, they’re hosting a charity fundraiser at Warwick County Park on Sunday, July 13, 2008. (To learn more about Woofs 4 Hoofs Dog Walk for Cancer, click here.)

If you have questions or are interested in participating in Horse Power for Life programs, they can be reached by phoning (484) 341-8393.

For information about other outdoor recreation programs available to people living with cancer, try the Cancer.Net web site operated by the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Sources: horsepowerforlife.org and businesswire.com

Related Links: Reuters; Philanthropy Journal

Technorati Tags: cancer recovery; mental health; oncology; volunteer

Cancer Charity Seeks Runners for Marine Corps Marathon

Lisa — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 22:07:17 +0000

The Prevent Cancer Foundation is looking for runners of all experience levels to participate in the 2008 Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) being held on Sunday, October 26, 2008. The foundation is putting together a team to help raise money for cancer research and education programs.

The MCM is the 4th largest marathon held in the United States and the 7th largest marathon in the world. The race course takes runners through historic landmarks in Arlington, VA, and Washington, DC.

Registration for Team Prevent Cancer is free, but runners are asked to commit to raising $1,000 to support cancer programs sponsored by the charity. Runners need to register on or before August 1, 2008, to be on the team, however, they have until October 24th to raise the funds. Team members receive online training information to help them prepare for the race, tips for reaching their fundraising goal, a t-shirt, and a photo of Team Prevent Cancer.

To learn more about Team Prevent Cancer, e-mail Jim Wood at james.wood@preventcancer.org or phone 703-837-3684. If you’d like to register online for the team, please click here.

Source: PreventCancer.org

Related Links: cancer.org; raceforlife.org; stbaldricks.org

Technorati Tags: nonprofit; survivorship; volunteer

Fred Hutchinson Climbs Volcanoes to Beat Breast Cancer

Lisa — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:02:15 +0000

Two volcanoes in central Mexico have been added to the impressive list of international peaks being scaled to raise money for breast cancer research at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC).

The 2008 Climb to Fight Breast Cancer® includes peaks at elevations ranging from 10,781 feet to 19,340 feet located in in Mexico, Oregon, Washington, Russia and Tanzania. Participants commit to raising $3,000 to $10,000 depending on the location selected.

Outdoor enthusiasts, cancer survivors and family members of all skill levels participate in the guided events. Professionals from Alpine Ascents International will be leading FHCRC’s volcano groups on the additional Pico de Orizaba and Ixtaccihuati expeditions in October and November 2008. The complete climb schedule can be found at www.fhcrc.org/climb.

FHCRC reports the popular fundraiser has earned more than $3 million for breast cancer research since the first climb took place on Mount Adams 11 years ago. People interesting in joining a climb can obtain information by visiting the FHCRC web site or by calling (206)667-1398.

Source: Fred Hutchinson News and Events

Canine Cancer Patients Benefit from Cliff Book

Lisa — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 14:10:45 +0000

An inspirational book is helping dogs with cancer receive expensive medical treatments their owners can’t afford to give them.

Cliff and I: My Dog’s Journey Through Cancer and Beyond chronicles the author’s personal experience helping her German Shepherd battle cancer.

As a tribute to her beloved pet, Cliff’s writer Joanne M. DeFluri is donating the proceeds from every copy of the book purchased through the CanineCancerAwareness.org web site to CCA’s charity fund. (Buyers also need to mark their order “CCA” for the group to get the donation.)

Canine Cancer Awareness is a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance and support to people caring for dogs diagnosed with cancer.

Small animals commonly develop cancers similar to those found in their human counterparts including lymphomas, hard and soft tissue sarcomas, adenocarcinomas and breast/mammary cancers. As it is with humans, early detection and treatment greatly improves an animal’s chance of surviving the disease. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dogs or cats who display one or more of these symptoms should be examined by a qualified professional as soon as possible:

Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
Sores that do not heal
Unusual weight loss
Loss of appetite
Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
Offensive odor
Difficulty eating or swallowing
Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
Persistent lameness or stiffness
Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating

If you’re interested in purchasing Cliff, but you’d like to channel your charity dollars elsewhere, the $15.95 book is also available at Amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com.

Source: Canine Cancer Awareness Announcements

Technorati Tags: veterinary medicine; comparative oncology; cancer caregivers; animal advocacy; cancer survivors; canine chemotherapy

DoD Makes Mesothelioma Research Money Available

Lisa — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 18:05:08 +0000

The US Department of Defense (DoD) Medical Research Program is making mesothelioma research a priority for the 2008 grant cycle, a move which potentially makes millions of grant dollars available to civilian scientists studying the deadly disease.

Mesothelioma, a rare cancer strongly linked to asbestos exposure, occurs at elevated rates in certain populations of military veterans. In fact, one-third of all known mesothelioma cases are associated with the U.S. Navy and shipyard exposure to asbestos.

Mesothelioma advocacy groups worked with 15 senators, led by Senator Max Baucus (D-MT), for several years to promote the initiative. Those advocates are now strongly encouraging methothelioma investigators to take advantage of the new funding opportunity so mesothelioma research remains a candidate for federal funding in the future.

If you’d like more information on criteria for the grant, you can contact the Meso Foundation at (805)563-8400.

Source: Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation

Kids Willing to Take Risks for Cancer Research

Lisa — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 13:45:14 +0000

A study of children involved in cancer treatments and other trials indicates most of them are willing to put themselves in harm’s way to further research projects and charitable causes, even if the activities wouldn’t benefit them personally.

To arrive at the findings, scientists from the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development interviewed 81 sets of children (ages 7 to 14 years) and their parents/guardians at a clinic where the children were receiving care or participating in clinical research for cancer or asthma.

After being presented hypothetical scenarios of various research studies and charitable activities that would pose an increased risk of headaches or broken bones, the patients were asked if they’d be willing to participate. Although they were told the study could not benefit their own treatment, a large percentage of the children – up to 71% in some instances – said they would still volunteer.

Depending on the risks presented, 24 to 72 percent of the guardians stated they’d provide parental consent even when the proposed activities offered no clinical benefit to their own child.

The authors of the study concluded the findings supported the acceptability of exposing children to some research risks for the benefit of others.

Results of the study are published in the January 2008 edition of the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.

On a related note, there’s a bipartisan bill currently making its way through the US Congress which could potentially impact funding for pediatric cancer research. If you’d like to track the status of the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2007 click here.

Source: Jan 2008 Issue of The Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine

Distributed Cognition May Provide Clues to Medical Errors

Lisa — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 13:46:00 +0000

The James S. McDonnell Foundation has awarded a $4.7 million grant to researchers investigating how cognitive science can be used to reduce medical errors in complex health care systems.

The team’s goals are to identify weaknesses in medical decision-making processes and to develop solutions that improve patient safety. As the group’s leader explained,

“Thought processes underlying critical care are distributed across the minds of many types of clinicians and health care providers, as well as physical objects such as notes and computer equipment. The notion of distributed cognition shifts the focus of cognitive science from the study of individuals in controlled settings to the study of groups of individuals in the real-world context.”

Vimla L. Patel
Professor & Vice Chair, Dept of Biomedical Informatics
Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering, ASU

Scientists from Arizona State University, Banner Health, the University of Texas-Houston, and Washington University in St. Louis will collaborate on the study. Private-sector partners for the study include Immersion Inc, Intermec Inc, and Visicu Inc.

As part of the project, the researchers will hold annual conferences with international science and health care groups including the Toronto-based Cochran Foundation, the Northwestern Institute on Complex Systems at Northwestern University, and the Complexity in Social Science project in France.

Experts have estimated that medical errors are responsible for more U.S. deaths annually than breast cancer or car accidents.

Source: ASU News

Tags: cancer patient concerns; Trevor Cohen; Kanav Kahol; Jiajie Zhang; Timothy G Buchman; Marshall Smith; emergency medicine; anesthesiology; bioinformatics; Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center; surgical simulation; philanthropy; intensive care