Countdown Some More...Week Number Four!

Dear Blogger Family and Friends,

Step right up for a seat to the cheeriest blog spot in town! The Pink Crusader tips her ringmaster's hat and welcomes you to the big top with thriller-killer smiles and death-defying hugs! As always, we look forward to your weekly visit so grab your popcorn, soda and cotton candy.....and let the show begin! Ooh..Ahh..

"Just cause you got the monkey off your back doesn't mean the circus has left town."

-George Carlin

O.K.....Things are getting a bit crazy right now.....not unlike a circus. With only 4 weeks to go before the public debut and Launch Party for The Faces behind Breast Cancer, we are struggling, juggling, and plugging along as we whittle away at our checklist. There's a lot of behind-the-scenes hocus pocus ...and those last minute glitches will get you every time! Somebody help us, please! Anyone know how to pull volunteers out of a hat? Our ultimate goal is to raise tons of money for M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, so keep the RSVP's, book orders and donations coming!

This week, the Pink Crusader would like to introduce you to our party Sponsors and Table Vendors.

We are delighted to have Cellcosmet of Cellap Switzerland as our primary sponsor for this fabulous launch party and fund raising event. Cellcosmet is a division of Cellap Laboratories, experts in Swiss Cellular and Phyto-Cosmeceuticals. Their extensive hypoallergenic skin-care products (for men and women) are derived from virgin, cold pressed, organic plant oils and are especially soothing and therapeutic on sensitive skin that has been altered or damaged by aging, illness and environmental factors. The Pink Crusader personally found their skin-care products to be beneficial following radiation and chemotherapy treatment after developing sensitivity problems secondary to cancer treatment. Cellcosmet products are sold in the United States exclusively through Sak's Fifth Avenue. Locally, you can visit the Cellcosmet counter at Saks in the Galleria Mall. Party Bonus: Everyone will receive a lovely goodie bag of complimentary Cellcosmet and Cellmen sample products, following the luncheon.
APPLAUSE FROM THE CROWD!!!!!

In addition to Cellcosmet of Cellap Switzerland, we are grateful for the generous contributions of the Houston Marriott Westchase for providing
us with wonderful services, gorgeous facilities, and personal attention to every detail as party plans continue to evolve. Special thanks to Barry Berlin, Melanie Campbell and Rob Cope (of Swank Audio & Visual) for their time and collective efforts on our behalf.
Reminder Book your hotel room before August 10th, if you want to take advantage of the reduced rate of $69.00 for Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. $149 for Monday evening.

We are also grateful to be~Lie~ve (formerly OPAm Breastcare Boutique), specialists in assisting women to feel and look good following breast disease diagnosis, surgery and treatment. be~Lie~ve's product lines range from bath products and candles to pocketed clothing, sleep ware, and accessories.Their products have been advertised in magazines such as Lucky, 002Houston, ICON and Dallas Modern Luxury, and include items from American Breast Care, (manufacturer of the mastectomy T-shirt bra collection as well as the first ever strapless/convertible mastectomy bra), Still You Fashions (makers of pocketed sleep/lounge wear and the first ever breast form that can safely be worn in a hot tub), and Lymphedivas (first-ever fashionable medical grade lymphedema sleeves in a variety of colors and patterns) which are a personal favorite of The Pink Crusader. We must also mention the one-of-a-kind silk thread and gold bracelets by Beth Orduna which are sold exclusively through this boutique. Party Bonus: be~Lie~ve will also have favors for everyone who stops by their table. YIPEE!

There will be plenty of time to browse, bid and buy a huge selection of items at the Silent Auction and Vendor Bizarre before and after lunch. As you make your way through the various tables, please take note of the variety of brochures, literature, freebies and items for purchase. No matter where you look, there will be something wonderful and magical to catch your eye in every direction! Come early at 12:30pm, and don't forget to visit the book-signing table! Have sharpie...will travel!

Here is a list of participating Vendors in alphabetical order:

be~Lie~ve'
Cellcosmet of Cellap Switzerland
The Champion Sisters (Recording Artists)
The Faces behind Breast Cancer Book Table
The Janet Bracelet(Exclusive commemorative bracelet named for Janet Ely)
M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
Mimi's Mementos (Pink Ribbon Giftware)
Moods and Colours the Heritage(Fashion Wear, Home Furnishings, Artwork)
Pink Ribbons Project
Silent Auction (Great variety of items for bid..Every price range..Must see!)
A Survivor's Creed (Exclusive Product Line designed by Angie Elliott)
Susan G. Komen for the Cure
and more....

Okay my babies, read on for the big finish while the Pink Crusader gets ready to take the show on the road! We will highlight behind-the-scenes details and the individuals who are volunteering to make things happen, in next week's blog post.

For information regarding Invitations, Hotel Accommodations, Book Orders,
RSVP's, Payments and Speakers, please refer to previous blog posts dated July 8th, July 15th and July 22nd.
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SURVIVOR UPDATES:
Julie Maas
We received this sad update at approximately 12:45 am on 7/31/2007 CDT:
Dear Friends,
Julie passed away last night around 9 pm. She was not in any pain and was peacefull. Julie was surrounded by loved ones and warmed by all of your visits, calls and prayers. Thank you.

We will be working out the arrangements and will notify you all when the details are set.
Warm Regards,
Julie's Family


This following update arrived at approximately 9:15pm on 7/31/2007:

The Memorial Service for Julie will be held on Friday 3 August at 11 am at the Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, 11612 Memorial Drive. A reception will be held following the service at the Forest Club (directions will be provided at the church).

Many of you have asked about Julie's favorite charity. Donations may be made in memory of Julie. Make checks payable to Komen-Houston Race for the cure and sent to:

Susan G. Komen for the Cure
2425 Fountainview, Suite 210
Houston, Tx, 77057

Please put Julie's name on the memo line of your check.
Please follow the link to Julie's race for the cure web page.
http://www.komen-houston.org/site/TR/Race/General?px=1019759&pg=personal&fr_id=1020

Thank you for all your good wishes,
Robert, Judith, Ted and Andy
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Janice Duplessis writes:

Hi Josie, how are you? Hope you are feeling better . All tests came back clear. Need to go back in three months for retesting. That week was so stressful I just went into hiding a little and so did Rogers. We were at the hospital four days in a row. I thank GOD for this moment...this second which is what we all have. - Janice

Penny Andrea-Einmo:
Everyone was surprised and happy to see Penny at the Rosebuds II meeting this past Thursday. After undergoing a bilateral mastectomy on July 9, she was already back on her feet and cracking jokes with the gang. We wish her well with her follow-up testing and treatments.
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This week's Written Contributions were submitted by friends and
co-survivors Mary Rodriguez and Donna Fong.

From Mary Rodriguez:

"Amateurs built the ark .. professionals built the Titanic."
- Unknown

From Donna Fong:

At a recent Rosebuds meeting, I mentioned that I finished reading the book, "Ten Prayers God Always Says Yes To" by Anthony DeStefano. A passage in the book touched me....on page 154.

"St. Paul said that suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope. Hope is often the most important gift we can impart to each other. When you suffered a great deal and yet managed to emerge with our strength and hope intact, you can be of tremendous assistance to each other."

There were a lot of prayers in his book that gave me encouragement and I hope that it will do the same for you. Hugs, Donna

Personal Note: Thanks to Mary and Donna for taking the time to share
something of value with all of us.
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FYI
From the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS):

The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship is pleased to offer you two valuable resources through its partnerships with
Heal Magazine and CarePages.

Heal covers the body, mind and spirit issues of survivorship, reports on cancer prevention and detection, and lifestyle issues following cancer. To subscribe to Heal Magazine, visit https://hea.magserv.com/cgi-bin/subscribe?qt=new&Keyed_effort=NCCS

CarePages make it easy for patients and families to stay in touch while dealing with an illness. Through a free, private web page not open to the general public, members can update everyone at the same time without repeated phone calls or emails. Create a free CarePage and keep your family and friends updated at:
http://www.carepages.com/canceradvocacy

We hope you take advantage of these great opportunities!
-Your Friends at NCCS www.canceradvocacy.org

From Penny Andrea-Einmo:

I discovered a trial for stage IV in Oklahoma. They are having some very
good results. They use the drugs docataxel and gemcitabine in a
different way. Out of 9 patients 4 have had a complete response. They are looking for more patients.

Contact Nurse Coordinator Angie Miller at Cancer Treatment Center of
Oklahoma, 230 N. Midwest Blvd, Midwest City. OK 73110 or call
405-737-8455
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DAILY REMINDER:
"Fund Free Mammograms"

Go to The Breast Cancer Site at http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/tpc/EEB_0115_BCSm
and help fund free mammograms for the homeless, working-poor, and
un-insured women. It costs nothing to you, except one daily click on the
pink "Fund Free Mammograms" button. You can even request automatic reminders via e-mail. Please make your free click now, and thanks for your continuing support! The Breast Cancer Site, One Union Square, 600 University Street, Suite 1000, Seattle, WA 98101 Phone: 1-888-811-5271

UPCOMING EVENTS: Mark Your Calendars and Save the Dates!

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY & SAM's CLUB
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Kick-Off Reception
Thursday, August 2, 2007 5:30 - 7:00pm
Sam's Club, 5310 South Rice Blvd., Houston 77081
For more information visit www.cancer.org/stridesonline
Or call 1-877-606-WALK

ROSEBUDS MEETINGS
The Rose, 3400 Bissonnet.
Open to all Breast Cancer Patients/Survivors
1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month 5:45 - 7:30 p.m.
AUGUST 7 & 21 SEPTEMBER 4 & 18
www.RosebudsSupport.org
We look forward to seeing you!

ROSEBUDS II MEETINGS
(For those who have had or are at high risk for recurrence
and/or metastasis) The Rose, 3400 Bissonnet.
2nd and 4th Thursday of each month 5:45 - 7:30 p.m.
AUGUST 9 & 23 SEPTEMBER 13 & 27
www.RosebudsSupport.org

KNOCKOUT ROSES
A support group for women diagnosed under 40
2nd Monday of each month, @ 5:45
August 13, September 10, October 8, November 12, December 10
The Rose, 3400 Bissonnet.
Contact Amy Rigsby, Technical Director of The Rose 713-660-6675.

SOS SUPPORT GROUP NO-HOST DINNER
The last no-host dinner of the summer will be on Tuesday, August 14 @ 6:30 p.m.
at a new restaurant located at the First Colony Mall in Sugar Land. The Black Walnut Cafe is located in The Courtyard next to ALDO shoes and Coldwater Creek.
The eatery features a full menu of everyday family fare, including specialties
such as exotic salads, pesto pasta and unique sandwiches. One of the main attractions of Black Walnut is the homemade gelato, a creamy Italian delight.
The gelato bar offers multiple flavors, which change daily. I hope you are enticed enough to want to join us for dinner. Please RSVP by Sunday, August 12 by 5 p.m.
by calling Marsha @ 281 431 0700 or email at marshayeager@yahoo.com if you are interested in attending.

Y-ME SHARERING NETWORK TELECONFERENCE
Clinical Trials: What's in it for Me?
Speaker: Hyman B. Muss, M. D., Medical Oncologist
Professor of Medicine, University of Vermont & Vermont Cancer Center
Wednesday, August 15, 2007 7:00 - 8:00 pm CDT
Register now at 1-800-221-2141 or visit www.y-me.org/sharering

THE ROSEBUDS POTLUCK PICNIC
The 2nd Rosebuds Potluck Picnic will be on Saturday, August 18th.
Rosebuds, spouses/significant others, family members and children are
welcome. It is at the Forrester Pond Condominium clubhouse at 3928 West
Alabama. From Hwy 59 go North on Weslayan and turn left on West
Alabama. From 610 West go East on Westheimer, turn right on Weslayan
and then right on West Alabama. We will begin gathering at 1:00 p.m.
(with appetizers). Lunch will be served at 1:30 p.m. We will have
access to the pool (without a lifeguard) for those that want to swim.
Some fun activities and games are also being planned.
Contact Barbara Giordanelli at 281-980-7975 or
mjgiordanelli@alltel.net if you will attend and/or for more
information. We need to know how many will attend and what you plan to
bring. If you prefer, you can donate money for the paper goods and
beverages.
Our 1st Picnic, several years ago, was well attended and it was nice
meeting Rosebuds’ family members. We look forward to seeing you.

2007 SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE HOUSTON SURVIVOR PARTY
August 22, 6-8pm at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa
111 North Post Oak Lane
Special Guest: Dorothy Weston Gibbons, Chief Executive Officer, The Rose
Open to Breast Cancer Survivors only, RSVP by August 10th
For additional information visit www.komen-houston.org

CANCERCARE TELEPHONE EDUCATION WORKSHOP
Caring for Your Heart During Adjuvant Treatment for Breast Cancer
Friday, August 24, 2007, 1:30 to 2:30pm EST
Speakers: Ruth Oratz, M.D., The Women's Oncology & Wellness Program
Harold J. Burstein, M.D., PhD Medical Oncology/Solid Tumor Oncology
Douglas B. Sawyer, M.D., PhD Director, Cardiology Fellowship Program,
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Patricia Spicer, MSW, Breast Cancer Program Coordinator, CancerCare
For more information, call CancerCare at 1-800-813-HOPE (4673)
Or register online at www.cancercare.org

"THE FACES BEHIND BREAST CANCER" LAUNCH PARTY
and fund raiser for M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
Sunday August 26, at 1:00 - 4:00 pm.
Keynote Speaker: Patricia Jennings, Breast Cancer Advocate
Come early at 12:30 for Silent Auction and Vendor Bizarre
Houston Marriott Westchase, By invitation only
Read blog posts for weekly updates or visit the web site www.pinkcrusader.org

LIVING FULLY WITH AND BEYOND CANCER
M.D. Anderson Network's 19th Annual Patient and Caregiver Conference
September 6-8 2007 Registration begins June 11
Marriott Westchase - Houston, Texas
For more info call 1-800-345-6324 or visit www.mdanderson.org/patientconference

TOUR DE PINK 2007, Pink Ribbons Project, www.tourdepink.org
Please join us on September 9th at Prairie View A&M University for our third annual Tour de Pink - the only Texas bike ride solely benefiting breast cancer. We offer 12, 23, 47, 63, 80 and 100 mile routes for cyclists of all levels! A post-ride festival will feature artists and entertainment from the Houston and Prairie View communities for cyclists, volunteers and their families. Form a team, join a team or participate as an individual! Not able to ride or make it out to the event? Register as a VIRTUAL RIDER, fundraise for the cause and reap all the benefits of the participants!

This is reminder that each participant is required to raise a $75 pledge in addition to their registration fee. You can donate to your favorite cyclist online now! Text PINK to 78247 to receive Tour de Pink updates on your cell phone! For more information on Pink Ribbons Project, visit www.pinkribbons.org

THE ALICE THOMSEN LYMPHEDEMA AWARENESS GROUP of HOUSTON Meetings are scheduled on the 3rd Tuesday of every other month at the American cancer Society Building,6301 Richmond (between Hillcroft and Fountainview) at 7:00pm. The 2007 dates are September 18 and November 20th. For further information call 281-546-6438.

CANCERCARE MEDICAL UPDATE on METASTATIC BREAST CANCER
Telephone Education Workshop
Thursday, September 20, 2007, 3-4pm EST
Speakers: Joyce O'Shaughnessy, M.D., Co-Director Breast Cancer Research Program Baylor-Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center, Texas Oncology
Patricia Spicer, MSW, Breast Cancer Program Coordinator, Cancer Care
For more information, call CancerCare at 1-800-813-HOPE (4673)
Or register online at www.cancercare.org

2007 SUSAN G. KOMEN HOUSTON RACE FOR THE CURE
The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Houston Affiliate
Saturday, October 6, 2007 Sam Houston Park- Downtown
Race Day Schedule
7:45 a.m. Opening Ceremonies & Memorial Birds
8:00 a.m. Family Walk and Kids K by ConocoPhillips
8:15 a.m. 5K Coed Timed Competitive Run
8:25 a.m. 5K Coed Non-Competitive Run
8:35 a.m. 5K Coed Walk
9:15 a.m. Runners' Awards Ceremony
10:00 a.m. Awards Ceremony and Survivor Celebration
For more Information: Phone: (713) 783-9188 Fax: (713) 783-9187
http://www.komen-houston.org email: info@komen-houston.org

2007 BREAST HEALTH SUMMIT
The 2007 Breast Health Summit will be held on October 18, 2007 at the United Way in Houston. Please pass this information on to others who may be interested. Additional information will be sent out later by both e-mail and postal mail. If your mailing address has changed, please be sure to forward the updated information to Pat Dames at pdames@the-rose.org
The Rose
12700 North Featherwood
Houston, TX 77034
281-464-5150
Fax 281-484-7083
www.the-rose.org

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk
Saturday, October 20, 2007 Registration 8:00 am
Sam Houston Park, Downtown Houston Walk begins at 9:00 am
For more information visit www.cancer.org/stridesonline
Email: strides_houston@cancer.org Phone: 1-877-606-WALK

"SHARING is CARING"
As always, The Pink Crusader welcomes your comments, stories, poems, and events. Posts are updated every Sunday. Please send your written contributions to thepinkcrusader1@aol.com.

“I'm a few clowns short of a circus." - Unknown

Until next week stay strong, stay well and keep on dancing, juggling and whistling "Dixie" at the same time! Hooray! Hooray!


Love, Josie
The Pink Crusader
thepinkcrusader1@aol.com