Dear Blogger Family & Friends,
Greetings to one and all! Faster than a speeding bullet the Pink Crusader is back in town to blow drive-by kisses and give warm autumn hugs. Come on in and check-out the latest adventures in "Book-Tour Land...."
Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.
-Jane Howard
Papa Bear and the rest of the Caruso clan send their warmest regards to all of our blogger babies. We had a splendid time at our book-signing event at Borders Books in N. Canton, Ohio on Saturday afternoon, and appreciate the kind hospitality of general manager Kim Borcoman and staff. According to sources, it was the largest turn-out at that location in 7 years! Now, that is encouraging! We think a few fireworks are in order...
Special thanks to J.W. Cooper, Gloria Livingood, Nita Bille, and the "Caruso Girls" for making things come together. Oh, we can't forget sister Cindy who played chauffeur for the directionally challenged author; or the Hungarian Assassin who came heavily armed with rubber bands; then there was "Miss Bubbles," who added her flare to the festivities; not to be outdone by baby brother Joe who enjoyed not one, not two, but three cakes at his 50th birthday celebration....All the more goodies to share with nieces, nephews and visiting cousins from Pittsburgh and Australia.
At this point, we must proudly (and shamelessly) acknowledge our dear home-town buddies who have stood behind the book throughout this crazy journey: J. W., Gloria, Nita & Dave, Tracy, Ed & Diane, Larry, Cyndie, Merrie, Marcie, Barb, Cheryl, Paula, Donna, Nan, Linda, Steve, Grace, Patti, Jay, Jodie, Jeannie, Jo, Pete, Vanessa, Dave, Dorothy & Jim, and Cathy & John. Saturday's event was just as much their day as it was ours, in ways too numerous to mention. Thank you all so much. Please send pictures! Note to Kelly: Great job with the books. Hope your wrists are not sore!
Following this spectacular kick-off in Ohio, we now look forward to keeping the momentum going through October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Next stop: a group event at be-lie-ve Lifestyle Boutique on Thursday, September 27th. Invite your family, friends and co-workers to come visit with the author, photographer and participants of
The Faces behind Breast Cancer, with proceeds to benefit M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. No doubt, with your help it will be another great event.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
This week we are pleased to bring you the current list of published and pending articles in the following publications. Please keep a lookout for special mention
of
The Faces behind Breast Cancer.
AugustHouston Chronicle - August 27, 2007 - Feature Story
The Promise - August, 2007 (M. D. Anderson Publication) - Feature Story
SeptemberFort Bend Herald & Texas Coaster Newspaper - Feature Story
September 20, 2007 - Online version not available at this time
Massillon Independent Newspaper - September 22, 2007 - Feature Story
http://www.indeonline.com/archive/archive_session.php?Date=20070922
October (Pending)
Better Homes & Gardens - October, 2007 - Canceled
Fort Bend Focus - October, 2007 - Feature Story
Fort Bend Lifestyles - October 2007 - Mention
Glamour Magazine - October 2007 - Mention
Health Magazine - October 2007 - Mention
Houston Magazine - October 2007 - Mention
Icon Magazine - October 2007 - Mention
MAMM Magazine - October 2007 - Mention
More Magazine - October 2007 - Canceled
002 Magazine - October 2007 - Mention
Pink Magazine - October 2007 - Mention
Self Magazine - October 2007 - Mention
The Cure Magazine - October 2007 - Mention
Texas Medical Center (TMC) News - October 1st - Feature Story
VIVE Magazine - October 2007 - Mention
------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: We will continue to update the book tour schedule on our web site at www.pinkcrusader.org , and look forward to meeting your extended family and friends during our travels. Please continue to help us spread the word.
------------------------------------------------------------------
BOOK SALESBooks are available for purchase at the following locations:
1) Through the web site at www.pinkcrusader.org
2) Appearances Boutique, Mays Clinic, 2nd Floor,
M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
3) be.lie.ve Breast Care Boutique, 7301 Fannin Street, Houston, TX
4) Borders Books - The Strip, North Canton, Ohio
Limited Number of Signed Copies Available 330-494-4776
In addition, we are working with several other retailers for book distribution within the local area and throughout the United States. Stay tuned......
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
SURVIVOR UPDATEMarcia Williamson
We wish fellow SOS Sister, Marcia Williamson a speedy recovery following
her surgery last Friday morning and pray for good test results. Please send get-well wishes to: williamsontx@alltel.net
Julia Kerner
We also send get-well wishes to SOS sister and book participant, Julia Kerner who is on the mend after undergoing hand surgery. You can forward your sentiments to Julia at: shifter33t@comcast.net
Stephanie Zerger
And, let's not forget some get-well wishes for one of our young survivors and book participant, Steph Zerger, who underwent surgery last week. We wish you a speedy recovery, Stephanie! Her e-mail address is: stephzerger@yahoo.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------
FYIFrom Rosemary Herron:
Dear Breast Cancer Sisters,
It is not too late to register for this year's Race For The Cure on October 6th. Visit my personal page and read my message. You can set up your own page - if I can do it, anyone can!!!!! I wish you all the best in your own personal race to beat this disease! Blessings, Rosemary
http://www.komen-houston.org/site/TR?pg=personal&fr_id=1020&px=1026621
Also from Rosemary Herron:
Microarray Provides Three Genomic Guides to
Breast Cancer Treatment Decisions
HOUSTON - Three genomic tests separately predict the likelihood that a patient's breast cancer will reoccur after surgery without additional treatment, and the cancer's vulnerability to chemotherapy or hormone therapy, researchers at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center report at the first American Society of Clinical Oncology ASCO Breast Cancer Symposium Sept. 7-8 in San Francisco.
Each predictor - of prognosis, of sensitivity to chemotherapy and sensitivity to hormone therapy - is independent of the others, providing unique information to physicians and patients considering treatment options, says W. Fraser Symmans, M.D., professor in M. D. Anderson's Department of Pathology.
"Existing genomic tests for breast cancer provide information about future risk in general, but not the likely benefit of each treatment option separate from a patient's overall prognosis if no treatment followed surgery. It is important to independently assess these three variables," Symmans says.
Symmans and Lajos Pusztai, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor in M. D. Anderson's Department of Breast Medical Oncology will present two research updates on the genomic predictors, which can be reported from a single microarray analysis of a needle biopsy of a patient's breast cancer.
Symmans will present results from two studies involving 960 patients validating a 200-gene index that predicts a patient's response to hormone-suppressing therapy. About 70 percent of breast cancers express the estrogen receptor (ER), indicating that their growth is fueled to some extent by the female hormone estrogen. Anti-estrogen therapies such as tamoxifen only benefit about half of these patients. The challenge is to predict exactly who will be helped and who should seek additional treatment.
In the two studies the Sensitivity to Endocrine Therapy (SET) Index score predicted distant relapse free survival among 453 patients who received tamoxifen for five years. The index did not predict prognosis among 507 patients who did not receive hormone therapy. "We believe this is the first genomic test to predict sensitivity to hormone therapy independent of a patient's prognosis if no post-surgical treatment is received," Symmans says.
"A patient with ER-positive breast cancer probably still would choose to receive hormonal therapy, but better understanding of their cancer's sensitivity to endocrine therapy would help patients and their doctors decide on a treatment strategy," Symmans notes.
Pusztai will present a poster showing what the three predictors reported in two groups of breast cancer patients. "These three predictors were developed and validated separately, now we've put them together for the intended purpose - to provide all the necessary information for physicians and patients to decide on the best therapy or combination of therapies for breast cancer from a single assay," Pusztai says.
The 3 clinical outcome predictors are;
* A 76-gene prognostic test that indicates whether a patient is at high or low risk of the cancer recurring after surgery developed by investigators at Erasmus University (Rotterdam, Netherlands) and Veridex LLC.
* A 30-gene predictor of the cancer's sensitivity to chemotherapy developed by M.D. Anderson investigators.
* The 200-gene index (SET) of sensitivity to hormone (endocrine) therapy developed by M.D. Anderson in collaboration with Nuvera Biosciences Inc.
The ASCO poster describes gene expression profiles analyzed from 198 patients with stage 1 or stage 2 breast cancer that had not spread to the lymph nodes and who had not been given chemotherapy or endocrine therapy after surgery.
Among the 198 patients, 55 were predicted to be at relatively low risk that the cancer would return. Of those low-risk patients, 21 were predicted to have cancer vulnerable to chemotherapy and 16 were predicted to have tumors susceptible to endocrine therapy. Two had cancers sensitive to both therapies.
Of the 143 patients predicted to have a high risk of recurrence, the analysis predicted 109 had cancer unlikely to respond to endocrine therapy, 64 were predicted to be insensitive to chemotherapy, and 38 were predicted to be unlikely to respond to both therapies.
Ultimately, Pusztai says, the predictors will help guide the decision whether to follow surgery with chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, both, or neither. A planned prospective clinical trial at M. D. Anderson will use these predictors to select treatment options for new patients.
"Let's say a new patient has a needle biopsy performed, and the microarray analysis of the tumor's gene expression predicts she is at low risk of recurrence and also has cancer that is insensitive to both chemo- and endocrine therapies; in this cases the best option is relatively clear; surgery alone," Pusztai explains. "However, it is important to know the sensitivity of the cancer to chemo- or endocrine therapies independent of the risk of recurrence alone. For example, a person even with low risk for cancer recurrence might elect to receive further therapy if her cancer is known to be highly susceptible to treatment."
Similarly, a patient with highly endocrine-sensitive cancer that is resistant to chemotherapy could avoid potentially toxic chemotherapy. Even individuals who are at high risk of recurrence and show genomic signs of low sensitivity to chemo and endocrine therapies could benefit from this knowledge; they might choose to participate in clinical trials with novel drugs.
The researchers' poster also covers genomic analysis of another 40 patients who received paclitaxel/FAC chemotherapy before surgery. Of those, 14 were predicted at low risk or recurrence (were they treated with surgery alone), four of whom (28 percent) had a complete pathologic response - no sign of cancer - supporting the investigators' claim that some low-risk individuals are highly responsive to chemotherapy. The remaining 26 were predicted to be at high risk of recurrence, four of whom had a complete pathologic response (15 percent). Eight of the high-risk patients had cancer that was predicted to be vulnerable to endocrine therapy.
This research was funded by grants from the National Cancer Institute and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the Commonwealth Foundation for Cancer Research. It was conducted in collaboration with investigators at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center led by Pusztai and Symmans; the Institute Jules Bordet (Brussels, Belgium) lead by Christos Sotiriou, M.D., Ph.D.; Erasmus University (Rotterdam, Netherlands) lead by Jan Klijn, M.D., Ph.D., and John Foekens, Ph.D; scientists of Veridex LLC (San Diego) lead by Yixin Wang, Ph.D.; and Nuvera Biosciences Inc. (Woburn, Mass.) lead by Christos Hatzis, Ph.D. Nuvera Biosciences is a start-up company launched by M. D. Anderson that has licensed the chemotherapy and endocrine therapy predictor technology.
Re-printed University of Texas Medical Center, News Release Copyright 2007
From Dale Eastman:
Deadline Komen Advocates in Review Extended to October 5!
To allow more advocates to participate as Komen Advocate Reviewers in our research grants review process, the application deadline has been extended to Friday,
October 5! Over the next several months, we will have multiple opportunities for participation. We look forward to hearing from you!
Komen Advocate in Review is an exciting opportunity to contribute to finding the cures! Susan G. Komen for the Cure Grants Program is seeking applications from breast cancer advocates interested in participating in the review of research applications. An Advocate must be a breast cancer survivor, or family member or partner of a breast cancer survivor, or health care professional working with breast cancer patients, or actively involved in a Komen Affiliate for least 3 years or otherwise actively involved in breast cancer advocacy at the local, state, regional, national, or international level. Advocates provide valuable input to the research review process by adding the perspective of the experience of breast cancer and the urgency of finding cures and ending breast cancer forever.
Individuals interested in becoming a Komen Advocate Reviewer must complete an application form that includes a 1-page statement of interest and arrange to have a letter of support submitted on their behalf. The application deadline for the FY08 funding cycle has been extended to October 5, 2007. Once selected, Advocate Reviewers will receive training, including a self-paced online course on basic cancer biology; a 3-hour Webinar describing Komen’s Grants Program; and a 1-hour Webinar providing training on Komen’s Web-based review system. Complete details on Komen Advocates in Review may be found at the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Web site (http://komen.org) under the Grants Program tab.
From the NCCS (National Coalition of Cancer Survivors)
NCCS, along with 3 other top cancer advocacy organizations- the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation, The National Breast Cancer Coalition, and the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance- will inspire women and their loved ones to move beyond awareness of women’s cancers and take action by making a difference in people’s lives in a televised event called "Frosted Pink."
The taping of Frosted Pink will be in Santa Monica, CA, on Saturday evening, October 6, 2007. The program will air on ABC television on Sunday, October 14, 2007 (4-6pm ET). To learn more visit http://www.frostedpink.org/
From Donna Fong:>;<;BR< span>>According to the National Cancer Institute, more than one million new cases of skin cancer (including basal cell and squamous cell) will be diagnosed in the US this year. That's not what I consider a sunny statistic. Even darker is that one type of skin cancer, melanoma, is by far the most deadly. It is estimated that around 60,000 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed this year, and more than 8,000 people will die from the disease. But here's some blue sky. A report published last fall in The New England Journal of Medicine suggests that sentinel-node biopsy can improve some patients' chances of survival.
CURRENT MELANOMA CARE
Melanoma is graded in stages (0 to IV), where stage 0 generally involves only the top-most layer of skin... in stages I and II, the tumors are getting progressively thicker... in stage III, the cancer has spread beyond the tumor to one or more lymph nodes... and stage IV involves distant metastases, where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Except in large, research-oriented cancer centers, the treatment for the early stages of melanoma usually consists of removing the tumor (cutting it out of the skin), followed by periodic check-ups to see if any of the lymph nodes are swollen, which is a signal that the cancer may have started to spread. If that happens, the patient undergoes a lymphadenectomy -- the surgical removal of the lymph nodes in the area (such as the armpit, groin or neck), which are then studied by a pathologist. If the cancer does not show signs of spreading, the patient simply remains under a doctor's supervision. But if the cancer is thought to have spread, additional treatments -- radiation, chemotherapy, etc. -- are often required.
The problem with this system? In some cases, the melanoma has already spread to the lymph nodes, even though the lymph nodes aren't swollen enough to be noticeable. That makes the "watch-and-wait" approach risky -- and makes sentinel node biopsy an attractive option. How attractive? In those who turned out to have nodal metastases, survival rate after delayed lymphadenectomy hovered just over 50%, while in those that had sentinel-node biopsy followed by immediate lymphadenectomy, the survival rate soared to 72%.
THE SENTINEL-NODE BIOPSY
With sentinel-node biopsy, a "tracer substance" (a radioactive substance and/or dye) is injected at the melanoma site prior to the tumor's removal. The physician then monitors which lymph node the material moves into first -- this is the sentinel node. During the surgery to remove the cancer, this node is also taken out so that it can be checked for cancer cells. If none are found, it's less likely the cancer has spread. If cancer cells are found, however, a more radical lymphadenectomy would be in order.
According to Andrew Spillane, MD, a surgical oncologist (and sentinel-node biopsy expert) at the Royal Prince Alfred and Mater Hospitals in Sydney, Australia, the major finding of the study is that there was a very significant difference in survival between the two pre-selected patient groups. (He also points out that the fact that the comparison of the two groups was not randomized has raised some criticisms of the study, but a randomized trial of the groups would have been impossible to achieve.) Plus, sentinel-node biopsy is performed when fewer lymph nodes are involved and usually less bulky than they would be during a delayed lymphadenectomy. This can mean a technically easier operation with potentially fewer complications. "These potential benefits have to be compared to the usually minimal risks associated with the sentinel-node biopsy procedure for all patients with moderate and high-risk melanomas," said Dr. Spillane.
While only 16% of the sentinel-node-biopsy patients had cancers that had spread, the higher survival rate (that astonishing 72%) due to earlier detection, combined with the decreased risk of complications, are enough to make sentinel-node biopsy a diagnostic treatment worth asking about.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
According to Dr. Spillane, if you or someone you care about has recently been diagnosed with melanoma and the cancer is greater than 1 mm thick, you may want to investigate a sentinel-node biopsy. That means not only asking your doctor about the procedure, but also asking how experienced the entire team -- surgeon, nuclear medicine specialist and pathologist -- is with the procedure. Melanoma is serious business, so don't hold back -- if your physician seems hesitant, it might be time to find someone else to work with. After all, early diagnosis and treatment are key to beating the disease -- and efficient, effective prognostic tests like sentinel-node biopsy to help determine treatment can up your odds.
Of course, I cannot talk about melanoma without talking about ways to reduce your risk of the disease in the first place. It's simple:
1. Avoid excessive sun exposure and sunburn. Use a sunblock with a minimum SPF of 15, every day if you'll be outside more than just a few minutes.
2. Pay attention to your skin. Check yourself regularly for any new moles or lesions, especially those that ooze, bleed or become ulcerated. Get regular skin-cancer screenings.
3. If a mole is changing in size, shape or color -- for example, if a mole seems larger or has jagged edges -- have it examined and biopsied.
For more information on skin cancer prevention and treatment, visit the
American Cancer Society Web site at www.cancer.org. And be safe out there!
Source(s):
Andrew Spillane, MD, a surgical oncologist and sentinel-node biopsy expert at the
Royal Prince Alfred and Mater Hospitals in Sydney, Australia.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
DAILY REMINDER #1:
"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
Note: GROW AWARENESS & HELP SAVE LIVES!
If we receive 4.5 million clicks in September, our premier
sponsor will fund an additional 100 FREE MAMMOGRAMS.
Please click daily!
DAILY REMINDER #2Help eliminate Breast Cancer with a daily click at
http://breastcancer.care2.com/ebc-about.html
You'll be one of the first people to participate in the largest virtual mountain climb in the world! With every click, (or "step") you generate a donation to
eliminate the environmental causes of breast cancer--for free. Sponsors pay for your click and fund The Breast Cancer Fund's programs focusing on environmental links to breast cancer. It only takes a second! The Breast Cancer Fund is the leading national organization focused on identifying – and advocating for the elimination of – the environmental and preventable causes of the disease. For more details on the organization’s work, visit www.breastcancerfund.org
------------------------------------------------------------------
UPCOMING EVENTS: Mark Your Calendars and Save the Dates!
PINK PLATTER 2007 KICK-OFF PARTY
You are invited to an appetizer and dessert reception introducing our new
selection of Artist Platters exclusively designed for Pink Platter 2007!
What: Pink Platter Kick-Off Party
When: Tuesday, September 25, 2007 - 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Where: Olio… 2414 Sunset – Valet Parking Available
Hors d'oeuvres are graciously provided by Abuso Catering Co.
Please RSVP to 713.524.PINK(7465) if you can attend.
We hope to see you there!
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.
SEPTEMBER 27
www.RosebudsSupport.org
THE FACES BEHIND BREAST CANCER BOOK-SIGNING EVENT
Don't miss the opportunity to purchase your copy of the book
and have it signed by the author, photographer and participants in the book.
September 27, 2007 from 2 - 4:00 pm and 6 - 8:00 pm
at be.lie.ve Breast care Boutique, 7301 Fannin Street, Houston.
See you then!
OLIO FUND RAISING EVENT
Olio, a design menagerie invites you to "tip your hat" in support of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Houston Affiliate. The DARE is on! Don your fanciest fedora and let the good times roll for a very good cause.
A portion of the days sales will be donated back to Komen Houston.
Thursday, September 27, Doors open at 10am - 8 pm
Refreshments & Door Prizes throughout the day!
2414 Sunset Blvd., Houston, TX 77005 713-522-8816
THE FACES BEHIND BREAST CANCER BOOK-SIGNING EVENT
Monday, October 1, 2007 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Serenitea Tea Room, Sugar Land, Tx
THE FACES BEHIND BREAST CANCER BOOK-SIGNING EVENT
Tuesday, October 2, 2007 Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Appearances Boutique, Mays Clinic, 2nd Floor
M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
COURAGE NIGHT 2007 - Young Survivors Coalition (YSC) Houston
Spend an evening celebrating survivorship with friends and family at the Saint Arnold Brewery. There will be tours, food and adult beverages.
October 4, from 6;30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Saint Arnold Brewery
www.saintarnold.com
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
KNOCKOUT ROSES
A support group for women diagnosed under 40
2nd Monday of each month, @ 5:45
October 8, November 12, December 10
The Rose, 3400 Bissonnet.
Contact Amy Rigsby, Technical Director of The Rose
713-660-6675.
THE TEXAS KOMEN COMMUNITY CHALLENGE
The Komen Community Challenge is on a cross-country road trip, bringing our special brand of pink ribbon activism to 25 cities with a rallying cry to "close the gap" in funding for cancer research. Help us say it loud and clear in Texas! Come listen to live music, eat BBQ and wear pink in support of Proposition 15!
Our rally will feature inspirational speakers, a chance to meet and mingle with other breast cancer advocates survivors, community leaders and public officials from across the state and, of course, a call for all Texans to vote YES on Proposition 15 for the Cure on November 6th!We have made great strides in the fight against cancer, but we cannot lose momentum. We must continue to invest in finding the cures. Proposition 15 will create $300 million dollars a year for cancer control, prevention and research in Texas. We must make Texas the global leader in the fight to end breast cancer forever.
What: The Texas Komen Community Challenge - rally, live music and free BBQ
When: Wednesday, October 10, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Where: Stubbs BBQ and Wallercreek Amphitheater - Downstairs Bar and Patio ~ 801 Red River, Austin, Texas 78701
Who: You and your friends and family - and make sure everyone wears pink!
Please RSVP today.
THE FACES BEHIND BREAST CANCER BOOK-SIGNING EVENT
Don't miss the opportunity to purchase your copy and have it
signed by the author, photographer and many of the book's participants.
Friday, October 12, at Saks Fifth Avenue, Galleria location, Houston.
Sponsored by Cellcosmet of Cellap Switzerland, in conjuntion with SAKS.
12:00 - 4:00 pm
2007 PINK ROSE BRUNCH & FASHION SHOW
Methodist Cancer Center Special Event
October 13, 10:30am - 1:30 pm
The Junior League, 1811 Briar Oaks Lane, Houston
Free Admission. Limited Space. Register at 713-790-2700
MARNIE ROCKS SHOPPING EVENT - YSC - Houston
Join us for a fun evening of shopping for a cause at Marnie's store! Marnie is a nationally famous jewelry designer with a breast cancer collection. The proceeds from this collection benefit YSC-Houston.
October 16, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Marnie Rocks Studio, 1415 S. Voss Road, Houston
www.marnierocks.com
2007 GREATER HOUSTON AREA BREAST HEALTH SUMMIT
Sponsors: Houston Affiliate Susan G. Komen for the Cure and The Rose
When: Thursday, October 18, 2007; 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Where: United Way Community Resource Center, 50 Waugh Drive, Houston
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
CAP HOLIDAY CARD SALES at MAYS CLINIC
Volunteer Services and The Children's Art Project (CAP) collaborate to better the lives of patients at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. For more than twenty-five years volunteers have assisted with Card Sales. Proceeds benefit M. D. Anderson's Pediatric and Adult Patient Programs. Volunteer Services is asking for volunteer assistance with the upcoming 2007 CAP - Holiday Card Sale at the Mays Clinic. Please contact Cindy Shursen, Program Coordinator - Volunteer Services, if you are available to assist during the below sale days / times.
Dates: November 5th -16th
Times frame: 9:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m.
Contact: Cindy Shursen
Phone: 713-745-0266
Email: cshursen@mdanderson.org
PRETTY IN LIVING PINK GALA - YSC - Houston
Annual Fund Raising event for the Young Survival Coalition - Houston Affiliate. Join us for a fun night of dinner and dancing 80's style - with live music and a silent auction! November 8, 6:30 pm
Warehouse Live, 813 St. Emanuel Street, Houston
METASTATIC BREAST CANCER NETWORK
Finally, a national independent advocacy group of and for people with
metastatic breast cancer, the Metastatic Breast Cancer Network (MBCN). To
join and for information about this network visit www.MBCNetwork.org
Your membership in MBCN makes you a part of an important first step toward
bringing a new voice, a proactive voice, to the breast cancer community.
It is absolutely committed to you and makes the following pledge:
• We will honor your life by working together to fight for the development
of treatments that extend life as the search for the cure continues.
• We will protect your privacy and will never share your name or e-mail
address with any person or group.
• We will keep you informed of what we are doing to promote the concerns
of people living with advanced breast cancer.
Let our voices be heard!
November 17 - 18, 2007 Metastatic Breast Cancer Network 2nd Annual
National Conference, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Sponsored by Dr. Gabriel Hortobagyi, Chairman of the Department of Breast
Medical Oncology. Registration will open in September on the MBCN web
site www.MBCNetwork.org MBCN’s 1st annual conference in 2006 was at
Sloan-Kettering in New York and was a great success with about 300
attendees.
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. 2007. Next scheduled meeting is November 20th.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"SHARING is CARING"
As always, The Pink Crusader welcomes your comments, stories, poems, events and photographs!Posts are updated each week. Please send your written contributions to thepinkcrusader1@aol.com.
The family. We were a strange little band of characters trudging through life sharing diseases and toothpaste, coveting one another's desserts, hiding shampoo, borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms, inflicting pain and kissing to heal it in the same instant, loving, laughing, defending, and trying to figure out the common thread that bound us all together.
-Erma Bombeck
Until next week stay strong, stay well and keep on dancing your troubles away!

Love, Josie
The Pink Crusader
thepinkcrusader1@aol.com