Friday, December 16, 2011

Meetings Make for a Busy Week

Have you been missing my posts? Well, it sure has been a busy advocacy week for me.

Meeting 1 - One Force to Make a Difference

One Force is a collaborative of ovarian cancer organizations in NJ whose mission is to develop synergies that will effect increased education and awareness about ovarian cancer; improved support for survivors; and better resources for survivors and caretakers. One Force to Make A Difference supports and participates in fund raising and other events that contribute to innovative, cutting- edge ovarian cancer research. We have offered symposiums in the past and during this call-in meeting we began the initial planning for the 3rd Annual One Force To Make a Difference Symposium. Yours truely will be one of the co-chairs. Lots of work ahead but all in support of women with ovarian cancer and their caregivers.


Meeting 2- Mercer County Cancer Coalition

This was the second quarterly meeting I have attended since moving to Mercer County and joining this Coalition. I wore three hats for this meeting - one as a Teal Tea Representative, one as a One Force representative and one as Me- Women of Teal blogger. I have posted on this blog about events run by Coalition There are many excellent opportunities in the county to raise awareness cancer and healthy lifestyle choices that help prevent the disease. Coalition members run cancer awareness and fundraising events and health / wellness events such as the Run for Dads which takes place each year on Father's Day to raise awareness of prostate cancer. If you live in NJ and are interested in attending your Cancer Coalition meetings check this page for more information.

The meeting was held at the new Capital Health Center in Hopewell NJ. It recently opened and the facility is bright , the people are friendly and helpful and the shops - on general and one for mothers and newborns were chock full of nice and unique gifts. Parking is free and there is even free valet parking.


Meeting 3 - CINJ Survivors Day

Well, I can't write too much about this event since we are firming up the keynote speaker and the format but this will be one CINJ Survivor's Day you do not want to miss.


I know I need to limit what I am involved in but it is hard for me to say "no " to any request that means helping others with cancer. So as exciting as it was to be asked , I decided recently to not apply to be an LAF leader from NJ and to not apply to be an advocate at the 2012 Survivorship Research Conference.


In 2012, I will concentrate on fundraising for CINJ ( more to come about this in February) , co-chairing the One Force to Make a Difference symposium in May, speaking to other ovarian cancer survivors as volunteer with Cancer Hope Network, serving as a Teal Tea Table Captain and my research advocacy work.


After all, I need time to write this blog , create a few more Quilt paintings and have fun with my family.


Dee

Every Day is a Blessing!


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