Has it really been over a week?

I realized today that I've been involved in so many other things the past week that I haven't posted to this blog.

I've spent lots of time organizing numerous drawers and closets in my house. I am also slowly going through years of accumulated things in my basement. I guess the sunny, warm weather has me with a bit of "spring fever". I was smiling yesterday though as I came across a group of photos from when we first brought home our Pug dog, Kona. He was so small. I didn't realized how small he was and how much I miss the little guy.

Most of the time I've spent on the computer has been related to my role as a Board Member of the Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation. I've been working on some information pieces and well as a special project which I can tell you about after our Spring Gala. The Spring Gala will be held at the Westin Gov Morris on April 10, 2010. We will be awarding our research grants , and honoring "The Jersey Girls" who have organized and run our successful Avon-by-the-Sea the past three years. I help register walkers each year and have had the pleasure of working with Kathy,Janice, and Mariclaire. For more information about attending this year's Gala click here. For more info about our research grant awardees and the Gala, click here.

The last big chunk of time has been spent reading the Health Care bill on the Thomas site. I like making up my own mind about things - so instead of hearing other people talk about the bill I figured I would read it myself. If you read this blog regularly you know I like to read things related to health care like medical journals reporting the latest research related ovarian cancer. I've read 120 pages of the Bill so far so far. Want to read it too? Click on http://thomas.loc.gov/ ; click on HR 3590 in the column on the right; click on the text of legislation; and click on the link next to number 7.

Dee
Every Day is a Blessing!

Twenty - Ten .....Beginning this Blog's Third Year

It is hard to believe that this post marks the beginning of 2010 and the beginning of the third year of writing this "Women of Teal" blog. Through my posts I have connected with wonderful people from all over the world who are ovarian cancer survivors, caregivers or health care providers.

During the past few years the awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms has increased and more women are sharing their stories and supporting one another. I am positive that activities to raise funds for research and awareness by groups such as the Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation, The Sandy Rollman Foundation, northern NJ NOCC , Ovarian Cancer 411, & Meghan's Message have saved lives of women in NJ. We have more work to do on an early detection test but we have made progress.

As I wrote on my facebook page:
Good bye 2009- Thanks again to my friends and family for all your support from January to April while I was in chemo. Thanks too for being part of the travels of Nick and Dee from May to December. From the Flint Hills of Kansas to Denali National Park, from the Shrine of St Jude to the Candlelight Processional, the memories we made were wonderful. Every Day is a Blessing! Here's to an even better 2010! ( July of 2010 will mark the 5th anniversary of my initial diagnosis and I can't wait to celebrate!)


LiveSTRONG
Dee

Another Kaleidoscope

Here is some info from OCNA about a great TV show to raise awareness about women's cancers. IF you are in the DC area and are an Ovarian Cancer survivor you can order discounted tickets through OCNA.

Kaleidoscope is a holiday entertainment variety special featuring Olympic skating champions and GRAMMY Award-winning music artists. Viewers will be thrilled with the historic return of the legendary Scott Hamilton and Dorothy Hamill matched with fellow cancer survivor Olivia Newton-John.

Kaleidoscope addresses issues surrounding women and cancer through an extraordinary collaboration with 10 advocacy partners.

The LIVE event will be held Monday, November 16, 2009 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC.

There is no charge for the tickets, but a $2 Ticketmaster convenience fee is required for each ticket ordered on line. To order your tickets for the live performance at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC, click here and insert the passcode OCNA into the Promotions and Special Offers Box.

In an effort to raise awareness about ovarian cancer, if you and/or your family and friends are attending the LIVE event, we ask that you please wear TEAL. Hope to see you there!

The other causes supported by the show include- ASCO, NCCS,ONS, C3, GCF, OCNA , the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.


LiveSTRONG

Dee
Every Day is a Blessing!

Thanks Kate - Chatham Courier Newspaper

Kate Brex wrote a wonderful article "Women of Teal"describing ovarian cancer symptoms, the Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation's work, Turn the Town Teal Campaign and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

I spoke to Kate earlier this week and she quoted me in the article and included info about this blog site.
Thank you Kate for helping raise awareness among the women of NJ.

Livestrong

Dee
Every day is a Blessing!

KOH Fundraisers

Here are two fun ways you can help Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation raise money for ovarian cancer research.

May 18,2009
Diane Castle Memorial Golf Outing
River Vale Country Club - River Vale, NJ
7am Continental Breakfast, 8am shotgun start, lunch , dinner and prizes

$200 per golfer
Time is running out to register but if you would like to send a gift or donation please contact Jim Castle jjc11@optonline.net or Rich Castle at richie.castle@otis.com

June 5, 2009
Cindy's Comrades is sponsoring "Bingo for a Good Cause" to benefit KOH
Lodi Moose Lodge
215 Charles Street, Hackensack , NJ
Doors open at 6:30 pm

Donation :$ 50
includes open bar, food, prizes , gift baskets

Livestrong

Dee
Every Day is a Blessing!

A Fabulous KOH Gala

On Saturday night, Nick and I attended the Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation Spring Gala at the Westin Gov Morris in Morristown, NJ. Thanks to the hard work of John Stewart and Ann Marie Battaglia and their scores of volunteers the night was a huge success. The event was well attended with tasty food, a fun to dance to band and nice silent auction items. I was outbid on the item I was bidding on.

Jo Jo Starbuck, Olympic figure skating medalist was the MC for the night. The Founders Award -an engraved kaleidoscope - went to the Hematology and Oncology Associates of northern NJ for their support of KOH. The Foundation also presented research grants to Janet Sawicki, Ph.D. ( Lankenau Institute) for her research into siRNA and Selva Karuppaiyah, Ph.D. ( The Ohio State University) for his research into STAT 3 inhibitors. The Cancer Institute of NJ received the Gail MacNeil Scholar Award and the Gynecological Cancer Foundation also received funding for early detection grants .

To me the best part of the evening was speaking to so many people whose lives have been touched by ovarian cancer. There were survivors, caregivers, family , friends, researchers, oncologists and gynecological oncologists as well as representatives from other OC organizations like Lynn from the Northern NJ NOCC, and Adrian from the Sandy Rollman Foundation. I enjoyed chatting with my doctors from CINJ wearing something other than those silly hospital gowns or being attached via my port to an IV pole. Actually we all danced to the song "I will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor. Priceless!

Thanks to everyone who supports KOH and their mission to find an early detection test and a cure.

Livestrong

Dee
Every Day is a Blessing ! "I will Survive" ......

Edison and Woodbridge Turn the Towns Teal and Local TV

Edison:
At 1 pm today, Edison's Mayor Jun Choi proclaimed September Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. The event was filmed by Edison TV outside the Municipal Building. I had a chance to speak for a short time about my ovarian cancer experience and advocacy work( LAF, KOH, NOCC) . A special thanks to the Mayor and his staff for making this happen for the second year in a row and to the Lopez family for all their help hanging ribbons and raising awareness.

After that event, I was interviewed by Edison TV for a segment called Edison Make a Difference and Volunteer Program. I spoke about the Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation and the northern NJ NOCC and why I volunteer. Both segments filmed today will be presented on Channel 15 on Cablevision in Edison during the month of September. I was caught a little off guard with the second interview but Mike the the camera man said it went well considering I did not know the questions that were going to be asked.

Woodbridge:
At 6:30 pm, I was with the Lopez Family once again this time in Woodbridge Township for their Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Proclamation. Mayor Mc Cormac read the proclamation and then asked Phyllis, a Woodbridge resident whose sister passed away from Ovarian cancer 15 years ago, and Chuck also a Woodbridge resident to speak. Chuck gave a moving speech about his involvement raising awareness of ovarian cancer because of his mom's experience as a 3 year survivor. Thank you Mayor McCormac, the entire Woodbridge Town Council and Woodbridge Township TV ( 35) for their support of Ovarian Cancer Awareness.

Today was a real blessing - beautiful weather and an chance to raise awareness - perfect together.

LivingStrong
Dee

Walkathons to Raise Awareness of Ovarian Cancer

There will be a number of walkathons in central and northern NJ to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and funds for research.

Sunday Sept 14th:
Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation Walkathon ( Online registration will be available shortly.)
In Memory of Gail MacNeil
Loantaka Brook Reservation
Morristown NJ

Sunday Sept 21st:
Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation Walkathon ( Online registration will be available shortly.)
Richard DeKorte Park
Lyndhurst ,NJ

18th Annual West Orange Downtown Classic (Registration online)
"Mayor's 5K Run/Walk to Break the Silence"
Benefits the Northern NJ NOCC

Saturday Sept 27th
Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation ( Online registration will be available shortly.)
600 Ocean Avenue( On the Boardwalk)
Avon , NJ

So bring your walking shoes and walk for a good cause!

LIVESTRONG

Dee

Thanks St Joseph High School for Supporting KOH

When I stopped by St Joseph High School in Metuchen ( where I used to teach), I learned that the young men of the school will be participating in an Academic Challenge contest during the 2008-2009 school year. The Challenge is sponsored by Cablevision as part of Cablevision's "Power to Learn " service. I also learned that the faculty were offered an opportunity to compete in a Charity Challenge against faculty from another school to raise funds for the charity of their choice.
The St. Joe's team, made up of Mr. Powers, Mr. O'Boyle, Mr. Martin and Sr Ann Toner, decided that they would raise funds for the Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation(KOH). In the past, I had spoken to the Principal, John Anderson, and a number of teachers and staff about my role on the Board of KOH and the need for research monies for Ovarian Cancer research. I am thrilled that the school chose KOH to be their charity . KOH will be getting a donation from Cablevision based on the points that the St Joe's teachers earned during the competition against Ardsley High School.

Thanks to the administration, faculty and staff for remembering the need for Ovarian Cancer Research and supporting KOH.

LivingStrong and proud of my colleagues at St Joe's

Dee

Turn the Town Teal - KOH

The Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation (KOH) has a campaign called Turn the Town Teal (TTTT). In September , volunteers tie teal ribbons around trees on the main streets of towns throughout northern and central NJ to raise awareness of Ovarian cancer. The towns where the ribbons are hung will also proclaim September as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Last year, with the help of my husband and the Lopez family, we was able to hang ribbons in Edison. We placed them on trees around the municipal building and on Amboy Avenue. Mayor Choi held a press conference to present Lois Myers , founder of KOH with the proclamation. I also helped hang ribbons in Woodbridge and at the Cancer Institute of NJ.

This year KOH is kicking off the TTTT campaign on May 12,2008 at a cocktail party at the Carol G Simon Cancer Center at Morristown Memorial Hospital . The festivities will take place at the Rooke Family Plaza from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen ,a supporter of the mission of KOH will speak at 6pm.

For more info contact 973-644-0500 or e-mail - info@kohnj.org
KOH- raising funds for Ovarian Cancer Research

LiveStrong!
Dee

A Women's Health Care Summit on Ovarian Cancer

This morning I attended the Women's Health Care Summit on Ovarian Cancer at the Morris Museum in Morristown. Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen(Morris County) , a co-sponsor of Johanna's Law, worked with the HeathCare Institute of NJ to make this program happen. It was a very informative morning. Somerset Medical Center, St Barnabas Health System, Atlantic Health Care and St Clare's offered free health screenings. While Bristol Myers,Novartis, sanofi-aventis,Pfizer, J&J and BD provided cancer and drug information and gifts for attendees.

The best part was the Speakers program. After a welcome by Congressman Frelinghuysen and Honorable Bob Franks, president of the HeathCare Institute of NJ, we listened to the Survivor's Stories of Lois Myers and Gail MacNeil. They spoke of their work with Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation to raise funds for ovarian Cancer research. ( I am a board member of KOH).

The Keynote speaker was Dr Elise Kohn from the National Cancer Institute. She discussed the properties of a good OC screening test. She said the test must be easy to do, specific for OC , sensitive to OC and get effective intervention. She presented information on the latest clinical trials at NCI and NIH for Ovarian Cancer which include studies with Avastin, Nexavar and dasatinib. She spoke to us in terms the mostly lay audience could understand. I got the chance to chat with Dr Kohn after the Summit was over and I found her to be a very thoughtful and dedicated researcher.

After a short break there was a panel discussion led by Dr Darlene Gibbon from CINJ. The doctors on the panel , Dr.Tobias, Dr. George, and Dr. Nehra presented information about ovarian cancer symptoms and treatment. Janice Berliner, a genetic counselor, presented information on when genetic testing would be recommended and steps to be tested. There were so many questions for these experts that we went 15 minutes over the scheduled time . Personally, I would have like the session to continue for another half - hour.

Now if only we could have one of these Summits in central NJ. Maybe that will be on my next LAF action plan.

LiveStrong
Dee

A Successful KOH Gala

Last night the Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation held its annual Gala and Silent Auction. The event was held at the Westin Governor Morris Inn in Morristown, NJ. Over 200 people attended the gala and there were over 40 silent auction items. Bids for the personal tour of the White House , the Mac laptop and tickets to the Colbert Report and the Daily Show were especially popular. Although I did not win any of the auctions I did purchase a beautiful silver KOH bracelet.

Novartis - this year's Founders' Award winner was presented with a teal kaleidoscope.
Research Awards were presented to Dr. Karuppaiyah, Ohio State; Dr. Cairns, Fox Chase Cancer Center,and Mr Rosati, Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. The final award went to the Cancer Institute of NJ and Dr Vaidya to support her fellowship in gynecological-oncology.

To date KOH has awarded over $1 million in grants for ovarian cancer research and awareness . It makes me very proud to be a part of this wonderful organization. I am confident that we will find a screening test and cure for this disease!

LiveStrong
Dee

Ovarian Cancer Fundraisers

There are some important functions and fund-raisers for ovarian cancer taking place in NJ during the next few months. Check them out!

"Teal Night For Life"
April 5,2008 8pm to closing
The Olive Branch Restaurant ,
37 Bartlett Street , New Brunswick, NJ
Teal night for Life will be raising funds for Team JLO. Team JLO is a 5K race team created to race funds and spread awareness for the Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation 5K on April 26, 2008.The team is racing in honor of Janice Lopez, aka JLO. Janice and her family worked with me to Turn the Town Teal ( a program sponsored by the Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation) last September. We had fun hanging ribbons on trees along Amboy Avenue and Municipal Blvd in Edison and Main Street in Woodbridge. Come for the drink specials, great food , live music and great prizes. For more information contact Chuck Lopez at 732-738-7482.


Also on April 5th:

Spring Gala 2008 ( and Silent Auction)
Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation
Westin Governor Morris Hotel
Morristown, New Jersey starting at 7 p.m
This year’s event–a catered cocktail reception with open bar and carving stations, plus our annual silent auction also includes music by the Intentions. Spring Gala 2008 marks the day we announce the names of those individuals and organizations involved in ovarian cancer research who’ll receive financial awards based on our 2007 fundraising efforts. This year we will honor Novartis for its generosity and advocacy.Tickets to Spring Gala 2008 are $150 per person for open seating. For reservations or more information call Kaleidoscope of Hope at (973) 644-0500 or contact gala chairperson John Stewart at stewartjf@verizon.net.



Coastal Jersey Parrot Head Club
Raising Funds for Ovarian Cancer & Birthday Bash
June 1, 2008 1-6 PM
Saw Mill Cafe Green Room
1807 Boardwalk , Seaside Park , NJ

All proceeds will benefit research at the Cancer Institute of NJ. My friend, Pam, is an Ovarian Cancer survivor and is secretary of this organization. So join these Jimmy Buffett fans for some fun for a good cause. You may purchase tickets online at their site or contact Susan Howe at SUSANMHOWE@yahoo.com.

LiveStrong
Dee

Meeting Another LAF Supporter

This past weekend was spent at Woodloch Pines resort in Hawley, Pennsylvania. We have been going for a number of years with my cousins and have made friends with the staff. One staff member, Kathy, who knew of my ovarian cancer diagnosis told me to speak to the son of the owner, Bob Kiesendahl who was also a cancer survivor. On Sunday night before dinner I ran into Bob and we had a great talk. Turns out that Bob, a leukemia survivor of 8 years, was one of the LiveStrong Challenge Survivorship Award winners in 2006. He has raised over $250,000 for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. He also walked in the LiveStrong Challenge last year in Philly as I did. So we had a lot in common. We talked about how to go about raising funds for LAF and for our own cancer groups( his- Leukemia research and mine -Kaleidscope of Hope/ovarian cancer research). I bought chances in his BK Hope Cures raffle for a Harley Davidson. ( I will admit I am not sure what I would do if I win but it is a neat looking motorcycle.Maybe I can have it painted Teal.)I suggested that he and his mom Patty apply for the LiveStrong Summit this July in Ohio.I hope he does apply. This morning I received an e-mail from him and he will donate to Kaleidoscope. That is awesome. Thanks Bob! The more I meet people involved with the LAF , both survivors and caregivers, the more I feel we can be successful in our quest to find a cure for cancer.

Thanks to the Kiesendahl family for such a fun weekend and their support of cancer research. Happy 50th Anniversary Woodloch!

LiveStrong!
Dee