With a few hours until the Town Hall, I called Dr. Selva Karuppaiyah a researcher supported this year by a Kaleidoscope of Hope Grant. He graciously invited me to visit his lab.
His mentor and Ovarian Cancer researcher, Dr. Kuppusamy picked me up at the hotel and brought me to his lab in the Tzagournis Medical Research Facility on the OSU campus. I had a wonderful and informative visit. Selva told me about the good results he was having with his research on drugs that will prevent the STAT3 protein from signaling the cancer cell to reproduce. I met the undergraduate who was helping him this summer and learned about how drugs tested in Selva's lab are being tested on mice. I learned about research on using oxygen to make cancer cells more receptive to anticancer drugs. The engineer who works with the research group was eager to show me the hyperbaric oxygen chamber that holds the mice for that segment of the testing protocol. I also saw a machine in use that allows scientists to accurately measure cancer cell growth in live animals.
I felt very proud to know that KOH funding is helping support this cutting edge research!Thank you Dr. Selva , Dr Kupps and all your researchers and support staff.
LivingStrong
Dee
Monday, July 28, 2008
LiveStrong Summit- Day 1, Part I Arriving in Columbus
Kevin and I flew out to Columbus and checked into the Hyatt Capital Square. The hotel was right across the street from the Ohio Statehouse. Since we were able to check in to our room early and it was too early to register we had time to just walk around the city. We literally walked completely around the Statehouse. What an interesting building. This photo is the dome at the Statehouse
On this walk we saw the John McCain bus outside the Renaissance Hotel. We took some photos by the bus and one of the secret servicemen that the Senator would be leaving soon if we wanted to see him. I thought if I got a chance to shake hands I could tell him I was an OC survivor and that I wanted him to support increased funds for cancer research. As it got closer to when the Senator was to leave the hotel Columbus police pushed us back to the end of the block. As we waited there, we met Michele from Massachusetts who was also a delegate. Senator McCain left the building and went directly to his bus. I've got a few photos of him in the distance. Never did get to ask for his support.
Then it was off to register inside the Statehouse. We picked up our goody bag and our t-shirts for the Town Hall meeting as well as our name tag and info about Columbus. I was able to introduce Kevin to Brian, Dave, and Ron. We met up again with Michele and decided to have a bite to eat at a local pizza restaurant.
LivingStrong
Dee
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
LiveStrong Summit 2008
Well the time has finally come to attend the Summit. I am off tomorrow to Columbus with my nephew , Kevin. I can't wait to catch up with old friends ( Brian, Courtney, Scott, Crissy, Crystal, Dawn) and make new ones and of course learn more about Advocacy.
I appreciate the hard work everyone at LAF and their volunteers have done to make this happen. I also appreciate my husband for his understanding and support for all my cancer advocacy work.
I will have limited access to a computer while I am there but I promise to tell you all about it on my return.
LivingStrong
Dee
I appreciate the hard work everyone at LAF and their volunteers have done to make this happen. I also appreciate my husband for his understanding and support for all my cancer advocacy work.
I will have limited access to a computer while I am there but I promise to tell you all about it on my return.
LivingStrong
Dee
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Practicing for the LiveStrong Challenge
It has finally gotten a bit cooler with a nice breeze here in NJ. So when my friend asked me to meet her for lunch in New Brunswick today I jumped at the opportunity. Nick dropped me off in New Brunswick. We had a fun lunch at Old Man Rafferty's and were able to share all the great things the two of us have been up to since we last got together in May. I wore my comfy shoes so after lunch I walked home. This was not the first time I walked home - I had done it a few times last fall from CINJ.
I walked up Albany Street , across the Albany Street Bridge and saw two men on the Raritan River on Jet Skis . Can't say the last time I saw Jet Skis on the old Raritan- Rutger's crew shells -yes but not Jet Skis. I window shopped in Highland Park and then headed down North 8th toward home.
When I got home I checked the distance on Google Maps and saw that I walked 2.5 miles back from the restaurant. All that in under an hour at what I considered a leisurely pace. So I should be ready for the 5K walk in Philly on August 24th.
I'm looking forward to it!
LivingStrong
Dee
I walked up Albany Street , across the Albany Street Bridge and saw two men on the Raritan River on Jet Skis . Can't say the last time I saw Jet Skis on the old Raritan- Rutger's crew shells -yes but not Jet Skis. I window shopped in Highland Park and then headed down North 8th toward home.
When I got home I checked the distance on Google Maps and saw that I walked 2.5 miles back from the restaurant. All that in under an hour at what I considered a leisurely pace. So I should be ready for the 5K walk in Philly on August 24th.
I'm looking forward to it!
LivingStrong
Dee
Monday, July 21, 2008
Newton Motorsports Pro Tennis Classic - New KOH Benefit
Great news for KOH!
Press release:
SPARTA, NJ, June 16, 2008 – The eyes of the tennis world shift to the beautiful lakefront town of Sparta, NJ on Sunday, August 10th. The inaugural Newton Motorsports Pro Tennis Classic represents an unprecedented opportunity for area residents to see high level, world-class tennis played right in their backyard at the Lake Mohawk Tennis Club. The interactive and exciting format of the event, which begins at 1:00 PM, features pro sets of singles and doubles accompanied by music.
Jan-Michael Gambill is a three-time ATP tournament winner and former world ranked #14 player who was voted one of People Magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People in the World” in 2000. He holds career wins over tennis icons Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, current world #1 Roger Federer as well as former world #1 Lleyton Hewitt, whom Gambill defeated to win his first career ATP title in 1999. Gambill will arrive in Sparta in top form, having spent the month of July playing for World TeamTennis’ Boston Lobsters, who made Gambill their first round draft earlier this year.
One of Morristown’s own, Justin Gimelstob returns to New Jersey holding career wins over legends such as Agassi, Patrick Rafter, Mark Philippousis, and three-time French Open Champion Gustavo Kuerten. Gimelstob has also teamed up with Venus Williams to win Grand Slam Mixed Doubles titles at the Australian Open and French Open. Currently a leading television commentator and blogger for Sports Illustrated, Gimelstob represented his country as a member of the U.S. Davis Cup team in 1998 and 2001. Earlier this year, he was drafted by the Washington Kastles of the World TeamTennis Pro League.
Both Gambill and Gimelstob are excited to bring professional-level tennis to Sparta. “I’m looking forward to returning home to be a part of the very first Newton Motorsports Tennis Classic,” Gimelstob says. Gambill promises, “We’re going to put on a show for the tennis fans of New Jersey and, coming from the Pacific Northwest, I’m looking forward to a fun weekend in the lake town of Sparta, which I hear is beautiful.”
Mark Macler, event organizer for Skyland Events and a Sparta resident, noted that hosting this event is a true honor for the community, giving area residents an opportunity to experience professional-level tennis while supporting the two outstanding charities that will be the beneficiaries of proceeds from the Newton Motorsports Pro Tennis Classic.
“After a careful review of some very deserving groups, we have selected The Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation for ovarian cancer research and the Newton Memorial Hospital Foundation as the recipients of event proceeds.” Macler further noted, “To have players of Jan-Michael and Justin’s stature willing to assist with such a phenomenal cause is a blessing for our event. We hope people from across New Jersey will come out to support these wonderful groups and to see world-class tennis in our own backyard leading us up to the U.S. Open.”
Sunday’s tennis action will cap off a full weekend of activities along the Sparta boardwalk. It all begins with event sponsor Sparta Athletic Club’s junior tennis clinic on Saturday, August 9 from Noon to 2:00 PM. This free clinic is open to any child between 10-18 years of age interested in learning about the sport of tennis and will feature many of the event’s stars assisting club pros. Interested parents should contact Sparta Athletic Club at 973-729-9141 to complete required paperwork and confirm a position.
A ticket package may also be purchased for the Pro-Am, which offers a limited number of lucky patrons the once-in-a-lifetime chance to play with and learn from touring professional tennis players, along with photo and autograph opportunities. This package offers one playing spot in the Pro-Am, as well as admission to the event.
Sponsorship opportunities and Pro-Am slots remain available on a limited basis. Interested parties may contact Mark Macler, Event Director, at 973-729-5010 or 610-996-0280 (mobile).
Tickets for the event, Pro Am and VIP/Sponsor party are available by phone at 973-729-5010, mail or online at www.SpartaTennis.net.
I am looking forward to a fun day!
Dee
Press release:
SPARTA, NJ, June 16, 2008 – The eyes of the tennis world shift to the beautiful lakefront town of Sparta, NJ on Sunday, August 10th. The inaugural Newton Motorsports Pro Tennis Classic represents an unprecedented opportunity for area residents to see high level, world-class tennis played right in their backyard at the Lake Mohawk Tennis Club. The interactive and exciting format of the event, which begins at 1:00 PM, features pro sets of singles and doubles accompanied by music.
Jan-Michael Gambill is a three-time ATP tournament winner and former world ranked #14 player who was voted one of People Magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People in the World” in 2000. He holds career wins over tennis icons Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, current world #1 Roger Federer as well as former world #1 Lleyton Hewitt, whom Gambill defeated to win his first career ATP title in 1999. Gambill will arrive in Sparta in top form, having spent the month of July playing for World TeamTennis’ Boston Lobsters, who made Gambill their first round draft earlier this year.
One of Morristown’s own, Justin Gimelstob returns to New Jersey holding career wins over legends such as Agassi, Patrick Rafter, Mark Philippousis, and three-time French Open Champion Gustavo Kuerten. Gimelstob has also teamed up with Venus Williams to win Grand Slam Mixed Doubles titles at the Australian Open and French Open. Currently a leading television commentator and blogger for Sports Illustrated, Gimelstob represented his country as a member of the U.S. Davis Cup team in 1998 and 2001. Earlier this year, he was drafted by the Washington Kastles of the World TeamTennis Pro League.
Both Gambill and Gimelstob are excited to bring professional-level tennis to Sparta. “I’m looking forward to returning home to be a part of the very first Newton Motorsports Tennis Classic,” Gimelstob says. Gambill promises, “We’re going to put on a show for the tennis fans of New Jersey and, coming from the Pacific Northwest, I’m looking forward to a fun weekend in the lake town of Sparta, which I hear is beautiful.”
Mark Macler, event organizer for Skyland Events and a Sparta resident, noted that hosting this event is a true honor for the community, giving area residents an opportunity to experience professional-level tennis while supporting the two outstanding charities that will be the beneficiaries of proceeds from the Newton Motorsports Pro Tennis Classic.
“After a careful review of some very deserving groups, we have selected The Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation for ovarian cancer research and the Newton Memorial Hospital Foundation as the recipients of event proceeds.” Macler further noted, “To have players of Jan-Michael and Justin’s stature willing to assist with such a phenomenal cause is a blessing for our event. We hope people from across New Jersey will come out to support these wonderful groups and to see world-class tennis in our own backyard leading us up to the U.S. Open.”
Sunday’s tennis action will cap off a full weekend of activities along the Sparta boardwalk. It all begins with event sponsor Sparta Athletic Club’s junior tennis clinic on Saturday, August 9 from Noon to 2:00 PM. This free clinic is open to any child between 10-18 years of age interested in learning about the sport of tennis and will feature many of the event’s stars assisting club pros. Interested parents should contact Sparta Athletic Club at 973-729-9141 to complete required paperwork and confirm a position.
A ticket package may also be purchased for the Pro-Am, which offers a limited number of lucky patrons the once-in-a-lifetime chance to play with and learn from touring professional tennis players, along with photo and autograph opportunities. This package offers one playing spot in the Pro-Am, as well as admission to the event.
Sponsorship opportunities and Pro-Am slots remain available on a limited basis. Interested parties may contact Mark Macler, Event Director, at 973-729-5010 or 610-996-0280 (mobile).
Tickets for the event, Pro Am and VIP/Sponsor party are available by phone at 973-729-5010, mail or online at www.SpartaTennis.net.
I am looking forward to a fun day!
Dee
Getting that Blood pressure in Check
Last Thursday I woke up feeling terrible, nauseous,dizzy, headache, tired - just plain icky. I took my temperature- normal then my blood pressure. Now that one was very high- both systolic and diastolic. Of course the first people I call are the nurses at CINJ, who directed me to call my PCP since he prescribed my blood pressure meds and if he can't see me to call back.
My PCP said to come right in. His nurse and he both confirmed the high pressure and he asked what I was doing different. I thought about this and realized that I was taking a new batch of blood pressure meds- actually a new and different generic brand of my blood pressure meds. My PCP called the mail order company ( which shall remain nameless) which filled the order and spoke to a customer service person- no pharmacist was available - about my prescription. The customer service person insisted that it was filled correctly and when my PCP asked to have them ship me the other generic that I had been taking for 6 months they said "No , We don't carry it any more." And that was that. Thinking that my body was not using the generic drug as it had the previous generic my doctor gave me another prescription for the brand name drug and told me to see him the next week.
Off I went to my local Pathmark pharmacy and the very understanding pharmacist there called the insurance company and got approval to fill another prescription. I came home with the brand name drug and started taking it.
Guess what happened - my pressure came down and I started feeling better. I went to see my PCP this morning and my pressure was back to where it should me . Hurrah!
All I kept thinking through all this was that I have the Lance Armstrong Summit to go to and I don't want anything to get in the way of my trip to Ohio.
Soon to be LivingStrong in Ohio....
Dee
My PCP said to come right in. His nurse and he both confirmed the high pressure and he asked what I was doing different. I thought about this and realized that I was taking a new batch of blood pressure meds- actually a new and different generic brand of my blood pressure meds. My PCP called the mail order company ( which shall remain nameless) which filled the order and spoke to a customer service person- no pharmacist was available - about my prescription. The customer service person insisted that it was filled correctly and when my PCP asked to have them ship me the other generic that I had been taking for 6 months they said "No , We don't carry it any more." And that was that. Thinking that my body was not using the generic drug as it had the previous generic my doctor gave me another prescription for the brand name drug and told me to see him the next week.
Off I went to my local Pathmark pharmacy and the very understanding pharmacist there called the insurance company and got approval to fill another prescription. I came home with the brand name drug and started taking it.
Guess what happened - my pressure came down and I started feeling better. I went to see my PCP this morning and my pressure was back to where it should me . Hurrah!
All I kept thinking through all this was that I have the Lance Armstrong Summit to go to and I don't want anything to get in the way of my trip to Ohio.
Soon to be LivingStrong in Ohio....
Dee
Thursday, July 17, 2008
QVC Raising funds for OCRF
QVC will be hosting Super Saturday live from the Hamptons ( NY) on Saturday July 26,2008. Kelly Ripa and Molly Sims will host the event from 2-4 pm which will benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.
I will be in Ohio at the LiveStrong Summit on the 26th so I hope my friends and internet buddies will make a purchase for a good cause!
Dee
I will be in Ohio at the LiveStrong Summit on the 26th so I hope my friends and internet buddies will make a purchase for a good cause!
Dee
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