A wonderful Saturday Morning in Philly

Early yesterday morning I drove to Philadelphia to walk in the Sandy Sprint 5K for the Sandy Rollman Foundation- which raises funds and awareness of ovarian cancer. I met up with my friends, the Lopez family to walk as Team JLO in memory of their wife and mother and my friend, Janice Lopez.

The day started out cool ( 50 degrees) but the sky was the perfect shade of blue. The walk took place in Fairmount Park ( a must see spot in Philly) . The walk started in front of the Touch Me Museum. Across the street from the museum was the registration area, a kids zone and exhibits by different organizations such as Fox Chase, The Phillies & Force.

My favorite stop was the survivor tent. They handed us special gifts, offered us yoga and massage and even a table where you could make a beaded bracelet. I got a chance to meet other survivors - some young , some more mature but all wearing our teal t-shirts and happy to be there to raise awareness and funds for ovarian cancer research . We spoke to each about how long since we were diagnosed , about our husbands and their support , the love of our children and where we were treated. I was amazed at how many women showed up on the steps of the museum to have a group photo. Some women were diagnosed 10+ years ago and some wearing scarves were diagnosed just months ago and were still in chemo.

I understand that close to $150,000 was raised yesterday to help "Women of Teal". Thank you Sandy Rollman Foundation , Robin Cohen and Adriana Way founders and the hundreds of volunteers for such a wonderful event.


Dee
Every Day is a Blessing !

Suggestion Box

I like to follow ovarian cancer related research. This need to read medical journals must come from my years as a research engineer in household product and toothpaste research.

The most recent study I read in the American Journal of Clinical Research was about meat, fish and ovarian cancer risk. This study went back to the results of 2 different population-base control studies in Australia with over 4000 subjects . The conclusion was that low consumption of processed meats and high consumption of white meat and fish will reduce a women's risk for ovarian cancer.

A statement released by the Center that completed the study said "... researchers are still not sure how diet affects cancer risk. “There are many theories, but there is no evidence yet. Processed meat contains compounds that could damage cells and thereby cause cancer. On the other hand, the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are thought to be good for health in many ways and may possess anti-cancer properties.” " So in essence we should follow the guidelines issued by the USDA- remember the food pyramid- more white meats, fish and veggies and less processed and red meats. I'm good with that.

So why did I call this entry Suggestion Box?I wish sometimes that I could suggest to doctors what type of studies to run. ( Dr G will smile if she reads this.) Plus the American Association for Cancer Research held their annual meeting this week so there is an increase in the release of cancer research results. Here are my suggestions for OC research:

I have a hypothesis that there is a link between ovarian cancer and thyroid disease. I have meet a number of Ovarian Cancer survivors like myself who have had thyroid issues- benign adenomas, cancer or hyperthyroidism. Lets follow a group of women who have thyroid disease and monitor them more closely for Ovarian Cancer along with monitoring a group of women with normal thyroid function for OC. We might also be able to get information if we looked at large studies like the nurses study and see how many women with thyroid disease also had an OC diagnosis .

Still in the area of hormones. (The thyroid produces thyroid hormones and controls metabolism.) I imagine a study in which women with estrogen positive epithelial ovarian cancer tumors are assigned to a group that either receives tamoxifen after completion of treatment or receives a placebo. Tamoxifen is prescribed for breast cancer survivors. Why not look at it for ovarian cancer survivors.

Lastly I'd love MD Andersen to continue its work on stress and ovarian cancer.

If only I had the $ and personnel to design & run a study.

Any one else out there want to share the studies they would like to see? I am sure that I will continue reading research reports.

Dee
Every Day is a Blessing !

Thank You President and Mrs Obama

This article lists the charities that President and Mrs Obama donated to in 2009.

I was pleased to read that the Obama's donated $15,000 to the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance(OCNA).

Thank You President and Mrs Obama.

Dee
Every Day is a Blessing!

Teal Tea Fundraiser - 4/20/10

Help us hit a home run at Alstarz!

Tuesday, April 20

2:00 pm to Closing

140 Route 130

Bordentown, NJ

609-291-0200

(Next to Mastoris Diner)

Dinner served until 11:00 pm. Drinks until closing.

Check out the menu here:

http://www.alstarzsportspub.com

A portion of all sales accompanied by this flyer

(exclusive of tax and tips)

will be donated to The Teal Tea Foundation, Inc.

Don't forget to print out this entry and bring with you to make sure a portion of your dinner is donated to the Teal Tea Foundation.

Dee

Every Day is a Blessing!

19,224

On April 9, 2009 I placed a counter on this blog.

19,224 - is the number of times my blog has been visited since that date.
I admit I may visit the blog multiple times a day, especially if I get comments. But even if I did visit 4 times a day for the past year(~1500 counts) I guess others in addition to my family, close friends and official Blog Followers have also visited.

So to everyone out there who reads my blog - Thanks! I hope you find the information helpful and my adventures interesting.

Dee
Every Day is a Blessing!

Drum Roll Please- New KOH Website

I am pleased to have been involved in the newly redesigned Kaleidoscope of Hope website.I think you will find it chock full of information about ovarian cancer , the latest ovarian cancer research news and the researchers we support. If you are newly diagnosed or a survivor you will find information about support groups ( local, online , and one-on-one) . The best part is you will be able to learn how you can take part in KOH events, volunteer and of course how to make a donation toward ovarian cancer research projects. Be sure to read about this year's grant award winners as well as researchers KOH has supported in the past. Just look under Funded Research.


Go ahead - go check it out---------- www.kohnj.org


Dee
Every Day is a Blessing!

Save the Date: First Ovarian Cancer Symposium in NJ

I have been working for the past few months with the heads of a number of ovarian cancer organizations in NJ as well as the ovarian cancer subcommittee of the Gynecological Cancer Workgroup for the NJ Cancer Control Plan to bring organizations whose mission is to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and funds for ovarian cancer research together for an event.

I am pleased to announce that on June 12, 2010 we will hold the first ever Ovarian Cancer symposium in NJ.

ONE FORCE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Developing Synergies Among Organizations Fighting Ovarian Cancer in New Jersey and the Delaware Valley

SPONSORED BY:

~ CAPITAL HEALTH ~

~ TEAL TEA FOUNDATION ~

~ EDUCATIONAL TESTING SERVICE ~

~ CANCER INSTITUTE OF NEW JERSEY ~

Saturday, June 12, 2010 ~ 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Educational Testing Service, Princeton, NJ

Join us as we unite to fight ovarian cancer.

While each participating organization has its own specific mission and audience, each exists to fight the “whisper” by raising awareness, educating, and fundraising.

GOALS OF THE SYMPOSIUM INCLUDE:

· Learning about each organization represented;

· Finding ways to act together as political advocates for change;

· Developing a state-wide/Del Val calendar of events;

· Identifying specific activities for September –- National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month; and

· Coordinating awareness/fundraising/community programs

Participating organizations include: Kaleidoscope of Hope (OCNA), Maureen Fund, Mary Anne Mazanec Ovarian Cancer Foundation, Meghan’s Message, National Ovarian Cancer Coalition - Del Val & N. Jersey branches, Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, Ovarian Cancer Subcommittee of the Gynecologic Cancer Workgroup of NJ, Teal Talk On Tour, Teal Tea Foundation, Teal Wings of Hope Foundation, Turn the Towns Teal®, and Women of Teal.

For more information contact Jean Shipos 267-994-6430

or email njovcasymposium@gmail.com

I will keep you posted when registration begins.

Dee

Every Day is a Blessing!

A Weekend of Ovarian Cancer Foundation Activities

Busy weekend ahead.
Team JLO:
Tonight, I will be getting together with Team JLO which raises funds for the Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation. Team JLO is named in honor of my friend, Janice Lopez who passed away last September after an almost four year battle with the disease. Her sons continue the team in her honor . Nick and I have joined with the Lopez family to help raise awareness of OC by hanging teal ribbons in Edison in September,Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month .

Team JLO is holding their 4th Teal Night for Life tonight beginning at 5pm at the Olive Branch Restaurant in New Brunswick, NJ. There is no cover charge but donations are welcome. So come out for good food, good drink and great company. Oh, I almost forgot there are some pretty awesome prizes. So look for me tonight- I'll be wearing teal.


Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation:
Saturday night I continue my OC activities. Nick and I will be attending the Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation's Annual Spring Gala. The Gala will once again take place at the Westin Governor Morris in Morristown, NJ. I can't wait to get together with the other Board Members and our supporters to celebrate a year of fundraising. We will be awarding this year's research grants to researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Alabama. We will also present our Founders Award to my Avon walk friends Janice, Kathy and Mariclaire- "The Jersey Shore Girls". There will be live and silent auctions and the night's MC will be Gary Fisch , owner of Gary's Wines and also known as the "Wine Guy" from the Food Networks "Hot Off the Grill".
There is a surprise too that we've been working feverishly on over the past few weeks. It should be a fantastic night!

Dee
Everyday is a Blessing!

Thank you Senators Menendez and Lautenberg -

Our NJ Senators, Menendez and Lautenberg, are two of only 15 Senators who have gone on record in support of increased funding for ovarian cancer research. The Dear Colleague letter, authored by Senator Menendez and Senator Snowe, asks for $30 million for the Department of Defense Ovarian Cancer Research Program in 2011.

Thank you Senators for your continued support !

Now for those outside of NJ ,who read this blog ,please check this OCNA page to see how you can call your Senators and ask them to support the Dear Colleague letter.
Time is running out ! Please make your call tomorrow April 7,2010.

Dee

Every Day is a Blessing!