Angel Food Desserts

the source breast cancer resource center providing education, information and support fall 2007 bcrc happenings BCRC is a non-profit program of the YWCA Princeton dedicated to to providing information and support to women and families affected by breast cancer and to increasing awareness of the disease in the community. Programs and services include support groups, a wig & prosthesis bank, a wellness program, a peer support network, a telephone helpline, a resource library, and community outreach activities. Watch this section to keep “abreast” of BCRC happenings. the financial burden of breast cancer: where to look for help A diagnosis of cancer is never easy, but it can be even more stressful when you’re struggling to pay for costly treatments and medications. For some patients, the financial burden is apparent at diagnosis, while for others, it builds up over the course of years of treatment. If you’re not sure where to turn for financial help, read on. There are government, non-profit and private resources available - and people who can help you sort through the options. The major expenses of a cancer diagnosis and treatment include the charges for hospitalizations, clinic visits, medications, tests and procedures, home health services, services of doctors and other professionals, and treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy). Insurance, managed care, or public programs pay the major part of these costs, but families also face many indirect costs or "out-of-pocket" expenses. These expenses can be for travel (gas and parking), places to stay, meals during admissions or clinic visits, extra child care costs, longdistance calls to doctors, friends and relatives, special foods and nutritional supplements, and special equipment or clothing. Also, cancer treatment can mean the patient has to quit a job or take an extended leave of absence. Of course, costs increase as treatment is extended, if there is recurrence of the cancer, or if there are treatment complications. Most families find it hard to turn to others or to agencies and funds for financial help. Families generally take pride in standing on their two feet and providing for their own needs. The extra expenses of cancer may be the first time a family has had problems with money. Families should remember that their problems in such a situation are shortlived and not unique. In the future, they may be the ones in a position to offer help to others. There are many possible sources of help for families who need some extra financial support at this time: Continued on page 8 2nd Annual Yoga Inspires Raises Breast Cancer Awareness and Funds for BCRC The 2nd annual Yoga Inspires open-air mass yoga session was held Sunday May 20 in celebration of National Women’s Health Week. Over 50 participants of all ages came together to focus on their health and well-being and to enjoy a morning of total relaxation. Local officials including Princeton Borough Mayor Mildred T. Trotman and Exercise Specialist, Dr. Rita Musanti, supported the event by encouraging women and men to take control of their health by staying active and taking advantage of the programs and services organizations like BCRC have to offer. A 1-hour session of gentle yoga, lead by Debra Leong (who has taught BCRC’s Gentle Yoga for Women Living with Breast Cancer class for the past two years and was the catalyst for the 1st annual Yoga Inspires in 2006) was the highlight of Yoga Inspires. Participants were also treated to the musical stylings of the Princeton University Continued on page 2 BCRC Happenings continued from page 1 Wildcats, an all-female a cappella group, as well as singer/songwriter Robin Renée, featuring Karttikeya on drums. Healthy refreshments, a wellness expo, mini-massages, gift bags and prizes rounded off the relaxing and rejuvenating event. $400 in proceeds was raised to benefit the Breast Cancer Resource Center’s support and information programs. We thank all who participated in Yoga Inspires and acknowledge the generosity of our supporters: Arbonne International, Brown Dog Marketing, Debra Leong, FastSigns, Herbstone Graphics, KartStar Productions, Life Photography by Katherine, McVicker & Hersh, LLC, Nancy Fabius of YWCA Princeton Massage Therapy, The Princeton University Wildcats, Princeton Borough, Robin Renée, Small World Coffee, Triangle Copy of East Windsor, Wegmans, and Whole Foods. from the director’s desk I am continuously inspired by women who offer to share their personal experiences with breast cancer. Whether it is one-on-one in a peer supporter role, or to a large group as a peer educator, it takes courage to share memories of what can be a difficult and challenging time. But in recent months here at BCRC, many women have done just that - stepped forward and offered to speak to others about their physical and emotional journey through breast cancer. BCRC’s woman-to-woman network, community outreach program, and support groups have all presented survivors and supporters with the opportunity to share their stories. They have helped women who are coping with hair loss, facing metastases, making treatment decisions, and recovering from mastectomies. They have talked about screening mammograms, the importance of family support, and being proactive about seeking out quality healthcare. I hear many of you say that you share your experiences to help others, “so they get their mammograms”, “so they don’t go through it alone”, or “so they know what to expect.” But as I reflect, I wonder if you realize the true gift you are giving? The healing power of a story should not be underestimated – it is comforting, inspiring and empowering, and it can change a life! I know those women who have listened to and benefited from hearing about your experiences would join me to say thank you for your courage and your compassion. We all look forward to continuing to be inspired. New “Lunch and Learn” Program Connects Survivors Since January, BCRC has been hosting lunchtime gatherings to offer breast cancer patients, survivors and caregivers the opportunity to listen to Telephone Education Workshops presented by CancerCare and Living Beyond Breast Cancer. The teleconferences feature expert panelists from the nation’s premier cancer centers discussing a wide range of issues related to breast cancer including treatment options, survivorship issues, clinical trials, nutrition, and much more. Over 40 breast cancer survivors and caregivers have enjoyed their lunch while listening in on these monthly teleconferences. A lively discussion follows each workshop as survivors share their thoughts, opinions, and experiences with the issues presented. Visit the BCRC website www.bcrcnj.org to see details of upcoming sessions. Kara Stephenson, BCRC Director Creative Healing Workshop Series Offered by Artist Nanci Hersh Breast cancer survivor and local New Jersey artist, Nanci Hersh, taught a Creative Healing Workshop Series for BCRC members on March 26 and April 20. Ms. Hersh is an accomplished artist, book illustrator, and teacher, and her work has been displayed in galleries across the country and the world. In each workshop, participants used different mediums to explore and express emotions regarding their breast cancer experiences. In the collage/mixed media workshop, participants used tree “cookies,” or cut-offs, to create shrines addressing their own physical “landscape” which has been altered, excavated, shifted, and reconstructed. The mono-prints workshop used collage Continued on page 4 so many ways to give As a program of the non-profit YWCA, BCRC relies a great deal on the generosity of individuals, groups and businesses in the community to support our programs and services. But just as every woman or man with breast cancer is different, every BCRC supporter is different and contributions come in all shapes and sizes! In this section, we highlight just a few of the many contributions we’ve received recently, and say thank you to all of those whose kindness has touched our hearts. In another effort to support BCRC, Norma Jean DeVico (who you may remember as hiking the Appalachian Trail last summer) has established the Breast Cancer Card Project. She has gathered together 10 very talented women affected by breast cancer to produce a set of stunning note cards adorned with original paintings, sculpture, prints, a poem, a mosaic, a drawing and photography. Each woman also contributed a moving statement about breast cancer and creativity, which is printed on the back. 50% of profits from card sales will be donated to BCRC. To date, over $150 has been raised. To view or purchase cards, visit www.pinktrail.org/Export8.htm or drop into BCRC. Continued on page 5 02 volunteer spotlight Volunteers are the heart and soul of BCRC. They bring energy, enthusiasm, knowledge, experience, passion and compassion to the organization. They are survivors and supporters, women and men, young and old, from all walks of life and we could not do what we do without them. In this section we recognize, thank and celebrate our volunteers. Mary Palacio is a Bilingual Public Health Representative for the New Jersey Cancer Education & Early Detection Program in Trenton. She works diligently in the area of cancer prevention and education to uninsured and underinsured populations, especially targeting the Spanish-speaking community through outreach in their churches, clinics, and at health fairs. Mary’s support for BCRC has been significant. She has provided translation for the Women of Wisdom program, and has acted as a panelist herself several times. She takes every opportunity to recruit Latina panelists and to refer Latina breast cancer patients and survivors to BCRC programs and services. Debra Raines, BCRC’s Community Outreach Coordinator, spent some time with Mary to learn more about her role as a BCRC volunteer. D: You are not a breast cancer survivor, however your dedication to volunteerism with BCRC and other breast cancer groups is quite impressive. Why do you volunteer your time and services to BCRC? M: Because my work allows me to meet many women through programs of the state, I’m able to refer them to the services that they need. That’s what interests me in becoming a volunteer – working with women from different backgrounds. When you volunteer, you want to feel proud of what you’re doing and you want to help. Continued on page 6 research NSABP B 42: A Femara® Clinical Trial Patients are currently being enrolled in a clinical trial at University Medical Center at Princeton, to determine the efficacy of five years of letrozole (Femara®), compared to a placebo, in patients completing five years of hormonal therapy consisting of an Aromatase Inhibitor (AI), or tamoxifen followed by an AI, in prolonging disease-free survival in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor positive breast cancer. Women may qualify for the study if they are postmenopausal with ER and/or PR-Positive stage I, II, or IIIA invasive carcinoma of the breast and have completed 5 years of hormonal therapy consisting of either 5 years of an AI or up to 3 years of tamoxifen followed by an AI (for a total of 5 years). Entry into the study must be within six months of completing the initial adjuvant therapy. Additionally, there is an optional letrozole program for patients Continued on page 9 Pastry Chef and owner of Angel Food Deserts, Mickey Graham donates her time and talent to bake delicious cakes, muffins and cookies for BCRC’s meetings and gatherings. Here she shares her secret for an easy and healthy date bread perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack! Angel Food Desserts Easy Date Bread • • • • • • 2 cups chopped dates 1 cup orange juice 1 cup light cranberry juice 1 teaspoon baking soda cooking spray 4 teaspoons all-purpose flour • • • • • 3/4 cup sugar 1 tablespoon butter, melted 1 large egg, lightly beaten 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1. In 4 cup glass measuring cup heat orange & cranberry juice to boiling in microwave (around 2-3 minutes) Add baking soda & stir. 2. Place dates in large bowl, cover with juice mixture. Cover with plastic wrap & let stand several hours or overnight 3. Preheat oven to 325F 4. Coat 2 (8 x 4") loaf pans with cooking spray & dust each with 2 teaspoons of flour. Add sugar, butter & egg to date mixture. Over a mesh sieve, add flour & salt to date mixture, stirring just until blended. Divide batter evenly between loaf pans. 5. Bake for 45 minutes or until loaf is just pulling away from sides of pan. You will see a very thin space between the loaf & the pan. Remove immediately from oven & let cool at least 10 minutes in pan. Remove loaves gently & let finish cooling on a wire rack that has been covered with wax or parchment paper. 6. Enjoy! This loaf can be stored in the fridge or frozen. It is delicious toasted & buttered. Angel Food Desserts Mickey Graham, Pastry Chef 609-240-7667 or AFDesserts@aol.com 03 BCRC Happenings continued from page 2 elements to create unique prints with plexi-glass, ink, found objects, and an assortment of papers on a small tabletop press. Participants then used the images to create accordion-style handmade books to use as journals. One participant noted that the workshops were “very empowering” and she was “happy to be able to express herself creatively in a warm, supportive environment.” BCRC would like to thank Nanci Hersh for delivering such superb and inspiring workshops! in the news New Drug Combats Chemo Brain in Breast Cancer Survivors. At the annual meeting for the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), held in Chicago June 15, 2007, a novel strategy to combat chemo brain was reported. The study conducted by Dr. Sadhna Kohli, assistant professor at the University of Rochester's James P. Wilmot Cancer Center, was the subject of ASCO merit award and selected for oral presentation— an honor reserved for only the best research at the national meeting. Her study enrolled 82 women undergoing treatment for breast cancer and measured fatigue, speed of memory and attention. In the first phase of the study, patients received modafinil over four weeks with 88% showing improvement in fatigue and cognitive function. Five patients dropped out because of adverse events related modafinil, and one patient had to be excluded because she had become pregnant. A second phase of the study took patients who had shown improvement during the four week test and randomized patients to modafinil or placebo. In all groups that took the study agent there was an improvement in fatigue, speed of memory and power of attention. “This is a landmark study that rigorously studies the benefits of the treatment of cognitive toxicity related to chemotherapy,” said Luis A. Diaz, MD, Assistant Professor of Oncology and Director of Translational Medicine, Ludwig Center for Cancer Genetics & Therapeutics, Johns Hopkins Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center. “Larger studies are needed to confirm the results, and the ability to generalize this data to all patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy must be tested including patients of varying socioecomic, racial and ethnic backgrounds. Nonetheless, it is an exciting first step in treating an under recognized and likely common side effect of chemotherapy and will be the focus of significant research in the upcoming years.” The full study is published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2007 ASCO Annual Meeting Proceedings Part I. Vol 25, No. 18S (June 20 Supplement), 2007: 9004. Source: www.healthcentral.com/breast-cancer BCRC Receives Susan G. Komen for the Cure Central and South Jersey Affiliate Grant When trying to educate women about breast cancer, hearing from a woman who has survived the disease can be extremely powerful. Understanding the impact of such sharing, the Breast Cancer Resource Center (BCRC) of the YWCA Princeton developed the Women of Wisdom Breast Cancer Education Program in 2006 and has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Central and South Jersey Affiliate to support its continued implementation in 2007/08. Women of Wisdom presentations are held at local meeting places such as community centers or churches and are targeted to underserved women 40 and older, living and/or working in Mercer County. A panel of real women who have who have fought and conquered breast cancer, or who have helped a loved one or patient through the disease, share their inspiring stories, and BCRC’s Outreach Coordinator offers important information about risk factors, symptoms, and screening. Each participant receives linguistically and culturally sensitive information in a Breast Health Toolkit, and a voucher entitling them to a $25 Wal-Mart Gift Card when proof of screening is returned to BCRC. With the generous support of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Central and South Jersey Affiliate, the Women of Wisdom Program aims to educate 300-400 women about the importance of early detection, and encourage at least 25% of those to receive screening. Wellness Program Targets Stress and Nutrition BCRC’s Wellness Program strives to provide women affected by breast cancer with ways to maintain and/or improve quality of life during and after treatment. Several new activities have been added to the program recently, with very positive results. In February 2007, BCRC began to offer Tai Chi classes taught by Donna M. Liu, a student of Master Won Park of the WuWei Tai Chi School in Princeton. Practicing Tai Chi helps participants reduce stress, increase stamina, and improve posture. In April 2007, BCRC offered Food for Life, an 8-week series designed to empower breast cancer survivors and their caregivers to make healthy, satisfying meals using foods that are high in fiber, low in fat, and loaded with antioxidants and phytochemicals. Instructed by Christine Waltermeyer of the Cancer Project, Food for Life covered a variety of cancer-related nutrition topics, such as finding dairy alternatives, Continued on page 7 Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure. - Oprah Winfrey 04 e! Dat he ve T Sa 3rd annual “in the pink” fashion show & silent auction Friday, September 28, 2007, 6-9 pm The Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village Join BCRC to launch Breast Cancer Awareness Month in style! The 3rd Annual “In the Pink” Fashion Show & Silent Auction is an inspirational event which celebrates the strength, beauty and spirit of breast cancer survivors, and the courage and compassion of their support network. Stunning fall fashions will be modeled by breast cancer survivors, their husbands and children, doctors, nurses and social workers—a moving reminder of the unified team that supports each woman as she battles this disease. In addition to the fashion show, guests will enjoy a reception, a ribbon-cutting ceremony to launch Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and both silent and live auctions. Proceeds from this event support BCRC’s free education, information and support services. Tickets: Adult $75, Friend $200, Patron $300, Benefactor $500, Table $750. For tickets contact BCRC at 609-497-2100 ext. 349. Opportunities for event sponsorship and program book ads are still available. For details contact BCRC at 609-497-2100 ext. 346. So Many Ways to Give continued from page 2 BCRC was honored to be named a beneficiary of several different events in recent months. The first ever Head to Toe Women’s Expo hosted by Mercer County Woman Newspaper donated $180 from the proceeds of their silent auction to BCRC; Women & Wine At One With the Vine presented BCRC with a check for $50 raised during their event at Unionville Vineyards; and the Machestic Dragons Breast Cancer Survivor Team generously donated $2,500 from their inaugural Paddle for Pink Dragon Boat Festival held on Sunday June 10, 2007 at the Mercer County Park Marina in West Windsor (for more details on Paddle for Pink, see the BCRC Happenings section of this issue). BCRC received a generous donation of $360 from jewelry designer and breast cancer survivor Pam Cutler, representing 5% of her sales between April –June. Pam continues to offer her stunning line of jewelry at regional craft shows and has pledged to continue supporting BCRC through donating a percentage of her proceeds. Find out how to purchase a Pam Cutler Designs original by visiting www.pamcutlerdesigns.com. On June 13, 2007, pastry chef Mickey Graham, owner of Angel Food Desserts, held the 5th Annual Lunch for BCRC in her home. Over 20 women attended the event which raised $1825 to support BCRC’s programs and services! The delicious main dishes included roasted salmon with lime/hoisin sauce, grilled chicken with mango sauce, fiddlehead salad with prosciutto and pine nuts, and couscous with raisins and pumpkin seeds. Topping off the gourmet menu were lemon tarts with berries, chocolate flourless torte, and apricot clafouti. The hostess also provided goodie bags to her guests which included breast self-examination cards. BCRC extends a “sweet” thank-you to Mickey and her guests for their generous support. Guests at a 60th birthday celebration for Mrs. Carol Shum honored her request to give donations to BCRC in lieu of gifts and made contributions totaling $1350. If you would like to make a donation, organize a fundraiser, or support BCRC in some way, please contact us at 609-497-2100 ext. 346/349 or bcrc@ywcaprinceton.org. Your generous contribution would mean a great deal to the women and families affected by breast cancer that BCRC serves each and every day. 05 body, mind and soul For some cancer survivors, treatment has an upside. Acting like an exfoliant, radiation sometimes leaves skin smooth and blemishfree. But for others, chemo’s battle wounds land squarely on their faces (and often necks and chests, too). Wrinkles; red spots; and dry, itchy patches are among common complaints. Here are tips to help combat these problems. Facial Cleansers Cleanse skin with a mild soap or gel (not a harsh antibacterial soap) that is perfume-free. Liquid soaps and body washes, in general, are less drying. Use warm water when washing your face, and make light, circular motions. Periodically, try a hydrating mask and a cool compress (by placing a washcloth in ice water then applying the cloth to your face for 15 minutes). Moisturizers Use alcohol-free lotions and face creams fortified with anioxidants, such as vitamins C, D, and E, which help rejuvenate damaged skin. Moisturizing creams that contain a higher percentage of oil than water preserve moisture. Sunscreen Wearing sunscreen (with a sun protection factor – SPF – of 15 or higher) every day and reducing the amount of skin exposed to the sun will help combat further wrinkling and discoloration. Source: Beyond, Fall/Winter 2006 issue Volunteer Spotlight continued from page 3 Volunteering allows me to continue to help other women. I’m a referral system for organizations like the BCRC which I feel proud to be able to volunteer for. D: I know that you do a great deal of volunteer work outside of BCRC. To what other organizations do you give your time and expertise? MP: In addition to my work with the BCRC, I volunteer with Living Beyond Breast Cancer and the American Cancer Society (ACS) doing training, referring breast cancer patients and recruiting volunteers. I am also a translator for The Latin Team of South Jersey, a support group of African American and Latina breast cancer survivors who meet at Cooper Hospital in South Jersey. I bring in and introduce new survivors to the group, and when we have guest speakers I translate for the newcomers - it helps them to feel welcomed and valued as new support group members. D: Mary, you’ve been working in the public health arena for over 35 years. What is it that you enjoy most about your work –what motivates you to remain an active volunteer? MP: It’s simple. I enjoy promoting the early detection message and educating the community - the Latinas, African Americans, the uninsured and underinsured. My participation with the BCRC has helped to increase diversity in the programs. My support of the Women of Wisdom program has enabled Latina breast cancer survivors to share their experience with others. D: What have you gained from your volunteer experience with the BCRC? MP: I receive more than I could ever give. I think that the opportunity to be able to serve others as a volunteer is priceless. To see the courage, the strength and the desire to live is an inspiration to me. I am inspired beyond belief whenever I have an opportunity to serve others. I think that anyone who has free time or wants to volunteer goes into the field knowing, and if not knowing then quickly learning, that volunteerism is a small sacrifice of your time compared to the time, compassion, and caring that you receive in return. When I use half an hour or part of my day to volunteer my services, it’s a small sacrifice compared to the large reward that I receive as a result of my contribution – a card, a hug, quickly reminds me of the many reasons why I volunteer. The love and compassion is priceless and timeless. It is a gift to be able to serve other people – especially breast cancer survivors. Although I’m not a survivor, I am honored when they share so much of themselves; their sorrows and their concerns – that’s a gift, their gift to me. I value every minute of service to these women. think pink Starting your Christmas shopping early? Why not make your purchase through www.iGive.com? Join iGive.com (it’s free!), designate BCRC as your cause, and a portion of your purchases will be donated to BCRC. For a limited time, each new supporter who joins iGive.com and makes a single purchase within 45 days of joining receives an extra $5 donation for her selected cause! in loving memory We remember and honor the lives of the friends we have lost. Theresa Dellaquila, Sharon Bonitz, Rhonda Berry. 06 BCRC Happenings continued from page 4 immune-boosting foods, and maintaining a healthy weight. BCRC would like to thank the Cancer Project for hosting the series, as well as Whole Foods Princeton for donating the use of their kitchen. q&a Q. I am two years past cancer treatment. My husband was very supportive during the diagnosis, the lumpectomy, radiation therapy, and the chemotherapy, but once I stopped regular treatment (evidently tamoxifen doesn't count!) he seemed to think everything was going to go back to the way it was. I'm not sure what to do, and I'm not sure if he wants to talk about what he feels. - Anonymous A. This is an extremely common phenomenon. When women are newly diagnosed and going through "active" treatment, everyone, including the woman herself, rallies to get through the ordeal. However, once the transition to survivorship has begun, well-intentioned friends and loved ones may think and want to believe that a woman is feeling better, and may desire things to get back to normal. During this time and beyond, a woman continues to experience the medical and psychological repercussions of her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Some women may feel even worse than they did (initially and during active treatment), from a psychological standpoint. Having breast cancer is a life-altering experience for most women. It is difficult to move forward with the new uncertainty that breast cancer survivors must face, not to mention the new body, etc. I recommend to my patients and those who care about them that they recognize this, and try to move forward, perhaps more slowly than before in their "new normal" lives and bodies. Sometimes, personal counseling or couples counseling can be of benefit. There is also an excellent videotape that discusses this very issue available through the American Cancer Society about Moving Beyond Breast Cancer (1-8004-CANCER). - Ann Partridge, MD, MPH. Ask the ASCO Expert Series “Cancer Survivorship: Living Beyond Cancer.” BCRC Welcomes New Community Outreach Assistant BCRC is happy to welcome Gloria Soto-Eisenberg to the team, as the new Community Outreach Assistant. Gloria holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health and a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Education from the University of Puerto Rico, and is a member of the American Public Health Association. She has extensive community health experience, as a health educator in the Puerto Rican public school system for ten years, and as a hospital education program coordinator for seven years. She also hosted a radio call-in show featuring various health topics. Gloria says of her new position, “I’m very happy to be part of BCRC’s innovative health education programs and look forward to spreading breast cancer awareness to the Hispanic community.” Gloria lives in Robbinsville with her husband and two children. Breast Cancer Survivors Discuss New Perspectives Breast cancer survivors now have a unique forum in which to discuss and learn to cope with the changes in perspective and priorities that often come with a breast cancer diagnosis. BCRC’s monthly New Perspectives Meditation Group is facilitated by psychologist Pat Vroom, and uses meditation and discussion to help survivors explore questions like “Who am I now?” and “What am I learning from this experience?” Participants also learn how to use meditation to boost immune system function and to positively alter coping styles and information processing. This group is open to all breast cancer patients and survivors, whether they are new to meditation or use it regularly. For those who want something different from a traditional support group, New Perspectives is an excellent alternative with less talking and more “doing”! The New Perspectives Meditation Group meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, 7:00 – 8:30pm, in the YWCA Princeton Bramwell House Living Room. Continued on page 8 click on it Patient Advocate Foundation www.patientadvocate.org Navigating the managed healthcare system is not always easy, especially for cancer patients. The Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF), a national non-profit organization, works to advocate for patients’ rights and provide effective assistance to their access to care, maintenance of employment, and preservation of their financial stability. PAF serves as an active liaison between the patient and their insurer, employer and/or creditors to resolve insurance, job discrimination, and/or debt crisis matters relative to their diagnosis through case managers and attorneys. Through printable brochures on its website, PAF helps patients understand terminology of insurance plans, and find financial resources. The Patient Advocate Foundation's Co-Pay Relief (CPR) Program also provides direct co-payment assistance for pharmaceutical products to insured patients who financially and medically qualify. The CPR Program offers personal service to all patients through the use of call counselors who assist patients throughout the entire application process. 07 Feature continued from page 1 Medicaid: www.cms.hhs.gov/home/medicaid.asp - Medicaid provides health insurance for low-income individuals and families who meet its requirements. Programs operate differently in various states. Social Security: www.ssa.gov - Patients with cancer may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Not all cancer patients are considered disabled, but those with advanced cancer are sometimes considered disabled by Social Security’s definition. CancerCare: www.cancercare.org - Offers limited financial assistance for homecare, childcare, transportation, hormonal and oral chemotherapy, pain and anti-nausea medication, and lymphedema supplies through the AVONCares and Linking A.R.M.S.™ programs. In addition CancerCare social workers can help patients find assistance beyond CancerCare, including resources from state agencies and state-run treatment funds. Patient Access Network Foundation: www.patientaccessnetwork.org - An independent non-profit dedicated to assisting insured patients who cannot afford the out-of-pocket costs associated with their treatment needs. A specific breast cancer fund is established. Partnership for Prescription Assistance: www.pparx.org - A partnership of pharmaceutical companies, health care providers and advocacy groups which helps patients without prescription coverage obtain low-cost and free medicine. Rx 4 NJ: www.rx4nj.org – A voluntary partnership formed to help people across New Jersey gain access to over 250 free and low-cost prescription medicine programs that include over 1800 different prescription medicines. Christina S. Walsh Breast Cancer Foundation: www.christinaswalshbcf.org - A New Jersey based non-profit that provides financial assistance to patients who need help covering costs of medications, tests, purchase of wigs, hospital stay incidentals (meals, phone, parking, transportation) etc. The organizations listed above are only a few of many possible sources of financial assistance. For help in finding additional resources, contact BCRC. BCRC Happenings continued from page 7 Dragon Boat Festival Turns Mercer County Park Marina Pink The inaugural Paddle for Pink Dragon Boat Festival, hosted by the Machestic Dragons, was held Sunday June 10, 2007 at the Mercer County Park Marina in West Windsor in support of BCRC. The Machestic Dragons, New Jersey’s first breast cancer survivor dragon boat team, are in their sixth season of paddling to help raise breast cancer awareness and to demonstrate that women living with breast cancer can lead full, active lives. Paddle for Pink was a spectacular success, with over 200 paddlers and 100 spectators participating in the days’ activities. West Windsor Township Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh was on hand to kick off the event with words of welcome and encouragement, and he joined paddlers and spectators for the traditional EyeDotting Ceremony to wake the dragon boats, and the Pink Carnation Ceremony to honor those who have been affected by breast cancer. Teams from Washington DC and Camden, NJ joined the Machestic Dragons for three races in the Breast Cancer Survivor Division, and teams from Rutgers University, New Jersey Hospital Association, YWCA Princeton, Merrill Lynch, and Mid-Jersey Chinese School were joined by smaller groups and individual paddlers for four heats in the Community Division. The Machestic Dragons presented BCRC with a check for $2,500 to help support wellness programs that will encourage women affected by breast cancer keep surviving and thriving! For more information on dragon boating and the Machestic Dragons, visit www.paddleforpink.org. 08 bcrc wants to hear from you! Please check all appropriate boxes: q q q q q I would like to be a BCRC volunteer! Please send me a volunteer application form. I would like to make a donation.* I’ve moved! Please change my address. Please add me to the mailing list. Please remove me from the mailing list. Name__________________________________________________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________________________________________________ City__________________________________________ State____________________Zip______________________ Telephone ( ) _____________________________ Email_____________________________________________ Please return to: Breast Cancer Resource Center, YWCA Princeton, 59 Paul Robeson Place, Princeton, NJ 08540, 609-497-2100 ext 346/349, or email bcrc@ywcaprinceton.org. *To make a donation, kindly write a check payable to YWCA Princeton Breast Cancer Resource Center. If you would like to make a contribution in memory/celebration of someone else, please include the person’s name as well as an address to where we may send the donation acknowledgement card. a good read The Year My Mother Was Bald Written by Ann Speltz Reviewed by Lindsey Colanduoni, age 12 My name is Lindsey and my mom has breast cancer. When I first found out that my mom had breast cancer, I was very upset and I thought the world was going to collapse on me. But when I started to read “The Year My Mother Was Bald,” it answered a lot of my questions, and described the emotions that I was feeling. For example, the little girl in the book was getting mad and impatient all the time, and that’s what was happening to me. I didn’t realize that I was feeling that way because my mom had breast cancer. Another way that the book helped me was that it told me what is going to happen to my mom while she is in treatment. So, if your child has all these different emotions and wants to know what might happen to you during treatment, then I recommend this book. For other books that will help you and your children deal with your breast cancer diagnosis, why not visit the BCRC Resource Library. Look for these titles: • Our Family Has Cancer Too!, by Christine Clifford, illustrated by Jack Lindstrom. • The Hope Tree – Kids Talk About Breast Cancer, by Laura Numeroff and Wendy S. Harpham, M.D., illustrated by David McPhail. • Our Mom Has Cancer, by Abigail and Adrienne Ackermann. • Will I Get Breast Cancer? Questions & Answers for Teenage Girls, by Carole G. Vogel. • Helping Your Children Cope with Your Cancer – A Guide for Parents and Families, 2nd Edition, by Peter Van Dernoot. • Can I still Kiss You? Answering Your Children’s Questions About Cancer, by Neil Russell. • When a Parent Has Cancer. A Guide to Caring for Your Children, by Wendy Schlessel Harpham. Research continued from page 3 who have taken a minimum of 2 years of hormonal therapy with tamoxifen or an AI. These patients may be offered letrozole for the duration of their initial adjuvant hormonal therapy and then screened for eligibility into the study. For more information on this trial, or others being conducted at University Medical Center at Princeton, please contact Susan Wall, Oncology Research Nurse, Cancer Program, University Medical Center at Princeton, 609497-4078, swall@princetonhcs.org. 09 breast cancer resource center YWCA Princeton, 59 Paul Robeson Place, Princeton NJ 08540 PUBLICATION INFORMATION Publisher: Kara Stephenson Editor: Patricia Orr Production: Barbara Curtis Printing: Mastergraphx the many faces of bcrc The YWCA Princeton is qualified by the IRS to receive contributions which are deductible for federal income tax purposes. This charitable organization is registered with the Attorney General of the State of New Jersey. Information may be obtained by calling 973-504-6215. Registration does not imply endorsement.