The Relay BIG Experience is coming!!

You can register here - http://event.pingg.com/RelayBIG, and there is a separate track for Team Captains this year. 

For Team Captains- "Relay Big: Team Captain World"
Looking for new ideas for your team this year? Would you like to pass the baton and explore other opportunities? Join us at this breakout, designed specifically for you! We'll be sharing ideas on how to implement a Team Captain transition plan on your team, new fundraising ideas, discussing other ways in which you can get involved in the Relay community, and asking for your feedback. This is an experience you won't want to miss! 

 Don't forget to follow us on Facebook! You can also reach the website at http://www.relaybridgewater.org/ or email us at relaybridgewater@gmail.com.

Mother Daughter Breast Cancer Program

Yes, yes, I know.  I've been very delayed on updating this.  But I have a TON of information, and I was at the Mother Daughter Breast Cancer Program on Wednesday night.  And!  We will have many updates coming up soon as planning starts to ramp up. 

**First things first**

1 - Tonight at 7 PM, our own Anne Fagan will be performing in "I Am Not My Breasts", an original play by Janet Lynn O'Hare.  Tickets are $10 and are available at the doors.  Location - Avon Middle High School, 285 West Main Street in Avon. 

2 - Our first committee meeting is Monday 10/15 at 6:30 PM at Better Bean in Bridgewater.  If you'd like to find out more about the committee or you would like to join, drop by and we'll discuss our meeting dates and what you can expect. 

************************************************************

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

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On Wednesday, I attended the Mother Daughter Breast Cancer Program at Good Samaritan Hospital in Brockton.  First off, I'd like to thank the American Cancer Society and the ladies of the Psi Iota Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority for putting this event on.  If I am not mistaken (and I'm pretty sure I'm not), these ladies took care of the food for our Survivor Reception at this year's Relay.  And I'd like to thank Good Sam for holding the event.  The waiting room where the event was held was beautiful, and they even had a coffee station set up for patients (of course, the ladies of AKA had plenty of refreshments for us as well, but it's nice to see a hospital put so much effort into an area where people are normally anxiously waiting for their appointments). 

The event included pictures with wild props, and I'm sorry to say I wasn't there in time for this part.  Otherwise, you'd all see some sort of wacky picture of my mother and me!  They also lined up 3 speakers and a panel of breast cancer survivors. 

The first speaker was Dr. Rohini Sakhuja, who is the Chair of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.  She discussed genetic testing and counseling, and she focused quite a bit on the science behind genes, mutation, and passing diseases on through generations.  In general, the talk focused on the fact that genes can be dominant and recessive, and carriers don't always pass diseases onto their offspring.  She also discussed the BRCA Genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2) which are linked to breast and ovarian cancer.  While we can test for these genes now, we cannot truly say that a positive test means you will develop cancer or that a negative test means you're in the clear. 

The second speaker was Dr. Cindy Dodard, Ob/GYN, who spoke about breast exams and screening.  Dr. Dodard is a member of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), a group that tends to lean more toward the proactive side of screening.  She recommends mammography to start at age 40, and she promotes Breast Self Awareness (BSA).  BSA is a concept where you are aware of your normal baseline for your breasts, which allows you to notice any abnormalities without being beholden to the strict exam schedule of self-examination.  She also recommends early screening for anyone with a family history, specifically starting 10 years before the earliest diagnosis (i.e 29 for someone with a family member diagnosed at 39).

She cited the recent change in recommendations from the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force as well, though she does follow the recommendations of ACOG.  USPSTF change the recommended mammography screening to every 2 years for ages 50-74, and they now recommend against breast self-examination (BSE).  The reasoning behind this is that they felt too many false positives were coming up in the 40-49 age group for mammographies, and that BSE and early mammography were doing more harm than good.  Screening is important, as there is plenty of evidence that it prevents death by abnormality, but it's always important to arm yourself with information.

The third speaker was Jan Amorello, RN, BSN, OCN, who is the Oncology Nurse Navigator.  She spoke about emotions and support and the impact of genetic testing.  It's very important to realize there is a real psychological impact on people who have the BRCA testing and other genetic testing done.  There can be anxiety due to the results, strain because other family members don't want to know, and guilt for knowing you are carrying a cancer gene that could be passed down to your children.  It's also important to know that a positive or negative result is not the be all and end all for cancer for you.  You may test positive and never be diagnosed, or you may test negative and eventually be diagnosed.  It's very important to consider this but also to surround yourself with support, either through your family or through the support system at your hospital.

The last group was a breast cancer survivor panel.  This was probably one of the most emotional parts for me, and each of the survivors has a different story.  They were also all (or almost all) involved in the Reach to Recovery Task Force, and I will be interving one of the survivors next week regarding her experience and what Reach to Recovery is all about. 

This event was sent to me by our former staff partner, Melissa Padeni.  She's now working on Health Initiatives with the American Cancer Society, and they put on events like this all the time.  If you aren't signed up for the email blasts, let me know, and I'll figure out what you need to do. 

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook! You can also reach the website at http://www.relaybridgewater.org/ or email us at relaybridgewater@gmail.com.

Cancer Prevention Study-3 is still enrolling!

But first, an update: 

6 teams and 9 participants have raised $20

Good work, everyone!  Early participation will help us reach our 2013 goals.  If you know anyone who has any questions about joining a team, starting a team, fundraising, whatever, please let us know!

Cancer Prevention Study-3

The American Cancer Society is still looking for volunteers for their CPS-3 study.  My mom and I signed up last May.  The whole process took about 30 minutes.  

I've listed the requirements and the Massachusetts events below.  Some you do need to sign up for, but others don't require pre-registration (you should be able to click on the registration links to sign up).  Help us help ACS find a cure for cancer!

THE REQUIREMENTS: Participants must be between the ages of 30 and 65, must never have been diagnosed with cancer (except for squamous or basal cell skin cancers), and must be willing to make a long-term commitment to the study by completing follow-up surveys at home periodically. To enroll in the study, individuals will be asked to complete a brief written survey, provide a waist measurement, and give a small blood sample at the enrollment site, in addition to completing a baseline survey at their home. (Source)

Events in Massachusetts:
Boston - Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Boston, Charles River Esplanade, Boston, Sunday, October 14, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Pre-registration not required.

Boston - Harvard Medical School (open only to Harvard faculty and staff and family members), Vanderbilt Hall, Joseph B. Martin Lounge, 107 Ave. Louis Pasteur. Tuesday, Oct. 23.  8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.  Sign up now!

Boston - Wang YMCA, 8 Oak St. West. 02116. Tuesday, Oct. 23. 4 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Sign up now!

Boston - Boston Medical Center, Menino Pavilion Lobby, 840 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA  02118.  Wednesday Oct. 24. 7:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Sign up now!

Boston - Harvard Business School (open only to Harvard faculty and staff and family members), Spangler Center,, Meredith Room, 117 Western Ave. Wednesday, Oct.  24. 8 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.  Sign up now!

Boston - Boston Medical Center, Newton Pavilion Lobby, 88 East Newton St., Boston, MA 02118.  Thursday,  Oct. 25.  7:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.. Sign up now!

Boston - Harvard Medical School (open only to Harvard faculty and staff and family members), Vanderbilt Hall, Joseph B. Martin Lounge, 107 Ave. Louis Pasteur. Thursday, Oct. 25. 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.  Sign up now!

Cambridge - Harvard University Health Services (open only to Harvard faculty and staff and family members), Monks Library, 75 Mt. Auburn St.  Wednesday, Oct. 24. 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.  Sign up now!

Cambridge - Harvard University Health Services (open only to Harvard faculty and staff and family members), Monks Library, 75 M. Auburn St., Thursday, Oct. 25. 8 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.  Sign up now!

Framingham - Staples, Links Building, Conference Rooms - L1014C and L1013C, 500 Staples Drive 01702. Wednesday, Oct 24.  9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Sign up now!

Framingham - Staples, Links Building, Conference Rooms - L1014C and L1013C, 500 Staples Drive 01702. Thursday, Oct 25. Noon - 3:30 p.m.  Sign up now!

Lowell - Lowell General Hospital Main Campus, Clark Auditorium, 295 Varnum Ave. 01854. Wednesday, Oct. 3. 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. & 3 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Sign up now!
Roxbury - Roxbury YMCA, 285 Martin Luther King Blvd. 02119.  Wednesday, Oct 24. 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Sign up now!

Westborough - BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc., 25 Research Drive 01581. Thursday, Oct. 25. 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Sign up now!

Woburn - North Suburban YMCA, 137 Lexington St. 01801. Wednesday, Oct. 24. 3 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Sign up now!

Worcester - Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Worcester, Elm Park, Park Ave. and Highland St. 01602. Sunday, Oct. 21. 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Pre-registration is not required.

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook! You can also reach the website at http://www.relaybridgewater.org/ or email us at relaybridgewater@gmail.com.

2012's Final Total

Hi All,

The final numbers are officially in.  For our 2012 Relay For Life event, we raised:

$109,177.97

You guys are AWESOME!!!

We are starting to organize the dates for committee meeting and team captain meetings.  As soon as they are settled, I will post them here and on the Facebook site. 

Again, thank you all for everything you do.  We could do this without your help.  2013, here we come!!



Don't forget to follow us on Facebook! You can also reach the website at http://www.relaybridgewater.org/ or email us at relaybridgewater@gmail.com.

And we are BACK!!

After a long summer hiatus, the blog is back!  Our new website - www.relaybridgewater.org is active, and our tentative Relay dates are June 14th and 15th of 2013. 

Through September 21st, we are running a promotion for half-price registration for the Relay.  Go to the website, sign up, and type the code word "earlybird" into the discount field (it says "Enter your company registration fee code here").  Now is a great time to get your team up and registered for Relay!

I will be updating shortly (likely by Friday) with the final totals for our Relay.  In the meantime, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us on Facebook, or at our email address below.

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook! You can also reach the website at http://www.relaybridgewater.org/ or email us at relaybridgewater@gmail.com.

Post-Relay Update

I just wanted to update the numbers for our event:

368 Participants.  40 Teams.  $97,980 Raised.

TOP TEAMS

1 Concord Dream Team $18,464
2 Water Warriors $10,137
3 E. B. Jazz $5,644

TOP PARTICIPANTS

1 Thomas Pratt $4,095
2 Diane Peavey $3,052
3 Janet Brown $2,628

Great work to all involved.  We could not have done this without you. 

Remember, we are collecting through 8/31/2012.

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook! You can also reach the website at http://www.relaybridgewater.org/ or email us at relaybridgewater@gmail.com.

And now for the post event tally...

Whew!  What a Relay!  The weather was beautiful, the event was fun, and you guys kicked patootie at cleaning the field!  We totally left it better than it was. 

1 - As of today, June 22nd, we have raised $97,380.  We will be collecting donations through 8/31/3012, so you can donate online at http://www.relaybridgewater.org/ or you can send the donations to the American Cancer Society at 5 Manley Street, West Bridgewater, MA  02379 (be sure to put Attn: Bridgewater Relay on the donation/envelope!)

2 - Have you taken our survey?  We want your feedback!  We have 10 quick questions regarding the event.  Your input helps us improve year over year:  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/X5TR357.

3 - Send your pictures to us at relaybridgewater@gmail.com so we can post them to Facebook.  And be sure to check the photos already on our page and tag your team and friends!

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook! You can also reach the website at http://www.relaybridgewater.org/ or email us at relaybridgewater@gmail.com.

National Cancer Survivors Day is Sunday, June 3rd

http://www.ncsdf.org/index.html

Did you know?  This Sunday, June 3rd, is the 25th Annual National Cancer Survivors Day.  This is a worldwide Celebration of Life in which participants unite to show that life after a cancer diagnosis can be meaningful and productive.  As we all know, the American Cancer Society defines a survivor as anyone who has heard the words "you have cancer", whether you are in treatment, in remission, or cured. 

This Sunday, there will be events all over to celebrate.  You can find an event by contacting your local cancer treatment center, hospital, or American Cancer Society office (ours is in West Bridgewater).  

http://www.ncsdf.org/Pages/Attend.html

I've copied and pasted the National Cancer Survivors Day Press Release below:

For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Laura Shipp
PHONE: 615-794-3006
E-MAIL: info@NCSD.ORG
Stop Date: June 4, 2012
National Cancer Survivors Day^® is Sunday, June 3, 2012
From family members to close friends, everyone knows someone whose life has been touched by cancer. On Sunday, June 3, 2012, hundreds of communities throughout the world will observe the 25th annual National Cancer Survivors Day. Communities will host events on this day to honor cancer survivors and show that life after a cancer diagnosis can be meaningful, fulfilling, and even inspiring.

National Cancer Survivors Day is a cherished annual worldwide celebration of life. It is a day for everyone, whether you're a cancer survivor, a family member, friend, or medical professional. This day provides an opportunity for all people living with a history of cancer - including America?s 12 million cancer survivors - to connect with each other, celebrate milestones, and recognize the healthcare providers, family, and friends who have supported them along the way. "A 'survivor' is anyone living with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life," according to the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation.

NCSD activities will be as diverse as the communities where the events are being held and will include parades, carnivals, walks, races, art exhibits, health fairs, dances, inspirational programs, and more.

The National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation, administrator for the celebration, is encouraging everyone to participate in their community's event. To locate the one nearest you, check with your local cancer treatment center, hospital, or American Cancer Society office. Or you can host an event of your own. Anyone can download a free planning guide at ncsd.org with everything you need to plan a successful NCSD celebration.

"Some people still think of cancer as a death sentence," says Foundation spokesperson, Laura Shipp. "But the fact is that more than 12 million cancer survivors are living – and thriving – in the United States today. National Cancer Survivors Day is an opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate that there is life after cancer. Some even find that life is more rewarding after facing cancer."

NCSD started in the United States in 1987 and is now also celebrated worldwide in countries including Canada, Australia, India, Saudi Arabia, Italy, and Malaysia, according to Shipp.

The nonprofit National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation provides free guidance, education, and networking to hundreds of hospitals, support groups, and other cancer-related organizations that host National Cancer Survivors Day events in their communities. The Foundation's primary mission is to educate the public on the issues of cancer survivorship in order to better the quality of life for cancer survivors.

Cancer survivors may face physical, emotional, social, and financial challenges as a result of their cancer diagnosis and treatment. Many are confronted with limited access to specialists and promising new treatments, inadequate or no insurance, difficulty finding employment, and psychosocial struggles. "Despite these obstacles, cancer survivors can lead active, productive, inspiring lives," says Shipp.

The National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation, along with the NCSD 2012 national sponsors Bristol-Myers Squibb, Coping with Cancer magazine, Genentech, and Lilly USA, LLC, is encouraging a greater commitment to resolving the issues of cancer survivorship. "More resources, research, and increased public awareness is needed to improve the quality of life of cancer survivors," says Shipp. "The accomplishments of modern science are evident in the ever growing cancer survivor population. However, we need to do a better job of addressing the hardships survivors face beyond treatment."

To find out more about National Cancer Survivors Day, visit ncsd.org.
Leading up to the event, the Foundation urges everyone – cancer survivors and supporters alike – to spread the message that there is life after cancer, and it's something to celebrate. The following are suggested posts for your social media sites.

On Facebook: You can live a fulfilling life after a cancer diagnosis. Just ask the millions of people who have survived it. Celebrate life on National Cancer Survivors Day – Sunday, June 3. facebook.com/CancerSurvivorsDay

On Twitter: You can live a fulfilling life after cancer. Just ask the millions of people who've survived it. Celebrate life! #NCSD2012 @SurvivorsDay
About the National SponsorsThe National Sponsors for National Cancer Survivors Day 2012 are:
Bristol-Myers Squibb (bms.com), Coping® with Cancer, (copingmag.com), Genentech (gene.com), and Lilly USA, LLC (lillygrantoffice.com).

More information on cancer and cancer survivorship:National Cancer Survivors Day: ncsd.org
National Cancer Institute: cancer.gov
American Society of Clinical Oncology: cancer.net
American Cancer Society: cancer.org
American Cancer Society’s Cancer Facts & Figures: cancer.org/statistics

(Source)

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook! You can also reach the website at http://www.relaybridgewater.org/ or email us at relaybridgewater@gmail.com.

Spin For Hope - Sunday, March 4th, 2012

The American Cancer Society's Spin For Hope will be held on Sunday, March 4th.

Together we have raised $35,935.00! (as of 1/30/2012)

Spin for Hope is a three hour indoor cycling event for a great cause- the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer.  Participant individually and cycle for the full three hours, or form a team and take turns cycling. 

Participants cycling the entire three hours should strive to raise at least $300.  Those registering as part of a team should strive to raise $100 each.

To find a club in your area, click here.  Be sure to check with your chosen club for bike availability and fundraising minimum requirements before registering online! Register before the end of the day, Sunday, February 12, 2012 to receive this year’s registration gift – a Spin for Hope reusable shopping bag.

In return for your fundraising efforts, Spin for Hope participants are eligible to receive special Spin for Hope gifts.  Click here to check them out! 

In addition to these gifts, all participants that raise $500 will also be eligible to receive one of the 2012 Spin for Hope technical jerseys.Don't forget to follow us on Facebook! You can also reach the website at http://www.relaybridgewater.org/ or email us at relaybridgewater@gmail.com.

Tomorrow is World Cancer Day!

First, a bit of housekeeping: 

**Let the games begin!!! The 2012 Relay season will officially kick off Tuesday, February 7th with a super training session to get you "in shape" for the Relay Olympics! Pick up your team captain packet, do some stretches, and find out what's new (besides the theme) in 2012!  Be there or be square!  St. Basil's in Bridgewater**

World Cancer Day 2012 is this Saturday, February 4th.  This year is themed ’Together it is possible’ because it is only by every person, organisation, government individually doing their part that the world will be able to reduce premature deaths from cancer and other NCDs by 25% by 2025.  We can use this day to reach out to the public, because it's only through all of us that the burden of cancer will be reduced. 

Here are some suggestions for what you can do to engage the public (all are taken directly from www.worldcancerday.org/dosomething):

LEVELS OF ENGAGEMENT

Level 1 - General public

(**This would be a good way to start asking for donations for our Relay For Life event!**)

You will be able to use the following activities to engage your network and the wider general public of your country on the burden of cancer, and in-turn raise the profile of World Cancer Day:

• Social media channels: Engage with your network via your Twitter / Facebook pages (global hashtags and key messages to share via social platforms are provided later in this toolkit).
• A special Facebook application will be launched for the occasion of World Cancer Day – be sure to use it and share it widely!
• Use the Cancer infographics: specially created for World Cancer Day 2012, these represent the global cancer burden in a visually engaging format (more information about these infographics can be found in the ‘Local activity guidance and toolkit overview‘ section of this document). Consider using these on your website and in member and media communications to support World Cancer Day.
• World Cancer Declaration: share the Declaration with your members, and other members of the public, and encourage them to sign-up on World Cancer Day.

Level 2 - General public / UICC member organisations and partners

(**Do you know any companies that might be willing to sponsor a portion of our Relay?  Email Melissa at melissa.padeni@cancer.org for information about Ribbon Sponsors!**)

• Add to the World Cancer Day online map of events and activities - Please share what you will be doing on / around World Cancer Day. The site is visited by media, individuals and organisations worldwide - therefore this is a great place to let the world know what you have planned – no matter how big or small.
• Engage with your corporate sponsors and other corporate or not-for-profit organisations in your country to encourage their support in World Cancer Day. They could help by organising fund raising activities on your behalf and/or by using World Cancer Day messaging in their internal and external communications mechanisms (newsletters, websites etc).
• Host a screening of ‘LIFE Before Death’: Members with a particular interest in palliative care and pain relief can support the Treat the Pain campaign by being part of a global film premiere series and hosting a screening of ‘LIFE Before Death’ - an award winning documentary film that raises awareness about inadequate access to palliative care and essential pain medicines. A special toolkit outlining ‘How to Host a Screening’ and ‘Presenter’s Notes’ is now available for download.

Level 3 - Advocacy push

(**You can join ACS-CAN!  For $10, you will be privy to everything done by the advocacy/lobbying arm of the American Cancer Society, and you'll find ways to help by engaging your local politicians!)

• Lobby your national policy makers and Ministers of Health, to support the adoption of cancer control targets and indicators at the upcoming World Health Assembly in May 2012. Full details and support for these efforts will be provided in the UICC Advocacy toolkit.

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook! You can also reach the website at http://www.relaybridgewater.org/ or email us at relaybridgewater@gmail.com.

The Great American Smokeout is November 17th!

Celebrate the Great American Smokeout on November 17th!


The American Cancer Society is marking the 36th Great American Smokeout on November 17 by encouraging smokers to use the date to make a plan to quit, or to plan in advance and quit smoking that day. By doing so, smokers will be taking an important step towards a healthier life – one that can lead to reducing cancer risk.

Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the US, yet more than 46 million Americans still smoke. However, more than half of these smokers have attempted to quit for at least one day in the past year.

Quitting is hard, but you can increase your chances of success with help. The American Cancer Society can tell you about the steps you can take to quit smoking and provide the resources and support that can increase your chances of quitting successfully. To learn about the available tools, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345. You can also find free tips and tools below. (Source)

What can you do?

1. Join the ACS/GWU E-Quit Study to see if a new email program can help with quitting smoking. 
2. Use our Desktop Helpers to help you plan your quit day and deal with cravings.
3. Access these printable resources for your workplace, school and community.
4. Determine how much money you spend on cigarettes.  What could you do with that money?
5. Take our Stop Smoking Quiz to create a personal quit plan.
6. Make a commitment to quit.
7. Fight back against tobacco.
8. Send an e-card to yourself or someone you know.  Sometimes, just knowing you have support is enough.
9. Test your knowledge about tobacco and the benefits of quitting smoking!  Two random survey takers will win a prize!

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook! You can also reach the website at http://www.relaybridgewater.org/ or email us at relaybridgewater@gmail.com.