Please join us for a special presentation on breast cancer by radiation oncologist Dr. Judith Lightsey of Shands. "Innovations in Breast Cancer Care" will begin at noon at the Hope Lodge. Please RSVP by Monday, October 29th if you wish to be counted for lunch. A $3 donation is requested. RSVP to Barb Thomas: bnbarb@aol.com.
Last minute attendees are also welcome, but bring you own lunch as food is prepared based on prior notice.
Please share this invitation.
A blog for local healthcare professionals and stakeholders. Share information about grants, partnering opportunities, available resources, workshops and more.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
The Importance of Mesothelioma Awareness and Research
Ask one of your friends what mesothelioma is. If you friend has even heard of it at all, their reply will most likely sound something like, “Is that the thing they talk about on the late-night lawyer commercials?”
Sadly, most people have no idea what mesothelioma actually is, what causes it or who is most at risk to develop it. This asbestos-related cancer is only diagnosed in about 2,000 to 3,000 people each year in the United States. Because it is so rare, awareness about mesothelioma is relatively low, and few organizations dedicate their time and resources to researching the disease. Because mesothelioma diagnoses are expected to peak between 2015 and 2030, it is more crucial now than it ever has been to focus on mesothelioma awareness and research. However, the only way to amp up the scientific study of mesothelioma is to amp up the amount of funding poured into the projects.
Mesothelioma Research Organizations
Several organizations across the United States dedicate all of their time and money to testing cutting-edge treatments for mesothelioma. Research organizations like the Mesothelioma Applied Research Fund and the Pacific Mesothelioma Center improve the outlook for current and future patients by creating and testing new therapies that may yield more promising prognosis. However, these nonprofits still struggle to raise enough funding to adequately research all of the potentially lifesaving mesothelioma treatments. The NCI estimates that mesothelioma receives as little as seven times the amount of funding that other cancers receive.
Since 2000, the leading mesothelioma research organization – the Mesothelioma Foundation – has received only $7.6 million for peer-reviewed mesothelioma research. To help increase the amount of funding designated for mesothelioma research, many organizations are turning to awareness events and fundraisers to benefit mesothelioma charities.
Helping Mesothelioma Awareness Organizations Raise Funds for Research
In 2003, the cost of bringing a new drug to the market cost more than $802 million. That price has shot to over $1.7 billion today, including all of the costs involved with research and development.
The National Cancer Institute currently operates 68 clinical trials related to mesothelioma. However, considering the unsatisfactory state of mesothelioma treatment (the average prognosis for a mesothelioma patient comes in at under a year), there is plenty room for improvement – and for more clinical trials.
But where will the funding come from?
Miles for Meso is one of the major fundraisers for mesothelioma, currently heading into its fourth year. The 5K is held in multiple cities around the globe and raises funds for the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. The benefits have donated more than $160,000 of race proceeds to the organization. Several other smaller, local fundraisers are held on September 26th, the official Mesothelioma Awareness Day. However, with little time to waste, advocacy and awareness events are popping up year-round on calendars. Proceeds from these events are typically funneled into clinical trials, including recent projects that include research on a new mesothelioma chemotherapy drug called Axitinib and a study of a novel gene transfer for the treatment of mesothelioma.
Results from these mesothelioma clinical trials are often presented at large mesothelioma conferences, such as the Abramson Cancer Center’s Focus on Mesothelioma Conference. At these awareness events, researchers, doctors, patients and caregivers come together to share their knowledge and experiences and learn more about the cancer. To get involved with mesothelioma awareness events near you, ask your oncologist for a list of events in your area or check out the websites of the research organizations listed above.
Mesothelioma Awareness Events
Bio: Faith Franz is a writer for the Mesothelioma Center. She combines her interests in whole-body health and medical research to educate the mesothelioma community about the newest developments in cancer care.
Sadly, most people have no idea what mesothelioma actually is, what causes it or who is most at risk to develop it. This asbestos-related cancer is only diagnosed in about 2,000 to 3,000 people each year in the United States. Because it is so rare, awareness about mesothelioma is relatively low, and few organizations dedicate their time and resources to researching the disease. Because mesothelioma diagnoses are expected to peak between 2015 and 2030, it is more crucial now than it ever has been to focus on mesothelioma awareness and research. However, the only way to amp up the scientific study of mesothelioma is to amp up the amount of funding poured into the projects.
Mesothelioma Research Organizations
Several organizations across the United States dedicate all of their time and money to testing cutting-edge treatments for mesothelioma. Research organizations like the Mesothelioma Applied Research Fund and the Pacific Mesothelioma Center improve the outlook for current and future patients by creating and testing new therapies that may yield more promising prognosis. However, these nonprofits still struggle to raise enough funding to adequately research all of the potentially lifesaving mesothelioma treatments. The NCI estimates that mesothelioma receives as little as seven times the amount of funding that other cancers receive.
Since 2000, the leading mesothelioma research organization – the Mesothelioma Foundation – has received only $7.6 million for peer-reviewed mesothelioma research. To help increase the amount of funding designated for mesothelioma research, many organizations are turning to awareness events and fundraisers to benefit mesothelioma charities.
Helping Mesothelioma Awareness Organizations Raise Funds for Research
In 2003, the cost of bringing a new drug to the market cost more than $802 million. That price has shot to over $1.7 billion today, including all of the costs involved with research and development.
The National Cancer Institute currently operates 68 clinical trials related to mesothelioma. However, considering the unsatisfactory state of mesothelioma treatment (the average prognosis for a mesothelioma patient comes in at under a year), there is plenty room for improvement – and for more clinical trials.
But where will the funding come from?
Miles for Meso is one of the major fundraisers for mesothelioma, currently heading into its fourth year. The 5K is held in multiple cities around the globe and raises funds for the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. The benefits have donated more than $160,000 of race proceeds to the organization. Several other smaller, local fundraisers are held on September 26th, the official Mesothelioma Awareness Day. However, with little time to waste, advocacy and awareness events are popping up year-round on calendars. Proceeds from these events are typically funneled into clinical trials, including recent projects that include research on a new mesothelioma chemotherapy drug called Axitinib and a study of a novel gene transfer for the treatment of mesothelioma.
Results from these mesothelioma clinical trials are often presented at large mesothelioma conferences, such as the Abramson Cancer Center’s Focus on Mesothelioma Conference. At these awareness events, researchers, doctors, patients and caregivers come together to share their knowledge and experiences and learn more about the cancer. To get involved with mesothelioma awareness events near you, ask your oncologist for a list of events in your area or check out the websites of the research organizations listed above.
Mesothelioma Awareness Events
Bio: Faith Franz is a writer for the Mesothelioma Center. She combines her interests in whole-body health and medical research to educate the mesothelioma community about the newest developments in cancer care.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Cancer Resource Guide of North Central Florida
Are you or someone you care about in need of a cancer support group,
transportation for medical treatments or financial assistance with
prescription drugs? Locate resources for these needs and more on the
recently launched website www.CancerResourceGuideNCF.org. The Cancer Resource Guide of North Central Florida
is a public service of North Central Florida Cancer Control
Collaborative (NCFCCC), WellFlorida Council and the Florida Department
of Health Cancer Control Program.
The Cancer Resource Guide of North Central Florida, compiled by WellFlorida and NCFCCC, includes support groups, community and caregiver resources, financial support services and tobacco cessation activities throughout the region. The website also links viewers to national organizations and their websites. The online guide lists a wide range of cancer-related resources: summer camps for children with cancer; sources for breast prosthesis and wigs; and medical assistance for individuals who are uninsured or under-insured, including low cost/no cost mammograms.
Through workshops, successful grant applications, regional cancer data and communications tools (such as The Cancer Resource Guide and The Cancer Resource Blog), NCFCCC supports the region's cancer community with resources, networking opportunities and education. Oversight and leadership of NCFCCC is provided by WellFlorida. To learn more about NCFCCC, WellFlorida and The Cancer Resource Guide of North Central Florida, visit www.CancerResourceGuideNCF.org.
The Cancer Resource Guide of North Central Florida, compiled by WellFlorida and NCFCCC, includes support groups, community and caregiver resources, financial support services and tobacco cessation activities throughout the region. The website also links viewers to national organizations and their websites. The online guide lists a wide range of cancer-related resources: summer camps for children with cancer; sources for breast prosthesis and wigs; and medical assistance for individuals who are uninsured or under-insured, including low cost/no cost mammograms.
Through workshops, successful grant applications, regional cancer data and communications tools (such as The Cancer Resource Guide and The Cancer Resource Blog), NCFCCC supports the region's cancer community with resources, networking opportunities and education. Oversight and leadership of NCFCCC is provided by WellFlorida. To learn more about NCFCCC, WellFlorida and The Cancer Resource Guide of North Central Florida, visit www.CancerResourceGuideNCF.org.
Free Teleconference: Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Living Beyond Breast Cancer is hosting a two-part free teleconference:
Part one is on Monday, October 8, noon to 1 p.m. (EDT). Dr. Hope Rugo of the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center will discuss medical updates.
Part two is on October 22, noon to 1 p.m. Topic: "Emotional Impact" by Dr. Wendy Lichtenthal of Weill Cornell Medical College.
Register for part one by October 1 and part two by October 15 online at www.lbbc.org/Events or by calling 610-645-4567.
CEU credits are available for licensed social workers.
Part one is on Monday, October 8, noon to 1 p.m. (EDT). Dr. Hope Rugo of the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center will discuss medical updates.
Part two is on October 22, noon to 1 p.m. Topic: "Emotional Impact" by Dr. Wendy Lichtenthal of Weill Cornell Medical College.
Register for part one by October 1 and part two by October 15 online at www.lbbc.org/Events or by calling 610-645-4567.
CEU credits are available for licensed social workers.
Men's Health and Manpower Expo
Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012
8 a.m. to 2 p.m
Martin Luther King Jr. Multipurpose Center
128 Northeast 14th Street
Gainesville, FL 32601-4612
Free Breakfast and Refreshments, Door Prizes, Gifts
Free Consultation with Experts
Free Health Screenings
Breakfast starts at 8 a.m., followed by educational workshops where you can meet experts and discuss the latest advances in prevention and early detection of cancers that affect minority communities, like prostate, GI/colorectal, oral and pharyngeal cancer.
For more information, contact:
Shannon Pressey, MS
Coordinator, Annual Men's Health Expo
University of Florida
Phone: 727-394-6089
Email: spressey@cop.ufl.edu
8 a.m. to 2 p.m
Martin Luther King Jr. Multipurpose Center
128 Northeast 14th Street
Gainesville, FL 32601-4612
Free Breakfast and Refreshments, Door Prizes, Gifts
Free Consultation with Experts
Free Health Screenings
Breakfast starts at 8 a.m., followed by educational workshops where you can meet experts and discuss the latest advances in prevention and early detection of cancers that affect minority communities, like prostate, GI/colorectal, oral and pharyngeal cancer.
For more information, contact:
Shannon Pressey, MS
Coordinator, Annual Men's Health Expo
University of Florida
Phone: 727-394-6089
Email: spressey@cop.ufl.edu
Pink Pumpkin Pedal-Off 2012
Go Pink for the Cure!
UF & Shands invite you to participate in the charity bicycle ride to support treatment-resistant breast cancer research.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
8:00 am
UF Cancer & Genetics Research Complex (Archer Rd and Gale Lemerand Dr)
Please register or donate at pinkpumpkinpedaloff.org or call 352-273-5718
After the ride, decorate a pink pumpkin at the Pink Pumpkin Fest! Kids under 12 can ride for free in the Pee Wee Pedal-Off and compete for prizes in the bike-decorating contest. No registration needed.
UF & Shands invite you to participate in the charity bicycle ride to support treatment-resistant breast cancer research.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
8:00 am
UF Cancer & Genetics Research Complex (Archer Rd and Gale Lemerand Dr)
Please register or donate at pinkpumpkinpedaloff.org or call 352-273-5718
After the ride, decorate a pink pumpkin at the Pink Pumpkin Fest! Kids under 12 can ride for free in the Pee Wee Pedal-Off and compete for prizes in the bike-decorating contest. No registration needed.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Go PINK for the Cure!
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Cyclists may register for
the “Pedal-Off” via www.active.com. The $35 registration fee covers a specially
designed Dri-Fit shirt, goody bag, fully supported rest stops and on-course sag
support, lunch, and a commemorative pink pumpkin! For information, contact
Gainesville Cycling Club members/”Pedal-Off” founders Barb Thomas and Barb
Wills at barb_thomas@cscrb.org or barb_wills@cscrb.org or visit “Pink Pumpkin
Pedal-Off” on Facebook.
A new charity bike ride, the “Pink Pumpkin Pedal-Off,” is
set for Saturday, October 13, at 8 a.m. The event will raise money for
treatment-resistant breast cancer research at the University of Florida and
Shands.
The “Pedal-Off” kicks off at the UF Cancer and Genetics
Research Complex (near the intersection of Archer Road and Gale Lemerand
Drive). Cyclists may choose between 20-, 40- and 55-mile routes traversing the
UF campus, Gainesville’s historic southeast district, local lakes and habitats
and the Gainesville Hawthorne Trail. Proceeds go directly to the CSCRB
(Collaboration of Scientists for Critical Research in Biomedicine) to fund
important research against aggressive treatment-resistant breast cancers that account
for 25% of all breast cancer deaths.
The CSCRB (www.cscrb.org) has
already contributed more than $50,000 to UF & Shands to fund this research,
primarily through proceeds from previous “NuNu 5K” races and the Pink Ribbon
Cycling Jersey (www.cancer.ufl.edu/pinkjersey).
The “Pedal-Off” is part of UF & Shands’ annual community
outreach event called the “Pink Pumpkin Fest”. This free festival raises
awareness about breast cancer and about the many cancer care services available
through UF & Shands. Participants may pick a pink pumpkin from the “patch”
and decorate it to honor a loved one affected by breast cancer. There will be
music and vendor booths on hand as well as a “Pee Wee Pedal-Off” for children
ages 12 and under. Kids can decorate their bikes, ride in the Pee Wee Parade
and compete for prizes.
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