American Cancer Society 2019 Edition

2019 EDITION

EARLY DETECTION MATTERS: How one survivor is Making Strides six years after her diagnosis Real Men Wear Pink: Meet the men behind a new cancer-fighting initiative ACS is 24/7/365 PRODUCED BY:

WELCOME

Together, we are stronger than cancer

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he American Cancer Society is helping save more lives than ever before, having contributed to a 26 percent drop in cancer death rates between 1991 and 2015. This steady decline equates to more than 2.3 million fewer cancer deaths during that time.

We know more today than ever about cancer, thanks to decades of research and clinical advances.

However, cancer is a formidable rival.

When cancer strikes, it doesn’t just hit the cellular level – the physical, emotional and financial impact can also be devastating. That’s why the American Cancer Society is attacking cancer from every angle.

We are activists. We convene community-based and national leaders who work tirelessly to create awareness and impact.

We build supportive communities.

Local communities come together to support those affected by cancer and help with access to treatment.

We provide empowering resources.

We empower people with information to outsmart cancer. We deliver breakthroughs. We launch innovative research and develop game changing approaches to addressing the cancer burden for all people The American Cancer Society is a united force against all cancers. We fight for every life threatened. We’re on a mission to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer. We invite you to join our mission. The more people who join, the more lives we can save.

If you’re interested in volunteering with us or learning more about our volunteer opportunities, visit cancer.org/volunteer or call 800-227-2345 ■

TABLE OF CONTENTS EVENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 REAL MEN WEAR PINK . . . 5 SURVIVOR STORY . . . . . . . . 7 Published in Partnership with

Locally, Veteran & Family Owned Publisher & President: Eric Harmon Custom Editor: Liz Engel Designer: Keith Ohmer Advertising Administrator: Laura Federle Sales Executives: Brad Hoicowitz, Abbey Cummins

www.cancer.org

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2019 CALENDAR OF EVENTS The American Cancer Society is here to help. Society events are inspiring, uplifting and help bring the fight against cancer directly into the community. Join the spirit of camaraderie and compassion as we work together to save lives from cancer. For a full list of all events, visit cancer.org/ohio

Relay For Life Multiple events April-August Relayforlife.org Relay events unite people in nearly every community to finish the fight against cancer

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Multiple events in October Makingstrideswalk.org At the events, communities celebrate survivorship and pay meaningful tributes to loved ones lost

Real Men Wear Pink Campaigns in Cincinnati, Dayton and Springfield Oct. 1-31 Realmenwearpinkacs.org Participating men wear pink to support breast cancer initiatives

Pan Ohio Hope Ride July 25-28, 2019 Panohiohoperide.org The Hope Ride takes cyclists from Cleveland to Cincinnati in this four-day tour

Coaches Vs Cancer Fall Coachesvscancer.org In collaboration with the National Association of Basketball Coaches, coaches and fans unite

Discovery Ball Spring Cincinnatidiscoveryball.org A fun dress-up party with a purpose Discovery Shop Year-round 454 Ohio Pike, Suite 70, Cincinnati, OH 45255 The Society’s upscale resale shop. Shop, volunteer and donate Golf Classic Aug. 12, 2019 Cincinnatigolfclassic.org Golfers of all skill levels hit the greens to make a difference For a full list of all events, visit cancer.org/ohio The American Cancer Society also has programs and services to help you manage cancer treatment and recovery and find the emotional support you need. Best of all, help is free. Find programs and services at cancer.org/ohio. Our National Cancer Information Specialists are available to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 1-800-227-2345.

When you hear the word cancer, everything

STOPS Visit ohcare.com to meet our patients.

We know you’re overwhelmed right now. But OHC is here to help you move forward.

Surrounding you with the region’s top cancer doctors, clinical trials and innovative cancer treatments.

Supporting you with financial counseling and understanding and emotional courage.

Strengthening you with everything you need to focus on what matters most: beating cancer.

START HERE. Go to ohcare.com or call 513-751-CARE (2273) for more information.

Bringing the hope of a cure through CAR T- cell therapy

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AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

REAL MEN WEAR PINK

Why These Real Men Wear Pink

By Liz Engel

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ink isn’t just for girls anymore. The American Cancer Society is flipping the script on that stereotype with one of its newest campaigns in the fight against breast cancer.

That effort, Real Men Wear Pink, is a lot like it sounds. Prominent men in the community pledge to wear pink throughout the month of October, but also compete to raise funds and awareness for the disease.

Since 2016, the effort has raised Dr. more than $300,000 dollars for early detection and prevention efforts, breast cancer research and patient support in Cincinnati and Dayton. This year, a record 52 men from the two metro areas are looking to top the $355,000 mark. Every dollar helps.

“Our community can make a huge impact in the fight against breast cancer,” said Christine Mills, executive director for the American Cancer Society. “We are grateful to our Real Men Wear Pink candidates for lending their voices to our cause and fighting for everyone touched by breast cancer.”

‘It was an easy yes’ As part of RMWP, each participant is asked to collect at least $2,500. Although some, like Dave Collins, director of sponsorship development for the Cincinnati Reds and a second-year RMWP participant, set their goal much higher. He’s officially targeting $10,000, although he hopes to match his 2017 fundraising total, nearly $13,000 Collins signed up at the urging of TriHealth’s Jeanette Altenau. The Cincinnati-based health system is the program sponsor for RMWP and a major corporate partner of the Reds.

It’s helped with fundraising. It’s also made him more mindful and aware.

“I generally fast midweek anyway, usually until dinner time, and it gives me an opportunity to pray and contemplate on some deeper things in life,” Belcastro says. “The reason fasting works, every time you’re hungry, you remind yourself what you’re doing, and believe me, the reminders get more and more frequent throughout the day.”

Marc Belcastro Dave Collins His goal is $2,500, and he’s confiBut his main motivation? His four dent he’ll reach that mark. daughters: Cassie (21), Kaylie (18), Chloe As for RMWP, it’s an effort he would (16) and Chelsea (13). support again if asked.

“As a father, you want to do everything “Cancer touches so many people. It’s in the world for them,” Collins said. “You touched me deeply,” Belcastro says. “I’ve hope and pray they never have to face worked closely with a number of health (something like breast cancer), but the care professionals (who have been diagreality is, such a high percent of people nosed) – nurse practitioners, respiratory are affected one way or the other. It’s a therapists – and a few have lost their life scary thought. If raising $10,000 or $13,000 because of it. This was an easy yes.” ■ a couple years in a row can in any way contribute to better treatment or better MEET AND SUPPORT ALL THE prevention, it’s an easy decision.”

MEN BEHIND THE PINK at: realDr. Marc Belcastro, D.O., vice president menwearpinkacs.org/greatercincinoperations and chief medical officer for natiOH and realmenwearpinkacs.

Premier Health in Dayton, agrees. For org/daytonoh RMWP, he’s stockpiled as much pink clothing as possible in preparation. Today, This distinguished group of comfor example, he’s donning a pink shirt munity leaders believe in the power and socks. of pink to fight breast cancer. BeBut he wanted to do more – or at least cause breast cancer doesn¹t just try something new. So every Wednesday in affect women. Thousands of men October, he promised to fast for the cause. are diagnosed with the disease He has a small circle of friends who are every year - and so are more than survivors, and on those days, he would 240,000 of their daughters, wives, think about them, pray for them and send mothers, sisters and friends. them an encouraging text.

www.cancer.org

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There is no routine breast cancer.

Breast cancer is never logical or straightforward or routine. That’s why fighting breast cancer with routine treatment just isn’t enough. At The James at Ohio State, you get the expertise of a multidisciplinary team that specializes not just in cancer but breast cancer. They apply their collective thinking toward discovering the most effective therapies, and delivering them at exactly the right time, for you — which means you can count on comprehensive breast cancer care that’s far beyond routine.

To learn more, visit cancer.osu.edu/breast.

SURVIVOR STORY

Survivor is Making Strides Six years later, Kim Toran still walks for cancer awareness

By Liz Engel

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INCINNATI – It was Thanksgiving 2011 when Kim Toran first felt it. A throbbing, toothache-like pain in her left breast. Several weeks later, when her doctor called after 6 p.m. on a weekday, she knew it wasn’t good news.

Just the day before, she had been in the office for a biopsy, after an initial appointment with her OB-GYN. The prognosis?

Cancer. The news took her breath away.

“I never even thought about the ‘c’ word,” Toran says. “Had it not been for the pain, I can honestly say I probably wouldn’t have thought twice about it at all…”

But thanks to her proactive action, Toran’s story is a positive one. It’s also a credit to early detection and the positives of a strong support system, one that was by her side right away.

After that aforementioned call, for example, Toran met with her doctor to discuss her options – and had her husband, her pastor’s wife and her mother, via video call, in tow. A few days later, she was in surgery to have the mast, 2.5 inches in diameter, removed.

Because her cancer was fast growing – Stage 2 – her oncologist recommended 18 rounds of chemotherapy, which Toran completed that June. Radiation was to follow – but Toran hit a roadblock.

A standard scan revealed a spot on her pancreas. It was a rare mast – larger than the one on her breast, at 3.5 inches in diameter, and benign – but its location required a lengthy and extensive surgery to remove it.

The procedure was a success. Toran followed up with her recommended radiation – 30 rounds in all. Her treatment considered complete.

Despite some setbacks, weeks of missed work – and the loss of her hair – Toran also did it with a smile on her face. She says she’s been “going strong” ever since.

“It was a whirlwind there for a minute.

Kim Toran, front, center, with her Making Strides team, Kim’s Warriors I cried a little bit, but I dusted myself off and kept myself positive and upbeat,” Toran says. “They said I caught it early, but it could have been completely different for me. What if I didn’t have the breast cancer and the mass in my pancreas (continued to grow)? Each time I tell my story, I get a different perspective. I’m very grateful.”

She’s used that gratitude to pay it forward. Just weeks after rounding out her radiation, Toran joined the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides team at Christ Hospital. Typically, each October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, respective teams participate in a walk to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer.

“It brought tears to my eyes,” she says.

Two years later, Toran, inspired, formed her own team, called Kim’s Warriors. She continues to fight for others and is praying for an overall cure – not just for her type of cancer but for all forms of the disease.

“I do believe in the power of prayer.

And I’ll be out here even if no one else joins (me), and I have to walk by myself,” Toran says. “Since I’ve been diagnosed,

I’ve known so many other people who have gone on (to fight this). So it’s my goal to continue to walk for them.” ■

A poster in support of Kim Toran’s Making Strides team, Kim’s Warriors. www.cancer.org

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Treating

Cancer more than

Healing beyond treatment At Kettering Cancer Care, we believe you are more than your diagnosis. That’s why we reach beyond treatment to provide healing for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

At Kettering Cancer Care, you will experience cuttingedge treatment combined with compassionate care and supportive services tailored for your needs. Trust Kettering Cancer Care to guide you and your loved ones through every phase of your healing process.

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