Feel Teal Club Magazine-September Issue by Debbie Stevens

FEEL TEAL CLUB MAGAZINE September 2011 Special Awareness Edition

Raising awareness to ovarian cancer 7 days a week 52 weeks a year

In This Issue •

From My Desk

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Music Scene

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Teal Rants

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Awareness Events/News

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Riding For Teal

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Turn The Town Teal

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We Fight Like A Girl

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Health: Gene Testing

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Gilda's Moments see inside for much more...

FEEL TEAL CLUB MAGAZINE Issue #2

September 2011

From a whisper to a roar.... Ovarian cancer

FROM MY DESK As I write this little introduction, I find my mind wandering and am suddenly back in the year 2000. Not a good year (for me), but its significance cannot be ignored, for had it not been for my mother's (late) diagnosis of Ovarian cancer, the Feel Teal Club and this magazine would not have come into existence.

silent no more!

Across the United States of America, many will be doing whatever it takes to get the word out on this disease, and rightfully so! Be that September IS Awareness Month, here at the club, it's another opportunity to show our commitment and support. We have done our very best to bring you a list of OC Awareness events and hope that wherever you are, there is something available to you! Remember.....the more we rally for “awareness” the more we can achieve! Cheers, Deb Stevens

subtle, acoustic-sonic sucker punch.

MUSIC SCENE

On their rollicking homage to working-class heroes, “Trucks, Tractors and Trains,” the sounds of J.D.’s harmonica buzz in the breaks between his old school clawhammer banjo. But Jessica holds her ground, belting out fiery lyrics over the Hot Jazz jangle of “Get Outta My Way.” And the wooden thump of Mark’s “bull fiddle” takes a wild turn in the Gospel rave-up “The Devil Gets His Due.”

with Flip Side To Music www.flipsidetomusic.com

Other songs, such as “Can’t Go to Heaven” recount real stories of real people. From the opening sound of distant thunder, you are instantly swept into the dramatic, TRUE tale of the mysterious John Akin, a misunderstood bogeyman from the deep woods of Kentucky. And the ghostly polka of Jessica’s original “Be Not Afraid” is a tribute to her grandmother, whose memories of a bygone time are hauntingly recounted to bittersweet effect.

NASHVILLE, TN – Wake Up, Sinners!, the debut album from The Legendary Shack Shakers’ J.D. Wilkes new project, The Dirt Daubers, will be released on September 13th on Colonel Knowledge Records with marketing and distribution by Thirty Tigers. The Dirt Daubers are J.D. Wilkes, his wife, Jessica Wilkes, and Shack Shakers bassist, Mark Robertson. Wake Up, Sinners! is a raw, exciting, banjo-driven record that is sure to win over fans, both young and old. As a harmonica player, “Colonel” J.D. Wilkes has recorded his raw, country-blues style for everyone from Merle Haggard to Mike Patton, Hank Williams III to John Carter Cash. His blues harp can even be heard howling on the Grammy-nominated True Blood soundtrack, featuring his own Legendary Shack Shakers.

With their first ever performance having taken place at London’s Raindance Film Festival, (after J.D. premiered his critically acclaimed southern-music documentary Seven Signs…featuring the forementioned Akin), The Dirt Daubers have proven themselves to be multimedia moguls. Add to that the tag of “radio darlings,” since they have graced the stages of such fine programs as the Red Barn Radio Show, The Blue Plate Special and Music City Roots, broadcast over Nashville’s legendary WSM-AM, “The Air Castle of the South!”

Mixing acoustic rockabilly, blues, jazz and country into a thrilling Frankenstein hybrid, J.D. and the Dirt Daubers (named after the southern slang term for a sting-less wasp that builds mud-clumps in the corners of old barns) are even prouder to debut their new album, Wake Up, Sinners, a collection of raw originals and covers, recorded together in real time in a big, live, open room.

Beyond that, the Dirt Daubers have gained the encouragement and approval of such varied stars as Les Claypool, the late Charlie Louvin, and Jello Biafra! With friends like these in their corner, the Daubers are off to set the world on fire with their brand new record: Wake Up, Sinners! A song, an album, an ORDER!

Along the way, J.D., wife Jessica, and bassist Mark Robertson musically alternate between the sounds of a steady-rollin’ porch jam and a parading Salvation Army band… all while maintaining a cool cohesion that sidesteps the pretensions that “folk music” has gathered along the way. No, you won’t find the blase strains of ennui here. This is ornery, full-throat-ed American music sung from the gut and shot from the hip. From the crooked, Gothic hymn of “Wayfaring Stranger” to the Coney Island dream of “She and Us Pets,” the band knits together a patchwork of vivid American imagery… topping it off with a none-too-

The Dirt Daubers courtesy Jess Rice at Hear Now Publicity

TEAL RANTS....direct from the heart of a

I often see comments like “You tell em sweety” or “Tell them where to go!” To me, these friends are the enablers because this just validates the bully's comment. It also makes the person being attacked (in a cowardly fashion) feel even lower. As an adult I can decide for myself whether or not to just ignore it or (if this person is a serial offender) “hide” or “UN-friend” them. Kids are a little different. If it’s a family member they feel they have to keep them as a friend and keep everything they write up on their walls. Often it leaves the child feeling a little unsure as to what to do about it all. We as adults should be taking responsibility for children when we accept them on our accounts.

housewife! With our fellow-resident titan, Anne Marie-

I have been noticing something happening a lot on my FB wall of late. It bugs me, but it also concerns me a little. This is mainly because I see the adults doing this and for some I know they haven’t blocked kids from seeing what they write. Going through with my kids I have hidden all adults on their walls. I no longer have the worry of them seeing a “behaviour” which they might think is acceptable, simply because some adults do! I am talking about “online bullying”!

Bullying online comes in many shapes and forms, from the blatant calling of names, the “naming and shaming”. To veiled cryptic comments telling some imaginary person off and telling them they are worthless. I know the age to be able to open a Facebook account, is thirteen and it is something I made my kids wait for. Many others (parents) didn’t feel the need to restrict their kids on the basis they would monitor the content on their child’s wall. Still, if under the age of 15, I feel they are still too young (and impressionable) to see this sort of thing coming from adults. Kids (mostly) only have family and/or family friends on their account in which case don’t we have an added responsibility to teach them with good examples? If you are prone to flying off the handle or swearing enough to make a 'wharfy's wife blush', isn’t it more respectful to that child and their parents to put kids on permanent lock out of your status? You can still let them see what your writing by hitting the “allow friends only” when it’s a PG rated comment. Doing it that way means when you’re having your rant, you don’t have to stop and think Crap, who can’t read this..... who is under aged here?

Bullying online comes in many shapes and forms, from the blatant calling of names, the “naming and shaming”. To veiled cryptic comments telling some imaginary person off and telling them they are worthless. Rather than doing this on that person's wall, (where it’s between them), but out there on their “status” for every man and their dog to read and join in the fun. To me, that is the ultimate attention/seeking and bullying all in one tactic. These people come across all hurt, betrayed and self righteous but I wonder if really are they not just acting childishly by doing this? Are they not in-fact, a bully? The person they are addressing knows it’s about “them” and they straight away feel humiliated, which was the intended goal of course. But to make it worse, well meaning friends or friends that like to revel in drama will ask “What’s going on?” thinking that some atrocity has been committed. The bully then says “Oh it’s nothing”just some people think they can… (I’m sorry love, but if it’s nothing why did you put it up there?) On top of which by asking what happened (making sure to leave key points out) they open it up for these friends to offer encouragement, which can lead to continued bullying, by confirmation of the act.

Better still,if you’re going to attack someone think twice about it. What would your reaction be if someone wrote what you’re about to say, about your child? Will you just be coming across as childish yourself? Are you really hurt by that person or are you just putting it up there to make that person feel like dirt and have a little excitement in your life? In a world where there is already so much hate and anger, what are we doing attacking our friends?

And if they aren’t our friends why do we have them on our accounts? If we don’t have something in common with people (we add as a friend) over time it is okay to “UN-friend”. There’s no invisible gun if we do. Family are harder I know. We kind of have to keep them or risk family political fallout. But just because we have family in our accounts doesn’t mean we have to share everything. That’s the beauty of privacy settings. Do we really need to have all our work colleagues knowing what we are doing over the weekend? It’s not a popularity contest, we don’t have to have 100’s even 1 000’s of friends to feel good about ourselves and if we do then perhaps it’s time to look inside our self. Our Facebook account is ours, yes! And yes, we should be free to say what we like when we like, but we also have a choice to either have kids on our accounts and take responsibility for what they can and can’t see, or make it a kid free zone and don’t accept any at all. The choice is yours.... choose well and help teach young people how to behave or stop saying that the youth of today have no morals!

AWARENESS EVENTS

OVARIAN CANCER PROJECT “Riding for Teal” In Association with the Oldest Town in Texas Rally (OTT)and Missy Covill "The Iron Cowgirl " we are riding to raise awareness, education and funds for OVARIAN CANCER http://www.ironcowgirlmiss y.com/RidingForTealSchedule

September 14-18, 2011 Come join Ridin’ for Teal as we escort Iron Cowgirl Missy Covill across the Texas state line to the OTT Rally. For more information or to donate, volunteer, or sign-up to attend please visit our website: www.WeFightLikeAGirl.com

TEAL RANTS....LAST WORD Still a bundle of hormonal ups and downs, haven't killed any males yet but that is pure luck on their part! The environmental department contacted me on the global warming crisis and asked if I would like to move to Antarctica.....????. Anne

The ride will be to "Escort" Missy and The Iron Cowgirl (and band) into Texas, from Bossier City Harley Davidson, Louisiana, Thursday September 15th with KSU @ High Noon and riding to the OTT Rally Nacogdoches, Texas. We'll take mostly back-roads through Texas once we cross the border and will be stopping several times for rest breaks and Meet Up points, including a stop in Longview Texas at The Harley Shop of Longview. We'll be adding motel information shortly for those that want to come up to Bossier City / Shreveport Wednesday evening. We will be flying TEAL ribbons and wearing TEAL t-shirts) for Ovarian Cancer.

– KSU 5:15pm

A few more things, Missy rides! The band follows in the bus and she will be riding with us. Check out her original music on her website. The lady rocks! She has and is again playing the Buffallo Chip at Sturgis.

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Nacogdoches County Expo Center – OTT RALLY – ARRIVE 5:30pm

NOTE FOR LATE COMERS......

Missy will be rocking the OTT Rally Friday night, her only Texas booking this year. While there is no cost (other than your Rally Ticket) to join us for the ride donations are appreciated and most welcome!

For those of you arriving late Thursday/Early Friday but still want to supportthis great cause, don't worry! We're going to ride locally Friday Morning as a group just to keep the TEAL visible and because we can... More on Friday's ride coming soon......keep checking the websites!

The Ladies of We Fight Like A Girl ("http://www.wefightlikeagirl.com/mission.html") are putting together "swag" for all participants and will have a Vendor Booth at the Rally to sell t-shirts, koozies, etc. to raise more money. Check out the Websites (listed here) mark your calendars, ask the boss for a day off, (whatever you have to do) but come help us welcome Missy to Texas in style!

Pictured(left-right)Tammy Wiley,Ruth Helton(coFounder/Producer) and Theda Foster (cofounder/producer)

You will be raising funds for a good cause!

CONTACT:

Meet-Up Locations for those that can't make Bossier City: •

Theda Foster, Secretary/Treasurer Theda@WeFightLikeAGirl.com

Bossier City, LA – Bossier City Harley Davidson – KSU Noon

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Greenwood, LA - Flying J/Denny’s (Exit LA3 @ I20) - KSU 12:40pm

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Texas Visitor’s Information Center (first exit after border) - KSU 12:55pm

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Hallsville, TX – Rest stop/Gas /McDonalds/Gas - KSU 2:10pm

Ruth Helton, President and Ovarian Cancer Patient FightLikeAGirlCan@gmail.com Tammy Wiley Tammy Wiley, Public Relations and Donation Coordinator 254-216-2746 tammykaye@wefightlikeagirl.com

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Longview, TX – The Harley Shop of Longview - KSU 2:45pm

http://www.WeFightLikeAGirl.com

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Henderson, TX – Henderson Handy Mart – Gas/Rest Stop – KSU 4:00pm

www.Ironcowgirlmissy.com

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Nacogdoches, TX – Texas Thunder Harley

http://www.acowgirlscorral.com/December-2010-Bikerof-the-Month.html

Missy

Turn The Towns Teal, Inc.(R) and Frederick Wildman and Sons, Ltd. Together Again in the Crusade for Ovarian Cancer Awareness

Turn The Towns Teal, Inc.(R) and Frederick Wildman and Sons, Ltd. Together Again in the Crusade for Ovarian Cancer Awareness NEW YORK, Aug 30, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Wildman's TRAPICHE, the leading wine name in Argentina, and FOLONARI, the pioneer household Pinot Grigio brand, are 'TEALING' the US this September during National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. This is the second year, since the inception in 2007 of the TURN THE TOWNS TEAL organization, that Wildman has joined forces on this crusade. 'TEALING', you ask? Yes! Volunteers and wine stores across the nation will, not only, 'teal' towns, but wine stores from neighborhood to neighborhood, will sponsor wine promotions all over their states in support of this campaign. Ovarian cancer is often referred to as "the Silent Disease" as its symptoms are often vague and subtle. Since there is no early detection test for ovarian cancer, it is critical for women to become aware of its known symptoms in order to catch the cancer at an early stage (survival rate for ovarian cancer is 90-95% when detected early!). Hence, an awareness campaign of this sort is critical. "We are so grateful for the tremendous support of retail and distributor partners across the United States," explained Richard Cacciato, President of Frederick Wildman and Sons, "the Turn the Towns Teal campaign will continue saving lives with this essential awareness campaign," continued Cacciato. "Our efforts in 2010 were so successful--we raised over $10,000--we are hopeful the national campaign will increase those numbers to greater levels!" Supermarkets and retailers will see 'teal' everywhere! Ribbons on trees across towns will complement ribbons and information cards on [wine store] shelves. As in 2010, for every bottle of Trapiche and Folonari sold, a donation of .50c will be made to the Turn The Towns Teal, Inc.(R) organization--up to $10,000 per brand! Wine lovers will quickly become "aware" of ovarian cancer month through 'neckers' found on every bottle of Trapiche and Folonari , each depicting precise information on symptoms every woman needs to know. For more information on Frederick Wildman and Sons' September Turn the Towns Teal wine campaign, visit any of the following sites: www.facebook.com/Trapiche , www.Folonariwines.com , www.frederickwildman.com as well as www.turnthetownsteal.org . Turn The Towns Teal, Inc. (R) is a 501 (C)(3) organization and it is entering its fourth year of awareness. For more information and to volunteer in "tealing" a town, contact Jane MacNeil @ www.turnthetownsteal.org .

ABOUT FREDERICK WILDMAN AND SONS: Importers of fine wines and spirits since 1934, Frederick Wildman and Sons, Ltd., is committed to excellence, and is a major force in the world of wine in the United States. The familiar Wildman oval found on every bottle sold is recognized around the world as a symbol of quality assurance.

Feel Teal clubÂŠ2011 7

The company has become what Frederick Wildman's president and CEO Richard Cacciato calls "the biggest little wine company in America." For more information on news about all Frederick Wildman and Sons and Wildman wines, please contact Odila Galer-Noel at1-800-RED WINE x9911 and visit www.frederickwildman.com . Turn The Towns Teal(R) was the inspiration of Gail MacNeil of Chatham, NJ (1943-2008). This campaign goes forward in her name and in her honor. Gail MacNeil of Chatham Township, NJ came up with the clever alliterative phrase ~ Turn The Towns Teal(R) and the idea for the campaign. Turn The Towns Teal(R) is a campaign to promote awareness of ovarian cancer and its symptoms. The campaign is in effect throughout the month of September which is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. It consists of volunteers tying teal ribbons in towns as well as volunteers handing out symptom cards and literature on ovarian cancer. Additionally, there is a special emphasis on speaking to women's groups throughout the month to make them aware of the subtle symptoms of the disease. There is NO early detection test for ovarian cancer which is why this awareness campaign is so very, very critical in fighting the disease. Gail launched the Turn The Towns Teal(R) campaign in September 2007 at which time 40 towns throughout the State of New Jersey participated. The next year over 129 towns participated, and 175 towns were involved in the 2009 campaign as well as towns in 8 other states. The third year of our campaign, 2009, was pivotal. Gail's husband trademarked the name Turn The Towns Teal(R), and he assigned ownership of the trademark to Turn The Towns Teal(R) Inc. We then applied for and obtained our 501(c)(3) status as a nonprofit organization. Additionally, the campaign has been recognized by the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition who asked to participate in our 2010 campaign. We welcome their support and partnership! We're reaching for new heights for our 2010 campaign! A primary objective of the Advisory Committee is to make Turn The Towns Teal a national campaign in the foreseeable future.

Reflections from the President Way, way too many people are affected by this disease through a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and/or friend. When Gail was diagnosed, we didn't know anything about ovarian cancer, and there wasn't a whole lot of information out there about the disease. Gail was fastidious about her health, and on three separate occasions her gynecologist assured her that her symptoms were merely associated with "middle age." On December 22, 1997 she was diagnosed with Stage III ovarian cancer. Had Gail been aware of the symptoms, she would have immediately marched on to another physician. She started this campaign so that more people would be aware of ovarian cancer and its symptoms. Most women periodically have some of the symptoms associated with ovarian cancer. However, we emphasize that if these various symptoms persist for 10-14 days, GO BACK to your physician or PREFERABLY seek the advice of a gynecological oncologist. First and foremost our campaign is about saving lives through awareness. There are, however, other benefits. Survivors take part in the campaign as they want to "give back." Many of our volunteers help as they have a relative or a friend who has or had the disease, and their participation is cathartic. Last summer a gentleman called me and said he wanted to "Teal" his town. I asked if he were part of a group, and he said "No, I'm alone." Honestly, two days later a young woman who lost her Mom to ovarian cancer called asking to "Teal" the same town. I was able to put them together, and while "Tealing" that town, they shared their joys and sorrows.

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Turn the Towns Teal Participating town list: CITY CITY STATE Homer NJ Blairstown NJ Los Gatos NJ Bloomfield NJ Montclair NJ Brick NJ Oak Park NJ Califon NJ Sacramento NJ Chatham Boro NJ Colorado Springs NJ Chatham Twp. NJ Bridgeport NJ Chester NJ Bristol NJ Chester Twp. NJ New Canaan NJ Clinton NJ Big Pine Key NJ Ewing NJ Boca Raton NJ Flemington NJ Atlanta NJ Florham Park NJ Decauter NJ Franklin NJ Bloomington NJ Glen Gardner NJ Freeport NJ Hackettstown NJ Lockport NJ Hanover Twp. NJ Morris NJ Hopatcong NJ Anderson NJ Howell NJ Elwood NM Kearny NJ Munster NY Knowlton NJ Osterville NY Lakehurst NJ Sharon NY Lawrence Twp. NJ Elkton NY Lawrenceville NJ Port Republic/Prince Frederick Lebanon Twp. NJ STATE

STATE

CITY

Peapack/Gladstone

Point Pleasant Boro

Pompton Lakes

Ridgewood

Rockaway Boro

Roseland

Santos- East Hanover

Santos-Florham Park

Sayreville

Sewell

Stanhope

Tewksbury

Toms River

Vernon

Verona

VIneland

West Orange

West Windsor

Albuquerque

Brooklyn

Buffalo

Jamaica

Montgomery

Newburgh Town of NY

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NY OH OR OR OR PA PA PA PA TX TX TX TX TX VA WA

Ann Arbor Livingston NJ Grosse Pointe Long Valley NJ Saline Madison NJ Rochester Matawan NJ Kansas City Mendham Boro NJ Forest Mendham Twp NJ Asheville Metuchen NJ South Sioux City Middletown NJ Allendale Montville NJ Allentown Moorestown NJ Annandale Morristown NJ Barnegat Morris Plains NJ Bayville Morristown NJ Belvidere Netcong NJ Bernards Twp Newton NJ Bernardsville Old Bridge NJ

Parsippany

Newburgh City of

Hilliard

Beaverton

Eugene

Portland

Lafayette Hill

Langhorne

Morrisville

York

Alvin

Cleveland

Deer Park

Gladewater

Rusk

Madison

Edmonds

Please go to the Get Involved section of this site, and you, too, can reap the rewards of Turning The Towns Teal! Jane MacNeil, President of Turn The Towns Teal(R) Inc.

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AWARENESS NEWS.... Amity soccer players on offense against cancer When a group of Amity Township girls ages 11 to 13 heard that a fellow soccer player had died of cancer, they were inspired to raise money to fight the disease. Although players on the Amity Blue Lightning U14 team never met Sarah Parvin, a 12-year-old from Quakertown, Bucks County, who died of ovarian cancer four years ago, the girls have become close with her mother, Sandy, and dedicate time to fundraising every year.

cause. "It's fun, and just to know it's helping raise money for cancer makes it even more fun," Kelsey said. Contact Ashley Gold: 610-371-5081 or agold@readingeagle.com. http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=325431

12th Annual Silent No More Walk/Run for Ovarian Cancer In 11 years, MOCA has awarded more than $2.9 million to 44 ovarian cancer research projects in Minnesota, thanks in a large part to the success of the Annual Silent No More Walk/Run.

The fact that Sarah was a soccer player from the region was enough for the local girls to get on board to help, said their coach, David Braunsberg.

Thousands turn up to raise funds for ovarian cancer research, raise awareness and education of the disease, and give support and hope to women and their families touched by ovarian cancer.

The girls have raised nearly $5,000 for cancer research, participating in Daniel Boone's Relay for Life the last two years and the Sarah Parvin 24-hour SoccerFest in Quakertown for four years.

Please join us on Saturday, September 10, 2011 at Rosland Park in Edina with your friends, family and co-workers for a day of fun activities and events to honor and celebrate the women in our lives. http://2011mocawalkrun.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp? ievent=460209

At Relay for Life, they were the youngest group to participate and raised $2,000, Braunsberg said. "These kids have really worked hard and done it on their own," he said. "At the Sarah Parvin 24hour SoccerFest, they called them up on stage to give them a spirit award, and they didn't even know what that was." Team member Kelsey Cubero, 13, of Douglassville said the first time she and her teammates participated in the soccer tournament, Sarah's family treated them like part of the family. "When we came to the tournament and heard her mom talk about how Sarah was, it really sank in, how much cancer affects people," Kelsey said. After raising money for that event, the girls became even more interested in aiding cancer research, so they started to participate in Relay for Life. Putting on bakery sales and car washes, the girls have a good time as they raise money for the

ANNOUNCEMENTS Francescaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fancy Flops will be hosting an online auction on Facebook September 1st-5th This online Facebook Auction benefits Ovarian Cancer National Alliance! Help out an amazing organization & get some amazing deals! Each package is valued OVER $100! Each package includes shipping costs! Bidding starts as low as $35! We also have BONUS packages- hundreds of dollars in gift certificates!! Buy something for yourself or buy something as a gift & help out an outstanding organization at the same time! All finalized items will be posted by September 1, 2011! Starts today! www.facebook.com/FrancescasFancyFlops September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month! Help spread the word about this silent killer! Let's help bring awareness to this cancer & hopefully save woman's lives!

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RECENT EVENT NEWS.... NOCC 5k run/walk Austin was Aug 28, 2011 There was a great turn out at the recent 5k run at Austin with over 1,000 people in attendance!

You have been feeling ill for too long, with vague, persistent, easily dismissed symptoms like bloating, pressure in the abdomen, difficulty eating, frequent urination, and/or constipation or diarrhea, and your family urges you to get checked out. Ok, this time it WAS something you weren’t counting on. The dreaded words of ovarian cancer have been spoken. Emotions come into play and you turn to those you love and love you back, be it family or just good friends. Someone hands you a ribbon –it’s TEAL. What does that mean? It means you joined a fight club that 1 in 71 American women unwillingly join each year, to kick ovarian cancer square in the chops. Welcome to We Fight Like A Girl. Realization sometimes comes at the most odd times. When a loved one is stricken with any ailment it is our natural instinct to offer comfort and nurturing. At some point we find ourselves saying “what next” and begin a journey to fight off the attack. At We Fight Like A Girl, our mission is just that, education and awareness equals empowerment. We Fight Like A Girl strives to find new avenues to present information about Ovarian Cancer to women, those who love them, and medical personnel. We Fight Like A Girl is comprised of ladies and gentleman who believe in finding unique methods of bringing information, awareness, and knowledge to the public. Look for us at motorcycle rallies, home and garden shows, high schools, colleges, the next 5k, the swimming pool, the grocery store, and just about anywhere people gather. Colbie Callait says it best: "Realize that

I'm on your side because, remember, NO ONE FIGHTS ALONE"! Please find us at our website www.wefightlikeagirl.com be sure to check out our sponsors page. Volunteer opportunities are available and sponsorship is welcome. Remember, the life you save, could be your own!

Pictures From top to bottom 1,000 plus crowd/ Team Alta/Lisa Kaster & Tammy Wiley TammyWiley, Stephaine Staggs & Katrina Kuzniuk(Sr Director of Operations for NOCC)

Pelvic inflammatory disease associated with increased risk for ovarian cancer Results of a nationwide study of Taiwanese women show that those diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease had nearly double the risk for developing ovarian cancer within 3 years. The risk was even greater for women diagnosed with at least five episodes of the pelvic condition. Using the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2005, researchers collected data on 67,936 females aged 13 to 65 years who had been diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease in 2004 or 2005. All patients were followed from the date of entry into the database until the end of 2006 or a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, whichever came first. For the control group, patients were matched by age and year of entry into the database. Forty-two women in the pelvic inflammatory disease group developed ovarian cancer, for an incidence of 2.78/10,000 person-years, compared with 48 women in the control group (n=135,872), for an incidence of 1.44/10,000 person-years. The adjusted HR for ovarian cancer in patients with pelvic inflammatory disease was 1.92 (95% CI, 1.27-2.92) compared with controls. The HR increased to 2.46 (95% CI, 1.48-4.09) for women diagnosed with at least five episodes of pelvic inflammatory disease. Women aged 35 years or younger with pelvic inflammatory disease had a slightly greater risk (HR=2.23; 95% CI, 1.02-4.79) compared with older women (HR=1.82; 95% CI, 1.10-3.04). http://www.hemonctoday.com/article.aspx?rid=86552

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How do I decide if I should get tested? If you think you may be at high risk for an inherited disease, talk to your family doctor. Your doctor will ask you questions about your health and the health of your blood relatives. This information will help your doctor find out what your risks might be. The information your doctor gives you about your risks can help you decide whether you want to be tested.

Genetic Testing: What You Should Know What are genes and how are they related to disease? Genes are segments of DNA. Genes are found in chromosomes and they control growth and help you stay healthy. Sometimes, when genes are abnormal or damaged, they may not work properly, which may lead to disease. Some genetic abnormalities, or “gene mutations,” may run in families. Some just happen by chance. Sometimes one mutation can cause a person to have a disease, but most diseases are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

There are 2 important questions you should think about before you go through genetic testing: 1. What can I gain by being tested? Here are some reasons you might want genetic testing: You might not be so worried about getting a disease. You might be able to change your lifestyle to reduce your risk of getting a disease. Your doctor will know how often to check you to see if a disease is developing. You might be able to take medicine to prevent the disease.

What is genetic testing? Genetic testing may help to show if you’ve inherited a tendency to get certain diseases. A sample of blood or skin is usually needed for genetic testing. Testing for gene mutations is gradually becoming available. What does a positive test result mean? A positive test result means that you have the mutation you’ve been tested for. If you have a positive test result, it means you may be more likely to get a particular disease than most people, but it doesn’t mean you will definitely get the disease.

2. Are there any negative effects of testing? Here are some reasons you might not want to know that you could be at risk for a certain disease:

What does a negative test result mean? A negative test result means that you don’t have that particular mutation. This may mean that the disease doesn’t run in your family. A negative result doesn’t mean you won’t get the disease. It only means that you’re not more likely to get the disease than other people are.

• •

•

Who should be tested? By looking at your family history, your doctor can tell if you’re likely to have a gene mutation that may contribute to disease. A disease might run in your family if a blood relative developed the disease at a young age, if several family members have the disease or if the condition is rare. People from certain ethnic groups may also be more likely to get certain diseases. If one of your family members already has the disease, that person should be tested first. This helps show which genes, if any, are associated with the disease.

Testing may make you more worried about getting sick. Testing may give you stress, make you feel guilty or strain your family relationships. Testing could lead to problems with employers or insurance companies.

The leader of the study, Dr. Katrina Trivers, who’s also an epidemiologist at the CDC, cautioned against raising the alarm about the findings. According to ABC News, she said, “Guidelines are complicated. It's difficult to know what makes a woman high risk. Guidelines differ on what is considered high risk."

earlier this summer during a presentation at the American Society of Clinical Oncology national meeting.

Drug-combo slowing late-stage ovarian cancer

The IU researchers decided to test the effectiveness of adding decitabine to the therapy regimen of latestage ovarian cancer patients who had developed carboplatin resistance because they suspect the drug reactivates tumor suppression genes and improves malignant cells' susceptibility to anti-cancer drugs like carboplatin.

A two-drug chemotherapy regimen has shown promise in slow late-stage ovarian cancer in a clinical trial conducted by researchers at the Indiana University School of Medicine. While testing the drug combination, the IU researchers also found biomarkers they think could help doctors predict which patients would benefit from the therapy.

These suppression genes usually aren't working in ovary cells that have become cancerous.

In a phase II clinical trial at the IU Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, 12 of the 17 women receiving the experimental treatment had late-stage ovarian tumors that either stopped growing or grew at a slower pace. In one woman doctors could no longer find the tumor for which she was being treated.

Thanks to a grant from the National Cancer Institute, Matei and her colleagues, including Dr. Kenneth Nephew, a cancer researcher in the IU Medical Sciences Program-Bloomington and a researcher at the Simon Cancer Center, were able to perform tumors biopsies on the trial participants. The biopsies allowed them to identify significant changes in the genetic make-up of the cancer cells before and after treatment.

The treatment being tested at IU combines the anticancer drugs carboplatin and decitabine. Carboplatin, in use since the late 1980s, belongs to a class of anti-cancer drugs known as alkylating agents. Such drugs fight cancer by interfering with the DNA of cancer cells, keeping them from reproducing.

Based on the results of the phase II trial, the IU researchers are seeking funding for a phase III clinical trial, in which the carboplatin-decitabine combination will be tested on a larger group of subjects and its effectiveness will be compared to other chemotherapy treatments for ovarian cancer.

Carboplatin has proven popular in the treatment of malignant ovarian tumors and other forms of cancer because it usually causes fewer side effects than other alkylating agents, such as the drug cisplatin.

In addition to the NCI, the IU researchers received funding from the Walther Cancer Foundation in Indianapolis, and the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.

The women in the IU study had already undergone earlier experimental treatments after their tumors had developed resistance to carboplatin alone. As a result, the researchers were surprise that so many of the patients in the carboplatin-decitabine showed positive results.

http://suncoastpinellas.tbo.com/content/2011/aug/09/110 000/PINEWSO11-drug-combo-slowing-late-stageovarian-ca/

"Typically in this group of patients you'd anticipate response rates of less than 5 percent and no patients would be expected to be in remission at six months," said Dr. Daniela Matei, an oncologist and associate professor of medicine at the IU School of Medicine. "In our trial, more than half (nine women) of the patients were without progression at six months." Matei, a physician-scientist at the IU Simon Cancer Center, discussed the findings of the phase II trial

Feel Teal clubÂŠ2011 15

rare, even in women with ovarian cancer, and were more common in women from families with higher

Gene linked to family ovarian cancer risk

numbers of ovarian cancer cases. This suggests that if genetic testing for these specific mutations in this gene was to be carried out, it would be targeted at women with a strong family history of ovarian cancer rather than used as a mass screening tool. What kind of research was this?

A single genetic fault “increases a woman’s risk of ovarian cancer six-fold”, The Independent has today reported. The estimate is based on new research looking at the prevalence of a mutation in the RAD51D gene, which is normally involved in the repair of damaged DNA. To test its role in ovarian cancer scientists examined the gene in people from 911 families affected with breast and ovarian cancer. Just under 1% of these families were found to carry a mutation in this gene, compared with just under 0.1% of healthy individuals.

This was a case control study that looked at whether mutations in a gene called RAD51D are associated with ovarian and breast cancer. The researchers wanted to look at this gene because in 2010 another group of researchers identified mutations in a related gene (RAD51C) in people who came from families affected by breast and ovarian cancer, but not in healthy individuals. Both of these genes (RAD51C and RAD51D) contain the blueprints for proteins involved in repairing damaged DNA. Some genes affect the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer, such as the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. This study aimed to determine whether mutations in the RAD51D gene were also responsible for the increased risk in families affected by both these types of cancer.

Although women who carry mutations in RAD51D are estimated to be at about six times the risk of ovarian cancer than those who do not, this must be considered in context. The mutation itself is rare (estimated to be found in 0.1% of women), and carrying it does not guarantee that a woman will develop the disease. It’s also thought that over 99% of women with ovarian cancer do not carry mutations in this gene. This kind of study gives researchers and doctors greater insight into diseases such as ovarian cancer, and may help identify the people at greatest risk while tailoring treatments to give the greatest benefit. Where did the story come from?

In this type of study, researchers compare the genetic make-up of people with the disease (cases) with that of people without the disease (controls). If variations in a particular gene are more common in cases, then the mutation may be contributing to people’s risk of developing the disease. This type of study is appropriate for answering this type of question. What did the research involve?

The study was carried out by researchers from the Institute of Cancer Research and other research centres and genetics services in the UK. The study was funded by Cancer Research UK, the US Department of Defense, Breakthrough Breast Cancer and the Institute of Cancer Research in the UK.

The researchers looked at the sequence of “letters” that make up the DNA in the RAD51D gene in 911 people from families affected by breast and ovarian cancer, and in 1,060 controls whose families were not affected. To be eligible for inclusion the affected families had to have at least one case of breast cancer and at least one case of ovarian cancer. Families also had to be free from mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are known to contribute to the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.

The study was published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Nature Genetics. The Independent, Daily Mirror and Daily Express covered this story. The Independent provides helpful figures to put the level of risk in carriers in context. For example, it states that about 6,500 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, of whom about 40 or 50 might carry a mutation in the RAD51D gene.

The researchers assessed whether the patients (cases) carried any mutations that were less common or not present at all in the controls. Once they identified such mutations, they tested for them in the patients’ relatives, as well as 737 people from families affected by breast cancer but not ovarian cancer. They also estimated the effect that mutations had on the risk of ovarian and breast cancer using the data they had from

The Express and Mirror focused on the possibility of using information from this study to test for ovarian cancer. It is important to view such a possibility in context: the mutations examined in this research are

that “switching off” the RAD51D gene made tumour cells more sensitive to the drug olaparib.

the cases and controls. Finally, they carried out an experiment to look at whether “switching off” the RAD51D gene in tumour cells in the laboratory made them more sensitive to an experimental drug called olaparib, which is currently being tested as a treatment for various types of cancer. It is a member of a family of drugs called PARP inhibitors, which block the actions of an enzyme that normally allows cells to repair DNA. These drugs are not currently licensed for medical use outside of clinical trials. They are being investigated in trials using them to treat patients with mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2, which are genes that normally help the body to repair DNA damage. What were the basic results?

How did the researchers interpret the results? The researchers concluded that testing for the RAD51D mutation may be useful in women with ovarian cancer and their families. They estimate that only about 0.6% of people with ovarian cancer from the general population will have mutations in RAD51D. They say that these people will be “readily identifiable” as genetic testing becomes “routine”, and that their experiments suggest that they may be suitable for treatment with PARP inhibitor drugs. The researchers also commented that identifying female relatives who carry the mutation may be of value, as it might allow them to consider surgical removal of their ovaries – a choice made by many women with BRCA mutations, they added. Conclusion

The researchers identified mutations that would stop RAD51D working in eight of the 911 people (0.9%) from families affected by breast and ovarian cancer. These types of mutations were only found in one of the 1,060 control participants (0.09%). There were no RAD51D mutations in 737 people from families affected by breast cancer but not ovarian cancer.

This study provides evidence of a role for RAD51D mutations in ovarian cancer in families affected by both ovarian and breast cancer. Further studies in people with sporadic ovarian cancer (where there is no family history of the disease), as well as other affected families, will allow researchers to confirm their results.

Mutations in RAD51D were more common in people from families with more than one case of ovarian cancer. There were four cases of RAD51D mutations in the 235 families (1.7%) with two or more cases of ovarian cancer, and three cases of RAD51D mutations in the 59 families (5.1%) with three or more cases of ovarian cancer.

It is important to note that mutations in RAD51D are not common in the general population, with about 0.1% women (1 in 1,000) estimated to be carriers. Although women who carry mutations in RAD51D have an increased risk of ovarian cancer, not all carriers will develop the disease. Figures from Cancer Research UK suggest that carriers of a RAD51D mutation have a 1 in 11 chance of developing the disease, compared to a 1 in 70 risk in the general population.

The researchers then looked at 13 relatives of the affected individuals who were known to carry a RAD51D mutation. All five of the relatives who had breast or ovarian cancer carried the family mutation, but only two out of the eight relatives who did not have breast or ovarian cancer carried the family mutation.

It is also worth noting that only 0.6% of all women with ovarian cancer are estimated to carry mutations in RAD51D. Mutations in this study were more common in women from families with a history of ovarian cancer, suggesting that if genetic testing for these mutations were to be carried out, they are likely to be targeted to women with a strong family history of ovarian cancer.

The researchers estimated that carrying a RAD51D mutation increased a person’s risk of ovarian cancer by just over six-fold (relative risk [RR] 6.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.86 to 13.85). They put this into context by saying that this would mean that a woman who carried a RAD51D mutation would have about a 10% risk of developing ovarian cancer by the time she reached the age of 80.

Based on their results, the researchers suggest that PARP inhibitor drugs may be useful in women with ovarian cancer who have RAD51D mutations. Cancer Research UK reports that these drugs have already shown promise in the treatment of women with the types of ovarian or breast cancer associated with

Carrying a RAD51D mutation did not appear to increase a person’s risk of breast cancer (RR 1.32, 95% CI 0.59 to 2.96; a difference in risk that is not statistically significant). In their laboratory experiments, the researchers found

BRCA1 and BRCA2. However, PARP inhibitors are currently unlicensed, experimental drugs. Further clinical trials will be needed to examine their effectiveness in women with RAD51D mutations.

SOCIAL NETWORKING

This kind of study gives researchers and doctors greater insight into ovarian cancer, and may help identify those at the greatest risk while tailoring treatments to give the greatest benefit.

Anti-social behaviour Article by Debbie Stevens First published at Cup of Gossip Blog-2010 Remember the days when being “social”, meant going out and meeting-up with other people? If we look at the definition of both words [using our dictionary], it clearly states the following: Social Of or pertaining to society or its organisation: social questions. Friendly towards others, sociable. Living in a society: social beings. Networking Joining, a system of interconnected people, companies. Now put these two words side-by-side, you'll see we have people living within a society, joining organisations[groups/activities] while being friendly towards each other. Sadly, there seems to have been a “breakdown” within many societies, leading to a rise in “anti-social behaviour”. The question then, is “why”? Communication is a crucial element in our daily lives, whether it be with family & friends, or business, there exists this need to convey our thoughts. However, with an increasingly changing world, our society has been literally forced to conform its methods of communication to adapt to this new-age of technology. Everything is moving at a rapid pace, and we are all trying to keep up! Personally, I still enjoy “time-out” from my computer, to pick-up a notepad and pen, and 'hand-write' a letter to someone. Even though I know an e-mail [or fax] would deliver my news much faster, it isn't always about convenience----more a case of adding my “personal touch”, something many have lost interest in? Think about it, when was the last time you actually sat down and wrote someone a letter? The world of computers do have their benefits, but at what cost to the society? Look at the number of Social-Networks [that you are aware of] that exist “online”, then consider the amount of people using these services----speaking from my own experiences, it seems as though these networks altered our perception,with the hype being extremely contagious----most of the people I had become familiar with “online”, were already participating in one or more networks, leaving me to feel slightly “out of the loop”----was I being unsociable?

View the article: Loveday C, Turnbull C, Ramsay E et al. Germline mutations in RAD51D confer susceptibility to ovarian cancer. Nature Genetics, August 8 2011 http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinicalspecialisms/cancer/gene-linked-to-family-ovariancancer-risk/5032969.article

MySpace was my first choice and I quickly set-about 'making friends'----being a member had other

how our better judgement is tested----after awhile, the novelty sadly wears off, and we drift onto other websites/blogs/networks. Many times I have proudly announced my “latest friend”, only to learn it was more than distance which killed the “idea”----the internet

advantages, especially during my days as a magazineeditor for an international music magazine; most guests were easily located through MySpace.

moves faster than time, and unless we all stay fixed to the one group, change is inevitable. Remember, we are mingling within a virtual reality so no matter how sociable we try to be, we are only human! VIRTUAL REALITY: The artificial world created by an interactive computer technology which gives the user the illusion that he/she has entered and is acting in this constructed reality. Consider this discussion as an example next time you are “online”---“Hi there....feel like catching-up? I'll meet you at Facebook, or MSN”says 1st friend “No”, says 2nd friend... I'll meet you at our favourite coffee shop instead....and I'll give you a call to confirm!”

Eventually, MySpace had to take a “back-seat” to networks such as Twitter & Facebook, many used for promotional reasons, others, well, simply for fun. The promotional-sources are never-ending, but at the end of the day, there's only so much publicity a human can give to their campaign? Keeping track of passwords/usernames, checking-in on new-found friends/contacts, it all got a bit too hectic and I had to weigh-up all options and begin prioritising! I suddenly realised my own life had been consumed by time spent “online”, my “real world” was in serious trouble and needed my attention! In my case, observing other “online groups” slowly falling apart, was the reassurance I needed----it simply convinced me that my decision to network “offline”, was the right choice. I questioned how people had so much time to be sitting at their computer/s, and wondered about the amount of time we were all wasting? You only have to time yourself----from the moment you “turn-on”, to the time you “shut-down”, it can be a rude awakening! Then consider what your “online” time consists of ie: chatting/blogging/reading email?? How often and for how long are you spending time on any one network? In all honesty, time can just fly by, but have you truly benefited or could that time have been well spent elsewhere? My recent “sea-change” has opened doors to some real social-opportunities, the first being a short walk from home, great exercise! Like other people from around my area, we will meet a couple of days a week at our local Neighbourhood Centre where or will teach us how to ZUMBA----Latin-dancing that is combined with steps to “tone-up” whilst having loads of fun! Too many of us are under a misconception about “online” friendships----and this doesn't include people we are already familiar with “off-line”. Even though we become members of an organisation/club/group, and we are friendly towards each other, we still overlook reality----when making friendships via the internet we are taking risks, even though it can be a lot of fun, it can also bring some disharmony. Reflecting on the numerous “online-acquaintances” I have made over the past 8-9 years, I know too well

but sadly this has become one of my latest challenges!

Go ahead, make my bed

Now living in smaller quarters, I've found having her indoors does lead to many downsides. If only we could devise a method which sucked up dog hair each time she moved??? This could possibly give me back two hours a day pf my life, and lessen the back pain?!

The following piece was written 4 years ago when life was still packed away in suitcases and (many) cardboard boxes!

by Debbie Stevens-2007

We have a dishwasher in this cool modern little kitchen, but it's of little use to me when trying to save on the power bill! So, another chore that is time consuming....never liked a sink with unwashed clutter, and I find its far better to clean AS you cook!

I can tolerate most household chores, with the exception of one or two tasks, but am I really alone?? When my children were mere tiny-tots, the daily routine never bothered me nor interfered with my lifestyle. I definitely had alot more energy AND time! A complete contrast to the life I lead today-allow me to set the scene:

Washing clothes- now here's something I have never really fussed with, ONLY when without a washing machine. I am sure there are plenty who can identify to this little gem? There have been times in my adult life a situation arose, whereas I've had to rely on 'back up' resources...twin-tubs slow the laundry, but better than washing by hand!

Wife [still] mother of two boys...the eldest now a man at the tender age of 23, the age I was when bringing him into this world.

Vacuuming the floors no big deal, that is of course.... [and we return to the dog hair dilemma] or the mud flaking off the soles of one person's work boots!

The other a young teen [oh joy I hear you whisper...] indeed, HE IS! Pure joy! Completely opposite to his older siblings, but then I have learned the third child stands in a separate line of 'pecking order' and will often have the parent embarking on a new adventure, a new page. He hasn’t presented any sign of ‘rebel’ just yet, perhaps God feels I am worthy of a break? My baby boomer years seem to have mellowed my soul, so too, my immediate need to be a slave to the demands of others. I have more comfort in my skin, more words in my vocabulary and far bigger dreams!

Dusting....hmmm, this depends on the amount of furniture in the home, I learned along time ago [thanks to a wise mother] avoid gathering too many 'dust collectors'! Ornaments are pretty, and pretty much a nuisance if you find you need a second wipe over! Why is it dust always seems to return within minutes of a good house clean??? BIG gripe! Okay, I saved the best, for last! Ironing......once upon a time, in a land, far far away, there lived a house with a young woman who ironed everything, from sheets, to under garments! Her dreams became her quest...to have the perfect laundry room, clothes continually washed, dried then pressed, and neatly packed away in their rightful place. Yep, like I said...once upon a time! These days, the clothes and pillowcases the only pressed items, anything else can wait! Who has the time OR the desires?? Not me! Life's way too short to waste behind an ironing board, besides, there's a bathroom screaming to be cleaned and dinner needs to be cooked...did i mention I haven't made the bed?? Such is life, and I intend to make better use out of mine!!

Our loyal and loving family pet always seeks attention, and always receives. not as sprite nowadays, she too is beginning to feel the motions of growing older... The demanding bark worn out, now she just speaks! Yes, that's right, we have found another vehicle for communication which we are all comfortable with. Just as the immortal Lassie displayed skills when danger loomed, so too our Sophie. Her uncanny knack of sensing peril, then finding ways of relaying this back to us has brought us so much closer. She has a gorgeous short hair, mocha brown/white coat,

"The main problem with this cancer is that it is silent," Darling said. "Because of that, there is no screen for this cancer, so awareness is the key. If you experience distention in your abdomen that doesn't go away, it is often a symptom that there is a tumor in the abdomen that is secreting fluid, as it was with my mother."

Women's Cancer Network 5th Annual Race for Awareness Please join us as we Raise Awareness and Funding for Ovarian Cancer Research Saturday, September 10th, 2011 Noon to 5.00PM. Post Time 1.00PM Arlington Park Racecourse 220 W. Euclid Avenue, Arlington Heights, IL Governor’s Room (Entry at Euclid Gate) Dress Code: Business Casual (strictly enforced) Tickets are limited and MUST be ordered in advance. Ticket Donation: $110 per person (Table of 8$850 before August 20th, $125 per person and

Other symptoms are pelvic or abdominal pain and discomfort; vague but persistent gastrointestinal upset, such as gas, nausea and indigestion; frequency and/or urgency of urination in the absence of an infection; unexplained changes in bowel habits; unexplained weight gain or weight loss; ongoing, unusual fatigue; menstrual changes; and pain during sex, according to the Turn the Towns Teal organization.

ncludes Chef’s Table

"Many of these changes come and go because we're women, but the key is if they persist for 10 (days) to two weeks, you should consult a gynecological oncologist," Darling said.

$1,000 AFTER August 20th ) I

Buffet, 4 hour open bar (beer & wine), silent auction (many surprises including fabulous trips and exciting sports memorabilia), admission to park and daily racing

After being involved with Run For Her, a 5K run/walk for the prevention of ovarian cancer, and supporting Ovations for the Cure and Relay for Life Agoura, Darling discovered Turn the Towns Teal.

guide The Foundation for Women’s Cancer is a tax exempt organization under 501(c)(3) and your contribution will be deductible to the full

It was founded in 2007 by Gail MacNeil of Chatham, N.J., who battled ovarian cancer for 10 years. MacNeil wished to publicize the symptoms of the disease because she went to her gynecologist on three occasions complaining of classic symptoms, but her doctor dismissed them as due to the onset of middle age.

extent allowed by law.

Oak Park to turn teal for ovarian cancer awareness Diane Darling made a promise in 2007 to her mother, who was dying of ovarian cancer. She vowed she would keep up the fight for research and to help educate women. She will bring Turn the Towns Teal to Oak Park for the first time this month, which is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

"It was very refreshing when Diane came before the Oak Park Municipal Advisory Council with her request to pass out symptom cards throughout Oak Park," said Derek Ross, chairman of the council. "She clearly had a very important mission, and we wanted to let her know that the community supports her 100 percent. This event is a great opportunity to spread the message of awareness and education about ovarian cancer to our local residents."

Darling will be passing out symptom cards Sept. 17 in front of Cleo's Salon and Sept. 30 in front of Stevenson Fitness. She and some friends also will display lawn signs that say, "Get educated, find out."

Darling said: "My mother was seeing good, reputable doctors in an affluent area, and they didn't know what the symptoms were. So I have chosen, as my sister has also, to take that rage and do something positive."

Darling's mother was misdiagnosed by four doctors. She saw her first doctor in July 2006 and was not properly diagnosed until that September.

Those interested in doing this in their city next year are urged to visit www.turnthetownsteal.com.

Keeping it real.....feeling teal! http://www.wefightlikeagirl.com http://www.turnthetownsteal.com http://www.shellyscomedylove.com

Feel Teal clubÂŠ2011 22

Sharing Life’s “Gilda Moments” by Shelly Ryan It is an honor to be affiliated with the Feel Teal Club as well as facilitating the Gilda Moments forum! I was an “awkweerd” teenager during the era of vintage Saturday Night Live and was greatly inspired by the comedic genius of Gilda Radner. As a marching band chick (who stayed home cleaning the fireplace waiting for Prince Charming to show up while all the popular girls were on dates), I realized a sense of humor was more than entertaining; it was therapeutic! Okay, so I admit I wasn’t quite as nerdy as Lisa Loopner, but I strongly identified with Gilda’s variety of endearing characters…and believe that since humor is a universal language that they’re in all of us. We’ve all had “never mind” days similar to Emily Litella’s commentary comedy of errors when a simple misunderstanding can escalate yet be infused with laughter. Likewise the outspoken Roseanne Roseannadanna surfaces when something in life…even the mundane observations…gets on our nerves and causes us to rant “It’s Always Something.” Oh, and here’s a cool correlation: I actually had a friend in high school by the name of Richard Feyder! But it was later in her life, when Gilda was staring adversity straight in the face, that her passion was even more unwavering. She said, “Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next.” Sadly, Gilda’s life ended much too soon as a result of losing her battle with Ovarian cancer. In a way I feel like her spirit as a “funny girl” continues in me...sharing the humor, creating awareness, and giving strength to the women who continue to fight. Please join me at http://msdebbie.proboards.com/index.cgi, sign up and share YOUR Gilda Moments.

Most cases involve women who are in between puberty and menopause. Even though the majority of mucinous tumors are benign, around 15% of reported cases involve a malignancy. When it comes to survival rates, women diagnosed with mucinous tumors that are benign or borderline have up to a 95% chance of living for at least ten years after diagnosis. If there is a malignancy present, there is still a chance that two out of every three women with a mucinous tumor will live another ten years. Endometrioid Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Endometrioid tumors tend to be malignant in most cases. Accounting for roughly 20% of all cases of ovarian cancer, this form of ovarian epithelial carcinoma tends to develop into a shape that is somewhat similar to endometrial glands. As the tumor grows, it will develop a series of branches that can invade surrounding tissue and organs, allowing the tumor to feed with greater ease and become more solid. Survival after the appearance of an endometrioid tumor depends a great deal on how early the tumor is identified and treated. Because of the high possibility of malignancy, aggressive forms of treatment such as chemotherapy and possibly surgery should commence as soon as possible. If the tumor is caught in time and successfully treated, patients have a five-year survival rate of 75%. Clear Cell Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Clear cell tumors are a type of epithelial carcinoma that can sometimes develop in conjunction with endometrioid tumors. Containing plenty of clear cytoplasm, clear cell tumors are extremely dangerous. Early detection and treatment increase the chances of survival after five years to 65%. However, if the tumor is not identified in its early stages, the chances of recovery are extremely low.

Ovarian Epithelial Carcinoma Explained Epithelial carcinoma is one of the three main classes of the ovarian tumor. Reported most often in women who have reached adulthood, this form of cancer is formed from cells that are located along the surface of the ovary. Epithelial ovarian tumors are easily the most common form of cancer that is found in the ovaries, accounting for just under 60% of all diagnosed tumors and over 80% of malignant tumors associated with the ovaries. There are five sub-types of epithelial carcinoma. Here is a short description of each: Serous Epithelial Ovarian Cancer This is the most common type of ovarian cancer. In fact, when most people think in terms of ovarian cancer, this is the form they are referring to. In size, a serous tumor may be almost impossible to spot or grow to a point that the tumor fills most of the abdominal cavity. Serous tumors are likely to be benign or borderline prior to the age of fifty. However, the chances of this type of epithelial carcinoma developing into a malignancy increase significantly among older females. If there is a history of ovarian cancer in the family line, the risks are also increased at any age. Even among females who develop a serous tumor, the five-year survival rate is very high. If the tumor is diagnosed as benign or borderline, there is a 70-100% chance of full recovery. Depending on the severity of the malignancy, the chances of surviving for five years after the diagnosis range anywhere between 25-90%. As with any form of cancer, early detection increases the chances of survival. Mucinous Epithelial Ovarian Cancer These tumors are another type of epithelial cancer. Less common than serous tumors, the mucinous variety still account for roughly 25% of the ovarian cancers that are identified and treated. Developing a mucinous tumor early in life is extremely rare.

Feel Teal clubÂŠ2011 24

Transitional Cell Epithelial Ovarian Cancer The Brenner tumor, also known as the transitional cell tumor, can be either extremely small or grow significantly. Tumors of this type may be solid masses or contain a fair amount of fluid. When the tumor has begun to invade surrounding tissue, there is a good chance that the growth is malignant. All types of epithelial cancer are treatable in the early stages. Depending on the circumstances, chemotherapy may be tried as a first round of treatment, followed by surgery.

it's the list of friends which we all rely on when building our awareness-pyramid... and the Feel Teal Club is no exception. We pride ourselves on cross-promotion, giving everyone an equal opportunity to share their information whilst sharing the crucial awareness message further! The Feel Teal Club remains committed to sharing relevant links and always happy to promote. Constantly updating our pages to keep the public informed, if it's in the news, the Feel Teal Club has you covered! Our message is still the same but with one small difference- we are committed to raising awareness, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year, until a diagnostic test has been found!

AWARENESS MESSAGE FROM A TITAN by Debbie Stevens Bigger than Ben Hur? We hope so!

"Awareness" is contagious so let's keep spreading the message.

Staying in touch is what builds good communication skills between people and business. The same applies when networking...promoting, advertising and marketing, all play a considerable role if you intend to keep traffic flowing while gaining more public interest. Awareness for ovarian cancer is growingMore and more people are getting on-board the "awareness" phenomena which is great news for the cause and even better for those involved. There's still a long way to go, especially if we are to carry the same status as that of our "Gynecological-sister"; breast cancer. The words "Teal" & "Awareness" are synonymous with ovarian cancer, the results evident when using the Google search engine. For example, type in 'teal 'awareness' 'ovarian cancer' and a Google search will deliver 51,200 results....however, type in 'pink' 'awareness' 'breast cancer', (9,690,000 result) and you see exactly what we are up against! However, progress is being made and we owe much to the internet and the use of Social networks. At Facebook, there's definitely signs of "change" with new "awareness" pages sprouting; new designs and logo's,and more contacts! Let's face it,

Feel Teal clubÂŠ2011 25

cocoa and sugar mixture in the dish. Bake for 50 minutes or until the cake topping is firm. Serve with cream or ice-cream.

RECIPES

RED WINE CASSEROLE

Classic chocolate self-saucing pudding Serving size: Serves 6 Classic chocolate self-saucing pudding INGREDIENTS

•

1 cup (150g) self-raising flour ¼ cup (25g) cocoa powder ½ cup (110g) firmly packed brown sugar ½ cup (125ml) milk 1 egg 60g butter, melted, cooled cream or vanilla ice-cream, to serve sauce

• • • •

1/3 cup (35g) cocoa powder ½ cup (110g) firmly packed brown sugar 1¾ cups (430ml) boiling water

• • • • •

Ingredients (serves 4)

METHOD Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Grease a 1.5 litre (6-cup) ovenproof dish and place on an oven tray lined with baking paper or foil (this will catch any drips). Sift the flour and cocoa powder into a medium bowl. Add the sugar and stir to break up any lumps. Whisk together the milk, egg and butter in a jug. Add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients; use a whisk to stir to a smooth batter. Pour into the prepared dish and smooth the surface with the back of a spoon.

•

2 tablespoons olive oil

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1.5kg diced beef chuck or blade steak

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2 large onions, cut into thin wedges

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2 leeks, white part only, sliced

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2 garlic cloves, crushed

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4 sticks celery, trimmed, sliced

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2 large carrots, peeled, cut into 3cm pieces

•

2 x 425g cans diced tomatoes

•

1/4 cup red wine

•

1 cup beef stock

Sauce Sift the cocoa powder into a bowl; add the sugar and stir to combine. Sprinkle evenly over the surface of the batter. Pour the boiling water evenly over the

WEIGHT WATCHERS 30-minute frying pan lasagne

METHOD

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large saucepan over high heat. Cook beef, in 4 batches, stirring, until browned. Transfer to a plate.

Equipment You'll need a frying pan with a lid and flameproof handle.

Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining oil, onions, leeks, garlic, celery and carrots to pan. Cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes. Return beef to pan with tomatoes, wine and stock. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 1 hour. Uncover and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes or until beef is tender. Divide half the casserole between 4 plates. Serve with mashed potato or bread. Set aside remaining casserole for High Pie (see related recipe). Leftovers Allow reserved casserole to cool. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Ingredients (serves 4) •

2 teaspoons olive oil

•

1 medium red onion, finely chopped

•

2 garlic cloves, crushed

•

1 medium red capsicum, finely chopped

•

2 teaspoons dried oregano

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410g can crushed tomatoes

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3 fresh lasagne sheets, cut into thirds

•

1/2 x 250g tub Weight Watchers cream cheese

•

100g Weight Watchers shaved leg ham

•

3/4 cup Weight Watchers grated tasty cheese

•

Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, to serve

Method Heat half the oil in an 18cm (base), heavy-based frying pan over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic and capsicum. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add oregano and tomato. Season with salt. Cook for 2 minutes or until heated through. Transfer to a bowl. Wipe pan clean. Spread 1 side of each piece of lasagne with cream cheese. Drizzle remaining oil over base of pan. Arrange 2 pieces of lasagne, cream cheese side-up, over base of pan. Top with one-third of the ham, then one-quarter tomato mixture. Repeat layers, finishing with 3 pieces of lasagne then 1 layer tomato mixture. Sprinkle with tasty cheese. Preheat grill on high. Return pan to medium-low heat. Cook, covered, for 8 to 10 minutes or until lasagne sheets are tender. Remove lid. Grill for 5 to 6 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden. Season with pepper. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve. Notes Weight Watchers cream cheese has 40% less fat than regular cream cheese. This recipe includes the following Filling Foods: vegetables, lasagne sheets, Weight Watchers shaved leg ham and parsley. You can freeze leftover lasagne sheets for up to 1 month.

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Good food sources of calcium are low fat dairy products and sardines with bones. Good sources of magnesium are nuts, whole grain foods and beans.

Leg Cramps A muscle cramp is an uncontrollable and painful spasm of a muscle. The exact cause is unknown, but some of the risk factors may include poor physical condition, dehydration and muscle fatigue. You can help reduce the duration and severity of cramp by gently stretching the muscle and massaging the area. See your doctor if you experience regular muscle cramping or if cramps last longer than a few minutes

Try squeezing your upper lip by applying pressure from your index finger and thumb. This acupressure remedy works well. Press into the sore muscle fairly hard and hold the pressure for about 10 seconds. Use your finger tips and repeat this action several times over if necessary.

Whether you're a lunchtime jogger or a super-fit athlete, nobody's immune to leg cramps. But what causes a cramp and what's the most effective way to stop it from happening to you?

Each day drink a glass of water with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in it. Take magnesium tablets, 500 - 750 mg per day but preferably consult your natural health adviser who will take into account your specific needs.

Sports cramps actually aren't the most common ones, as we discovered at Bond University in Queensland."The most common sort of cramps are what we call nocturnal cramps — the ones you get at night, that wake you up and have you hopping around," says Professor Chris Del Mar, who is the Dean of Health Science and Medicine at the university.

Eat bananas on a daily basis. Bananas contain potassium, a lack of which can cause cramps. Potassium tablets can also be beneficial but, as in the magnesium remedy, it is better to consult your natural therapist who will advise you on the quantities you need.

So how long does a typical night cramp last?"It usually only lasts a few minutes, but it's certainly more than seconds. Sometimes they can reoccur, but usually it settles down and you can go back to sleep," says the professor.When our muscles function normally they work antagonistically, contracting on one side and lengthening on the other, then reversing the motion as our arm or leg swings the other way. When a cramp hits, the muscle spasms, but stays there. Blood can't flow properly into the muscle to help it lengthen and the unbearable pain starts — that's what causes cramps

Drink tonic water.

Treatment Tips: Rub tarragon, chamomile or lavender essential oils on the affected area. Lavender is said to be especially good. Leg cramps are sometimes a sign of electrolyte imbalance. A solution is to increase your consumption of magnesium and calcium. Eat lots of leafy greens. If necessary consult a professional regarding calcium and magnesium supplements.

Verses from Vicki

Teal Tips......

Hearts of teal They walked a long winding path, The sun filtering the canopy of the trees The waterfall cascaded down the cliffs Their images imprinted in the still cool pond, Peace was all round them, Their hearts bound together, As they paused, the scent of freesias Filled the air, Eyes met, smiling, He took her hand, Placing a heart of teal On her finger, The tears were imprinted in her eyes, Memories forever reflected Their eternal journey was just beginning…

Following on from our Leg Cramp article....I decided to include some further to the story after my own personal “leg cramp” experience!Thanks to ALL my faithful and extremely resourceful, Facebook friends for sharing some of your own great tips!

You could also try some of these practical measures to see if they work for you:

Try walking across a cold floor as this supposedly assists the blood circulation! Calf stretches. Stand a metre from a wall and lean forward with your arms outstretched to touch the wall. Keep the soles of your feet flat on the floor. Hold for five seconds. Repeat the exercise for five minutes, three times a day, especially before going to bed. Daily foot exercises. Bend and stretch each foot vigorously up and down 30 times. Then rotate each foot eight times one way and eight times the other way . Try not to sleep with your toes pointing downwards. Try not to stand for long periods or sit with your legs crossed. Have a warm bath before going to bed. Drink plenty of liquid. If you have a handy tip to share, please drop it into an email to debbie@feeltealclub.com

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many small changes can have a surprising impact on the budget. Word of mouth- speak to friends, colleagues, other tradesmen to source quality builders, tradesman or products. Good builders etc are usually busy; often it’s better to wait for a trusted tradie than engage someone in a hurry. Paperwork – ensure your tradesmen have the correct licenses for the job they will be doing.Most building work will require a contact. There are a number of standard ones issued by the proper authorities in your state but you can have a solicitor draw up a specific one if the standard doesn’t fit. Make sure you understand the contract you have.If you or the builder change anything ensure you or the builder provide a written variation to the contract. Get a new or additional quote for any changes.A list of specific items is much easier than verbally informing someone of your choices. Keep control- Make sure you visit the site often to ensure things are happening as you expect. Be available on site, by phone or email so that questions/problems or changes can be discussed as soon as possible. If the job is large or you are unsure you have the time, skill or confidence to manage the job, engaging a specialist project manager can be a valuable way to get the best result. Communicate- open and frequent communication and availability solves many problems. If in doubt, ask! If the trade jargon is unfamiliar get the builder to explain or show you an example. Flexibility – Be definite in what you want but don’t be too rigid. Occasionally unforseen issues arise and the solution may require some flexibility from the original specification. Sometimes compromise is the best way forward. Accept and Enjoy- accept that your home will be a building site for some time and the situation will be inconvenient at times but keep the big picture in mind, enjoy the challenges and new skills you will learn and the beautiful home you will create.

RENOVATING 10 Tips for a Successful Renovation Renovating can be a very satisfying way to improve your property value or the quality of the way you live within your home. when contemplating a renovation consider these 10 tips to ensure your project is an entire success. Research –this is the most essential part of your renovation. Before the first nail is hammered or wallpaper stripped you must determine if renovating is the best option. Will your renovation improve the value of your property or improve your lifestyle? Are you at risk of over capitalising? Does the property or the land allow a design that will suit your needs? Can you afford to renovate and how much time will it take? Take time to evaluate the project you are undertaking and if it all stacks up in your favour embark enthusiastically on your journey. Wants/needs –What are the essential outcomes of this project?Prioritize your needs then your wants and then what luxuries you would like if money and time allow. Consider any add-ons that might come about by any inclusions. For example; additional electrical outlets may require your board to be upgraded. Plan- play with the design of your reno. Whether it’s adding on new rooms or just rearranging the furniture it pays to plan the design. Start off with rough dimensions on scrap paper and refine until you are happy. Take your rough drawings to a draftsman, building designer or architect. Complete measurements, surveys and potential plans can then be drawn. Consider also the timing of your renovation, you may have commitments that will influence when your renovations can be started. The fun part of planning is in the collection of ideas that appeal to you. Construct a mood book in which you can place colours/designs/furniture/styles that you may like to include. Budget – If possible get a building professional to give you an initial estimate of the work. If this is within your ball park obtain at least 3 formal quotes from the appropriate tradesman. Make early contact with your financial institution and confirm what paperwork they will require. Revisit your budget often to ensure all is on track during the project as

http://entirelyorganised.com.au/10-tips-for-asuccessful-renovation/

Top 10 Bathroom Renovation Tips Use hidden space Today's bathrooms are no longer the smallest room in the house. People are looking for relaxation and pampering. Here are some important tips to consider when redesigning your bathroom.

Take advantage of space between wall studs by recessing a tall storage cabinet into the wall to maximise storage while saving floor space. The cabinet should have an interior depth of at least three inches.

Choose a feature for your bathroom Choose which design item you want to feature in the bathroom and then work the rest of the bathroom design around it. A beautifuly curved handbowl set into a minimalist vanity unit with a mirror as a backdrop, a sensuously curved bath placed in the middle of the room, a walk in shower with vibrant tiling or a sunken bath surrounded by quality tiling can all be used as features.

Build a shower area Consider building an open-concept shower area that doesn't need a curtain or door and is less confining than a standard shower stall. In addition to welldesigned drainage, a ceiling-mounted rain showerhead and/or a high wall-mounted showerhead that splashes less water will keep the area outside the shower drier.

Sit in a bathtub before buying it! Bigger isn't always better. A 60-inch tub is fine for most people. It offers enough room to stretch out and provides a secure foothold, so you don't float into oblivion when the tub is full. Assess the angled back and lip for comfort and neck support - a tub for two people slants at either end and has taps in the middle. A contoured bath not only provides extra comfort and support but can also up to 30 litres of water. A spa bath can provide the perfect environment to rejuvenate sore and tired muscles or just chill out with a glass of wine.

Share space for added function In homes with back-to-back bathrooms, a shared shower with access doors to each of the bathrooms maximises limited space. Or turn a closet located next to a bathroom into a small ensuite with access to the neighbouring bath. Design lighting that is functional and creates atmosphere. Good lighting is imperative. Combine halogen pot lights with wall sconces beside or over the mirror for lighting with no shadows. Consider installing dimmers.

Select durable flooring Ceramic, marble and stone tiles are all excellent durable and water-resistant choices for a bathroom. Subfloor heating coils will make these hard surfaces warm. Well-sealed hardwood floors offer natural warmth and act as a contrast for other harder, cold surfaces in a bathroom.

Purchase a quality toilet When buying a toilet, it's not necessary for you to spend a lot of money. You can get a good-quality one-piece toilet for about $600. Models with elongated bowls and seats are usually most comfortable.

Use a mirror to add space One beautifully framed mirror over a sink is more attractive than many surfaces covered with mirror. Supplement it with a wall-mounted adjustable makeup mirror, and consider installing a lighted, mirrored shaving niche in your shower stall.

Incorporate luxury into your room If you're fortunate enough to have a lot of space to work with, indulge yourself with a bathroom that includes a dressing room - a haven for privacy and relaxation. Outfit your bathroom with a television, fireplace, exercise equipment, makeup vanity and even a large comfortable occasional chair.

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RENOVATOR HELP For further help visit the following: HIDC Exhibitor(s) who specialise in this area; Bath Magic Blissful Bathrooms Excel Taps by Ace Gutters Nepean Stone Parbury Laminates Phoenix Screens, Fencing, Gates & Safety Rail Renovi Appliances Rick’s Home Improvements Stegbar The Laminex Group

http://hidc.com.au/facts/top-10-bathroomrenovation-tips/

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THIS ISSUE: PAGES 2 From My Desk 3 Music Scene 4-5Teal Rants 5-6 Ovarian Cancer Project: Riding For Teal 7-8 Turn The Town Teal 9-10 Turn The Town Teal: City Participation List 11 Amity Soccer Players 11 12th Annual Silent No More Walk/Run 11 Awareness Events: Francesca’s Fancy Flops 12 Recent Events: We Fight Like A Girl 13 Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (Ovarian cancer risk) 13 Genetic Testing: What You Should know 14 Drug-Combo Slowing Late Stage Ovarian Cancer 15-17 Gene linked To Family Ovarian Cancer Risk Social Networking: 18-19 Anti-Social Behaviour 19-20 Go Ahead, Make My Bed! 20 Women's Cancer Network: 5th Annual Awareness Race 20-21 Oak park to turn teal for ovarian-cancer 23 Sharing Life's “Gilda Moments" with Shelly Ryan 24-25 Ovarian Epithelial Carcinoma Explained 25 Awareness Message From A Titan 26-27 Recipes 28 Weight Watchers-lasagne 29-30 Useful Tips-Leg Cramps 30 Verses From Vicki 31 Teal Tips 31-32 Lee's Hope Jewelry Renovating: 33 Ten Tips For A Successful Renovation 33-34 Top 10 Bathroom Renovation Tips 34 Renovator Help 35 Special Offers 36 Holiday Accommodation: Gecko cottage