Partnering in the Fight Against
Breast Cancer
WHERE DO YOUR DONATIONS GO? | Page 4 AR-0008264389-01
It IS your business: Local companies can help Komen CAN AZ | Page 2 18 things to know about breast cancer | Page 6
CENTRAL AND NORTHERN ARIZONA
Embrace the Movement S U S A N G . KOM E N C E N T R A L A N D N O RT H E R N A R I Z O N A ®
2 2 Y E A R S O F S E RV I C E
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2014
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komenCANaz.org
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info @ komenCANaz.org
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602-544-2873
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®
22nd Annual Komen Phoenix Race for ® the Cure Sunday, Oct. 12, in Downtown Phoenix
J
RICK D'ELIA
Bertina Gutierrez on fighting breast cancer. “My husband, children and family supported me, and it was because of them I was able to overcome this.”
oin the effort to help save lives and end breast cancer forever on Sunday, Oct. 12. The Susan G. Komen Phoenix Race for the Cure® is the signature fundraising event for Komen Central and Northern Arizona (Komen CAN AZ). This year, experience a new Race site and course in Downtown Phoenix at Cesar Chavez Plaza, which includes convenient access to the light rail, as well as nearby activities and attractions for everyone to enjoy. Also, this year’s Race will welcome back competitive timing for all Race Day events, including the 1 Mile Walk/Run, 5K Breast Cancer Survivors’ Run, 5K Run and 5K Walk. Participants that select the timed option will receive an official time for the event they participate in. Questions? Contact Komen CAN AZ at raceforthecure@komenCANaz.org or 602-346-2873.
Living life as a breast cancer survivor
Susan G. Komen® Central and Northern Arizona beneficiary Bertina Gutierrez speaks about her journey
H
BY MEHGANN FINN SEPULVEDA
er tears upon hearing the news she had breast cancer were immediately followed by questions about the cost of treatment. Bertina Gutierrez, 41, of Mesa, received a diagnosis of Stage I breast cancer on June 3, 2013. Gutierrez endured surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, and through it all, received emotional, physical and financial support, which ultimately saved her life.
Diagnosis, treatment plan
In the months leading up to her diagnosis, Gutierrez noticed a very small lump in her breast and scheduled an appointment with her doctor. “My first reaction when I learned I had breast cancer was to cry,” said Gutierrez. “I was asking questions, listening to what the doctor was saying and trying to understand the different options.” Gutierrez opted for a lumpectomy to remove the cancerous cells and tissue, and preserve her breast, instead of a mastectomy. On June 19, Gutierrez underwent surgery. She began chemotherapy in late September. “I had a total of four rounds of chemotherapy, spaced out every 21 days,” Gutierrez said. “Shortly after the new year, I began daily radiation therapy and received 35 treatments.”
Leaning on family, friends
The chemotherapy left Gutierrez feeling extremely tired. She was sore from back pain. She left her job because the work environment exposed her to paint and dust and was dangerous to her health. One of the most difficult days came when Gutierrez lost her hair. “I always wore my hair long, and two weeks after my first chemotherapy session, it started to fall out,” she said. “Even though my family encouraged me, telling me it will grow back even more beautiful, I still felt some sadness. I had to cut it all off. It was so hard.” Gutierrez’s sister joined her at every medical appointment. Family members stepped in to care for her three daughters, ages 19, 15, and 12. “My motherin-law was home with my girls making sure they had everything they needed,” Gutierrez said. “My husband, children and family supported me, and it was because of them I was able to overcome this.”
Receiving financial assistance
Based on income status, Gutierrez was able to benefit from a community grant Maricopa Integrated Health System (MIHS), received from Komen® Central and Northern Arizona (Komen CAN AZ).
Survivor | continued page 7
PHOTOS BY RICK D'ELIA
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2 | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2014
It IS your business
Local companies can help Komen CAN AZ in a variety of ways BY DEBRA GELBART
S
mall businesses can help Susan G. Komen® Central and Northern Arizona (Komen CAN AZ) save lives. “A large part of our mission is to raise awareness about breast cancer,” said Heather Roberts, executive director of Komen CAN AZ. “When we partner with local companies, they can help get the word out to their employees and customers.” Breast cancer survivors who work for these local businesses can be a real inspiration for the community, she added, because as they share their experiences and success stories, they make others aware and motivated to help the cause. Another piece of the mission, of course, is raising money for breast cancer education, screening, and treatment programs and research, and local businesses can help with that, too. “Businesses that partner with Komen CAN AZ can participate as teams in the annual Susan G. Komen Phoenix Race for the Cure®,” Roberts said. And, businesses can create their own events to help raise funds for Komen CAN AZ; 75 percent of all funds raised throughout the year stay right here in central and northern Arizona to fund life-saving community breast health and breast cancer programs with the other 25 percent going toward international breast cancer research efforts.
Ideal example of business support
Humble Pie, with eight pizzeria locations in the Valley, has been partnering with Komen CAN AZ for the past four years. Tim Valencia, owner and director of operations for the company, said his mother died of breast cancer years ago when she was in her 40s and he has been a supporter of the Komen Phoenix Race for the Cure ever since. So less than two years after he opened his first Humble Pie location in 2008, a formal partnership with Komen CAN AZ became a natural extension of his commitment to the cause. As part of his association with Komen CAN AZ, his restaurants offer a “pink menu” to guests for about 35 days before the Race each year. The special menu carries about ten items, including a pepperoni
RICK D'ELIA
“Breast cancer affects so many women and it hits home with men just as much. Local businesses really can make a difference simply by raising awareness of the impact breast cancer has.” — TIM VALENCIA, OWNER/DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, HUMBLE PIE
pizza, an artichoke pizza, a vegetarian option and a strawberry salad, along with pink lemonade as a beverage choice. One dollar of every item sold from that menu is donated to Komen CAN AZ. He puts table tents on every customer table to call attention to the availability of the pink menu. In anticipation of this year’s Race, the pink menu already is being offered.
Participating in the Race is important, too
In addition to the special menu, Valencia’s employees, his family members, neighbors and many of his loyal customers form a team to participate in the Race. “We usually have two full busloads of about 100 people arrive to race,” he said, adding that
he has been putting together a team for the Race for the past five years. “Our partnership with Komen CAN AZ is all about my mom and the cause,” Valencia said. “Breast cancer affects so many women and it hits home with men just as much. Local businesses really can make a difference simply by raising awareness of the impact breast cancer has.”
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RICK D'ELIA
Zachary Singh is the Komen CAN AZ Race Manager.
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New route, competitive timing, Memories for a Lifetime wall
BY JOAN WESTLAKE
usan G. Komen® Central and Northern Arizona Race Manager Zachary Singh was entering his high school junior year when his mother was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. He graduated early and postponed college so he could be there for her. After two years of treatments and reconstructive surgeries, she remains in remission. Zachary began classes at Northern Arizona University and participated in his first Komen Phoenix Race for the Cure®. Amazed by the magnitude of the number of participants as well as their joy and strength, he joined the team as an intern two years ago and now is employed by Komen® Central and Northern Arizona (Komen CAN AZ). As Race Manager, he shares some of the new features of the Race designed to engage novices and event veterans who come to remember, celebrate and share a future filled with hope. Created by Republic Media Custom Publishing, a divison of The Arizona Republic. 200 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix, AZ 85004 Advertising: 602-444-6899 General Manager: CAMI KAISER, ckaiser@republicmedia.com Creative Development Director: ISAAC MOYA, imoya@republicmedia.com Project Editor: JIM WILLIAMS, jlwilliams@republicmedia.com Sr. Managing Art Director: TRACEY PHALEN, tphalen@republicmedia.com Editorial Coordinator: NICK KOSTENKO, nkostenko@republicmedia.com Design: CRAIG KURTZ, craigrkurtz@gmail.com
Q: Where is the 2014 Phoenix Race route? A: The Race this year returns to Downtown Phoenix, at the Cesar Chavez Plaza, because it offers so many conveniences and attractions for runners and supporters. There is easy access to parking as well as public transportation including METRO light rail. Also, there is an array of cafes, restaurants, retail and hotels around the area for everyone involved with the event to enjoy. Q: Will there be competitive timing? A: Because of the interest expressed by our past Race participants, we are offering competitive timing for all of our Race Day Events: 1 Mile Walk/Run, Breast Cancer Survivors’ 5K Run, 5K Run and 5K Walk. Q: When is the Breast Cancer Survivors' Ceremony? A: So that more breast cancer survivors can join in the celebration (and sleep a bit longer), the Survivor’s Ceremony will start at 10 a.m., ending the Race this year, rather than serving as its kick off. Q: Is there an added memorial feature? A: Memories for a Lifetime is a dedicated memorial area where participants can share their stories with a local artist and watch as their journeys emerge as art on a wall of courage, joy and hope.
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4 | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2014
Anatomy of a donation
How Komen CAN AZ funding is saving lives, changing communities BY MARY VANDEVIERVE
T
WHERE DO YOUR DONATIONS GO?
75%
25%
LOCAL
RESEARCH
Funds life-saving education, screening, and treatment programs in central and northern AZ
Funds Susan G. Komen international research efforts
Funds where it matters
Local Funds in FY 2014*
$1,244,627 worth of grants issued
58
free or reduced cost mammograms provided
965
diagnostic services
12,700+
breast cancer treatments
221
1,713
Individuals received breast health education through health fairs, presentations, grant programs, and more
responses to individual requests for assistance
147
he footsteps of every runner and walker in the 22nd Annual Susan G. Komen Phoenix Race for the Cure® are blazing a trail toward healthier communities in central and northern Arizona. For more than 20 years, the Komen Phoenix Race for the Cure has helped women and men in central and northern Arizona by raising funds for life-saving breast health education, screenings and treatments. Local community organizations are improving the quality of life in their neighborhoods by providing services that otherwise would be out of reach.
Community Outreach Ambassador events supported
The Komen Phoenix Race raised close to $1.2 million in 2013, funding ten local community grants in the amount of $855,785 for breast cancer education, screening and treatment programs in central and northern Arizona.
"A lot of the women in our community wouldn't have had a mammogram without the funding we received from Komen CAN AZ. It's been a blessing for our community." — NANCY VASQUEZ-AMEZQUITA, GOLDEN GATE PROMOTORA DE BIENSTAR
*Fiscal year 2014: April 1, 2013 - March 31, 2014
Help grow these numbers this year komenCANaz.org | 602.544.2873 Donate Today:
The impact is enormous, said Linda Luft, Community Health Program Director at Golden Gate Community Center. "Solely because of Susan G. Komen® Central and Northern Arizona’s community grant funding, breast health awareness has gone to another level," Luft said. "It's very empowering for women."
Blessings aplenty
Golden Gate Community Center, on 35th Avenue just north of McDowell Road, has been fortunate benefit from Komen® Central and Northern Arizona (Komen CAN AZ) community grants for several years. The neighborhood served by Golden Gate is a federally and state designated healthcare shortage area and a food desert. "A lot of the women in our community wouldn't have had a mammogram without the funding we received from Komen CAN AZ," says Nancy Vasquez-Amezquita, Golden Gate Promotora de Bienstar. "It's been a blessing for our community." Last year, Golden Gate was able to provide 187 screening mammograms to uninsured or underinsured and low income women thanks to a community grant from Komen CAN AZ.
Local impact
Susan G. Komen Central and Northern Arizona selects funding recipients to have the greatest community impact. Seventy-five percent of the local affiliate's net income stays in the Komen CAN AZ service area, while 25 percent supports breast cancer research. Since 1993, Komen CAN AZ has invested $19.5 million in local education, screening and treatment programs and $5.9 million in breast cancer research. Komen CAN AZ’s community grants have provided breast health education services for 157,051 people; 33,442 free or reduced cost mammograms; 5,650 diagnostic services; and 2,572 life-saving breast cancer treatments. The community grants program is a prominent part of Komen CAN AZ’s mission impact initiatives, which include everything from advocacy and education to continuum of care programs and enhanced outreach to priority populations.
THE RACE IS ON!
RUN, WALK, COMPETE, SLEEP-IN RICK D'ELIA
Bertina Gutierrez with her daughters, Jasmine, 19, Rachell, 15, and Ailyn, 12, Atayde.
Living life as a breast cancer survivor Continued from page 1
“They helped pay for the majority of my treatment,” she said. “The program was available to get me through the entire process. It alleviated stress.” Through Komen CAN AZ community grant funding, uninsured and underserved breast cancer patients in central and northern Arizona are able to receive the lifesaving cancer treatment they require. “I can’t even begin to state how much of a huge help and relief this is for patients,” said Ian Komenaka, M.D., director of breast surgical services at MIHS. “More than 60 percent of our patient population is in need of financial assistance, and we run out of funding each year.” Dr. Komenaka and his colleagues leverage Komen CAN AZ grant dollars carefully to reach as many patients as possible. Last year MIHS was able to treat 31 women for breast cancer with their Komen CAN AZ community grant. “Seeing expressions change when I tell patients that they’ll receive financial help, I can’t possibly describe or imagine what that feels like for the patients.”
For women who are newly diagnosed, “I would tell them at first when you hear the word cancer you think you’re going to die. But I’m here today, and I want to thank God, life and everyone who helped and supported me.” — BERTINA GUTIERREZ, CANCER SURVIVOR
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Life as a survivor
Today, Gutierrez says she’s feeling very well and is healthy. She will continue to see her physician regularly and stay on medication for at least five years. Her attitude is positive and encouraging, especially towards women newly diagnosed. “I would tell them at first when you hear the word cancer you think you’re going to die,” she said. “But I’m here today, and I want to thank God, life and everyone who helped and supported me.”
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6 | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2014
5 questions with Rep. Heather Carter
Legislator support for Komen CAN AZ is born from personal experience BY DOLORES TROPIANO
L
ike most people, cancer has touched the life of State Rep. Heather Carter. In 2012, Carter, R-Cave Creek, put her pink on and walked in the Susan G. Komen Phoenix Race for the Cure® along with many other members of her family and their friends. Her sister-in-law had just completed her cancer
treatment at the time and the group circled around her in support.
Her personal experience has fueled her passion for passing legislation that will help not only lessen the burden of women suffering with cancer but actually save lives. Carter’s background in education, combined with her position as chairwomen of the House Health Committee, and a member of the Education Committee, puts her in a perfect position to champion cancer related causes. (She actually kicks off every committee meeting with a healthcare education information presentation.) As chair of the House Health Committee, Carter has been instrumental in assisting Komen® Central and Northern Arizona (Komen CAN AZ) achieve local state legislative victories supporting key breast cancer initiatives.
1. 2.
What drives your passion for helping women with cancer?
A: My family has unfortunately had many bouts with cancer — my dad, my aunt, my grandmother, my cousin, and my second cousin — so it has definitely impacted my family. I also hear from constituents on a regular bases about their battles with cancer and it inspires me to do as much as I can at the Capitol to help.
How long have you been involved in helping women with cancer?
A: I’ve been working on healthcare advocacy issues since the day I was elected (2010) I am passionate about healthcare and education.
In 2012 she supported important breast cancer legislation (sponsored by state Reps. Matt Heinz and Kate Brophy McGee), which expanded the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program (BCCTP) bringing $8 million dollars to the state and providing 240 women lifesaving treatment since the law changed on Aug. 2, 2012. Most recently, Carter sponsored HB 2078, the Fair Access to Cancer Treatment Act or FACT Act, which Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer signed in May. Beginning Jan. 1, 2016 this legislation will require oral anticancer drugs to have cost-parity to intravenous anticancer drugs, making cancer oral chemotherapy treatment more affordable and accessible
I am proud that my service to the state of Arizona impacts real people every day and that is what really inspires me to fight and advocate for patients.
3.
You sponsored House Bill 2078 — the Fair Access to Cancer Treatment Act, which is really a game changer for people who need oral cancer treatments. Explain.
A: The way many health insurance plans are written today, intravenous (IV) anticancer treatments are covered under the medical benefits portion of the plan while selfadministered oral anticancer treatments are covered as a prescription benefit and have much higher out-of-pocket
State Rep. Heather Carter
costs. Often, the newest and most effective cancer treatments are only available in oral form. Patients often have to pay full price, which could be thousands of dollars for their monthly treatment. So taking chemo in oral form was pricing people out of the market to fight their cancer. It was heartbreaking. House Bill 2078 requires that health insurance companies with plans covering intravenous IV anticancer treatments and oral anticancer treatments not discriminate against oral treatments with higher co-payments, deductibles or coinsurance. This bill will save lives. It will help people afford the treatment they need at the critical time when they need it.
18
4. 5.
What else are you working on that impacts cancer related care?
A: Funding cancer research is always a top priority. Arizona has some of the most internationally renowned cancer research taking place right here in our own back yard. We want to make sure we are continuing to encourage it and that the important work we have done at the Capitol to improve healthcare stays in effect.
How important is Komen CAN AZ to our community?
A: Groups like Komen CAN AZ are an important part of the community. Through their work, they bring about awareness to critical health care issues and connect people with vital information and services.
THINGS ABOUT BREAST CANCER
• Breast cancer knows no boundaries, be it age, gender, socio-economic status or geographic location.
A proud supporter of
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• The most common risk factors for breast cancer are being female and growing older.
• Breast cancer affects more than just the patient — co-survivors (friends, family and co-workers) need support too. • Making healthy lifestyle choices may reduce your risk of breast cancer.
BREAST CANCER IN THE UNITED STATES INCIDENCE
• Except for skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the U.S.; it accounts for nearly 1 in 3 cancers diagnosed in the U.S. • Each year, more than 200,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women and more than 2,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in men in the U.S. • Every two minutes, one case of breast cancer is diagnosed in a woman in the U.S. • Every 13 minutes, one woman in the U.S. will lose her life to breast cancer.
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• One in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. • Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Hispanic women in the U.S. • African American women in the U.S. are more likely than white women to be diagnosed with breast cancer before age 40 and are more likely to be diagnosed with larger tumors than white women. • The median age for a breast cancer diagnosis in White women in the U.S. is 61, but for African American women it is 57.
• White women have a higher incidence of breast cancer than African American women, yet African American women are more likely to die from breast cancer at every age.
MORTALITY
• Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer death for women 40-59 in the U.S., and is second only to lung cancer in cancer deaths among all women in the U.S. • About 40,000 women and more than 400 men will die from breast cancer each year in the U.S. • Early detection and effective treatment have resulted in a 34 percent decline in breast cancer mortality in the U.S. since 1990. • At the current rate, about 5.8 million cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. over the next 25 years and 1 million people could die. • Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among Hispanic women in the U.S.
®
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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2014 | 7
Merging culture, ideas
Komen CAN AZ Diversity and Inclusion Council spread the message to the masses BY TERESA ESQUIVEL
S
ince its inception in 1993, Susan G. Komen® Central and Northern Arizona has invested some $25.4 million toward breast cancer education and research. Yet, despite the significant dollars and hours spent on outreach, not everyone was getting the message. So, in 2010, Komen® Central and Northern Arizona (Komen CAN AZ) formed the Diversity and Inclusion Council to help educate the diverse communities it serves about breast health, breast self-awareness and the importance of early detection.
Raising awareness, educating
“The Council is comprised of community leaders and organizations that represent the African American, Hispanic, Asian and Native American communities, to name a few,” said Tina Brown, chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Council. “We work within our own communities to help raise awareness and educate about breast cancer. This is important because there was a perception within communities of color that breast cancer was just a Caucasian women’s illness. But we're here to tell them that’s not true.” African American/Black and Native American women have the highest breast cancer mortality rates in Komen CAN AZ’s service area. Overall, Native American and African American/Black populations have demonstrated disparities in later staged breast cancer presentation, lower five-year survival rates and lower breast cancer screening rates. Komen CAN AZ is funding life-saving education, screening and treatment programs that help address this disparity.
PINK Sundays
One of the Council’s most successful community outreach efforts has been PINK Sundays, a faith-based initiative that began two years ago. The Council partners with churches serving communities of color to educate women and men on the four key messages of breast self-awareness: know your risk, get screened, know what is normal for you, and make healthy lifestyle choices. This is accompanied by free on-site mammogram events via mobile coach when funds are available. Other churches also participate by setting up Komen CAN AZ information booths and promoting other free mammogram events. “Through this outreach effort we have been able to reach and educate 12,000+ women and men in our communities and
provide 302 free mammograms to women without insurance,” Brown said.
slowly build their trust,” said Liza Merrill, who represents the Pacific Island and Asian American communities on the Join the fight! Council. “From there we can build relaThe Council also works to increase partionships so they’ll open up to us and let ticipation of communities of color at at the us know what we can do to help them. The annual Susan G. Komen Phoenix Race for Council has grown to further our reach the Cure®. At the Race, the Council has a so that all women — regardless of sexual booth with a “Pink Boxing Glove” theme orientation, color or financial background representing the fight against breast cancer. — have the resources and education they Sulem Urbina, a Mexican amateur wom- need to be a healthy person.” en's boxer who resides in Phoenix, was at the Race last year to encourage others to “fight" against breast cancer. Also at the event, a cultural showcase featuring music and dance performances draws women in, giving Council members the chance to open the lines of communication. “The dancing and music are fun, and they provide a way to engage women and
Trying to KO cancer are Diversity and Inclusion Council members (clockwise from top left) Angie Morton, Jhoana Molina-Villar, Ginny Montano, Tina Brown, Yen Nguyen and Liza Merrill.
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8 | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2014
101 Race For the Cure Fundraising Ideas #RaceForTheCure #4 The Power Of 10:
Ask 10 friends to donate 10 dollars each to reach a fundraising milestone of $100.
#6 Waiters:
Ask the waiter/waitress or bartender at your favorite hangout to donate a day’s tips. If you have a friend who waits or bartends, ask them, too.
#31 Dog Walking:
Send out a flyer to your neighborhood offering your services to dog walk or dog-sit while the owners are out of town.
#37 Garage Sale:
Ask all of your friends and neighbors to participate by donating items for sale. Make signs that indicate all proceeds are going to the Komen Phoenix Race for the Cure. Have a donation jar visibly displayed. Don’t forget to have plenty of donation forms on hand!
#65 Golf Outing/Tournament:
Work with a local golf course to plan a charity golf outing. Charge a fee to participate and see if you can get prizes donated for the winner of each hole, or the whole course.
#67 Special Screening:
Ask your local movie theatre to donate a special screening of a new release. Invite everyone you know and make flyers to get the word out. Charge at the door. Ask if the theatre will also donate a percentage of the concession sales for your event!
#70 Pancake Party:
Host a pancake breakfast at a school, park or place of worship. Charge a fee. Get the pancake mix and other food items donated by local stores and make it an annual event.
#77 Dress Down Friday:
Ask your boss if you can host a “Dress Down Friday.” Employees buy a button and get to dress down on an assigned day.
See more ideas at komenCANaz.org
“Cancer is not an individual sport, it is a team sport. Empower yourself to pick the best team.”
~Sara
Cancer Warrior Being diagnosed with breast cancer was one of the most defining experiences of Sara’s life. She knew the most important decision she had to make was to assemble the right team to fit her needs. Her search brought her to Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA) where our team of experts have been fighting advanced cancer for decades.
CTCA® worked with Sara and her family to create a comprehensive and tailored treatment plan focused on delivering the whole person approach and quality of life she wanted. The combined leading-edge oncologic medical treatments with naturopathic medicine, nutrition, rehabilitation, psychological counseling, spiritual support and pain management met her goals. Call now to speak with one of our Oncology Information Specialists and learn how we fight cancer like no one else. Call 888-214-9488 or go to cancercenter.com.
No case is typical. You should not expect to experience these results.
© 2014 Rising Tide
Messengers of compassion
Rest oring t he Self; Renewing the Spirit
Komen CAN AZ Community Outreach Ambassadors reach out to those in need BY ALISON STANTON
T
en years after Sharon Carlson was diagnosed with breast cancer, her mom received the same diagnosis. Although she and her mom shared the same health condition, Carlson said they never spoke about breast cancer, mammograms or noticing warning signs. “After she passed away I promised myself that I would never let another day go by that I did not talk to someone about breast self-awareness and early detection,” Carlson said, adding that she found her opportunity to do just that by becoming a Susan G. Komen® Central and Northern Arizona Community Outreach Ambassador, or COA.
Extensive training
As Carlson explained, COA’s are volunteers who have had extensive training by staff members of Komen® Central and Northern Arizona (Komen CAN AZ). This training includes basic breast health information that they will feel comfortable sharing with the public. “When they finish the training, COA’s will be knowledgeable about the most common issues that arise when breast health and breast cancer is discussed. Topics discussed in the training include breast self-awareness and local breast cancer screening and treatment resources,” Carlson said, adding that she also takes along educational material to hand out at health events. “I love interacting with the public and meeting other survivors,” Carlson said. “Being able to help others learn about breast health and how to take care of themselves is a privilege that I don't take lightly.”
Someone who listens
Sabrina A. Douglas has been part of the COA program since February 2012. She said a COA is sometimes the first person a woman or man will tell about
Emese Kalnoki-Kis, MD
“I love interacting with the public and meeting other survivors. Being able to help others learn about breast health and how to take care of themselves is a privilege that I don't take lightly.” — SHARON CARLSON, COMMUNITY OUTREACH AMBASSADOR
a lump or other problem with his or her breasts. “One of the main reasons I wanted to volunteer with Komen CAN AZ is to offer more Black faces in the Black community,” Douglas said, adding that while it’s important that all races are represented, in the Black community there are many people who will not discuss private issues to people of other races. “Being a two-time survivor, and having a three-generation family history of cancer — including my mother, who lost her six-and-a-half year battle in April 2014 and my brother, who is now metastatic — I am passionate about being a Community Outreach Ambassador.”
specializes in reconstructive breast surgery, as well as cosmetic breast enhancement and body contouring surgery. She is highly experienced in addressing the physical effects of breast cancer, weight loss, and pregnancy. Dr. Kalnoki adheres to the philosophy that plastic surgery should provide patients with a “restored sense of self-confidence and well-being”, and finds reconstructive surgery especially rewarding. Dr. Kalnoki is dedicated to renewing every patients’ passion for life through her focus on technical skill, education, and artistry. She, and her staff at Kalnoki Plastic Surgery, provide a concierge level of care and approach each patient as the unique individual that they are. Join us in supporting Breast Cancer and Breast Reconstruction Awareness:
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure October 12, 2014
BRA Day USA
October 15, 2014
Dr. Kalnoki is a trusted cosmetic and reconstructive breast and body surgeon serving the Phoenix East Valley.
Call 480.641.7720
6642 E. Baseline Rd., Suite 103 Mesa, Arizona · 85206 www.KalnokiPlastics.com AR-0008261037-01
I taught my three children to never give up. After my breast cancer diagnosis, I followed my own advice and got a second opinion. There’s always hope. My answer was Mayo Clinic. Kim Loving
Like Kim, thousands of patients come to Mayo Clinic every year for cancer treatment, diagnosis or a second opinion. Our team approach to care means you have a compassionate group of specialists - all working together for you. We work with many insurance companies and are an in-network provider for many people, most of whom don’t need a physician’s referral. Requesting an appointment is easy at mayoclinic.org/arizona. Find your answer at Mayo Clinic.
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S u n d a y , S e p t e m b e r 2 8 , 2 014
August 8, 2014 Steve McKinney, President Fry’s Food Stores Tolleson, AZ Dear Steve and All Fry’s Associates, In preparation for the 22nd Annual Susan G. Komen Phoenix Race for the Cure® on Sunday, Oct. 12, we remember once again that our Promise – to save lives and end breast cancer forever – cannot succeed by itself. To continue to provide vital breast health services throughout central and northern Arizona, we need support from amazing partners – partners like you. Fry’s truly embraces the movement to fight against breast cancer. This year, marks an amazing ten years with Fry’s as VIP sponsor for the Komen Phoenix Race for the Cure. With contributions to date totaling more than $2.4 million, we feel intensely grateful and proud to partner with you. We also thank you for your incredible Race day involvement, as it is exceptional for a company to both financially and physically support a cause as sincerely as you do. Through the years, your generosity has helped fund 252 Komen grants for projects that eliminate barriers for those who need life-saving information, screening, treatment and support. Since our partnership began in 2005, those grants have supported breast cancer treatments for 1,864 people; provided over 27,949 free mammograms and diagnostic services; and promoted breast self-awareness to thousands throughout central and northern Arizona. Fry’s contribution represents a significant part of the total impact made by Komen CAN Arizona, our partners and the community in the last 22 years. Together, our work made Komen CAN AZ the largest private grantor for community breast cancer funds in Arizona by contributing more than $19.5 million in community grants and $5.9 million towards research. The Race is On with Fry’s Food Stores serving as the prime example of corporate philanthropy and making a difference in the lives of people in Arizona. Thank you again for the investment Fry’s has made these past ten years and continues to make as a partner in our Promise! Sincerely, Heather Roberts Executive Director Susan G. Komen Central and Northern Arizona