10.15.15 Orange Observer Think Pink 2015

Observer

Think

PINK OCTOBER 2015 Diagnosis: A year later

Easing the pain

Proactive approach

Two Foundation teachers reflect on their fight.

Therapy helps patients with lymphedema.

Sisters take steps before a diagnosis.

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OCTOBER 2015

breast cancer

awarenessmonth Many women with breast cancer can opt for breast-conserving surgery

National Cancer Act of 1971 becomes law

First adjuvant chemotherapy increases cure rates for early-stage breast cancer

Cancer deaths begin steady decline

Global guidelines help ensure proper pain management

Tamoxifen reduces breast cancer recurrence

More limited mastectomy proven effective for earlystage breast cancer

A susceptibility gene for breast cancer was mapped by genetic

linkage to a chromosome arm; BRCA1 and BRCA2 susceptibility genes are later isolated

We’ve come along way toward finding a cure, but early detection remains the best weapon in this fight!

Schedule your digital mammogram today by calling

Taxanes emerge as a vital chemotherapy option for ovarian, breast cancer

Powerful anti-nausea drugs alleviate major side effect of cancer treatment

Late 1990s: Prophylactic surgery helps prevent breast and ovarian cancers in women at high risk

1998 2006

Early 1990s:

1998

Growing use of mammography saves lives

1998

Late 1970s:

1990 1991 1992-94 1996

CT scanning provides clearer images of tumors, guiding radiation and other treatments

1977

1970s:

1986 1986

Celebrate Progress Toward Prevention and a Cure 1971 1971 1975-76

2011 Chemotherapy before surgery helps

more women from breast-conserving treatment

First predictive gene analysis products are launched to help determine the presence of susceptibility genes

First targeted anti-breast cancer drug, trastuzumab (Herceptin), has major impact on care

Drug therapy can reduce breast cancer risk in women at high risk

Record number of Americans surviving cancer —nearly

12 million

407.296.1190. A physician referral is required.

Visit healthcentral.org for more information.

“Progress & Timeline.” Timeline: Major Milestones Against Cancer. Accessed August 27, 2014. http://www.cancerprog ress.net/timeline/major-milestones-against-cancer. “BRCA1 & BRCA2: Cancer Risk & Genetic Testing.” National Cancer Institute. January 22, 2014. Accessed August 27, 2014. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/BRCA.

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Nicole Monteleone Commer can smile now that the high risk of breast and ovarian cancer is behind her.

Proactive approach A Windermere family with a history of prostate cancer is learning of its deadly link to breast and ovarian cancer.

AMY QUESINBERRY RHODE COMMUNITY EDITOR

The three Monteleone sisters walked inside the doctor’s office at the UF Health Cancer Center — Orlando Health together a year ago to receive the devastating news. They knew at least one of them had tested positive to BRCA, a hereditary gene mutation that puts people at a high risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

Nicole Monteleone Commer, 43, Krista Monteleone, 45, and Lisa Hilgenfeldt, 48, had gone through the testing at the same

time, and they were determined to be there for each other when the results were handed to them.

The doctor was matter-offact: Krista does not have it, Nicole and Lisa do. And with those words, the siblings’ lives took a different turn, one that would reveal surprising information about their family history that had a direct effect on them.

PROSTATE-BREAST LINK

Nicole said her family has participated in a prostate cancer study at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

since 1977. Her grandfather died of the disease, and her father and an uncle were diagnosed at ages 59 and 42, respectively.

During annual exams, the sisters were always asked if there was a history of cancer in their family, and since they were born into the male-dominant Monteleone family, their answer was the same every year, “Only prostate cancer.”

“We didn’t know there was any connection,” Nicole said.

But there was. After a female cousin was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012, she later tested positive for BRCA2. The sisters made the decision to be tested; their brother has elected not to be SEE BRCA PAGE 6

Amy Quesinberry Rhode

ABOUT THE MUTATION A BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation can be inherited from the mother or father. Each child of a parent who carries a mutation in one of these genes has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation. Men with BRCA2 mutations … are also at increased risk of breast cancer.

Men with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations have a higher risk of prostate cancer.

Source: National Cancer Institute

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“Double mastectomy and ovariectomy isn’t everyone’s answer; it was my answer. I decided to be proactive, and I know that this isn’t going to chase me.

You can be educated, and you can be your own advocate in your health and your own well-being.”

this year. She said she has about three fat-grafting operations remaining that will recreate her breasts.

Lisa chose to have her ovaries removed.

Nicole stresses she and her sister had choices.

“The thing that’s so important that women need to know is that they have choices,” she said. “Not everyone will do what I did.”

Before making any decision about their body, women who are BRCA positive should ask a lot of questions.

“Education was the most important thing to us,” Nicole said. “Because if we had it, our children had a 50% chance of having it.”

Protecting their children is the next step. Nicole has two sons and a daughter ages 17 to 21, and Lisa has three sons and a daughter ages 12 to 21.

“They said not to test the girls until at least age 25,” Nicole said.

“They would put them on (a birth-control pill) to suppress the hormones, because BRCA2 is a hormone cancer. When the girls get married and have children — they recommend they have them right away — and then remove their ovaries, which drops their hormones and drops the chance of having breast cancer.”

Women shouldn’t be dying of breast cancer, she said.

“Double mastectomy and ovariectomy isn’t everyone’s answer; it was my answer,” Nicole said. “I decided to be proactive, and I know that this isn’t going to chase me. You can be educated, and you can be your own advocate in your health and your own well-being.”

Nicole Monteleone Commer

Contact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at aqrhode@wotimes.com.

SEE BRCA PAGE 4

screened for the gene mutation.

His daughter, who is 25, said she plans to be tested.

QUALITY OF LIFE

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Once the sisters learned of the diagnosis in August 2014, their next step was to do whatever was necessary to decrease their chances of developing cancer.

“The whole thing is that I wanted quality of life,” Nicole said. “It was important for me to get rid of the things that would have prevented me from being here.”

She had her ovaries removed last October and underwent a double mastectomy in November. Two reconstructive surgeries followed in February and July of

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WHAT IS BRCA?

The most common cause of hereditary breast cancer is an inherited mutation in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. In normal cells, these genes help prevent cancer by making proteins that help keep the cells from growing abnormally.

If you have inherited a mutated copy of either gene from a parent, you have a high risk of developing breast cancer.

Although in some families with BRCA1 mutations the lifetime risk of breast cancer is as high as 80%,

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on average this risk seems to be in the range of 55% to 65%. For BRCA2 mutations the risk is lower, around 45%.

Breast cancers linked to these mutations occur more often in younger women and more often affect both breasts than cancers not linked to these mutations. Women with these inherited mutations also have an increased risk for developing other cancers, particularly ovarian cancer.

Source: American Cancer Society

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Multidisciplinary Care for Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment Genetics impacts everything about our physical being, and for women this includes their risk of developing breast cancer. If you are at high risk of developing breast cancer, UF Health Cancer Center – Orlando Health provides a multidisciplinary approach to care that guides you through genetic counseling and testing, high-risk care and, if necessary, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.

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Contact us for a next-day appointment.

Call 321.843.7773 or visit OrlandoHealth.com/breastcancer

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Orlando Health opens cancer genetics center Patients who might be genetically predisposed to developing cancer can get tested at the center to find out their risk and take preventative measures.

CATHERINE SINCLAIR STAFF WRITER

Courtesy photo

Dr. Rebecca Moroose met with sisters Nancy Clutts and Beverly Cunningham, who both went through genetic testing and discovered they were BRCA 1 positive. Cunningham had already had a breast cancer diagnosis, but Clutts chose to have a prophylactic mastectomy and hysterectomy to lower her chances of developing breast cancer.

Although Orlando Health has offered genetic counseling for nine years to patients who have a high risk of developing hereditary cancers, a new center dedicated to cancer genetics opened in September at the UF Health Cancer Center in Orlando.

The center will serve patients who have links to any kind of genetic cancer, including breast cancer.

“Contrary to what most people believe, most cancer is not hereditary,” said Ryan Bisson, a cancer genetic counselor on staff at the center. “Although most cancer is not hereditary, approximately 5% to 10% of all cancer is hereditary.

As a cancer genetic counselor, I help patients determine if the cancer in their family could be hereditary.”

Many health insurance plans will cover just one genetic test in a person’s lifetime, so it is important to get the most comprehensive analysis possible. The Cancer Genetics Center will provide such an analysis.

The first step for patients is to fill out a questionnaire that prompts them to provide information about specific relatives’ health histories. Next, the patient goes to the center to meet with Bisson and medical director Dr. Rebecca Moroose and undergo a physical exam. This visit will take about two-and-one-half hours.

During the exam, a patient will have his or her head circumference measured. An unusually large head could be a symptom Cowden syndrome, which increases risk for developing certain cancers. The patient’s skin and teeth also will be evalu-

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“Contrary to what most people believe, most cancer is not hereditary. … approximately 5% to 10% of all cancer is hereditary.”

Ryan Bisson, a cancer genetic counselor on staff at the center.

Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@wotimes.com.

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FIVE RED FLAGS If any of these have occurred in your family, cancer genetic counseling might help you head off breast cancer before it’s too late:

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n Breast or colon cancer under age 50 n Two or more cancers in the same family member (such as cancer in both breasts) n Rare types of cancer, such as ovarian, triple-negative breast or male breast cancer n Two or more relatives on the same side of the family with the same type of cancer n Two or more relatives on the same side of the family who have cancers that could be genetically related, such as breast, ovarian, colon or uterine cancer

HERITAGE AND BREAST CANCER Certain populations have a greater risk for BRCA1 and BRCA2 breast cancer.

People of Ashkenazi Jewish or Icelandic descent have a greater risk, and a link to the Dutch population is suspected. Research is currently being conducted on people of African descent, because many African American women who develop breast cancer carry a certain BRCA1 mutation.

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ated based on birthmarks, freckles, growths and other red flags.

There also will be a blood or saliva test.

“It’s not like your typical medical appointment, where you might have 15 minutes or half an hour with your medical provider,” Moroose said. “It’s a very careful and long and thought-out process.”

BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes produce tumor suppressor proteins, but if they mutate, cells are more likely to develop genetic alterations that can lead to cancer.

Hereditary mutations of these genes increase the risk for female breast and ovarian cancers.

Most physicians are aware of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 links to breast cancer, but there is a list of other genes whose mutations have recently been discovered to increase the risk. The Cancer Genetics Center is equipped to help patients find these lesserknown mutations in their family history.

If a patient is found to have a high risk of developing hereditary cancers, Moroose and the staff will help him or her develop a plan for lifestyle changes or preventative treatment to decrease the risk. For example, a women with a high risk of developing hereditary breast cancer might be encouraged to undergo a prophylactic mastectomy.

A risk for breast cancer could be indicated by other types of cancer in a patient’s family, such as pancreatic cancer.

“That’s why we are so comprehensive, and we really try our best to get our patients to get information about their immediate and more distant relatives,” Moroose said.

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Double diagnosis: One year later WHEN: Noon Friday, Nov. 20 WHERE: Foundation Academy South Campus, 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden

Two Foundation Academy teachers look back on a year with breast cancer.

JENNIFER NESSLAR STAFF WRITER

When you are one year removed from your breast cancer diagnosis, and the surgery is over, it’s hard to talk about the pain you still feel.

That’s why Patti Cogburn is grateful she has Patsy Ford.

One year ago, the Foundation Academy teachers were diagnosed with breast cancer within a few weeks of each other.

Now, they both are done with surgery and believe they are on the back end of their journeys with cancer.

But the challenges aren’t over.

“I still will have pain,” Cogburn said, even though her double mastectomy was in November 2014. Since she is so far removed from the surgery, she hesitates to bring up the pain with loved ones.

But, at work, she has someone to talk to.

“I feel like I can tell (Ford), ‘Hey, it still kind of hurts,’” she said.

Ford and Cogburn’s stories are similar. Both had cancer run through the family, so both opted for the more aggressive double mastectomy.

Neither had to have chemotherapy or radiation. Both cancers were caught while it was still stage 1, and it had not spread to their lymph nodes.

Knowing they weren’t alone was one of the things that helped them through the process.

“God knew that we needed that,” Ford said. “I don’t know how so many people go through it alone.”

They were able to talk to each other about all the little details, such as what happened at their

ADVICE

appointments and what to expect in surgery.

The timelines of their diagnoses and surgery are similar, although Ford had some complications from surgery that pushed her timeline back further.

Still, both teachers are now able to reflect on all the support they received from the school community.

Patti Cogburn and Patsy Ford offer advice to those diagnosed with cancer.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

n Take time to laugh. Having cancer is challenging, but Ford says you just have to keep living. Learning to laugh, and having your family laugh with you, is a good way to keep living.

When Ford first told her ninthgrade algebra students about her diagnosis, she cried.

“That was hard,” she said.

“Unless they’ve had someone close in their family, I think they sometimes don’t know what to do. I mean, what do you do as an adult when someone tells you they have cancer?”

“It was good for them to be able to watch us go through it,” Cogburn added. “And see that we’re OK.”

n Don’t be afraid to tell people. Knowing you have others by your side makes a hard process a little easier to endure. Many people want to help you too, but you won’t know until you talk about it.

Cogburn gets teary-eyed when she thinks about telling her students about the diagnosis.

As a drama teacher, Cogburn spends lots of time with a small group of students. She got the

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Raven Hill, Foundation Academy student in Patti Cogburn’s drama class.

diagnosis during the rehearsal period of a show they were working on.

Raven Hill, a ninth-grade drama student in Cogburn’s class, has done three productions with Cogburn. Cogburn told them she had cancer during a play rehearsal, right before a states thespian competition.

“People were shocked,” Hill said.

But Hill said things in Cogburn’s class didn’t change much.

“She puts others before herself — that’s what I admire about

her,” Hill said. “When I look at her, I don’t even see cancer. I see a woman who loves kids.”

“All the kids were really sweet and very concerned for us.

Always saying, ‘Don’t do this, don’t do that, we’ll help you,’” Cogburn said.

In November 2014, the school hosted a 5K run to raise support for the teachers’ medical expenses. More than $10,000 was raised, and 150 runners attended.

“I think the 5K was huge for (the students) because it gave them a way to help,” Ford said.

The parent organization at Foundation also donated gift cards to the teachers.

Ford and Cogburn did not lose any pay because teachers donated sick days to them. One teacher told Ford to take as many sick days as she needed.

This year, other teachers have been sick, so Cogburn has been able to give back by donating some of her sick days.

LOOKING BACK

Now through the worst parts of the experience, Ford and Cogburn are able to look back on what they learned from having cancer.

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Cogburn said life is full of challenges, and cancer was one of the challenges she had to face.

“Because of our faith, we just had the confidence and comfort that Jesus was with us through the whole process and that we’re OK,” she said. “Our faith made this — I’m not trying to lessen it — but in one way, just another event in life. It was just another thing I had to go through.”

From the support of their school community and their faith in God, they knew they weren’t alone.

Even the difficulty of having to tell their students about their cancer had a positive side. Ford and Cogburn believe it was good for their students to watch them deal with the process of cancer, so they know how to relate to others with cancer. They were also able to discover other students who have a loved one who had cancer at some point.

Contact Jennifer Nesslar at jnesslar@wotimes.com.

Jennifer Nesslar

Fellow teachers Patti Cogburn and Patsy Ford were able to go through breast cancer with one another.

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“She (Patti Cogburn) puts others before herself. That’s what I admire about her. When I look at her, I don’t even see cancer. I see a woman who loves kids.”

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Pedaling with Purpose What started five years ago as a way for the owner of Winter Garden Wheel Works to honor his mother has become an annual ride that raises thousands for cancer research.

STEVEN RYZEWSKI

Of course, the first year was the hardest.

It was August 2010, and Winter Garden Wheel Works owner Dennis Jones had just lost his mother, Jeanette Jones, to breast cancer.

That experience prompted Jones, his family and his staff at the shop in downtown Winter Garden to want to do something after living through what cancer does to a family. In about one month, they put together the first Winter Garden Wheel Works Breast Cancer Ride. “(My mother’s passing) kind of got us started thinking about it — we saw the effects on families, so we started the ride right after her

Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzewski@wotimes.com.

Read more about the rides at WOTimes.com

IF YOU GO WINTER GARDEN WHEEL WORKS “THINK PINK” BREAST CANCER RIDE WHEN: 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17 WHERE: The event begins in front of Winter Garden Wheel Works, 101 W. Plant St. DONATIONS: The cost for the 10-mile ride is a $20 donation; the cost for the 32-mile ride is $30 donation; the cost for the 62mile ride is a $40 donation.

All proceeds benefit the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Reseatch Institute, and every rider gets a T-shirt.

INFORMATION: For more, visit wgwheelworks.com.

Interested parties also can like the ride’s specific Facebook page, www.facebook. com/wgbcr and Wheel Works’ page, www.face book.com/wintergarden. wheelworks.

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SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

passing, that first October,” Jones said. “The first year, it was (really) personal, but we got to see how it affected other people, as well. It became not so much a personal thing as it became a community thing.”

Indeed, over the years of owning and operating his shop, Jones hardly goes a week without meeting someone who has been affected by either breast cancer or any of the other types of the disease. Accordingly, that first ride that started with about 75 riders has blossomed into an event that attracts about 250 riders. Proceeds now benefit cancer research at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute in Tampa, where Jeanette Jones was treated.

This year, the event has been rebranded as the Winter Gar-

den Wheel Works “Think Pink” Breast Cancer Ride, and Jones and his staff are hopeful to add to the more than $15,000 they already have raised for cancer research over the years. This year’s event will include three ride lengths — a 10-mile ride, a 32-mile ride and a 62-mile ride — and will have refreshments and an auction afterward.

Jones said he loves hearing how the ride has helped those who have battled cancer. Last year, a longtime customer of his who had just been cleared of breast cancer attended the event. Although she was too closely removed from her treatment to ride that day, her presence was an inspiration to many, and she has since resumed her cycling and running routines.

“It’s cool that we get a lot of people that will share their stories with us,” he said. “They either are doing the ride for somebody else or to honor somebody. We’re just honored that people come out and show their support.”

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ORLANDO 100 West Gore Street Suite 102 Orlando, FL 32806

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WOTimes.com

OCTOBER 2015

Breast cancer survivor Annette Glenn undergoes lymphedema therapy with certified lymphedema therapist Jennifer Jaszewski at Dr. P. Phillips Hospital Outpatient Rehabilitation Services.

Foot & Anckle Associates of Florida supports

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Always Welcoming New Patients Most Major Medical Insurance Plans Accepted

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Suite 3329, Medplex B. Orlando, FL 32819 Multiple locations to serve you: Altamonte Springs, Kissimmee, Mt. Dora

Observer Publisher / Dawn Willis, dwillis@wotimes.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@wotimes.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@wotimes.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry Rhode, aqrhode@wotimes.com Senior Sports Editor / Steven Ryzewski, sryzewski@wotimes.com Staff Writer / Zak Kerr, zkerr@wotimes.com Staff Writer / Jennifer Nesslar, jnesslar@wotimes.com Staff Writer / Catherine Sinclair, csinclair@wotimes.com Advertising Executive / Bill Carter, bcarter@wotimes.com Advertising Executive / Kim Edwards, kedwards@wotimes.com Advertising Executive / Cyndi Gustafson, cgustafson@wotimes.com Creative Services / Tony Trotti, ttrotti@wotimes.com Creative Services / Andres Tam, atam@wotimes.com Customer Service Representative / Sarah Felt, sfelt@wotimes.com Customer Service Representative / Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@wotimes.com

CONTACT US The West Orange Times & Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. It provides subscription home delivery.The West Orange Times also can be found in many commercial locations throughout West Orange County and at our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden.

If you wish to subscribe to the West Orange Times, visit our website, WOTimes.com, call (407) 656-2121 or visit our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden.

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Lymphedema therapy an important option for survivors Specially trained therapists ‘massage’ certain areas to promote lymph health.

ZAK KERR STAFF WRITER DR. PHILLIPS About

a year ago, a new program particularly beneficial to breast cancer patients arrived at Dr. P. Phillips Hospital in its Hospital Outpatient Rehabilitation Services.

It is called lymphedema therapy, also available through Health Central Hospital in Ocoee.

Lymphedema is a swelling from protein-rich fluid buildup that can occur around certain nodes and cause pain in patients.

“Oftentimes, when they do surgery, they take lymph nodes to see if there’s any cancerous cells,” said Kathryn Henderson, Dr. P. Phillips Hospital doctor of physical therapy and manager of rehabilitation services, about breast cancer treatment. “When they do that, there’s less nodes available for the fluid to be taken back up, so that’s how lymphedema develops.”

Most lymph nodes are in the groin, armpits and abdomen, said Jennifer Jaszewski, Dr. P. Phil-

lips Hospital’s certified lymphedema therapist who works with patients in a private room.

“As a therapist, what I do is called manual lymph drainage, which most people look at and think of as a massage, although therapists don’t think of it as a massage,” Jaszewski said. “It’s our way of moving fluid from this area, which is impaired, to other areas of the body, to be collected up and then eventually excreted out.”

“This is the one area in physical therapy where we can work with a lot of cancer patients and make a difference.”

Jennifer Jaszewski, Dr. P. Phillips Hospital’s certified lymphedema therapist

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Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@wotimes.com.

For most private plans, a daytime compression garment is covered, with some requiring the garment to be custom-made, Jaszewski said.

Most need 24-hour compression therapy, though, and not all insurance providers will cover a nighttime garment, she said. Orlando Health has partnered with a manufacturer to get garments at a cheaper cost, though.

Despite Medicare and Medicaid rarely covering any of these crucial garments, hope is present in that regard, she said.

“Currently through Congress now they have the Lymphedema Treatment Act, which is going for a couple years now,” Jaszewski said. “I know some of the representatives from Florida have signed off on it. Basically, the act is a law that says Medicaid or Medicare will cover the cost of not only compression garments but also bandages, as well as treatment. The nice thing about that is as soon as Medicare approves it, then the other insurance companies tend to follow suit.”

Costs for sleeves alone can be $50 but range into the hundreds of dollars, she said.

Treatment tends to be covered, but Jaszewski has had to limit some patients based on their finances and prioritizing other treatments, especially for cancer, she said.

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Predicting lymphedema is independent of the number of nodes removed but can worsen with advanced swelling, so early treatment and awareness is important, she said.

“Some breast cancer patients were never told 10 years ago, so … they tried water pills, which are typically ineffective, or they even have other orthopedic issues wrong, like decreased range of motion in the shoulder,” Jaszewski said. “A doctor can get rid of their cancer, but we therapists can give people back their lives.

Their ability to function, even wear normal clothes, means a lot.”

Treatment also includes particular range-of-motion exercises and wearing specialized compression garments, Jaszewski said.

“There is not a cure for it, but there is a way to manage it,” she said.

About one in three of Jaszewski’s lymphedema patients — whom she often sees several times a week in severe cases— have had breast cancer, and she regularly sees about four or five such patients per week, she said.

Lymphedema patients can comprise as much as half of her weekly load, she said.

“I have some patients that have had lymphedema for 20 years, and they unfortunately have gotten significantly bigger,” Jaszewski said. “Between the multi-compression bandaging and the drainage, I see them quite frequently — three or four times a week for about a month, sometimes two. The average I would say is about a month to six weeks.”

Part of Jaszewski’s motivation was the death of her mother from cancer, which caused her to want to help others dealing with cancer.

“This is the one area in physical therapy where we can work with a lot of cancer patients and make a difference,” she said.

Especially for breast cancer patients, Jaszewski recommends people ask their doctors about lymphedema as a potential complication of lymph node removal and whether there is a lymphedema therapist they could consult.

For more information, call (407) 351-8580 or visit DrPPhillipsHospital.com.

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WOTimes.com

OCTOBER 2015

Annual hike offers hope “Folks who are unfortunately suffering from cancer, as they go through their treatment process, they find that travel is a challenge. Having (the UF Health Cancer Center — Orlando Health facility) close to home allows the travel distance to be shorter (and) also have family members involved (in) support along the journey. ” — Greg Ohe, Health Central CEO

“We’re here to raise awareness for breast cancer. It is … the second-most common cancer among women in the United States. It is the second-most common cancer that causes death among women in the United States. This year alone, 230,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in our country, and 15,000 of them will be from Florida.”

— Dr. Faseeh Khaja, oncologist

Health Central Hospital in Ocoee kicked off National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Oct. 1 with its 2015 Hope Hike.

Led by Health Central CEO Greg Ohe and oncologist Dr. Faseeh Khaja, hospital personnel — carrying pink balloons, ribbons and more — made the trek from the hospital across State Road 50 to the UF Health Cancer Center — Orlando Health facility.

Other Hope Hikes included one from Orlando City Hall to the UF Health Cancer Center; one at Dr. P. Phillips Hospital through the hospital halls; and from South Seminole Hospital to Longwood City Hall.

So far this year, 7,000 new cancer patients have walked through the doors of UF Health Cancer Center — Orlando Health. About 500 of them have had breast cancer. In 2015, it’s estimated that 15,000 Floridians will be diagnosed with the disease.

The center has logged 67,000 visits to its oncology clinic and continues to add new services to meet the needs of the community and its patients. Last month, the cancer center opened its Cancer Genetics Center for high-risk patients and those with a genetic link to breast cancer. In 2016, UF Health Cancer Center — Orlando Health will open its Proton

Therapy Center, which will bring a new radiation treatment to cancer patients. It will be the first of its kind in Central Florida For more information, visit orlandohealth.com.

— MICHAEL ENG

Robin Vallebuona and Rosalie Cierra participated in this year’s Hope Hike.

The Hope Hike ended at the UF Health Cancer Center — Orlando Health facility.

Tonisha Lafayette planted a pink ribbon outside the UF Health Cancer Center — Orlando Health facility.

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See more photos from this event at WOTimes.com

Illy Romero and Pamela Candel were ready to make the hike.

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OCTOBER 2015

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Menopause The Musical:

The Survivor Tour

For more information, visit MenopauseTheMusical.com.

Apply by

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• Unlimited small group sessions or 10 Power training (1 hr sessions) • Need to lose a minimum of 10-30lbs.

• Want to add lean, toned & firm muscle quickly.

• Willing to invest $78/week & save 63% off a training & nutrition program.

Linda Boston, Megan Cavanagh, Teri Adams, Judy Blue star in the musical.

Photo by Thomas J. King

helps us move closer to our vision of a world without breast cancer.”

For more than a decade, “Menopause The Musical” has worked to inspire and support women dealing with life after “The Change.” “‘Menopause’ has always been a cause-based show,” said Director Seth Greenleaf. “The cause was helping women see that what they are experiencing is perfectly normal and that they are not

more than 450 U.S. cities, nearly 300 international cities and a total of 15 countries.

Tickets cost $39 to $56 and are available at the Clermont Performing Arts Center Box Office, clermontperformingarts.com or by calling (352) 394-4800.

Funds raised will benefit Susan G. Komen.

Greater discounts for groups of 10 or more are available by calling (888) 686-8587, Ext. 2.

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alone. The Susan G. Komen partnership increases the importance of our purpose because now we’re not just talking about life affirming, but life saving. We’re deeply proud to be a part of this effort.”

“Menopause The Musical” is recognized as the longest-running scripted musical production in Las Vegas and continues to entertain nightly at Harrah’s. The hilarious musical has entertained audiences across the globe in

www.gmamafitness.com

182805

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ment store where four women at a lingerie sale have nothing in common but a black lace bra and memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex and more. Singing along to classic tunes from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, the cast forms a sisterhood with the entire audience. “‘Menopause The Musical’ has lifted the spirits of more than 11 million people worldwide, and we are thrilled to be part of this extraordinary mission with GFour and a cast that represents the more than 3.1 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S.,” said Susan G. Komen President and CEO Dr. Judy Salerno. “Their support makes a difference in the lives of women and men and

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GFour Productions, winner of 54 Drama Desk Awards and 44 Tony Awards, has joined forces with Susan G. Komen to launch “Menopause The Musical: The Survivor Tour” benefiting Susan G. Komen in 2015.

With a cast of breast cancer survivors and co-survivors, “Menopause The Musical” and Komen partner to offer inspiration, sisterhood and hope.

The tour will come to Central Florida for four performances Nov. 13 to 15 at the Clermont Performing Arts Center at 3700 S. U.S. 27, Clermont. Shows will take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15.

The musical is set in a depart-

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WOTimes.com

OCTOBER 2015

Golden Pond supports Breast Cancer & Alzheimer’s Awareness Month!

Stop in for a tour anytime as we are here for you when you need us!

402 Lakeview Road • Winter Garden, FL 34787

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