Volume 6, Issue 3

AprilJune 2012

Sisterhood of Survivors Quarterly Newsletter

V O L U M E
Mission: Sisterhood of Survivors is committed to assisting newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and survivors. SOS offers encouragement, support, monthly luncheons, volunteer opportunities, friendship, a resource library, and a quarterly newsletter filled with inspiration, resources, and event information. SOS delivers educational totes to the recently diagnosed, enabling survivors the opportunity to reach out to others just beginning their treatment. Each tote is delivered by a survivor, giving the new patient an opportunity to talk to another who has made the journey herself. Contents are donated by members of SOS, the community, and professionals. SOS pays for the making of the totes as well as some of the contents. SOS totes are delivered at no cost. INSIDE THIS ISSUE: This Quarter Events Letter from the Editor Guest Speaker Yard Sale 2 2 2 2

6 ,

I S S U E

A P R I L J U N E

2 0 1 2
Vendor space is sold out for this years Girls Night Out! Over 40 local vendors will be showcasing their products and services, including: complimentary wine tasting, hair styling, make-up application, eyebrow threading, handmade jewelry, handbags, picture frames, clothing, chocolates, and much, much more! You do not want to miss it!

Wearestilllookingforadditionalappetizeranddessertdonations.Ifyoucan help,pleasecontactCrystalat7143346195oremailat Crystal@SisterhoodOfSurvivors.org

Sue Gonsalves
In October 2009, Sue was diagnosed with breast cancer and the sudden realization was obviously shocking, knowing that cancer did not run in her genes nor was she in any way expecting such a diagnosis. However, this alarming news did not prevent her from continuing the daily activities of life. She attended work and always remained an active member of the community. According to Sue, positivism and education are key to combating the stigmas of cancer. In other words, Sue researched the causes, effects and various treatments for this disease, improving the coping process for her and her family, while also recommending that newly diagnosed seek support from groups that offer hope and optimism. Throughout her treatment, Sue attended work at Fresno State and opened herself up to new relationships and opportunities, and meeting incredible, inspiring people during the process. It was then that Sue came across a billboard presenting information behind the SOS group, including a familiar name of a woman of whom she knew named, Mary Ann Rogozinski, which then prompted her to get involved with such a fantastic community. As a retired social worker and avid supporter of groups that combated serious illnesses, the theme of SOS initially caught her interest for its pure dedication to helping those who are lost in these times. Thanks to the lovely gift of what we know as SOS, Sue has become a board member of the group and can proudly say that she's doing her part for those who need it in such difficult times. Sue's motto in life is to "appreciate the smaller things in life, and her story along with many other survivors' stories have given us a reason to do so. Submitted by: Gabriella Bedrosian

Volunteer News Young Survivors News Donor Recognition Resources

3 4 4 5

P a g e

S i s t e r h o o d

o f

S ur v i v o r s

S O S

Q u a r t e r l y

M e e t i n g s

Inspiration for each other

Diana Dhuyvetter

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Planning Meetings @ 5:30 St. Agnes Cancer Center 710 W. Shaw Ave, Clovis 7130 N. Millbrook, Fresno Shaw & Willow SE corner Herndon & Millbrook
April 21 May 19 June 16 April 9 May 14 June 11

Luncheons @ Noon Dennys

SOS needs You! Become a Volunteer Member

There has been an upward trend in volunteering since 1998, with the most significant increase after the tragedies of September 11, 2001. There is more evidence today than ever before that helping others has real health benefits. Research studies show that most people do in fact hold the belief that helping others is a good way for you to gain fulfillment. In todays busy society, it can be hard to think about finding time to volunteer. However, the benefits of volunteering are enormous, to you, your family, and the community. Volunteering can also help protect your mental and physical health. It increases life satisfaction, combats depression, and helps you stay physically healthy. Doing volunteer work you find meaningful and interesting can be a relaxing, energizing escape from your day-to-day routine of work, school, or family commitments. Volunteering also provides you with renewed creativity, motivation, and vision that can carry over into your personal and professional life. It is widely believed that helping others is as beneficial for the donor as it is for the recipient.
Sources: Joanna Saisan, M.S.W., Melinda Smith, M.A., and Gina Kemp, M.A.

C. Dawn DeLozier, Ph.D. Dawn has been the Director of Clinical Services at Genetic Medicine of Central California since the practice was opened in July 2003. She obtained her M.S. in Genetic Counseling and her Ph.D. in Medical Genetics from the Department of Medical Genetics of Indiana University, Indianapolis. She has been Board-Certified in Genetic Counseling since 1982 and certified as a Ph.D. Medical Geneticist and a Clinical Cytogeneticist by the American Board of Medical Genetics since 1990 and 1993, respectively. She has held academic appointments at the University of Geneva (Switzerland) and has been an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at UCSF-Fresno since 2004. She has directed clinical genetics research projects and run a diagnostic laboratory, as well as having many years of teaching experience. Her current clinical specialty is hereditary predisposition to cancer.

Lou Tice, Winners Circle Network wrote the following article regarding the effects of volunteering, that I believe to be worthy to share. If youd like to add new depth of meaning to your life, and give your energy level a boost at the same time, then read on. Theres a great idea that seems to have gone out of fashion for awhile, and thats really too bad, because its an idea that helps give meaning and purpose to life. It can also do wonders for your energy level, relationships, and self esteem. That idea, in a word is Service. To be more specific by Service, I mean the act of doing something to assist or benefit someone else without any expectation of reward of even acknowledgement. All of us can think of shining examples of people who selfishly serve others, and by doing so, make the world a better placelike Mother Teresa did.

LargestYardSale,RadioTradio! Saturday, May 12th, 7 am1 pm

We are excited to announce our participation in Central Californias Largest Yard Sale, Radio Tradio! The event will be held on Saturday, May 12th from 7 a.m. 1 p.m. at the Madera Fairgrounds. To ensure a successful fundraiser, we need your help! So, please kickoff your spring cleaning and donate your new, and nearly new items to us to sell at the yard sale! For more information, contact Crystal at Crystal@SisterhoodOfSurvivors.org or 714.334.6195

GIRLS NIGHT OUT

Wearestilllookingfor additionalappetizeranddessert donations. If you can help, please contact Crystal at 714 3346195oremailat
Crystal@SisterhoodOfSurvivors.org

But its important to realize that you dont have to be a the world. SpecialProjectsCommittee Mother Teresa to do good work incontact withWhenever you have a personal or business someone ChairpersonNeeded and you take a moment to put yourself in their shoes and Ourspecialprojectsteamneedsa behave accordingly, you change the balance of power in leader! If you are interested in the world from fear and hate to caring and consideraorchestrating very valuable, at tion. tentiontodetailprojects,weare You may be a teacher, a housewife, a salesclerk, an accountlooking for you!! Some projects ant or a computer programmer, it doesnt matter. What matinclude grant writing, managing ters is how you do itthe creative, personal touches you add guest speakers and educational to make someones day a little easier or a little smoother. materials, as well as other fun, Someone pleased will notice what youve done and some exciting important projects. For wont. But I guarantee you, if you start to approach your job in more information contact Terry SOS with the goal of giving truly caring service, you will be transforming your work into something MAGNIFICIENT. Elrodat2894168.

S i s t e r h o o d

o f

S ur v i v o r s

P a g e

SOS VOLUNTEER DRIVE The Marines have a poster which advertises for "A Few Good Men. Well, SOS needs "A Few Good Volunteers. Actually, we need as many volunteers as we can find! We are asking you to recruit one or more persons who are willing to become volunteers and help us do our work. You might ask why we are having this drive, who is a member, and who is a volunteer? 2012 is a year of change and structuring. As a growing nonprofit organization, SOS needs volunteers to share with the workload. Who is a SOS member? Any breast cancer survivor, supporter (i.e., friend, relative, spouse, or anyone who has an interest in SOS), and health professional who works with breast cancer patients can be a SOS member. Who is a SOS volunteer? To become a volunteer, a member must attend one of our regularly scheduled orientation sessions. We want our volunteers to know more about our mission and our work in the community. Additionally, we ask our volunteers serve as an active participant on one of our committees. Our volunteers are the working hands of SOS. To reach more breast cancer patients, we need more helping hands! Our Volunteer Drive begins now, and runs through June 1, 2012. Each one of you needs to "sell" SOS Volunteerism to a person you know. Then, submit the person's name and contact information (phone #, email address, street address) to Janet Ames, Membership Committee Chairperson, by phone at 696-6525, or email: pinkpower2002@hotmail.com. As a delicious incentive, for EACH volunteer you recruit, a raffle ticket will be entered in your name. There will be a drawing at the end of the drive. The winner will receive a $50.00 gift certificate for The Cheesecake Factory. Search your contacts on your smart phone, email contacts, and Facebook Friends. See whom you can recruit. We Thank You ~ Your Membership Committee need EVERYONE to participate!!!!!!

A new format for committees began this year. Individual committees meet on the second Monday of the month. Afterward, committee chairs meet from 6:30pm to 7:00pm with the Planning Committee Chair. By establishing committees, SOS is able to accomplish more. With several members on each committee, our efforts are multiplied and individual time is kept to a minimum. With four committees from which to choose, we are sure you will find an area that will interest you. Below are brief descriptions for each committee responsibilities:
Membership ~ Chair Janet Ames This committee will include, but not be limited to: volunteer recruitment, orientation and recognition, and thank you and greeting cards Outreach ~ Chair Mary Ann Rogozinski This committee will include, but not be limited to: tote program, monthly luncheon meetings and quarterly guest speakers, community events, and the quarterly newsletter Marketing Committee ~ Chair Crystal Sherian This committee will include, but not be limited to: media, fundraising, social media, and the SOS website Special Projects ~ vacant This committee will include, but not be limited to: development of special SOS items, guest speaker pool, educational materials sources, grant writing , annual by-law review and BOD appointed special projects

Volunteer Opportunities

In an effort to offer volunteer orientation to as many people as possible, the format and location have changed. Anyone who wishes to volunteer his or her time for SOS community events, conferences, monthly luncheons, fundraisers, tote assembly and delivery, quarterly newsletter mailings, staffing SOS office, etc., should attend an orientation. You are only required to attend orientation once. We will offer orientation prior to our monthly luncheons.

Volunteer Orientation Change in Location & Format

Orientations are scheduled for: April 21 May 19 June 16 Dennys, 710 W. Shaw Ave, Clovis SE corner Shaw & Willow 10 am 11 am
The orientation provides an opportunity for you to meet other volunteers, discover volunteer opportunities, learn the history of SOS, our mission and our services, and equip you as an Ambassador of SOS. Each attendee receives an SOS Handbook and completes a personal skills assessment.

To All Our Volunteers! Your dedication to serving others is much appreciated! If you have not submitted your volunteer hours this year, please contact Janet Ames at 696-6525 or email at pinkpower2002@hotmail.com.

P a g e

S i s t e r h o o d

o f

S ur v i v o r s

Young Survivors News For Women Ages 45 or Younger

Who are Young Survivors?
SOS has several breast cancer survivors age 45 and younger. In addition to coping with breast cancer, younger women have unique issues such as pregnancy, fertility, and affects on young children. The group is still forming and they are looking for members to join their luncheons. If you are a woman age 45 or younger diagnosed with breast cancer, we would like to extend an invitation for you to join the luncheon at noon the second Saturday of each month (this quarter): April 14, May 12, and June 9 @ noon Applebees, Shaw & Villa in Clovis. Bring your friends, supporters, or family members for a time of sharing and learning from one another. If you have questions, you may contact: Charyce Haynes at 304-2146 email: rycecup@sbcglobal.net or Lynette McBride at 324-0208 email: tommc02@comcast.net

Donor Recognition
ThestaffandphysiciansatTheHeartGrouparepleased andhonoredtodonateto SisterhoodofSurvivorsinlovingmemoryof TraciShareeMerwinTaylor TracilostherlongbattlewithbreastcanceronJanuary16, 2012. She leaves behind her husband Michael, their two sons, Cameron and David; her parents Ron and Dayrene Merwin; and her sister Mandi Putnam, husband Ken, and their sons, Conner and Nicholas. She leaves behind many familymembersandfriendswholoveher.

We appreciate the support and commitments that Sister hoodofSurvivorsprovidestothewomeninourcommuni tiestoensurethemthattheyarenotaloneinthestruggle withbreastcancer. To the Sisterhood of Survivors, Thank you again for speaking at our Think Pink Breast Cancer Awareness banquet. Your stories were pivotal in bringing home the fact that breast cancer affects everyone in a community and we thank you for being a part of our special night. Please accept these donations as a small token of support for your amazing cause. All the best ~ Molly, Alex, and OSL Womens Programs California Legal Resource Center's Staff Attorney, Jamie Ledezma, presented "Cancer and the Law" March 10, 2012 at the Odd Fellows Lodge located at Helm and Gettysburg in Clovis. The seminar was designed for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, caregivers, supporters and those in the medical field seeking to expand their knowledge of understanding the law and local resources available. CLRC provided booklets to each attendee. A limited number of booklets are available at the Sisterhood of Survivors office located at 323 W Cromwell, Suite 112, Fresno, CA. Please call for availability 559-439-2183.
Thank you Jamie for the great presentation! Thank you to the CLRC for sponsoring the refreshments; Central Valley Komen for providing a grant to CLRC for their work in the Central Valley; Odd Fellows Lodge for the donation of their awesome facilities; and Committee and volunteers that helped before, during, and after the event.

ONE DAY TREATMENT FOR BREAST CANCER Intraoperative Radiation Therapy is a treatment option for early stage breast cancer patients where radiation treatment can be administered in a single dose at the time of surgery. When the patient wakes up, everything is done for them. The beauty is the convenience of it. Early stage cancer patients first have to be evaluated to see whether they qualify for the treatment. However, for those who do qualify, the treatment is a major departure from the current standard of care for early stage breast cancer patients, which consists of lumpectomy, medical therapy, and a five- to seven-week course of daily Whole Breast External Beam Radiation Therapy. A single dose of radiation with the new technology is just as effective as treating the tumor with 10 to 20 daily radiation doses. Because of the quick treatment, the patients anxiety and logistical nightmares of scheduling different appointments and traveling are eliminated. The concept of Intraoperative Radiation Therapy has been around for several years and its results through clinical trials have been positive. One multi-institutional clinical study where 2,000 women with early stage breast cancer were treated, half those patients got the one-dose radiation treatment, while the other half received the standard multiple treatments. After four years, there was no difference in recurrence rates between the two groups of patients, and there appeared to be fewer complications from the patients who received the single radiation dose. One-dose treatment is effective because it gives off a higher amount of radiation to a smaller treatment area, hence the need to be an early stage cancer patient. The treatment also minimizes radiation exposure to healthy tissue and organs, such as the ribs, lungs, heart and opposite breast. There are currently a limited number of hospitals in the country who offer this treatment option. As things progress, more surgeons will be willing to adopt this technology because it's better for the patients and its results are just as good, if not better, than the current standard.
Submitted by: Diana Dhuyvetter Source: seacoastline.com

V o l u m e

6 ,

I s s u e

P a g e

Resources
AMERICANCANCERSOCIETY LOOKGOOD,FEELBETTER T:8002272345forinformation WIGBANKT:4510722option2 SUSANG.KOMENCENTRALVALLEY T:2292245or www.komencentralvalley.org/ DEAF&HARDOFHEARINGSERVICECENTER Providesuptodatebreastcancerawareness, current treatments, and how to support, advocate, and assist others who are current breastcancersurvivors T:2253323

HINDSHOSPICE Helpstooffsetthecostofuninsuredorunder insured terminally ill breast cancer patients. Hinds Hospice operates a fullservice inhome hospice&servespatientsintheirhomesorin appropriatelylicensedfacilities.T:2265683

NEEDARIDET:8664447672

BCCTP Ifyouarediagnosedwithbreastcancer,free treatment isavailabletoallCalifornianswho qualifythroughtheBreast&CervicalCancer Treatment Program. Information about this programisavailableonMediCalswebsiteor call8008240088 tospeakwithaneligibility specialist.

NEEDFINANCIALASSISTANCE? CALIFORNIAHEALTHCOLLABORATIVE 1625E.Shaw,Suite155,Fresno T:2444554 email:jruiz@healthcollaborative.org

CANCERLEGALRESOURCECENTER FRESNOHEALTHCONSUMERCENTER CANCERDETECTIONPROGRAM PROJECTOFCENTRALCALEGALSERVICES 866THECLRCor EVERYWOMANCOUNTS http://www.disabilityrightslegalcenter.org Conducts breast health education outreach to Paysforeligiblewomanscervical DisabilityLegalRightsCenterCancerLegal all underserved residents. Referral, interven examandbreastscreening. tion, & guidance for breast cancer screening. ResourceCenter T:8005112300 Aguidetonavigatingtobreasthealthcare Focuses on the needs of the under represented, marginalized, & hardtoreach optionsinFresnoCounty.Educatesthose whodonothaveadequateinformationabout populations. T:5701266 theirlegalrightsand/oroptionsandthose Underserved women seeking breast cancer whoarelesslikelytoreceiveoptimumhealth BREASTCANCERLYMPHEDEMACLINIC screening who are not eligible for Every Woman careandaremorepronetoexperiencein Clovis Hospital @ Radin Center Counts may call FHCC for information how to creasedstressandlesspositivesurvivorship obtain life-saving breast cancer screening. outcomes. T: 324-4057 MESOTHELIOMACENTER Featuresinformationonasbestos, mesothelioma, & other cancers that are c a u s e d f r o m a s b e s t o s e x p o s u r e wwww.asbestos.comT:4079655755 CENTROLAFAMILIAADVOCACYSERVICES,INC. ProvidesSpanishlanguagebreasthealthedu cation, advocacy, health literacy, and guid ance for breast cancer screening to urban & ruralcommunities. T:2372961 HEALTHWELLFOUNDATION Forsinglewomen/moms T:8006758416 or PATIENTACCESSNETWORK FOUNDATION T:8663137263

CLEANINGFORAREASON NCIconducts&supports research,training,health Anywomancurrentlyundergoingtreatment, FREEhousecleaning,onetimepermonthfor informationdissemination& otherprogramsforcancer fourmonthswhilein T:1800FORCANCERorwww.cancer.gov treatment. T:8773373348or www.cleaningforareason.org

HELPINGONEWOMAN...ATATIME
Forthoseinfinancialneed www.helpingonewoman.org

WESTFRESNOHEALTHCARECOALITION Offers breast health education, advocacy, andguidancetoAfricanAmerican community. T:2647185

WOMENSHEALTHRESOURCECENTER OFCALIFORNIAPACIFICMEDICALCENTER TheWomensHealthResourceoffersa quarterlynewsletterwiththeintentto educatewomenaboutsubjectspertinent totheirhealth. www.cpmc.org/whrc T:415.600.0500or email:camerod@sutterhealth.org

JULIECASH, CERTIFIEDMASSAGETHERAPIST CERTIFIEDLYMPHATICTHERAPISTLANA

FindTHERAPEUTICTOUCHonFacebook "Like"thepagetogetupdatednews andinformationonlymphatic therapyandlymphedema

WERE ON THE WEB! WWW.SISTERHOODOFSURVIVORS.ORG

We ask you and your loved ones to please consider Sisterhood of Survivors when planning to donate. Donations are tax deductible. Sisterhood of Survivors (SOS) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation (EIN 27-0480799). I would like to make a donation of $ Please make your check payable to: I would like to volunteer Sisterhood of Survivors, Inc. PO Box 3841 Pinedale, CA 93650
PLANNING COMMITTEE ChairTerry Elrod @ 289-4168 MembershipJanet Ames @ 696-6525 OutreachMary Ann Rogozinski @ 433-9703 Special Projectsvacant MarketingCrystal Sherian @ crysa714@aim.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Janet Ames, Survivor Terry Elrod, Survivor Debbie Garrett, California Health Collaborative Susan Gonsalves, Survivor & LCSW Jamie Ledezma, Survivor & Komen Public Policy Chair, Central Valley Mary Ann Rogozinski, Survivor Julie Tipps, Survivor, RN, BSN, MSN

ADVISORY COUNCIL Rodney Hernandes, H&O Medical Group Sharon Johnson, Survivor & Executive Director, Komen Central Valley Margaret Mims, Survivor & Fresno Co. Sheriff Mikell Parson, D.C., C.C.N., D.A.C.B.N., D.A.C.N.B Bonna Rogers-Neufeld, M.D., F.A.C.R

FOLLOWSISTERHOODOFSURVIVORSONFACEBOOK ClickLikeonourpageandjointheSisterhoodofSurvivors! Shareourpagewithothers

Sisterhood of Survivors PO Box 3841 Pinedale, CA 93650

NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID CLOVIS CA PERMIT NO 553

Printing provided by a grant from Susan G. Komen Central Valley Affiliate Please Forward - Address Correction Requested

g pi n ee nt k by rre O S n cu S io t lp he ma ct se nfor nta es a Co t Am Ple our i y ne Ja