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Alderman Ginger Rugai’s 14^th Annual Softball Tournament: Saturday, August 23, 2008

You don’t have to be a ball player to participate in this event. There is a Powder Puff tournament for those who are not hard core players and survivor game to enjoy!

We will have brand new merchandise and plenty of excellent raffle prizes for you to win!

Time: Registration starts at 7:00 a.m.; First game at 8:00 am. Games are played all day long!

Location: St. Christina Field at the intersection of 111^th Street and Central Park Avenue, Chicago

Cost: Free for spectators; $35 per player or $525 per team

To sign up to play: Players should contact Kathy O’Shea at (773)779-0172

If you are interested in volunteering to help out with the event, please contact Kate Lacio at klacio@networkofstrength.org or (312)364-9071 ext 17

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Thank you Summer Interns!

Network of Strength Illinois had the pleasure of having 5 interns in our office this summer. We want to extend them a warm thank you for all of their hard work! Applications are now being accepted for the fall.

Rebecca Cohen-Development Foundation and corporation research, developing the FY09 grant matrix, donor relations and proofreading grants

Brianna Duniec – Programs Updating the database of Chicago schools for our Just for Teens Program and assisting the staff with the Polish Health Seminar and the Mobile Salon.

Hope Morley-Communications Writing, editing and research for all newsletters and external press releases, media relations and archiving press clips.

Stephanie Swisher-Special Events Assisting with Pink Streak marathon team and Ride to Empower team, logistics and raffle for "The Journey Continues" fall luncheon and the softball tournament.

Pierre Taylor – Accounting Data input on our donor system and updating donor files.

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Program News

 

Meet Gabriela Kowalczyk

I am very excited to join the staff of Breast Cancer Network of Strength Illinois as the next Program Coordinator for the Polish Community. I am a friendly and caring person who always welcomes the future with a smile.  I have compassion for people with needs and for those less fortunate. I do not like to shy away from difficult situations; instead they give me the strength to do more. My sole purpose in life is to dedicate my time and my ability to help others.

I look forward to getting to know the staff and our supporters!  I can be reached at gkowalczyk@networkofstrength.org

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"Just for Teens" Success! 

Breast Cancer Network of Strength’s "Just for Teens" program wrapped up another school year by educating over 6,900 young women.  We are partnering with Jonny Imerman, Executive Director of Imerman Angels for the 2008-2009 school year to provide education to teenage boys about testicular cancer. We feel that this is the missing link in our working with schools to bring cancer education and awareness to all teenagers! If you’re interested in getting involved in the program, e-mail Patty Jacobs at pjacobs@networkofstrength.org

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Ticket For the Cure Supports the Mobile Salon!

Breast Cancer Network of Strength Illinois is happy to announce an award of $35,000 from the Fiscal Year 2009 Ticket for the Cure lottery game. This significant gift will allow us to continue to bring the salon where women are receiving their treatment. Thank you to the Illinois Department of Women’s Health/Office of Women’s Health and to all of you who purchased a ticket!

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Get Involved!

 

Volunteer Opportunities: check out the new webpage for current requests! The new webpage can be seen by clicking here and we encourage you to check it out regularly to see our current requests.

A message from Kim Peterson, Volunteer Coordinator:

October is just around the corner and I want to make sure you still feel comfortable participating in a Breast Health Awareness workshop or health fair. For those of you who need a "refresher course" or those who HAVE NOT had training, the next scheduled training date is:

 

Saturday, August 16^th

11am-2pm

300 W. Adams Suite 430

 

Lunch will be served and parking is available. You Must RSVP to attend. (312) 364-9071.

If you don’t feel like you need the training, I would still like to meet with or talk to you. There have been tons of changes over the last few months, and I would love to reconnect with our most valued asset, our supporters. I will do my best to work around your schedules and can meet with you in your areas!

Lastly, if you no longer wish to volunteer and/or no longer wish to be on our email list, please let me know so I can have your name removed. I look forward to hearing from you all! -Kim

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Pink Streak raises over $40,000 with no sign of stopping!

Thanks to the hard work of the entire team, Pink Streak has raised over $40,000! With the marathon more than two months away, this group seems on track to hit a new record!  Thanks to our top fundraisers:

Whitney Chada

Jenny Cizner

Scott Floy

Holly Goldberg

Nicole Dingley

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Introducing Network of Strength Advocacy Illinois!

Advocacy is an easy way to get involved in breast cancer activism, from sending your elected official an e-mail to going to Capitol Hill. Let your voice be heard. Sign up today for our action alerts and monthly newsletter! Questions? E-mail Rachel Runnals at rrunnals@networkofstrength.org

 

 

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Lectures and Calls

 

Wellness House – Making the Mind-Body Connection

August 19, 2008

7-8:30p.m

 

Gilda’s Club Chicago – Lecture: Finding the Money - How to Navigate Assistance for Medical Bills and Medications
August 19, 2008

6-7:30pm
537 N. Wells

 

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ShareRing Network Schedule  

 

A free, monthly one-hour teleconference featuring a breast cancer related presentation by a medical professional followed by a question and answer session. Participants are divided into small groups for discussion, which are moderated by peer counselors.

August 20, 2008, 7:00 p.m. CT

Shelly Cummings, M.S.
Genetic Counselor
Regional Medical Specialist
Myriad Genetic Laboratories, Inc.
Topic: “Understanding Your Genetic History”

About the Call:
Your genetic history can be an invaluable tool in assessing your cancer risk; however, the decision to be tested should not be taken lightly. In this presentation, Shelly Cummings will discuss a range of genetic testing issues. She will describe the cancer risks associated with the BRCA gene mutations and will discuss the use of genetic test results in medical management. She will also review the features of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome. Finally, Ms. Cummings will teach callers about risk assessment and the counseling process that comes with gene testing and will provide valuable insight on relevant health insurance issues.