April 2005 Y-ME Illinois e-News
It seems that spring weather has finally sprung here in Illinois - we're hoping
that warmer days are here to stay! Y-ME Illinois has many exciting events happening
in the next few months and you can read about them all below. We hope to see
many of you during these busy and exciting coming months.
Be sure to watch for the latest issue of Y-ME Illinois e-News in your inbox the
first weekday of each month!
In This Edition:
Enlightening, not Frightening: Breast Cancer Awareness for African-American Women
In order to address the need to improve breast cancer survival rates among African-American
women, Y-ME Illinois is leading the planning of “Enlightening, Not Frightening: Breast Cancer Awareness for African-American
Women”, a one day breast cancer awareness event on May 21, 2005 at University of Chicago Hospital. This event, funded primarily through a grant from the Illinois Department of
Public Health, Office of Women's Health, will work to increase awareness among
African-American women about the importance of early detection in breast cancer
as well as to increase knowledge of health resources available to women in the
community.
Partnering with organizations including Sisters Embracing Life, Cancer Information
Services, University of Chicago Hospital and Loyola University Medical Center,
Y-ME Illinois has put together a comprehensive program which will highlight early
detection screening methods and barriers to accessing care in Chicago, while also
working to reduce misinformation regarding breast cancer treatment and mortality.
As part of this program, uninsured women will be able to sign up for a free mammogram
through the Cook County Mobile Mammography Unit in the weeks following the program.
Please keep an eye on our website for registration details and if you are willing
to help publicize this important event in your area, please call Abby Drevs at
312.364.9071.
Team Pink Streak is Off and Running
Run PINK in the fight against breast cancer. Run with PINK STREAK, the Y-ME Illinois marathon team for The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon on Sunday,
October 9, 2005.
Whether you’re a first-time runner or a marathon veteran, Y-ME Illinois will
keep your spirits high throughout the 18-week training program.
Some surprising things to consider:
- You don’t have to live in Chicago, Illinois, or even the United States to be
a part of Pink Streak. Do you know someone coming in from out of town to run
the marathon? Suggest they run for Y-ME!
- Both men and women can join Pink Streak.
- You must be 16 to run the marathon, so let your high schoolers know they can
join Pink Streak.
- Though the marathon officially closes on August 15th, it has historically sold out well before then, so sign up early to reserve
your spot.
- Top Y-ME fundraisers get amazing prizes including official marathon street banners
from 2004 (trust me folks, you can’t buy these in stores), the opportunity to
model in the Y-ME fashion show, and so many more.
Don't Miss the 6th Annual Pink Ribbon Ball
6th Annual Pink Ribbon Ball
Friday, May 6, 2005
8 p.m. - Midnight
Chicago Cultural Center
77 E. Randolph Street
Don't miss this incredible evening of live entertainment by Lynne Jordan and
the Shivers, hors d'oeuvres by Entertaining Company, a full open bar, a drawing
for prizes, and a lavish silent auction. Attire is black-tie optional.
You can reserve your tickets online or by calling (312) 364-9071.
VIP Ticket - $125 per person
In the Chicago Room overlooking Millenium Park, includes a private wine tasting,
food pairing, and entertainment.
Individual Ticket - $95 per person in advance/$110 at the door
Pink Ribbon Ball Post-Party
After the Ball keep the party going at the post-party at BASE Bar and Lounge,
230 N. Michigan Avenue, in the Hard Rock Hotel.
Be sure to join us for the Pre-Party, too!
Pink Ribbon Ball Pre-Party
Thursday, April 14, 7:30 p.m.
Tilli’s, 1952 N. Halsted St.
Get the weekend started early… join your friends and co-workers at Tilli’s, Lincoln
Park’s hip hangout, for this year’s Pink Ribbon Ball Pre-Party. Hosted by the
Y-ME Young Professionals Group, the evening includes drink specials and complimentary
appetizers. Tickets to Pink Ribbon Ball will be available for purchase.
NBCC & Y-ME Announce the 108th Congressional Voting Record
The National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) recently released their 108th Congressional
Voting Record. Y-ME Illinois, a member of NBCC, is very pleased with the support our legislative
priorities received from our Illinois Members of Congress during the 108th Congress.
The Illinois Members of Congress receiving a perfect score include Rep. William
Lipinski (retired), Rep. Luis Gutierrez, Rep. Danny Davis, Rep. Janice Schakowsky,
Rep. Judy Biggert, and Senator Peter Fitzgerald (retired). These distinguished
members received a check mark in each of the categories that NBCC and its member
organizations, including Y-ME Illinois, deemed a high priority. See the Voting Record online. Please take a moment to thank these Illinois Members of Congress for their
support. Look up Congressional contact info.
This Voting Record is designed to remind both elected officials and their constituents
that breast cancer is both a health issue and a political issue. Y-ME Illinois
encourages all residents of Illinois to take a close look at this Voting Record
as these Members of Congress are representing YOU in Washington, DC. Remember,
everyone can use their voice to make a difference in the fight against breast
cancer.
Third Annual Cancer Survivorship Teleconference Series Announced
NCI Co-Sponsors Third Annual Cancer Survivorship Telephone Education Workshop
Series, Cancer Survivorship: Living With, Through & Beyond Cancer
This free telephone education workshop series offers cancer survivors and their
loved ones practical information to help them deal with concerns and issues that
arise after treatment ends. The information discussed during these calls is designed
primarily for cancer survivors who have recently completed their cancer treatment,
but may also be helpful for those who were treated a long time ago, as well as
healthcare professionals.
Part I: Tuesday, April 12, 2005 - Care & Wellbeing After Treatment
Part II: Tuesday, May 24, 2005 - Managing Longterm Lingering Side Effects
Part III: Tuesday, June 14, 2005 - Health Promoting Behaviors: Things You Can Do
*All of the workshops in this series will take place on Tuesdays, from 1:00 to
2:00 p.m. ET (Eastern Time).
These workshops are free - no phone charges apply. To register, simply go to
the CancerCare Web site.
This program is a collaborative effort between CancerCare, the Lance Armstrong
Foundation, the National Cancer Institute, the Intercultural Cancer Council, Living
Beyond Breast Cancer and the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship.
Join the Y-ME Illinois Team at the Y-ME Race Against Breast Cancer on Mother's
Day
Once again, the Illinois affiliate office is supporting our National office in
the Y-ME Race Against Breast Cancer. Interested in making a new friend? Need a
running buddy? Join the Y-ME Illinois Team Pink Streak. Not a runner? Opt for
the scenic walk along the lake shore. Come be part of the largest cause related
event in the city of Chicago and be home in time to take mom out to brunch!
With any luck, we'll have team t-shirts (let Abby Drevs, adrevs@y-me.org, know if you have someone willing to donate 50 t-shirts or so to the cause!)
or some other fun participant prize.
The Y-ME Race Against Breast Cancer is a great way to enjoy a spring day while
making a difference in the fight against breast cancer.
Reflections in the Garden Candlelight Vigil
Reflections in the Garden Candlelight Vigil
Sunday, May 1, 2005 at 6:30pm
Grant Park, Cancer Survivor's Garden
Light a candle in memory of a loved one.
Celebrate a survivor. Honor a friend.
Support those who cannot wait for tomorrow's cure.
Join us at the Reflections in the Garden Candlelight Vigil to honor those touched
by breast cancer and kickoff the Y-ME RACE Against Breast Cancer held on Mother's
Day, May 8th, 2005.
Tell Your Story as part of the Stop Breast Cancer: Personal Stories, Public Action Campaign
The National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund's Stop Breast Cancer: Personal Stories,
Public Action™ campaign aims to educate and mobilize citizens around their top
priority: guaranteed access to quality health care for all.
By tapping into the collective wisdom of women and their struggles to access
quality care, we can better understand the often serious-and profoundly personal-implications
of a flawed health system. Although the collected stories will focus on breast
cancer, they undoubtedly will provide insight into the broader health care crisis
and help identify strategies for improvement through social and political change.
Share your story today!
A free, monthly one-hour teleconference featuring a breast cancer related presentation
by a medical professional followed by a question and answer session.
Teleconference Schedule:
April 20, 2005
Topic: Natural Nutrition for Breast Cancer
Speaker: Kim Dalzell, PhD, RD, LD, International Nutrition consultant and author.
Saturday, April 2nd - 10:30 a.m.
Fashion Show Kickoff Event
Private residence at Michigan & Delaware in Chicago
*full address given upon RSVP
Join us for brunch, planning, and fun as we kickoff the preparations for the
25th Annual Y-ME Luncheon & Fashion Show.
RSVP by contacting Rosemary at the Y-ME Illinois Office at 312-364-9071 or rdrexel@y-me.org.
Thursday, April 14th - 7:30 p.m.
Pink Ribbon Ball Pre-Party
Tilli's, 1952 N. Halsted, Chicago
Get the weekend started early… join your friends and co-workers at Tilli’s, Lincoln
Park’s hip hangout, for this year’s Pink Ribbon Ball Pre-Party. Hosted by the
Y-ME Young Professionals Group, the evening includes drink specials and complimentary
appetizers. Tickets to Pink Ribbon Ball will be available for purchase.
Friday, May 6th - 8:00 p.m.-Midnight
Pink Ribbon Ball - CARNIVALE
Chicago Cultural Center - 77 E. Randolph Street
Join the Y-ME Young Professionals Group for this gala affair to benefit Y-ME
Illinois. Dance to the musical stylings of Lynne Jordan and the Shivers while
enjoying delicious hors d'oeuvres by Entertaining Company.
Sunday, May 8th
Y-ME Race Against Breast Cancer
Mother's Day - Downtown Chicago
Don't miss this...For more information about forming your own team or participating
as an individual visit the Race Website or call the Race Hotline at 877-YME-RACE.
You can also visit the Y-ME Race Homepage.
May 21-24th
NBCC Annual Advocacy Training Conference
Washington, D.C.
Join the IlliNOISY delegation for an amazing weekend of learning, discussions,
and fun as we prepare to visit our elected officials in Congress regarding breast
cancer issues.
For more information about attending this amazing event contact Alicia Huguelet at
ahuguelet@y-me.org or 312-364-9071.
Saturday, May 21st - 9 am-2 pm
Enlightening, Not Frightening: Breast Cancer Awareness for African-American Women
University of Chicago Hospitals
A day-long event to promote awareness about breast cancer and early detection
for African-American women will include discussions on everything from racial
disparities to clinical trials to faith and cancer care. Funded in part with a
grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health, Office of Women's Health,
this symposium is being coordinated through Y-ME Illinois with the help of other
local health organizations and the University of Chicago Hospitals.
For more information about this exciting event contact Abby Drevs at adrevs@y-me.org or 312-364-9071.
Wednesday, July 27th
North Shore Friends Annual Card Party
Twin Orchard Country Club
To join the card party contact Verna Cohen at (847) 699-9878 or Phyllis Savitt
at (847) 480-1654 – call early as the party fills up every year!
Sunday, August 21st
North Shore Friends Day at the Races
Arlington Race Track
If you are interested in sponsoring and/or purchasing tickets for Day at the
Races, please contact Linda Portnoy at (847) 256-5072.
Alderman Rugai's 11th Annual Y-ME Softball Tournament
Saturday, August 27th
The annual women’s softball tournament hosted by Chicago Alderman Ginger Rugai features
1000 players who gather for the one-day event. Funds raised from the tournament
are dedicated to support the Y-ME IlliNOISY Advocacy Network.
For more information about participating in the tournament or volunteering at
the event contact Alicia at ahuguelet@y-me.org or (312) 364-9071.
The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon
Sunday, October 9th
Cheer on the 2005 Pink Streak Team as they run 26.2 miles to ensure that no one
faces breast cancer alone!
25th Annual Y-ME Luncheon & Fashion Show
Saturday, October 29th
Chicago Hilton and Towers, 720 S. Michigan Avenue
The silver anniversary of this signature Y-ME event that honors both survivors
and supporters promises to be the best yet - don't miss it!
Y-ME Illinois does not necessarily endorse the point of view or content of these
news stories. We would also like to remind our readers about the importance of
reading media reports regarding the latest research with a critical eye. Reports
are sometimes based on preliminary results or based on small samples. It's also
important to remember that "association" does not necessarily equal "causation."
Happy reading!
New data shows contraceptive pill could reduce risk of breast cancer
Young women who have a family history of breast cancer could substantially reduce
their risk of developing the disease by taking the contraceptive pill, according
to new research. Read more.
Preventive Mastectomy Removes Breast Cancer Risk
A new study provides more evidence that women who are at increased risk of developing
breast cancer can significantly reduce their risk by having both breasts removed,
a procedure known as bilateral prophylactic mastectomy. The risk reduction in
the current study was about 95 percent. Read more.
Genetic Testing for Cancer: Pros and Cons
It can be difficult enough to hear a doctor tell you that you have been diagnosed
with cancer, but how would someone react if a doctor told them that while they
might be healthy now, they are likely to have cancer in the future? Read more.
Study Backs Wider Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer
Women 65 and older with breast cancer should consider chemotherapy even though
doctors have been reluctant to use it in that age group because of the side effects,
a study said on Tuesday. Read more.
Older Breast Cancer Survivors at Risk for Bone Breaks
Postmenopausal women who have survived breast cancer face an increased risk of
bone fractures, new research finds. Read more.
Secondhand smoke causes breast cancer, study says
Scientists at an influential California agency have concluded that secondhand
smoke causes breast cancer, a finding that could have broad impact on cancer research
and lead to even tougher anti-smoking regulations. Read more.
Breast Cancer Radiation Carries Little Cardiac Risk
While radiation therapy can be a life saver for women with breast cancer, experts
have long known it also increases their risk for heart disease -- especially when
radiation is applied to the patient's left side, closest to the heart. Read more.
Genes May Link Breast Cancer in Africa, America
Data on breast cancer in African women may provide important insights into the
nature of the disease in black American women, researchers contend. Read more.
Researchers test whether drug can prevent breast cancer in healthy women
Researchers in Canada and the United States are embarking on a clinical trial
to see if a drug which is highly effective in treating breast cancer could be
used to prevent it. Read more.
Risk Factors Explain Racial Breast Cancer Patterns
The differences in breast cancer rates among various racial and ethnic groups
can be largely explained by the presence of breast cancer risk factors, according
to a report in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Read more.
Unexpected benefit seen in treating HER-2 breast cancer with new preoperative
drug combo
A new use of the drug Herceptin appears to offer a much more powerful treatment
advantage than expected for patients with HER-2-positive breast cancer, say researchers
at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Read more.
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April showers bring May flowers!
April Way to Give
Check out our selection of Y-ME Illinois merchandise! There is jewelry, one-of-a-kind
note cards, and many other items that make wonderful gifts or the perfect item
to treat yourself to, all while supporting a great cause!
Y-ME Wish List
-
Sample size toiletries & beauty items (given to Wig & Prosthesis Salon
clients)
-
Location to hold Open Door Support Group Leader Retreat
-
Food donation for upcoming educational event (100-150 participants)
If you are interested in granting any of the items on our Wish List contact Rosemary
at rdrexel@y-me.org or 312-364-9071.
See the Design House Progress!
You can now view the progress of the 2005 Design House online. Y-ME Illinois has been selected as the official charity of the 2005 Design
House are we are looking forward to the grand opening events in May 2005!
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