Schrodinger's Cat

Help raise money for breast

cancer with Schrödinger's Cat

Admission is free April 19^th

7 to 11 Elk's Club, Epsom, NH

Free food, cash bar, raffles And lots of fun for a good cause

Join in the fight for Breast Cancer

WHERE: Elk's Club, Epsom NH

When: Saturday April 19^th

TIME: 7 to 11

ADMISSION IS FREE!

Live Entertainment by

Schrödinger's Cat

Cash bar, food, lots of raffles and fun

My name is Patricia Matthews

And I am walking in the

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

This is my Fifth year to participate in the walk

I am a two time breast cancer survivor

This is a chance for me to make a difference

I walk for my daughter, family, friends and

Survivors

This is 40 miles in two days

And I would walk 1000 miles

For a cure

Please help me raise my $1800.00

So I can walk this year

Log onto http://tinyurl.com/2h9nnd

This is an emotional journey for all the

Walkers, crew and staff that make this

Wonderful event happen.

Take care and remember early detection can save lives

It saved mine TWICE!

LAST CHANCE TO CREW IN 2008! I am registered to participate in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. The Boston Team is trying to get a friend or co-worker or cousin (or sister or boyfriend or mom or chiropractor) to participate too. I have told everyone about it. Everyone has brochures. Many have seen the website (http://www.avonwalk.org Maybe they've even been to a Walk or Crew Introduction Meeting. Well, I am writing to let you know that this may be their last chance to Crew in 2008. The Boston Walk is nearly at full capacity of registered Crew members here in Boston! If you know someone who wants to participate as a Crew member, tell them not to delay-they should register today! Contact Tara Stepanian the Operations Manager of the Avon Walk – Boston P.S. Just a reminder – get a jump on our walk at our Expo and attend our informational clinics which will help you prepare for the walk weekend. The Expo will be held on March 15th. To learn more and to RSVP to attend, please click HERE. Check out my personal website http://tinyurl.com/2h9nnd

Mark your Calenders!

The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer EXPO is coming your way!

Our annual EXPO is scheduled for Saturday, March 15th from 12 PM – 3 PM!

What can you do at the EXPO? Lots!

- Participate in a shoe fit clinic

- Learn about proper nutrition for training

- Take a yoga/stretching clinic

- Learn how to "have fun with fund-raising"

- Drop off any check donations (with coupons!) that you may have on hand

- Take part in a training walk!

And much more!

Our EXPO will be held this year at:

Boston University Fitness and Recreation Center

915 Commonwealth Avenue

Boston, MA 02215

Join us Wednesday, February 20, 2008 between 9:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, for our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference on Sex, Intimacy, and Breast Cancer, where Leslie R. Schover, Ph.D., and Kara Nakisbendi, M.D. will answer your questions about sexual side effects of breast cancer and breast cancer treatment, and what you can do about them.

Leslie R. Schover, Ph.D., is a renowned psychologist with a special interest in helping people resolve or manage their sexual problems, especially those problems connected with a chronic illness such as cancer. A Professor of Behavioral Science at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Dr. Schover is also the author of numerous journal articles and book chapters. She has written patient education booklets published by the American Cancer Society--"Sexuality and Cancer: For the Woman with Cancer and Her Partner" and "Sexuality and Cancer: For the Man with Cancer and His Partner." She coauthored the textbook Sexuality and Chronic Illness: A Comprehensive Approach. Her research currently focuses on designing computer or web-based interventions to help cancer survivors with making decisions about fertility preservation, coping with fertility-related distress, and resolving sexual problems. Dr. Schover is also a member of breastcancer.org's Professional Advisory Boa
rd, which you can read about here:
http://www.breastcancer.org/about_us/pab/index.jsp

Kara Nakisbendi, M.D. is a Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist, a Board Certified Nutrition Specialist and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. After four years in a busy obstetrics and gynecology practice at Lankenau and Paoli Hospitals in Pennsylvania, Dr. Nakisbendi decided to open Nakisbendi & Associates, which provides comprehensive gynecological care throughout a women's life cycle in a compassionate and supportive manner. In addition to routine gynecology, Dr. Nakisbendi also addresses complex gynecologic issues. She has special interests in menopausal changes, adolescent gynecology, sexual dysfunction, recurrent vaginitis, and vulvar pain disorders. She is also director of The Nakisbendi Women's Center which offers acupuncture, psychotherapy and holistic health counseling for women looking for a holistic approach to health and wellness.

To join the conference on February 20, go to http://www.breastcancer.org any time between 9:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. EST* and then click on the "Join Conference" button. No special software is required. A transcript of the conference will be posted on the site by February 27, 2008.


Research News: January and February
----------------------
Here are just a few of the Research news articles we published in January and February:

Digital mammogram best for younger women: study
http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/new_research/20080129b.jsp

Even small copay deters mammogram use - US study
http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/new_research/20080123.jsp

Statins not seen linked to breast cancer risk
http://www.breastcancer.org/risk/environmental/new_research/20080124.jsp

Smoking ups risk with radiation for breast cancer
http://www.breastcancer.org/risk/environmental/new_research/20080122.jsp

If you are in New Hampshire Southern New Hampshire University is hosting a "Think Pink" event with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the American Cancer Society.
I will not be able to attend because I will still be mending from my mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. If you love basketball and want a fun day out with the family or you want to support cancer awareness put on your favorite pink item and cheer for Southern New Hampshire University Women's Basketball Team! If you do not have anything pink there will be "think pink" T-shirts for sale.

Remember early detection can save you life!

Patty Matthews

I spend a lot of time thinking about breast cancer fundraising because I know that is the fastest road to a cure. And a cure is what all of us who've been touched by breast cancer in any way are working and fighting for.

The Young Survival Coalition has come up with a very unique and pop cultural way of raising fund for breast cancer. Here is their latest endeavor:

Designers from Bravo's hit reality show Project Runway will be challenged to create a winning outfit from whatever they can grab in five minutes at Hershey's Times Square. Due to YSC's partnership with Hershey, Project Runway and the world's elite chocolate maker are collaborating and will donate the proceeds of this week's episode to the YSC. The designs can be seen on Hershey's Project Runway page or on the Project Runway website.

Details on viewing and bidding on these unique creations will be available soon at www.youngsurvival.org and at www.bravotv.com.

You can watch the "Eye Candy" challenge from Project Runway Season 4 at bravotv.com. Upcoming show times on Bravo TV include:

• Sunday, January 6th: Noon and 2:00 a.m.

• Monday, January 7th: 9:00 p.m.

• Tuesday, January 8th: Noon, 1:00 a.m.

• Wednesday, January 9th: 9:00 (immediately preceeding next week's new episode

"Eye Candy" will be shown throughout the season; see the Project Runway schedule for complete broadcast information.

This sounds like fun. I'll definitely be watching!

It is never to early to join the Avon Walk for breast cancer. I asked my husband to pay for my registration fee's for a Christmas present. This year is going to be a more emotional year for my family. It is still sinking in that I have breast cancer again at age 37. I will continue to fight and look forward to the walk because it give me such a feeling of belonging. Got to the Avon Walk and register. It is a wonderful Christmas present for yourself or a friend that could join you. I hope to see you there!

2008 Events Houston April 12 - 13, 2008 Washington, DC May 3 - 4, 2008 Boston May 17 - 18, 2008 Chicago May 31 - June 1, 2008 Rocky Mountains June 28 - 29, 2008 San Francisco July 12 - 13, 2008 Los Angeles September 13 - 14, 2008 New York October 4 - 5, 2008 Charlotte October 25 - 26, 2008

By now you know there's little I won't do to help advance a cure for breast cancer. I just completed a rigorous and invigorating five day course called Project LEAD, conducted by the NBCC, which I'll write about soon.

Of all the things I have done, I've always wanted to do something physical and challenging, not just the National Race for the Cure. I started looking into the various walks and thought about doing one, but it was always something that took a priority over clearing my life for such a big commitment. The idea of a multi-day walk seems doable on paper. I can walk the distance, just don't ask me to run it.

Living in Washington, DC , we often are lucky to get many events through our city. A few years ago, we even had the choice of two breast cancer walks, one to benefit and one for Komen. For some reason, Susan G. Komen for the Cure pulled their 3 day event after the first year, much to the dismay of many of us.

I'm so excited to share that Komen has reconsidered and is now returning the Breast Cancer 3 Day to Washington, DC in October, 2008. I'm so thrilled that I'm signing up and participating!

I was encouraged to learn that although it's a 3 day walk of 20 miles a day, there is so much support by the company that stages the event. There is training, a single site for sleeping and eating and lots of pre-event interaction. I can't wait to experience it first hand.

Who will join me??

With two children under the age of five, clothes shopping has taken a bit of a back seat in my life. Unless a retailer gets my attention by supporting breast cancer research and saluting survivors. Enter Ann Taylor.

October four years ago, I was asked to emcee the premier invitation only event called "Ann Taylor's Salute to Survivors" held as a Susan G. Komen for the Cure fundraiser. Not sure what to expect but always happy to volunteer for anything breast cancer-related any way I can, I immediately agreed. I arrived at the Washington DC store as directed to find a series of Ann Taylor outfits to select and a professional hair and make up artists to get me show ready. Turns out I was emceeing a fashion show of Ann Taylor's clothes modeled by survivors. And each and every one of us was being waited on hand and foot, with catered food floating by on beautiful trays and the Ann Taylor staff taking on the role of maids in waiting for us.

A bit of encouraging news about the great strides being made on the cancer research front is that there are now over 10 million cancer survivors – at least that's what I heard Lance Armstrong say on Meet the Press earlier this year. And every one of those cancer survivors, regardless of what type of cancer they've had, shares one common concern – quality of life – short, medium and long term.

Let's face it. No matter how strong you are, how much support you get and how awesome your self-esteem is, if you told me that your self-image doesn't take a hit after dealing with breast cancer, I wouldn't believe you. Well, the wonderful people at Ann Taylor know that and decided to dedicate an event each month to kick off their breast cancer awareness activities and make us all feel so incredibly beautiful and awesome. And each year since, Ann Taylor has raised their own bar on the program and the ways in which they raise funds.

Survivor models: Ellen Brewer, Patti Brownstein, Katie Garlock, Marianne Gearhart, Andrea Gill, Kathryn Loftis, Diane Mathis, Jane Shepard, Madeline Simpson, Susan Sonley, Beth Swanson, Jessica Tanner.

Stephanie Trachtenberg manages Ann Taylor's charitable initiatives. When I called her to thank her for another over the top evening, I asked her for more information on the charitable initiatives that Ann Taylor pursues. Turns out that the company doesn't just support breast cancer – but the things they're doing for breast cancer, both research and survivor quality of life intrigued me.

Ann Taylor has a partnership with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Get this. There is an Ann Cares card that can be purchased for $25 that entitles the bearer to a 15% discount through the end of the year. All the net proceeds from the card go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), and for every $250,000 raised, a scientist is funded through the BCRF for breast cancer research for a year. Ann Taylor initially committed to a minimum of one researcher. This year they've already funded four BCRF researchers! They essentially doubled the amount of funds raised from last year. I'll bet they do it again next year (yes, that's a personal challenge from me to Ann Taylor).

Shopping my way to a cure with Ann Taylor. Now THAT gets my attention.

One of the most exciting things about the Internet is how it's leveled the playing field in so many areas. Front and center is how it's poised to affect the next election. Of particular interest for anyone who has been affected by breast cancer (or any other type of cancer or illness), health care has become one of the key issues the candidates are being asked to address.

The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) recently held a Presidential Cancer Forum, where the candidates that participated had an opportunity to showcase their position on cancer treatment and prevention. Thanks to these extensive efforts by the LAF, cancer issues will remain at the forefront along the path to the White House.

The National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) has taken this level of advocacy even a step further and asked the candidates to outline their positions specifically on breast cancer. The NBCC has identified four key issues that are front and center for a breast cancer victory:

1. Guaranteed access to quality health care for all

2. Department of Defense dollars to support breast cancer research

3. A national strategy to study the role of the environment in the development of breast cancer

4. Treatment for uninsured women with breast and cervical cancer

This is where you come in. If you've been affected by breast cancer, either as a survivor, a co-survivor, a family member, a friend, or anyone special in your life, you need to go to www.breastcancercaucus.org to listen to the videos and cast your vote.

Voting closes Friday, act now!

The Manchester Monarchs have teamed up with the American Cancer Society
(ACS) and the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign to host "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Night", Friday, November 9th, 2007 vs. the Hartford Wolf Pack! In support of this event, the Monarchs players will all be wearing special pink jersey ties during the game that evening. The Monarchs will also introduce a number of game elements tied to supporting the Making Strides campaign including an intermission recognition of this year's "Pacesetters", an exclusive ACS team autographed pink hockey stick raffle, a commemorative ACS game night ROAR program cover and feature story.

For each ticket purchased, fans will receive a pink specialty game puck, compliments of the Catholic Medical Center 's Breast Cancer Center . Best of all, $6 from each ticket will go to directly benefit the American Cancer Society in order to raise awareness and aid in fighting breast cancer.
Hope you can join us on this special night. Hope starts with you!

and click on the special ticket offers page

Mercedes-Benz is joining in as well, donating $1 million through the sale of their 2008 special edition C350 Sport Sedan.

Last weekend, Sak's held a long shopping weekend, donating 2% of all profits to Key to the Cure. The week prior, the flagship store in New York City held a celeb-studded event to kick off this year's campaign at Rockefeller Center. Brooke Shields co-hosted with CEO Steve Sadove. You can get more info about the event here.

To get your hands on your own Viva La Cure shirt, you can contact Saks Fifth Avenue directly. But do it fast ... they're going quick!

You can't miss that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and I personally, am glad about that! Each year, the media attention is more active and as a result, more people are educated on early detection and options, the things that empower us all. Each year, more and more creative opportunities become available for us to contribute and to make a difference.

This week, a mother at my son's preschool showed me the latest fundraising activity available this month. At some hair solons around the country, you can have a small strip of hair temporarily added to your hair for a $10 contribution (either fuscia, like Angie's shown in the picture, or a lighter shade of pink). Here's what hers looks like - she had it done in Manassas, Virginia at Hair I Am by Cathy Birog.

Are salons in your area participating?

Having breast cancer was the hardest obstacle I have ever had to endure. There were so many emotions that a person goes through after being told they have cancer. At first I did not know what emotional path I was going to go down. My mind and body were able to find a positive path and I was blessed to spend another day with my family and friends. I refused to let the life threatening cancer take my power to stay positive. It is important to stay positive with treatment, emotions, body changes and financial stress. It took me a while to come to terms with everything that was thrown at me at such an early age. The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer helped me understand how much this disease affected so many other people. How could I feel sorry for myself when there were other individuals who have lost their lives to this horrible disease? The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer was one of my outlets to help me to completely understanding breast cancer and allowed me to stay focused on the positive things in life.

Please share what your power to stay positive is.