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September Newsletter

In This Issue: Upcoming Events Grantee at a Glance Volunteer of the Month Team of the Month Team New Balance Honor News

 

Upcoming Events

Daily Socials-On-going Fundraiser
Survivor Luncheon-September 8
Circle of Promise Meet and Greet- September 10 (register here)
Totally Pink for Life Team Fundraising Bowling Tournament- September 10
Komen Tidewater Shredding Event- September 13
Pink Mermaid Cruise presented by Tidewater Parent- September 18
Pink in the City (Formerly known as Pink Martini Night)-September 20 (purchase tickets)
A Mile in Her Shoes Warm-Up Event with Chesapeake Homes- September 24 (register here)
Rudy & Kelly Cut-A-Thon- October 1
Team Moyock Walk-October 1
Mike's Day for a Cure- October 5
YNot Pizza Cash-o-la Week- October 8-14
YNot Pizza Captain Carb-up Night- October 14
Race Expo and Packet Pick-up- October 14 
Race for the Cure- October 15 (register now!)
RE/Max First Pink Tie Gala- October 22 (purchase tickets)
William and Mary Tribe Fest for the Cure-October 29
Uniquely Yours Bridal Showcase-January 15, 2012
Cruising 4 A Cure- March 5-10, 2012

Grantee at a Glance-Healing Measures

Suzette Lee runs “Healing Measures” which is a faith based program, through Mt. Sinai Gospel Tabernacle on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, that has come to be known for its outreach, awareness, and health support/services as they relate to breast cancer. The purpose of “Healing Measures” is to provide a means of early detection as well as breast cancer awareness among this high risk group. The program concentrates on the healing of survivors and the quality of life for the recently diagnosed, along with promoting awareness to the rest of the population. This program reduces the barriers often encountered by survivors and the recently diagnosed in relation to transportation to related breast health appointments, availability of breast health education, and the financial hardship of purchasing breast cancer related supplies.

Volunteer of the Month- Michelle Beech

Michelle Beech joined the Komen family in October of 2006. Since then, Michelle and her husband, Robert, have been very involved with Komen activities, especially during Race. Michelle has served on the Race committee as Secretary for the last 3 years. She also assists at the plant table on Race Day. Rob and his buddies have faithfully helped with the cleanup after Race. They are both great assets to the program. Thanks Michelle for all that you have done for Komen Tidewater.

Read her story about her involvement:

SGK: What brought you to Komen Tidewater?
MB: I was at a Nordstrom's event and met Pat. She said Komen was looking for volunteers, so I called up and starting volunteering.

SGK: How long have you been a Komen Tidewater Volunteer?
MB: About 7 years now, and 5 or 6 on the race committee

SGK: What types of volunteering have you done at the affiliate?
MB: I have always volunteered on race day doing registration,walk up registration or plants. I have also done a few events, help sell tickets for Pink in the City, and I have been on the race committee. 

SGK: What do you like most about your volunteer job?
MB: The people they are the best volunteers !!!

SGK: How have you been affected by breast cancer?
MB: I have not had or have breast cancer. I was 19 when I found my first lump and have had many since then. I wanted to help make a difference and help get the word out to help fight breast cancer.  I am very lucky to have met Pat and to help volunteer with Susan G Komen.  I feel honored to be a part of such an amazing group of volunteers and survivors.

Race Team of the Month-Tiffany's Angels

Well it all started when I was diagnosed with DCIS  HER2+ on July 7th, 2010, at the age of 29. I am a mother of 3 beautiful children, and if it wasn't for all the support, advice, and help from my family and friends I really don't know how I could have made it through. August 30th, 2010, I had a bilateral mastectomy (I had 2 tumors in the left breast and cancer cells in the right) and was told all before the surgery how I would have to do chemo and possibly other meds. Which is why I went ahead and cut my hair really short to get my children prepared. September 8th, 2010, I had my post-op and recieved the best news ever, "Tiffany you are 99% cancer free and no need for any types of treatments at all, lymph nodes and breast tissue are all clear!" Of course I asked after hearing that "So did I really need to do this surgery I just did?" lol, I think I just had my mind ready for whatever bad news was going to come my way.

As the months of being diagnosed and even until this day, all my wonderful friends and family have been so supportive of me. Many of them are friends from middle school thru high school, and another set of close friends are from former co-workers. One of my Aunts who helped support me since day 1 even did a raffle of a Gucci bag to raise money for our walk that October and raised $300 just from raffle tickets.

I'm so excited about the upcomming race especially since it will take place just after my one-year anniversay of being cancer free. All of my friends and family are still joining me and even some new people are comming out to help us. I never realized how almost common like this cancer is among woman until I was personally touched with it. I feel now that my goal in life is to educate and teach others just how important self screening is and this aweful cancer does not descrimate against age! It can happen in your 20's , 30's not just 40's,50's and on. I feel that I have become a much stronger woman because of it and I hope my daughter who is 10 can look back at this down the road and continue getting the message across we must FIND A CURE!!!

 Local Breast Cancer Survivor Named Honorary Team New Balance Member

Tammy Moss has been named Honorary Team New Balance member for the upcoming Susan G Komen for the Cure Tidewater Race for the Cure on October 15, 2011. Tammy Moss is being honored for her personal perseverance against breast cancer and her dedication to raising breast cancer awareness.

Tammy was first diagnosed on October 2, 2003 and is a 2 time survivor. She had no family history and no idea what the disease had in store for her. Her difficult battle through the disease has ravaged her body but she has fought through it spiritually and mentally. She has mentored others through their fight and has never looked back on her own experience. “I had no fear when I heard I had breast cancer. My response was, what’s next and how do we fight this? I relied on my sense of faith to get me through and knew that IF it was my time then it was my time, God never gives us more than we can handle.”

Tammy joined the Susan G Komen Tidewater family and has worked to bring awareness to the residents of Hampton Roads. She is an active speaker who mentors the newly diagnosed through Komen Tidewater’s Ko-Bud program. She lives in Newport News with her husband who supported her through her extraordinary fight with breast cancer.

As an honorary team member, Tammy has been outfitted with New Balance Lace up for the Cure shoes and apparel. She represents the Hampton Roads community with the other 125 team members around the country., hosting the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure in 2011.

“By participating in the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure, Tammy and her team members across the country are an inspiration to us all,” said Rob DeMartini CEO of New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. “ New Balance is proud of our 22 year association with Susan G Komen for the Cure. As a company, New Balance is dedicated to promoting physical fitness and healthy lifestyles as a way to reduce the risk of breast cancer.”

Race for the Cure-October 15, 2011

Race for the Cure is approaching quickly and we would like everyone to know of some very IMPORTANT changes to this year's Race. This year, Komen Tidewater will have a Pre-race Expo on October 14, 2011, at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. ALL participants MUST come to the Expo, between the hours of 1:00pm-8:00pm to pick up their packets, t-shirts, check out our sponsors, and meet this year's grantees to learn what they have been doing to help end breast cancer forever. Team Captains WILL NOT be able to pick up information for all of their team members, however, every individual who is registered, will need to pick up their packet on their own. This is a great opportunity for teams to meet and take their team pictures, then head over to one of the four YNot Pizza locations in Hampton Roads for a Captain Carb-up Night. If you mention you are part of the Komen Tidewater Race for the Cure, a portion of your bill will be given back to us (YNot Pizza will be having a Komen Cash-o-la Week starting October 8th and ending October 14th.)

In other Race-related news, all individuals who fundraise over $75 will be placed into a raffle to win Komen Gear. Check out our Fundraising Tips and start get your fundraise on!

Race registration is open now! It only takes a few moments to sign up either as an individual or as a team at www.komentidewater.org. Also, be sure to follow us on Facebook for special announcements regarding Race registration!

News

Kids for the Cure

Breast Cancer affects all the members of a family, especially the children.  Kids for the Cure is a program that allows your children to be a participating part of Race and finding a cure.  This year’s Kid’s for the Cure will be on October 15^th at the 24^th Street Stage area.  There are lots of activities planned for the registered participants such as a 50 yard dash and local mascots.  There will also be music provided by our Kids for the Cure presenting sponsor Tidewater Parent Magazine. How about a mini cooking session provided by sponsor Young Chef’s Academy and some aerobics by our sponsor The Little Gym.

It is not too late to visit us at www.komentidewater.org and register your child for $10. This registration fee includes a Kid’s for the Cure T-Shirt and a race bib.  This year’s T-Shirt design was provided by Laura Weiss of Virginia Beach.

Are you a group leader or an employee of one of our local schools?  You can participant in our Kids for the Cure pledge program and earn prizes.  All Kids for the Cure participants who raise $100 or  more will receive a prize. The group/classroom that raises the most money will win a pizza party provided by Y-Not Pizza and the school that raises the most money will win an ice cream social provided by Kroger.  For more information regarding this year’s pledge program please contact Tammy Barton at the Komen office at 490-7794.

Rally for the Cure

Looking for a quick and easy way to raise breast cancer awareness in your community? Join the fight against breast cancer by hosting a Rally for the Cure Golf, Tennis, or Social Event. You select the date and format. Rally provides all the materials including a prize, participant favors, event decorations and important breast health information.

Make a commitment today to educate your friends, family and community on the importance of early detection! For more information please visit www.rallyforthecure.com.

YOGA at the OFFICE

Komen Tidewater would like to invite you to participate in a very unique fitness experience, YOGA at the OFFICE. For $30, you will be able to enjoy a 4 week long, 30-min Yoga class, right here in the Komen Tidewater Office, taught by Amber Napier, founder and owner of Yoga Therapy of Virginia Beach. Amber is a National Board Certified Counselor and Yoga Alliance certified yoga instructor. She recently went to Rishikesh, India, to participate in advanced yoga teacher training! The sessions are on a punch card system and the next class is on September 12th at 5:30pm and will occur every Monday thereafter. For more information about YOGA at the OFFIce or if you would like to reserve your spot, please contact Lindsey Spears at development@komentidewater.org. 

Hello from the Boston Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure

written by Cliff Yellen

Notes from Boston

Day 1

    It is 82 degrees in the pre-dawn hours as 1700 walkers gather for the opening ceremonies. A sea of pink tutus, pink mohawks, pink beards, pink hair and all forms of pink attire greets the spectators as they come to cheer on friends and family. Team Susan members add to the “pink out” as we prepare for our twenty mile trek. The ceremony starts and we are reminded as to why we are here. Friends and total strangers hug each other for comfort and encouragement as misty eyes turn to looks of determination and commitment.

     We file out of opening, flanked by cheering spectators and crew members, on our way to the first Pit Stop. Pit Stops are set up every two or three miles and offer a beverage tent, a food tent, a medical tent and the all important Porta Potty. It is extremely hot and Pit #2, a fire house, water hoses, misters and fans help us cool down. Around noon time the oppressive heat closes the route. For lunch we are all bused to a large, well shaded park. 1700 walkers stretch out for several miles along the route, so others are taken to various locations, with everyone eventually, bused to our camp.

      Camp consists of 2-person tents for the walkers, crew members and staff, medical and dining facilities and trailer trucks with all important showers. The food is good and the dining tent is thankfully cool, with lots of fans. The temperature reaches 102 degrees, second highest recorded reading in Boston history.

Day 2

       Up at 5am, hook up with Team mates, then off to the dining tent for a breakfast of eggs, sausage, bacon, fruit and coffee. 6:30 we start out after loading up on Gator Aide and water. A soft rain starts and continues through the 1^st pit stop. Everyone of the walkers has a story, a reason for walking and we share our stories as we go along. I met a women, from Worchester Mass, and her 15 year old daughter. This was Moms third walk and her daughters first, walking for friends and family.

        At the top of a long steep hill, a group of supporters have gathered, braving the rain to cheer us on. Among them stands a young girl of 7 or 8, tears running down her cheeks, displaying a sign that  read “I lost my Mom to breast cancer.” My son, Christopher, embraced her and place a medallion, that we were all wearing and told her he was walking for his Mom and we would walk for hers Mom also. Pretty powerful. 

        A few miles later, thunder, lightening and heavy rain forced us to take shelter in a high school. The city of had opened it's school, all along the route, to keep us safe until the storm passed. A half hour later we were back on the road, until the route was again closed, at the 18 mile mark, due to the heat.

Day 3

        Last day and spirits are high. The heat and rain, sore legs and blisters cannot dampen our enthusiasm as we walk , stumble and limp to closing. We have walked through Framingham, Wellsley, Waltham, Arlington, Cambridge, Quincy and Lexington on our way to Boston proper. This is probably the most scenic day of the walk. We pass through Harvard Square with its coffee shops and students, MIT and the rather strange, but stunning architecture. and into Boston Commons. The Swan Boats are full of “pink” warriors taking a break on the pond. We are greeted by a group of  cheerers dressed as Nuns. We continue through Boston to the water front and finish the last 3 miles along a beach front with a great view of the skyline.

        More encouraging stories, a gentleman from Atlanta doing his fourth walk. A pit crew worker from Texas who said the heat felt like home and a nine year survivor who was out there every day to cheer us on. You just can't help but be inspired by the determination and commitment of everyone associated with the walk.

Closing           

        We are all ushered in to a holding area, at the UMass campus, to wait for everyone to complete the walk. We will all walk in together. We shed our fanny packs, shun our walking shoes for flip flops and line up to greet those still arriving. We collect our tee shirts and congratulate each other with hugs, hand shakes and pats on the back.  

        Closing starts and we walk the gauntlet, flanked by spectators, crew members and staff, entering a circular area with a stage and a raised platform in the center.  After all the walkers enter, we welcome  in the medical, pit, camp and food service crews with cheers and thank yous. I won't try to describe the closing ceremony itself, except to say it is very moving and emotional.

        To me personally, the most heart warming moment is when the Survivors who walked with us  are brought in to the ceremony in a group. We raise our voices with cheers and our arms with a walking shoe to salute their accomplishment. A group of survivors enter the center platform and join hands in a circle of life and hope. It was an honor to walk with these courageous people.

        I wore a sign on my back throughout the walk that read:

    I WALK
            In MEMORY of my wife Susan and all the others lost too soon to breast cancer
            In SUPPORT of all those in treatment, encouraging them to stay strong and fight on
            In CELEBERASTION of all survivors, especially those walking with us today
            and to FIND A CURE !       

Circle of Promise Meet and Greet-September 10th!

Although African American women are less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer, they have a 37% higher chance of dying from the disease.  For that reason, Susan G. Komen for the Cure has developed the Circle of Promise.  The Circle of Promise movement is designed to engage African American women to help end breast cancer forever by fostering increased awareness, support, empowerment and action in their communities. 

The Tidewater Affiliate is bringing the Circle of Promise to life.  We are asking women to create their own circles.  The circle can be made up of neighbors, friends, family, sorority sisters or friends at work.  Local circles promise to take care of each other as well as going out into the African American communities to;

     -Mobilize the community to ensure that women everywhere have access to the care they need

     -Empower women to make a promise to reclaim their lives, their health and to be strong advocates in their communities.  

     -Dispel myths in the African American community that prevent women from getting early treatment or breast cancer   

If you are interested in joining or forming a circle, please join us for the kick-off for Tidewater Circles of Promise on September 10^th at the Norview Community Center in Norfolk.  Check the Affiliate website for more details.

 

Interested in Volunteering?

Race is only a little over a month away!  And, the race committee is requesting more volunteers to serve on the various committees.  We especially need expertise in the areas of fundraising, PR& Marketing, and team recruitment.  Our largest number of runners/walkers are connected with a team.  Put your team together.  We also need assistance in the office to do a variety of jobs.  We need folks with strong computer and organizational skills. We are also in need of volunteers to help work various Health Fair Tables and Race Registration Tables for a lot of our upcoming events.  If you have an interest in any of these areas, please email Claire at supportstaff@komentidewater.org or call her at 490-7794.