the suncoa promisest - geomerx...

SunCoaSt The

Promise

Susan G. Komen Florida Suncoast

Race for the Cure® raises $885,000

Spring 2009 VOLUME 5 iSSUE 1

Komen Lunch for the Cure®

Keynote Speaker Diana JordanAuthor and Comedian

treatment Support Project

Breast Self-awareness

Pink tie Gala February 28

VOLUME 5, iSSUE 1

BoaRd oF diReCtoRSPresidentGina Kravitz

VP/Grants ChairMary Ostien

treasurerThomas Whiteman

SecretaryPatrick Meehan

Members at LargeSherry BrewerSusan BrownAmy CampbellElizabeth L. Dupont, M.D.Julia HarrisJenna ManzellaJohn F. Woods

StaFF

executive directorLynn Rasys

Community outreach CoordinatorLauren Groves

newSLetteR StaFF

Copy editorsDiane KornickPeg Tolle

designerSherrie Davis Kinkead

writersSherry BrewerLori DeatonMichelle DeVriezeLauren GrovesMolly JacksonMelissa JohnsonFran LambertJenna ManzellaMary OstienTammy Rollins

the Suncoast Promise • Spring 2009 • Volume 5 issue 12

Upcoming EventsFebruary 28, 2009 Pink tie Gala - T. Pepin's Hospitality Centre, Tampa, FL. Join Fred McGriff and Melissa Johnson for a Pink Tie celebration of the advances in breast cancer treatment and research while raising funds to continue the quest for the cure!

March 19, 2009Komen Lunch for the Cure® - Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, FL.Keynote speaker Diana Jordan, comedian and author of A Wife's Little Instruction Book: Your Survival Guide to Marriage Without Bloodshed.

october 3, 200911th annual Komen Florida Suncoast Race for the Cure® - Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg.

october 9-10, 2009Fishing for the Cure - Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort, St. Petersburg.October 9th - Silent auction and kick-off party. October 10th - Second annual inshore fishing tournament.

VIP Reception OctOber 2008

Survivor

komensuncoast.org • (877) 506-6927 • PO Box 12848 • St. Petersburg, FL 33733 3

Kelly Snellgrove is your average Generation Xer. She's in her thirties, a kindergarten teacher

at Carrollwood Elementary School, a wife of 14 years to husband Mark, and a mother of three to Kate (12), Lindsey (10) and Jack (7). For Kelly and her family, worries should be simple, like "are we going to make it to soccer practice and dance class on time today?" At her age, they should not have to worry about weighing the pros and cons of a lumpectomy vs. a mastectomy. But breast cancer has proven it does not discriminate against thirtysomethings, which was apparent last year with the diagnosis of actress Christina Applegate.

Christina and Kelly have a lot in common: both were diagnosed with breast cancer at age 36, both found the cancer early and both are survivors today. Unlike Christina, Kelly had no family history of any type of cancer, so when she first noticed a lump under her armpit two years ago, she didn't think much of it until a couple of months later when the lump was still there. Her gynocologist advised that she have a mammogram and ultrasound immediately, and the next day she learned that an appointment with a surgeon had already been scheduled. Although very nervous, Kelly decided to make her own appointment with a breast surgeon from her neighborhood. Her neighbor ordered a needle biopsy, and the results came back Stage 1, Grade 2 breast cancer. Kelly participated in genetic testing and the results came back

negative. Her doctors performed a lumpectomy in May, 2007. After Kelly healed from surgery, she started chemo, which lasted four months, and then daily radiation for six weeks. Kelly continued to work throughout the treatment, teaching her kindergarten class all day and finishing the day with radiation.

The support of her local friends and family was tremendous. Kelly's mother would care for her after chemo treatments by reading to her and performing relaxation techniques while her friends, husband, and mother-in-law all took turns watching the children and driving them to their activities. Kelly states, "I was so lucky during my chemo and radiation to have the support of family and friends." Kelly also credits her faith, stating, "I know the reason that everything worked out so well was because of the prayers that were said by me and my family."

Kelly is still on her journey to a full recovery and goes every four months to the oncologist. Even through all of this, Kelly is thankful to be able to help the Florida Suncoast Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® alongside her Aunt Maureen Kolar, who has chaired the Pink Martini for several years as well as supported the Race for the Cure.

Kelly hopes to inspire women of all ages to get to know their bodies by regularly monitoring any changes. Her own experience is a true testament that acting fast and reaching out to a medical professional can help save your life.

Family, Friends and Faith!Meet cancer survivor Kelly Snellgrove

By Michelle DeVrieze, Newsletter Chair

4

Joining us as an honorary chair is Fred "Crime Dog" McGriff, a Tampa native and former left-handed Major League Baseball player, who starred for several teams

from the mid-1980s until the early 2000s. A power-hitting first baseman, the five-time All-Star became, in 1992, the first player since the dead-ball era to lead both

leagues in home runs. Don't miss your chance to meet Fred!


Saturday, February 28, 2009 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.By Melissa Johnson, Pink Tie Chair, and Tammy Rollins

Presented by Pink Diamond Sponsors Publix and GreenBag

Will You Join Us and Be the Cure?

wHat iS tHe PinK tie GaLa?Komen events are signature

fundraisers in the Bay Area and our Inaugural Pink Tie Gala will be no different. We will celebrate survivorship while helping raise funds to save lives and end breast cancer forever. Produced by a group of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® volunteers, the Gala strives to honor breast cancer survivors and community leaders whose contributions have created a difference in the breast health community. With approximately 400 guests, the event is projected to sell out quickly.

aBout tHe eVentThe Inaugural Pink Tie Gala, being

held at T. Pepin's Hospitality Centre in Tampa, begins with a cocktail reception and silent auction followed by a formal dinner, dancing to live entertainment, and a one-of-a-kind live auction filled with fabulous experience packages. The attire is Elegant Black Tie, though “Pink tie” attire is encouraged. Co-hosts for the evening are legendary ballplayer Fred McGriff and Melissa Johnson of Bast Floors & Staircases. Erica Riggins, Bay News 9 anchor, is the emcee.

PuRCHaSe tiCKetSTickets are $175 per person and

reservations can be requested at www.komensuncoast.org or by calling the Affiliate at (877) 506-6927.

ReSeRVe a taBLeDo you have 10 or more people

interested in attending? If so, a Table Sponsorship is a great alternative to individual tickets. Reserve a table and you and your guests are guaranteed to sit together to collectively enjoy the dinner, entertainment and auction as well as some additional benefits.

BeCoMe a SPonSoR We invite you to join us in the

fight against breast cancer by becoming a sponsor of the 2009 Pink Tie Gala (event sponsorship, underwriting, and cash donations).

donate an auCtion iteMDonate items to our silent auction,

which is a great way to give back and get your name out there.

CHanCe dRawinG How does a 7-day cruise for two

around the Hawaiian Islands sound? Support the Pink Tie Gala 2009 by requesting chance drawing tickets and you could be the lucky winner! Chances are available for a suggested donation of one for $20 or three for $50. The drawing will be held on February 28, 2009, at 10:30 p.m., but you need NOT be present to win. So go ahead, request as many as you can and start practicing your hula!! Chances are available at www.komensuncoast.org.


aBout tHe eVentLunch for the Cure will help raise money to

better the lives of those facing breast cancer in our community. We invite you to join us for a delicious meal, listen to an excellent keynote speaker, participate in chance drawings and a silent auction, shop in our boutiques, and be present for the announcement of the Honoree of the Year. Attendees are sure to leave laughing and with a more positive way to deal successfully with difficult problems or situations. We are expecting 600-650 guests. This will be the lunch of the year. You will not want to miss it!

Date: Thursday, March 19, 2009Time: 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Location: Ritz-Carlton – SarasotaAttire: Day Time Dressy “Think Pink”

PuRCHaSe tiCKetSTickets are $80 per person and are

available online. Save the date and join us at the 5th Annual Lunch for the Cure.

BeCoMe a SPonSoRSponsors donating a minimum of $80 will

receive a ticket to the lunch. There are several levels of sponsorship that may include name or logo recognition in media and signage. Also, a portion of all donations are tax deductible (event sponsorship, underwriting, and cash donations).

donate an iteM to tHe auCtionDonate items to our silent auction — a great

way to give back and get your name out there.

ReSeRVe a taBLeDo you have 10 or more people interested

in attending? If so, a table sponsorship is a great alternative to individual tickets. By reserving a table, you and your guests are guaranteed to sit together.

5th annual Komen Lunch for the Cure®

We are proud to announce this year’s keynote speaker will be Diana Jordan, comedian and author of the book, A Wife’s Little Instruction Book: Your Survival Guide to Marriage Without Bloodshed. The book title alone is enough to let you know that this is a woman who looks at life through her humor lens. Her humor has connected with readers, with the book selling over 450,000 copies in five countries and five languages!

After Diana Jordan appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show for the first time, Oprah selected her as “one of the funniest people on the planet.” Later, Oprah commented, “Diana is a star of tomorrow!” That is the effect Diana Jordan has on people. Having performed for 20 years as a stand-up comic, Diana has developed a loyal following with a humor that puts both men and women in stitches.

Throughout her career, Diana has performed at such high-profile venues as Radio City Music Hall, The Kennedy Center, The Greek Theatre and Garden State Arts Center. Diana has also been nominated by the American Comedy Awards as one of the “Top Five Female Comedians in the Country.” Diana, a member of the National Speakers Association, feels she has truly found her niche by combining the gift of comedy with her amazing life experiences, thus allowing her to “heal the world, one laugh at a time!”

Join us and “Be the Cure.”

By Molly Jackson and Tammy Rollins

For information on sponsorship, donating an item, reserving a table, or purchasing tickets, please visit

www.komensuncoast.org, or call (877) 506-6927.

Benefiting the Florida Suncoast Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

KeYnote SPeaKeR

Diana Jordan


To reflect the most current scientific evidence, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, in

collaboration with its Scientific Advisory Board, has restructured the breast health awareness recommendations by launching a breast self-awareness (BSA) message backed by the following four-step approach:

1. Know your risk

2. Get screened

3. Know what is normal for you

4. Make healthy lifestyle choices

Komen for the Cure eliminated the specific recommendation for monthly breast self-examination (BSE) from the current four-step approach to breast health as a result of several studies conducted around the world that do not show any mortality benefit for women who regularly practice BSE. In 2002, results from a major study, known as the Shanghai study, were published that showed BSE (with intense training) did not lead to a reduction in death from breast cancer when BSE was taught to a group of women and results compared to a group of women not taught BSE. The BSE group was not diagnosed at an earlier stage or with a smaller-size tumor, and more benign breast tumors were found by the group who did practice BSE.

This was a well-designed study that included more than 130,000 women, and the results added to the body of evidence that showed teaching BSE did not improve the mortality rate. Today, our Scientific Advisory Board recommends that we

strengthen our messaging based on scientific evidence. Since evidence does not show a clear benefit from the use of regular BSE, our messaging regarding our specific recommendations has adjusted accordingly. The new BSA messaging was created to better encompass all aspects of an individual’s breast health and awareness.

The four steps in the new BSA message offer more information and tools for women to use to take care of themselves:

1. Know your risk

■ Talk to your family to learn about your family health history.

■ Talk to your doctor about your personal risk of breast cancer.

2. Get screened

■ If you are at higher risk, ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you.

■ If you are at average risk, have a mammogram every year starting at age 40.

■ Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at age 20, and every year starting at age 40.

3. Know what is normal for you

See your health care provider right away if you notice any of these breast changes:

■ Lump, hard knot or thickening

■ Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening

■ Change in the size or shape of the breast

Susan G. Komen for the Cure® introduces Breast Self-awarenessBy Michelle DeVrieze, Newsletter Chair


■ Dimpling or puckering of the skin

■ Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple

■ Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast

■ Nipple discharge that starts suddenly

■ New pain in one spot that doesn’t go away

4. Make healthy lifestyle choices

■ Maintain a healthy weight.

■ Add exercise into your routine.

■ Limit alcohol intake.

These recommendations will be featured on a new BSA card that will replace the current BSE card. The new BSA card will continue to include the steps to BSE for those who choose to use it as a tool for becoming familiar with the look and feel of their own breasts.

Early detection remains the core focus throughout this evolution.

This is evident in the decision of Komen for the Cure to make it a priority going forward that the risk reduction recommendations reflect scientific evidence.

To stay up-to-date on the most current information regarding breast cancer research, please visit www.komen.org/aboutbreastcancer.

Thank you for your support. If you have questions or comments, please contact the Komen FL Suncoast Affiliate by calling (877) 506-6927.

Name:

Address:

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Phone:

In honor of

In memory of

Contribution amount: $

Check no.

Please send the acknowledgement of this gift to:

Name:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Make checks payable to: Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Mail this form and your check to:The Florida Suncoast Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure

PO Box 12848, St. Petersburg, FL 33733

The Susan G. Komen for the Cure® promise: to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality of care for all and energizing science to find the cures.

SUPPORT THE KOMEN CAUSEThe simple act of writing a check could quite literally save someone’s life. Any contribution (large or small) helps us continue our quest in the fight against breast cancer. Your contribution to the Florida Suncoast Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure helps support our vision: a world without breast cancer.


and Still Running By Sherry Brewer, Race Chair

It was a gorgeous morning on October 4th for the 10th annual Susan G. Komen Florida Suncoast Race for the Cure®. The air was filled with

excitement as more than 10,000 people gathered in Vinoy Park in downtown St. Petersburg to join the fight against breast cancer. In honor of our 10th anniversary Race, we introduced a new 10K run/walk. It was a smashing success enjoyed by over 1,400 runners and walkers. The traditional 5K race was amazing. A sea of participants in Race t-shirts filled the streets of St. Petersburg. Many enjoyed the 1 mile fun run/walk, and nearly 400 children competed in the kids' races. The final highlight was the survivor ceremony. Tears were flowing as hundreds of breast cancer survivors marched to the stage and received a congratulatory rose in celebration of life and survivorship.

Many thanks to our sponsors, including Macy’s, the local presenting sponsor; our team captains, who recruited over 5,000 team members; our volunteers; and everyone else who supported the Race. As a result of everyone’s hard work and generous contributions, the 2008 Race raised $885,000.

As a local affiliate, we’ve passed our 10th year and are still running to find a cure. Until a cure is found and we can hang up our running shoes forever, the races will continue. Start planning for next year’s Race now. Mark your calendars for the 2009 Susan G. Komen Florida Suncoast Race for the Cure on Saturday, October 3rd. For information on Race sponsorship opportunities and Race committee volunteer positions, please call (877) 506-6927.

10 Years…

®

Like many successful charitable

events, it started as a dream. As a

professional fisherman over the past decade, I hosted five or six charters each year for a charitable cause. I found myself in awe of the overwhelming support and amount of funds raised for these events, not to mention how much fun and rewarding it was to participate. One day, a thought came to me that I just could not shake for nearly two years: “Let’s put together a fishing tournament to benefit breast cancer!”

During the course of the two years I pondered this; I simply could not talk myself out of it. It did not matter to me how hard I would have to work; I knew this was something I “had” to do. I had two things in my favor: I knew all of the right people in the fishing industry, and my sister Mary Ostien was vice president on the board of directors for the Florida Suncoast Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. Knowing I could get my sister’s direction fueled my energy, and we set our sights on making the tournament one of the Affiliate’s most successful annual events. It was meant to be!

I was blessed with the hardest working group of committee members any tournament director could have. After only one meeting with Tom Bradley, owner of the Ice Sports Forum, he declared title sponsorship without hesitation. He then beckoned his friends to join in on

the crusade to make the first ever Komen fishing tournament in the United States a success. From that moment on the event took on a life of its own!

The event, held October 11 & 12, 2008, comprised 43 boats and 129 anglers (including 10 breast cancer survivors). Media coverage included live television coverage from Channel 13/Fox News. Russell Rhodes, co-anchor of Fox 13’s Good Day Tampa Day, kicked off the fishing tournament with an in-person speech, also covered by live television. Dick Crippen, host of Bay Sports with Dick Crippen on Catch 47, served as the awards banquet and ceremony master of ceremonies, and world-renown breast cancer surgeon, Dr. Charles E. Cox, presented a heartwarming, tear-filled message of hope.

Most importantly, the fishing event raised $61,000 for the Florida Suncoast Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure!

The Fishing for the Cure committee has already begun planning for the 2009 tournament. Please mark your calendar for Saturday, october 10, 2009, for the second annual Fishing for the Cure inshore fishing tournament.

As tournament director, I remain steadfast in my commitment to the cause. I am filled with anticipation for another hugely successful event for the 2009 Fishing for the Cure tournament.

Story by Lori Deaton, Tournament DirectorPhotography by Sam Root of Saltyshores.com

2008 Fishing for the Cure



Every year across the United States thousands of golf and tennis clubs put together fund raisers and awareness raisers for Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. These events are as simple as putting contests and as elaborate

as multiple event days that include card parties, silent auctions, hole sponsors, hole-in-one contests and more. In the past, clubs in our area have created calendars and hosted dinner parties and talent nights.

This year we are honored to have received over $260,000 from the 29 golf and country clubs listed who were generous in their efforts and their pocketbooks. These monies helped our Affiliate fund the grants in our six-county area as well as contribute to the research that we hope will find the cure for breast cancer. We cannot thank these participants enough for their generosity. Because of them we wiLL Find a CuRe!

Rally for the Cure®By Fran Lambert

■ Avatar Properties, Inc./Solivita Stonegate Golf Club

■ Big Cypress■ Bobcat Trail Country Club■ Bradenton Country Club■ City of Winter Haven■ Countryside Golf Club■ Heritage Oaks Country Club■ Heritage Pines Country Club■ IMG Academies Golf &

Country Club■ Key Royale Club■ Lake Venice Golf Club■ Lakewood Ranch Country Club■ Laurel Oak Country Club■ Longboat Key Country Club■ The Meadows Country Club

■ Myakka Pines Country Club■ Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club■ Palm Aire Country Club■ Pasadena Yacht & Country Club■ Providence Country Club■ Riverhills Country Club■ River Wilderness Country Club■ Rogers Park Golf Club■ Rosedale Country Club■ Sun City Center Sandpiper

Country Club■ Tara Country Club■ University Park Country Club■ Venetian Country Club■ Vinoy Golf & Country Club■ Waterlefe Country Club

ParticiPating cOuntry cLuBS – 2009


Have you ever wondered how organizations are selected to become grantees of the Florida Suncoast Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®? The annual process is competitive, with the grant awards effective April 1st through March 31st each year. The Grant Program awards funds throughout the six counties in the Affiliate service area.

The Florida Suncoast Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® offers grant funds up to $150,000 for innovative projects in the areas of breast health and breast cancer education, outreach, screening, and treatment support targeting services not otherwise available to the medically underserved populations of Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties.

In late summer of each year, nonprofit organizations throughout the service area are encouraged to apply for grants in the breast health field. Prior to the grant proposal deadline, a mandatory Komen Grant writing workshop is conducted. Once a proposal is submitted it is distributed among the Grants Review Committee.

The Review Committee consists of 15-20 highly qualified professionals from the entire service area, representing diverse professional, personal, and cultural backgrounds. The Review

Committee includes public health professionals, physicians, nurses, breast cancer survivors, social workers, accountants, lay persons, and individuals with other pertinent backgrounds. Grants are scored and ranked based upon statement of need, effectiveness, creativity, and use of funds.

In January the Grants Review Committee meets for a full day of review, ranking, and final scoring. The Review Committee makes a final recommendation of funding to the Affiliate Board of Directors. These recommendations are then reviewed and approved by the board. The actual number of awards will depend on the amount of funding available for the grant year, the number of grant applications received and the requested funds per project.

Once the grant proposals are approved, the grant programs are held accountable for the use of the funds provided through quarterly reports, site visits, and annual reports. The Grants Committee is composed of staff, board members and volunteers. The committee is responsible for the oversight of the grant programs throughout the grant cycle.

If you have any questions about the Grants Program of the Komen Florida Suncoast Affiliate or are interested in submitting a proposal, please call the Affiliate office at (877) 506-6927.

Grantee Selection Process: Florida Suncoast affiliate Service area

Grants Committee UpdateBy Lauren Groves, Community Outreach Coordinator, and Mary Ostien, VP/Grants Chair


12

The Health Council of West Central Florida, Inc. (HCWCF) designed the Treatment Support Project to bridge the financial gap between underserved breast cancer patients and their necessary treatment plans. While there are other local organizations providing limited assistance with transportation to treatments and payments for living expenses, such as utilities or rent, there is not a local agency that provides patient stipends similar to the Treatment Support Project. For this reason, Komen Florida Suncoast decided to award grant funds to the Treatment Support Project when the project first piloted in 2007, and, given the project’s success, renewed funding so that financial support will continue through March 2009.

The HCWCF based the need for this program on demographic and socioeconomic data from the Health Council’s 2006 county health profiles, and concluded that the entire Affiliate region (Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties) was in need of this funding. The profiles showed that improvements were needed to “allow improved ability to treat underserved women when a diagnosis of cancer is rendered.” One such improvement was to “provide a pool of funding to be used with discretion to help underinsured women meet their co-pay responsibilities.” The inability of women with health insurance to meet requirements for deductibles

tReatMent SuPPoRt PRoJeCt

and co-pays can delay or deter vital treatment protocols, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and surgery. In addition, programs operating in other Komen Affiliate regions have identified the need for an ancillary service pool to support patient treatment. Patients lacking funds to pay for child care and transportation to medical appointments often report an inability to participate in their treatment plan.

In creating the Treatment Support Project, the HCWCF enlisted the help of a technical committee that included health care providers, case managers, the Florida Suncoast Affiliate, American Cancer Society, Moffitt Cancer Center, and current patients or their family members. This committee provided guidance to the HCWCF on policies and procedures for the project and met quarterly to review data and assess the project’s effectiveness.

The Treatment Support Project’s staff includes Elizabeth Rugg, Executive Director, Teresa Kelly, Special Projects Coordinator, and Barbara Hay, ISP Coordinator. The team’s goal is to improve timely compliance with breast cancer treatment plans by providing patients with stipends up to $500 per patient per year to defray expenses related to health care access and treatment support.

To be eligible for the project’s stipend, patients are referred by their physician, social services or other local participating agencies. The referring party is required to document financial need and expenses for each patient. The case managers and/or health care staff complete the applications, verify eligibility and submit forms to the HCWCF. Eligible patients qualify for payments to vendors to cover expenses related to accessing health care, including insurance deductibles and co-pays, COBRA/insurance premiums, medical supplies, home health and treatment support services (child care

By Michelle DeVrieze, Newsletter Chair


Florida Suncoast Affiliate 2008-2009 GRanteeS

Hillsborough CountyWitness Project, Moffitt Cancer Center Lifetime Cancer Screening and Prevention, Moffitt Cancer CenterPromoting Breast Health Among Haitian Women, Moffitt Cancer Center

Manatee CountyMammography Voucher Program, Manatee County Health Department

Pasco CountyHealthy Women Today Screening Program, Pasco County Health DepartmentFarmworker Women Breast Cancer Education, Farm Worker Self Help, Inc. Good Samaritan, Health Clinic of Pasco, Inc.

Pinellas CountyMammography Voucher ProgramNurse Navigator, Morton Plant MeaseBreast Cancer Advocate Project, St. Petersburg Prostate Cancer Awareness GroupBreast Health Navigator Project, Suncoast Health Council, Inc.Women to Women, St. Anthony’s Health CareTreatment Support Project, Health Council of West Central Florida, Inc.

Polk CountyThink Pink, We Care of Polk County

Sarasota CountyEducation, Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment for Uninsured/Underinsured Women, Sarasota Memorial Health Care SystemNewtown Breast Cancer Awareness Project, Gulf Coast South Area Health Clinic CenterBe Smart Mammogram, South County Community Clinic of Sarasota County Health DepartmentBreast Cancer Education and Screening Project, Sr. Friendship CenterBreast Health Nurse Navigator Program, Sarasota Memorial Hospital

and transportation). The HCWCF maintains an efficient system by approving and processing applications. Requests for stipends are processed within five working days of receipt, and payments to vendors are issued within ten working days of receipt of invoice and authorizing voucher. The exact number of patients to be served in 2009 will depend on the amount of the stipend utilized by each patient. However, HCWCF anticipates that more than 125 persons will be served.

The program will be measured through an anonymous survey completed by enrollees at the onset and conclusion of the enrollment period. The survey gathers data on the extent to which financial obligations impact their treatment adherence and the extent to which receiving a treatment support stipend facilitated their treatment adherence. The Treatment Support Project was designed to be replicated in other communities, and the results of the project will be shared with interested organizations and individuals through a final report that will be posted on the Health Council's web site, www.healthcouncils.org, as of April 15, 2009.

The Council has extensive experience providing support services utilizing government grants, private foundation funding and corporate donations. Every effort will be made to secure funding so that the Treatment Support Project can continue after the Komen grant ends.

For more information on the Treatment Support Project, please visit the Community Projects page on www.healthcouncils.org, found under Current Programs, or email Teresa Kelly at [email protected].

VolunteerJ


Volunteer Spotlight: Jenna ManzeLLa

an internship Supporting Breast Cancer

Jenna Manzella was in her final semester of college, majoring in Sports Management, and needed to complete an internship for her spring 2006 semester. She was searching for an internship that would not drive her crazy for four months, and yet, wanted something that was meaningful. A good family friend had just lost her battle with breast cancer and it affected Jenna greatly. Jenna knew she wanted to help with the fight against breast cancer but wasn’t sure how. Then, like a ton of bricks, it hit her. Maybe the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® organization would let her complete an internship with the Race for the Cure!

Jenna met with the President for the Florida Suncoast Affiliate of Komen for the Cure and they agreed to let her complete her internship with the Race for the Cure under one condition. Although Jenna’s internship would be completed in May 2006, they wanted her to stay through the Race, which would be October 2006. Jenna gladly accepted what turned out to be an amazing journey, as she has been volunteering throughout the past three years at several affiliate events! Jenna had the pleasure of speaking at Rally for the Cure and enjoyed assisting with Fit for the Cure. In addition, Jenna has held various positions within the Race including

Awards, Volunteer, and Sponsor Liaison Chairs.

Jenna worked as a liaison with Coldwater Creek, a national race sponsor, in assisting them with receiving all their benefits and sponsorship. During the 2008 Race for the Cure, Jenna was nominated volunteer of the year and Coldwater Creek presented her with the “Spirit of Service” Volunteer Award! This award is given in recognition of outstanding service dedicated to the fight against breast cancer. Jenna’s main reason for volunteering is to honor the people who have lost the battle with breast cancer and bring hope to those who are going through breast cancer now.

There have been times when Jenna tried to balance family and volunteerism and deal with life in general, and she admits things were a bit crazy. But then her thoughts turn to those battling for their lives or who have lost the fight, and Jenna’s drive and energy for volunteering is renewed. Through volunteering, Jenna learned how important it is to embrace life and not let any moment slip by. As a result, she makes an effort to always laugh and have fun because life is too short.

Furthermore, through volunteering, Jenna has met some of the most amazing people who she is grateful to call her friends. And Jenna is looking forward to next year as she was approved to be the Race co-chair for 2009!

By Jenna Manzella and Tammy Rollins

Volunteer NeedsPreparations for the 2009 activities of the Komen FL Suncoast Affiliate programs are underway, and we need your help. We rely on the involvement of volunteers to manage our events and would appreciate your support. If you have interest or skills in the areas listed below, please visit our website at www.komensuncoast.org to complete a volunteer application.

Communications Committee:■ Website / Internet

Race Committee Members:■ Sponsorship Committee■ In-Kind Sponsorship■ Fundraising■ Customer Service■ Logistics■ IT/Web Services■ Teams■ Pledges■ Special Events■ Survivor/Kids Tent■ PR/Marketing■ Graphic Design

St. Petersburg Komen Office:■ Part-time positions with

flexible schedule—experience in Word and Excel


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