Recently in Missouri Category

Canines join in the fight against cancer May 1

 

Springfield, MO  - Man's best friend can join their beloved owners in the fight against cancer Saturday, May 1 at Frisco Highline Train for the Inaugural Bark For Life, a 1 mile walk to honor the care giving quantities of canine companions. Registration will begin at 8 am, with the opening ceremonies starting at 8:30 am.

 

Bark For Life will begin with an opening ceremony, including honoring owners who are cancer survivors and canines that have been touched by cancer themselves. The event will also feature local pet-oriented vendors, canine camaraderie, and an opportunity to make a donation for a pet paw in memory or memory of a loved one.

 

Bark For Life is open to the public. Registration is $25, which includes one person and two dogs. For more information on Bark For Life or to register your pet contact June at 417-894-3215 or visit the website at relayforlife.org/barkgreenecountymo.

 

Bark For Life is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Springfield. Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society's national signature, overnight fundraising activity. It's a fun- filled, overnight event that mobilizes communities throughout the country to celebrate survivors, remember loved ones and raise money for the fight against cancer. The Relay For Life of Springfield takes place from 7 pm on May 14 until 9 am on May 15 at Hillcrest High School. For more details, call 417.881.4668 or visit relayforlife.org/springfieldmo.

 

For information about the American Cancer Society, call 1.800.227.2345 or visit cancer.org.

Society partners with GO! St. Louis to raise money for cancer research

 

ST. LOUIS, MO -- April 13, 2010 -- Athletes in the St. Louis area made a giant step toward a cure for cancer on Sunday, April 11, when they participated in DetermiNation^TM, an American Cancer Society endurance event program participating with GO! St. Louis® that enables athletes to dedicate their training and participation in endurance events to raise money in the fight against cancer.

 

The race began at 7:00 a.m. on Market Street, when 30 participants came together to raise more than $22,000. Among the DetermiNation runners was Stacy McNail, a cancer survivor and DetermiNation's highest fundraiser, raising more than $2,500. All runners were required to raise at least $750 in exchange for weekly training sessions to tackle their goals of the half- or full-marathons. Money raised during the event helps fund the Society's mission of eliminating cancer by helping people get well, stay well, find cures, and fight back. The Society is the largest nonprofit supporter of new cancer research and the largest voluntary health organization fighting cancer in our country and around the world.

           

"Despite being a young event, we doubled participants and the amount of money raised from year one to year two, helping us create a world with less cancer and more birthdays," says Sara Downard, community manager of development for the American Cancer Society.

           

The American Cancer Society DetermiNation program will also partner with the Louis & Clark Marathon on October 3^rd. For more information about DetermiNation and to get involved, visit www.determinationstlouis.org or call Sara Downard at 314-286-8192. To learn more about cancer call the American Cancer Society's 24-hour help line at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

 

 

Society's Personal Health Manager is a great organizing tool for patients

 

[ST. LOUIS, MO] February 16, 2010 - The American Cancer Society and Christian Hospital have joined forces to provide many services to cancer patients in the area: on February 1 the new Personal Health Manager was added to the list.

 

Personal Health Managers serve as an organization tool for things like appointments and test results. The kit includes pamphlets and brochures provided by both groups, including information on free programs and services available, directional maps to various areas of the hospital, website referrals, and more.

 

The goal is that every newly diagnosed cancer patient that comes to Christian Hospital will receive a Personal Health Manager, which they believe will be about 600 during 2010.

 

"The pieces included in the kits were identified by patients and family members as information that would help them," said Sandi Kenkel, Manager of Radiation Oncology at Christian Hospital and Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) liaison.

 

The groups can thank the PFAC for bringing this new development to light. The service fits right in with their mission to ensure that patients have a voice in their own cancer journey.

 

"I am really thankful to Christian Hospital for being on board with us, and to the Patient and Family Advisory Council for their support," said LaTrisa Morgan, community manager of health initiatives for the American Cancer Society.

 

Other services the American Cancer Society provides in conjunction with Christian Hospital include free wigs, transportation assistance, and support programs including Look Good... Feel Better and Reach to Recovery.

 

Personal Health Managers are available free to cancer patients at Christian Hospital in the Cancer Resource Center, Out-Patient Infusion, Radiation Oncology, and at the 4^th Floor Nursing Unit, as well as many of the doctor's offices.

 

Funds raised through local Relay For Life events help provide these services for free. "We're thankful to everyone in the community who participated in Relay For Life or otherwise donated to the American Cancer Society," said Morgan. "Christian Hospital did a phenomenal job in 2009, raising $8,000 through their RFL teams."

 

For more information on the Personal Health Managers or the other services provided, please call LaTrisa Morgan at 314-286-8154 or email latrisa.morgan@cancer.org.

Local Volunteers Gather for Watch Party to

Kick Off 2010 Relay Fundraising Efforts

 

 

Kansas City, Missouri - January 20, 2010- An extraordinary story of courage, commitment and community spirit will unfold on Sunday, Jan. 31 at 8 p.m. EST, when ABC's hit reality series "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" profiles the Creasey family of Lexington, N.C., and reveals how the American Cancer Society Relay for Life® delivers hope to this family during its cancer journey.

Relay For Life, the world's largest grassroots fundraising movement, has been an integral part of Tricia Creasey's life as well as that of her husband, William, and their three daughters. When "Extreme Makeover" producers asked the American Cancer Society for help in telling her story, Society volunteers from across North Carolina rallied in the family's honor for a special Relay For Life event, even as the Creaseys' new home was under construction. As well, Relay volunteers nationwide sent taped, inspirational messages to the family.

Relay For Life events are held in more than 5,100 communities each year, celebrating people who have battled cancer, remembering loved ones lost, and providing participants with an opportunity to fight back against the disease - all aimed at furthering the American Cancer Society's vision of a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

Tricia Creasey was first diagnosed with stage three colon cancer in Sept., 2006. After undergoing a series of surgery and treatment, she went into remission. But, in 2009, her cancer returned, and Tricia will now need to remain on lifetime maintenance treatment.

The Creaseys purchased a "fixer-upper" home prior to Tricia's diagnosis, but because her medical bills cost more than $1,400 per month after insurance, the family was unable to pay for necessary renovations to the house. Three of Tricia's fellow teachers nominated the Creaseys for the home makeover, citing her dedication to her students and to her community.

While the Creaseys plan to view their "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" episode with family and friends in their hometown, Relay volunteers across the nation will gather for local watch parties. In cities across the High Plains volunteers will gather to view the program and to kick off this year's Relay For Life fundraising efforts.

More information about the Creasey family and the Relay For Life event that took place during the home build is available at RelayForLife.org. A Facebook fan page for the special episode of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" has also been posted at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=240287017110&index=1.

The Emmy award-winning reality program "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," now in its seventh season, is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. It is executive-produced by Anthony Dominici. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America. The show airs Sundays from 8 to 9 p.m., ET on ABC.

The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; by helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation's largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing about $3.4 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

 

 

 

Local woman challenges friends with New Year's Resolution to fight cancer with feet

 

When Melanie Armer, of the Central West End, was asked to run the Go! St. Louis half-marathon she thought there was no way she could run 13.1 miles. But when her friend told her they would be fighting cancer during their training, she was in. Melanie and her coworkers at Covidien joined DetermiNation™, the American Cancer Society's new endurance event training program.

 

"I have two family members who have been touched by cancer; my aunt and my mom. They're both doing well now," said Melaine. "The cause is a really good cause and since there were a bunch of friends doing it I figured I would try."

 

Through the Society's DetermiNation program athletes can make every mile more meaningful by dedicating it to someone they know who has been touched by cancer. While raising money to support the American Cancer Society's efforts to fight the disease and save lives, the participants receive numerous benefits to help them achieve their personal victories, including free team training with Fleet Feet, social opportunities, race weekend amenities, mentor support and more.

 

"It was really great to do all of the long runs with a big group of people," said Melanie. "I'm still friends with the people I met. It's been motivating." Now that the New Year is coming, Melanie is challenging friends to get involved and make it their New Year's resolution.

 

Training through the American Cancer Society's half-marathon program begins January 16 at the Fleet Feet in Chesterfield at 7:30 a.m. "It's a good way to get through the winter," said Melanie. "I kept running after the race as well. It's something that's important to me and I feel like I'm making a difference." As for Melanie's New Year's resolution: "I want to improve on my time."

 

DetermiNation was born out of a program called Charity Runner, which began in 1996 by an individual in the American Cancer Society's Illinois Division who wanted to run a marathon in memory of a friend he had recently lost to cancer. Because of the program's rapid growth, the Society decided to expand this initiative nationwide to include all types of endurance events.

 

Endurance athletes interested in training with the American Cancer Society DetermiNation program for the Go! St. Louis Marathon on April 11 should visit determinationstlouis.org or call Sara Downard at 314-286-8192 for more information.

 

The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation's largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing nearly $3.4 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us any time, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

Local woman challenges friends with New Year's Resolution to fight cancer with feet

 

When Melanie Armer, of the Central West End, was asked to run the Go! St. Louis half-marathon she thought there was no way she could run 13.1 miles. But when her friend told her they would be fighting cancer during their training, she was in. Melanie and her coworkers at Covidien joined DetermiNation™, the American Cancer Society's new endurance event training program.

 

"I have two family members who have been touched by cancer; my aunt and my mom. They're both doing well now," said Melaine. "The cause is a really good cause and since there were a bunch of friends doing it I figured I would try."

 

Through the Society's DetermiNation program athletes can make every mile more meaningful by dedicating it to someone they know who has been touched by cancer. While raising money to support the American Cancer Society's efforts to fight the disease and save lives, the participants receive numerous benefits to help them achieve their personal victories, including free team training with Fleet Feet, social opportunities, race weekend amenities, mentor support and more.

 

"It was really great to do all of the long runs with a big group of people," said Melanie. "I'm still friends with the people I met. It's been motivating." Now that the New Year is coming, Melanie is challenging friends to get involved and make it their New Year's resolution.

 

Training through the American Cancer Society's half-marathon program begins January 16 at the Fleet Feet in Chesterfield at 7:30 a.m. "It's a good way to get through the winter," said Melanie. "I kept running after the race as well. It's something that's important to me and I feel like I'm making a difference." As for Melanie's New Year's resolution: "I want to improve on my time."

 

DetermiNation was born out of a program called Charity Runner, which began in 1996 by an individual in the American Cancer Society's Illinois Division who wanted to run a marathon in memory of a friend he had recently lost to cancer. Because of the program's rapid growth, the Society decided to expand this initiative nationwide to include all types of endurance events.

 

Endurance athletes interested in training with the American Cancer Society DetermiNation program for the Go! St. Louis Marathon on April 11 should visit determinationstlouis.org or call Sara Downard at 314-286-8192 for more information.

 

The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation's largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing nearly $3.4 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us any time, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

           The American Cancer Society, High Plains Division, Inc., recognized winners at its annual media awards program for excellence in cancer journalism on Nov. 11, according to vice-president of the Division Communications Department, Jackie Bayly-Bryant. The virtual awards ceremony took place at the University of Texas, Austin campus and was streamed live for viewers. The event was co-hosted by board members Mary Coyne and Mary Lou Adams, PhD, RN; and featured presentations by chief executive officer Mike Dany, and chief medical officer, Mark Clanton, MD, MPH.

The Media Awards officially recognize journalists in the Society's High Plains Division (Hawaii, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas) for excellent work in covering cancer-related stories. "Through these stories, the public have learned more about cancer research, treatment, early detection, how to get help, and what it feels like to be a cancer survivor," said Bayly-Bryant.

             This year, 16 winners were selected by a team of 27 judges. Judges were recruited from media outlets and public relations agencies to carefully rate the entries for accuracy, originality, and effectiveness.

"Our judges painstakingly selected the very best efforts by journalists who entered the competition. Our award winners can be proud that their work represents the most outstanding print and broadcast cancer stories throughout our Division," said Bayly-Bryant.

Submissions included news and feature stories from radio, television, newspaper, and magazine journalists. A replay of the Media Awards ceremony, including video clips from winning video entries, can be watched at www.watchacsawards.com.

Congratulations to all the winners and a special thank you to all those who entered. Their media stories are vital in the fight against cancer. Below are the winners of the 2010 High Plains Division Media Awards:

 

MAGAZINE

 

Katy Magazine

Katy, Texas

 

NEWSPAPER

 

Small Market Daily Feature

Edie Ross, The Hutchinson News

Hutchinson, Kansas

 

Small Market Daily News

James Coburn, The Edmond Sun

Edmond, Oklahoma

 

Small Market Daily News

Karrey Britt, Lawrence Journal-World

Lawrence, Kansas

 

Small Market Daily Relay For Life

Shanna Sissom, Midland Reporter-Telegram

Midland, Texas

 

Medium Market Daily Feature

Mary Ann Roser, Austin American-Statesman

Austin, Texas

 

Big Market Daily Feature

Judith Newmark, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

St. Louis, Missouri

 

Big Market Daily Feature

Ken Raymond, The Oklahoman

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

 

Weekly Feature

Editorial Department, Ladue News

St. Louis, Missouri

 

Weekly Relay For Life

Kathleen Holton, Alvin Sun

Alvin, Texas

 

Special Promotion: News/Feature/Series

Staff, The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

 

 

TELEVISION

 

Small Market Television Feature

Amanda Lanum, WIBW-TV

Topeka, Kansas

 

Small Market Television News

Christie Bett, KOLN/KGIN-TV

Lincoln, Nebraska

 

Medium Market Television Feature

Taylor Wilson, KPTM-TV

Omaha, Nebraska

 

Big Market Television Feature

Wendy Rigby, KENS-TV

San Antonio, Texas

 

Big Market Television News

Wendy Rigby, KENS-TV

San Antonio, Texas

Statement of Otis W. Brawley, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, American Cancer Society in Response to New York Times Article on Cancer Screening

"Today's New York Times article 'In Shift, Cancer Society Has Concerns on Screening' indicates that the American Cancer Society is changing its guidance on cancer screening to emphasize the risk of overtreatment from screening for breast, prostate, and other cancers.

"While the advantages of screening for some cancers have been overstated, there are advantages, especially in the case of breast, colon and cervical cancers. Mammography is effective - mammograms work and women should continue get them. Seven clinical trials tell us that screening with mammography and clinical breast exam do reduce risk of breast cancer death. This test is beneficial in that it saves lives, but it is not perfect. It can miss cancers that need treatment, and in some cases finds disease that does not need treatment. Understanding these limitations will help researchers develop better screening tests. The American Cancer Society stands by its recommendation that women age 40 and over should receive annual mammography, and women at high risk should talk with their doctors about when screening should begin based on their family history.

"The bottom line is that mammography has helped avert deaths from breast cancer, and we can make more progress against the disease if more women age 40 and older get an annual mammogram.

"Since 1997 the American Cancer Society has recommended that men talk to their doctor and make an informed decision about whether or not prostate cancer early detection testing is right for them. This recommendation also still stands.

"Cancer is a very complex and complicated disease. The American Cancer Society makes evidence-based cancer screening recommendations, and strives to provide clear messages about cancer screening to patients and doctors. Our guidelines are constantly under review to evaluate them as new evidence becomes available. Simple messages are not always possible, and over-simplifying them can in fact do a disservice to the very people we serve."

The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation's largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing about $3.4 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

In the fight against cancer, sharing hope and community are important as news of the latest medical breakthroughs.  Thus, CancerNewsNow.org was created to serve as the central hub for cancer related news and information.  Jackie Bayly-Bryant, Vice President of Communication states, "Our CancerNewsNow.org site provides media and our constituents with localized cancer-related news from the American Cancer Society, High Plains Division which covers Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri and Hawaii.  It is the official voice of the High Plains Division of the American Cancer Society."

    Through the website, people will be able to read about cancer breakthroughs, stories of hope, the impact the Society is making in the fight against cancer and much more.  In regards to the benefits and future goals of CancerNewsNow.org, Bayly-Bryant wants the media and public to know "those who register can stay in touch with our division's news and updates.  We will also provide links to our regional e-newsletters which offer a community-based focus on activities." In addition, CancerNewsNow.org provides several links for readers to share stories and news through other social mediums such as Facebook and Twitter.

    A part of the fight against cancer is awareness so it is our goal here at the American Cancer Society to provide accurate and timely information through CancerNewsNow.org against a disease that has already taken too much.

             The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation's largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing about $3.4 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us any time, day or night, at1-800-227-2345or visitcancer.org. 

Barry Waggoner of St. Charles traveled with a team of Missouri cancer advocates to Washington DC and met Tuesday with Sen. Claire McCaskill. The Missourians thanked Sen. McCaskill for her co-sponsorship of a federal law to regulate tobacco products and discussed the current health care reform debate and its importance to cancer patients and their families.

 

The Missouri cancer advocates recognized Sen. McCaskill with the American Cancer Society's "Cancer Prevention Champion" Award for her leadership in the passage of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.

 

"Without Senator McCaskill's co-sponsorship, this historic legislation would have been more difficult to pass. We've been working on this bill for nearly ten years and Senator McCaskill helped seal the final passage," said Barry Waggoner, American Cancer Society advocacy volunteer. "Cancer advocates in Missouri commend her leadership on this issue."

 

Sen. McCaskill received the award for her support of historic legislation authorizing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate the manufacture, sale and marketing of tobacco products. Signed by the President on June 22, the new law will require basic regulatory actions such as ingredient disclosure and sales and marketing restrictions.

 

Until now, tobacco has been virtually the only unregulated consumable product in the United States. The new law will ban candy and fruit flavored cigarettes, stop the marketing of tobacco products to children, require tobacco companies to list the ingredients in their products, and mandate larger and more effective warning labels.

 

Waggoner and the Missouri advocates also discussed with Sen. McCaskill the critical need for health care reform. Many cancer patients become too ill to work and lose both their jobs and their health insurance. A recent poll showed that one in three people diagnosed with cancer have delayed care. One in five have used all or most of their savings for health care costs.

 

"Health care reform is a life or death matter for thousands of cancer patients," said Waggoner. "Once someone has been diagnosed with cancer, they are branded with a pre-existing condition and are turned away by health insurers. They lose their jobs, lose their health insurance, and ultimately lose their lives. This shouldn't happen in America."

 

ACS CAN is the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate organization of the American Cancer Society, dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. ACS CAN works to encourage lawmakers, candidates and government officials to support laws and policies that will make cancer a top national priority. ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer. For more information, visit www.acscan.org.