National Spotlight
Who are you running for? — Join in the fight against breast cancer by running a full or half marathon through Marathon for the Cure™
Rally for the Cure — Golf, tennis, dinner events and so much more...
Major step in personalized treatment — Thanks to a 2007 research grant from Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, scientists identified a set of 50 genes that oncologists can potentially use to tailor individualized treatments for all breast cancer patients.
December 2009 Newsletter
Welcome Letter
On November 19th, we lost a true champion. The battle Stefanie Spielman waged against breast cancer was both courageous and inspiring. Because of her example, strength and leadership, many women here in Central Ohio and around the nation understand the importance of early detection. She was tireless in the fight again breast cancer, raising more than $6.5 million for cancer research through the Stefanie Spielman Fund. Katie, Jill, Beth, Megan and Becca
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Komen Columbus Race for the Cure®
While the Race is only 3.1 miles for most, for one participant it’s 500 miles in the making. Mark Rickel, a husband, father to three girls and active Komen Columbus volunteer, had a feeling that even though he raised $500 during the 2009 Race for the Cure, it wasn’t enough. “Rather than focus my efforts just around the months leading up to the 5K, 27-minute race, I would start my own 8-month, 500-mile race and increase the amount of time I had to raise money and awareness among my friends and family,” Mark said. That idea has now taken off with Mark’s Blog, “500 Miles to the Cure.” What keeps Mark going during his miles of running are the breast cancer survivors and those who have lost loved ones to breast cancer. “I see the pink shirts at the race and know for every person wearing one, there’s an amazing story of courage and perseverance behind it,” Mark said. “Then there are the shirts and the tributes participants wear during the race – it makes it difficult to run the race when you’re choking back emotions after seeing a husband, son or daughter running in memory of their loved one.” Aside from getting in top physical shape, Mark is looking forward to being part of something important – working to find a cure for breast cancer. “Seeing the thousands upon thousands of people all packed together at the starting line and then walking or running down High Street toward the finish line… I’ll never forget the sea of pink that went as far as we could see. Even better, it’s something that my entire family can experience with me,” Mark said. Mark has been able to connect with former classmates and co-workers through his blog and has already received messages of support and promises of donations from his friends. Check out Mark’s blog - http://500milesforacure.blogspot.com/ - and get inspired to join the fight against breast cancer. Join Mark at the 2010 Race for the Cure on Saturday, May 15, 2010. Interested in being a Race Sponsor? Review our Sponsorship Packet for more information.
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Komen Columbus Events
Breakfast and Insight True to Form Gallery hours are Wednesday-Saturday, 11 am – 4pm. For more information, please click here. The gallery is located at 539 East Town Street, Columbus. Ford Cares |
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Outreach EventsInterested in attending a program on survivorship or a support group? Check out our list of upcoming events sponsored by Komen Columbus Grant Programs and be sure to visit our Web site for more outreach events. Event: Young Survival Coalition of Central Ohio "You Are Not Alone" Holiday Wine Tasting Party Event: YSC Central Ohio General Support Group for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer Event: The Mount Carmel Breast Cancer Exercise Program Event: Look, Listen, and Feel Lymphedema Care Class
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Volunteer Focus
The Komen Young Professionals (KYP) recently formed under the guidance of the Columbus Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Monthly events for this dynamic group will rotate between having an educational, social and volunteer focus, in an effort to spread awareness of breast cancer among young professionals. The Young Professionals’ kickoff event, Mingle for the Cure, was a huge success. Generously hosted by The Social Room in the Arena District, a crowd of young professionals and friends made the scene for this Friday night. Attendees enjoyed tasty hors d’oeuvres and great atmosphere, as many of the rooms shone with pink. The mood was focused around good company out for a good cause. Attendees contributed nearly $500 that will go toward funding crucial breast health education, screening and treatment programs in central and southeast Ohio. Thanks to everyone who attended this evening of awareness. We hope you’ll join the KYP for its next event, Breakfast and Insight, on December 10th. Stay up-to-date on all of our upcoming Young Professional events by becoming a Facebook fan of Komen Columbus. Click here to join the group.
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Komen Columbus NewsMammography Guidelines “We have worked so hard to build public trust and to urge people to get screened,” said Brinker. “Let me say this as clearly as I can: mammography saves lives, even this report says that. Keep doing what you are doing. And always, talk with your doctor.” Brinker also noted that Susan G. Komen for the Cure was not changing its guidelines, continuing to recommend annual mammograms beginning at age 40. Brinker noted that breast cancer is still the leading killer of women between the ages of 40 and 60, and that 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Yet one-third of women – 23 million – are not getting the most basic screening and mammography today. Noting that mammography, while the best currently available screening tool, is not perfect, Brinker called on the government and the scientific community to close the technology gap and develop tools that are more predictive, available and personal, but are less expensive and aggressive. Concerned about the recent mammography guidelines? Join Komen Advocacy Insiders and help us make a difference! The recent controversy should not suggest that there is debate about the most important issue: mammography reduces the risk of dying from breast cancer. The fact that one third of all American women do not undergo regular screening demonstrates a problem. The fact that Ohio is ranked 4th in the nation in breast cancer mortality demonstrates a problem. New screening approaches and more individualized recommendations for breast cancer screening are urgently needed. Susan G. Komen for the Cure supports research initiatives designed to improve screening and we believe that it is imperative that this research move forward rapidly. Sign up today to be an Advocacy Insider and help us try to improve screening technologies and access to care. As an Advocacy Insider, we will keep you up-to-date on legislation and reforms to improve breast cancer screening and other issues important to survivors and supporters. When necessary, we will ask you to take action: to call, write, e-mail or visit policymakers to move them to take a specific action to support breast health. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer. Sign up today to be a Komen Advocacy Insider! Click here to read the editorial Brinker submitted to USA Today earlier this week regarding the mammography guidelines. Contact us if you have any questions about this issue. Save Lids to Save Lives Please send your clean lids by December 14th to: Ways to Give In addition, we participate in numerous state, county, municipal and university employee campaigns: Please contact us if someone you know should be getting this newsletter, but doesn’t have access to e-mail. |
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Columbus Center for Paper and Book Arts, an art gallery in downtown Columbus, recently opened its latest exhibit entitled True to Form. This installation features three-dimensional torsos as the basis for artists’ work. There are 25 unique figures on display including several focusing on breast cancer. The figures will be on display through January 23rd. 
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