F RONT L INE F RONT L INE TM On the front line in the battle against breast cancer. F ALL 2011 W here will you be on Tuesday, October 11, 2011? Join the hundreds of breast cancer survivors, advocates, health care professionals, corporate and community leaders at the PA Breast Cancer Coalition Conference as we take over the Harrisburg Hilton for a day packed full of workshops, speakers, food and friends. Help us celebrate the accomplishments of the 2011 Conference Award Recipients, including our Pink Ribbon Awardees Mimi Barash Coppersmith and Thomas Frazier, M.D.; Vivian & Meyer P. Potamkin Awardee Susan Domcheck, M.D.; and Shining Light Award Recipients Rob Ziemba and Jon Jehrio. Enjoy mingling with new and old friends as you dine on a delicious three-course luncheon in the ballroom. If you haven’t yet registered, you can save $10 on your online registration if you register before October 3! Anticipation of the 2011 PA Breast Cancer Coalition Conference Builds Throughout September Clockwise, from top left: Conference attendees take an opportunity to relax during the action packed conference. Pink Ribbon Award Recipients Mimi Barash Coppersmith and Thomas Frazier, M.D.; Vivian & Meyer P. Potamkin Award Recipient Susan Domchek, M.D; Shining Light Award Recipients Rob Ziemba and Jon Jehrio. Use code FL11 to save $10 on web registration! Visit pbcc.me/Reg to register today! Sponsorship opportunties available at pbcc.me/Sponsor
Transcript
FRONTLINEFRONTLINETM
On the front line in the battle against breast cancer. FALL 2011
Where will you be on Tuesday, October 11, 2011? Join the hundreds of breastcancer survivors, advocates, health care professionals, corporate andcommunity leaders at the PA Breast Cancer Coalition Conference as we take
over the Harrisburg Hilton for a day packed full of workshops, speakers, food and friends.
Help us celebrate the accomplishments of the 2011 Conference Award Recipients,including our Pink Ribbon Awardees Mimi Barash Coppersmith and Thomas Frazier,M.D.; Vivian & Meyer P. Potamkin Awardee Susan Domcheck, M.D.; and Shining
Light Award Recipients Rob Ziemba and Jon Jehrio. Enjoy mingling withnew and old friends as you dine on a delicious three-course luncheon in
the ballroom. If you haven’t yet registered, you can save $10 on youronline registration if you register before October 3!
Anticipation of the 2011 PA Breast Cancer CoalitionConference Builds Throughout September
Clockwise, from top left: Conference attendees take an opportunity to relax during the actionpacked conference. Pink Ribbon Award Recipients Mimi Barash Coppersmith and Thomas Frazier,M.D.; Vivian & Meyer P. Potamkin Award Recipient Susan Domchek, M.D; Shining LightAward Recipients Rob Ziemba and Jon Jehrio.
Use codeFL11 to save$10 on webregistration! Visit pbcc.me/Reg to register today!
Sponsorship opportunties available at pbcc.me/Sponsor
FRONTLINEA quarterly publication of the PA Breast Cancer Coalition
800-377-8828www.PABreastCancer.org
Statewide Headquarters344 North Reading Road
Ephrata, PA 17522
HONORARY BOARD
Bernard Fisher, M.D.Michele M. Ridge
Senator Harris Wofford
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Pat Halpin-MurphyPresident & Founder
Heather HibshmanExecutive Director
Madlyn AbramsonRosemary BolandSandra Christianson
Sandy CrayDeborah Freer
John Glick, M.D.Gary GurianG. June Hoch
Andrea Mastro, Ph.D.Alice Sanders
Jeanne SchmedlenMary Simmonds, M.D., F.A.C.P.
Pat StewartLeslie StilesTed Williams
Norman Wolmark, M.D.
Carol BurkholderKim EubanksTricia Grove
Sarah LightmanDolores Magro
Jennifer PensingerKevin Smith
PBCC STAFF
Frontline is published as a quarterly communiquefor the information of the supporters and friends of the PA Breast Cancer Coalition. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced or distributed without permission
Research is Crucial to Finding a Curefor Breast Cancer Now...So Our
Daughters Won’t Have To
PA BREAST CANCER COALITIONwww.PABreastCancer.org 800-377-8828
FRONTLINE - FALL 2011
Leslie Anne Miller, Esq.Executive Vice President
Since its founding, the ultimate goal of the PBCC has been to find a cure for breast cancer.We have been a force within the halls of the Pennsylvania State Capitol, convincing
lawmakers to pass legislation allowing Pennsylvania taxpayers to donate all or part of their stateincome tax refund to fund grants for breast and cervical cancer researchers as part of the PBCC’sRefunds for Research program.
This year, we have received nearly 30 applications from researchers across Pennsylvania for
the research grants. Among these applications are researchers focused on better treatment forbreast cancer. Some look at prevention of the disease. The Refunds for Research committee hasa difficult task of reviewing all of these applications from Pennsylvania’s talented researchers anddeciding which proposals will receive grant funding.
While the PBCC’s Refunds for Research program is perhaps the most direct way the PBCC
supports research efforts, we also do so by publicizing stories on research advances in FrontLineand PinkLink, and by serving as the voice of breast cancer survivors with the National SurgicalAdjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP), the premier organization conducting breast cancerclinical trials in the nation, and the Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups.
It is our goal to find a cure for breast cancer now...so our daughters don’t have to. You can
help us achieve that goal. Donate all or part of your Pennsylvania state income tax refund thisyear. Encourage your loved ones to do the same. Ask your employer to include information withpaychecks. Together, we have the power to make breast cancer history. Let’s make it happen!
Pat Halpin-Murphy
In a study that looks back at 20 randomized,controlled trials of the breast cancer drugtamoxifen, researchers in the Breast Cancer TrialistsCollaborative Group report that 15 years after adiagnosis of estrogen receptor-positive breastcancer and 10 years after stopping the drug,women who took tamoxifen had a 1/3 lower riskof dying than those who did not take it. A leadinvestigator in the study stated that tamoxifen “hasprobably saved more lives than any otheroncological drug ever.” In addition, as has been noted in earlierstudies, women who took the drug were about40% less likely to have recurrent breast cancer. Thisstudy will be published in an upcoming issue ofthe journal The Lancet.
Retrospective Study Results ReinforceTamoxifen’s Reputation
by Barbara Good, PhD, Director of the Division of Scientific Publications, NSABP
This story was originally posted in the August 2011 edition of PinkLink, the PBCC’s monthly e-newsletter. To get PinkLink delivered to your inbox each month, please visit pbcc.me/PL
Survivor
Heather StempkaErie County
Illuminating the lives of breast cancer survivors
Diagnosis and Treatment
In the spring of 2003 I was 28 years old, workingpart-time while going to school full-time, and wasthe mom of two children. One night while fallingasleep I scratched an itch and felt a lump. I asked mymom’s opinion about it. My family had no history ofbreast cancer, and at that time I had never heard ofanyone my age having breast cancer. I called mydoctor but really did that just to ease my mom’s mindabout it. I was sure it wasn’t breast cancer. I scheduledan appointment for a mammogram and a sonogramand I was told the lump had all the characteristics ofbreast cancer. On April 1, 2003, I was diagnosed withinvasive ductal carcinoma. I had a lumpectomy and then chemotherapy andradiation. I thought that I was done with all that andthat life was moving on but in 2004 we found that I hadprecancerous cells and needed a hysterectomy. Normallythey might have just frozen the cells but because of myage and the breast cancer they felt it would be better todo the hysterectomy and leave my ovaries. Then on November 29, 2007 we found that thebreast cancer had returned. It was a brand new tumorin the same breast. I think this was harder to deal withbecause the first time I was in shock. This came at atime when I was almost at the 5-year marker and Iwas beginning to think I would be finished with breastcancer. I discovered it myself doing breast self-examin the shower. I knew it was a tumor. I was 33 yearsold and it was 4 ½ years after the first diagnosis. Linked by PinkMy personal experience inspired me to want to be surethat other young women knew they were not alone inthis journey. I co-founded the nonprofit Linked ByPink, along with Norma Zimmer, who is also a breastcancer survivor and the executive director of theorganization. Linked By Pink raises awareness aboutbreast cancer in young women, particularly thosediagnosed under the age of 45. We listen, connectthem to resources, make them feel that they belong,and help to make them laugh. Laughter plays a keyrole in healing! Linked By Pink offers medical grants
for women in a 45-mile radius ofErie. We hope to be able to extendthat further in the future. Eachwoman can apply for a $500 grantfor medical expenses and canre-apply each year. In addition to the grants, we alsoprovide scholarships to two graduating seniors whoseparents have had breast cancer. My hobby is photography and working withphotographs to create different kinds of images.During my second round of breast cancer I couldn’twork and needed something to do. I had been givinghomemade calendars as gifts for family members,and my boyfriend suggested I create a new kind ofcalendar. I liked the suggestion and Norma and Iworked together to design it. The calendar featureslocal young women who have had breast cancer. Welet the women tell their own stories and we get a lotof feedback from newly diagnosed women that thefaces and the stories mean a lot to them. From theproceeds of the calendar sale we have been able todonate to both The Regional Cancer Center and theJohn Kanzius Cancer Foundation. We will have the2012 calendars for sale at the PBCC conference inOctober. This will be our fourth calendar and thePBCC will receive a portion of the proceeds. Stronger Than You Think You AreI went back to school to finish my degree in psychologywith a minor in crisis counseling. Next summer I’llgraduate from Liberty University. Last year the PBCC invited me to givea workshop at the conference. Along withtwo other young women we presented“Breast Cancer in Young Women.” I like toexplain to other women that they need tolisten to their own bodies and to feelcomfortable with their team of doctorswhile they are on the journey. And that theyare stronger than they think they are. Iknew I was a strong person but before beingdiagnosed with breast cancer I would havenever thought of myself as being as strongas I am.
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“I like to explainto other women thatthey need to listen totheir own bodies andto feel comfortablewith their team ofdoctors while they areon the journey. Andthat they are strongerthan they thnk they are. ”
- Heather Stempka
PA BREAST CANCER COALITIONwww.PABreastCancer.org 800-377-8828
Breast cancer inspired Heather to help
others through Linked by Pink
Spotlight
The Linked by Pink support group.Heather is bottom, center.
FRONTLINE - FALL 2011
Heather will be presenting the “Advocacy Using Social Media” workshop at the 2011 PA Breast Cancer Conference on Tuesday, October 11
www.PABreastCancer.org 800-377-8828
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PA BREAST CANCER COALITION
FRONTLINE - FALL 2011
Home Run Derby Replay
The statistics are awe-inspiring: over 9,300 pitches thrown to151 four-person teams and 16 individual batters in 11
ballparks throughout the state.What is even more awesome than the numbers were the
stories of people who stepped up to the plate - both literally andin spirit - to make the 2011 Take a Swing Against Breast CancerHome Run Derby one for the record books.
Batters like Andrew Hackart, who at 7 years-old, went to batin Lancaster to honor his Grammie, a breast cancer survivor, afterseeing coverage of the Home Run Derby on the news when hismom said he should have been sleeping. And Bill Klenoshek, our2010 single batter champion, who got his workplace, EnterpriseRent-a-Car, involved this year at three different ballparks. His wifeLisa is a breast cancer survivor featured in the 67 Women, 67Counties: Facing Breast Cancer in Pennsylvania photo exhibit.
Volunteers like Barbara Eyrich, a breast cancer survivor andemployee of sponsor Harleysville Bank, who first volunteered forthe Derby in 2009. After her diagnosis in 2010, she was backvolunteering just one month after her surgery, and this year shewas among the volunteers in Allentown.
These stories wouldn’t be possible without the generosity ofour statewide sponsors whose support of the PBCC in the Take aSwing Against Breast Cancer Home Run Derby has made it intoa much anticipated summer tradition throughout Pennsylvania.It is our sponsors who help give Andrew, Bill, Barbara andhundreds of others an opportunity to turn a day out to theballpark into a way to support those battling breast cancer inPennsylvania.
Many thanks to the legislators who came from the House andSenate to home plate to show their support: U.S. CongressmanTim Murphy, Senator Mike Brubaker, Rep. Karen Boback, Rep.Scott Boyd, Rep. Tina Davis, Rep. Eugene DePasquale, Rep.Garth Everett, Rep. Sue Helm, and Rep. Brandon Neuman.
A standing ovation for all who participated and contributedto making 2011 a banner year for the Home Run Derby. Yoursupport is much appreciated! See you next summer at theballpark!
Top 5 Teams in the 2011 Home Run Derby#1 - PeoplesBank Team 3 (York) – 2,360 points#2 - Team Hershey (Altoona) – 2,070 points
#3 - Rep. Brandon Neuman’s Crew (Washington) – 2,025 points#4 - Bald is Beautiful (Harrisburg) – 1,925 points
#5 - TESCO & the Fette Family Team 2 (Erie) – 1,905 points
Top 3 Single Batters in 2011#1 - John Furlong (Reading) – 550 points
#2 - Chuck Asman (Lehigh Valley) – 475 points#3 - Jeff Lengle (Reading) – 410 points
For more results and pictures visit www.PAHomeRunDerby.org
Breast cancer is the most common cancerand the second most common cause of
cancer death among U.S. women. A great dealof work has been done to better identify who isat risk for breast cancer and to develop earlydetection and prevention strategies. Genetictesting can identify women who are at veryelevated risk of breast cancer based on BRCA1and BRCA2 mutations. For these women, whoare at risk for ovarian cancer as well as breastcancer, strategies such as prophylactic removalof the ovaries and intensive breast screening (aswell as the option of prophylactic removal of thebreasts) have proven to be effective. In addition,targeted therapies (including drugs called“PARP inhibitors”) are being developed basedon the specific genetic alterations in the tumors.The developments in BRCA1/2 serve as anexample of how identifying why someone is atrisk can impact prevention, screening andtreatment options. However, the vast majorityof women do not have BRCA1/2 mutations.For these women, models have been developedto predict risk based on reproductive factors,biopsy history and family history. Further workis ongoing to determine how to incorporatemore novel risk factors for breast cancer into
decision making for prevention and screening.These include breast density and also singlenucleotide polymorphism (or “SNP”) panels. Inaddition, more work needs to be done to betterpredict “triple negative” (estrogen receptornegative, progesterone receptor negative,HER2/neu negative) breast cancer.
Regarding breast cancer prevention, three
separate medications (tamoxifen, raloxifene, andmost recently exemestane) have been shown tosubstantially decrease the risk of developingbreast cancer. Breast MRI, in addition tomammogram, has been shown to be effectivefor women with an elevated lifetime risk ofbreast cancer. Unfortunately very few womentake medications to prevent breast cancer, inpart because many women do not have a goodsense of the risk that they might develop thedisease. In addition, although some risk factorsare known, further work is needed to betterdetermine any given individual’s risk for breastcancer. Better risk assessment will lead to moretargeted prevention and screening techniques.If we can better select women for preventionand screening, we can maximize benefit and atthe same time minimize risk and cost.
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www.PABreastCancer.org 800-377-8828
FRONTLINE - FALL 2011
Susan M. Domchek, M.D.
Tailoring Breast Cancer Prevention andDetection Based on Risk Assessmentby SUSAN M. DOMCHEK, M.D., Director, Cancer Risk Evaluation ProgramAbramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania & 2011 Vivian & Meyer P. PotamkinAward Recipient
“Breast MRI,in addition tomammogram, has beenshown to be effectivefor women with anelevated lifetimerisk of breast cancer.Unfortunately veryfew women takemedications to preventbreast cancer, in partbecause many womendo not have a goodsense of the risk thatthey might developthe disease.”
-- Susan M. Domchek, M.D.
PA BREAST CANCER COALITION
Dr. Susan M. Domchek was selected as the 2011 Vivian and Meyer P. PotamkinAward Recipient. She was also a recipient of the PA Breast Cancer CoalitionRefunds for Research grant in 2009. Dr. Domchek will be presented wtih the
Potamkin Award at the PA Breast Cancer Coalition Conference in Harrisburg onTuesday, October 11 at the morning’s Grand Rounds Plenary Session.
MED I C A L ART I C L E
www.PABreastCancer.org 800-377-8828PA BREAST CANCER COALITION
FRONTLINE - FALL 20116
Grassroots Partners
To find out how, call Sarah at 800-377-8828 x107 or email [email protected]
Play it Again for Charity did it again for the PBCC,bringing back the Hansons of SlapShot movie fame
for another night of hockey fun, raising $10,000 in theprocess! Paint the Rink Pink: We’re Here for theHansonsmarked the 11th anniversary of Play it Againfor Charity and the sixth year of proving that real menthink pink by partnering with the PBCC. Thanks toRob Ziemba, Jon Jehrio, the Hansons and all whomade it another great night on the ice!
Golfers line up for the shotgun start to the Swing for Supportthat turned the greens pink for the day. Many thanks to
Glenda Dechowitz and all of the golfers who turned a great dayon the links in Harrisburg into a $3,350 contribution to the PBCC!
Plant the seed in your community and watch it grow statewide - become a Grassroots Partner.
You could say that breast cancer survivor Julie Rockey’s on-the-go personality andher love of organizing fun things to do ‘ran away’ with her when the Ta-Ta Trot
hit the streets of Sunbury, PA. But the PBCC is sure glad it did! Over 650 trotters puttheir feet to the pavement this year to raise $14,000 in memory of Marie Lamey, RN,a beloved nurse at the Geisinger Medical Center Breast Clinic. The event was atremendous success thanks to the organizing committee, the City of Sunbury, and allthe runners who turned out. You all rock!
Ta-Ta Trot
Steve Polanskey and MarkZeswitz helped turn a fun golf
outing into a $987 donation to thePBCC. The PBCC was chosen asthe recipient of the proceeds fromthe 22nd Annual ScrappleScramble Golf Outing. Thanks toSteve, Mark and all who particpatedin the scramble!
The 7th grade class organized the Linden Hall School 3K Walkfor Breast Cancer. Thanks to Nora Workman, the students,
and all the participants for taking the steps needed to raise over$1,000 for the PBCC and make the event a tremendous success!
The Lower Dauphin Girls’ SoftballTeam displayed their teamwork and
community spirit both on and off the fieldat the Pink Game they held to benefit thePBCC! It’s no wonder that these strongladies would want to support other strongwomen like those brave women dealingwith breast cancer. Hats off to eventorganizer Monique Vernouski for leadingthe effort and raising $2,200 for thePBCC!
www.PABreastCancer.org 800-377-8828PA BREAST CANCER COALITION
For more information, visit www.PABreastCancer.org/Events
Coming to Your CommunityRide the Trail to a CurePenn State Mont Alto Campus, Franklin County
Westmoreland WalksTwin Lakes Park, Westmoreland County
Lois Orange Ducoeur Breast Cancer WalkCharleroi, Washington County
Tailgate for the CureNotre Dame High School, Easton, Northampton County
PA Breast Cancer Coalition Evening Reception &PA Breast Cancer Coalition ConferenceHarrisburg Hilton, Dauphin County
67 Women, 67 Counties: Facing Breast Cancer in PAFox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia County
East Stroudsburg University Volleyball Pink WeekendEast Stroudsburg, Monroe County
67 Women, 67 Counties: Facing Breast Cancer in PASouthwest Regional Medical Center, Greene County
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FRONTLINE - FALL 2011 7
Fall Schedule Set for 67 Women, 67 Counties: FacingBreast Cancer in Pennsylvania Traveling Photo Exhibit
The fall is a busy time for the PBCC’s traveling photo exhibit, 67Women, 67 Counties: Facing Breast Cancer in Pennsylvania. This fall,
the exhibit will be at Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia County inOctober, Southwest Regional Medical Center, Greene County in November,and Altoona Regional at Station Medical Center in Blair County inDecember. Dates will be listed on the PBCC website when they are final.
If you would like to bring the exhibit to your community, please be
advised that there currently is a two-year wait list for the exhibit. You maycontact Program Director Jennifer Pensinger at 800-377-8828 x101 or [email protected] to discuss your interest in scheduling theexhibit.
Special thanks to the PA Department of Health for renewing their
support of the traveling photo exhibit.
The Harrisburg Ladies of Harleyrevved their engines to the tune
of $1,200 for the PBCC during theirCelebrate Women Riders weekend.Anna Riden coordinated the eventand led the women riders parade.The PBCC’s own motorcycleenthusiast Tricia Grovewas on handto show her support to fellowwomen riders and take part in thefun. Thanks for the ride, ladies!
Select Counties Can Host Display Promoting FREE Breast and Cervical Cancer ServicesThe PBCC, in partnership with the PA Department of Health, has a display featuring FREE breast and cervical cancerservices available to women in PA including FREE pap tests and FREE mammograms. Sites in 10 counties across PA mayhost this display free of charge for a 10 day period (site requirements apply). The counties eligible to host the display are:Philadelphia, Forest, Allegheny, Sullivan, Schuylkill, Clarion, Delaware, Washington, Montgomery and Potter. If youare in one of these counties and would like to host the display, please call Jennifer at 800-377-8828 x101 or [email protected] for additional details and for site requirements.
Drive home the message of breast cancer awareness.Get Pink Ribbon License Plate for $34.
Visit pbcc.me/Plate for details. (They make great gifts!)
Judith Hall led the Eagle RockCommunity Association’s efforts toraise awareness and funds for breastcancer through their Swing Fore a Cureevent at the Eagle Rock Resort GolfCourse. $5,500 was raised for the PBCCfrom the event. Thanks to Judith, theassociation, and the entire GreaterHazleton community for putting the‘tee’ in teamwork with this event!
344 North Reading RoadEphrata, PA 17522
Address Service Requested
ALLWENEED ISYOU!Join us at the
PA Breast Cancer Coalition Conference!TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11
