To be an advocate is to speak out on behalf of a cause in which you believe. We at the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation (FBCF) believe that we WILL end breast cancer is possible in our lifetimes. Therefore, we educate ourselves about breast cancer, its causes and potential cures along with diagnostic and treatment options. We speak out by actively discussing our own cases with our physicians and caregivers, by informing others about breast cancer, and by calling, writing and educating our legislators regarding important issues.

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FORCE 2010 Conference
Toni Muirhead

The 5th Annual Joining Force Against Hereditary Cancer Conference was held in Orlando, June 24-26. The conference started Thursday evening with a well attended reception for first time attendees. This was the first time that I have participated as a previvor of ovarian cancer and I took advantage of the evening's event. My mom passed away from ovarian cancer and my hope was to find information for myself and my daughter to decrease our risks. Also, being passionate about spreading the word about the benefits of oncology massage I hoped to share my knowledge. I soon discovered that my desire to inform attendees about safe massage during and after treatment was appreciated. Within minutes of introductions, name, medical history, etc, questions concerning massage were asked d answered as I made my way around the room. I was a bit nervous being there for the first time, but immediately felt more comfortable as stories were shared around the room and I realized that I had a story to share as well. More importantly I witnessed how everyone became resources for each other and role models for living life to the fullest.

During the introductory meeting I learned that FORCE is 10 years old and was formed to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. It is the largest conference worldwide that focuses on hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. This year 550 attendees came from all over the world to hear about the latest research, risk reducing surgery and reconstruction, healthy life styles that included the importance of diet and exercise, managing surgical menopause, understanding genetic counseling, fertility options for survivors and previvors, as well blending integrative and complementary medicine into your treatment.

I managed to write down Dr. Karen Hurley's important message to the attendees. Even though these comments were suggestions while attending the conference, I realized the importance of these words for anyone at anytime.

1. Setting the information thermostat- figure out how much is overload. What is your Goal? Be attentive to your mental state.

2. Reach out and use social support, use tech support, don't get lost in crowd. Book-endings- is support and encouragement before and after event.

3. Inter- conferencing-check in with inner self- cognitive self at forefront, but emotional memory is being triggered. Remember you are processing information at a deeper level.

4. Physical activity-use gym, walk, etc. A recurring theme throughout the conference.

5. Take a breath- hit reset button, "Breath Doesn't Lie" - sports quote "ball don't lie", lets you know how you are feeling.

6. When you are compassionately attentive, when you have heard all the information that you can absorb, you are truly empowered, you can then go from information to action.

Many of the breakout sessions dealt with diet and nutrition and the recurring theme that emphasized: eat less, exercise more, and encouraged eating more plant based Mediterranean diets and anti-inflammatory diets . Understanding that not everyone wants to be a vegetarian, but trying to be 'more' of a vegetarian is beneficial to all of us, whether we are survivors or previvors.

Interesting facts that I am now aware of for breast reconstruction are silicone ruptures are silent ruptures and that MRI every 3 years are suggested to detect ruptures but insurance probably won't cover the test. Another interesting tidbit of knowledge, implants are like tires, you can buy warranties and this might be a good idea as health insurance won't always pay for breaks or ruptures. There is also a new one-step procedure that will add one more level of research for patients trying to decide what type of breast reconstruction to consider.

Dr. Carol Fabian had a full house with her talk on 'Hormonal Replacement Therapy in Perspective.' I can imagine with the amount of conversations that took place after her talk and with her breakfast talks the next morning that many women were heading back to their oncologists to discuss the role of HRT in the symptom control of early menopause. Dr. Fabian is the expert in her field, listening to her explain the risks and benefits of HRT, I realized that attendees would be returning home and with the help of their physicians they would have to make tough personal decisions about using HRT, the lowest dosage for the shortest time possible

Current use of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) is 50-90% of all Americans. Integrative oncology reaffirms the importance of the relationship between doctor and patient, focuses on the whole person, is informed by evidence and makes use of all approaches, helps to emphasize the therapeutic relationship and makes use of all appropriate therapies, both conventional and alternative. Many times these patients don't talk to their healthcare provider about their use of CAM therapies, minorities talk less and not all providers are comfortable with all approaches. This makes talks given by doctors such as Dr. Singh on integrative and complementary so beneficial. Dr. Diljeet K. Singh reviewed the current research on CAM therapies; supplements (botanicals, herbs, vitamins), controversies concerning antioxidants, soy and phytoestrogens, dairy, and interactions with chemotherapy. Mind Body medicines included spirituality, social support, breath work, manual medicines, which included massage, creative arts, acupuncture and whole body systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. AS an Oncology Massage Therapist she mentioned that there was massage research that helps with the side effects of treatment. Any mention of this information in a room full of survivors by a MD is always appreciated. Research was reviewed on what works and what doesn't work concerning CAM. Understanding this research allows patients to either find the right physician that will encourage CAM therapies or help to educate their physician.

Dr. Singh commented on the difficulty of conducting research in integrative or whole person or whole body system approaches. Cultures and lifestyles are different, researching one variable, green tea in China, does not take into consideration that their lifestyle is different and this makes research difficult. Dr. Singh also mentioned that Vitamin C is not standardized, natural products are highly variable and sensitive to aging and that there will always be the PLACEBO effect with mind body and energy treatment. Again she reinforced filling your plate with fruits and vegetables, using almond milk, investigating an anti-inflammatory diet, cautioned people about not using anything in huge doses.

Returning to hear Dr. Singh speak again about Ovarian Prevention I learned that surveillance has its limitations and that the carrier gene-exams every 6 months and blood work, is all that there is for now. She did mention that when we hear about the symptoms of ovarian cancer; bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and urinary symptoms; those symptoms that last longer than a few weeks we should be concerned about.

I am grateful for the opportunity of attending this conference. I look forward to spreading the word with everyone that we are in charge of our personal lifestyle changes, a recurring theme throughout the conference. Whether survivor or previvor we can choose to eat healthier, to be less sedentary, exercise more, be aware of our BMI, decrease stress, and use less alcohol. Most importantly it is vital to be more aware of the environmental factors that cause cancer. Baby steps are better than no steps at all. I already realized that I am a better Massage Therapist because I do understand the complexity of cancer treatment, side effects, and resources that I can help patients find to help them make healthy choices for their quality of life. Added plus, is that I learned that I was about 75% on tract for doing what is good for my health as well.

I am especially grateful for the opportunity to attend FORCE! I would like to thank the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation and Ann Fonfa from Annie Appleseed Project for helping me to educate myself as well as sharing that knowledge with my community.

Toni Muirhead, LMT www.acaringtouchforcancer.com.

The Power behind the PINK!

Pictured above: Florida Breast Cancer Advocates and Representative Ros-Lehtinen

Over 50 Florida breast cancer advocates, survivors and supporters turned Capitol Hill PINK on May 25th, 2010 for the National Breast Cancer Coalition's (NBCC) Annual Lobby Day. They rallied in Washington DC to meet all the Florida state congressional representatives and senators to talk to each office about NBCC's 2010 Legislative Priorities; guaranteed access to quality health care for all; and $150 million dollars for FY11 for the Department of Defense Peer Reviewed Breast Cancer Research Program.

NBCC held a successful conference that provided education and training to more than 800 breast cancer advocates. The advocates took the training, and put it into action on Lobby Day: and brought it back home with them. The Florida Breast Cancer Foundation is very grateful and appreciates all of the advocates who attended to share their voices on concerns with breast cancer legislative issues, showing Washington DC what was behind the PINK!

FBCF looks forward to recruiting even more Florida advocates throughout the year and taking on Washington again next year to continue to make strides. Save the date for NBCC's 2011 Annual Advocacy Training Conference: April 30 - May 3. Together we WILL end breast cancer!

Click the image above to view a video of Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen meeting with Florida Advocates.

To view the complete Lobby Day 2010 photo album visit FBCF on Facebook.

FBCF Development Manager Wins
the Cadillac of Test Drives

Braman Cadillac was looking for Miami's most influential women to participate in an innovative consumer experiential marketing campaign called the Cadillac of Test Drives, and Muriel Sommers FBCF Development Manager was sought out to participate.

The Cadillac of Test Drives was an eight week social media marketing program designed to engage a female audience with the redesigned 2010 Cadillac SRX Crossover. During the months of March and April local women participated in a 24-hour VIP Cadillac test drive experience using the vehicle as their own.

Ms. Sommers and her three girlfriends took a road trip to Plantation Key, FL. Each received a $25.00 American Express gift card to spend during their group outing in the car.

Ms. Sommers created personal profile on www.cadillacoftestdrives.com where she recorded her experience with the vehicle by uploading photos and posting a blog. She had 14 days to encourage friends and colleagues to visit the website and vote on her blog. After receiving the most hits to her blog during that timeframe,

Ms. Sommers won $250 PLUS Braman Cadillac matched the original prize. She donated the $500 winning to the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation to help end breast cancer.

"My 2010 SRX Crossover Cadillac was a great driving experience and the car salespeople at Braman Cadillac in Miami were the very best." said Muriel Sommers, FBCF Development Manager "I'm thrilled to say I won the grand prize, it was a very pleasant way to spend a Sunday afternoon and I hope they will do it again next year."

To view the complete Cadillac of Test Drives photo album visit FBCF Facebook.

FBCF 2010 Education and Advocacy Day Conference:
We Listened, We Learned, and We Danced!

The Florida Breast Cancer Foundation (FBCF) presented its Annual "Education and Advocacy Conference" on Saturday, April 24th at the Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach from 9:00am to 4:00pm. The one-day conference was a huge success with over 120 FBCF supporters, advocates, and breast cancer survivors in attendance to hear about the latest cutting-edge research, view informational community resource display tables, and partake in ending the day with a fun demonstration of a dance and movement relaxation technique. The conference offered a day full of educational sessions featuring breast cancer experts, researchers funded by monies from the Florida specialty End Breast Cancer license plate, and advocates, Sandy Sirotwitz, from FORCE said, "The Florida Breast Cancer Foundation did a terrific job with providing the latest information about breast cancer study and technology in Florida. As a breast cancer survivor I found it informational without being over our heads"

The 2010 "Education and Advocacy Day Conference" featured presentations from: Ann Fonfa, Advocacy Chair of FBCF and President of the Annie Appleseed Project; Robert P. DerHagopian, M.D., Surgical Oncologist; Paula Holland De Long, Founder of What's Next For My Life, Inc.; Susan Luck, R.N., Founder of the Earthrose Institute; Shahla Masood, M.D., Medical Director of Shands Jacksonville Breast Health Center; Alvaro N.A. Monteiro, Ph.D.; Antoinette Muirhead, Oncology Massage Therapist; and Jonathan R. Weiser, M.D., Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. All sessions where followed by a question and answer period that allowing attendees to interact further with the speakers.

"We are all so proud of the level of professionalism, great attendance, and interest in this year's conference. This conference is a culmination of our mission to educate our community on how our dollars are invested in Florida based breast cancer research. We look forward to next year where it is promised to be even bigger." stated James Konschnik, President & CEO of the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation. Here's to an even bigger 2011!

Together we WILL end breast cancer!

Thank you to all of our conference speakers, attendees, volunteers, and sponsors who helped make the 2010 "Education and Advocacy Day Conference" a success!

Conference Sponsor Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach Community Sponsors Baptist Health Breast Center Memorial Women's Institute of South Florida Non-Profits FORCE Gilda's Club South Florida Donors Wescott Financial Group	Coffee Break Sponsors AstraZeneca Toshiba Business Solutions Table Exhibitors Broward Oncology Nurses Advanced Breast Center of the Palm Beaches D'Clusive Cleaning Services Dietra Palacio
Robert DerHagopian, M.D., James Konschnik FBCF President & CEO, and Paula Holland De Long	Carolyn Newman, participating in The Lebed Method and Dance

CLICK HERE to view a full album of the 2010 Education and Advocacy Day Conference on our FBCF Facebook Page.

Calling All Florida Breast Cancer Advocates: Your Voice is Needed!

Represent Florida and those with breast cancer at the Annual Advocacy Training Conference in Washington D.C. We need people from all around our state. Share this email with anyone interested in breast cancer issues. We learn, we laugh, we lobby, and we network! It's a great experience for everyone.

Early bird registration is on NOW. It may be extended from Jan 22 to mid-February, but get in soon. Get a discounted entry and get ready for May 22-25 National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund: NBCC (NBCC) 2010 Advocacy Training Conference.

If you joined NBCC last year, your membership may be expiring (it is annual), so rejoin for $35. In order to qualify for a scholarship to cover the entry fee and 1/2 a hotel room, you have to be a member. Make sure you rejoin. Only apply for a scholarship if you need it, since funds for non-profits are always limited. Still, get in touch with me if you cannot really pay the $35.

The Florida Breast Cancer Foundation (formerly Florida Breast Cancer Research Foundation) will have scholarships available for this conference. In order to qualify for a scholarship you have to be a member of FBCF. Apply at www.FloridaBreastCancer.org for the Jane Torres Scholarship Fund. Click Jane Torres Scholarship button under Education (left side of page).

Let me know if I can help you with any registration issues. I particularly want to encourage those of you who have not attended to join us.

Ann Fonfa
annieappleseedpr@aol.com
Florida Field Coordinator
National Breast Cancer Coalition
www.stopbreastcancer.org
Advocacy Chair Florida
Breast Cancer Foundation
www.FloridaBreastCancer.org

10th Annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer

The 10th Annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer in Atlanta, GA seemed like a sea of pink, fuchsia and every other shade of pink imaginable. They arrived in force with an energy and determination to experience a weekend of fun, education, and to reconnect with friends they met at other conferences. The atmosphere seemed less than serious with the frivolous hats, husbands walking around wearing a bra in support of their wife's organization, campy pictures to take back home to remember friends, and back again the fairy godmother sprinkling fairy dust on attendees. Quickly, though, it was apparent that the attendees were here to do serious work as well.

The workshop sessions included topics on how to survive and thrive after treatment was completed, how to cope with the toxicity of treatment, and how to manage lymphedema or prevent it from occurring. Other topics of interest were understanding your pathology report, a closer look at Triple Negative Breast Cancer, money and legal issues, supporting the caregiver, breast reconstruction, and body image. If that isn't enough to think about there was a talk on workplace rights; the Breast Cancer Legal Project was there throughout the weekend. Mindfulness Meditation workshop offered tips on living in the moment. Fertility and Pregnancy was discussed, seeing pregnant survivors or proud moms showing their baby off was truly a memorable moment. Grandma holding her grandchild as her daughter received a massage was visual testament to freezing your eggs prior to treatment.

Listening to a young survivor tell her inspiring story of caring for her sister as she battled breast cancer and then lose her only a few weeks ago is something I will long remember. But seeing this beautiful young woman with her head covered in a flowing scarf tell about her journey from being a caregiver, to patient, and wanting to do right by her sister as she told her story it was remarkable.

Three Oncology Massage Therapists including myself worked for 3 days to offer chair massages. I was especially grateful that the other 2 Massage Therapists were located on the Society for Oncology Massage website. We had the training not only to offer safe massage to the attendees but to also offer evidence-based research on the benefits of oncology massage during and after treatment for cancer. We shared information with the attendees on simple stretches to help with the side effects of surgery, relaxation techniques, and caregiver massage during their massage time with us. We were touched by their comments on how much it meant for us to give our time and be there to help them deal with the chronic issues of tight muscles, scar tissue after surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment. I was also able to offer private Lebed classes as I finished their massage. I turned on the music and demonstrated the lymphatic opener. They were thrilled to know that there was a program designed for them that could help with their lymphedema and promised to search out an instructor when they went home.

Quality of Life issues during and after treatment seemed to be a hot topic. Many of the talks were around the side effects of treatment. As young survivors they are living with hot flashes, lymphedema or the fear of lymphedema, neuropathies that don't go away after treatment, skin conditions, anxiety of reoccurrence, osteoporosis brought about by treatment, fatigue, and pain. If that is not enough there is body image, family relationship issues, early menopause, hair loss, figuring out the right exercise to combat decreased range of motion, what to eat to maintain a decent BMI, and always being encouraged to be upbeat and live for the moment. It's enough to make someone want to drink, oh no, alcohol needs to be decreased as well. The attendees took this all in stride, listened attentively on proper nutrition, exercise, relaxation techniques, and massage are being shown to be beneficial to survive and thrive. They learnt that survivor care should include an interdisciplinary team that coordinates their care for prevention, surveillance, and help with side effects of treatment. Charts and diagrams showed them the latest research on new drug combinations and surgical procedures. All the information will be on Living Beyond Breast Cancer website (www.lbbc.org) for all those that could not attend.

Judging by the dance party I can attest to the fact that these young women do know how to live in the moment, grab the support, and camaraderie that comes from this large community of young women touched by cancer that they so deserve. Armed with the information from the workshops they return home to help their support groups, friends, and families.

Sincerely,

Toni Muirhead

Thanks to Florida Breast Cancer Foundation I had the opportunity of representing the organization at the San Antonio Breast Symposium. The conference was so exciting for me. There was over 9,200 people were in attendance and we learned so much.

It was a wonderful time of networking and meeting with other advocates. I hope to pass on much of the information I learned. The mentor sessions were great. Noted doctors came and spoke to us giving us their best insights on each day's events. It was most rewarding to hear some of the latest research that is going on regarding breast cancer.

The breast cancer patients of Florida are indebted to you and your organization and what you are doing in striving to get rid of breast cancer. Knowledge and education are power. We are blessed that you support education and are offering hope to those effected be the disease. Please let me know what more I can do to help in your effort. I look forward to joining you and bringing others to Lobby day to represent Florida this spring in Washington.

Sincerely,

Linda McDonald

Five Floridians graduate
recent Project LEAD® Institute

At the end of July 29 advocates from around the country and internationally headed to San Diego for the Annual Project LEAD Institute. Amongst them were 5 Floridians, Sonia Baez-Hernandez (Ft Lauderdale, FBCF's very own Jim Konschnik (Miami - CEO of Florida Breast Cancer Foundation, Linda McDonald (Sarasota), and Sara Schneider (Jacksonville).

After 5 intensive days of basic research trainings, seminar, hands-on activities, and fun all 49 attendees completed the required studies and became part of the esteemed group called LEAD grads. We look forward to working with all our new Florida graduates on their continuing advocacy and education involvement in and around the state of Florida. Congratulations to everyone! Keep up the great work. Together we WILL end breast cancer!

Pictured Above: Linda McDonald and Jim Konschnik

For more details and to apply for an upcoming Project LEAD training
visit www.stopbreastcancer.org.

Project Leadership Education Advocacy Development, the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund's premier science training course for activists, has created a revolution in the world of breast cancer research and public policy. The courses have prepared graduates to engage in the wide range of local and national forums where breast cancer decisions are made. Project LEAD graduates bring an educated consumer perspective and critical thinking skills to the important issues and controversies in breast cancer.

It was such a pleasure being a part of the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation Advocacy training team in Washington DC in May 2009. The National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund is to be congratulated on their mission of eradicating breast cancer. We must be educated consumers. As a three time cancer survivor I am striving to be better informed, educated and passing the information along to others. Since I have returned to Florida much of the information has been shared with fellow survivors from Florida and other states. I supplied the Wellness Community with some Florida Breast Cancer Foundation information which was distributed at a program to support breast health to underserved women.

It was a pleasure meeting again with my representative Vern Buchan. I thanked him for his support. I have since asked him for his support in becoming a cosponsor of HR 1844 the Comprehensive Cancer Care Improvement Act (CCIA). The CCIA would encourage doctors to develop and explain plans for treatment and addressing the psychological issues of cancer survivors. The bill promotes follow-up care plans.

I will be back in Washington, DC for a cancer guides conference at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, June 10-14. I will be taking and distributing some of the NBCC and FBCC information with me.

I have been working on my children's picture book, Dancing Cancer. At the present time, the publisher is working on the illustrations. Thank you again for the wonderful opportunity of being a part of the Florida team.

Linda McDonald

As volunteer Advocacy Chair for the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation, it was a pleasure to escort 58 women and men to NBCC 2009 Annual Advocacy Training Conference and Lobby day in Washington, D.C. I had a great time getting to know everyone, listening to their stories, sharing the fun, and going out to lobby.  We had a REAL crowd at some of our Representatives' office that was great!

Everyone was enthusiastic and motivated because we understand that if we can get Florida's Representatives more aware of what breast cancer does to us, we take a giant step forward in eradicating the disease.  We need to prevent cases and that takes commitment from all the stakeholders.

I was privileged to be able to present at two workshops on complementary and alternative therapies as an approach to dealing with breast cancer.

Breast cancer advocates voices have been heard! A total of 52 Senators
signed the letter to the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee calling for
$150 million in appropriations for the DOD Peer-Reviewed Breast Cancer
Research Program for FY 2010. Florida Breast Cancer Coalition Research
Foundation (FBCF) would like to thank Senator Bill Nelson for signing the
letter and encourages all advocates to please take the time to thank him for
showing his commitment to this important program.

Over 60 Florida breast cancer advocates, survivors and supporters met with
all the Florida state representatives and senators to talk to each office
about NBCC's 2009 Legislative Priorities; NBCC'S framework for a Health Care
System guaranteeing access to Quality health care for all; and $150 million
for FY10 for the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program during
the recent Lobby Day, May 5th, 2009.

FBCF is very grateful for all the advocates who helped get the word out
about signing the letter to the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee calling
for $150 million in appropriations for the DOD Peer-Reviewed Breast Cancer
Research Program for FY 2010. A special thank you to all advocates that
attended Annual Lobby Day to give the Senators a push, your advocacy
resulted in major success!

FBCF looks forward to recruiting even more Florida advocates throughout
the year and taking on Washington again next year to continue to make
strides. Together we WILL end breast cancer!

Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen met with Florida advocates representing
Florida Breast Cancer Foundation (FBCF) during Lobby
Day at NBCCF Annual Advocacy Training Conference in Washington, D.C., and
here is what they had to say.

Click the advocates names to see the video:

Ann Fonfa

Andrea Ivory

FBCF and all Florida advocates thank Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen for
the support to end breast cancer!

A Pink Experience in D.C.

Recently, Washington D.C. was painted pink with nearly 900 breast cancer advocates who gathered from May 2nd - 5th to learn the latest breast cancer science and public policy news at the 2009 NBCC Annual Advocacy Training Conference and Lobby Day. Over 60 Florida breast cancer advocates, survivors and supporters met with every Florida state representative and senator. Each meeting allowed the groups to talk to each office about NBCC's 2009 Legislative Priorities; NBCC'S framework for a Health Care System guaranteeing access to Quality health care for all; and $150 million for FY10 for the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program. "This was an amazing experience to be around all these empowering women to discuss the importance of breast cancer awareness and research", stated Jessica Parker Programs Manager with FBCF and first time attendee.

The hundreds of dedicated breast cancer survivors, family and friends who attended this year's conference in Washington, D.C. learned about the latest in breast cancer research and sciences, explored emerging issues in public policy and medical practice, and built and strengthen political advocacy skills. Leading scientists and researchers discussed and debated new and often controversial issues in the struggle to diagnose, treat, cure-and ultimately end-breast cancer.

This was an experience like no other with record breaking attendee's, for the State of Florida, nationally and internationally and continued progress made during this year Annual Advocacy Training Conference and Lobby Day.

FBCF looks forward to recruiting even more Florida advocates throughout the year and taking Washington next year by storm with the largest delegation status to continue to make strides.

Thank you to all for making this a year to remember.

Together we WILL end breast cancer!

Traci Schiller: Jane Torres Scholarship Recipient
San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium Experience

From December 10th through December 14th 2008, I had the extraordinary opportunity to attend the annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. I came away from these four days of morning-to-night sessions recharged, excited and—quite honestly—exhausted. At this year’s meeting over 9,200 oncologists, researchers, pharmaceutical industry representatives and breast cancer advocates thronged to the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center to hear the latest information on the science of breast cancer presented by experts from around the world. We weren’t disappointed.

I think everyone who attends the conference finds different aspects to be important. As a three-time breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed with metastatic disease in 2003, I was thrilled to see significant research focus on metastasis, which was presented in the general sessions as well as by two of the plenary speakers, Dr. Patricia Steeg of the National Cancer Institute and Dr. Joan Massagué of Memorial Sloan Kettering.

Dr. Steeg, who discovered the first metastasis suppressor gene, lectured on the importance of metastatic colonization as a unique and little-studied process. Steeg, along with her team at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), has made significant progress in characterizing HER2-positive brain metastases, identifying gene signatures and exploring new targets for drug development based on metastatic colonization. Because women with metastatic disease are now living longer, the brain has become a “sanctuary” site for metastasis, and the incidence of brain metastases is increasing. New approaches are desperately needed. “Growth in the primary site is not identical to growth in a distant site,” said Steeg. “We need to use metastatic models in drug development.”

Dr. Massagué has also focused his research on metastasis. His lecture detailed his work on gene signatures for specific metastatic sites and on how TGF-beta (a growth factor that plays a role in cancer) affects cell growth and division in lung metastasis. In experiments in mice, Massagué has found that different organs select for distinct “species” of metastasis, each adapted to the unique structural challenges presented by the organ site. He has shown that these different organ “tropisms” that go to lungs, bone or the brain derive from different sets of genes, and has begun to explore key genes associated with each metastatic site.

The San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium is a great place to meet and hang out with other breast cancer advocates, oncologists and researchers from around the world. It is a place to hear all about the cutting edge in the science of breast cancer directly from experts. Most importantly for me as a breast cancer advocate, the annual meeting gave me an incredible opportunity to learn. It’s an experience I would highly recommend to anyone who wants information about the future of a disease that significantly impacts so many lives. To anyone who wants, or needs, a renewed sense of hope [I encourage you to attend next year’s conference].

For more details and abstracts from the 31st San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium visit www.sabcs.org. Mark your calendars for the 32nd Annual Symposium Dec 9-13, 2009. See you in San Antonio!

Congratulations Project Lead 2008 graduates held in Denver, CO from July 29 to August 3. Florida Breast Cancer Foundation Jessica Parker, Programs Manager along with 52 other attendees, recently spent an intense five days immersed in a curriculum that includes lectures and study sessions on the molecular biology of cancer, genetics, epidemiology of cancer, epidemiology and research design, and critical appraisal skills needed to understand the scientific literature. Project LEAD is NBCCF’s science training course designed to help breast cancer activists influence research and public policy in the wide range of forums where breast cancer research decisions are made. Congratulations Grads!

Congratulations to the 2008 Jane Torres Scholarship Fund Recipients!

4 Floridians were chosen and awarded scholarships from The Florida Breast Cancer Foundation through funds from The Jane Torres Scholarship Fund to attend the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund's 2008 Annual Advocacy Training Conference and Lobby Day in Washington DC this April. The recipients chosen were: Linda Hake, HavreDe Hill, Barbara Miranda, and Jennifer Pates. Congrats to all of you. Enjoy the experience and fully represent Florida.

Annual Advocacy Training Conference & Lobby Day 2008, an unforgettable event.

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