Women's Cancer Resource Center News
June 2007
Dear Friends,
During the past year, the Women's Cancer Resource Center has benefited greatly from the services provided by the Berkeley Group (TBG), a student-run organization at UC Berkeley that provides consulting services to non-profit organizations. Fondly dubbed Team Data and Team Assessment, these project teams have worked closely with our staff (Sarah Kurhajetz, Dolores Moorehead and Molly Bergstrom) to recommend methods and improvements for how we collect data and assess the impact and quality of our programs.
Team Data helped us refine our data collection methods and create a comprehensive Data Collections Plan enabling us to evaluate the impact of our services on the community and make a more persuasive case for grant and internal reporting. We now produce a monthly report that tracks all of our programs, services and activities along a continuum of care spanning community awareness/outreach, screening, navigating the health care system, financial support, case management, cancer education, emotional and practical support and wellness.
Team Assessment undertook the challenge of evaluating several qualitative collection techniques to develop a comprehensive internal assessment process for seven of the WCRC's programs, creating an annual program of surveys and focus groups and recommendations for data collection and analysis. We are in the process of implementing their work.
Our thanks go to:
- Team Data: Irene Chang, David Huh, Kosar Jahani, Eric Wang, and Annemieke Wilcox
- Team Assessment: Anthony Bui, Michael Chen, Amit Kamra, Christina Tsou, and Cathy Tu
Peggy McGuire
Executive Director
peggy@wcrc.org
510.601.4040 x101
Politics of Cancer Events and Announcements
BC Prevention 101 at WCRC
With Genevieve Roja, Education & Outreach Coordinator at Breast Cancer Fund (BCF)
The Breast Cancer Fund identifies - and advocates for elimination of - the environmental and other preventable causes of the disease. BCF's work is rooted in science and looks at bodies of evidence linking chemicals in the environment to breast cancer. BCF's Education & Outreach Coordinator Genevieve Roja will review the science and discuss what each of us can do in our everyday lives, as consumers and as advocates to prevent breast cancer.
Thursday, August 23rd from 7 - 8:30 PM
Refreshments will be served
RSVP: margo@wcrc.org or 510-601-4040x111
Breast Cancer Mural
New website featuring the nationally traveling mural 'Who Holds the Mirror?: Breast Cancer, Women's Lives And The Environment"
As many of you know, this traveling mural originated through The Breast Cancer Oral History Action Project (BCOHAP), a project founded and directed by Beth Sauerhaft. The mural was co-created by the women who participated in the BCOHAP, in collaboration with famed muralist Miranda Bergman.The mural has been traveling nationally for the past 10 years!
The mural has proven to be a powerful tool for engaging communities in action and dialogue about women's health, social support, environmental racism, social and environmental justice.
For more information please contact beth@whoholdsthemirror.com.
Is the Future of the Mammogram in Jeopardy?
Mammograms are an important tool for detecting breast cancer, but they're far from foolproof. An increasing fear of lawsuits means fewer radiologists are willing to read the tests. Read the full article!
BCF's Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
Get i nformation about Breast Cancer Fund's Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
Environmental Factors in Breast Cancer
The Silent Spring Institute announces their recent review of research on possible environmental factors in breast cancer published in "Cancer." The review focused on diet, physical activity, body size, environmental pollutants, gene-environment interactions, and early life exposures. Most importantly, the project compiled information about 216 chemicals that cause mammary gland tumors in animals. The information was used to create two searchable online databases. See the databases and individual articles.
Workshops and Classes
In addition to weekly T’ai chi chih and yoga classes
we will be offering a variety of other workshops and
classes this winter. Please check the calendar on our website or send your contact information mailing address and
email to margo@wcrc.org to make sure that you receive a current
schedule.
SoulCollage® with Jean Weiss
Saturday, June 30.
10 AM - 1 PM. All materials provided.
SoulCollage draws out our innate creativity and intuition in the service of empowerment, healing and growth. SoulCollage's birth mom, Seena Frost, says SoulCollage "is a way of soul-tending and exploring self."
To reserve your space in the workshop please contact Jean at (925) 363-441 or jbeanweiss@juno.com.
Cancer Coping Workshops
With Dr. Connie Holmes
Especially for women with cancer, their partners & friends
Romance and Intimacy
Tuesday, September 11, 7-8:30 P.M.
Dr. Holmes will talk about bringing romance and intimacy back into a relationship during cancer diagnosis and treatment. She will also discuss the importance of imagination and creating a conducive atmosphere for intimacy.
Open Communication
Tuesday, September 18, 7-8:30 P.M.
Dr. Holmes will talk about the importance of open communication and the particular role of deep listening between life partners, friends and family members. Learning to truly listen and respond to difficult emotions can reduce stress, increase closeness and promote good quality of life.
Keeping Hope Alive
Tuesday, October 2, 7- 8:30 P.M.
Dr. Holmes will talk about the meaning of hope and its role as a virtue in many different traditions and its importance to people living with cancer and their loved ones. She will celebrate the meaning, importance and power of hope.
Connie Holmes, Ed. D. is the Clinical/Education Director for the East Bay Cancer Support Group. She also facilitates the metastatic cancer support group at WCRC.
RSVP for all workshops: margo@wcrc.org or 510-601-4040 x111
Open Arts & Crafts Studio time
You are welcome to work in any non-odiferous medium:
Collage, painting, pastels, knitting, etc.
We have some supplies available.
Thursdays 2-4 PM
Please contact Margo to sign-up: margo@wcrc.org or 510-601-4040 x111.
Healthy Desserts
With Sandy Der - Better Way to Wellness
Wednesday, June 20, 6-8 PM
Learn about healthy alternatives to refined sugar, how to make a versatile sauce with yogurt, simple ways to create healthy fruit-based desserts, an easy dairy-free alternative to ice cream and more!
- Honey Lime Yogurt Sauce
- Grilled Fruit
- Balsamic Mint Marinated Berries
- Creamy Fruit Parfait
- Healthy Granola recipe
- Banana Chocolate Chunk Bread Recipe
Register: margo@wcrc.org or 510-601-4040 x111
Fundraisers
Swim-A-Mile for Women With Cancer
It is never too early to sign up and start training for the 2007 Swim-A-Mile. This year's event will be held at Mills College Saturday & Sunday, October 6th and 7th.
Join the other 500 swimmers in having a great time while raising funds for Women's Cancer Resource Center .
You may register online!
Friday Night Skate 5 Year Celebration and Fundraiser
Host: Krista and Kevin Ward
Location: San Francisco Ferry Building
1 Market St, San Francisco , CA
When: Friday, June 22, 8:30pm
Phone: 415-335-5540
Cost: $1 per person
We met and were engaged on the Friday Night Skate and on June 22nd, 2007 will celebrate the 5 years since we were married and the 5 years Krista has been cancer-free! The Friday Night Skate is a free event that occurs every Friday in San Francisco (for more details, visit http://web.cora.org/ and click on Midnight Rollers).
Because of the occasion and our desire to raise money and awareness for cancer, we will skate on the 22nd in our wedding attire. Please join us on the skate and invite your friends. It is a great excuse to break out those bridesmaid dresses and raise money for the following organizations:
The event is FREE and ANY donation is appreciated. You can either donate with PAYPAL or send a check directly to the organization. If you choose the former, we will send you a letter for tax records and employer matching programs. If you choose to donate directly to the organization, please let us know so we can keep a tally of funds raised. Also, if you have another cancer-supporting organization you want to support in honor of this occasion, please let us know - We'd love to hear about what inspires you!
Support our Work
WCRC Wish List
- Locksmith Services
- Teas or gift cards to Berkeley Bowl, Trader Joe's or Whole Foods to use to purchase tea and goodies for our clients
- Gift cards to local furniture/design stores or IKEA to off-set the cost of our redesign project - Graphic design services
- Newer laptop computers
- Cordless microphone, amplifier speakers, stands and cables, a mixer and turntables (for the Swim a Mile)
Please contact us with your wish list item(s)!
For Bart Ticket Holders
BART tickets with tiny bits of value on them that you find in your wallet, pockets and drawers have just become far more valuable to the Bay Area's community organizations. As part of the Tiny Tickets Program, BART ticket holders may donate these tickets to the Women's Cancer Resource Center. Connecting local resources and community needs is what the Tiny Tickets Program is all about. Please send your "tiny tickets" directly to WCRC at 5741 Telegraph Avenue Oakland, CA 94609. If you're in the area you may also drop them off Monday - Friday 9 AM - 5 PM
Spring Cleaning
Spring is a great time to get rid of all that stuff that is taking up space in your garage and closets. Most of that "stuff" can be donated to the Community Thrift Store and in turn they will make a donation to WCRC. Donate your items to Community Thrift Store and designate the Women's Cancer Resource Center as your beneficiary. Visit the Community Thrift Store at 625 Valencia Street, San Francisco or call them at 415.861.4910 for more information.
Volunteer
Come to our Volunteer and Intern Orientation
Please note that there will not be a Volunteer Orientation in July because the first Wednesday of July is a holiday.
When: Wednesday, August 1, 6:00 to 7:30 pm
Where: WCRC office, 5741 Telegraph Ave. (at the corner of 58th St. in North Oakland.)
Transportation: AC Transit 40 and 40L buses stop right in front. There is also plenty of parking if you are driving.
Find out about who we are, what volunteers and interns do, and basic information about cancer.
To sign up for an orientation, e-mail or call Sarah, sarah@wcrc.org, 510.601.4040 x105
WCRC Support Groups
If you or a loved one is struggling with cancer, we encourage you to participate in a support group here at WCRC. If you are interested in a support group that is not listed, please call Dolores at 510.420.7900 x112.
See a list of the support groups at WCRC!
Community Announcements and Events
Girl, You Don't Know
Please join us at DeFremery Park (on the corner of 18th & Adeline Street in Oakland ) on Saturday, July 21 from 11 am - 4 pm for the launching of the Sister to Sister "Girl, You Don't Know" community awareness campaign for African American women. This campaign is the beginning of the Sister to Sister Community Health Advocacy Program.
There will be music, food, games for the kids, and health information. Bring your friends and family for a day of fun and community building.
For further information please contact dolores@wcrc.org.
Contra Costa County Events
Fiesta de Gala al estilo de Carnaval "Celebración de la Vida"/Latino Celebración of Life Carnival theme
Viernes 22 de Junio del 2007/Friday, June 22, 2007
De/From 6:30 - 10:30pm
En/At: Pleasant Hill Community Center-Parside Room
320 Civic Drive Pleasant Hill , CA
Please register with Millie 510-601-4040 ext 110 or 925-381-9866 or mille@wcrc.org.
For information please contact /Para mayor información por favor de contactarse con: Millie Ruiz Latino Program Coordinator @ 510-601-4040 ext.110 or 925-381-9866 (Cell), millie@wcrc.org
Skin Cancer: Are you at risk?
by LauraLynn Jansen
Learn about risk factors for skin cancer, as well as skin care tips. . . Read Entire Article. . .
LauraLynn Jansen can be contacted through her
website, www.ihcoach.com
Our Mission
To empower women with cancer to be active and informed
consumers and survivors; to provide community for women
with cancer and their supporters; to educate the general
community about cancer; and to be actively involved
in the struggle for a life-affirming, cancer-free society.
email: news@wcrc.org
web: http://www.wcrc.org
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