Endogenous Small Molecules that Regulate Signaling Pathways in Cancer Cells
Scientists believe that new drugs called "targeted therapies" provide the best bet for treating--and beating--cancer. There are two steps to developing these new therapies. The first involves identifying a protein on the cancer cell that has the potential to be a good target. The second involves developing a drug that can successfully target this protein.
IRG investigator Rajat Rohatgi, M.D., Ph.D., thinks he has found a good target: a small molecule-protein pair that scientists believe controls a signaling pathway, called Hedgehog, that has run amok in cancer cells. And he thinks he's figured out a way to find it. If he can, he intends to develop a drug that shuts down the Hedgehog pathway, which should get cancer cells to stop growing.
"The revolutionary advances of tomorrow," says Rohatgi, "will result from being able to see the problems of cancer that we know well--growth, invasion, metastasis--in completely different ways and opening the doors to new strategies for diagnosis and treatment."
We think Rohatgi's research has the potential to open that door.
This is the fifth blog in our IRG series. If you missed the other four, you can read them here:
SU2C Co-Founder Kathleen Lobb discusses the implications of J&J's decision to develop a test for detecting cancer in the blood.
The New Year got off to an exciting start for Stand Up To Cancer! Yesterday, a unit of Johnson & Johnson announced plans to work with Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) to develop the next generation of the SU2C CTC Chip Dream Team's promising technology. The device can find a single cancer cell amid ONE BILLION cells in a teaspoon of blood. Perhaps some day, an iteration of this "liquid biopsy" can be widely used for certain types of cancer instead of the invasive and often painful conventional needle biopsies used currently. While the technology may one day be used to detect the onset of the disease, its greatest value will be providing doctors with real-time insight into whether treatments are working in patients who already have cancer... and if they are not working, whether different therapies might be more effective.
J&J's announcement is a significant validation of many aspects of the SU2C research funding model: progress made on CTC chip technology developed with SU2C funding convinced the company to further develop this concept, bringing it one step closer to being widely available in perhaps five years. Accelerating the pace at which useful new developments are "translated" from the lab to the clinic where they help patients is a core SU2C objective.
The SU2C Dream Teams are, by design, both multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary, and our CTC Chip Team is a terrific example. The team's co-leaders, both at Mass General, have distinctly different expertise: Dr. Daniel Haber is a cancer biologist/researcher; Dr. Mehmet Toner is a bioengineer. Because of the SU2C grant they were able to work jointly to develop the chip and then collaborate with colleagues to begin to test its effectiveness with real patients. The SU2C Dream Team's work on the chip, the second generation of the technology, continues (as J&J collaborates with others at MGH on the third generation) because its success is critical to reaffirm the promise of CTC technologies. In a few months, SU2C Dream Team physician/scientists at three other institutions around the country will begin conducting trials with their patients.
Of course, none of this extremely encouraging progress would have been possible without the generous support of our Stand Up To Cancer donors, fans, advocates and celebrity ambassadors. We're honored that you have chosen to invest your hard-earned dollars in SU2C's funding model and scientists, and feel certain that there will be other significant developments stemming from our Dream Teams' work in the months and years to come.
This seems like a good time to also compliment the members of the SU2C Scientific Advisory Committee and our colleagues at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). They carefully reviewed submissions from 237 potential teams at the outset of the grant selection process and then quickly moved through an intense series of presentations, lab visits etc., before making recommendations of the five teams to be funded. The inclusion of a team focused on a technology (vs. an actual treatment) was a bit difficult for some of us lay people involved to wrap our heads around...But the critical role such technologies will play in helping deliver the "personalized medicine" of the future has become clearer and clearer in the two and a half years we've all been at this. As we embark on a new year, we'd like to say what a privilege it is to work with everyone in the Stand Up To Cancer community: you and all our generous donors; the extraordinary members of our Scientific Advisory and Management Committees, as well as the remarkable Dream Teams of scientists and innovative, individual investigators whose work SU2C funds; everyone at the American Association for Cancer Research, and many others (including the networks, whose generosity in donating airtime is what set all of this in motion).
As always, thank you for your support. We look forward to a productive year -- one that brings us all a step closer to the end of cancer.
Kathleen Lobb, on behalf of the entire SU2C Team
(Kathleen, an Entertainment Industry Foundation
Senior Vice President, is one of nine SU2C Co-Founders)
Despite being diagnosed with "terminal" cancer, Clayton Treska trained for and completed the Ironman Hawaii in October 2010. Less than 11 months after his last stem cell transplant he completed the race, which consisted of a 2.4 mile, swim, a 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run. Throughout his treatment Treska knew he wanted to recover and kept his sights on training for the triathlon. He was in and out of chemotherapy from July to November 2009. In the deepest throes of recovery, Treska's "exercise" consisted of lying in bed, meditating. He'd do sit-ups in bed. He walked around the hospital and estimated that 36 laps around the nurses' station equaled a mile. "I lost my health. I lost my hair. I lost my confidence. It kills your self-esteem and ruins you emotionally," Treska said. "But it's a very beautiful thing when you lose everything. You're really poised for success. You can accomplish anything because you have nothing to lose."
Rochelle "Ro" Kovach has battled cancer four times. The 61-year-old Punta Gorda resident, views cancer as an opportunity to encourage others in the same fight. Her personal goal: to treat every day like a gift. "I live with it every day, and my attitude is that it's never going to get me down," she says. Ro was first diagnosed with cervical cancer and had a partial hysterectomy at age 30. About 10 months later, she was diagnosed with uterine cancer. She's also had bouts with skin cancer and had a full hysterectomy when benign tumors were found on her ovaries. Now, Ro suffers from another type of cancer. Since 2004, Ro has been surviving a rare form of leukemia called JAK2 mutation and 5q- syndrome. JAK2, is a very rare blood disease and 5q- syndrome can cause stroke, she said. However, she stays positive by participating in American Cancer Societies Relay for Life and says, "I wasn't supposed to make my 30th birthday. It's a very important thing to me to celebrate more birthdays and to research to find a cure."
On any given day, Barb and Mike Welsh can be found wearing their favorite apparel with a custom message imprinted on each. For Barb, it's a gray sweatshirt that reads: "I'm a breast cancer survivor." The moose on Mike's shirt has a more colorful message. "I have half a rack," he explains about the moose with one antler adorning his shirt, along with the message "Male breast cancer survivor just ask me." The husband and wife have both battled breast cancer. Mike found out he had breast cancer in the summer of 2009 after he put on his seat belt and felt it pressing uncomfortably into a lump. "People just don't say anything, and that is why I wear this shirt," he said. "I am one of the 200,000 men with breast cancer. Here I am." While Barb's cancer went into remission in 2009, Mike's has spread to his bones and bladder. Having had a mastectomy earlier, he just started his first round of chemotherapy last week. His wife has become his biggest cheerleader, talking him through the treatment and giving him her pink bracelet and ring she received. "We just have each other and we are going to fight to the end," Barb said. "We can't give up."
SU2C is inspired by stories like these and millions of others. Cancer takes one person every minute and to wait for someone else to save our lives and the lives of those we love is no longer an option. At SU2C, we believe that together, we can end this disease by becoming one unstoppable movement. The end of cancer begins with you.
This week's With You We Stand features stories from our Facebook supporters.
Thank you to everyone who shared their amazing story with us and became part of our community on su2c.org.
Pat Elliott
Pat Elliott says of her battle with cancer that she was, "born to tell you her story." Her birthday, September 22nd, falls on Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) Awareness Day, and her own battle with CML is one she will never forget. From the beginning of her diagnosis Pat shared her experience through blogs, and online forums. Today, Pat also provides volunteer support for national and international patient advocacy groups and works as the Cancer Guide for the women's health website, EmpowHER.com. "Through these forums I've met CML patients from around the world" she says. "When you have a rare cancer it can be hard to find accurate information and it's extremely important to learn from fellow patients, and to share what you know too." Her experience as a cancer survivor, journalist and healthcare executive has enabled her to be a strong advocate for herself and others around the world battling this disease. "Before my diagnosis I had never even heard of CML," says Elliott. "But, now I'm happy to spend my birthdays, and every day, helping others learn about this rare cancer."
In November of 1997 Diane Trivelli learned that her seven-year-old daughter, Arielle, had cancer. Diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma, Arielle immediately went into what would become, three long years of treatments and surgeries. As the cancer became worse Arielle and Diane moved into The Children's Inn at the National Institute of Health (NIH) to live. During the time she was in treatment Arielle's family incurred huge medical bills, even with some aid from the government and realized that they were unable to pay them all. In an effort to help, a fund was set up in Arielle's name where friends, family, and members of their community donated to help pay for Arielle's the medical costs. On January 19th, 2001 Arielle lost her three and a half year battle with cancer. She was 11. Before she passed away she asked her mother to turn her fund into a foundation. Today, Diane has kept her promise and started, The Arielle Anacker Cancer Foundation. Its mission is to help needy pediatric families pay their bills and support research for Ewing's sarcoma. "I have made a vow to devote my life to helping other families who are in the same boat we were in," Diane says. "I pray for a cure so no more children have to suffer like Arielle did."
On May 31, 2010 Angela Smith's doctor discovered a lump in her lower abdomen. Thinking it was just endometriosis, her doctor scheduled surgery to remove the lump. On June 22, 2010 her entire world came crashing down when she discovered she actually had cancer. She was diagnosed with Liposarcoma cancer and was told she'd have to return for surgery to remove any cancer cells that might still be in her body. This surgery was the most painful she had ever encountered. "As I laid in bed I thought of my kids," Angela said. "I thought that I needed to fight. I needed to remain strong for them and pray that everything had been completely removed." On July 16, 2010 she drove to see her doctor expecting to hear news of treatment options and survival statistics. The news she received was more than she could have ever hoped for when her doctor told her that she was cancer free! After her scare Angela says, "I have completely changed my life style, cancer could easily happen again and I am stronger, healthier and ready to stand up to my cancer if and when it ever returns."
If you had asked Richard Villabla-Navarette a few years ago if we would still be alive in 2011 he would have answered, "no." After being diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma several years ago he was told he had only two months to live. Thankfully, his doctor was wrong and after years of treatment Richard is now cancer free. He attributes his survival to his strong support system, his wonderful oncologist, and his belief that he could beat the odds. "I am proof that life does not have to be defined by cancer," Richard says. "I am living every day to survive." Richard believes that when we all make the decision to support finding a cure and take the steps to beat cancer together there is hope for success. "Time is measured by the steps we take to care and the compassion we have. We can save lives if we move forward with every step we make. Together we can make a difference."
SU2C is inspired by stories like these and millions of others. Cancer takes one person every minute and to wait for someone else to save our lives and the lives of those we love is no longer an option. At SU2C, we believe that together, we can end this disease by becoming one unstoppable movement. The end of cancer begins with you.
Over the last 15 years, I can recall having one cold. As the Director of the Breath of Dao, a Chinese medicine clinic, I was no stranger to healthy living. So when I got a cough in December of 2009, I didn't think much of it. I thought, "Ok, I'll just take herbs." But those didn't help at all. So I took stronger herbs. Those didn't help either.
After nearly a month the cough persisted, so I went to my western medicine doctor who prescribed antibiotics. In the last 15 years, I hadn't taken an aspirin, much less antibiotics. The antibiotics had no effect. Then I tried a steroidal inhaler for two weeks, but I just kept getting worse and worse.
Finally, in early February of 2010, I coughed so hard that I broke two ribs, one on each side. A chest x-ray revealed solar systems in my chest - the doctors thought maybe it was a combined viral and fungal infection. My doctor had always said, "You're my healthiest patient!" So no one was thinking cancer.
But a CAT scan and a bronchoscopy told a different story: it was lung cancer. My right lung had collapsed from the tumor and the cancer was also in my left lung and my lymph nodes.
As a nationally licensed acupuncturist and herbalist with a master's degree and doctorate in medical qigong therapy, I'd been working closely with cancer patients using Chinese medicine at my clinic for years so I immediately asked, "What stage?" He said, stage four. And of course, there is no stage five. In my head, I just started making preparations for how I would tell everyone I was going to die.
I called my parents and said. "Listen, I have stage four lung cancer, it's in-operable. Mom, I'm preparing for my death and I really need you to start to prepare as well." My mom, ever the elementary school teacher said, "Can we put a more positive spin on this?" I said. "No. No, mom."
I went to an oncologist. I immediately didn't like him; he never touched me, or listened to me. He gave me two years to live if I began chemotherapy immediately, eight months to live if I didn't. I left that appointment with a scheduled follow-up, but in my heart I knew I would probably never go back.
I started calling other practitioners who I felt were on the cutting edge in the cancer treatment community. I talked to lots of people. I wanted to forge my own treatment path, but meanwhile everyone around me was saying, "hurry up - or you're gonna die."
I emailed the first oncologist and told him I wasn't coming to my appointment. He tried to change my mind: judging from my labored breathing, he told me, I really couldn't afford to miss it. My pulmonologist, who I trust, told me to listen to my oncologist. They were both worried I would become too sick to be treated. The pulmonologist said I had a maximum of a week to make a decision. That was February of 2010. I never did go back to that oncologist.
By September of 2010, I was cancer free with no evidence of disease. The five-year survival rate for lung cancer is less than 20 percent, so this story may be a rare one, but it did happen to me.
When I was diagnosed, I couldn't even walk from my curb to the front door. I tried to walk a block and I couldn't. I was tired and worn down, but my spirits were still strong.
Someone referred me a lab in Long Beach, which focuses on sensitivity testing of cells to create personalized drug combinations. This is different from the more standard molecular profiling. Not only was it not covered by my insurance, in order to have the test, I had to find a doctor willing to break hospital protocol, cut out my lymph node, and deliver it to my family, who then FedExed it to the lab.
The lab tested the cancerous node, and it turned out that I won the genetic lottery: I tested EGFR positive, a genetic mutation that indicates that the cancer will respond well to the drug Tarceva.
In the meantime, I found an integrated medicine oncologist to review the results with me. He wanted to put me on Tarceva (a targeted therapy) and Avastin (monoclonal antibody). I also find out that I won the gene pool lottery, and I have this one mutation that makes Tarceva work even better.
I went up to my new doctor and said, "I'm going to be your new favorite success story." He was amazing. He wasn't afraid of me. He got me oxygen. He treated me like a real person.
As I was waiting for the drugs to come in, I got more good news from the lab - they told me that the doctor just came skipping out with my results. He had never seen anyone's cancer respond so well to the combination of Tarceva and Avastin.
"We have had a series of patients with similar profiles achieve complete and durable remissions." That's what the lab results said. I read it over the phone to my parents. My dad just kept saying, "Read it again. Read it again. Read it again."
Meanwhile I had created my own complimentary medicinal routine with a combination of western and Chinese herbs, meditation, qi gong, and a super strict diet. I began walking hills to try and get my lungs back. I closed my clinic. I stopped treating people. I had to treat myself.
My lung had collapsed; I was told it would take months for it to come back. It took less than a month.
My first CAT scan was in May. 70% of the cancer was gone in those two months.
After three months, the doctor said, "If I listened to your lungs, I would think you were an athlete."
By July the doctor wrote NED: no evidence of disease. I was diagnosed at the end of February, began treatment in March, and by July I had no evidence of disease. September's CAT scan was completely cancer free.
The poetry of this is that in the time I was told that I had left to live, I had healed. I didn't expect it.
My parents were amazing. They just spread their wings and embraced me. It was the most amazing thing to watch what people were capable of and what humanity was capable of giving.
With cancer, you are terrified. You put yourself in the hands of someone you don't know. I was never willing to completely do that, which is why I was so happy to have been able to find the right doctors who worked with me to treat the cancer.
I have not stopped working on healing. I am going at this every single way I can to get at the root of the disease. Western medicine kills the weed. Chinese medicine says, "Let's kill the root." Anything I can address holistically, I am addressing. Cancer is a fulltime job with crappy hours and no benefits.
I was always a happy and appreciative person. But now I am beyond myself with appreciation. Since I am allowed to live, I am very, very alive. And it feels great.
Suzanne Friedman
Suzanne Friedman is a Chinese medicine doctor, professor, and author in San Francisco, California. She is an award winning haiku poet and plays the shakuhachi (Japanese Zen flute).
Every New Year millions of people make the resolution to go on a diet. While there are thousands of diet books on the market most of them endorse the "fad diet" and don't focus on your overall lifestyle. Even fewer contain advice specifically for patients battling cancer. Author Kris Carr's new book, Crazy Sexy Diet, focusing on the diet and lifestyle she says helped keep her alive, is a notable exception.
"Eat your veggies, ignite your spark, and live like you mean it!" Says Carr in her newest book, a follow up to Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor, and Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips. Along with help from experts, Carr lays out the fundamentals of her Crazy Sexy Diet: a low-glycemic, vegetarian program that emphasizes balancing the pH of the body with lush whole and raw foods, nourishing organic green drinks, and scrumptious smoothies. In addition she offers tips on managing stress, creating an exercise routine and getting the love and support you need to create your healthiest, and happiest life.
Inspired by her own battle with cancer, Carr recalls how she took the bull by the horns when "cancer rocked her world," and helped her find a, "new normal." It's a change that she says is responsible for keeping her alive. It's quirky and realistic approach to changing your lifestyle makes it an interesting read for not only cancer patients but anyone who wants to create a healthier life for themselves.
Each month SU2C brings you, Heroe's Luminaries and Visionaries, a series of interviews with our donors that focuses on who they are and why they've chosen to join the Stand Up To Cancer Movement.
Recently, SU2C had the chance to sit down with Stephen (Steve) Bonner, President and CEO of Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA)
SU2C: What does CTCA do?
Steve: CTCA offers a very unique, integrative, and holistic array of hopeful options to cancer patients, specializing in later stage complex forms of cancer. We take great pride in our patient empowerment model, because a well-informed patient is a very powerful thing. We believe that when patients get smart about what their options are, they will make more informed decisions. So, we provide access to a team of experts who can work with the patient to provide a plan of care that everyone can believe in. When a patient believes in their care, they believe in themselves and that gives them the best chance to beat their cancer.
SU2C: Can you tell us more about the CTCA patient-centric model of healthcare and what makes it unique?
Steve: The thing that makes it unique is the strong commitment to both traditional and non-traditional medicine. We know that chemo, radiation, surgery - treat the tumor, but not the disease. So, traditional medicine is only a part of the equation. Based on the behavior of the cancer, we already know that something is wrong with the patient's immune system; furthermore, traditional therapies present an assault the immune system. We believe it's important to look at the whole patient and encourage complementary forms of treatment. That means everything from putting the patient in an energizing environment, to extensive nutritional support, naturopathy, mind and body work, exercise, yoga, Reiki, spiritual support and much more.
At CTCA we integrate these therapies in a way that no one else does. CTCA therapists, traditional and non-traditional, talk to each other. All of our doctors are experts in residence, and on staff. Everyone collaborates on patient care. Cancer is a dynamic, complex disease, so each day our team of experts meets as a team to evaluate patient progress and adjust treatment plans in the best interest of the patient.
SU2C: What is your personal connection to cancer?
Steve: Well my father survived prostate cancer, but the real answer is that I couldn't possibly have worked here for 12 years without this becoming personal.
Every day, since the day I started, I hear patients talk about what CTCA means to them - everything from loud testimonials to quiet conversations to the tune of, "Why did I have to wait so long before I could find my way to CTCA?"
SU2C: Why did CTCA decide to get involved with Stand Up To Cancer?
Steve: A compelling bunch of very knowledgeable women told us we had to! Seriously, once we understood what they are doing for cancer patients, we had to find a way to get involved...and who can say no to those women? The SU2C founders are compelling, passionate, smart, and most importantly they've all walked the path with cancer. They are so motivated and energized and that was very attractive to us.
We sought out SU2C, and the more we learned about the organization, the more we thought we were meeting ourselves and our own approach to cancer research, through our sister, The Gateway for Cancer Research, which is also a partner with us and SU2C. The collaborative approach, and sense of urgency was like looking in the mirror, philosophically. If you look at the SU2C visibility and resources, but moreover the wisdom with which they are deployed, we think they will fundamentally change the face of cancer research. It's also exciting to be able to open up the option of enrolling CTCA patients in SU2C clinical trials and for our researchers to be able to share information. We share in SU2C's mission to deliver scientific breakthroughs to the bedside.
SU2C: What kind of a 2011 New Year's message can you offer for our audience who might be going through cancer treatment, or supporting a loved one in treatment?
Steve: We are entering a new era in cancer medicine when patients and family members who are prepared to be motivated and innovative can find legitimate hope in many corners of cancer research and treatment. At CTCA we're in clinical trials with Ovarian cancer vaccines, and working on genomic innovations. We are introducing more precision in diagnostics and treatment is, and we continue to enhance evidence based integrative therapies are working together with scientifically proven traditional therapies.
2011 is a great time to be in healthcare. In the US, we see ourselves as challenged to create a health care renaissance, involving a patient centric model of care. We need to educate patients to shop for healthcare based on price, convenience, and quality, just like any other consumer products. The path to better health care wisdom in the US is to focus on length and quality of our lives at the core of our value system. People are awakening to the fact that health choices are theirs to control. At CTCA our model is to provide them with the information they need to make the right decisions.
SU2C: What kinds of cancer patients come to CTCA?
Steve: People are influenced by relationships in healthcare - sometimes instead of looking for the best care they seek out recommendations from trusted family doctors. Although we treat all stages of adult cancer, we often only see patients in late stages, when the disease has advanced beyond their prescribed treatment, and they begin seeking out something unique. Our job is to help people increase their sophistication about the range of options that are available, and find the options they value quickly and reliably.
SU2C: Where can SU2C users find more information, help, or resources about CTCA?
Steve: They can go to www.cancercenter.com or call 1-800-for-help. We know that patients are up at all hours of the day and night worrying about their care. So, we are here for them 24 hours a day.
All of our board meetings begin with a patient testimonial. This year we heard from a woman who spent her holidays writing goodbye letters to her little girls. A friend told her to call CTCA and she said, "That's ridiculous. Its 11pm on New Year's Eve, no one will be there." She called, and she got someone. She came to us a year ago with 60 days to live. Today, 13 months later, she's in remission. That's why we do this.
This week With You, We Stand features some of the touching letters we received from our November Real Simple Room Makeover Challenge.
Trish Grieme in honor of Casey Elizabeth Bullard
My niece, Casey, is 20 year old. She had a baby on July 8, 2010. Her fianc�, Chris Goss (23), was diagnosed with Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma in June before Baby CJ was born. He was able to be at the delivery of his baby because Casey was able to get induced around Chris's chemo schedule. Chris got to spend 3 1/2 weeks with his baby before he went into a coma. Casey lost their apartment, her job and her life, as she knew it when Chris got sick. She has recently rented a house with her sister and would welcome a room makeover. Chris lost his battle with cancer in November leaving Casey to raise four-month-old CJ alone. Any help you can give Casey & CJ would be greatly appreciated. I am Casey's Aunt Trish. I live in Minnesota and would give anything to be in Texas to help her through this loss.
Maria Abercrombie in honor of Tyler Shead
My son Tyler was 16 when he was diagnosed with stage IV Ewing's Sarcoma. While most of his friends were busy with high school events like prom, hanging out with friends, spring break, and planning for college, Tyler was enduring chemotherapy, radiation, mouth sores, and multiple limb salvage surgeries, not to mention drinking green smoothies with every possible vegetable I could put in them. He is now 18 and has started college and is still undergoing scans and rehabilitation. Unfortunately, because of his medical issues and our financial situation he still has to live at home and commute to a local community college. Although he hasn't complained, I know this is not the college path he had planned especially since he is still living at home. So much has been taken away from his youth and as a mother it truly breaks my heart. Tyler found out that with his limited mobility he could no longer play ball, or paint ball, ride four wheelers, or mountain bike. With one diagnosis all of that was taken away and we learned a lesson of a lifetime.... that life is not fair. Yet throughout his treatment he remains upbeat. He has spent hours on his pottery wheel and spent time playing his guitar and ukulele for the hospital staff and other children who are patients. Tyler has also participated in many fundraisers including a video for the AFLAC Cancer and Blood Disorder center through Children's Health Care of Atlanta. My room makeover wish would be to remake our basement into a studio living room with areas for painting, his pottery wheel, playing and recording music: a place where he can hang out with his college friends.
Debrah L. Urella nominated by her children Tyler and Alicia
I am nominating myself on behalf of my two children Tyler (16) & Alicia (14). They are two wonderful caring well-behaved children who have had to watch their father go from a strong hardworking man to fragile sick man with great hope and desire to beat CANCER. With a tear in my eye and a breaking heart I have to say he did not win the battle and passed away on 6-26-10, two days after Alicia graduated 8th grade and 10 days before Tyler's 16th Birthday. Through it all they have been my source of strength my reason to get out of bed and smile. Tyler and Alicia have a relationship like no other and have always been best friends. My husband and I had plans of turning our basement into a room for the kids to enjoy together with friends. Sadly we were never able to do this so to win the room makeover would be a great blessing. I know our story isn't any different from the rest but as their Mother I feel they deserve the best. Thank you for considering my children.
Sincerely, Debrah Urella
Patricia Zupp in honor of Nicole Zupp
I would like to nominate my daughter, Nicole Zupp, for a bedroom makeover. When Nicole was three years old her older sister, Monica, was diagnosed with brain cancer. Monica went through multiple surgeries, radiation and chemo treatments. Throughout these numerous stays in the hospital and all-day visits in the clinic, Nicole tried to be with her sister but she was getting little attention from her mom and dad as she was sent to stay with sitters and family during these long weeks and extensive daily treatments. No one knew what the outcome of this cancer diagnosis or its effect on our family dynamics would be, but slowly we realized our whole outlook on life was going to have to change. Luckily, my husband had a stable job and I was a stay-at-home mom so anytime we had free time we spent it with our two girls. Nicole and Monica were able to spend their early teenage years together in home school and each had their own room, unique style and different groups of friends. I consider these years together as some of the most precious memories I have of my girls being close like they were when they were toddlers. Eventually, Nicole decided to move back into public school as a way to make more friends to get out of the house and away from the attention paid to Monica's medical uncertainty. Monica did not want to go to public school but Nicole always invited her to school events and to go out with her friends. As Nicole approached the end of her high school years she expressed hopes to get out of the house and find an uncharted island to live. Her sister Monica wanted to do the same. Everyone was making crazy plans when Monica had a relapse that left her partially paralyzed for a couple of months. The fear Nicole was feeling was well hidden inside her but she kept Monica company: watching movies, talking to her, and continued to make plans for them both to move out of the house. Monica had started on experimental chemotherapy but wanted her own apartment and Nicole wanted money so she could move out too. Living together during this extremely difficult time was heartbreaking but I wanted all of us to be a family in the same house when the cancer started to take my daughters life. Nicole lost her older sister, Monica, to brain cancer in June of 2008, one week before she graduated from high school. Since the day Nicole came home from the hospital she has always had the smallest bedroom in the house and hasn't been able to have the look she has imagine it should have year after year. After Monica passed away I offered her Monica's room but she always declined my offer. She still lives with us working part-time and going to college part-time and a makeover would help her stay with us longer while she finishes her degree.
Kat Egeland in honor of Cheryl Alonso
To whom it may concern-I would like to nominate my amazing aunt, Cheryl Alonso, for your room makeover sweepstakes. Cheryl recently turned 40, and this would be the perfect gift for her. The shower in her master bath is leaking, making it unusable, and is in desperate need of attention. They can't afford to fix it because they have started a non-profit organization, The Isaiah Alonso Foundation, named for their "forever" six year old son, Isaiah. On Sept. 3rd of this year, Isaiah collapsed in front of his parents and was rushed to the hospital. There were no prior symptoms but he suffered severe brain damage as a result of complications from lymphoma; which, wasn't diagnosed until that day. He never regained consciousness and took his last breath on Sept 10th in Cheryl's arms. Isaiah was a true superhero and would often be seen wearing costumes of his favorites; especially, his batman costume. Isaiah also loved to dance to Michael Jackson songs. He had a contagious smile that would brighten any room and was truly loved by all who were lucky enough to have known him. Cheryl and her husband, Vinnie have decided to honor Isaiah's memory by doing what Isaiah would have done...become superheroes to others when they need it most. They have already made donations to RMHC Kentuckiana and Team Isaiah has participated in the "Light the Night Walk" in MA, FL, and KY raising funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. They have big dreams and really want to help as many families as they can which is exactly what a superhero would do. They are helping families fight cancer and you can be a superhero, too! Cheryl is aware that I have submitted an entry on her behalf and I have permission to do so. Please consider her for your make over sweepstakes. For more information, please visit them on the web at www.theisaiahalonsofoundation.org or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Isaiah-Alonso-Foundation/104561449610269
Thank you very much for your consideration!! - Kat Egeland
Julie Evans in honor of Cathy Baker
I'd like to nominate my dear friend, Cathy Baker, for the SU2C Real Simple Room Makeover contest. The really simple reason is that she loaned me all her hats when I was going through chemo. That is basically how we met. She was part of a home school co-op where I was supposed to teach high school English. I was diagnosed as school was beginning. One of the leaders of the co-op introduced me to Cathy, as someone who had been there, done that, had to buy a new t-shirt, and used to wear a lot of hats. Cathy had gone through chemo and a double mastectomy a few months before me, and still had a hysterectomy to come. She had previously lost both her mother and grandmother to breast cancer. We were instant friends. The next week she brought her entire collection of hats for me to borrow over the winter while my head was chilly. Probably one of the kindest gestures anyone has ever shown me. Her gorgeous new hair was just like a billboard that shouted HOPE to me, every time I saw her. I can't begin to express the blessing it was to have her walking beside me, sharing her own experience with me, and cheering me on. I would love to return the blessing by nominating her to have her bedroom, including the deck area off of it, made over. I know how much she loves to work outside in her yard. I also know that if there is one area of her home that she has not focused on since kids and cancer, is her own bedroom and the small deck area. It's not even that she would even think of complaining about it because she is all about the important things in life: like, her husband and kids. However, just the thought of her receiving such a beautiful gift... if anybody could use a little refuge after the storms of cancer that she has endured, my friend Cathy sure could. And I have secured her permission to nominate her. Here is a link to my daughter Amanda's SU2C up to you video (which won 4th runner up!), and in which Cathy and her family appear. She and her daughter Kirsten are in the still frame, at the beginning of the video.: http://www.joulesevans.com/Joules_Evans/SU2C.html
Cheers, Joules Evans
Missy Hamilton in honor of Lori Hamilton
My sister Lori Hamilton is the bravest, most inspiring person I know. She has been fighting breast cancer for 19 years, diagnosed at age 22 just 6 months before graduating college and getting married. After a mastectomy, chemo and radiation, she went on to do both of those things, land a full time job, as well as have 3 children and enjoy life until April 2003, when the first recurrence happened. It came back on her chest wall first, followed by lungs, and most recently the omentum, bones and liver. She has been on every chemotherapy available, endured multiple rounds of hair loss, fingernail loss, neuropathy, lymphedema; all while, continuing to work and raise her family. This most recent chemotherapy regimen has hit her pretty hard, but still she perseveres, giving other "pink warriors" the hope and courage to keep fighting. She never thinks of herself and never does anything for herself. She's a wonderful cook, and loves to bake for her family. I would love for her to have a new kitchen! She makes do with everything, and currently has a kitchen table that her husband started to refinish, but never completed. The ceiling is discolored from an upstairs bathroom mishap with an uninsured handyman, the barstools have broken and the wood floor has lost its finish ... My name is Missy Hamilton, I am her sister, caregiver, and best friend. I know she would be thrilled with a kitchen makeover! Thank you :)
SU2C is inspired by stories like these and millions of others. Cancer takes one person every minute and to wait for someone else to save our lives and the lives of those we love is no longer an option. At SU2C, we believe that together, we can end this disease by becoming one unstoppable movement. The end of cancer begins with you.
Accidents are the number one cause of deaths for young women. Number two? Cancer deaths. And cervical cancer, in particular. In my role as an "ambassador" for the Stand Up To Cancer initiative, I've learned about the disease, and was stunned by the numbers: every 47 minutes, a woman in the United States is diagnosed with cervical cancer. Does this statistic shock you? It should.
In 2010 alone, there were an estimated 12,000 new cases. You, or I; or a best friend, sister, daughter, or mother could be vulnerable. The disease is almost always caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, so doctors have a better handle on diagnosis and treatments then they do for some other cancers. Experts, like Dr. Andrea Myers from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, tell us that prevention and early diagnosis are key weapons in the fight against cervical cancer, so ladies, please make sure you are up-to-date on all your annual exams, especially Pap smears.
Dr. Myers writes in a recent blog, "Though cervical cancer remains a leading cancer killer of women globally, there has been a 75 percent reduction in cervical cancer mortality in the United States, due primarily to the implementation of Papanicolaou (Pap) smears. From this screening, we are able to diagnose cancers earlier and treat them before they become too aggressive to cure."
Education could be the difference between life and death for young women.� Be proactive; don't wait for your doctor to raise the topic with you. Ask him or her all of your questions: how one contracts HPV; and about its complications and the increased risk for cervical cancer associated with it. Cervical cancer is more common in women who don't have regular Pap tests, so be sure to get tested. Inquire about the HPV vaccination to decide what's right for you, and importantly, if you have young daughters, especially between the ages of 9 - 15, what's best for them.
The connection between HPV and cervical cancer was confirmed�only a few decades ago. Its discovery led to the development of the vaccines, which have had major implications in the fight against this disease. That's�a great example of just the type of "translational" research for which SU2C raises funds.
Last September, I joined Stand Up To Cancer for its second major telecast. In connection with it, donors of all sorts pledged $80 million for groundbreaking "translational" cancer research - developments that can be quickly moved out of the laboratory and into clinics and doctors offices where they'll benefit patients. The Hollywood community came together in full force for the event, as did people (from individual TV viewers to wealthy philanthropists), companies and other organizations -- from around the country, and indeed all over the world.��
As January has come to an end, (Cervical Cancer Awareness Month) please do whatever you can to spread the word about cervical cancer throughout the year and what women - particularly young women -- can do to safeguard themselves against it. Here's a comment that was posted to SU2C's Facebook page by a brave woman by the name of Rachel Steamer:
"I am 38 years old and have recurrent cervical cancer. First diagnosed six years ago, it recurred last year and is incurable. I'm fighting for my life..."
Let's make sure that the heroism of all the women and girls like Rachel can help eradicate this disease forever.
In closing, I'd like to give a special shout-out to GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) a company deeply involved in the fight against cervical cancer and a supporter of Stand Up To Cancer. Let's keep the movement going.
