Dr. Oz to be Featured at Komen OC Race for the Cure Sept. 25

This year, at the 20th Annual Susan G. Komen Orange County Race for the Cure, Dr. Mehmet Oz, host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” will be the featured participant in one of the 5K races and a speaker at the survivor tribute. Dr. Oz will address 30,000+ runners and spectators expected to attend and share his commitment to educating the public about important health issues, including breast cancer.

Top fundraising participants will have an opportunity to meet with Dr. Oz in the VIP Terrace on Race day. If you haven’t signed up yet for the Race, it’s not too late! Visit our Race website to register and fundraise for a cure.

Dr. Oz is the two-time Daytime Emmy Award-winning host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” airing weekdays on ABC7 at 3 p.m beginning Monday, Sept. 12. He is also a best-selling author, having authored more than 400 original publications, book chapters and medical books, has received several patents and still regularly performs heart surgery.

Everyone at Komen OC is looking forward to hosting Dr. Oz at this year’s Race on Sunday, Sept. 25 at Fashion Island in Newport Beach!  Don’t forget to register and be a part of our 20th year!

Breast Health Education Series – Aug. 23 Emotions and Breast Cancer: Expressing, Coping, Surviving

One of the most common feelings reported by breast cancer survivors is the fear that their cancer will return. It can interfere with every aspect of life from eating, sleeping, working, and playing. It can be triggered by reminders such as follow-up visits, birthdays, someone else’s diagnosis, an ache in your body or a bump on your skin. Join Dr. Pamela Honsberger as she discusses ways to lessen emotional turmoil and the importance of developing a foundation for coping with breast cancer.

Our next session of the Breast Health Education Series will be held on Aug. 23, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Kaiser Permanente, Irvine Medical Center, 5^th Floor, Conference Rooms 2 and 3, 6640 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA 92618. Please R.S.V.P. by phone (714) 796-2660 or by e-mail Melissa.R.McGinnis@kp.org .

My Race for the Cure: Selma Mann

Selma Mann is a breast cancer survivor and Race team captain for Mann Up #1865. Read her poem to learn more about her inspiring journey. You can also donate to Selma’s team by checking out her team page.

My Breasts

 

I’ve had my breasts forever,

As long as I recall

At first just small brown circles

Snug and flat on my chest wall.

 

Around the time of puberty

They really grew a lot

I was bewildered and amazed

The boys thought I was hot.

 

I must admit I liked the cleavage

And how good they felt to touch

They were just the perfect size

Not too little, not too much.

 

When my two babies were born

A new chapter was begun

The breasts were nourishing and nurturing

Instead of just for fun.

 

The years were kind and gentle

They stayed perky with no slack

Unless, of course, I happened

To be lying on my back.

 

I loved them and was grateful

For the many joys they carried.

My husband never ceased admiring them

The whole time we were married.

 

Then one sad night my true love died

And they really missed his gaze.

They didn’t like the grief world

that had filled too many days.

 

Another story waited

Cancer sneaked in unannounced

Bilateral mastectomies

Would ensure it could be trounced..

 

The night before the surgery

I held them one by one

I cried yet I was grateful

For we’d had a darn good run.

 

For the battle to be won

There simply was no issue

The cancer was removed

along with my breast tissue

 

New grief was layered over old

Yet step by step I walked right through

With love and family and friends

And my soul mate’s spirit too.

 

Sometimes it wasn’t easy

But I really hate to lose

So I focused on the gifts

And on finding my new muse.

 

There have been lots of poems

And butterflies galore

My breasts don’t just have implants

They have memories and more.

 

I have two lovely, perky breasts

Barbie comes to mind

and when I lie upon my back

They’re certainly more kind.

 

I’d take my old ones in a trade

But I didn’t have that choice

So I say “thank you” and each day

I remember to rejoice.

 

Selma Mann

8/9/10

Mammogram News

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists now recommend annual mammograms for women ages 40-49. These recommendations pattern Komen for the Cure’s longstanding position that women of average risk should be getting annual mammograms beginning in their 40s.

Check out the video below, where Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® Founder and CEO Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker talks about the facts of breast cancer screening on the CBS Early Show. Enjoy, and let us know what you think!