Happy New Year and New You

Thanks to our supporters and generous donors, we wrapped up 2017 with a bang. Through our signature events like the Race for the Cure and Pink Tie Ball, and through individual contributions, we raise funds throughout the year that enable women, right here in Orange County, to detect and survive breast cancer. To date, we are proud to say that we have invested more than $40 million in education, diagnosis, treatment and support programs that serve uninsured or underinsured residents in our local community.

In 2017, we:

• provided 8,307 free clinical breast exams to those who otherwise would not have received them.
• provided 7,007 free mammograms to uninsured and underserved women.
• detected breast cancer in 64 women, who would otherwise not have known about their cancer.
• supported 86 women with financial assistance so they can finish their treatment.
• reached 67,617 people through the year-long breast health education series.

As we look forward to 2018, we remain committed to the vision of a world without breast cancer and will continue to strive toward our Bold Goal of reducing the current number of breast cancer deaths by 50 percent in the U.S. by 2026. Here are some of the steps we’re taking to reach this objective:

Nationally, research on metastatic breast cancer (MBC) remains a priority for the Komen organization. Every 13 minutes, one woman or man dies from MBC, which causes nearly all of the 40,000-plus breast cancer deaths each year in the United States. To date, Komen has spent more than $166 million in over 400 research grants and more than 40 clinical trials focused on metastatic breast cancer. We won’t stop until we find a cure!

Locally, we’re excited for our partnership with Cal State Fullerton, working together to identify ways to enhance patient navigation services in Orange County. The goal is to ensure that breast cancer patients receive support all the way through treatment. More info to come in the upcoming months.

Individually, we invite you to Be More Than Pink and make a difference by being part of upcoming Komen events by attending, supporting, fundraising and/or volunteering! Visit the Komen’s events page regularly to get the latest updates on where we are in the community.

What Does ‘Survivor’ Mean to You?

Survivor is defined as ‘one to remain alive or in existence; to live on; to continue to function or prosper.’ To us, it is all that and it is synonymous for “hero” – a warrior and one who shows great courage.’ It goes without saying that one who battles and overcomes a life-threatening disease or illness, such as breast cancer, is indeed a hero.  We want to honor all the breast cancer survivors, our heroes – today, tomorrow and always.

Susan G. Komen Orange County hosted its annual Survivor Celebration & Awards Banquet on August 12 at the Oasis Senior Center in Corona Del Mar. Themed “A Day at the Races,” it was a day that celebrated the survivors, role models and heroes. A special tribute honored our very own, Robin Pollok, who this year, lost her third battle against Stage 4 breast cancer. Pollok was best known for singing the national anthem at the start of the annual Race for the Cure. Despite the debilitating treatment sessions, she never missed a Race in the last 16 years. This is a true testament to her fight against her illness. This is the true mark of a hero.

Robin Pollok sings at the 2011 Race for the Cure

The Survivor Celebration & Awards Banquet also recognized other survivors, hard-working volunteers, and faithful supporters, who stood alongside a loved one battling breast cancer. Those honorees were:

• Carla Cammack, a survivor and Komen Orange County volunteer who held pivotal roles for several years at Race for the Cure including Race Chair.
• Veronica Mora, a young woman whose breast cancer was detected early, thanks in part to free testing funded by Komen.
• Peggy Swanson-Taylor received the Most Inspirational Breast Cancer Survivor Award for noteworthy work with women diagnosed with breast cancer, her unselfish commitment in volunteering, raising awareness and tens of thousands of dollars to help end this disease, and especially for celebrating 30 years of being cancer-
• Louie Rodriguez, a retiree of the Long Beach Fire Department, was honored with the Most Inspirational Breast Cancer Journey Partner Award. Rodriguez stood by his wife who lost her battle against the disease in 2015. Together he and his wife started Pink Ribbons and Blessings, a breast cancer clothing and jewelry stored located in Orange.
• Reyna Crespo, who received the Outstanding Breast Health Advocate Award for her steadfast work in educating and recruiting Latina women to get free mammograms at Northgate Markets.

Hats off to all survivors, volunteers and supporters – our heroes – for taking a stand against this disease that has claimed so many lives.

Guests attending our 2017 Survivors Banquet (from L to R): Sherall Gradias, Carla Cammack, Jane Hill, and Donna Hartman

In addition to our Survivor Award Banquet, we host various initiatives throughout the years to support our beloved survivors and their families. A special tribute to survivors will also be held at the Komen Orange County Race for the Cure on September 24 at Newport Beach’s Fashion Island.

From September through February 2018, Komen Orange County is offering a Breast Health Education Series, free workshops that are open to the public, covering breast health topics including risk reduction, screening, diagnostics, treatment, metastatic breast cancer and survivorship.

Information on these events and others can be found here. We hope to see you at an upcoming event!

Home Sweet Home, New Adventures Ahead

After 16 years in Costa Mesa, we are moving! On Monday, March 27, our new address will be 2817 McGaw Avenue, Irvine, CA 92614. We invite you to join us at our open house on Friday, April 21st from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to check out our new home and enjoy some refreshments.  It’ll be the perfect opportunity for you to tour our office, get to know us and learn about our services! No need to RSVP, just show up and say hello.

Moving boxes piling up in our Costa Mesa office

Of the 13 Susan G. Komen Orange County staff members, some have been here for 11 years, others for 11 months. Nevertheless, this move feels bittersweet as we’ve all created memories associated with this office, and the inspiring survivors, supporters and volunteers who’ve crossed our paths. On the other hand, we’re really looking forward to the new office, the exciting beginning of a new chapter in serving more women and saving more lives! Here are some of our best moments, most inspiring stories and thoughts on our new adventure ahead:

What is your best memory associated with this office?

Julie (Director of Marketing): The day I came in to interview for the position. I was so nervous driving to the office, not knowing that to expect. The interview process was nerve-wrecking and I remember telling myself, “What’s meant to be will be,” and here I am six years later loving what I do! Now, I feel like this place and my co-workers have become like a second home and family.

Danielle (Special Events & Race for the Cure Teams Coach): I have enjoyed interacting with the many different groups meeting in our conference room (Race committee, Pink Tie Ball committee, Race Teams, volunteer and survivor groups). Our Team Captain Rallies, and hearing about the inspiring stories behind their involvement with Race for the Cure are among my favorite moments in the office.

LarLeslie (Circle of Promise Community Resource Advocate): I’ve enjoyed most working with an inspiring and compassionate staff and meeting and planning with the African-American Breast Health Partnership to increase awareness and improve breast cancer outcomes in the community.

Do you have a story about an event, a meeting, an encounter that took place in this office that inspired you, touched you or had an impact on you?

Lisa (Executive Director): An event that sticks with me is a candlelight reception we held in the courtyard, where we shared stories about friends, families, and acquaintances who had been taken by breast cancer, remembering their courage, commitment, hopes and fears.

Robin (Circle of Caring/Development): Each day, we have an opportunity to change the path for someone who comes to us for help. I discovered this when a survivor, Ann, showed up at our office, devastated and in shock. She had just been diagnosed with breast cancer and was scheduled for a mastectomy very soon. She didn’t know what to do, had little understanding of her own diagnosis or treatment plan, and had no idea what to tell her 12-year old autistic daughter. I comforted her, and together we contacted her doctor’s office and learned that there was no actual diagnosis and the scheduled mastectomy surgery prescribed by her doctor was premature. I helped her schedule a new appointment with a different doctor, and I provided her with Susan G. Komen materials to help her understand her new circumstances.

Julie: The first survivor we lost after I joined Susan G. Komen was a woman named Kathy Voorhis. She was a beautiful person inside and out. My favorite memory was a photo shoot we did with her and a few other women for our Race for the Cure campaign that year. She was so hard on herself and her photos but that day, she was the most beautiful I had ever seen her. She radiated beauty through her smile, sense of humor and sincere kindness. She is dearly missed.

Kathy Voorhis

Jennifer (Mission Programs Specialist): One of my favorite encounters was with a breast cancer survivor who needed assistance with hairpieces, and the feeling of wholeness she experienced when we find a wig that suited her.

What are you looking forward to in the new office?

Lisa: The new office will have a very welcoming front room with a couch and chairs, wood floor and be very close to the Resource and Wig Room. It will be nice for talking privately with people needing breast cancer information or referrals. We also will have a big new training room next to an open warehouse area so I envision some great celebrations and look forward to do our Race for the Cure registration and packet pick up right from our own space.

Danielle: I am looking forward to the new office and the many ways we will be able to utilize our new training room and various multi use rooms with volunteers, supporters and survivors.

We could not close this post without thanking our generous friends at Tangram Interiors who designed our new space, provided new furniture and helped us move. Thanks to their incredible work, the new office already feels like home!

We’re Still on a Mission: Sneak Peek into 2017

In 2016, we celebrated our 25^th anniversary. Looking back 25 years, people did not talk about breast cancer although the mortality rate was much higher. Between 1990 and 2013, breast cancer mortality decreased by 37%, the equivalent of nearly 250,000 lives saved. This is incredible progress, but there is more work to be done. Susan G. Komen recently announced its Bold Goal, to cut the mortality rate nationwide by 50 percent in the next decade.

We’re taking on numerous initiatives to reach our Bold Goal, from our signature fundraising events to community outreach programs, and building relationships with local partners. Here are several we look forward to in 2017:

• Knott’s Berry Farm for the Cure: For the fourth consecutive year, Knott’s Berry Farm will turn pink for several weeks from January to March, in support of breast cancer. Our good friend Snoopy will help us raise funds through the sale of Knott’s Pink Tickets and Knott’s for the Cure Pink merchandise.

• Circle of Promise: While African American women are less likely than Caucasian women to be diagnosed with breast cancer, the mortality rate in Orange County is 41 percent higher. In February, we’ll host a Circle of Promise Day to combat these statistics by hosting a roundtable with influent community leaders.
• Research Symposium: In February, Komen Orange County will unite leading breast health scientists and specialists who will share their knowledge of breast cancer.
• Pink Tie Ball: In the past ten years, 4,500+ guests have attended our Pink Tie Ball, helping us raise $3.6 million. In May, we will honor seven new Pink Tie Guys and celebrate their efforts in the community toward the fight against breast cancer.

• OC Marathon: On May 7, we’ll be onsite to cheer on and hand out water to the hard working runners. Look for our booth at the finish line, where you can also learn about breast health services!
• Race for the Cure: Over the past 25 years, 307,000+ people have participated in the Race for the Cure and helped us raised more than $34.5 million. We hope to see you at the starting line!

As you can see, 2017 will be a busy year for us! We hope you’ll join us at one or more of our events and in our mission to fight breast cancer.

Things We Are Thankful For

With Thanksgiving around the corner, we’d like to share the things we are so thankful for. Over the past 25 years, YOU’ve helped us raise nearly $38 million toward the Komen promise, money that was invested to provide breast health services right here in Orange County and help fuel live-saving national research.

We’re incredibly grateful for our volunteers, you are the lifeline of our organization. Thousands of you donated your time to us this year, helping with outreach education, office-based projects and our signature events such as Race for the Cure® and the Pink Tie Ball. Each of your individual efforts carries forward an immeasurable improvement for the lives of those who are affected by breast cancer.

We’re so thankful for our sponsors, whose support and generosity has been instrumental in our success. We’d also like to thank our donors. Every single dollar raised not only brings us one-step closer to finding a cure, but also improves chances of saving lives through education and a variety of breast health services addressing the needs of the most at-risk populations. In 2016 alone, we were able to award $870,000 in grants to 13 diverse, local organizations in your communities.

Credit: Susan G. Komen Orange County

We’re thankful for our board of directors. Our members are active and devoted community leaders, their tireless work has enabled us to establish and maintain meaningful and strategic relationships with local partners.

Finally, we’re thankful for our wonderful staff. Your energy, enthusiasm, devotion, love and compassion are one of our most powerful assets in the fight against breast cancer. The journey to the eradication of breast cancer is not an easy one, but your unconditional devotion provides hope that it can be achieved in the near future.

 

Joining Hands to Empower African Americans in a Circle of Promise

Every day, breast cancer impacts many individuals from diverse backgrounds. But did you know breast cancer mortality rates differ depending on your ethnicity?

Among African American women, breast cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer found, with lung cancer being the second most common cause of cancer deaths. Despite the fact that African American women are diagnosed with breast cancer less frequently than Caucasian women, the mortality rate is higher – but why? Often, breast cancer is found in African American women at a more advanced stage, when it is more difficult, or impossible, to treat.

Here are tips on how to reduce your risk of getting breast cancer:

• Maintain a healthy body weight. Obesity after menopause increases your chances of developing breast cancer.
• Reduce your alcohol intake. The more alcohol a woman consumes, the greater the risk of breast cancer.
• Breastfeeding. Women who breastfeed reduce their risk of breast cancer.
• Regular mammograms. The American Cancer Society recommends women over the age of 40 get annual mammograms.

Susan G. Komen’s Circle of Promise is a resource and awareness program created specifically for African American women and men affected by breast cancer. We’re happy to have Dr. Portia Jackson, doctor of public health, recently join the Orange County Affiliate as the new strategy & implementation consultant for the Circle of Promise initiative.

Q: How does it feel to be the first strategy and implementation consultant for Komen Orange County?

A: I’m excited to engage and mobilize the African American community in Orange County to educate themselves and others about their breast health, to ultimately decrease breast cancer disparities among African American women.

Q: How will the statewide Circle of Promise strategy unfold in Orange County?

A: My goal in Orange County is to identify and serve diverse, underserved communities with high breast cancer mortality rates by providing community organization and direct education, as well as enabling screening and navigation services. We will address breast cancer disparities among African Americans who are rarely or never screened, low-income, uninsured or recipients of Medi-Cal.

Q: Tell us about yourself. What did you do before joining Komen Orange County?

A: I worked for the Center for Disease Control and Deloitte, as a consultant. On the side, I also work as a professor at UCLA focusing on the behavioral, economic, and biological underpinnings of racial and ethnic health disparities in the United States. I hold more than a decade of professional experience in the health industry.

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Dr. Portia!

To learn more about the Circle of Promise initiative in Orange County visit: http://bit.ly/1gj7jxU or contact Dr. Portia Jackson at 714-957-9157 ext. 29.

Calling All Heroes! Early Bird Registration is Now Open!

Register. Fundraise. Be a hero.

It’s simple – sign up today and join us for the 24th Annual Race for the Cure on Sunday, September 27 at Fashion Island in Newport Beach to celebrate survivors and breast cancer heroes. All heroes who register before May 31 receive a special early bird discount on their registration fee, with additional discounts for breast cancer survivors.

Dare to be a competitive hero? New this year is the “timing chip” to see how fast you can complete our course! Keep in mind, if you’re planning to use the timing chip, you must participate in the 7:15 a.m. Race. If this sounds like something you have wanted to accomplish, start training and fundraising in support of all the inspirational women and men battling breast cancer every day. Or, if you’re not into running, you can walk our 5K or participate in the Kid’s One Mile Fun Run & Family Walk. Either way, you’ll still be our hero.

Inspired to be a group of heroes like the Fantastic Four or The Avengers?  Consider forming or joining a Race team! All you need is a group of 10 or more heroes to join the fight against breast cancer.

The sooner you register, the sooner you can begin fundraising. All funds generated from Race for the Cure directly impact the lives of women and men battling breast cancer. That means by fundraising, you’re saving lives.

There’s a hero in all of us, and the journey to saving lives starts here: www.komenoc.org/race.

Be Part of Team Komen and Train with a Marathon Pro!

Have you registered to join Team Komen at this year’s OC Marathon and Half Marathon? If not, there’s still time to join! In true Komen fashion, we wanted to share tips and tricks for getting in shape for the marathon.

Marathon enthusiast Doug McKay, our 2015 Race for the Cure committee chair, is leading a free training group which meets every Saturday at 7 a.m. for all Team Komen members.

We invite you to participate in this training alongside other Team Komen. You’ll learn about personal health and training essentials, while building friendships with those who want to make a lasting difference in the breast cancer community.

If you go, don’t forget the essentials:

• Plenty of fluids – water, sports drink, etc.
• Comfortable clothing and shoes
• A watch to time your pace
• A running diary to manage your overall progress
• Sun protection – sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, etc.

Selecting varying surfaces you train on can have a huge impact on injury prevention – that’s why we change up our training location every week.

If you are interested in joining us and being a part of Team Komen, please contact Julie Guevara at 714-957-9157 ext. 30 or via email at jguevara@komenoc.org.

Thank You to Our Race for the Cure Teams!

Last week, we held a private reception to honor Race teams who collectively raised more than $765,000 at the 2014 Race for the Cure in Newport Beach. We invited team captains, co-captains and their teammates to join us for a special evening in Newport Beach to thank them for their dedication and ongoing support to Komen OC’s mission. We handed out special awards to the teams that raised the most money (Bank of America/Merrill Lynch), had the most team members (CHASE for the Cure) and had the highest fundraising rookie team (Sparkle Shine Survive!, award sponsored by Angels Baseball).

2014 Race Chair, Doug McKay, attended the event to thank the teams for working so hard to make this year’s Race for the Cure a great success. Teams were also given awards by categories including Top 3 Large Corporate Teams, Top 3 Small Corporate Teams and Top 3 Nonprofit Teams. Each team received a commemorative plaque.

Race teams make up nearly 40 percent of the funds raised from the 2014 Race for the Cure. This money goes directly towards providing no-cost mammograms, urgent diagnosis, breast health education and outreach in Orange County and groundbreaking breast cancer research to find a cure. For a complete list of top Race teams, visit http://bit.ly/1HslZFu. Congratulations again to all of our top teams!

First Male Committee Chair Brings New Dimensions to 2014 Race for the Cure

This year, we are proud to announce Doug McKay as the first male Race chair for our 23rd annual Race for the Cure on Sunday, September 28, 2014 at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. This year’s Race theme is, “Race for Impact, Race for Breakthroughs, and Race for Futures”. Doug will be leading the efforts for our largest annual fundraising event to inspire action and hope for all those who have been touched by breast cancer.

Doug lost his wife to cancer at the age of 27. He has been through the challenges that a family has to overcome when faced with cancer and carries an understanding and passion for those who encounter similar situations in their lives.

As Race Committee Chair, Doug hopes to follow in the footsteps of individuals who have done an excellent job of laying the ground work. He will work alongside Komen OC staff in strategic planning, leading monthly race committee meetings, visiting Race Teams and speaking on behalf of the organization and its mission of ending breast cancer forever.

Doug has been volunteering with us for the past three years, and this year, he is revitalizing the traditional Race by adding new dimensions aimed at inspiring support from future generations – and also helping to raise critical funds for local breast health services, education and outreach. New to the 2014 race is a One-Mile Fun Run and Family Walk, and all children who register for the event will receive pink shoelaces.

Along with leading the 2014 Race for the Cure, Doug is also involved with multiple non-profits – from health, social services, education and art-based nonprofits – in his role as District Grant Chair at Macy’s, where he oversees Macy’s district and community grants all across Orange County.

Impact | Breakthroughs | Futures is this year’s theme for the Race for the Cure Orange County.  Doug and his team are working toward a goal of 20,000 registered participants, looking to exceed last year’s totals.  Awareness and involvement are key in achieving this goal.  Either as an individual or team, your participation makes a difference.

Haven’t registered yet? Do so today by visiting: www.komeoc.org/race. What inspires you to Race for the Cure? Share with us in the comments below!

Upcoming Events

July 24 – Team Captain Interactive Workshop at Noon and 6 p.m.

Team Captains and Co-Captains are invited to join us to learn more and ask questions about leading a Race for the Cure Team. To attend, RSVP to teams@komenoc.org.

August 10 – Survivor Celebration & Awards Luncheon

Celebrate breast cancer survivors and recognize our awards recipients for their outstanding commitment to the Komen promise of saving lives and ending breast cancer forever. Tickets are $35 per person / table of 8 is $280.