112 of the Most Favorite Tweets I’ve Written on @TeamHeather

 

 

Egypt celebrates its first Race for the Cure, bringing a focus on breast cancer to North. Africa & the Middle East – http://tiny.cc/Egypt552

Men, when a woman in your life gets breast cancer, remember, she’s the Commander in Chief in fighting this disease – www.standbyher.org

1 of the most creative & comprehensive breast cancer directories ever seen. It is in AU, and US programs, take note! – http://tiny.cc/h4n3C

VERY interesting, touching, and diverse “group journal” blog written by breast cancer survivors – http://tiny.cc/oL6yL

MaryEllen Locher Found. provides secondary ed scholarships 4 kids who’ve lost a parent to breast cancer & of breast cancer survivors: http://tiny.cc/5NVAw

Breast cancer survivors who’ve had a mastectomy, some tips 2 help you become more comfortable w/intimacy after surgery: http://tiny.cc/oUyHl

In breast cancer journey, women need a boyfriend, husband, fiancé, girlfriend, or a partner who is patient – http://tiny.cc/DWk2W

Spouses of breast cancer survivors find a safe place to share anxieties and experiences at support group – http://tiny.cc/gxEJa

One of the FEW resources for young women! Young Women’s Breast Cancer Program offers personal support & ed for young women: http://tiny.cc/WDb3V

Study of over 44,000 women shows more evidence linking obesity to likelihood of developing diseases like breast cancer: http://tiny.cc/7saQC

The most effective way to fight breast cancer is to detect it early. Check out this thorough self-exam “How to” – http://tiny.cc/P6Yw3

AWESOME video on breast cancer survivors recovering through a military style exercise called Breast Cancer Boot Camp – http://tiny.cc/K0o9z

New development in detecting breast cancer combines mammo & CT scans, using comfortable device to detect single photons: http://tiny.cc/Es7sl

Wonderful book survivors can read free online! “Dancing With Fear: Tips & Wisdom From Breast Cancer Survivors” – http://tiny.cc/iOAoI

Pres. Obama awards Pres. Medal of Freedom, highest civilian honor, to breast cancer activist Nancy Brinker, founder of Komen for the Cure!GREAT read! “B.O.O.B.S.: A Bunch Of Outrageous Breast-Cancer Survivors Tell Their Stories of Courage, Hope & Healing” – http://tiny.cc/Uax6G

Komen for the Cure Ambassador, René Syler, speaks about how to cope with the fear of a recurrence of breast cancer – http://tiny.cc/nwBM4

Evid shows when women are more involved in making own surgery choices, w/less Dr input, they are more apt 2 choose mastectomy: http://tiny.cc/B8XfN

Program to educate Amish & Mennonite women on importance of regular breast self-exams & provide them w/free health screenings: http://tiny.cc/s8oVs

Slide show of stages of breast cancer; stages give your doctor idea of your prognosis & the likely outcome of disease – http://tiny.cc/FHUcU

100 Dubai hosp staff to take basic training in breast cancer detection prior to 12 month Emirate-wide aware camp in Oct: http://tiny.cc/OvHJq

Computer program created that uses artificial intell. to help doctors predict earlier whether breast cancer has metastasized: http://tiny.cc/86ujT

My mother survived, my 26 year old sis did not; how to deal w/survivor guilt & “why am I here?” after breast cancer is gone – http://tiny.cc/hOh8Q

Breast cancer & women in prison: few self-examined, little knowledge of symptoms & risk factors, in need of health education: http://tiny.cc/v7Oeq

New study shows women who smoke while undergoing therapy for breast cancer are more than twice as likely to die – http://tiny.cc/Smoking552

Books for breasts cancer survivors as they recover & need advice, inspiration, motivation or a good old fashion laugh: http://tiny.cc/Books84

Artificial Lighting & Breast Cancer: Blind women have low rates of bc. Nurses & night shift workers have high rates – http://tiny.cc/Light74

“Discovering Hands” is training blind women to use developed tactile skills to detect breast cancer earlier & better than drs http://tiny.cc/MsLI7

Proposed legislation would help make women under 40 aware of their elevated risk for breast cancer – http://tiny.cc/Under40

 

Deceptively simple non-med tips to help breast cancer survs. cope w/emotional & physical challenges – http://tiny.cc/BCTips

 

Guys can feel so helpless in their loved ones’ fights against breast cancer. No more! – http://www.breastcancerhusband.org

 

A great support for couples as they face breast cancer together – http://fbctogether.org/

 

Find a convenient place to have a mammogram near you – http://tiny.cc/FindMammos

 

Sign up for a reminder to get your annual mammograms ladies – http://tiny.cc/MammoReminder

 

Don’t know WHAT to do for your friend/loved one diagnosed w/breast cancer? Helpful gifts/gestures – http://tiny.cc/Gifts853

 

Find breast cancer clinical trials near you or targeted at you – http://tiny.cc/FindClinicalTrials

A friend just had her 1st mammo; I thought info on how to prepare for a mammo might be helpful – http://tiny.cc/Preparing

 

6 Breast cancer symptoms most women don’t know about – http://tiny.cc/6Symptoms

 

Considering BRCA1 & BRCA2 genetic testing for breast cancer? Everything you need to know about benefits and limitations http://tiny.cc/FDKGi

Are you a breast cancer “pre-vivor?” One who, either through family or genetic link, needs to prepare for the possibility of bc? http://tiny.cc/HJpvA

The Bipartisan Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act needs your support! Bill – http://tiny.cc/Bill908; Petition – http://tiny.cc/Petition850

Breast Cancer Awareness Contest for best & most unique celebrations of ’09 National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: http://tiny.cc/Contest686

Check out movie “Living Proof,” true story of Dr. Dennis Slamon, the UCLA doc who helped develop the breast cancer drug Herceptin – AMAZING!

Meet four women who survived breast cancer thanks to Herceptin: medicine whose discovery is documented in movie “Living Proof” http://tiny.cc/Survivors

Man’s best friend might specifically be woman’s best friend; studies show dogs can smell breast cancer on breath – http://tiny.cc/Dogs785

You, and not your doctors, are in charge of your breast cancer medical care. How to train your doctors – http://tiny.cc/Doctor683

Have friends/family members who smoke around you or loved ones; secondhand smoke linked to breast cancer for years! http://tiny.cc/Smoke294

Every relationship is tested by breast cancer; SEX & INTIMACY afterwards: http://tiny.cc/Sex327, http://tiny.cc/Sex41, http://tiny.cc/Sex490

Happy inside & out helps fight breast cancer; tips for survivors: http://tiny.cc/Beauty967, http://tiny.cc/Beauty438, http://tiny.cc/Beauty242

First mammogram? Time for your annual one? Prescribed one cause of a lump? Are you nervous? Use the Buddy System! http://tiny.cc/Buddy858

In some cultures, there’s no word for cancer. How Asians, Native Americans, Latinas, & Muslims deal w/ breast cancer: http://tiny.cc/Oprah510

My surviving sister experiences this every year: How to make it through breast cancer false alarms – http://tiny.cc/Oprah679

Study found women living in brightest neighborhoods were 73% more likely to suffer from breast cancer – http://tiny.cc/Nocturnalillumination

“Why I Cut Off My Breasts!” Cameras follow René Syler through this extreme surgery to prevent breast cancer – http://tiny.cc/Oprah963

Had a mastectomy, or know a woman who has, and having a hard time finding a swimsuit that fits? Excellent resource! http://tiny.cc/Oprah577

One virulent fast-acting type of breast cancer attacks more than twice as many young black women as all other women: http://tiny.cc/Oprah729

“Lump!” “Cancer!” “Mastectomy!” “Radiation!” “Chemo!” “Reconstruction!” How to explain this to kids? RESOURCES! – http://tiny.cc/Children672

Telling kids about breast cancer is hard. Use these huggable dolls (& accompanying 34 pg book) as a comforting tool – http://tiny.cc/Kimmie

Breast cancer costs $200,000, so when it is present and health insurance is not, turn to Pretty in Pink – http://tiny.cc/Pretty770

Diagnosed w/ breast cancer? Understand your pathology report by getting past medical jargon & knowing the facts – http://tiny.cc/Pathology132

What’s your breast cancer IQ? Take quizzes or share: http://tiny.cc/QuizA, http://tiny.cc/QuizB, http://tiny.cc/QuizC, http://tiny.cc/QuizD

How do we change this? “African American women tend to refuse late stage breast cancer treatment” – http://tiny.cc/AA574

You’ve heard of “What Not To Wear” – This is what not to say when a loved one tells you she has breast cancer – http://tiny.cc/WhatNotToSay

For any young woman in your life diagnosed w/ breast cancer – http://tiny.cc/Young937

- It was SO hard for my 26 yo sister to find support!

For guys like me, brothers, husbands, fathers, & friends, great site for supporting loved ones fighting breast cancer: http://tiny.cc/Guys370

Great resource for African-American women diagnosed with breast cancer – http://www.lbbc.org/african

Great resource for Latina women diagnosed with breast cancer – http://www.lbbc.org/latina.asp

 

Great resource for high-risk women or “pre-vivors” who know they’ll battle breast cancer – http://www.lbbc.org/high-risk.asp

 

Great resource for lesbians diagnosed with breast cancer – http://www.mautnerproject.org

 

All male breast cancer info! How common, causes, risks factors, types, symptoms, staging, treatment, & prognosis – http://tiny.cc/Male616

From dogs, cats, fish, birds, horses, pigs, and others, pet therapy can do WONDERS when battling breast cancer – http://tiny.cc/Pets763

Ladies recently diagnosed w/ breast cancer: need help? have questions? talk? Call this 24 hr hotline & speak to a survivor – 1-800-221-2141

Men w/ a woman in their lives recently diagnosed w/ breast cancer, check out the 24 hr support network, Men’s Match Program @ 1-800-221-2141

Knowing the 10 emotional responses one diagnosed w/ breast cancer experiences will help others support & nurture her: http://tiny.cc/SVgq5

Teens feel helpless when someone they love is diagnosed w/ breast cancer! Check out list of things they can do in the fight: http://tiny.cc/x24Pi

At risk for breast cancer or know someone who is, take a look at the Top 10 foods that will help reduce that risk – http://tiny.cc/Top10259

In ’07, I told Heather’s story in the Senate before a hearing looking into funding for diseases like breast cancer: http://tiny.cc/Senate312

“My illness has a first name it’s b-r-e-a-s-t. My illness has a second name it’s c-a-n-c-e-r” Songs from a survivor: http://tiny.cc/BCSongs

Alright, I promised breast cancer humor here as well, so here it goes – http://tiny.cc/Funny606

 

Check out this AWESOME animated & video navigation map for women newly diagnosed with breast cancer: http://breastcancernavigationalmap.org

The Mayo Clinic announces lifestyle factors that can reduce your risk of developing breast cancer – Know the facts! – http://tiny.cc/Tips283

Check out these myths about breast cancer; know yourself and know the facts! – http://tiny.cc/Myths848

One of my favorite names fighting breast cancer; “Knocker Walkers” – 1) Get friends; 2) Pick a breast cancer event; 3) Get a good name 4) FIGHT!

Meet Lea Yekutiel, a woman who loves her breast cancer and what it has done for her – lemons into lemonade folks! – http://tiny.cc/Love781

Pledge to get your mammo now w/Mammograms for a Million Moms – for every 1,000,000 screened, 1,000 lives can be saved: http://tiny.cc/3m4Ef

Suzan St Maur had cancer twice and believes humor & laughter helps survivors & co-survivors through it – GOOD LAUGH: http://tiny.cc/6AlDo

Contrary to belief, pregnancy-associated breast cancer doesn’t appear to be any more deadly than bc in non-pregnant women – http://tiny.cc/rpHw5

Check out Making Memories! Their mission is to grant wishes for metastatic breast cancer patients: http://makingmemories.org

 

In the battle against breast cancer, you GOTTA get creative! Enter, ME’s Barron’s Bottles for Boobs – http://tiny.cc/Bottles

 

A collection of breast cancer podcasts, from survivors, on many ways to make like w/breast cancer a bit easier – http://tiny.cc/BlogRadio

DON’T KILL THE MESSENGER! Not sure about accuracy of this study, but you have to admit, it’s funny: http://tiny.cc/Housework

 

Great read! “The Victoria’s Secret Catalog Never Stops Coming : and Other Lessons I Learned from Breast Cancer” – http://tiny.cc/Victoria829

Spectacular short films about breast cancer, survivors, co-survivors, treatment, and so much more – http://tiny.cc/ShortFilms695

 

This is appropriate coming from a teacher – “An apple a day keeps the breast cancer away?” – http://tiny.cc/Apples

 

The size of a female baby at birth might affect the likelihood of her developing breast cancer later in life – http://tiny.cc/BirthSize

Presented at American College of Sports Medicine’s Conference: Working out after age 30 may lower risk of breast cancer – http://tiny.cc/WorkOut801

My interview about Team Heather & the battle against breast cancer on DC’s ABC News Channel 8 – http://tiny.cc/NewsChannel8

 

Alternative ways to support the breast cancer fight – http://tiny.cc/Ways1, http://tiny.cc/Ways2, http://tiny.cc/Ways3, or http://tiny.cc/Ways4

View Komen’s new global focus in emotional video – http://tiny.cc/Global32

An unbelievably inspirational story of one woman’s mental battle prior to her mastectomy – http://tiny.cc/ABodyResculpted

 

Producer of Charlize Theron’s “Monster” makes “Decoding Annie Parker.” Story of bc survivor’s research that led to disc of BRCA1 http://tiny.cc/SilverScreen

Guide to save people time & energy in finding key breast cancer information online (GREAT RESOURCE) – http://tiny.cc/BCGuide

 

Article I wrote in Family Magazine for Susan G. Komen on experiences of being a co-survivor – http://tiny.cc/FamilyMagazine

 

192,370 women will be diagnosed with and 40,170 women will die of breast cancer in 2009; know your risks! http://tiny.cc/2009Stats

 

Don’t know WHAT to do for your friend/loved one diagnosed w/breast cancer? Helpful gifts/gestures – http://tiny.cc/Gifts853

 

WHY does anyone smoke, especially when more and more is learned about its link to breast cancer – http://tiny.cc/WhyDoYouSmoke

 

Take a minute to sign the “I Vote for the Cure” Petition, which outlines 3 critical goals for Obama – http://tiny.cc/Vote354

 

After watching Marley & Me, I think it appropriate to highlight this unique take on battling breast cancer – http://tiny.cc/CFTC

 

Literally, one of the best support systems I’ve seen; my sister, Heather LOVED this place! – http://tiny.cc/GatheringPlace

 

A look at the impact of prenatal-to-adult environ exposures that may predispose women to breast cancer – http://www.bcerc.org//home.htm

 

Deceptively simple non-med tips to help breast cancer survivors cope w/emotional & physical challenges – http://tiny.cc/BCTips

Get empowered by those things you CAN control; look at the 7 ways to help prevent breast cancer – http://tiny.cc/7Ways

 

Breast Cancer Care Under a Private or Government-run Health Care Plan?

I am an American living under a private health care system, an American who lived and worked in London and was covered under Britain’s government-run health care system. I have dedicated my life to helping women and men realize the breast cancer risks they may face. Through my Team Heather fundraising, blogging, speaking, facebooking, writing, and twittering, I have read a great deal on the differences between service under different health care systems, and it has become clear there are problems under any system a country might employ: private or government-run.

So, private health care plan or government-run health care plan?

It has been stated, under President Obama’s proposed health care reform plan, one would be able to keep one’s current private health care coverage as long as it remains available from one’s employer. The employer responsibilities and obligations under any proposed legislation is still up in the air, however, the Congressional Budget Office estimated that over 100 million employees will leave private health care, in lieu of being dumped by their employers into the government-run system.

Private employers and insurers will find it difficult to compete against the federal government – unlike the federal government, private employers and insurers must answer to stockholders and boards, balance their budgets, produce earnings, make sensible decisions, and so much more. It isn’t as simple as those currently pleased with their private health care coverage being able to continue on uninterrupted; much of the decision, or the facts that go into making that decision, will be out of their hands and out of their control. I know for a fact, as an employee of the Fairfax County Public School System who is pleased with his current private health care plan, I will be asked to accept government-based health care.

When it comes to attempting to pinpoint how many Americans are currently uninsured, the number “47 million” has been batted about quite consistently. However, to say 47 million Americans do not have insurance isn’t exactly accurate. Of the 47 million uninsured in the United States, 9.7 million are not citizens of this country. Another 14 million of those uninsured are eligible for Medicaid and SCHIP but have never signed up for either program. They could have either form of government insurance if they made a visit to the emergency room. Another 17.6 million of those uninsured have annual incomes of more than $50,000. This leaves approximately 5.5 million Americans currently without insurance – clearly a group of individuals who need a departure from and an improvement upon the present health care system.

The 1018 page health care reform bill currently being discussed has sparked an examination into health care and treatment in countries with similar government-run plans around the world. We clearly have problems under the current United States private health care system. Covering the 5.5 million uninsured Americans should be a priority and addressing other problems within our current health care system should be paramount, but a blanket statement that the United States has “a very serious health care problem” isn’t taking into consideration some recent studies and reports:

Breast cancer mortality is 52% higher in Germany than in the United States, and 88% higher in the United Kingdom. When it comes to breast cancer, early detection is key to survival. The BBC reported that United States women were more likely to survive breast cancer than their European counterparts because they are diagnosed earlier. Similarly, prostate cancer mortality is 604% higher in the U.K. and 457% higher in Norway and the mortality rate for colorectal cancer among British men and women is about 40% higher than their counterparts in the United States, who participate in a private health care system. (“Cancer Survival in Five Continents: A Worldwide Population-based Study” & “Europe: Failing on Breast Cancer”)

Some 56% of Americans who could benefit are taking statins, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors designed to reduce cholesterol and protect against heart disease. By comparison, of those patients who could benefit from these drugs in countries with government-run health care systems, only 36% of the Dutch, 29% of the Swiss, 26% of Germans, 23% of Britons and 17% of Italians receive them. (“Diffusion of Medicines in Europe” & “The Grass is Not Always Greener: A Look at National Health Care Systems around the World”)

Americans of the appropriate age have better access to preventive cancer screening under their private health care system than Canadians of the same appropriate age under their government-run health care. Nine of 10 middle-aged American women (89%) have had a mammogram, compared to less than three-fourths of Canadians (72%). Nearly all American women (96%) have had a pap smear, compared to less than 90% of Canadians. More than half of American men (54%) have had a PSA test, compared to less than 1 in 6 Canadians (16%). Nearly one-third of Americans (30%) have had a colonoscopy, compared with less than 1 in 20 Canadians (5%). Accessibility and availability to life-saving screening methods are greater under private health care systems. (“Health Status, Health Care and Inequality: Canada vs. the U.S.”)

More than 70 percent of German, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and British adults say their health system needs either “fundamental change” or “complete rebuilding.” (“Toward Higher-Performance Health Systems: Adults’ Health Care Experiences In Seven Countries, 2007″)

Criticized as a waste of resources by economists and policymakers, an overwhelming majority of leading American physicians identified computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the most important medical innovations for improving patient care during the previous decade. The United States has 34 CT scanners per million Americans, compared to 12 per million in Canada and eight per million in Britain. The United States has nearly 27 MRI machines per million compared to about 6 per million in Canada and Britain. Access to these life-saving innovations is more limited under government-run health care systems. (“Physicians’ Views of the Relative Importance of 30 Medical Innovations” and “OECD Health Data 2008, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development”)

Health care innovations thrive under free market health care systems: 1) The top five U.S. hospitals conduct more clinical trials than all the hospitals in any other single developed country. 2) Since the mid-1970s, the Nobel Prize in medicine or physiology has gone to American residents more often than recipients from all other countries combined – In only five of the past 34 years did a scientist living in America not win or share in the prize. 4) Most important recent medical innovations were developed in the United States. (The Nobel Prize Internet Archive and “The U.S. Health Care System as an Engine of Innovation”)

Hospital by hospital data, unpublished by the Scottish Government, shows that, for certain types of cancer, patients in some units are waiting an average of 100 days before getting treated. Between January and April in 2008, head and neck cancer patients at Hairmyres Hospital in East Kilbride waited an average of 112 days after GP referral before treatment. Average waits at Falkirk and District Royal Hospitals for gastrointestinal cancer between April and June was 118 days. In the same quarter, patients at Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow suffering from urological cancer waited an average of 105 days. The figures also show that lengthy waits are still common for cancers such as breast cancer, where speedy treatment is needed and life-saving. Of 28 hospitals treating women with breast cancer in 2008′s last quarter, 14 had an average wait of over 40 days. (“Secret Wait for Cancer Patients”)

No system is perfect. Our health care system needs help. It is clear that other countries also find challenges and difficulties with their own systems of health care. It will be interesting to see how things play out in the future for the United States and its friends, when it comes to health care reform, however, in my work within the breast cancer movement, I am finding more and more evidence that being screened, tested, diagnosed, treated, and monitored for breast cancer under a private health care system leads to more positive outcomes.

Follow Team Heather on Twitter and YouTube

Click here to watch me interviewed on ABC News Channel 8 in Washington, D. C. on the work of Team Heather through Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

And consider following Team Heather’s updates on Twitter (@teamheather). I have included several of my Twitter updates below for your consideration.

Thank you and let me know if you have any questions – gardnershawn68@aol.com

TEAM HEATHER TWITTER UPDATES:

Guide to save people time & energy in finding key breast cancer information online (GREAT RESOURCE) – http://tiny.cc/BCGuide – #breastcancer

Article I wrote in Family Magazine for Susan G. Komen on experiences of being a co-survivor – http://tiny.cc/FamilyMagazine – #breastcancer

A friend just had her 1st mammo; I thought info on how to prepare for a mammo might be helpful – http://tiny.cc/Preparing – #breastcancer

Support the ACLU & Public Patent Foundation’s lawsuit to liberate the BRCA1 & BRCA2 genes – http://tiny.cc/BreastCancer… – #breastcancer

Be careful folks! 10 Surprising facts about U.S. health care comp. to that of Canada’s gov-run – http://www.ncpa.org/pub/ba649 #breastcancer

Find breast cancer clinical trials near you or targeted at you – http://tiny.cc/FindClinical… – #breastcancer

Mammo availability DROPS as breast cancer rates SOAR in countries with gov-run health care – http://tiny.cc/DeadlyMix – http://tiny.cc/US637

192,370 women will be diag. with & 40,170 women will die of breast cancer in 2009; know your risks! http://tiny.cc/2009Stats – #breastcancer

I Just found this out; made me sad. Barbara Gittings, gay rights pioneer, dead at 75 from breast cancer – http://tiny.cc/BarbaraGitti…

@breastfestfilm – Thanks for the retweet. LOVE your event idea; just wish I was closer! www.breastfestfilmfest.com – #breastcancer

Filmmakers! Submit short films (10 min) of any kind focusing on breast cancer for film fest in Ontario, 11/20-21 www.breastfestfilmfest.com

WHY does anyone smoke, especially when more & more is learned about its link to breast cancer – http://tiny.cc/WhyDoYouSmoke – #breastcancer

Women in MN, take advantage of free mammograms and a bonus – http://tiny.cc/FreeMammos – #breastcancer

Check out the 2-day, 100 mile Endure for the Cure in East Peoria, IL on July 10-12 – http://www.endureforthecure… – #breastcancer

What could be better or easier in the battle against breast cancer than Eat for the Cure? http://www.lulu.com/content… – #breastcancer

Take a minute to sign the “I Vote for the Cure” Petition, which outlines 3 critical goals for Obama – http://tiny.cc/Vote354 – #breastcancer

Don’t usually like breast cancer products, but this one SMELLS SO GOOD! – http://tiny.cc/Shower288 – #breastcancer

Heading to Maine for vac so thought I’d highlight this event battling breast cancer in Mar, 2010 – http://tiny.cc/MaineEvent – #breastcancer

Breast cancer warriors in UT, come out this Sat to support the fight on the Colorado River – http://www.raftforthecure.com – #breastcancer

After watching Marley & Me, I think it approp. to highlight this unique take on battling breast cancer – http://tiny.cc/CFTC – #breastcancer

Ain’t this the truth? Unbelievable! RT @ArmyofWomen: “Women Deserve More From The Stimulus Package” Dr. Love http://ow.ly/fvnd #breastcancer

What folks won’t do for breast cancer – RT @BCsurvivors: Man walks across USA to fight #breastcancer http://bit.ly/nWhfL #breastcancer

RT @AngeKinder: RT @GenesisPink: Remember on father’s day that 1 in 1000 men will dev breast cancer. www.genesisuk.org to help the fight.

Literally, one of the best support systems I’ve seen; my sister, Heather LOVED this place! – http://tiny.cc/GatheringPlace – #breastcancer

This hits so close to home! RT @KomenOregon: Meet Heather http://bit.ly/13fOPl a young survivor who’s screening was funded by Komen

There’re AMAZING people out there! RT @SacBCRC SHOUT OUT 2 all the firefighters @ Station 1 for cooking food for 1 of our breast cancer pts

One of the most unique breast cancer sites; Star Wars Chicks Fight for the Cure – http://starwarschicks.com/f… – #breastcancer

Sign up for a reminder to get your annual mammograms ladies – http://tiny.cc/MammoReminder – #breastcancer

Team Heather Goes Global….and so much more!

On Saturday, June 6th, nearly 45,000 people came together as a living testament to the power of individuals to impact the world. The outcome of this gathering was nothing short of miraculous $4,300,000 raised to help those battling breast cancer and to end breast cancer forever.

With the knowledge that every 68 seconds, a woman, along with her hopes and dreams and future, dies of breast cancer, and with cancer taking the lives of 7 million individuals worldwide each year, more than AIDS, Malaria, and Tuberculosis combined, there has never been a more important time to act, so thank you!

With Komen’s promise of 75% of all monies raised going towards supporting the underserved and disadvantaged in the Nation’s Capital, an estimated $3,225,000 will stay in Washington, D.C. a record for our event. The remaining $1,075,000 will make a much-needed global impact in areas like Serbia, the country with the highest breast cancer rates in the world. In one small village, over 800 women were recently diagnosed with varying stages of breast cancer.

Team Heather’s contribution to these efforts is momentous. So far in 2009, Team Heather members, donors, supporters, friends, and family have raised an astonishing $55,193.72; bringing our overall total to $241,393.72 since 2002.

Because of you, and with Komen’s promise, $41,395.29 of what we raised will go towards essential breast cancer programs, similar to: “Increasing Breast Cancer Screening Capacity for Women Living in Poverty,” “Massage Therapy for Medically Underserved Breast Cancer Patients,” “Brains, Breasts & Beauty: The Use It or Lose It Program for Women 18-40,” “Breast Cancer Screening and Education for Low-Income Latinas,” “Increasing Breast Cancer Screening for Women with Disabilities,” and more.

With the addition of a global focus this year, the work of Team Heather will be farther-reaching than ever; the remaining $13,798.43 U.S. dollars will make a HUGE impact towards something like the purchase of a mobile mammography vehicle for a developing country.

I promised Heather I would continue leading our small efforts towards this remarkable campaign of realizing a world without breast cancer. Over the past months, I’ve visited the Komen website daily, where the words “Impact: Make One!” struck me deeper with each and every visit. On Saturday, June 6th, I saw 45,000 people with “Impact: I Made One!” on their backs. They, like you, are a testament to the power of this campaign.

On Saturday, June 5, 2010, Team Heather will celebrate our 10th anniversary in the groundbreaking event that is now the Global Race for the Cure Team Heather X, if I might. It will be the landmark year where we surpass a quarter-of-a-million dollars raised in Heather’s name; where we see new team fundraisers like “Poker for the Cure” in Maine, “OctoberBreast for the Cure” in Virginia, and “Renee for the Cure” in Florida, with dozens of events in between; and where we will once again assemble in Washington, D.C. to shout as one, with the loudest, proudest, strongest voice possible, “Impact: I Made One!”

Registration is ALREADY up and running for Team Heather X. To join today, and to never have to hear an appeal for the 2010 race from me that, in itself, is worth it simply click on the link.

Yours with great appreciation,

Shawn Gardner

Team Heather Captain

Article I was asked to write for Family Magazine on the challenges of being a co-survivor

I am Shawn Gardner, a co-survivor of breast cancer, and I work for the day when it is not a global movement for men like me to wear pink, but a fashion statement to do so. I long for the moment when I no longer worry about my mother growing a lump, but growing old and cranky instead. I want to awake on June’s first Saturday and race not to save a life, but simply to beat the one running next to me. I await the point where it’s not my duty to know about breast exams and preventions and treatments, but about how to make the perfect margarita. I yearn for the freedom to not raise awareness and money and consciousness, but to raise my glass in a toast. I dream of an end to breast cancer.

I have dreamed of this end to breast cancer since the moment, on a rainy April morning in 2001, a doctor did what so many doctors must do – walk into a waiting room where the desperately concerned family of a loved one awaits news that could crush their world. In this case, the loved one was my 25 year old baby sister, Heather. The news was of a lump she found several mornings earlier when her right arm brushed against it as she rolled lazily in bed. The lump, we were told, was most certainly malignant, up to 10 years old, spidered out in all directions, spread into most lymph nodes surrounding it, and would certainly take her life. I rushed out of the hospital into the rain to phone my other sister, Renee. Heather was in trouble.

This was the defining moment of my life; in that instant I became a breast cancer co-survivor without even knowing it – my work in the breast cancer movement had begun.

Calls were placed, pleas were made, waiting lists reshuffled, and Heather found herself admitted two days later into the renowned Ireland Cancer Center. A team of 12 specialists (surgeon, radiologist, oncologist, plastic surgeon, counselor) realized the gravity of the case before them – a 25 year old woman with Stage IV Breast Cancer. We knew, as breast cancer survivor and co-survivors, we had a long road ahead of us, but little did we know exactly what Stage IV Breast Cancer brought with it.

Treatment plan. Tested blood. TRAM flap procedure. Med port surgery. Chemotherapy. Neupogen shots. Massage therapy. Radiation. Bone scans. More radiation. Late night hospital runs. Falls. Brain tumors. Full brain radiation. Music therapy. Carcinoma Meningitis. Experimental chemotherapy. Ommaya reservoir. Oral chemotherapy. In-home hospice. Paralysis. Hearing loss. Last visits. Sight loss. Blessing of the Sick.

Heather Gardner Starcher lost her battle on the evening of September 29, 2002, surrounded by family and friends – co-survivors all.

For me, this position of co-survivor has carried with it so many roles – representative, brother, speaker, recruiter, cheerleader, activist, researcher, manager, writer, coach, fundraiser, and more. Of course, my survivor, Heather, no longer is able to fight, so it makes it all the more important for me to wear these different hats – to assume these diverse responsibilities – in order to carry on her legacy, her name, her battle.

At times, these duties feel like too heavy a burden to carry. I am overwhelmed by the demands on my time, my friendships, my energy. In itself, this article’s introduction illustrates the toll being a co-survivor takes on one’s spirit, on their priorities, on their life. The battle is mentally exhausting, emotionally crippling, and, surprisingly, I thank Heather everyday for allowing me the opportunity to act as her co-survivor in this global movement to end breast cancer.

I, like so many others, use the word “battle” so often in my talks and writings about Heather. It is interesting that such esoteric language is employed when relaying the experiences of survivors and co-survivors. “Soldier,” “warrior,” “combat,” “crusade,” “weapons,” “grassroots,” “war” are words ordinarily used by military commanders when referring to their enemy; however, we, in the breast cancer movement, adopt this vernacular because of the daunting nature of our own enemy.

Since that rainy morning in April when this co-survivor was born, I’ve felt the presence of that enemy. I have experienced its power as if I were the one diagnosed. I have spoken of its might in interviews, taken its victims’ stories to the Senate, written of small victories on the page, and worked outside the box to place an emphasis on research, education, screening, and treatment – the work of a co-survivor.

I am Shawn Gardner, a co-survivor, and I wish there had been a cure for breast cancer in 2002. Had there been a cure for breast cancer in 2002, Heather would be a thriving, healthy, happy wife and mother. Had there been a cure for breast cancer in 2002, Heather would be a powerful spokeswoman in the global breast cancer movement. And had there been a cure for breast cancer in 2002, Heather would not have missed so many family memories.

However, in 2002, there was no cure for breast cancer, and my baby sister became just one more woman who lost her own battle. In 2008, another vibrant, magnificent woman will be diagnosed. For me, it is the job of a co-survivor to insure that six years from now, her brother is not writing, “Had there been a cure for breast cancer in 2008…”

Recent Team Heather Events

It has been over a month since we started the 2007 Team Heather National Race for the Cure fundraising efforts and yesterday we moved into the Number 1 spot out of hundreds and hundreds of teams. Monies raised will help to ensure that underserved women in the DC Area receive the breast cancer education, screening, and treatment they so urgently need and deserve. Think about this… Last year, Team Heather raised over $50,000. The National Race for the Cure raised $3.3 million overall, and Komen was able to keep a record $1.9 million here in the DC area. Which means, the fundraising efforts of Team Heather alone raised over 2.5% of the DC monies raised in 2006!!! We are shooting for just as much this year and could use your help by going to our Team Heather website.

Some UNBELIEVABLE things have happened recently:

1) Heather’s story was highlighted as the human side of testimony at a Senate Subcommittee Meeting on funding for the National Institute of Health, and I shared Heather’s story, and the importance of breast cancer research, at a Senate press conference afterwards with Senators Harkin and Specter.

2) South County Secondary School’s 80 Junior National Honor Society members are putting on a school-wide talent show, joining the team, setting fundraising goals, and seeking participation from local businesses, all in order to raise funds for Team Heather and the National Race for the Cure – the grand prize is a fully catered dinner for 100 donated by a local Mexican restaurant.
3) I am being honored with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Co-Survivor of the Year Award at a ceremony chaired by DC’s Mayor on the National Mall on April 26 and was asked to be the very first co-survivor to participate in Komen’s Media Training (enabling me to now speak on behalf of Susan G. Komen for the Cure).

4) Team Heather’s 2006 Honorary Team Captain, Julie Murphy Wells, was named the 2007 Susan G. Komen BMW Ultimate Drive for the Cure Local Hero. Together with her friends and family, 21 of us drove from Alexandria, Virginia to Silver Spring, Maryland in 2008 BMW’s, raising over $1400 for breast cancer research.

But NONE of this matters if folks don’t take one minute, open their checkbooks, and give a little to the fight against breast cancer. So please, if you are reading this, act today!

Together we CAN make a difference! Thank you in advance.

Shawn Gardner
Team Captain, Team Heather

Heather’s Story to be Heard in a Senate Appropriations Labor-HHS Committee Hearing and Subsequent Press Conference on Capitol Hill

Heather Goes To Washington

Team Heather is up and running with the team captain, me, Shawn Gardner, attending a Senate Subcommittee (Appropriations Labor – Heath, and Human Services, Education, and Other Agencies) Hearing on, among other things, funding for breast cancer research. Heather’s story and battle will be featured, putting a face on the fight against cancer. Afterwards, I will be speaking at a press conference with Senators Harkin and Specter. 1000′s more will hear Heather’s story and become motivated to get tested, get active, and force a change. Below this media advisory, check out the webpages of the senators on the Appropriations Labor – HHS Subcommitte.

MEDIA ADVISORY
CAPITOL HILL PRESS CONFERENCE:
THE FUTURE OF BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH
SENS. HARKIN AND SPECTER, LEADING UNIVERSITIES TO RELEASE NEW REPORT ON HOW
FLAT FUNDING OF BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH THREATENS SCIENTIFIC AND MEDICAL PROGRESS
MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING

Following a Senate Appropriations Labor-HHS Committee hearing on funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), scientists from a consortium of nine leading academic institutions will release a major report on the state of biomedical research in the United States. The report will explain how consecutive years of stagnant budgets have halted promising research in mid-stream, challenged seasoned researchers to continue to achieve scientific progress, and threatened the future of young investigators who may be forced to leave careers in science. If left unaddressed, these problems could undermine U.S. global leadership in biomedical research. The scientists will offer examples of how flat funding of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) could affect advances into treatment for cancer, spinal cord and brain injuries, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Subcommittee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Ranking Member Arlen Specter (R-PA) will join top scientists to discuss the implications of the report’s findings for the 2008 budget and beyond.

The report will be available at the press conference. Its authors include the University of California system, Columbia University, Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, Partners Healthcare, University of Texas at Austin, Washington University in St. Louis, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Yale University.

Where: 216 Hart Senate Office Building

When: Monday, March 19, 2007

3:00– 4:00 p.m.

Who: Sen. Tom Harkin, Senate Appropriations Committee

Sen. Arlen Specter, Senate Appropriations Committee

Edward Miller, M.D., Dean/CEO, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Stephen Strittmatter, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Neurology and Neurobiology, Yale University School of Medicine

John Carethers, M.D., Professor of Medicine and Chief, Division of Gastroenterology, University of California San Diego

Democratic Subcommittee Members:

Senator Tom Harkin (Chairman) (IA)
Senator Daniel Inouye (HI)
Senator Herb Kohl (WI)
Senator Patty Murray (WA)
Senator Mary Landrieu (LA)
Senator Richard Durbin (IL)
Senator Jack Reed (RI)
Senator Frank Lautenberg (NJ)

Republican Subcommittee Members:

Senator Arlen Specter (Ranking Member) (PA)
Senator Thad Cochran (MS)
Senator Judd Gregg (NH)
Senator Larry Craig (ID)
Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (TX)
Senator Ted Stevens (AK)Senator Richard Shelby (AL)

Komen’s “National Race for the Cure” 2005 Grant Awardees

It is always amazing to raise money and see where it actually goes to be used well. Last year, Team Heather raised over $27,500 for Komen’s National Race for the Cure. The 2005 Komen Grant Awardees have recently been announced and seeing some of the recipients of the hard work of over 1000 teams and thousands of individuals really makes the months of hard work pay off. Thank you Komen, for using this money wisely. Take a look at the work of some of the awardees below:

Adventist Healthcare

Arlington Free Clinic

Boat People S.O.S.

Cancer Research And Prevention Foundation

CASA of Maryland, Inc.

DC Department of Health

Holy Cross Hospital

La Clinica del Pueblo

Lombardi – Capital Breast Care Center

Mary’s Center for Maternal and Child Care, Inc.

Mautner Project

National Capital Area Affiliate of Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization

Nueva Vida

Providence Hospital

Suburban Hospital Cancer Program

Sibley Memorial Hospital

Smith Farm Center for the Healing Arts

Washington Adventist Hospital

Whitman Walker Clinic

If you visit any of these sites above, you will see that the monies raised from Komen’s National Race for the Cure go to helping underprivileged women become informed on, tested for, and treated against breast cancer. Heather loved this goal of providing assistance for women who can’t enjoy the type of medical care she received, so the $27,500 that Team Heather raised in 2005 is continuing here work today. Thanks, and $30,000, here we come!

Write a Letter to the President Asking Him to Fund Breast Cancer Research

Action Alert!

This year, more than 40,000 women will die from breast cancer. We are making a difference right now, and so can you! Just visit www.ActNowEndBreastCancer.org and sent a letter to the President and Congress thanking them for extending the life of the Breast Cancer Research Stamp. This simple effort has generated over $34.5 million for breast cancer research.

With the State of the Union around the corner, and millions of Americans tuning in to listen, let’s express our hope that the President includes funding for breast cancer research in his priorities for the coming year. As President Bush prepares to address the nation, join me and thousands of others in urging him to use this forum to help educate Americans about the importance of breast cancer programs. Send your letter today!

Please join me, Team Heather, and our friends and family. Click here to send your free letter. www.ActNowEndBreastCancer.org

All of us, united together, can make a difference in the lives of women and families facing breast cancer. Send your letter today.

Thanks!
Shawn