Inside this Issue:

• President’s Message
• Buy a Bag of Hope
• Lynx Charity Bus
• Oncology Nursing Society Update
• Volunteer of the Year
• Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
• Partner Member News

First Annual Teal Ribbon Run is A Huge Success!

The First Annual Teal Ribbon run held on May 17, 2009 at the Oviedo Marketplace was a huge success. Volunteers started gathering in the wee hours of the morning to set up tables, balloons, start and finish lines as well as hanging teal ribbons on trees and lampposts. As participants gathered, they browsed the vendor tables, which included Roach Family Chiropractic, Sisterhood of Greatness, Oviedo Family Chiropractic, Stroller Strides, Julia’s Artistic Eyebrow Threading and Eden Spa. As the morning progressed the crowd was entertained by DJ Don Adams At 7:30 AM, almost 250 runners and walkers took off on the flat fast course around Oviedo Marketplace. As the runners finished the first lap, there were many people on the sidelines cheering them on. The first person to cross the finish line was Kyle Meerdo with a time of 20 minutes and 22 seconds. He was followed by George Meerdo and Sean Ribblett with times of 20:48 and 21:58 respectively. The top female finishers were Sue O’Malley with a time of 21:24, Debbie Sweezey at 23:52 and Jill Frandsen Ward at 25:42. After crossing the finish line, everyone enjoyed bagels, orange juice and a Mimosa for the adults as awards were announced and handed out by Tom Sorrells, Chief Meteorologist at WKMG Local 6. Total income for the walk/run was over $7,000. A good time was had by all with many looking forward to next year and the Second Annual Teal Ribbon “Love Your Ovaries” Run.

WINNERS!

Sixth Annual Ovarian Cancer Alliance
of Florida Golf Tournament
September 27, 2009

This tournament will be held at Indigo Lakes Golf Club in Daytona Beach. It is open to male and female participants of all skill levels and is designed to increase awareness of ovarian cancer. Proceeds from the tournament will be used to benefit ovarian cancer programs. OCAF’s goal is to save women’s lives. For sponsorship or entry information, please contact the OCAF office. Deadline for sponsorship and entry is September 21, 2009.

Message from the President

The Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Florida (OCAF) was founded in 1997 by 8 women who had a personal connection to ovarian cancer. They had a mission to raise awareness about ovarian & gynecologic cancers to women and the medical community in the greater Orlando area.

Despite the decline in volunteering in America over the last decade, a new president and a severely challenged economy have once again changed both the public’s perception of, and their reasons to volunteer. As our economy has taken a tumble, the good news is that the American people are re-adjusting their values and seeking ways to meaningfully share their time, money, goods, and services. With limited resources available these days, many more individuals and families are turning to volunteering as a way to “give back” to the community and to re-establish family and community bonds.

Reasons for an individual to volunteer:

• You gain personal insight and knowledge, not only of a cause or organization, but of yourself as well.
• You get an opportunity to gain a new set of skills; this is especially valuable if you are currently unemployed.
• You learn about time management and prioritizing your responsibilities.
• You boost your visibility in your community; this is important, again, if you are looking for a job.
• It is a scientific fact that “doing good” causes you to feel good by releasing good hormones to the body and the brain.

Reasons for a business owner to volunteer:

• When you talk about networking in your community, there is no better way for a business person to boost his/her visibility than to volunteer. The benefits are real and tangible.
• You gain valuable free advertising for you and your business by being mentioned in an organization’s newsletters, annual reports, and at special events.
• You gain a closer connection to your community by volunteering and meeting other business and community contacts.
• You also gain valuable tax advantages through the donation of your surplus business goods.
• You improve your employees’ morale and re-connect them with the community as well.

So while it is still very important to make monetary donations to a charity, it is important too, to realize that what you bring to the table as an individual, family, or as a business owner, is just as important. Volunteers are vital to the success of OCAF’s continued ability to follow through with all the services, activities, events and commitments scheduled annually. From the original eight volunteers, OCAF has grown to over 150 volunteers. We are always in need of many more with OCAF’s ever increasing exposure. So we invite anyone who has even just an hour or two to spare to volunteer. We welcome any help and can easily find a project to match your skill set and time pledge.

Thank you,
Jasmin Johnson, Psy.D.
President
*Excerpts Retrieved from “http://charity.lovetoknow.com”

Board Happenings…

We are proud to announce recent accomplishments of some of our OCAF Board members.

Judy VanDerWeide was honored at the first ever Salute to Seminole’s Professional Women on March 11, 2009, honoring Seminole County’s finest business women. Judy has been on the OCAF board for several years and is instrumental in planning the annual Teal Magnolia Luncheon. She lives in Seminole County with her husband, Dick.

Board Vice-President, Mitra Sorrells, has joined with Orange Appeal Magazine as a contributing writer. In addition to her new writing duties and her responsibilities to OCAF, Mitra and her husband, Tom, stay busy with the activities of their three daughters. Her first article appeared in the March/April 2009 issue.

Maureen Brockman, Vice-President of Marketing and Communications at the Metro Orlando Economic Development Council, was recently honored as this year’s Central Florida PR Professional of the Year by the Florida Public Relations Association Orlando Area Chapter. The purpose of the annual award is to recognize a Central Florida public relations professional for his/her outstanding contribution to the field of public relations. Maureen was formally honored at the Chapter’s Image Awards Gala on April 23.

Surviving and Thriving

On July 11, OCAF held its most recent installment of the Nurses Educational Initiative. This program is designed to influence the way nursing students view ovarian cancer, with the intention that they will take that knowledge with them when they enter the workplace. A medical presentation is given, followed by survivors sharing their stories. It is usually very impactful to the students to hear a patient’s first hand account of their journey. This time was especially so. Kyndall Truett who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at age 22, was the speaker.
Listening to her story just makes one cringe. She was 22, way too young to have ovarian cancer, right? Seems that way when you learn that she was sent home from the same doctor nine times in one month. Even after x-rays showed a mass on both of her ovaries, she was told it was only a cyst. Kyndall knew first hand the symptoms of ovarian cancer and how they can affect a person. Just prior to her search for a diagnosis, she had been visiting an aunt who was undergoing chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. Kyndall’s journey started as she walked in the door from the airport after visiting her aunt. She had horrible cramping and thus began her long, painful journey with diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer. She went to her gynecologist for a urinalysis, thinking she had a bladder infection. The results were negative. After her ninth time being sent home, Kyndall took charge of her own health care and sought out a second opinion. Her new gynecologist did a CA125 test, which came back highly elevated. She was referred to a gynecologic oncologist and had surgery several months later. She was diagnosed in Stage III. That was only the beginning. Chemotherapy started next.
Kyndall knew that this diagnosis would change her life forever. She was a junior at University of Central Florida’s (UCF) Sports and Fitness Program and had just started a job as an exercise technician at the National Training Center, a sports training facility in Clermont, FL. Employers and educators alike were behind her 100%. During her treatment, which hit her extremely hard, her mother dragged her to the pool every day. Doing, that plus using cardio and strength training equipment, had an unexpected effect. She became stronger, she was less fatigued and felt mentally strong.
Three years later and still cancer free, Kyndall started a program at the National Training Center called Fit to Fight. It is a progressive exercise regimen for people going through cancer treatments. She hopes that the program will benefit others the way it did her, and that they take what they have learned in the program and continue to exercise long into their survivorship.

OCAF Goes Green!

There are many changes in store for the future of the Ovar-View. Starting with this issue, Ovar-View will also be available to read on the website (www.ocaf.org). This is the first of the last two issues of the Ovar-View which will be “snail mailed” to you. Watch for the next one this fall. After the Fall 09 issue, the Ovar-View will be available by email or on the website. Help OCAF go green by saving trees and money. If you want to go electronic immediately, please contact the office and let us know to put you on the email list. Once we switch to email only, we will have the capabilities of four-color, and as much space as we need. The cost savings will also allow us to use funds for other important education, research, advocacy and awareness programs.

Bag of Hope

Bags of Hope are canvas bags that are filled with items for comfort and education. They are offered to every gynecologic patient on her first visit to the chemo room at Florida Hospital Cancer Center and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Orlando.

For a donation of only $50, you can make a difference in someone’s life.

Buy a Bag of Hope

Typical items included in the bag are:

• Ovarian and other gynecologic cancer information
• Teal awareness pin
• Teal awareness bracelet
• Blanket
• Socks
• Journal and pen
• Hat
• Water bottle
• Miscellaneous surprise items

Make your bag even more special by sending a personalized note to a patient. It will be included with the Bag of Hope that you purchase.

To purchase a bag, contact the ovarian Cancer Alliance
of Florida at 407 339 0024 or www.ocaf.org

OCAF Is Chosen for LYNX Charity Bus

The Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Florida has been selected along with seven other charities to have our logo placed on a LYNX bus for a year. The bus dedication took place at the Amway Arena on April 21. At the ceremony, Jasmin Johnson, President of OCAF’s Board was presented with a matted watercolor print of the bus. This year’s theme is a patchwork quilt. Each side of the bus has the logos of four charities. The bus is in regular circulation throughout Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties, so look for it around town. We are also able to request the bus to be present at special events, as we did for the Teal Ribbon Run.

How You Can Help

• Volunteer your time.
• Remember us in your will.
• Celebrate a Life by making a donation is someone’s honor.
• Honor the Memory of a loved one by making a donation.
• Make an In Kind Donation.
• Assist with an upcoming event.

Oncology Nursing Society Updates Research Agenda

Earlier this year, Kia Riddick-Taylor represented OCAF at a meeting which was designed to update the research agenda of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS). This meeting was held just prior to their 10th National Research Conference in Orlando. ONS has approximately 35,000 members and their mission is to promote excellence in oncology nursing and quality cancer care. Their research agenda focuses on gaps in the knowledge base for oncology nursing practice.

Kia reports that the goal of the research agenda meeting was to establish priority areas of oncology and the needs of the patient, which includes additional research, testing and resolution. Her participation was from the perspective of a consumer. She provided them with insight they normally wouldn’t have had access to. Kia says, “It was wonderful to be included and see first hand that so many people are out there working to find a way to make cancer a lot easier to navigate including, but not limited to diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, end of life and caregivers.”

Beate Johnson is
Volunteer of the Year!

The Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Florida held its annual Volunteer Appreciation breakfast on February 19. OCAF volunteers were honored for all of the help they give through the year. This year’s Volunteer of the Year is Beate Johnson. Beate, an ovarian cancer survivor, is at every event with her trusty camera. Because of Beate, OCAF has a complete pictorial history. Beate also maintains the photo section of our website, coordinates goody bag stuffing for any event that has bags, and sends a thank you note with a picture to all participants of the golf tournament. In addition to her photography skills, Beate’s technical prowess has been a huge gift to OCAF. She has created the honor and memory boards displayed at the Teal Magnolia  Luncheon as well as all of the event picture boards. She even does invitations for us on the computer. If all that weren’t enough, Beate and her husband Errol, have hosted the OCAF holiday party several times and treats us to her wonderful cooking. Thank you, Beate for all you do to help the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Florida achieve its missions.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Bloating
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)

Several other symptoms may include: fatigue, indigestion, back pain, pain with intercourse, constipation
and menstrual irregularities.

Take Action: See your doctor, preferably a gynecologist, if these symptoms are unusual for you and occur almost daily for more than a few weeks. Experts suggest a combination pelvic/rectal exam, a transvaginal sonogram, and a CA125 blood test. If ovarian cancer is suspected, medical experts suggest seeking a second opinion with a gynecologic oncologist before surgery is performed.

News from Around the State

Representatives from the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Florida, Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Florida-Spacecoast and other Florida organizations met up at the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance annual meeting July 6-9 in Washington, D.C. A highlight of the conference is always Capitol Hill Day, when we meet with our local legislators to try to further funding for, and raise awareness of ovarian cancer issues.

In Lecanto, Florida, it is almost time for the 4th Annual Ovarian Cancer 5K which was started by Teresa Rosebrough and helps fund OCAF’s Teresa Rosebrough Research Fund. In the past three years, over $85,000 has been raised. Although Teresa passed away in November 2008, a great turnout is expected with an expression of support for this year’s event. The race will be held on August 15, 2009 at the Black Diamond Ranch. Registration is $15 and can be done through www.active.com. Check-in starts at 6:30 AM and the race begins at 7:30 AM. For more information, visit www.citrusroadrunners.com.

Ovacome in Tampa is already planning events for September, which is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness month. Mayor Pam Iorio and the Hillsborough County Commissioners are each signing proclamations for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. On September 4, Lykes Gaslight Park will be turned teal by decorating trees and light posts with teal ribbons. Awareness materials will be handed out to park guests. “Teal Triumphs Over Ovarian Cancer, Tightens Up”, an Ovacome fundraiser will be held on September 11 at St. Joseph’s Hospital Medical Arts Building. A $35 donation includes appetizers, silent auction and entertainment. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, contact Ovacome at 813 223-9108 or www.ovacome.org

Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Florida
1855 West SR 434 Suite 282

407 339-0024-phone
407 339-0029-fax
www.ocaf.org
ocaf@ocaf.org

Questions or Comments?
Email: carol@ocaf.org

Address Service Requested

F.O.C.A.S. NEWS

Florida Ovarian Cancer Alliance Speaks

LUNCH BUNCH
Questions? Call the OCAF office at 407 339-0024.
Orlando Area: Fourth Tuesday of every month at 11:30 AM. (407 339-0024)
Treasure Coast: First Wednesday of every month (772 231-0432-Fran Basso)
Brevard County: Second Saturday of every month at 12:00 Noon (rina@tealribbon.cfl.rr.com)
Volusia/Flagler Counties: First Saturday of every month at 11:30 AM. (386 789-7898)
Tampa: First Tuesday of every month at 12:00 Noon. (813 223-9108)

EVENTS AND SUPPORT
Treasure Coast (Vero Beach) - Lunch Bunch August 5 at Crispers.
OCAF-Space Coast - Support Group July 28 at Eau Gallie Library. 5-7 PM. Sister Run September
12. (321-784-3772)
Gainesville - Support Group Second Tuesday of each month, Gainesville Hematology/Oncology Office. For more information, contact Gloria Johns (gloriaj10@windstream.net or 386-418-1318).