A new feature of the OCAN website is the ability to read - online - and download for personal printing, the newsletters published by OCAN.


July Newsletter

Hi everyone, from Liz Williams at the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Nevada (OCAN).

Big fun coming up at OCAN's July 5th meeting. We're going to play with clay and each person can let their creative juices flow to create a finished product. Even if you consider yourself talentless you'll be amazed at what you're able to do with this amazing clay that hardens after it's baked in an oven.
Melody, the clay lady who teaches at the Polymer Clay Guild and helped create the Bottles of Hope that you may have seen at Cancer Survivor Day, will be at our meeting from 6:30 to 8:30 with supplies and creative assistance. It would be helpful to know how many of you will be able to come (so Melody can estimate how much clay she'll need to bring) so send me an email or give me a call (Liz-796-7355).



Events Helping OCAN during July The World Series of Poker is in progress and I'm thrilled to tell you that two wonderful men are "playing for OCAN". One is our local comedian, Vinnie Favorito, who will be playing at a celebrity table on July 6th...an auspicious day because it's also Crispin's birthday. I recently met with Vinnie's wife and she volunteered to help me with some computer problems I was having. She's a whiz and was able to handle everything. The second man is from out of town and his wife contacted me through the OCAN website to say that her husband would like to donate a portion of his (possible) winnings to OCAN in memory of his Aunt Jane who recently died of ovarian cancer. I'll be going to the Rio today (July 01) to cheer him on and keep his wife company.

Also of note, the solo cyclist, Don Dauphinais, is riding across the U.S. spreading awareness about ovarian cancer in honor of his long time friendship with Crispin. Go to the OCAN website (www.OCAN. org) and click on the "Special Events" link on the right-hand side of the opening page to read this inspiring story.


And speaking of OCAN's website, you can keep up with the latest medical news and news about OCAN by clicking on "Latest News" on the right side of the opening page. Additionally, by clicking on "Latest News" on the red drop-down bar at the top of the page, you can access "Archived News", "OCAN Newsletters" and the latest medical news which is updated twice weekly by our webmaster angel, A.K.A."The Ferret ".


I will be visiting a friend in PA from July 7th to July 11th and will be so sorry to miss Elton and Jeannette's 50th Wedding Anniversary party to which all the Ocanettes have been graciously invited.


FAQ’s

Q--Where can I get silicone teal ovarian cancer wristbands (like the Lance Armstrong yellow ones)?
A--Call the Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation (Pennsylvania) (877) 730-1100. OCAN has purchased a limited number which are available to donors.

Q--What does OCAN do with the money that's donated?
A--We use it for:
  • Postage for mailing requests for information or ribbons and for our (too infrequent) newsletter
  • Snacks and beverages for our Support Group meetings
  • Purchasing awareness ribbons and supplies for Health Fairs or community sponsored events.
  • Copy paper, computer ink and office supplies.
  • Producing our Patient Care Packet for doctors to give to newly-diagnosed patients or upon request.
  • Paying for our 24/7 designated OCAN phone-line (702)796-0430.
  • Our monthly, website payment (www.ocan.org).
  • Special projects like our Valentine's Day, Love Note/Heart Boxes.
  • Printing and distributing Symptom Cards for hospitals, doctor's offices and persons wanting to help OCAN promote awareness.
  • Copy services for flyers, banners etc.
  • Paying consulting fees for computer related and other projects such as the “Symptom T-Shirts” and OCAN caps and visorswe wore for an event at Whole Foods market. And the computer generated car stickers we created for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in September.
  • Attending the annual meeting of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance of which we are a partner-member and to whom we pay yearly dues of $100.00.
  • Purchasing teal awareness ribbons which are free to residents of Nevada who request them through OCAN’s website.

Q--When and where are the OCAN Support Group meetings held?
A—On the first Tuesday of every month at 2827 Utica Circle, Las Vegas 89146. Call (702)796-0430 for more information.


Please don’t hesitate to contact OCAN or me, Liz, with any comments or suggestions about OCAN or this “newsletter” (negative or positive). We welcome those of you who want to volunteer your time, expertise or donate any goods (such as office supplies or medical equipment) or services. It is my hope that OCAN will soon be able to expand its involvement (which currently is mainly in Southern Nevada) to other areas, including Reno, Carson City and the rural towns that are seldom reached. I like to think of OCAN as small but mighty….just like me.
Wishing each of you, peace, healing and hope.
Liz Williams


April 2005 Newsletter