May - June 2007 Newsletter

Dear All,
With only a few days of May remaining, it’s stretching it a bit to call this the May-June newsletter but I’ll blame it on spring fever. In reality, I just got behind….again.

Clark County Employees Wellness and Health Fair
OCAN participated in the Clark County Employees Wellness and Health Fair on May 15th and 16th. This was an excellent non-commercial event and many people stopped at our booth to obtain Symptom Cards and information from the OCAN members who volunteered their time. A big thank you to Carole K. and Patrick, Chris H., Pam M., Stephanie G. and Lisa B. who did her own “personal outreach” by going to each of the other booths armed with Symptom Cards and introducing herself as an ovarian cancer survivor. Thanks also to Syndee S. for printing “tons” of ovarian cancer information that we handed out to interested persons. Syndee’s efforts were greatly appreciated.

Las Vegas Life Magazine
The June, 2007 edition of Las Vegas Life Magazine published its annual “Top Doctors” edition. Although there was no category for gynecologic oncologists, there was a feature article about a radical trachelectomy procedure performed on a 29 year-old cervical cancer survivor in order to spare her fertility. The full-page photograph of Dr. Nick Spirtos holding a photograph of a beautiful baby girl says it all.

Also of note to members: Dr. Ann Wierman and Dr. Heather Allen were the two top docs (others were mentioned) in the oncology category.

OCAN Funding
Someone asked me how OCAN gets money to fund the printing of Symptom Cards, hold our monthly Support Group meetings, pay for our website, designated telephone line, postage, etc. Here is an example of one of the ways:

When a local potter named Dixie was commissioned to create something for a client, she requested that instead of paying her for the piece, the client (Katherine) send the money that she would have paid for the piece to OCAN in the form of a donation. The potter was delighted, the client was delighted and, of course, OCAN was delighted. Thank you, Dixie and Katherine.

OCAN’s Angel’s Page
At the beginning of May, I attended the beautiful memorial service that was held for Linda D. Her name has been added to OCAN’s Angel’s Page on our website. Her sunny smile and positive ways will be missed by many. Our condolences to Jay and to Linda’s many friends.

OCAN’s Support Group Meetings
At the May Support Group meeting we watched a video of Pam M.’s comedy routine. Pam has performed across the U.S. in major venues including many in Las Vegas and has appeared many times on major TV shows.

OCAN members who attend the June Support Group meeting will be treated to a monologue that Pam has written especially for our group.

I assured Pam that if her own mother could handle seeing herself portrayed with Pam’s razor-like accuracy, we OCAN toughies could accept her characterizations with humor. It should be a hoot.


Three Upcoming Events
FIRST:
Of note…pun intended, OCAN’s own songstress, Stephanie G. (who performs as Stephanie H.) will be singing at two local concerts. Saturday, June 2nd, 2pm at the West Las Vegas Art Center(947 W. Lamb Blvd.) she will be performing with a six-piece vocal group, The Las Vegas Jazz Express. For free ticket info call 229-4800.

SECOND:
On Sunday, June 10th at 12:30 there will be an event at Sunrise Hospital celebrating National Cancer Survivor Day-2007.
According to Julie V., Oncology Clinical Practice Coordinator at Sunrise, the theme will be “A Celebration of Life!” and there will plenty of fun stuff. Arts/Crafts activities for children and adults as well as an art slide-show of cancer survivor art, goodie bags for everyone, a raffle, a workshop called “Healing and Coping Together”, a book signing, therapeutic music and food.

As a very special feature, there will be local survivor and caregiver speakers—colorectal, prostate, breast and two OCAN members will be speaking. One of OCAN’s speakers will be a veteran cancer survivor and the other speaker is newly diagnosed. All of our group members (as well as survivors, friends and family of all cancers) are invited to attend this uplifting and festive event. It’s estimated that there will be well over 100 attendees.

THIRD:
On Friday, June 15, 2007, Stephanie will be solo vocalist with a jazz trio at the Lloyd George U.S. Courthouse (333 Las Vegas Blvd.) noon to 1 pm. This concert, like the other, is free. Hope Ocanettes will turn out to support one of “our own”.

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.

Hope to see you all at our next OCAN Support Group Meeting on: Tuesday, June 5th, 2007 at 6pm.
Call me for directions or with any questions-- Liz/OCAN (702) 796-0430.



My wishes for hope, healing and peace to all…love especially to Miki F. and Jill L., who are having a difficult time.

LIZ



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