Fundraising for dementia research: a million for a million

July 2, 2009 by Raquel Billiones  
Filed under ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

plane-1When you think about companies giving to charity, you wouldn’t think of a budget airline company as being among the generous, right? Wrong! easyJet, one of Europe’s budget carrier has just announced its pledge of raising one million pounds for charity. The beneficiary of this corporate generosity is no other than the Alzheimer’s Society of the UK. The fund raising drive is called “a million for a million”, a million pounds for a million people who will suffer from some form of dementia in the next ten years.

According to Andy Harrison, CEO of easyJet

‘I was shocked to learn that one million people will develop dementia in the next 10 years. That’s why we have committed to raising a million for a million - one million pounds to help the million people who will be facing dementia.

Dementia is not a natural part of ageing but it is often still viewed in these terms, meaning it doesn’t get the attention it deserves. The government only invests 2% of its medical research budget on dementia. We call on the government to boost research funding and make this condition a priority.’

Hre’s how the fundraising will work: Passengers on board all easyJet flights will be asked to donate their spare or excess foreign currency to dementia research. A collection bag will probably be given out to each passenger and collected just before landing. In addition, the Alzheimer’s Society will receive a percentage of the sales of scratch cards sold on easyJet flights. Collection starts this summer.

I think this is a splendid idea to raise money for charity. Those of you who are travelling international would know the hassle of different currencies and all those small change that clutters your purse. This is a great way of getting rid of them. And if you have more to spare, you can give more, too.

Neil Hunt, CEO of Azheimer’s Society UK says

‘easyJet has set a fantastic example by boosting funding for dementia. Charities, companies and the government can all work towards the goal of defeating dementia. We look forward to the forthcoming Dementia Research Summit and hope to see the development of an ambitious plan that drives real change.’

Thank you and happy landings.

Photo credit: stock.xchng

               

Cancer in the News

October 6, 2008 by Tina Radcliffe  
Filed under CANCER

Here’s the what is going on in cancer news and events around the globe!

Strike Out Breast Cancer located in San Francisco, CA, is celebrating TEN years. Join them on October 20th as they do it again while grooving to the beat of The Motown Sound.

DJ Lamont Young will be spinning oldies, with dancing, cocktails and fabulous food from Taste Catering, a Silent Auction, and of course, bowling!

FMI check out the website or contact them here: mailto:strikeout@cbcsanfrancisco.com

Read more

               

Think Pink For October

October 1, 2008 by Tina Radcliffe  
Filed under CANCER

October is

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

From the American Cancer Society:

  • Breast cancer life time risk is about to 1 in 8 (about 12%).
  • In 2008, an estimated 182,460 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed, along with 67,770 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer. About 40,480 women are expected to die in 2008 from breast cancer, though this is a decrease.
  • In the United States, breast cancer death rates are higher than any other cancer, besides lung cancer.
  • Excluding skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women.
  • A woman’s risk of breast cancer doubles if she has a mother, sister, or daughter that has been diagnosed with breast cancer. 20% – 30% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of breast cancer.
  • About 5-10% of breast cancers are caused by inherited gene mutations.
  • Riskfactors for breast cancer include being female and growing older.

Can Breast Cancer Be Prevented?

“At this time, there is no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer, which is why regular mammograms are so important. A woman’s best overall preventive health strategy is to reduce her known risk factors as much as possible by avoiding weight gain and obesity, engaging in regular physical activity, and minimizing alcohol intake. Women should consider the increased risk of breast cancer associated with HRT use when evaluating treatment options for menopausal symptoms. Treatment with tamoxifen or raloxifene can also reduce the risk of breast cancer among women at high risk.”

For more information check out the Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2007-2008 From the American Cancer Society

Read more

               

Diabetes News, Weekend Edition

September 20, 2008 by Tina Radcliffe  
Filed under DIABETES

Hope you’re having a great weekend. Here’s what’s new in the world of diabetes care, events and all the etcetera I could find.

 By the way…

 Are You Walking Boston?

     

   2008 Boston Walk to Cure Diabetes 
Saturday, October 4, 2008 at the DCR Hatch Shell

 “A crucial element to the Walk is corporate involvement.  Without dedicated leadership, the Walk to Cure Diabetes would not be the success that it is today.  The JDRF staff would like to welcome Douglas J. Ringler, VMD, Cofounder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Tolerx, as the Corporate Chair of the Boston Walk. Tolerx is one of JDRF’s Industry Discovery and Development partners.  The Cambridge, MA-based biopharmaceutical company is currently conducting Phase III trials for the clinical development of TRX4, an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody that halts the immune system attack on the beta cells, thereby allowing them to continue to produce natural insulin.”

  Read more

               

Diabetes News, Weekend Edition

September 14, 2008 by Tina Radcliffe  
Filed under DIABETES

 

Our thoughts are with those affected by Hurricane Ike, Gustav and Hannah, many of whom are diabetics.

PRNewsWire, Sept. 11, 2008.

Feeding America Issues Urgent National Plea for Funds to Feed Hurricane Gustav Victims in Baton Rouge and Throughout Louisiana

The public is urged to visit feedingamerica.org to make a financial donation to the disaster relief fund.

 In the days before the storm hit, an estimated 2 million people evacuated coastal towns. Some of the most pressing needs are not directly related to storm damage, but rather the effect of the mass evacuation. Thousands of at-risk families were forced to spend their limited resources on transportation, lodging, dining out and other expenses. Many have returned to homes without electricity, meaning that all food left in refrigerators and freezers had spoiled. Many are without the funds to replenish their food supplies — or even the ability to access groceries.

 Donations made to Feeding America are used to secure and distribute easily prepared food such at canned and shelf-stable goods such as soups, peanut butter, and tuna, which required no refrigeration or preparation; meals: ready-to-eat (MREs); and hand-held snacks like granola bars. The organization also secures frequently requested items such as bottled water, baby formula, disposable diapers and cleaning supplies, which are more difficult to acquire following a disaster.

 

From the American Red Cross:

Prepare for Disasters Before they Strike: Build A Disaster Supplies Kit

 There are six basics you should stock for your home in the case of an emergency:

water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items for medical conditions.Or purchase your emergency kit at the Red Cross Store.

How You Can Help Hurricane Relief

When people are victims of a hurricane, the American Red Cross is ready to provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance. You can help people affected by the Hurricanes of 2008, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Go online to www.redcross.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS to donate today! You can also use your cell phone to donate $5 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by text messaging the keyword “GIVE” to “2HELP” (24357). Donations will appear on monthly bills or be debited from a prepaid account balance. All applicable text rates apply.If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster, you should call 1-800-REDCROSS. To learn more about hurricane preparedness, visit RedCross.org.

More Diabetes News:

 The Financial Express, September 12, 2008. Novo Nordisk Launches New Diabetic Device. The new generation Flex Pen needs 30 percent less force, making it more comfortable for patients and encouraging more compliance.

Read more

               

Cancer News, Weekend Edition

September 14, 2008 by Tina Radcliffe  
Filed under CANCER

Welcome to cancer news. Our primary thoughts this weekend are with those dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Ike.

Thank you to the American Cancer Society for sending along this helpful information for you or anyone you know.  

FAQ: Coping with Cancer in the Aftermath of a Hurricane

 You can also  call their cancer information hotline at 1-800-ACS-2345

 with any questions.

Even during major weather events, the American Cancer Society works to continue providing patient services and programs.

Individuals in need of American Cancer Society services in areas affected by storms should contact our National Cancer Information Center at 1-800-ACS-2345. Cancer information specialists are available to answer calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you or a family member or friend has cancer and has had to evacuate your home or treatment facility, or if you have had an interruption to your treatment due to a recent hurricane, you are facing challenges getting the proper care for your cancer. The following questions and answers may help you make the immediate decisions you are facing to get your treatment back on schedule.

 

In other news:

 

He’s BAACK!

Lance Armstrong is making a comeback for cancer awareness.

From UK Times Online, September 10, 2008. Read the article here and see the video.

Lance Armstrong to hit the road again in hope of aiding cancer sufferers

“Lance Armstrong is coming out of retirement in an attempt to win an eighth Tour de France. The American, who overcame testicular cancer, quit the sport after winning the 2005 Tour. “I am happy to announce that, after talking with my children, my family and my closest friends, I have decided to return to professional cycling to raise awareness of the global cancer burden,” the 36-year-old said. “This year alone, nearly eight million people will die of cancer worldwide. It’s time to address cancer on a global level.” ”

ScienceDaily, September 11, 2008. U.S. Hospitals ‘Flunk’ Colon Cancer, Study Finds

 ”School has barely begun, but many U.S. hospitals have already received their report card in colon cancer. They flunked.”

Results of a study by Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine and the American College of Surgeons show that hospitals are not checking lymph nodes post colon cancer surgery. This simple check is an effective way to stage the disease and plan targeted and effective treatment.

 

More from ScienceDaily, September 11, 2008. Cancer Stem Cells Isolated: Could Lead To New Drugs To Stop Cancer From Returning

“After years of working toward this goal, scientists at the OU Cancer Institute have found a way to isolate cancer stem cells in tumors so they can target the cells and kill them, keeping cancer from returning.”

 Stand Up To Cancer Follow UP!

 Every one of us has been touched by cancer. And now we’ve been touched by something that has the power to make cancer, history. Last Friday, Sept. 5th, the historic Stand Up To Cancer fundraising special brought together the brilliance, the passion, and the spirit that will change the lives of men, women and children throughout America.

If you missed it, or if you’d like to watch again, the full show is available for streaming: www.standup2cancer.org/theshow

 Thank YOU for your incredible support. Stand Up To Cancer is proud to announce that from its launch on May 28, 2008, through last Friday’s telecast, the initiative has raised more than $100 million!

The money raised by Stand Up To Cancer will now fund “Dream Teams” of the best and the brightest researchers from leading institutions around the world. These Teams will collaborate on accelerating cancer research, bringing new therapies to patients more quickly. We will keep everyone informed of our progress, and our goals. This is a fight that’s just begun. 

               

Cancer News, Weekend Edition

September 6, 2008 by Tina Radcliffe  
Filed under CANCER

September already …and hurricane season across the world.

Hannah has struck and Ike is on the way. Stay safe!

Here are the highlights on cancer events and news around the world.

 

Zero Breast  Cancer is a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding the causes of breast cancer through community participation in the research process. They focus on identifying environmental factors and the role they play in the development of breast cancer at all stages of life. They are located in San Rafael, California.

Sunday, September 28, join ZBC as they RACE FOR RESEARCH. Infineon Raceway and the Russell Driving School will be the venue for a fundraising event this fall for Zero Breast Cancer. It will be a full day of racing on Infineon Raceway’s lightning quick karting track with professional driving instruction, courtesy of the Russell Driving School. In addition to instruction, you will have the use of a kart, a driving suit and helmet, lunch and the possibility of being one of ten finalists who will compete in a timed lapping at the end of the day. Check here for more info.

Read more

               

Heart-friendly events in September

August 28, 2008 by Raquel Billiones  
Filed under HEART AND STROKE

In this one of the last posts of August, I am summarizing heart-related events worldwide scheduled for September.

Walks and runs

Now, these are events everybody can join in. You can walk, run, or hike - it’s your choice. September is a good month for these outdoor activities. It’s not so hot anymore but still warm enough to have a good time. Plus, there are fundraising events out there where you can help out.

The American Heart Association is sponsoring several Start! Walking movement events across America and several walks and runs are scheduled for September. The complete schedule can be found here.

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is organizing walks and hikes as part of their Hearts First Walks and Hearts First Hikes. There are lots scheduled for September and you’ll find the schedule here. But there are lots more! BHF is organizing or sponsoring other fun heart-friendly activities from cycling, to swimming, to skipping rope. You can download the BHF events diary here.

The American Stroke Foundation is organizing the 6th Annual Walk on the Wildside - The Stroke Walk at  Shawnee Mission Park, Shawnee, KS, USA

Website: http://2008strokewalk.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=279516

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada also has lots of things planned for autumn. Check out them out here.

Conferences and symposiums

Let’s see what our heart experts will be doing this September.

August 30 to September 3
European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress
Munich, Germany
Website: http://www.escardio.org

September 8 to 10
Atrial Fibrillation Symposium
Murray, UT, USA
Organized by the Heart Rhythm Society
Website: http://www.intermountainhealthcare.org/cme/IHRS2008

September 11 to 13
Arrhythmias in the Real World, American College of Cardiology Heart House
Washington, DC, USA
Website: http://www.acc.org

September 12 to 13
27th Annual Echocardiography Symposium
The Doral Marriott Hotel
Miami, FL, USA
Website: http://www.baptisthealth.net/meded

September 14 to 16
The American College of Cardiology’s (ACC) 2008 Legislative Conference
Fairmont Hotel in Washington, D.C., USA
Website: http://www.acc.org/advocacy/leg_conf_08/about.htm

September 15
16th Annual State-of-the-Art Arrhythmia Symposium
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA, USA
Website: http://www.med.upenn.edu/apps/cme_events

September 18 to 20
Annual Meeting of the ESC Working Group of Cardiac Cellular Electrophysiology
Madrid, Spain
Website: http://veci.eventszone.net/ewgcce2008/

September 18 to 20
Nuclear Cardiology and Integrated Cardiovascular Imaging Today - 2008
Cesena, Italy
Website: http://www.ausl-cesena.emr.it/Default.aspx?alias=www.ausl-cesena.emr.it/nuclearcardiologytoday

September 18 to 20
CardioMet - 3D Lausanne 2008
Lausanne, Switzerland
Website: http://www.cardiomet.ch/en/cmet_home/cardiomet-evenements.htm

September 20 to 23
47th National Congress of Cardiology of the Romanian Society of Cardiology
Sinaia, Romania
Website: http://www.cardioportal.ro/

September 22 to 24
The 9th International Dead Sea Symposium (IDSS) on Cardiac Arrhythmias and Device Therapy
Dan Panorama Convention Center
Tel Aviv, Israel
Website: http://www.congress.co.il/arrhythmia08/home.html

September 24 to 27
6th World Stroke Congress
Vienna, Austria
Organized by World Stroke Organization
Website: http://www2.kenes.com/stroke/Pages/home.aspx

September 25 to 26
Microcirculation Abnormalities in Vascular Disease: Scientific Principles and Clinical Significance
London, United Kingdom
Website: http://www.cardiovascular-research.co.uk/

September 25 to 27
Artery 8
Gent, Belgium
Website: http://www.artery.uk.net/Pages/Default.aspx

September 25 to 27
12th International Congress of the Polish Cardiac Society
Poznan, Poland
Website: http://www.ptkardio.pl/

September 25 to 27
5th Global Cardiovascular Clinical Trialists Forum (CVCT)
Cannes, France
Website: http://www.globalcvctforum.com/

September 26
Controversies in Cardiac Arrhythmias
The Cosmos Club
Washington, DC, USA

September 26 to 27

6th Advanced Symposium on Congenital Heart Disease in the Adult
Thessaloniki
Greece
Website: http://achd2008.com/

 

Photo credit: geri-jean at stock.xchng

               

Step Out!!

August 14, 2008 by Tina Radcliffe  
Filed under DIABETES

Walk to Fight Diabetes!! The American Diabetes Society’s Step Out!

Check out the video here.

Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes, formerly America’s Walk for Diabetes, is about changing the face of diabetes in our country—by raising funds to help find a cure and by walking a few miles to bring a greater awareness to this devastating disease.

Step Out is a whirlwind day packed with energy, fun, support for others and a perfect amount of selfless dedication. Anyone can take part in Step Out—your participation isn’t measured by your dexterity or the speed you walk, but by the level of your enthusiasm and your commitment to ending diabetes.

Gather your friends and family to walk and raise funds for Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes in your city. Together, we can crush this epidemic.

Step Out. Start or Join A Team. Sponsor a Walker. Be a Volunteer.

By taking part in this event, you’ll be stepping out onto the streets to help change this growing epidemic. Here are a few more reasons you should take pride in participating in Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes:

  • About one in 10 American adults now has diabetes.
  • Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death by disease in the U.S.
  • One out of every three Americans born today will develop diabetes in their lifetime if present trends continue.
  • Nearly 5.7 million people (nearly one-quarter) of the 23.6 million children and adults in the U.S. living with diabetes are unaware that they have the disease.

Go to the site and find a walk near you.

Here’s the walks coming to my area:

CO

Colorado Springs

October 4, 2008

CO

Denver

October 25, 2008

Read more

               

How Ditching Google Can Help Raise Cancer Funds

January 29, 2008 by Lesly Maranan  
Filed under CANCER

The majority of my work day is spent doing some form of internet research. That’s why I was happy to find that Yahoo! had a partnership with the American Cancer Society to help raise funds for cancer awareness, prevention and research funding. Each time you use Search to Fight for your search engine needs instead of Google or another default web site, a significant portion of the advertising revenue raised by visiting sponsored links will be donated to the American Cancer Society.From the Search to Fight website: 

Yahoo! will contribute a significant portion of its advertising revenue generated by your clicks on paid advertising sites that are displayed on your search results page. We ask that you use this site honestly. You should use SearchToFight just as you would any other search engine. If you conduct fraudulent searches, then it will reduce the amount of contributions to the American Cancer Society. Fraudulent searching includes, but is not limited to repeated manual clicks, the use of robots or other automated querytools, etc. 

I would estimate that I use a search engine website about once every twenty minutes when I work and click on a sponsored link at least four times a day. It’s nice to know that a simple substitution can help raise funds for one of my favorite volunteer-run organizations. Make it even easier to raise cancer funds every day, and set Search to Fight as your internet browser homepage! Check out this article on how to do that in Internet Explorer.

               

NOTE: The contents in this blog are for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or a substitute for professional care. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional before making changes to any existing treatment or program. Some of the information presented in this blog may already be out of date.