FrontLine - Summer 2012

FRONTLINEFRONTLINETM

On the front line in the battle against breast cancer. SUMMER 2012

The time is NOW to register for the PA BreastCancer Coalition Conference! With awardeesselected, workshops being finalized, and both

registration scholarships and corporate sponsorshipsnow available, the 2012 conference on Tuesday,October 9 is taking shape as the fall’s ‘can’t miss’ event! First Lady of Pennsylvania Susan Corbett,Conference Chairperson, will address the hundreds ofattendees gathered at the Pink Ribbon luncheon.Congresswoman Allyson Y. Schwartz and abc27anchor Alicia Richards will each be honored for theirbreast cancer advocacy work with the 2012 PinkRibbon Award also at the Pink Ribbon luncheon. Nancy E. Davidson, M.D., the Director of theUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center CancerInstitute, will receive the 2012 Vivian & Meyer P.Potamkin Award for medical research during theconference opening reception where she will alsopresent a Grand Rounds workshop on hergroundbreaking breast cancer research.

Breast cancer survivor, author, international speakerand friend of the PBCC Tammy Miller will bepresented with the 2012 Shining Light Award at theevening reception honoring our Grassroots Partners.This reception will be held on the evening of Monday,October 8.

You can be a part of all the conference activities byregistering today. The registration fee provides youaccess to all speakers, workshops, and the exhibitor hallas well as a seat at the Pink Ribbon luncheon and aconference totebag full of items to take home andenjoy. And for a limited time, you can save $20 whenregistering online by entering EARLY as thepromotional code before checking out.

Also new this year is a fundraising opportunity forthe conference. Individuals or teams can pledge to raiseadditional money beyond the registration fee to helpthe PBCC continue to support breast cancer survivorsand their families while working to earn someadditional PBCC merchandise.

We look forward to seeing you at the conference onTuesday, October 9! Don’t miss out on the early birdregistration rates - register today!

Register Now for 2012 PBCC ConferenceAwardees Selected, Scholarships and Sponsorships Now Available

Congresswoman Allyson Y. Schwartz13th Congressional District of PA2012 Pink Ribbon Awardee

Nancy E. Davidson, M.D.University of Pittsburgh Medical Center2012 Potamkin Award forMedical Research

Alicia Richardsabc27 News Anchor

2012 Pink Ribbon Awardee

Tammy MillerAuthor, Speaker,

Breast Cancer Survivor2012 Shining Light Awardee

Visit pbcc.me/Conf

FRONTLINEA quarterly publication of the PA Breast Cancer Coalition

800-377-8828www.PABreastCancer.org

Statewide Headquarters344 North Reading RoadEphrata, PA 17522

HONORARY BOARD

Bernard Fisher, M.D.Michele M. Ridge

Senator Harris Wofford

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Pat Halpin-MurphyPresident & Founder

Heather HibshmanExecutive Director

Madlyn AbramsonRosemary BolandSandra Christianson

Sandy CrayDeborah FreerJohn Glick, M.D.Gary GurianG. June Hoch

Andrea Mastro, Ph.D.Alice Sanders

Jeanne SchmedlenMary Simmonds, M.D., F.A.C.P.

Pat StewartLeslie StilesTed Williams

Norman Wolmark, M.D.

Carol BurkholderKim BellTricia GroveDolores MagroJennifer PensingerKevin SmithKristen Snoke

PBCC STAFF

FrontLine is published as a quarterly communiquefor the information of the supporters and friends of the PA Breast Cancer Coalition. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced or distributed without permission

from the PA Breast Cancer Coalition.

Amy Collins Law, [email protected]

TM

President’s Corner

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PA Fair Care Offers Lifeline forThose With Pre-Existing Conditions

PA BREAST CANCER COALITIONwww.PABreastCancer.org 800-377-8828

FRONTLINE - SUMMER 2012

Leslie Anne Miller, Esq.Executive Vice President

Pennsylvania residents with pre-existing medicalconditions who have been uninsured for at least sixmonths may eligible to enroll in PA Fair Care, a temporarytransitional insurance plan put in place by the state to coverthose with pre-existing conditions until the related provisionsof the federal health insurance reform act can go into effect.

Coverage under PA Fair Care is available for a monthly

premium of $283.20, plus the cost of copays andcoinsurance. There is a $1,000 deductible and an out ofpocket limit of $5,000 in-network. The plan offers a widerange of health benefit coverage including primary, specialty,and hospital care, and necessary medical equipment andprescription drugs.

In order to qualify for coverage, applicants must be a

Pennsylvania resident and a citizen or national legally residingin the United States, have been uninsured for at least sixmonths prior to application to the program, and have apre-existing condition or been denied coverage based onhealth status. The latest figures as of March 2012 show that5,111 individuals are enrolled in the program in Pennsylvania.

For more information on PA Fair Care, including real life

testimonials, fact sheets, and an online application, visitwww.PAFairCare.com. To speak with someone about theprogram, call the toll-free helpline at 888-767-7015 Mondaythrough Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Pat Halpin-Murphy

Applicants must:

o Be a PA resident andU.S. citizen or national

o Be uninsured for atleast six months prior toapplication to the program

o Have a pre-existingcondition or been deniedcoverage based on healthstatus

o Pay $283.20 permonth for coverage onceenrolled

PBCC Newsv Governor Tom Corbett reappointed Pat Halpin-Murphy to serve on the Pennsylvania Cancer Control,Prevention and Research Advisory Board. The board ofeleven members meets on a quarterly basis to advise the PASecretary of Health on issues related to cancer control andprevention. v PBCC Board member Andrea Mastro, Ph.D. hasbeen selected by the Department of Defense to receive theBreast Cancer Research Program’s Idea Award and a$500,000 federal grant. Dr. Mastro is a Professor ofMicrobiology and Cell Biology at Penn State University.She joined the PBCC board in 2005.v Pennsylvania’s First Lady Susan Corbett graciouslyinvited the PBCC to hold a luncheon at the Governor’sResidence for our grassroots supporters and show off thenew pink PBCC van! Thanks to the First Lady for herhospitality.

First Lady Susan Corbett pictured withPat Halpin-Murphy and the PBCC van.

SurvivorRenae Wible, Washington County

Diagnosis and Treatment Two weeks before Christmas 2010 my husbandBob and I came home from shopping. I was changingclothes and when I removed my bra I felt a mass thatwas not there the day before. I didn’t have time forthis to be what we thought it might be. I was 34 yearsold, the mother of two small children, and we had 35people coming to our house for Christmas Evedinner. So I tried wishing it away, praying it away, andcursing it away. But when it was still there afterChristmas I went to my local hospital for amammogram. The mammogram revealed twomasses and then I had a needle biopsy whichdiscovered four more masses. In early January I started a round of sixchemotherapy treatments to shrink the tumors priorto my mastectomy. My husband met me at the thirdof those six chemo appointments, as we had planned.What I didn’t expect was that at a meeting thatmorning he had lost his job due to a majordownsizing. His job, at a company where he hadworked for 16 years, would be gone in a matter ofdays, and 30 days later I would lose my healthinsurance.

Filling in the Cracks For the next three days I called anyone who Ithought could help. I searched the internet usingthe phrases “cancer help” or “insurance help” andany number that popped up, I called. No one hadany suggestions for what to do about my situation.No one. Finally, thankfully, a nurse at myoncologist’s office gave me the toll-free number forthe Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention andTreatment Program for free breast cancertreatment. Once I called that number, I had all theanswers I needed. Within weeks I knew I wasapproved and taken care of. To say that the freetreatment program is a God-send isn’t even closeto what it felt like. I cried and cried with reliefwhen I learned I was going to get treatment and

that we wouldn’t haveto worry about payingfor it. We are the typicalfamily that falls throughthe cracks. AdultBASIC had been cancelled andwe made too much money for some otherprograms. Luckily my two children, Xavier who is8 years old and Cassie who is 4, could get on tothe CHIPs program. Bob has found a new job butthe company does not offer health insurance forthe first year of work. He has already been withoutcoverage for a full year. Fortunately, I continue toreceive full free treatment, and I will be covered forall my medical needs for the next five years while Iam on tamoxifen.

Helping Others I was happy to find the online course about thefree treatment program on the PBCC website. Itook the course even though I was already enrolledin the program. I wanted to know as much aboutit as possible so that I could share the informationwith anyone else I meet who might need it. I don’twant any other woman to go through those threedays I went through, searching and wondering if Iwas just going to be allowed to die because I didn’thave coverage. I’m very proud of the certificate Ireceived for successfully completing the PA BreastCancer Coalition’s online course on the freetreatment program. I keep it on the entertainmentcenter in my son’s room where my computer is. I’ve just started a support group calling SOS,Sharing Our Strengths. If I can help anyone else, Iwill. At first when you’re diagnosed you feel soalone but you’re not. I am looking forward to meeting othersurvivors when I volunteer this summer at Take aSwing Against Breast Cancer home run derby atConsol Energy Park where the Washington WildThings play.

3

“To say that thefree treatmentprogram is aGod-send isn’teven close to

what it felt like. I cried and criedwith relief when I learned I wasgoing to get

treatment and thatwe wouldn’t have to worry about paying for it.”

- Renae Wible

PA BREAST CANCER COALITIONwww.PABreastCancer.org 800-377-8828


Renae enjoying a family outing

with her son, Xavier.

For more information onRenae’s support group, visit the websitesossharingourstrength.t15.org

Receiving Treatment and Peace of MindThrough the Free Treatment Program

Spotlight

www.PABreastCancer.org 800-377-8828

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PA BREAST CANCER COALITION


Are you a breast or cervical cancer researcher in PA looking for additional researchfunding? The PBCC will award three $50,000 grants to top researchers in PA

through our 2013 Breast and Cervical Cancer Research Initiative and we want YOUto apply! To learn more or download the Request for Application (RFA) visit

http://pbcc.me/RFA. Letters of Intent are due June 29 and applications are due July31, 2012.“I’m thrilled to announce this wonderful opportunity for Pennsylvania’s breast

and cervical cancer researchers,” said Pat Halpin-Murphy. “I believe that the cure forbreast and cervical cancer lies in the hands of one of these talented people. It’s onlythrough research that we will find a cure for breast cancer so that our daughters won’thave to.”The PBCC's Refunds for Breast Cancer Research program allows Pennsylvanians to

donate their state tax refund to breast and cervical cancer research. This programcontinues to be a favorite among state taxpayers and it is through the support ofindividuals from across PA that nearly $3 million has been raised. The averagedonation is $8 and one hundred percent of the money is distributed as grants tooutstanding Pennsylvania-based researchers.

Breast & Cervical Cancer Researchers: Apply for a 2013PBCC Refunds for Breast Cancer ResearchGrant

The majority of patients diagnosed withbreast cancer have early stage disease that

is confined to the breast. However, breastcancer does not always stay confined to thebreast or even the neighboring lymph nodes,which are often the first place outside thebreast that disease is detected. Sometimes,cancer cells spread to other organs in thebody, most commonly the bones, lung, orbrain. This sojourn that leads to growth indistant organs is called metastasis.Fortunately, most patients will notexperience metastasis. However, when itoccurs, it is often painful, debilitating, andresponsible for the vast majority of breastcancer-related deaths. This enormousinfluence on morbidity and mortality is whatmakes metastasis such an important area ofresearch.

At present, the best way to cure breast

cancer is to treat the disease early beforemetastasis has occurred. However, somewomen will develop clinically detectablemetastasis (stage four disease) months oryears after their initial treatment.Unfortunately, these patients are difficult tocure because metastases develop resistance totherapy. One strategy to treat metastasis is toidentify and then cripple critical genes thatmetastasis relies upon to sustain theirexistence within distant organs. These genesthat give cancer cells the ability to find itsway into distant organs and adapt to theforeign surroundings are called metastasisgenes. Most metastatic cancers possess acollection of multiple metastasis genes.

Until recently, identifying metastasis

genes was extremely difficult because eachcancer cell has tens of thousands of genes andreading all of these genes was not possible.Fortunately, recent technological advances

have given researchers the ability to read themassive amounts of genetic informationfrom patient tumors. In this way, researcherscan determine which genes are mutated,missing, overly abundant, or inappropriatelysilenced in a particular cancer. Thus, readingthe genetic code of a cancer and catalogingwhich genes appear abnormal are no longerimpenetrable but are currently underway andproceeding at a rapid pace.

After reading and cataloging the many

genes that are awry in cancer, discoveringmetastasis genes first involves determiningwhich of the many abnormal genes maycontrol metastasis and then proving thisusing experimental models. However, simplyidentifying metastasis genes might not beenough. Because there are multiple genesthat can be part of a metastasis toolbox,successfully treating patients will likelyrequire many genes to be crippled. Ratherthan targeting each gene individually, onestrategy is to identify critical connections thatact as on/off switches or important relays formany metastasis genes. Then, large swaths ofmetastasis genes can be crippled with farfewer hits.

With the goal of finding critical

connections and switches for metastasis, thegenetic information obtained from cancercells become pieces to a mammoth jigsawpuzzle that needs to be connected. Althoughdaunting, as anybody who has patientlystared and worked at a large jigsaw puzzleknows, once the configuration of some piecesare discovered, other pieces will fall intoplace. Now that researchers can for the firsttime see what all the pieces are, we envisionthat larger parts of the puzzle will be similarlyrevealed.

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www.PABreastCancer.org 800-377-8828


Andy J. Minn, MD, Ph.D.

Understanding and Unlockingthe Mysteries of Metastasisby ANDY J. MINN, M.D., PH.D. Assistant Professor, Department of RadiationOncology, and Assistant Investigator, Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute,The University of Pennsylvania

“With thegoal of finding critical connectionsand switches formetastasis, the geneticinformation obtainedfrom cancer cellsbecome pieces to amammoth jigsawpuzzle that needs to be connected.”

-- Dr. Andy J. Minn

PA BREAST CANCER COALITION

MED I C A L ART I C L E

Dr. Minn was one of three PAresearchers selected to receive a$50,000 grant through the PBCC’sRefunds for Research program thisyear.

www.PABreastCancer.org 800-377-8828PA BREAST CANCER COALITION


Grassroots Partners

To find out how, call Kristen at 800-377-8828 x107 or visit PABreastCancer.orgPlant the seed in your community and watch it grow statewide - become a Grassroots Partner.

Jim Roberts of Mt. Joy helped spread theword about the PBCC’s work beyondPennsylvania’s borders by taking part in theOne Lap of America race. To raise money forthe PBCC, Jim accepted donations fromindividuals who wished to have their name orthe name of a loved one on a pink ribbonsticker placed on his Corvette. So far, Jim hasraised $2,000 and counting for the PBCC thisyear after logging over 5,000 miles. Thanks fortaking the PBCC on the road with you, Jim!

It was a team effort from a groupof incredible ladies to coordinatethe Sayre Theatre ‘Iron Ladies’ NightOut and raise over $6,000 for thePBCC in the process! Margie Ross,Darcie Baird, Helen Harshbarger,and Heather Vail along with MelanieSumner Cosmetics and the SpaldingMemorial Library organized theevent which included a showing of‘The Iron Lady’, a brick layingdedication, desserts, live music, pinkchampagne, and a raffle and doorprizes. Thanks to the organizers andthe community for such a great event!

Sayre Theatre ‘Iron Ladies’ Night Out

Many people came out to take part in theRide for Life, a horse ride and barrel show

held as a fundraiser for the PBCC! Special thanksto all participants and event coordinator ShellyMix of MidAtlanticSpeedHorse.com for raising$2,000 for the cause!

The young women of Linden HallSchool for Girls in the community

of Lititz put on their sneakers for a walkonce again this year. Student organizerOlivia Davis and the students, faculty,staff, and community came together toraise $1,000 for the PBCC! Way towalk, ladies!

Temple University’s InMotionDance Ensemble danced for

breast cancer awareness in their springperformance. They raised $166 for thePBCC. Special thanks to KatieCampbell for coordinating the eventand all the dancers for using theirtalent to promote breast cancerawareness!

The Hanson Brothers made another tripback to Klick Lewis Arena for the Play it

Again for Charity After-Winter Classic, bringinga memorable night of old school hockey fun toCentral PA. Special thanks to a few of the PBCC’sMVPs - Rob Ziemba and Jon Jehrio - for yetanother outstanding event. Since 2006, Play itAgain for Charity has raised over $60,000. Thanksfor hitting the ice for the PBCC once again!

Breast cancer survivor Jeani Rhine and herhusband David decided that they wanted

to raise money to fight breast cancer. So theycreated a special edition goose call to sellthrough their company, Final Glide, anddecided to donate all the profits from the saleof the call to the PBCC. They’ve raised $825 todate! Thanks Jeani & David!

Ladies Month at York Kia led to a$2,000 donation to the PBCC. For every

car sold in March, York Kia donated $50 tothe PBCC. They also decorated the showroomin pink and had an information table withPBCC material on it. Special thanks toGeneral Manager Jeff Staub and owner DonMeluzio for such a great fundraiser!

See more Grassroots Partners photos on our website!

www.PABreastCancer.org 800-377-8828PA BREAST CANCER COALITION

67 Women, 67 Counties: Facing Breast Cancer in PennsylvaniaVisitsCumberland County; Heads North to Bradford County

Top: Bradford County Exhibit ParticipantHeather Vail joins reception speakers JoanneGrossi andHeather Hibshman for a photo.Right: This was the exhibit’s record-breakingfourth trip to Guthrie, thanks in part to HelenHarshbarger, who has been instrumental inbringing the photo exhibit to the region andwas honored at the reception by State Representative Tina Pickett’s office for her commitment to women’s health in the local community.

Kim Ties the Knot!Wedding bells were ringing inReading in May when PBCCstaff member Kim wed hersweetheart, Scott Bell, in alovely ceremony attended by

the couple’s amily and friends.The beautiful bride and hergroom had gorgeous spring

weather for their special day.Congratulations and best wishes

for a lifetime of happinessto Kim and Scott!

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In April, the PBCC’s traveling photo exhibit 67 Women, 67Counties: Facing Breast Cancer in Pennsylvania visited Central PennCollege in Cumberland County. It was fitting that an institution ofhigher education served as host of the exhibit, which serves to in-form and educate the public about breast cancer and the courage,hope, and dignity of breast cancer survivors. The exciting kick-offto the spring season featured event speakers Krista Wolfe and NicolePatterson, Allied Health Professors, Central Penn College; PatHalpin-Murphy; Dr. Mary Simmonds, PBCC Board Member andPartner, Andrews & Patel Associates, PC; Dr. Ronald Malcom,Radiation Oncologist, Carlisle Regional Medical Center; and SusanSchwab, Survivor and Cumberland County Exhibit Participant.These inspiring speakers shared their stories and spoke on advancesin breast cancer treatment and detection. A special thanks to CentralPenn College for hosting this display and to our host committee and

event volunteers for all their hard work to make it a spectacular openingreception!The beginning of spring saw the exhibit venture all the way up to

the northernmost part of the state to Guthrie Clinic in BradfordCounty.The reception began with a song from Joy Cooke, a breast cancer

survivor who set the inspirational tone for the evening. PBCCExecutive Director Heather Hibshman welcomed the crowd,explaining the purpose behind the exhibit and its influence across theCommonwealth as a vehicle of survivorship and strength. JoanneGrossi, the Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Health &Human Services, discussed the importance of the work of the PBCCand ensuring that all women have access to services they need as theygo through treatment.

Dr. Cynthia Lynch, a Medical Oncologist at Guthrie, expressedher support for the exhibit and the courage of all breast cancersurvivors. Two survivors, Carolyn Mosher and Darci Baird, took thestage to share their experiences and journeys of hope.The reception concluded in a unique fashion with the Caledonian

Highlanders Bagpipers performing a few songs, including AmazingGrace. Special thanks to the Bradford County Committee, GuthrieClinic and Memorial Hospital, where a few panels were displayedthroughout the month of May.

Pat Halpin-Murphy thanks Cumberland County Exhibit ParticipantSusan Schwab, PBCC Board Member and Partner at Andrews & PatelAssociates,Dr. Mary Simmonds, andDr. Ronald Malcom, RadiationOncologist at Carlisle Regional Medical Center for speaking at the openingreception at Central Penn College.

Coming to Your Community


For more information, visit www.PABreastCancer.org/Events

6/14-24

6/30

July

8/1

8/4-8/5

8/28

9/30

10/6

10/9

67 Women, 67 Counties: Facing Breast Cancer in PAHazleton Health & Wellness Center, Luzerne County

Greene County Swing for a CureCarmichaels Golf Club, Greene County

Take a Swing Against Breast Cancer®Stadiums Across Pennsylvania

Swing Fore A CureEagle Rock Resort, Hazleton, Luzerne County

Go PINK at PoconoPocono Raceway, Long Pond, Monroe County

Carlisle Barracks Women’s Golf LeagueCarlisle, Cumberland County

Field of Screams NightMountville, Lancaster County

Shades Hair and Spa Pink PartyRed Lion, York County

PA Breast Cancer Coalition ConferenceHarrisburg Hilton, Dauphin County

344 North Reading RoadEphrata, PA 17522

Address Service Requested

www.PAHomeRunDerby.org800-377-8828

Step Up to the Plate!Take a Swing Against Breast Cancer®Home Run Derby Kicks off July 10

The countdown to the first pitchof the PBCC’s 2012 Take a

Swing Against Breast Cancer® homerun derby is on - but there is stilltime to get in on the action! Joinus as a batter, a volunteer, asponsor, or a fan in the standsand you’ll get an experience youwill never forget.Individual and team

registrations are still being acceptedfor all eight locations. Utilize thenew online participant center and setup a website to help you maximizeyour donation and your impact.We’ve set a goal of raising $100,000this year - and YOU can help usget there! Register today atPAHomeRunDerby.org

Your

Photo

Here

PA Breast Cancer Coalition

ConferenceTuesday, October 9

pbcc.me/Conf

Join the PBCC as WeGo PINKat Pocono!

REGISTER NOW!

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines for a few laps aroundThe Pocono Raceway track to benefit the PBCC. TheNASCAR Camping World Truck Series Pocono Mountain 125and The Pennsylvania ARCA 125 - Presented by Menard’s willbe held on August 4 & 5 and we will be there, thanks to BillMartel Racing and some generous sponsors.Check the PBCC online event calendar for more details on

what fun you can expect at The Pocono Raceway.Would you like to see your business’ logo speed around the

track? Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Heather [email protected] or 800-377-8828 x102.

Join us August 4 & 5 as we put PINK to the pavement at Pocono Raceway with Bill Martel Racing in the driver’s seat!

Heather Hibshman pictured with driver Kyle Martel.

www.GoPinkAtPocono.org

FrontLine - Summer 2012

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