Spring 2007 Newsletter - Gateway To Hope

A B R E A S T C A N C E R L I F E L I N E
T H E
L I F E L I N E
VOL 1, ISSUE 1 SUMMER 2007
845 North New Ballas Ct.
Suite 380
St. Louis, MO 63141
314-569-1113
314-432-3303 (fax)
www.gthstl.org
Enabling Hope
Meet our board, staff and
founders:
President
Kim Blomker
Vice-President
Melvin M. Maclin, II, M.D.
Secretary
Rebecca Brown
Treasurer
Kathy Richey
Historian
Suzanne Lesser
Directors
Demos Argyros
Jessica H. Boyd, M.D.
David A. Caplin, M.D.
Thelma Cook
Susan Ferguson
Diane Gallant
Jan Goldstein
Carolyn Haimann
Bernice McGuire-Irwin, RNC
Michael Litz
Peggy Michelson
Stacey L. Murphy
Jacki Rosen
Bruce Schmidt, M.A., LPC, ABMP
Marlys E. Schuh, M.D.
Ann Davis Shields
Nancy Siwak
Pam Toder
Executive Director
Cindy Frank
Director of Development
Nancy Boguslaw
Program Nurse Managers
Fran E. Jackson, R.N., B.A.
Christine A. Lyss, R.N.
Jane Roodman Weiss, R.N., BSN
Co-Founders
David A. Caplin, M.D.
Marlys E. Schuh, M.D.
GIVING HOPE
Profile of a Patient
Meet Hannah. Although
she appears to be an
average young woman
who enjoys hiking and the
outdoors when she is not
working as a floral designer,
Hannah is anything but
typical. At age 23, Hannah
has breast cancer. After
her younger sister was
diagnosed with the same
disease at 19, Hannah
was referred by her
sisterʼs oncologist at Saint
Louis University for genetic
testing to determine whether she was at risk. The results of the
BRCA-1 test revealed that Hannah, too, had the genetic marker
for breast cancer. The recommendation of the medical staff at
SLU was that she undergo a double prophylactic, or preventative,
mastectomy. Although she needed surgery, Hannah did not
have insurance or funds for treatment.
Fortunately, there was Gateway to Hope. Suzanne Mahon, R.N.,
DNSc, the geneticist at SLU, told Hannah about our organization,
and she was referred to one of our providers, Dr. David Caplin,
co-founder of Gateway to Hope. Much to her shock, presurgical
testing revealed that there was already a malignancy
present in Hannahʼs left breast. Hannah was then quickly
referred to another provider, St. Louis Cancer and Breast
Institute, where she began a course of chemotherapy under
the direction of surgeon, Dr. Marlys Schuh and oncologist,
Dr. Susan Luedke. Following chemotherapy, Hannah will
undergo radiation and, eventually, surgery.
“This organization is my lifeline,” says Hannah. “I
have hope for a future, thanks to Gateway to Hope.”
Kim Blomker, President
We are proud to present
the premiere issue of The
Lifeline, the newsletter of
Gateway to Hope. It
seems hard to believe that
little over a year ago, our
organization was a dream.
But thanks to the vision of
Drs. David A. Caplin and
Marlys Schuh, and their
colleagues, we have
created a network of
caring partners and
providers who have given
hope to more than 75
women who cannot afford
breast cancer treatment.
Although we are a new
group, we are excited
about our achievements.
Thanks to the efforts of
our founders and staff, we
have partnered with 15
surgeons, 32 other M.D.
specialists, two anesthesia
practices, four hospitals,
two surgery centers, two
continued on page 3

T H E L I F E L I N E • V O L 1 , I S S U E 1 • S U M M E R 2 0 0 7
Giving Hope
Profile of a Provider
When a patient is diagnosed with breast cancer,
an entire team of medical specialists and
skilled support staff are required to provide a
continuum of care. At Missouri Baptist Medical
Center, Dr. Atif Shafqat is one of the medical
oncologists who oversees chemotherapy. In
the last year, he has helped two Gateway to
Hope patients pro bono.
“Breast cancer treatment is complicated and
requires coordinated care,” he says. The multidisciplinary
approach typically includes surgery,
chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone
therapy and immune therapy. Some drugs
cost as much as $50,000 per year, an insurmountable
amount for someone who is underinsured
or uninsured.
Dr. Atif Shafqat
Both patients referred to Dr. Shafqat were at high risk for recurrence and have
required additional therapy after surgery. He emphasizes that the treatment
they receive at his facility is the same high quality as any patient who is
insured. It includes state-of-the-art drug therapy and access to the National
Cancer Institute (NCI) data. Missouri Baptist Medical Center is designated by
NCI as a Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP) which is part of the
Heartland Cancer Program under the local supervision of Dr. Alan Lyss.
Spreading Hope
Golf Tournament Update
Thanks to the hard work of an
energetic and innovative group of
volunteers co-chaired by Jacki
Rosen and Suzanne Lesser, Par
Excellence! – Gateway to Hopeʼs
inaugural golf tournament – is
already scoring a hole in one.
Scheduled for June 4 at
Meadowbrook Country Club, the
event is sold out at 128 players.
Dan McLaughlin, local radio and
television personality, is our
Honorary Chairman.
Co-chairs Suzanne Lesser and Jacki Rosen
with Honorary Chairman and local radio and
television personality, Dan McLaughlin.
“We are extremely gratified with the support this event has received,” says
Jacki, “and the community response has been overwhelming. Over 40
individuals and companies are sponsors for the tournament. The committee
has gone out of its way to plan a terrific day, making sure our golf tournament is a
huge success, says Jacki. Local broadcasting celebrities will be spotted playing
golf, and the day will culminate with a silent and oral auction.”
According to Suzanne, credit for the success of the tournament goes to the
Par Excellence! committee. “We specifically sought out a diverse group who
had the ability to reach out to various segments of the community. Our meetings
and networking efforts have paid off, and we are thrilled with the result!”
Although the tournament is sold out, sponsorships are still available. To
volunteer or become a sponsor, contact Nancy at the Gateway to Hope
office, 314.569.1113.
Race for the Cure
Join the Gateway to Hope team and Race
for the Cure at this yearʼs Susan G. Komen
for the Cure St. Louis Affiliateʼs annual
event. The race will take place Saturday,
June 16, in downtown St. Louis. Whether
you run, walk or just cheer us on, itʼs
important that you help us show our
support, solidarity and commitment to end
breast cancer. You can register as a Team
Participant online at www.komenstlouis.org.
Our Team Name is Gateway to Hope, of
course, and the Team ID number is 3658.
All online registrations must be completed
by June 1 and registration by mail up to
the date of the race, so recruit your family
and friends, and put your name on the list
today!
Last year, our first team had more than 30
Gateway to Hope supporters participating.
Our goal is to double that number this year!
For more information, contact Debbie
Caplin at Debcap1228@aol.com or
Harriet Glazer at HMG@aol.com, or you
can call the Gateway to Hope office
at 314.569.1113.
Key to the Cure
Save the date! On October 17, 2007,
Gateway to Hope will team up with
Siteman Cancer Center and Saks
Fifth Avenue to present The Hunt
For Pink October, a gala evening
dedicated to helping women with
cancer.
Saks Fifth Avenue will close to the public
to allow attendees to enjoy exotic drinks
and gourmet cuisine provided by some of
St. Louisʼ top venues. They will also participate
in a very special designer treasure
hunt throughout the store, where they will
have the opportunity to uncover and win
fabulous prizes. continued on page 3

G A T E W A Y T O H O P E • A B R E A S T C A N C E R L I F E L I N E
Key To The Cure continued from page 2
Jan Goldstein and Pam Toder are the Key to the Cure co-chairs
representing Gateway to Hope. “We are thrilled to be one of the
recipients of Key to the Cure and to be associated with such visible,
national organizations on an event of this caliber,” says Jan. “It has
been amazing to see how wonderfully everyone is working together
for a common cause.”
Proceeds from the event, along with two percent of all Saks sales
from October 17 – 21, will be divided between the two organizations.
“We have received unbelievable support from the community,” says
Pam. “We have a wonderful committee who is working very hard to
make the event a success.”
For further information, to become a sponsor, donate a treasure hunt
prize or purchase tickets, contact the Gateway to Hope office at
314.569.1113.
Jan Goldstein and Pam Toder
Granting Hope
We are proud to announce that Gateway to Hope has once again
received a very generous grant from the Susan G. Komen For the
Cure St. Louis Affiliate. We have also received a significant grant
from the St. Louis Philanthropic Organization. In addition, the
St. Louis Menʼs Group Against Cancer will award Gateway to Hope
a grant at the organizationʼs upcoming annual luncheon. This is the
second year that we will receive funding from this wonderful group.
(from L to R) Anne Dill, Komen Grant Chair , Christine Lyss, Cindy
Frank and Susie Knopf, President, Komen St. Louis Affiliate
Kim Blomker, President continued from page 1
pharmaceutical companies, seven medical supply
companies and four imaging centers – all of whom
donate their products and services. However, our
work has just begun. Please note the activities we
have planned for 2007. We hope you will support
them. Without your ongoing assistance, we cannot
reach out to those who need us to survive.
Gateway to Hope is truly, A Breast Cancer
Lifeline for Women in Need.
Sincerely,
Kim Blomker, President
Offering Hope
Your support is critical to assisting women and their families in need
of cancer treatment. Here are some ways you can help:
Become a partner or provider
An important aspect of Gateway to Hope is our partners and
providers. These are the physicians, health care facilities, medical
and pharmaceutical supply companies that have generously donated
their services and products to assure our patients the highest quality
medical and surgical care. If you or anyone you know may be
interested in becoming a partner or provider, please contact
Christine Lyss, RN or Fran Jackson, RN at 314-569-1113.
Become a volunteer
Whether itʼs speaking to a community group,
helping out in the GTH office or on a committee, volunteers are
always needed.
Make a tribute or donation
The cost of breast cancer treatment can run as high as $200,000 per
patient. We need your financial support so that we can arrange care
for every uninsured or underinsured breast cancer patient who looks
to us for help.
Make a cash donation. Your contribution is tax deductible to the
extent allowed by law. We accept checks, Visa, MasterCard and
Discover.
Make a gift or transfer real property to Gateway to Hope. Donations
of stocks, bonds, real estate and IRAs are accepted. Please contact
Cindy at our office for details, 314.569.1113.

G A T E W A Y T O H O P E • A B R E A S T C A N C E R L I F E L I N E
Gateway to Hope would like to sincerely thank everyone who attended our initial dinner and art event to help
launch our program. Without your vision back in 2005, Gateway to Hope would not be in existence today.
Contributions from
December 2005 through
April 2007
James and Helen Bliss
Irene J. and Michael Black
Susan Block
Kim Blomker
Kathy Bowman
Joyce and Chuck Brandt
Suzanne C. and Irl F. Engelhardt
Barbara Burrows
Debbie and David Caplin
Wendy Caplin
Nancy and Ron Chod
Shirley W. Cohen
Elizabeth and Michael Ebeling
Pamela R. Evans
Carol Fenberg
Mary Ferguson
Susan Ferguson
Norma Fitzwater
Cindy and Steve Frank
Paul ane Diane Gallant
Jan and Rand Goldstein
Carolyn Haiman and Tom Vandiver
Fern Hammerman
Nancy and Jacques Herzog
David Hutkin
Interglobal, Inc.
Bernice Irwin
Diane and John Kenny
Bill Koman
Sue and Herb Lesser
Diane Levine and Dr. James
Jenkins
Tory Malin
Mavrik
McKesson Medical-Surgical
Elaine Medve
Peggy Michelson
Stacey Murphy
Sally Needle
Gayle and Frederick Palmer
Parkcrest Employees
Susie and Gordon Philpott
Diane Radford
BF Rassieur III
Regional Business Council
Kathy and Vic Richey
Saint Louis University Students
Bruce and Kay Schmidt
Marlys Schuh
Nancy and Alvin Siwak
Fran Smith
Ruth Sobel
Ellen Stein
Judith and Tony Taylor
Pam and Craig Toder
Ann M. Vaughn
Jane Roodman Weiss and John
Weiss
Carolynn Wolff DMD
June Wolff
Leslie and Barry Yoffie
Foundation and Nonprofit
Organization Grants
Bland Family Foundation
Ferguson Family Foundation
Letty Korn Legacy Charitable
Foundation
Missouri Foundation for Health
Sign of the Arrow
Siteman Family Foundation
Susan G. Komen for the Cure
St. Louis Blues Society
The St. Louis Men's Group Against
Cancer
In Honor Of
Special Birthday of Ina Rainey
— Jean and Dennis Bauman
Dr. David A. Caplin
— Joseph and Marie Blomker
Special Birthday Steve Wolff
The marriage of Diane Levine and
Dr. James Jenkins
Special Birthday of Harold Lewis
— Debbie and David Caplin
Debbie and David Caplin
— Shirley Cohen
Recovery of Diane Katzman
Recovery of Jeanne Katzman
— Cindy and Steve Frank
David A. Caplin
— Harriet and Larry Glazer
Wedding of Hillary Zimmerman and
Christopher Hebeler
— Susan and Jonathan Goldstein
David A. Caplin and Karyn Brown
— Nancy and Jacques Herzog
Speedy and Complete Recovery of
Nadine LeVine
— Fern Hammerman
Jane Weiss
— Debbie and David Hutkin
Anniversary of Diane and Paul
Gallant
— Sue and Herb Lesser
Recovery of Deborah Harris
— Diane and Dr. James Jenkins
Levine
Speedy Recovery of Diane Katzman
— Ruth Sobel
Anniversary of Diane and Paul
Gallant
— Kathy and Vic Richey
Marriage of Dr. Gabriela Espinoza
and Melvin M. Maclin, II
— Ellen Stein
Marriage of Diane Levine and
Dr. James Jenkins
Jan and Rand Goldstein
Anniversary of Diane and Paul
Gallant
— Jane Roodman Weiss and
John Weiss
In Memory Of
Frank Spasser
Scott Sapot
Sister of Dr. Alan Londe
Father of Dr. and Mrs. David Goran
Randee Roberts
Father of Dr. and Mrs. John Hirsch
Husband of Ethel Wolfson
Special friend of Ernesto Rios Diaz
— David and Debbie Caplin
Martin Huebener
— David,Debbie and Stephanie
Caplin
Ann Tracy
— Marcia Cohen
Elene Ginsburg
Steve Cohen
Eugene Wolff
Edward Kotas
Marvin Blum
Father of Melanie Muchnick
Joyce Hoffman
Joanne Steinbaum
— Cindy and Steve Frank
Sister of Mr. and Mrs. Otis Beard
Ann Tracy
— Sally Needle
Harold Greenblatt
— Ruth Sobel
Clifford Shanfeld
— Leslie and Barry Yoffie
Gateway To Hope
845 North New Ballas Ct.
Suite 380
St. Louis, MO 63141
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