Fall 2008 - Breast Cancer Action Ottawa

Q U A R T E R L YN E W S L E T T E RBreast Cancer ActionBreast cancer has a face. Hope has a place.F A L L 2 0 0 8Autumn Gala & AuctionProudlyCelebrating15 Yearsof Servingour Communityin 2008.On November 14, 2008, we are hosting our first Annual Autumn Gala & Auction as the newestaddition to our event schedule. Please join Majic 100's Kevin Nelson, former Mayor JacquelinHolzman and well known author and activist Roslyn Franken for a memorable evening. There willbe great items to bid on, including two VIA-1 First Class tickets to Quebec City.I N S I D ET H I S I S S U E :President’s 2MessageFriday, November 14, 2008Reception, 6 pmDinner, 7 pmExecutiveDirector’sMessageTake ControlProjectExercisePrograms356Sala San Marco215 Preston Street, OttawaTickets $80 per person(partial tax receipt available)Call 613.736.5921 or visit www.bcaott.ca for ticket purchase.Dragon Boat 8ProgramPre-Operative 8EducationSessionsJourney Back 9Week of Hope at BayshoreBreast Cancer Awareness Month is fast approaching.Join us and Bayshore Shopping Centrein partnership during October 6 -11 for theWeek of Hope.entered throughout the week. Exciting entertainmentis also being scheduled so it will be funfor the whole family!Mt. KilimanjaroClimb forCancer 2009Think Pink—The Bay atRideauIn(side) ThePink101011During this fundraising week we encourage youto wear pink in support of all the men andwomen in the Ottawa community fighting thisdisease. We will have an information table set upand encourage people to come and fill our ribbonwith hope through their donations.On Saturday, October 11, from 10 am—2 pm wewill be joined by Bill Welychka and AnnetteGoerner from ‘A‘ News and Spartacat as wepull names for draw prizes that have been

F A L L 2 0 0 8P A G E 2President’s Message: Diane RyanFall has always been for me atime of energy and renewal.For many of us it is the timewhen we return to activitiesand programs that were suspendedduring the summermonths and also when weconsider trying new ones.The fall is also a time of energyand renewal at BCA andwe are very excited about our fall plans and all ofour offerings, both new and old.We are very fortunate to have dedicated and committedstaff who try hard to make BCA a warmand caring place and who are always searching fornew ideas that will be of interest to members andallow us to serve our community better. If youhave been to BCA recently, then you have met ournew Executive Director, Colleen Lyle. If you havenot, please come by and meet Colleen as I am surethat you will agree that BCA is in good hands.Colleen has extensive experience and under herguidance I know that BCA will continue to prosper.Welcome Colleen and thank you to AmyCailloux who did a magnificent job during the interimtime period when we were without an ExecutiveDirector.I hope that as you make your fall plans BCA will bepart of those plans. Our exercise and Tai Chiclasses will have started by the time you read thisnewsletter but you can join at any time. BCA’sLymphedema: Take Control project is ongoing andexercise classes are available in different locationsin Ottawa. In mid October we are very pleased tooffer a yoga class specifically for women who havehad breast cancer surgery. This has been madepossible through a grant that we were successful ingetting from the Community Foundation ofOttawa.During the week of October 6-11 we will be atBayshore Shopping Center in honour of BreastCancer Awareness Month. An information boothwill be set up all week long where customers willhave an opportunity to donate to Breast CancerAction. Customers who donate over $5 will beeligible to enter for prize draws and will be encouragedto return to the mall on 11 th , wearingpink, as we announce the winner. Hourly drawswill take place on Saturday as well as face painting,an appearance by Spartacat, balloon raffles andmuch more. Show your support and drop by tojoin us!Plans are also underway for BCA’s first DinnerDance on November 14 at Sala San Marco on PrestonStreet. In addition to a lovely meal, there willbe a live auction and the opportunity to dance to alive band, Espresso, who have kindly donated theirtime for the evening. Invite your family, friends,neighbours or work colleagues and join us forsome pre holiday fun!As always, we are here to serve you. Please dropby, call or visit our web site and send us your feedback.Consider whether this might be the fallwhen you join us as a volunteer. We have manyworthwhile opportunities and would happily welcomeyou into our volunteer family.I wish you all a fall full of energy, renewal and goodhealth and hope to see you at some of our upcomingevents and programs.Diane Ryan, President

P A G E 3Executive Director’s Message: Colleen LyleWelcome to Breast CancerAction!The shock of diagnosis andhaving to go through treatmentcan be an overwhelmingand isolating experience.It is well known that peoplebenefit from sharing storieswith others, feeling comfort from the interchange ofexperiences and emotions. At Breast Cancer Action,we are dedicated to helping those individualsduring this journey.Since its inception in 1992, BCA, through the manyservices that we offer, continues to assist the Ottawacommunity by the fulfillment of our role as apost-diagnosis support and resource center. Ourmission is to make a significant and meaningful differenceto the lives of people affected by breast canceror with breast health concerns through the provisionof high quality, innovative, responsive servicesand by campaigning for excellence in breast cancertreatment and care. While this role has been expandingand changing over the years to meet thechallenges presented by the constantly changing natureof treatment protocols and needs of the survivors,Breast Cancer Action continues to fulfill thefollowing roles to the best of its ability:• The provision of information and support forwomen from the diagnosis through the treatmentand the very important stage of aftercareand the fulfillment of post-operative regimes.• Continue the important work of raising awarenessand advocating for breast cancer issues.• Continually strive to raise the profile andawareness of Breast Cancer Action within theOttawa community.• Create quality fundraising initiatives and eventswithin the organization and our community atlarge.As your new Executive Director I look forward togetting to know our members and having the privilegeof working with our devoted volunteers. MartinLuther King Jr. once said “Change does not roll in onthe wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuouseffort”. As we move onward in the second half ofthis year, I hope to bring some new ideas and a freshapproach to an organization that injects so muchinto our community here in the City of Ottawa.After 15 years we still have yet to reach our potential.As we grow in new directions, expanding andchanging to the needs of society and our members,we continually need to depend on the generosity ofothers to continue our work. As part of the BCAfamily, we have to recognize the growing challengesof an environment that is becoming increasinglycompetitive or indeed saturated with many differentbreast cancer appeals and campaigns. Despite thevery real threat of “donor fatigue”, Breast CancerAction’s unique position within the scope of the fightagainst breast cancer allows us to differentiate ourselvesfrom many of the other organizations.My initial plan for the future is to focus on increasingthe awareness and profile of Breast Cancer Actionwithin our community and to substantially increasethe fundraising activity in order to provide the fundsrequired to continue our very valuable work. I alsohope as an offshoot of the initiatives outlined, toform new and varied partnerships with both corporate/governmententities in our community as wellas sustaining ongoing interaction with many of theother organizations involved in the fight againstbreast cancer.With all of us working together we can help increaseour success because we all know that breast canceris something that should not and can not be foughtalone. I look forward to my new challenges and toworking with all of you toward reaching our commongoal.With regards,Colleen

F A L L 2 0 0 8Nepean Lawn Bowling ClubP A G E 4Have you ever tried lawn bowling? Many of us haven’t but it is a great outdoor activity for all ages. Several of us at BCAwere introduced to it when the Nepean Lawn Bowling Club at the Nepean Sportsplex generously held a fundraiser for us.On June 17, the club held a women’s lawn bowling tournament with the entry fee being a donation to BCA. After watchingthe women from the club play, we shared a brown bag lunch and desserts with members and listened to Kim Meloche, theCommunications Coordinator of Busting Out, Breast Cancer Action’s Dragon Boat team, speakon exercise and breast cancer. Thanks Kim for a very entertaining talk and thank you to DavidGoff, the President of the club and his volunteers for making this day possible.As a follow up to the fun, BCA was invited back to the club to try our hand at lawn bowling inJuly. Over twenty of us, many from Busting Out, found out that this is not only a fun filled activitybut more challenging than we anticipated. Thank you to the many club volunteers and the club’scoach who gave us their time and shared their expertise. If you’d like to try the game yourself,the club is open May through October and always welcomes new members. Breast Cancer Actionlooks forward to next year’s event and is very grateful for this new community partnership.15th Annual Manulife Walk & Fun RunRaising funds for Breast Cancer Action OttawaWe would like to thank our participants and sponsors for helping us raise funds and awareness for Breast Cancer ActionOttawa. Despite the humid temperature, over 240 participants laced up their sneakers for a great cause. With theencouragement and financial support of donors and participants we raised over $37,900! This money will stay withinOttawa to help Breast Cancer Action continue to offer post-diagnosis services to our members.Breast Cancer Action extends our sincere appreciation to ManulifeFinancial for their continued corporate sponsorship. This year, theManulife Walk & Fun Run received $25,000 in sponsorship. With the ongoing support of Manulife Financial, BreastCancer Action was able to reach a larger audience, increase our total event revenue and expand our community profile.Event Ambassadors are very special people in our community who represent thosewho have been diagnosed with breast cancer, as well as their family and friends. Theirvoluntary role serves to remind us that breast cancer touches the lives of so manypeople in the Ottawa region. This year we were pleased to welcome back LindaBurdon of Manulife Financial, City Councillor Maria McRae, members ofBreast Cancer Action’s Board of Directors and the Dragon Boat Executive.There were nine teams this year who collectively raised more than $14,000.Congratulations and thank you to Team Revenue—City of Ottawa, The Racqueteers, Three Deep Breaths,Dentistry @ Main, Pink Ladies, Faith, Team Nassima, Christine’s Crew and Ten Toe Express.Special prizes were awarded to the top male, female, youth and team fundraisers. Specialthanks go to Rick Ogonoski—top individual male, Samia Hage—top individual female andRachel Gibson—top individual youth. For a third year in a row, Team Revenue—City ofOttawa won the trophy for top team where it is proudly displayed at their workplace. Thisteam of 47 members worked hard to raise $6,020.47! Way to go!MARK YOUR CALENDARS!Join us on Sunday, June 7, 2009, at the16th Annual Manulife Walk & Fun Run

P A G E 5Project UpdateSubmitted by Kathleen Gotts, Project CoordinatorADVISORYCOMMITTEEMEMBERSJudy BedellDr. Margaret FarncombeBetty FlackAnna KennedyLouise KillensSusan SmithSTAFF MEMBERSAmy CaillouxOffice ManagerKathleen GottsCoordinatorLouise HaleyConsultantWanda JamiesonEvaluatorColleen LyleExecutive DirectorCaren WeinsteinDesignerStephanie WoodardFacilitatorAs Breast Cancer Action’s Lymphedema: Take Control project heads into its secondyear, this is the perfect time to reflect back on a busy first year of activity and look aheadto the next. All of the project’s activities are designed to help reach its goal: to raiseawareness in the Ottawa area about lymphedema secondary to breast cancer and the valueof exercise to its risk reduction and management. They say money makes the world goround and the generous funding of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation—OntarioChapter has certainly made this project possible. Another key factor is the commitment,passion, hard work and wide-ranging expertise, experience and skills of the project team.You can help too by spreading the word about this BCA project and joining its activities.Year One Activities:The first year was all about development. A lot of planning, research, expertise, thinkingand sharing of ideas went into the creation of:• The eight-week Go With The Flow exercise program designed for breast cancerpatients and survivors, based on the latest evidence in cancer rehabilitation;• Support materials—a fold-out brochure and an exercise manual for Go With The Flowparticipants on exercising safely at home;• An accredited training workshop for group fitness instructors and personal trainers toraise their awareness about lymphedema and safe and appropriate exercise; and• A community workshop to build awareness and support for lymphedema riskreduction and management services in Ottawa.Year One Achievements:• The Go With The Flow exercise program was offered in two sessions (May-June andJuly-August) of three classes per session with a total of 52 participants;• The support materials in English are available for distribution (French to follow);• Three training workshops were held in July, August and September with a total of 27participants (fitness instructors and public health nurses);• One community workshop was held with 28 participants from Ottawa’s health,wellness and fitness sectors in July; and• The project was promoted on a global platform by Marjorie Morrison andAnna Kennedy at the World Conference on Breast Cancer in June.What’s Next?Year Two of the project is all about delivery—21 more exercise classes, nine more trainingworkshops and more community workshops. Go With The Flow exercise classes will runfrom now until June 2009 in venues across Ottawa. Classes are free and registration isopen to BCA members and non-members. To find out more about the exercise programor to register, please contact Breast Cancer Action. Help us spread the word about theproject! If you have promotion ideas or local media contacts, please contact Kathleen atBreast Cancer Action at 613.736.5921 or takecontrol@bcaott.ca.Comings and GoingsThanks to Gloria Bateson for her administrative support on the project. Thanks andgoodbye to Marjorie Morrison and to Maureen Manningham. Welcome to Amy Caillouxwho has returned from maternity leave; to Kathleen Gotts who has joined the team asproject coordinator; to Colleen Lyle, our new Executive Director; and to Wanda Jamiesonof JHG Consulting—the project’s evaluator and newest addition to the team.

F A L L 2 0 0 8P A G E 6Specialty Exercise ProgramsWith an annual paid membership of $40, experience the benefits of exercise and take part in the following programs.*The above programs do not run on statutory holidays. Dates are based from September–December 2008.∞Stretch, Strength and Gentle Self-MassageWhere: Rideau Tennis Club, 1 Donald Street or Breast Cancer Action, 739A Ridgewood Ave.When: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9-10 am Monday, 5:45-6:45 pmDescription:Improve your strength, flexibility and overall well being in an instructor lead group fitness program.∞West-End FitnessWhere:When:Description:Nepean Creative Arts Centre, 11-35 Stafford RoadTuesday, Thursday, 10:45-11:45 amImprove your strength, flexibility and overall well being in an instructor lead group fitness program.∞Lian’s Tai ChiWhere:When:Breast Cancer Action, 739A Ridgewood AvenueSaturday, 10-11 am∞YogaDescription:Where:When:Description:Fall/Winter 2008 ScheduleOctober 4, 18, 25 November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 December 6, 13Auxiliary Tai Chi exercises for warm-up, meditation, relaxation and flexibility will be incorporatedinto the class routine. Improve energy circulation, blood circulation, flexibility, stamina, leg strength,balance, posture and mental clarity.NEW – Starting October 16Rideau Tennis Club, 1 Donald StreetThursday, 1-2 pmA specialty yoga program designed for breast cancer patients.GO WITH THE FLOW Exercise ClassesSession 3 Exercise Class Schedule (September-October).Registration is required. Registration forms are available at www.bcaott.ca or by callingthe office at 613.736.5921.Heron Road Community Centre (Billings Room), 1480 Heron Road6-7 pm, Wednesday, September 3, 10, 17, 24 and October 1, 8, 15, 22Soloway Jewish Community Centre (Social Hall B/C), 21 Nadolny Sachs Private10:30-11:30 am, Thursday, September 4, 11, 18, 25 and October 2, (Fri) 10, 16, 23Rideau Tennis Club (LifeFIT Canada Studio), 1 Donald Street10-11 am, Saturday, September 6, 13, 20, 27 and October 4, 11, 18, 25

P A G E 7BCA’s 2 nd Annual Golf Tournament of HopeOn Friday, August 8, 2008, 80 golfers headed out to their starting holes inBreast Cancer Action’s 2 nd Annual Golf Tournament of Hope. Everyonemanaged to play 13 holes in the sun before the rains came. In total, over$12,000 was raised thanks to all those who contributed.The weather forecast had not been wonderful, but fortunately, the levelof enthusiasm remained high as everyone settled in for after-tournamentstories, a delicious roast beef buffet with background guitar music fromRobert Côté’s, a silent-but nonetheless lively-auction, and great prizes forall. Our new Executive Director, Colleen Lyle, engaged the crowd andgained some extra laughter and smiles as the evening’s emcee.A great big thank you to Marg Campbell, the event organizer, who put in many hours of hard work and dedicationto ensure a successful event. As well, thank you to the following sponsors and donors for their support:Silver SponsorsDynamic Mutual Funds; Stephen Hall; Marg CampbellHole SponsorsAlexander Battery Corp; Betty (Campbell) Boop; Bob Blake; Cora’s on Merivale (Scott Singer); Councillor Maria McRae; CPIInteriors; Dundee Insurance Agency; Dundee Wealth Management; Eveline’s at Billings Bridge; Marjorie Feldman (Mammark);RA Friends of Bob Searle; Kiwanis Club of Bytown; Leading Edge Payroll Group Inc.; OBI (Ottawa Business Interiors); RBC DominionSecurities; Scotiabank; Standard LifeDonorsAlexander Battery Corp; ABComm; Allegra Print and Imaging; Anonymous; Barley Mow; BCA; Hilda Beauregard; Beckta diningand wine; Bleekers; BMO; Bruce Burnet; Bushtukah; Steve Byrne; Carmen’s Veranda; Richard and Jane Christie; CleopatraLasermed Clinic; Clyde River Retreat, Lanark Highlands; Paulette Cogliati; Cora’s; Chris Coveny; Curves; Escape; Fireplace Centerand Patio Shop; Grace in the Kitchen; Joey Kilburn; KISS FM; Larry Kry and Nancy Wheeler; Mexicali Rosa’s; Minto Developments;Mooney’s Bay Computers; Mooney’s Bay Bistro; NAC; OAC; The Ottawa Citizen; Ottawa Fastener Supply; Patty'sPub; Pelican Fishery and Grill; Pink Nail Salon and Spa; The Source (Dennis Raymond); Sharon Platts; Promographix; RA Centre;RBC Dominion Securities; Dr. Edward Rose; Rowland Leather; Olwen Scott; Paul Sherratt Enterprises; Sixth Sense Cateringand Home Cooking; Telesat; Telus; Trailhead; Tundra Moving Pictures; Vittoria Trattoria; Wild BirdsUnlimitedWe invite you to join us next year in the 3rd Annual Golf Tournament of Hope onFriday, August 7, 2009, at the Glen Mar Golf & Country Club, our gracious hosts for thepast two years. If you would be interested in volunteering your time for this event or being partof the golf committee, email Marg Campbell at golf@bcaott.ca.LOOK GREAT - FEEL GREAT FUNDRAISERSA heartfelt thanks to the following sponsors who raised atotal of $780 for Breast Cancer Action Ottawa. DianeBerube volunteered her time as event organizer. Diane isthe District Manager for Arbonne International.Sea Source SpaRideau Gardens Retirement ResidenceMom & Baby Photo SessionSandy Hill Retirement ResidenceDiane Latraverse, PhotographerHere is your opportunity to LOOK and FEEL your BEST…Diane Berube Presents:“Impact Your Image” DVDEXPERIENCE YOUR OWN PERSONAL TRANSFORMATIONAfter the DVD presentation, participants will have an opportunity topractice their newly acquired skills using world-class products fromArbonne International.For more information or to RSVP please contact Diane Berubedirectly at dberube@look.ca.

F A L L 2 0 0 8P A G E 8Dragon Boat Program“Busting Out” Not Only Sport but for SupportThe advantages of being part of a dragon boat team far outreach the physical component of the sport. It also serves as asupport group for women who have endured through the trials that a diagnosis of breast cancer brings. All members of theteam have been through some treatment of one kind or another, and have much to share about doctors, medications, clinicaltrials and side effects. We also have a tremendous amount of fun at practices, festivals and events. The camaraderie isone that can not be given its full credit. New members integrate quickly.Family members are often a great extension of our spirit and frequentlycomment on our hard work, dedication and team spirit. This character isfurther instilled in us by our talented and enthusiastic coaches.I encourage women of any age who have had breast cancer to look intoBreast Cancer Action’s programs and to try out the dragon boat experience.You won’t regret it.Alice McClymontIf you are thinking about joining the team please visit www.bustingout.ca for more information.Pre-Operative Education SessionsTo prepare for your upcoming breast cancer surgery as anoutpatient, you are encouraged to attend one of the followingeducation sessions.To register for a session prior to your surgery, please contactMary Anne LaSalle at 613.798.5555 ext.16384.October 9October 23November 6November 20December 4Locations:Breast Cancer Action613.736.5921739A Ridgewood Avenue, OttawaCanadian Cancer Society613.723.17441745 Woodward Drive, OttawaBreast Cancer Action, 2-4 pmCanadian Cancer Society, 9-11 amBreast Cancer Action, 1-3 pmCanadian Cancer Society, 9-11 amBreast Cancer Action, 1-3 pmStrengthening Survivors through Comprehensive PhysiotherapyDo you suffer any of the following…PAIN • SWELLING • NUMBNESSTIGHTNESS • TINGLINGPost Cancer Treatment?We can help!Call now to arrange a consultation with aregistered physiotherapist certified inlymphedema management.613-761-4062www.haleyrehab.caThe only clinic in the regiondedicated to cancer rehabilitation.

P A G E 9Journey Back(Submitted by Genevieve Allen. In 2005, Genevieve was diagnosed withbreast cancer. Her story continues from the Spring 2008 issue.)On January 25, 2006, a port-a-cath wasinstalled under my left collarbone. Itwas used for chemotherapy treatmentsto save the veins in my left arm. Chemocan be very hard on the veins. Afterbreast surgery and lymph node removal,it’s recommended that you do not useyour affected arm for taking blood orblood pressure because of the possibilityof developing lymphedema.As it turned out, I developed lymphedemaof the arm, chest, trunk and back. I wear a compressionsleeve to help with the swelling in my arm. I’ve made majoradjustments to my former active lifestyle because you have toreduce physical stress on the limb. I was always a physicallyactive person. I still am, but it is a challenge. I have becomenewly left handed. I use the computer mouse in my left handand open all doors with my left arm. Boy are doors heavy! It isamazing how quickly the brain adjusts.“You do not feel alone.”As I was going through this journey, I received so many phonecalls and questions about my progress that I decided to start ane-mail update to a list of family, friends and colleagues so everyonegot the same message at the same time. It also helped inmy healing process.What I found hardest was going through chemotherapy. Itmade me very sick. I went to each treatment with my husband.The chemo was given intravenously and took about 1 ½ hours.It’s a very large area where many people are all going throughthe same thing so you do not feel alone.At my first chemo treatment, I had such a hard time walkinginto the room. I cried the entire time. The nurse was wonderfuland answered all my questions. My oncologist recommendedputting me on a medication called Neulasta for the duration ofthe chemotherapy. Chemo reduces your white blood count tozero halfway through each cycle. This means you can’t fightinfection. Also if your blood counts aren’t up in time for yournext scheduled chemo, you are delayed. I ate tons of baby spinach,strawberries and red meat instead of taking other costlymedications to prevent anemia. It was a real challenge trying tokeep weight on due to the nausea and vomiting. My hair fell outin the first chemo cycle. To have some fun with this new experience,I bought three wigs for variety.Radiation felt like being left out in the sun too long. I drovemyself to each treatment. My husband came to the first and lasttreatment. My son and daughter each came for one treatmenton separate days. The staff are amazing. It was an interestingroutine going to the hospital every week day for five weeks.The treatment itself only took about three minutes. I metamazing people in the waiting room. I spoke to people ratherthan just sitting there. They had interesting stories to share.One young lady came to Ottawa from the East coast becausethey didn’t have the special radiation machine she needed forher brain tumour. Everyone was so courageous.(You will be able to read the conclusion ofGenevieve’s journey in our Winter issue.)Lunch and Learn SessionsStay tuned for upcoming Lunch and Learn Sessionsplanned for this November. Session informationwill be posted on our website at www.bcaott.ca oryou may call the office at 613.736.5921 for details.Julie Dagenais, RMTCertified Ly mphedema Therapist2249 Carling Avenue, Suite #404Ottawa, Ontario K2B 7E9(613) 255-2255www.cancerrehabmassage.comBREAST CANCERSURVIVOR STORIES WANTED:We are looking for courageous and inspiring stories to publishin upcoming newsletters and even on our website. If you wouldlike to share yours with our readers, we invite you to contactinfo@bcaott.ca.‘ P r o v i d i n g c a n c e r r e h a b i l i t a t i o n t h r o u g hM a s s a g e T h e r a p y ’

F A L L 2 0 0 8P A G E 1 0Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb for Cancer 2009Come and join world renowned expedition leader and documentary filemaker Ben Webster along with Dr. Shaunna Burke, the second Canadianwoman to summit Mt. Everest, at an information evening on the Mt.Kilimanjaro Climb for Cancer 2009 expedition.Documentary will be followed by an information session on next yearsclimb including the cancer research that is being conducted on the mountain.The evening and expedition is open to all: survivors, family, friendsand anyone interested in taking part in this adventure of a lifetime. Call ouroffice to register at 613.736.5921.Dates for Information Evening:Thursday, October 16, 7 pmBreast Cancer Action739A Ridgewood Avenue(corner of Riverside and Ridgewood)Monday, October 27, 7 pmOttawa Regional Cancer Foundation704—265 Carling Avenue(corner of Bronson and Carling)October 7Think Pink—The Bay at RideauCould you go for a facial, a manicure, have a skincare consultationor a colour consultation?Join us for a fabulous day of indulgence and the opportunityto get out and pamper yourself.We have included your complementary ticket inside thisnewsletter. For more complementary tickets just give us acall at 613.736.5921.RideauCALL FOR VOLUNTEERSWe are always looking for volunteers.∞∞Information Booths∞ Peer SupportFundraising Events∞ MailingsIf interested call our office at 613.736.5921 or emailinfo@bcaott.ca to request a volunteer form.

P A G E 1 1In(side) The Pink: One Woman’s Account of Life Inside the Pink Ribbon WorldBREAST FRIENDSSome two months after I first heard, “youhave Cancer,” a support group for thenewly diagnosed was commencing at theWomen’s Breast Health Centre led by aCancer Centre social worker, Rita Finnegan.The first session fell on my birthday, aswell as the day I was scheduled to have the drain removed aftermy lumpectomy.My mother urged me to attend, but I was hesitant. I’d alreadymade up my mind that I wasn’t going to die and had assumed apositive attitude (as if any of that matters to the cancer!). Thelast thing I wanted was to be part of a negative, ‘weeping andgnashing of teeth’ scene.I went, under the caveat that if it was awful, I’d leave at thebreak and we’d head for a cocktail!Attending the Stepping Stones Support Group (SSSG), was byfar the best thing I did for myself while I was in treatment.Guess who did the most crying in that first session?Six of us went the distance in this 6-week course. We were allwithin a few months of each other with respect to our diagnosesand surgeries. I think the only thing we had in common thenwas that sense of shell-shock as you attempt to navigatethrough the cancer system.We combined into a fierce force under Rita’s guidance: we discoveredcomplementary strengths. A deep respect was built.We were able to voice our questions, share our fears and copingmethods with others who understand what’s befallen you.E-mail addresses were exchanged and a colour-coded calendarcreated of our chemo treatments over the next severalmonths. We supported one-another throughout treatment,even managing to meet a couple of times that summer atBCAO’s offices.On our one-year anniversary, we attended BCAO’s AGM asnominees for their Mentor of the Year award.E-mail has continued to be our way to support one another inthe post-treatment, constant tests, more surgery phase of lifeafter cancer.Most importantly, we take time to celebrate — our great fortuneto have met one another, our three years without a singlerecurrence, a first art exhibit, a publishing credit, landmarkbirthdays and we hope, in the near future, a marriage.Our quarterly dinners are filled with laughter, chatter, love,encouragement . . . and cocktails!I think we turned a corner when we decided we needed a bettername than ``my breast cancer friends``. We wanted to honourour new-found definitions of feminine beauty and our tightband of support. Today we are — the Venus Circle.My advice? If you have the opportunity to attend a SteppingStones group, try it! It may not change your life, but it will makeyour cancer journey less lonely and less scary. For information,about a Stepping Stones group, contact ORCC social workerLinda Corsini at: lcorsini@ottawahospital.on.caYou can access BCAO’s peer support counselling by calling613.736.5921.Our weekly roundtables were powerful ways to unburden ourselvesin a safe and loving environment.One session of Stepping Stones introduced us to BCA’s services,location and their warm and caring peer support volunteers.Rita taught us techniques for relaxation, visualization and meditation.We discussed healthy ways to deal with stress (“Youmean wine and chocolate aren’t on that list?)L to R: The author (me), Lisa Bourdage, Janice Critchley, Lois Doyon-Gupta,Madelaine Read and Valerie CousinsWe were taught how to honour both our emotional and physicalpain — in fact, it is very healthy to do so.Certainly there were tears, but there was also lots of laughter.We topped off the six weeks by registering together for theLook Good Feel Better workshop.Susan C. Gates, Columnist, is aformer policy analyst and an Ottawawriter. She was diagnosed with Stage 2Bductal breast cancer in March of 2005.Mailto: in-side-thepink@sympatico.ca© 2008 Susan C. Gates. Allrights reserved. Contact theauthor for permission toreproduce this article.

Our Statement of Principles:Mission Fulfillment. Breast Cancer Action strives to achieve mission fulfillment byfocusing on strengthening the organization in order to meet the changing needs andgrowing expectations of our audience.Effective Stewardship. Breast Cancer Action assures effective stewardship by maintainingeffective governance and management, and by generating and managing resourcesin a wise and responsible manner.Quality. Breast Cancer Action strives to improve quality by working toward achievingexcellence in all aspects of the organization, and by evaluating the total organization andits outcomes on a regular basis.Leadership. Breast Cancer Action provides leadership by adopting and promotinginclusiveness and diversity through services, programs, initiatives and activities, and byproactively educating the public.Board of DirectorsDiane Ryan, PresidentRosalind Bell, DirectorKrystel Carrier, DirectorLeah Clement, TreasurerMarlene Dalley, DirectorAnn Knechtel, DirectorDeirdre Neuss, DirectorJeysa Pratt, DirectorAndrea Segal, DirectorTamara Watters, DirectorOur Guiding Principles:Commitment. Breast Cancer Action strives to operate in a manner that serves thebest interest of the organization, with consideration given to the needs of the membership,our stakeholders and the community.Inclusion. Breast Cancer Action strives to implement broad-based decision makingpractices that best reflect the needs and expectations of our members, stakeholdersand the community.Diversity. Breast Cancer Action respects and values differences among our membershipand stakeholders, and believes that diverse populations can be advantageous.Transparency. Breast Cancer Action promotes openness regarding our vision, missionand mandate.Integrity. Breast Cancer Action remains committed to providing our members, stakeholdersand the community with information, care and support to the best of our abilities.In MemoriamThose we hold close to our hearts arenever far away.We feel blessed with the memory oftheir friendship.In honour of those who lived each day withcourage, met each challenge with determinationand found beauty in special momentsshared with loved ones, we wish to extendour heartfelt condolences to the family andfriends of:GAUTHIER, FrancineGRACE, BrendaSEABY, LouiseMOORE, BarbaraCRILLY, MaryAdvisory BoardJacquelin Holzman, Honorary ChairDr. Shailendra VermaDave SmithGeri GoldsteinDiane ManiiDr. Barbara CollinsDr. Christopher ChadwickDr. Doug MirskySuzie JoanisseDr. Vincent YoungJoan JacksonStaffColleen Lyle, Executive Directorexecutivedirector@bcaott.caAmy Cailloux, Office Managerinfo@bcaott.caContact UsBreast Cancer ActionThe Riverside Mall739A Ridgewood AvenueOttawa, OntarioK1V 6M8Office: 613.736.5921Fax: 613.736.8422