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Summer 2009 Institute for Cancer Care 11th Annual Cancer Survivors Day: A Celebration of Hope, Inspiration, and Life It was a true celebration of life as nearly 500 cancer survivors, their loved ones and Winthrop staff gathered at Winthrop’s 11th Annual Cancer Survivors Day on June 4 at the Long Island Marriott Hotel in Uniondale. The opening remarks from keynote speaker Jonathan Haas, MD, Associate Director of the Division of Radiation Oncology at Winthrop, captured the essence of this inspiring annual event. “We meet here today as winners. 6 Cornerstone We have won because all of us in the room, working together, have overcome a battle against one of the scariest words and diseases that we know – cancer – to celebrate as Winthrop cancer sur- Guest speaker and cancer survivor Joyce Glicker celebrates at Winthrop’s 11th Annual Cancer Survivors Day. Winthrop Earns Cancer Reaccreditation The Institute for Cancer Care at Winthrop has once again received a stamp of approval by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer. Winthrop is among only 25 percent of hospitals nationwide to receive this prestigious recognition, which represents the Hospital’s commitment to upholding the highest standards in delivering quality cancer care to patients. “Winthrop is proud to have earned this impressive honor from the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer yet again,” said John F. Collins, President and CEO of Winthrop-University Hospital. “This distinction is another example of our continued commitment to providing superior medical care to every individual that comes to Winthrop for healthcare and healing.” Established by the American College of Surgeons in 1922, the Commission on Cancer is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients through standard-setting, prevention, research, education and the monitoring of comprehensive, quality care. Winthrop’s renowned Institute for Cancer Care was granted approval upon a rigorous evaluation process and review of its compliance with the following standards – cancer committee leadership, data management, clinical services, research, community outreach and quality improvement. Receiving care at a Commission on Cancer-approved program ensures patients have access to: • Comprehensive care, including a range of state-of-the-art services and equipment; • A multispecialty team approach to coordinate the best treatment options; • Information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options; • Cancer-related information, education and support; • A cancer registry that collects data on type and stage of cancers and treatment results and offers lifelong patient follow-up; • Ongoing monitoring and improvement of care; • Quality care close to home. vivors,” said Dr. Haas. The National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation defines a “survivor” as anyone living with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life. The annual celebration applauds the resilience of the human spirit and recognizes the significant strides made in the fight against cancer. Dr. Haas also reflected on the “astounding” advances in cancer care that have occurred since he joined the Winthrop team 12 years ago. “I see the child who I treated for a glioblastoma – the most challenging brain tumor that we know – grow up to become a radiation oncology therapist. I see the medical student with Cancer survivor Rita Trenz (center) is also a member of the Long Island Quilter’s Society – an organization that graciously donates beautiful hand-made quilts to patients receiving chemotherapy at Winthrop. Joining Ms. Trenz are Harry Staszewski, MD, Chief of the Division of Oncology/Hematology at Winthrop (left) and Patricia Schussler, licensed social worker in the Division of Oncology/Hematology at Winthrop.
Hodgkins Disease, who Dr. Weiner and I cured, now becoming an oncologist. I see my Hodgkins patient who was told she probably couldn’t have children when diagnosed 11 years ago send me a picture of her baby daughter… simply writing ‘thank you’ on the card,” he said. Sharing her story of survival and optimism, guest speaker and cancer survivor Joyce Glicker emphasized the importance of never giving up. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999, she passed her five-year mark with positive news in 2005 and celebrated. However, in November of that same year she was diagnosed with stage four cancer. Mrs. Glicker thanked her loving family and friends for their support, emphasizing that cancer can “bring out the best in people.” She also praised Winthrop and the dedicated team of healthcare professionals who have played an instrumental role in her care over the years. “It has been 10 years since the start of my cancer journey and being cared for by oncologist Alexander Hindenberg, MD, and his staff has helped me feel like I am always in safe and comfortable hands,” she said. Guest speaker Beth Schwartz also shared her thoughts as a caregiver for her 24-year-old daughter, Melisande, who was diagnosed with Leukemia last fall. She praised her daughter’s strength and thanked Harry Staszewski, MD, Chief of the Division of Oncology/ Hematology at Winthrop, for the calm and reassuring manner he provided while treating Melisande, who has since completed the requirements for her teaching degree. In addition to the dinner celebration, which included dancing and raffle prizes, Winthrop’s Institute for Cancer Care sponsored an educational cancer survivors workshop on June 24. For additional information about Winthrop’s Institute for Cancer Care, please call 1-866-WINTHROP. ■ Summer 2009 Institute for Family Care You Lost Your Keys – Should You be Worried about Your Memory? Have you ever walked into a room for something and suddenly, you forgot what you came in for? Or perhaps you’ve forgotten the name of someone you know. Memory lapses such as these can be a normal part of the aging process, yet they often leave us questioning – what’s normal and what’s not? “The brain’s development doesn’t stop in childhood – it continuously changes throughout the course of one’s lifetime. As we age, some of these changes can affect our memory,” said Nancy S. Foldi, PhD, Director of Neuropsychology in the Division of Geriatrics at Winthrop-University Hospital, and Director of the Memory and Cognitive Disorders Center. The brain, among the most complex organs in the body, is made up of approximately 10 billion cells. As we age, the brain’s mass can shrink and the outer surface can become thin. The white matter, which helps regions of the brain to communicate with one another, can become less efficient, and the available neurochemical transmitters that are necessary for communication between cells can also decline. Signs of Alzheimer's Poor judgment and decision making Inability to manage a budget Losing track of the date or the season Difficulty having a conversation Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps to find them “Yet despite these structural changes, research shows that young and old people can still do some things equally well. Older adults may do it differently, but still as good as younger adults,” said Dr. Foldi. “We have a lot to learn about the relationship between structure and function of the brain as we age.” In spite of the natural changes that occur with aging, there are many things a person can do to stimulate the brain and keep it sharp. Among the most important is general physical exercise – it not only helps keep the body in shape, but is an important tool for keeping the brain healthy. While occasionally forgetting someone’s name or misplacing your keys is normal, other changes such as trouble remembering how to do things you’ve done well countless times before – like working on a familiar computer task or following steps of a well-known recipe – may indicate a more serious problem. “Sometimes even a routine task – like following a recipe – can become overwhelming if a person is carrying (continued on page 13) Difference between Alzheimer’s and typical age-related changes* Typical age-related changes Making a bad decision once in a while Missing a monthly payment Forgetting which day it is and remembering later Sometimes forgetting which word to use Losing things from time to time *Courtesy of the Alzheimer’s Association Cornerstone 7
Page 1 and 2: Vol.19, No.2 Summer 2009 As Victori
Page 3 and 4: Fifteen-year-old Maggie Parks is en
Page 5: Just for Men: Regaining Control aft
Page 9 and 10: Special Quilt for National Display
Page 11 and 12: A Celebration of Life While there i
Page 13 and 14: Starlight Children’s Foundation S
Page 15 and 16: Need Support? Winthrop is Here for

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