The article, written by CancerCare Director of Corporate Relations Christina Wyman, details the event’s history, which began in New York City in 2004.  What was initially just 12 local bakeries donating the proceeds from selling cupcakes adorned with the CancerCare logo has now evolved into a national campaign, with over 365 bakeries participating in 2009.

CancerCare for Kids was created to address the special needs and concerns of children and adolescents who are coping with cancer. CancerCare’s professional oncology social workers help families navigate the often complex issues they face when coping with a cancer diagnosis though age-appropriate counseling, therapeutic recreational activities, educational materials, and financial assistance.

Here are just a few ways that you can help support Cupcakes for a Cause:

• Download a bake sale kit and host your own bake sale, and donate the proceeds to CancerCare for Kids
• Create virtual e-Cupcakes and sending them to friends and family. Last year, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM® donated $1 per e-Cupcake for the first 5,000 sent.
• Purchase Cupcakes in Bloom, non-edible cupcakes provided by 1-800-FLOWERS. Last September, 10% of net proceeds from the sales of these cupcake-shaped floral arrangements went to support our CancerCare for Kids program.

The Huff Post’s Tammy Tibbetts also writes about the cupcakes for charity trend and mentions CancerCare’s campaign. Read Tammy’s article.

The 2010 Cupcakes for a Cause Week will take place September 20-26, during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Please visit our Cupcakes for a Cause website for more information. To learn more about our specialized services for children and families facing cancer, visit CancerCare for Kids or call 1-800-813-HOPE (4673).

CancerCare has responded to the needs of people facing kidney cancer by hosting Connect Education Workshops that offer information about research and treatment in kidney cancer.

Informative kidney cancer publications are also available in our ever-expanding online reading room.

To learn about treatment updates for colorectal cancer, listen to our most recent Connect Education Workshop, Emerging Treatments for Colorectal Cancer: What’s New?

Other Connect Education Workshops have explored colorectal cancer topics such as improved treatment options through clinical trials and updates on genetic testing for recurrence.

Additionally, this month’s Ask CancerCare column gives you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about coping with colorectal cancer.

For more resources on these cancers, visit the diagnoses pages on our website. 

The critically-acclaimed memoir traces Johnny’s journey from his unassuming adolescence through the struggle of his life, and ultimately examines the power of optimism, humor and hope. Hotpants: A Memoir is available for purchase through Amazon, and we encourage you to visit Johnny’s website and view his demo reel here.

To learn about the latest in brain tumor research, please register for our upcoming Connect Education Workshop Brain Tumors: Current Treatments and Hope for the Future.

Learn more about CancerCare’s free, professional support services for people with brain cancer and their loved ones.

Aside from the physcial concerns, a person newly diagnosed with cancer experiences many, and often conflicting emotions, such as  fear, anxiety and uncertainty about the future.

An interdisciplinary approach by the patient’s healthcare team is key to treating the newly diagnosed person with cancer and should include addressing the patient’s emotional and practical concerns, says Carolyn Messner, DSW, director of education and training for CancerCare, in an interview appearing in the February 2010 edition of  The Oncology Nurse.

“Cancer is a complicated disease, and it requires a team of health professionals to refer back and forth to each other so that we can direct patients to the people who can best help them,” Messner notes.

“Social workers are trained to talk to people systemically about their concerns and issues they confront. Many are employed in the hospital or community center setting. In my own experience, oncology nurses and oncology social workers work very well together. That is the best model [in patient care].” 

CancerCare has a full-time staff of professional oncology social workers who can help a person find effective ways to cope with a cancer diagnosis. Start by visiting the CancerCare website, or call 1-800-813-HOPE (4673).

While oral anti-cancer drugs are often more convenient for patients than intravenous drugs, they require many different procedures from doctors such as the management of side effects. However, because these services are not reimbursed by Medicare or other payers, out-of-pocket costs can be as much as 25-50% of the total cost. This can add up to thousands of dollars a year – and sometimes even thousands of dollars per month.

One place patients can turn to for help with chemotherapy and targeted treatment copayments is the CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation. The foundation provides financial help to patients in treatment for:

• Breast cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Head and neck cancer
• Glioblastoma
• Non-small cell lung cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Renal cell cancer

Qualified individuals may receive up to $10,000 per year to assist with insurance co-payments. Visit the Foundation’s website to learn how to apply.

The piece, written by CancerCare For Kids^® Program Coordinator Julia Little, shares tips for supporting children through a cancer diagnosis and treatment

Some of the helpful advice the article provides includes:

• Share the diagnosis early on to build trust.
• Use age-appropriate language so that your children will have an easier time understanding your cancer and what to expect.
• Prepare your children in advance for possible side effects, as these can be upsetting to them.
• Discuss your treatment with younger children through activities like drawing.

• Have a support team in place to make sure your children’s needs continue to be met.

Read the full article for more tips. For individualized support, contact CancerCare for Kids.

Support CancerCare by attending the 2nd Annual Sweet Charity: Candy for a Cause event, hosted by CancerCare’s Junior Committee.
Join us for an evening of hors d’oeuvres, drinks, cupcakes, candy and psychic readings at Dylan’s Candy Bar, with proceeds to benefit CancerCare.

Date & Time:
Thursday, February 11, 2010
7:00 – 10:00 PM

Tickets:
$50 per person (advance purchase)
$60 (at the door)
 
Location:
Dylan’s Candy Bar
1011 Third Avenue (3rd Ave & 60th St)
New York, NY

Directions:
Subway: N, R, W, 4, 5, 6 to Lexington Avenue/59th Street

Tickets may be purchased online by visiting:
http://www.cancercare.org/sweetcharity

For more information, contact Bertie Downs, Special Events Coordinator, at 212-712-8337 or bdowns@cancercare.org

The good news is that caregivers are receiving more assistance than they were 5 years ago. This is important because 1 in 6 caregivers reported that providing care to a loved one negatively impacted their own health.

To support those caregiving for a loved one with cancer, CancerCare provides Caregiver Support Services, including counseling, support groups (including online), educational workshops and publications.

Other key findings include:
68% reported financial hardship due to medical bills
46% had to cut back on living expenses to pay for their treatment
40% said that they depleted their savings
30% reported having to deal with bill collectors
66% of patients who faced major financial challenges report suffering from depression/anxiety

These findings reinforce the need for patients and their loved ones to seek guidance and support. While patients reported experiencing significant stress, only 1/3 sought out the help of a social worker. It’s important to know that there are professionals who are experienced in navigating care systems and who can provide supportive counseling.

To speak with an oncology social worker, contact us at 1-800-813-4673.

According to the Associated Press, the Pfizer program makes available more than 70 types of widely prescribed medications it manufactures, such as anti-pain drugs and anti-depressants. The program helps people who have lost jobs since Jan. 1, 2009 and have been taking the drug for three months or more.

Visit the Pfizer website for more information about the program and the medications offered. For more information about specific chemotherapy drugs available through Pfizer’s patient assistance program, call 866-706-2400.