August 31, 2010
More than 500 people in the New York tri-state area were screened for melanoma by professional dermatologists this summer as part of CancerCare of Connecticut’s melanoma awareness campaign. The free screenings were conducted at popular local beaches, and over 100 people were referred for follow-up care.
Screenings were sponsored by OSI Foundation and implemented in partnership with the Colette Coyne Melanoma Awareness Campaign (CCMAC).
CCMAC was established in 1998 in memory of Colette Marie Brigid Coyne, who died at the age of 30 after being diagnosed with melanoma. Visit CCMAC’s Facebook page to stay posted about the group’s upcoming events.
CancerCare’s fact sheet, Risk Factors and Screening for Melanoma, explains the importance of melanoma screening and details how to perform a skin self-exam.
CancerCare is also a partner with the Melanoma Research Foundation on the Melanoma Helpline, staffed by professional oncology social workers who can answer your questions and concerns about melanoma. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with melanoma, call the toll-free helpline at 1-877-MRF-6460 (673-6460).
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Coping with Cancer, Learn More About Your Diagnosis | Tagged: melanoma, New York City, screening | 
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Posted by Kyle Hornyak
June 4, 2010
World-famous Figure skating champion Scott Hamilton is no stranger to wowing crowds with gravity-defying feats of athleticism. And as distinguished honoree at CancerCare’s 2010 Treasures of the Sea gala, he once again gave his all and left guests speechless and spellbound, with nary a skate in sight.
Scott’s sharing of his inspirational story, a story that includes triumphs over childhood illness, testicular cancer and a brain tumor, was a highlight of the ceremony. He both charmed and moved the crowd with his trademark enthusiasm and tremendous passion for cancer advocacy, especially concerning cancer and children.
From L to R: Diane Blum, CEO of the Lymphoma Research Foundation and former Executive Director of CancerCare; Helen H. Miller, CEO of CancerCare; Scott Hamilton
The gala, which took place at New York City’s Chelsea Piers, was a fantastically fun evening and a great success. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and supporters, ticket sales and auction bidding raised nearly half a million dollars in support of the CancerCare for Kids program.
Scott launched The Scott Hamilton CARES Initiative to promote cancer awareness provide information about cancer and support to patients. The initiative has raised over $10 million for cancer research and education. Please visit the organization’s website to learn more.
CancerCare for Kids offers free, professional support services such as individualized counseling and support groups for children and teens affected by cancer.
Leave a Comment » | CancerCare for Kids | Tagged: cancer and children, cancer research, chelsea piers, gala, New York City, scott hamilton | Permalink
Posted by Kyle Hornyak
April 9, 2010
Through April, The Cutting Edge Concert Series, presented by Symphony Space in New York City, explores the role that music can play in a patient’s treatment.
On Monday, April 12, CancerCare Director of Education and Training Carolyn Messner will join host Victoria Bond and composers Harold Meltzer, Sebastian Currier, Laurie San Martin, Sean Shepherd, Kristin Kuster, Jeremy Thurlow and Anna Weesner in a discussion about the therapeutic value of music during treatment.
The event, held at Symphony Space’s Leonard Nimoy Thalia theater (Broadway at 95th St.) begins at 6:30 p.m. with the panel discussion, followed by the concert at 7:30 p.m.
“As a recent breast cancer survivor, I learned from a fellow patient the benefit of having music played when undergoing radiation treatments,” says Messner. “I requested my favorite classical music to be played. It was transformative for me, the time went quickly and the music enabled me to tolerate the treatments.”
“Many people find music to be a fabulous distraction from what is happening around them during treatment,” adds Messner, noting that most treatment centers offer patients the option of listening to music during treatment. “Patients can certainly find it soothing and relaxing, and some even prefer to dial the volume as loud as it can go in order to feel energized. Having the ability to select what they listen to and how loud they listen to it brings a sense of control, and really can completely change a person’s mood.”
Tickets are $20 ($18 for Symphony Space members); students and seniors, $15. Purchase tickets online at www.symphonyspace.org.
Leave a Comment » | Coping with Cancer, Mind-Body-Spirit, Support CancerCare | Tagged: cancer patients, cancer treatment, coping, New York City | Permalink
Posted by Kyle Hornyak
October 14, 2009
CancerCare's Jane Levy (center) with Avon's Carol Kurzig and financial expert Suze Orman, accepting a $1.125 million grant award, made possible by participants in Avon's annual Walk for Breast Cancer.
CancerCare was among 8 non-profit organizations receiving substantial grants this past weekend from the Avon Foundation for Women to support direct services and care for women facing breast cancer.
The grant funds were made possible by the more than 4,000 men and women, including hundreds of breast cancer survivors, who walked in the seventh annual Avon Walk for Breast Cancer on Oct. 10 and 11 in New York City and raised a record $8.7 million to support a variety of health care non-profits that assist women facing breast cancer.
The Walk is a noncompetitive event, in which participants collect pledges for completing either a walking marathon (26.2 miles) or a marathon and a half (39.3 miles), split over 2 days.
The Avon Foundation is a long-time supporter of CancerCare’s free counseling, education and financial assistance programs for underserved women with breast cancer who live in New York City and the tri-state area.
CancerCare received nearly $1.13 million — the second largest grant award presented — during the celebratory Closing Ceremony of the Walk. Suze Orman, financial expert and Special Ambassador for the Avon Foundation for Women, and Carol Kurzig, President of the Avon Foundation, were on hand to present the ceremonial check to CancerCare Director of Patient Services Jane Levy.
To date, Avon’s support has allowed CancerCare to provide its free, professional services to more than 39,000 low-income women facing breast cancer.
Leave a Comment » | Coping with Cancer, Financial Assistance, Support CancerCare, Women's Cancers | Tagged: Avon Foundation, breast cancer, cancer survivors, chemotherapy, cost of care, financial resources, low-income, New York City, Women's Cancers | Permalink
Posted by Jeanie M. Barnett
