Name: Komen Denver
Web Site: http://www.komendenver.org
Bio: Our Promise: to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures.
Posts by Komen Denver:
- May enhance detoxification of undesirable compounds; may contribute to maintenance of healthy immune function
- Bolsters cellular antioxidant defenses
- Neutralizes free radicals which may damage cells, bolster cellular antioxidant defenses
- Read food labels to identify hidden added sugars.
- Choose products that don’t have added sweeteners.
Supporter Recognition
November 17th, 2011
4th Annual Komen Denver Ambassador Award
Our Ambassador Award is given each year to acknowledge an individual whose generous support and activities have significantly assisted the Komen Denver Affiliate in advancing our mission. We are happy to announce Bob Shaw, Executive Vice President for Great-West Life, has been selected as the recipient of the 4th Annual Komen Denver Ambassador Award!
Bob became involved with Komen Denver Affiliate along with his company, Great-West Life where he serves as Executive Vice President, at the very first Komen Denver Race for the Cure®. He has participated in all 19 races. In 1997, the fight against breast cancer became personal for Bob, Lori and their two sons, Derek and Kevin. Bob lost his Mom to breast cancer that year. Two years later, Lori was diagnosed with breast cancer. Lori fought a long, hard fight and they are happy and proud to now call her a 12 year survivor. Bob served on the Board of Directors of Komen Denver Affiliate for six years. Bob remains active in his support of Komen Denver and its mission to save lives and end breast cancer forever!
We were honored to present the Ambassador Award to Bob Shaw at our 2011 Pink Tie Affair that was held on November 12 at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel!
View pictures from the Pink Tie Affair on the Denver Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure‘s Facebook page.
Mark Your Calendars for December 6, 2011!
November 10th, 2011Colorado Gives Day
On December 6, visit Denver Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure on GivingFirst.org, an online resource that features hundreds of Colorado charities. Learn about our programs, how we are helping our community, and donate online directly to us. When you donate through GivingFirst.org, 100 percent of your donation comes to Komen Denver Affiliate (credit card processing fees will be covered by Community First Foundation and sponsors). Tell your friends and family — no more stamps, no more envelopes — simply donate online.
Go to www.GivingFirst.org/Komen on December 6th. From all of us at Komen Denver Affiliate thank you in advance for your support!
When
24 hour
s starting at 12 a.m. on Tuesday, December 6, 2011
How
Online through GivingFirst.org
Why
To support Komen Denver in our vital mission to save lives and end breast cancer forever.
GivingFirst.org is made possible by Community First Foundation, a Denver-based nonprofit. As part of their mission to encourage philanthropy in our communities, the Foundation covers all credit card processing fees on donations made through GivingFirst.org.
“Should I Worry?” : Latinas and Breast Cancer
November 2nd, 2011
Author: Margaret Moran
National President of LULAC
Huffington Post 10/20/11
“I wonder if this is anything I should worry about.” This thought has crossed the minds of many women I know and love. Regardless of your socio-economic background or ethnicity, breast cancer is a frightening word loaded with “what ifs.” For many of us with access to medical and adequate health coverage, our worries are rested after a doctor visit or screening shows we are cancer free. However, for women who lack the luxury of health coverage, early detection becomes a luxury they cannot afford.
More than 14,000 of the estimated 200,000 cases of breast cancer expected in the U.S. this year will occur among the Latina population; more than 2,200 women of Latin origin will die. In order to stem breast cancer deaths in women in the nation’s fastest-growing population group, screening, education and support programs are critical. The latest statistics show that with early detection, breast cancer can be beaten in 99 percent of all cases.
Yet, according to recent studies, the majority of Latinas are diagnosed in Stage 4. Hispanic women show lower breast cancer screening rates than non-Hispanic/Latina White women and tend to seek and attain health care services less frequently than other ethnic groups. However, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Hispanic/Latina women.
Recent data indicates a hard truth that is too often ignored. Although, Hispanic women are less likely to have mammogram screenings and more likely to be diagnosed at later stages of breast cancer, they in fact have lower breast cancer rates (83.5 per 100,000) but are more likely to die from the disease. Studies consistently show that low income, low educational attainment, lack of health insurance, inability to speak English, lack of awareness of breast cancer risks and screening methods, acculturation level and lack of physician referral play important roles in the lower rates of screening utilization by Hispanic/Latina women.
Organizations like Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, are initiating major new outreach to dramatically improve cancer screening, education and outreach in the Latina community. In the last two years alone, Susan G. Komen has awarded more than $76 million in grants benefitting Latinas across the country. In this effort, LULAC can be instrumental because of our commitment to offer support in this outreach.
When I was a young girl, we didn’t talk about breast cancer. Now, we must not only talk about it, but be sure that all women have access to proper screenings and treatments. We need to ensure that Hispanic women have the knowledge and medical care to put an end to this disease. Breast cancer affects everyone, not just the person diagnosed. Likewise, everyone needs to do their part to minimize the risks within our community.
Stories of Hope
October 25th, 2011Breast Cancer Knows No Age- Melissa’s Story
In May 2010, three weeks after my 26th birthday, I was diagnosed with Stage 1 Breast Cancer. I was young and had no family history, so I had a hard time understanding the meaning of my diagnosis. I never thought I would have to make such a decision, let alone at such a young age. I wondered how the diagnosis and treatment would affect my self-confidence … how I would feel about myself.
It was a difficult decision, but I chose to have a double mastectomy in hopes that I would never have to worry about the cancer returning.
My surgery was just the beginning. Next, I began a grueling 12 weeks of chemotherapy, and the loss of my hair. This was devastating. I felt that my mastectomy could be hidden, but that my hair loss was showing everyone that I was sick. Eventually though, I embraced my bald head, and it felt good to learn that I could handle such things. Chemo caused body aches, mouth sores, and loss of appetite, but I refused to let it get the best of me. I continued to work full-time, exercise regularly, and go dancing with friends.
The unconditional love and support from family and friends helped me to be where I am today … healthy, happy, and living life to the fullest. And, I have an amazing boyfriend who truly makes me feel beautiful.
I still need more surgeries to complete breast reconstruction, but I couldn’t be happier with the person I am today. I’ve learned many lessons and most importantly, I am embracing the journey. I feel that I was given an early chance to evaluate my life, and I now live every day to the fullest.
Melissa is an active volunteer for the Denver Metropolitan Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. She has found that many people believe the misconception that without a family history, they are not at risk for breast cancer. She readily shares her story to teach young women about breast health awareness and how to be their own best advocate.
Breast cancer knows no boundaries and in Colorado 1 in 7 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. So help us reach our fundraising goal of $1.2 million for this year’s Komen Denver Race for the Cure because someday you or a friend may need us. Donate Now by clicking here or learn more about other ways to get involved with the Komen Denver Metropolitan Affiliate by clicking here.
Where Your Money Goes
October 20th, 2011
Komen Denver Representatives touring Colorado Coalition for the Homeless with Representative Deb Gardner (4th from the right), Morris Price- District Director for Congresswoman Diana DeGette (3rd from the right) and Senator Michael Johnston (2nd from the right).
Affiliate Continues Grantee Site Visits
The Komen Denver Metropolitan Affiliate had another busy month in September visiting grantees and showcasing these community partnerships to elected officials. Six legislators were able to join us on three of our seven grantee sites that we visited. This face-to-face interaction helps us build relationships and gives us an opportunity to educate elected officials about the work being done in their districts, the need for breast health and cancer services, and why it is so important to maintain funding for state and federal programs. Continue reading for a description of how each organization we visited in September is using their 2011-2012 grant funds.
At our first visit to the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless (CCH), we were pleased to be joined by Representative Deb Gardner, Senator Mike Johnston, and Morris Price, the District Director for Congresswoman Diana DeGette. CCH is continuing their Breast Screening Services program for 180 homeless, uninsured women living below the poverty level who are not eligible for the Women’s Wellness Connection (WWC) program. Their services include: bilingual screening education, clinical breast examinations, mammograms, diagnostic services, and treatment referrals. For more information contact Deborah Hibdon at 303-291-6944 or dhibdon@coloradocoalition.org.
Next we visited Poudre Valley Hospital System (PVHS) in Fort Collins. Representative John Kefalas joined us for a tour and learned about how PVHS provides comprehensive breast cancer patient navigation across the continuum of care for all parts of Larimer County. PVHS will be able to provide 50-60 breast cancer patients with financial assistance to help with their treatment cost and they will also be enrolling at least 25 patients into clinical trials. Contact Shelley Nielsen at 970-237-6166 or skn2@pvhs.org to learn more.
Representative Su Ryden joined the Denver Affiliate for a tour of the Tri County Health Department in Aurora. Tri County Health Department is part of the Komen/Women’s Wellness Connection Partnership Project, which will provide free breast cancer screening services to approximately 902 patients in Colorado through cooperative agreements with 4 community health clinics and health departments. For more information on the agencies who receive funding for screening services from this project contact Rachel Foster at 303-692-2511 or Rachel.foster@state.co.us.
We also visited the Salud Family Health Center, part of the Colorado Community Health Network, which is providing no-cost breast health and cancer education opportunities, screening, diagnostic testing, navigation and treatment support services to 1,600 low-income, under- or uninsured patients in 21 sites at six community health centers (CHC) throughout Colorado. The CHC’s serve Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Douglas, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer, Logan, Morgan and Weld counties. To find out about a clinic in your area, contact Paula Davis at 303-861-5165 x286 or paula@cchn.org.
Rocky Mountain Rural Health (RMRH) is increasing access to breast health services to women of the South Park region of Park County with an income at or below 250% of the federal poverty line. RMRH will provide mammograms to 150 women and assist with transportation for mammograms and treatment appointments. If you live in this region and would like more information, contact Allysha Moore at 719-836-2169 or amoore@rmrh.org.
We also visited Colorado Alliance for Health Equity & Practice (CAHEP). CAHEP is continuing their current breast health work by expanding culturally competent breast health screening navigation to at-risk medically under-served immigrants of Asian and African origin including other refugee women in the Denver and Northeastern counties of the Affiliate’s service area. If you or someone you know would benefit from these services, contact Suegie Park at 303.974.5367 or suegie.park@cahep.org.
Senator Scott Renfroe joined us on our last September visit to the North Colorado Medical Center (NCMC) in Greeley. Serving northern and northeastern Colorado, NCMC’s grant funds are providing assistance for a variety of non-medical expenses, such as transportation, household costs, food, and breast supportive therapies and related supplies to patients living with breast cancer. The oncology patient navigator helps patients connect to resources and information related to their cancer diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. To connect with NCMC, please contact Sue Fagerlund at 970-378‐4327 or sue.fagerlund@bannerhealth.com.
Where Your Money Goes
October 12th, 20112012-2013 Community Grant Applications are Now Available
Komen for the Cure seeks to ensure that all people, regardless of race, income, geographic location, sexual orientation, or insurance status, have access to screening, and if diagnosed, to quality, effective treatment and treatment support services. The Komen Denver Metropolitan Affiliate supports this by funding an array of breast health and cancer services that together create seamless systems of care for the medically underserved in six key geographic regions in our 19-county service area.
Click here for more information on funding priorities and how to apply.
Komen Denver Race for the Cure®
October 4th, 2011
Copyright 2011- Dillon Pixler Photography
Signature Event Raises Nearly $3 Million for the Fight Against Breast Cancer
Fifty-thousand walkers and runners took to the streets of downtown Denver decked out in pink regalia to honor, remember and celebrate those in their lives who are fighting or have fought breast cancer. This army of pink raised nearly $3 million for the care and treatment of themselves, their partners, sisters, daughters and friends suffering from this deadly disease.
Among these 50,000 walkers and runners, were approximately 3000 breast cancer survivors and more than 1,160 teams.
Sleep In for the Cure®
We will continue to register for Sleep In for the Cure until October 15. Your challenge is to ask a friend, co-worker, or family member to register now. If everyone who registered online found one more person to register, we will make this the most successful Race EVER! Registration for Sleep In will be open until October 15 at 5:00 pm. Shirts will be mailed to you as part of your registration fee. Click here for more information on how to register for Sleep In.
Fundraising
The fight against breast cancer is not over. We need your help to reach our goal of 1.2 million dollars in pledges. You have until October 28th to pledge, so don’t wait, click here to donate and help us reach our goal today!
The funds raised here are invested here. Seventy five percent of the net funds remain in our service area in the form of grants for services to detect breast cancer early and to treat breast cancer.
A Story of Hope
September 29th, 2011
Where does all the hard earned money that you raise each year at the Komen Denver Race go?
Lisa Warner was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 39 years old. She was working fulltime as a waitress at IHOP and did not have any insurance.
On March 12, 2011, I felt a lump in my left breast. Since I am uninsured, I didn’t know where to turn. My husband contacted a Komen Denver Metropolitan Affiliate screening grantee, and they were able to provide me with a low-cost clinical breast exam and schedule me for a free mammogram because of the funding they received from Komen Denver. On March 25th, I had my mammogram which found four tumors. I had three biopsies done on March 31st and on April 4th I received a call from my doctor telling me the words I thought I would never hear, “You have breast cancer.” I had a mastectomy on April 15th and began chemotherapy on May 23rd. As I am writing this story on August 25,, 2011, I have one more round of chemo to go and then will start radiation. The funding from the Komen Denver Metropolitan Affiliate is covering nearly 100% of my treatment that I am receiving from a Komen Denver Metropolitan treatment grantee. If it were not for the Komen Denver Metropolitan Affiliate, I would not be getting treatment. The funds from Denver Metropolitan Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure are literally saving my life!
~Lisa
As a local leader in the fight against breast cancer, Denver Metropolitan Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is committed to providing the community with easy access to information on breast cancer-related organizations, programs and services. Click here for a list of resources where you can find help.
There is still time to register for the 19th Annual Komen Denver Race for the Cure on October 2nd at the Pepsi Center. Click here for more information to register or donate today. We need your help to continue providing women, like Lisa, with the lifesaving breast cancer treatment that they need and deserve.
The Affiliate and CTCA recognized Breast Cancer survivors at Healing Luncheon
September 15th, 2011
Breast Cancer survivors celebrated life at the “Well Healed” luncheon and fall fashion show hosted by the Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA) on behalf of the Denver Metropolitan Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. Sharon Day, CTCA Director of Nutrition, offered nutrition advice and answered questions from the audience.
The luncheon was open to all breast cancer survivors, and more than 150 attended the festive event. Breast Cancer survivors showcased the fall’s top fashions that will help take women from the gym, to work, to a night on the town. The fashion show was sponsored by Macy’s and Sports Authority.
Sharon Day, CTCA Director of Nutrition, offered nutrition advice and answered questions from the audience. Sharon is one of a few hundred dieticians in the country who is board certified in oncology. 
Ask the Dietitian: Nutrition and Cancer
Sharon Day, RD, CSO, CNSC, serves as the Director of Nutrition at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America® in Phoenix, Arizona. Sharon is one of a few hundred dieticians in the country who is board certified in oncology. She oversees a team of clinical oncology dietitians, who work together, to provide nutrition support and counseling to patients using a proactive approach.
Super Foods
People often ask me, “What super foods would you recommend I eat every day?” While there isn’t one specific magical food, we know that plant foods contain millions of phytochemicals that may play a role in cancer fighting and prevention. With that in mind, I always recommend a strong emphasis on a plant-based diet. When choosing plant foods, choose whole foods opposed to processed foods, and keep in mind that the color of the fruit or vegetable is specific to the nutrient, so always choose a wide variety of colors. The recommendation from the American Institute for Cancer Research is 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables per day for cancer prevention.
I’ve listed some of my disease-fighting favorites and their potential benefits:
Cruciferous Vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts)
Anthocyanins (berries, cherries, red grapes)
Flavonols (onions, apples, tea, broccoli)
An easy way to incorporate these foods into a healthy diet is to blend ½ cup frozen broccoli, ½ cup frozen blueberries and ½ cup dark cherry juice and serve immediately. This drink can add a powerful whole food-antioxidant punch to your day. Fresh fruits and vegetables are always best, but frozen items still have nutrient value and can be more convenient.
Soy
Due to conflicting messaging in the media, I often get asked about soy and whether or not I recommend patients avoid it. My answer universally is no. In my opinion, there is not enough evidence to suggest that soy foods are harmful. A daily serving or two of soy milk, tofu stir fry or edamame can be a nice contribution to a plant-based diet. I do, however, recommend the avoidance of soy pills and powders. Patients often comment on the abundance of soy lecithin or soybean oil that is found on food packaging labels. Soy lecithin is a stabilizer and soybean oil is a fat – neither of these components contain the phytoestrogens that soy protein contains. With that said, I would encourage anyone asking about the labels on processed or prepackaged foods to evaluate their dietary trends regarding processed foods. If every label that you pick up has soy lecithin in it, the concern is not that soy lecithin is in “everything,” it’s that everything that you are buying is processed. My recommendation is to buy less processed foods and more whole foods. Choose food items where the ingredients don’t have to be translated.
Should I avoid fruit because of the sugar?
A theory exists that “sugar feeds cancer.” This is only a theory, and has not been proven in humans. Our body’s main energy source is glucose or sugar in the blood. While it is true that cancer cells have a need for glucose as well as other nutrients, nearly every cell in the human body has a need for glucose. If you were to try to completely avoid all sources of natural sugars found in grains, vegetables, fruit, milk and beans, you would starve your healthy cells, resulting in malnutrition. In fact, our body’s need for glucose is so great, that complete avoidance of sugars in the diet may cause our bodies to break down the protein we eat, or the protein we have stored in our bodies, to make glucose to feed our healthy cells. This could cause symptoms such as weakness and fatigue, as well as malnutrition. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains is a diet high in vitamins, minerals and plant chemicals that support healthy cell growth and fight disease.
I do recommend decreasing refined sugars and sweets, such as soda, candy, cookies, and cake which have minimal nutritional value. One recommendation is to write a diet diary for one week to evaluate your dietary trends.
Once you identify your baseline, make gradual changes to decrease added sugars in your diet.
Be mindful of sugar substitutes which don’t give you the opportunity to change your taste buds’ desire for sweetness.
Stories of Hope
September 7th, 2011Where Does the Research Money Go?
Have you ever wondered how much of the money that we raise comes back to Colorado for research? Colorado was first awarded a Komen research grant in 1997 and since then the state has received 35 research grants. This year, Colorado received grants from Komen for two research projects at the University of Colorado.
In one, researchers are working on a way to deliver chemotherapy to specific tumors, which are characterized by aggressive growth.
In the other, researchers are studying why cancer contracted close to pregnancy is more aggressive and more likely to spread.
Click here to read more.