The Evolutionof G Spots in Polka Dots

by Sara Zanotto• • •

I ran my very first 10 km in The BC Cancer Foundation’s Underwear Affair on July 11, 2009 with Team London & France. We raised a total of $1,220 for cancers below-the-waist.

After the run in 2009, I immediately registered for the next Underwear Affair to take place on July 10, 2010 with the goal to expand my team, raise more money and awareness.

MY SCARY EXPERIENCEFour years ago, cancerous cells were found on my cervix. Luckily, I went for routine check-ups at the doctor and they were detected early on. After several colposcopies, I underwent a LEEP procedure to have them removed.

By participating in the Underwear Affair and raising awareness, I hope to save other women (and men) from the same scary experience.

by Christine Algard• • •

RACE DAY RECAP: A sense of camaraderie filled the air, not to mention lots of flapping derriere flesh! It was a beautiful warm sunny summer evening for the 10 km race around False Creek. We needed the encouragement--considering the costumes, there was a whole lot of chaffing going on! Nonetheless, our slight discomfort

helped remind us of the discomfort and pain cancer patients deal with daily--we had nothing to complain about and ran through it. We were also encouraged by the oogling crowds honking, cheering and thanking us for what we were doing. It was such a gratifying feeling to cross the finish line. Not only did we finish the race, but we also did our small part to help uncover the cure!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT, WE COULDN’T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU!

POLKA DOT PARTY FUNDRAISER on May 15, 2010 was a huge success, raising over $1,200 for The BC Cancer Foundation.

CHRISTINE COOCH, CAPTAIN SARA SNATCH, MIRANDA MOOSEKNUCKLE & TRACY TWAT had so much fun before the 10 km run on July 10, 2010.

THE UNDERWEAR AFFAIR is completed for another year...way to go, G Spots!

G SPOTS IN POLKA DOTSFREE ISSUE NO. 1

THE BC CANCER FOUNDATION’S UNDERWEAR AFFAIR / JULY 10, 2010 / VOLUME 01

CHASING DOWN A CANCER CURE

by Hannah SutherlandPeace Arch News

• • •

Christine Algard thought her mom was young when, at 30 years old, she was diagnosed with myeloma.

So, when cancerous cells were found on the cervix of one of Algard’s best friends, she was even more taken aback -- Sara Zanotto was just 22, the same age as Algard.

“You realize you’re not free from it; it can affect anyone,” she said.

“It totally opened my eyes to it.”

Four years after Zanotto’s abnormal cells were spotted and subsequently removed with surgery, Algard is now gearing up for this summer’s Underwear Affair in a show of support for her friend, who -- thanks in part to early detection -- is healthy and cancer-free, like Algard’s mother.

The annual event encourages the public to participate in a 10-kilometre run or five-km walk to raise money for the BC Cancer Foundation while spreading awareness about cancers

below the belt, such as prostate, colorectal, ovarian, testicular, bladder and uterine.

Algard, a South Surrey resident, has joined team G Spots in Polka Dots, which is made up of Zanotto and her sister and three friends.

They plan to dress up for the July 10 fundraiser by wearing polka-dot underwear over their shorts.

And the team will be opting for the run, Algard noted.

“Some of us did a 10-km run in November. Some of us finished just under an hour.” (cont’d on p. 3)

.

FUNDRAISING: WE SURPASSED OUR GOAL!!!

A very very special thank you goes out to Farmer John Buczynski (above) and his co-farmer, Brenda Bujak, for hosting our Polka Dot Party and giving tractor rides for $2.

Lisa and Lindsay won the prize for best costume at our Polka Dot Party with their handmade polka-dot Pink Panther one-piece suits, complete with bum flaps. Their prize was a La Senza giftcard to buy underwear!

Tracy Twat $1,045Sara Snatch $1,021.05Christine Cooch $725Miranda Mooseknuckle $690Sabrina Snapper $685

GRAND TOTAL: $4,165.05

LOCAL CELEBRITIES

Tracy was featured in her hometown’s local newspaper, Merritt Herald, onJune 8, 2010.

In the May 6, 2010 issue of the Peace Arch News, Christine shared her story.

Chasing down a cure, cont’d

While she has participated in other charity events, Algard said none have been on as large a scale as the Underwear Affair.

“I’ve never done anything this big.”

But before G Spots in Polka Dots can lace up their runners for the race, they have to raise funds.

As of this week, they had reached 37 per cent of their $3,100 collection goal, and made the list of the Underwear Affair’s top 10 fundraising teams.

Faced with a cost of $300 each to participate, the team will now host a Polka Dot Party May 15 from 3 to 11 p.m. at 18177 Ford Rd., in Pitt Meadows.

Algard said they will serve hot dogs, hamburgers, fruit and veggies and host a toonie toss, tractor rides and bake sale upon donation to their campaign.

There will also be a prize for best polka dot costume, as well as a raffle draw.

RUNNERS STRIP DOWN FOR CANCER

by Marelle ReidMerritt Herald

• • •

Next month a group of people will be running around the streets of Vancouver in their boxers, briefs and bras.

One of them, Tracy Stoessiger, who is originally from Merritt, will be out there with the best of them.

She and five of her closest friends make up the team G Spots and Polka Dots, who will be clad in T-shirts, black spandex shorts, pink polka dot thongs and knee-high socks.

The event is the annual Underwear Affair, a 10 km run and 5 km walk to be held July 10 this year, to raise funds for the B.C. Cancer Foundation and help raise awareness about the cancers below the waist.

When Stoessiger heard about her friend Sara’s plan to get a team together this year, she knew right away she wanted to be involved.

“I thought, well, I could donate, and then I looked at the reason why she was doing it, and it just spoke to me so much,” she said.

Four years ago, Sara was diagnosed with cancer cells on her cervix, when she was only 22.

She made a full recovery, but her experience made Stoessiger realize the importance of routine tests for both men and women.

“They speak about how cancers below the waist are very taboo, and no one talks about it -- it’s very hush-hush,” she said. “That’s what the Underwear Affair is all about, to try to expose cancers below the waist, as they say, and not make it hush-hush. Let’s talk about it.”

In 2009, cancers below the waist account for 42 per cent of all cancers diagnosed in B.C., according to the B.C. Cancer Foundation.

These cancers are responsible for 32 per cent of cancer-related deaths in the province.

In 2009, about 3,000 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer, and there were an estimated 560 prostate cancer related deaths in B.C. last year.

In 2009, 150 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer.

Of those, about 50 will die as a result of the disease. The B.C. Cancer Agency’s cervical cancer screening program was the first organized program in the world to screen for cervical cancer.

It is credited with an 85 per cent decrease in the number of cervical cancer cases and has reduced deaths by 75 per cent since the 1950s.

“It’s crazy, because [so many] people feel uncomfortable going to the doctor.” said Stoessiger.

“It’s not a pleasant experience going to the doctor and having those tests done, especially when you look at testicular cancer numbers.

“How many men that age do you know who would be willing to say, ‘Oh, I’m going for my exam at the doctor.’? The awareness needs to be out there that it can really happen to anyone.”

To help Stoessiger reach her goal of $1,000, donations can be made through the website, www.uncoverthecure.org, or by phone at 604-734-CURE(2873).

Her participant ID number is 245286-1.

To contact Stoessiger directly to help her with her goal, email her at tstoessiger@gmail.com.

THEY’RE FAMOUS: Christine & Tracywere featured in their local newspapers

Taboo? Shouldn’t be!TRUTH ABOUT

CANCERS BELOW-THE-

WAISTCancers below the waist account for 42% of all cancers diagnosed in BC.

These same cancers in BC are responsible for 32% of cancer deaths in the province.

The BC Cancer Agency’s cervical cancer screening program was the first organized program in the world to screen for cervical cancer.

The cervical cancer screening program is credited with an 85% reduction in the number of cases of cervical cancer.

The same program has reduced deaths by 75% since the 1950’s.

BC Cancer Foundation• • •

Participation in the Underwear Affair helps lift the taboo connected with cancers below the waist. Why are these cancers considered “taboo?” These cancers affect areas of the body that may be uncomfortable to talk about and

that are often seen as embarrassing or shameful. One may not want to see a physician to get screened for these types of cancers. This makes care and treatment an unexplored option to some of those who need it. Shedding light on these cancers means more awareness and more funding, making research and treatment a reality.

Proceeds from the Underwear Affair will benefit the BC Cancer Foundation, an independent charitable organization supporting research and care at the BC Cancer Agency. With cancer survival rates better than any other province in Canada, the BC Cancer Agency is a model for cancer care and control around the world. The BC Cancer Agency is leading the way in uncovering cures and putting these cancers behind us.

Estimated no. of cases diagnosed in 2009

MALE & FEMALE CANCERSColorectal 2,650Bladder 1,010

MALE CANCERSProstate Gland 3,000

FEMALEEstimated no. of women diagnosed with ovarian

cancer in 2009

290Estimated no. of women diagnosed with uterine

cancer in 2009

570Estimated no. of women diagnosed with cervical

cancer in 2009

150

by Tracy StoessigerKelowna

• • •There was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to join the Underwear Affair. Once you have a friend or family member affected, it really hits home. I wanted to share the importance and meaning of this cause with the community in which I live. I felt I really had an opportunity to educate the citizens of Kelowna, and as the only team member in Kelowna I really wanted to make a difference. But really, the ones who made the difference are my supporters and I cannot thank them enough.

I tried to be creative in my fundraising. I put together an Underwear Affair night at O’Flannigan’s Pub, set up a booth at the Kelowna Farmer’s and Crafter’s Market, and held a raffle for an authentic Sidney Crosby piece.

The night at O’Flannigan’s Pub included live music from the band Colt.45, prizes and drink specials. While the evening was not a sell-put, I did manage to raise $255. A huge thank you to John from O’Flannigan’s and the guys of Colt.45. Many thanks go out to my prize donors as well: Gillian and Leah of Excel Spa, Chevys Source for Sports, Jackie’s Passion, and Bloomers.

It was time to step it up even more. My goal was $1000 and I was determine to reach it. I decided to hold a raffle but what would I raffle off? Enter one generous man with an amazing heart. Mr. Alex Draper donated a beautiful, authentic Olympic memorabilia capturing Sidney Crosby’s golden moment. I really cannot thank Alex enough; I really and truly would not have reached my goal without his generosity.

Raffle tickets were sold to family, friends, coworkers and the community at the Kelowna Farmer’s and Crafter’s Market. Another huge thank you to Bob of the Farmer’s Market for donating space (twice!) and Loopykums Pond and Koi for shading me from the sun. The raffle and my appearance at the Market raised $440!

With my goal in sight, I gave my first and final request to my family and friends. With their support, I surpassed my goal!

I really want thank everyone who donated and supported me throughout this amazing cause. I hope to shed light about the importance of physical exams. I also want to thank my dear friend and Captain of the G Spots, Sara. You are an inspiration and have really opened my eyes. Cancers below-the-waist are no longer taboo to me.

Finally, ask yourself when was the last time you had an exam? If you can’t remember, get to your Doc. Early detection is key.

We couldn’t have done it without our sponsors!

Laura Sherwin, owner of 30 Minute Hit in PoCo

Breanne Gould, owner of f l u t t e r . hair studio

Brendan Braizer, formulator of Vega andauthor of “Thrive” & “Thrive Diet”

O’Flannigans Pub in Kelowna

Kelowna Farmer’s Market

Jolly Coachman Pub & Liquor Store

Michael Hill in Park Royal

Jackie’s Passion of Kelowna

Excel Spa in Kelowna

Canucks Sports & Entertainment

Memphis Blues BBQ House in White Rock

Jet Khan of Fresh Point

Alfred Man R.TCMP & R.Ac (Reg. Acupuncturist)

Jamil, owner of Obri Day Spa in Maple Ridge

SPECIAL THANKS to the cheerleaders, who came out and supported us at the Underwear Affair at the Seaforth Armoury on July 10, 2010:

Cliff & Jane Hoffman

Don & Aria Algard

Tommy Heiden

John Buczynski & Brenda Bujak

FROM THE CAPTAINWords cannot express how grateful I am to have such amazing support from sponsors, donors, friends and family. Thank you for supporting me and my G Spots to do our little part in finding a cure, a cause so incredibly important to me!

Sara Zanotto

WE’RE DOING IT AGAIN IN 2011On July 9, 2011, Sara, Tracy and Christine will be at it again...that’s right, we’re running another 10 km in The BC Cancer Foundation’s Underwear Affair. We would be grateful for your support again. Please visit http://va11.uncoverthecure.org and search G Spots in Polka Dots to donate! If you’re interested in joining our team, please contact Captain Sara (via the email to the right).

ACTIVE MEMBERSCaptain Sara “Snatch” ZanottoTracy “Twat” StoessigerChristine “Cooch” AlgardMiranda “Mooseknuckle” Bujak

MAILING ADDRESSG Spots in Polka Dotsc/o 18177 Ford RoadPitt Meadows, BC V3Y 0A5

G SPOTS IN POLKA DOTSIssue No. 1 ~ VOLUME 01

Please contact Captain Sara “Snatch” Zanotto with your questions and comments via email at

sara.zanotto@hotmail.com.

AN HONOURABLE MENTION GOES TOKathryn Drew & Kate Slean

from The BC Cancer Foundation’s Underwear Affair!