It is estimated that in 2009, 192,370 new breast cancer cases

are expected to be found in females in the United States. This year, 40,170 women are expected to

lose their battle with breast cancer.

Over the next several pages, find out how you can get involved in the fight against breast cancer

for yourself, your family, your friends or for generations to come.

Source: National Cancer Institute

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and the Komen Charlotte Affiliate

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, this promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure, which launched the

global breast cancer movement. Today, Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the nation’s largest private funder of breast cancer research and community out-reach programs.

The Charlotte Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is dedicated to putting an end to breast cancer and working to better the lives of those fac-ing breast cancer in our community. We join more than a million breast cancer survivors and activists around the globe as part of the world’s largest and most progressive grass-roots network fighting breast cancer. This year, through events like the Komen Charlotte Race for the Cure®, the Charlotte Affiliate was able to invest more than $1 million in local community grants supporting community breast health programs in Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, and Union counties in North Carolina and York County in South Carolina. These community grants cover education, screening, and treatment activities with programs ranging from breast health educational programs for low-income and minority women to mammogram screening and advanced diagnostic services for the medically underserved.

The Komen Charlotte Affiliate proudly retains up to 75 percent of its net proceeds for use in our local service area, while the remaining 25 percent is

combined with proceeds from other Komen affil-iates to fund a national research grant program.

For more information about the Charlotte Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, please call 704-347-8181 or log on to www.komencharlotte.org.

Susa

n G

. Kom

en fo

r the

Cur

eSPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

10 Ways to Get Involved with Komen Charlotte

In December 2003 my life was changed forever when I was diagnosed two weeks before my twenty-fifth birthday

with breast cancer. It also happened to be days before the twelfth anniversary of my mother’s death from breast cancer, when she was only forty-one years old.

I think I had a preview of what being a survivor was when I watched my mother battle this disease for more than six years. Although she lost her battle, her fight influenced my proactive screen-ing and how I deal with my diagnosis. I scheduled my first mammogram at age twenty-five (ten years before my moth-er’s diagnosis) for a base line to have on file for future years. Little did I know that they would find something and, after a biopsy, confirm I had early-stage breast cancer.

Being a young survivor feels empower-ing. It also feels terrifying. The moment I heard the “c” word (as my husband and I called it, because we could not say the word “cancer”) I thought my life was over. I can actually play the moment over and over in my head like a movie, which at times is what it actually seemed like. After the initial shock passed, survival mode kicked in. I wanted to beat this disease for myself and for my mother and every other woman in my family who had it. I was determined to actually be a survivor, because you see, the women

in my family (three generations) who had breast cancer did not survive. I was going to be the first one.

Nine months and two surgeries after my diagnosis I walked in my first Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in New York City in 2004, and I have not stopped since. I will never forget my first race. I was there with friends but, most impor-tantly, my husband, father, and sister also joined me. I wore my pink survivor shirt with pride and saw thousands of others in the Komen pink shirt club. I was overwhelmed with feelings of cama-raderie and love.

I moved to Charlotte in 2006 and sought out the local affiliate to volunteer because I wanted to be a part of some-thing that I felt very strongly about. In 2008 and 2009 I took on the role of communications chair, and it has given me the opportunity to meet wonderful people—both survivors and volunteers. Becoming a part of the Komen family has not only given me friendships and resources, but also the satisfaction of knowing that there is an organization out there fighting for me. It has pushed me harder to realize that it is about more than just running in a race, it is also about raising money and awareness for all those people who are not educated about early detection—the one thing that saved my life.—Emily Crandall

Our Promise: To save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all

and energizing science to find the cure.

Upcoming Komen EventsSouthern Women’s Show Charlotte Merchandise MartThursday, September 17-Sunday, September 20Visit the Komen Booth for information about early detection and breast health.

Komen Charlotte Race for the CureUptown CharlotteSaturday, October 3We hope you’ll join us on the morning of October 3 to walk or run for breast cancer.Register online at www.komencharlotte.org.

Bank of America 500Lowes’ Motor Speedway, Concord, N.C.Thursday, October 15-Saturday, October 17 October is breast health awareness month, and we are excited about the opportunity to share breast health educational information with attendees at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series on October 17. We will be located out-side the Speedway. Hope you can join us!

Build for the Cure214 Horton Grove Rd., Springfield (Fort Mill, S.C.) 29715Weekends of October 16-18, October 23-25, October 30-November 1This spectacular new home will be open to the public during the last three weekends in October. Proceeds from tickets sales will be graciously donated to Komen Charlotte.

Laugh for the CureThursday March 4, 2010This fun-filled event was founded by Tammy Greyshock, a devoted Charlotte Komen volunteer, to help end breast cancer forever. The event brings together a fantastic silent and live auction as well as a hilarious PG comedy show. Details regarding the 2010 event are forthcoming. See you at the show!

For more information on these or other Komen Charlotte events, please visitwww.komencharlotte.org or call the Komen office at 704-347-8181.

Finding Inspiration

1. Visit our Web site (www.komen charlotte.org) to learn more about what we do in our community.

2. Participate in the Thirteenth Annual Race for the Cure®, on October 3 in uptown Charlotte.

3. Put together a team of partici-pants for the Komen Charlotte Race for the Cure®.

4. Donate to Komen Charlotte in honor or memory of a loved one.

5. Promote your company. Become a Komen Charlotte Race or event sponsor.

6. Tour the 2009 Build for the Cure Home beginning October 16, in Springfield Community, Fort Mill S.C.

7. Attend Laugh for the Cure on March 4, 2010, at Spirit Square.

8. Join our Partners in Pink volun-teers and spread the word about

the importance of breast health and early detection.

9. Volunteer. Contact Komen Charlotte to explore the many opportunities. Visit www.komencharlotte.org and click on “Get Involved.”

10. Host an event benefiting the Komen Charlotte Affiliate. For more information, call 704-347-8181.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Car

olin

a B

reas

t Frie

nds

Sisters United on a Journey of Hope and Courage C arolina Breast Friends is a nonprofit organization committed to uniting and helping women with

breast cancer. Established in November 2003 by Kristy Adams-Ebel, CBF provides social and educa-tional outlets for women of all ages united in a sisterhood of survival. Kristy, diagnosed at the age of

32, wanted a place to be an inspirational setting to commune with fellow survivors to focus on healing, self-exploration, and empowerment through knowledge. Women who have walked the same path established the organization to provide support, education, encouragement, and assistance to those with breast cancer throughout every stage of their journey.

The Carolina Breast Friends board consists of five women who are being led by Pam Phipps, who joined founder Kristy Adams-Ebel in forming CBF in 2003. When Kristy lost her battle with breast cancer, Pam, now a six-year breast cancer survivor herself, took over the organization’s principal leadership role and, with more than 250 members, continues to expand services and support the sole mission.

Since its inception, CBF has touched close to 2,000 area women with its services. CBF holds meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are open to anyone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

To find out more information and for meeting locations, please visit the CBF Web site at www.carolinabreastfriends.org.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

How to Get Involved with CBF

Accomplishing the Mission

• Distribution of “Inspiration Jars” to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients at both Presbyterian Hospital and Carolinas Medical Center. The jars contain fifty inspirational quotes from our members and include contact information for the patients to reach out for support.

• Comfort Bags, which are filled with donated items use-ful to most breast cancer patients. The bags help newly diagnosed breast cancer patients better cope with che-motherapy and other issues associated with treatments.

• Workshops and group events geared toward living with a positive attitude of sisterhood and survival.

• A mentoring program in which members help newly diagnosed women of similar age and diagnosis navigate the difficult path ahead.

The public has been very generous in its support of CBF’s cause and our primary mission: to build “Project Pink House.” The house will be designed and customized as a sanctuary for the hopeful transition to treatment and cure. As a one-of-a-kind, one-stop shop, the Pink House will serve breast cancer survivors in numerous ways.

Imagine Project Pink House:• A place for social gatherings and group meetings• Free counseling services• Retail shop offering a boutique with wigs, prosthetic

garments, and skin-care products, plus “Pink Ribbon” items for purchase

• Organization and distribution of outreach projects and supplies

• A fitness area for exercise and yoga classes• A kitchen for nutritional classes• Library and computer room for research• Arts and crafts room to create keepsakes and learn

relaxing therapeutic activities• Meditation garden

Carolina Breast Friends Inc.The Terry Building 1801 E. Fifth St., Ste. 203Charlotte, NC 28204www.carolinabreastfriends.org.

O n October 17, 2003 I had bilateral mastectomies. During my recovery, I noticed an article in the Charlotte Observer with information about Kristy

Adams-Ebel and her battle with breast cancer at age thirty-two. She described her frustration in being unable to find a positive, inspirational group of survivor women whom she felt comfortable with to help her on her survivor journey. She said, “I do not want or need a group as a pity party.” She wanted a group who would inspire others from their own experiences, encourage each other, and provide strength and information, as well as comradery with humor and a posi-tive spirit to move through the tough survivor journey ahead. Realizing that this group did not exist, she decided to start one of her own called Carolina Breast Friends. She wrote, “Are there other women in their 30’s who feel this way?” Then she gave her phone number and said call if you are interested!

Kristy was strong, gutsy, and positive and this was exactly what I needed and wanted, but I was fifty-three years old. I called Kristy, told her I was very interested and asked if she had thought about expanding the age range. We talked in depth and she agreed that it should be expanded to other women and she wanted my help.

By the end of the first year, we formed a planning commit-tee of four women. When I jumped in with Kristy, her strength and positive attitude gave me empowerment. Everyone who met Kristy loved her—she was charismatic and drew people to her. After several meetings, we were able to form a board of eight members—all survivors whom Kristy spurred on to her dreams for CBF and eventually Project Pink House.

By mid 2004 we had more than one hundred members. The comfort bags and inspiration jars developed as our services

increased and contacts were made with doctors and nurses. When Kristy’s cancer returned, she brought us together and told us she was terminal and we all committed to do every-thing we could to make her dream of CBF and the Pink House come true. Her husband Chris gave her Pink Boots, which she wore constantly to “kick the butt out of her breast cancer”. He was and still is very instrumental in the advancement of CBF’s vision and goals.

Kristy began immediately with aggressive treatment guided by her oncologist and friend, Dr. Gary Frenette. She was for-tunate to be one of four patients in the country to try a new experimental drug, which probably gave her another year. Her humor remained constant—she would send the member-ship email updates about how Hooter Infiltration (what she called her cancer) was now partying in her brain, but she felt confident, prayerful and hopeful. At the end we took shifts to be with her constantly. She was so brave, seemed so serene—God was with her every step of the way. She contin-ues to inspire my life. I know Project Pink House will become a reality and CBF will continue to inspire more women through their survivorship journey—or Kristy will “kick our butt!” —Pam Phipps

Upcoming Monthly MeetingsReflexology, Lymph Massage & AromatherapyOctober 13, 2009

Thankful FeastNovember 10, 2009

Annual Gift ExchangeDecember 8, 2009

Nutrition ClassJanuary 2010

Reconstructive SurgeonFebruary 2010

Lap Blanket Craft ProjectMarch 2010

Upcoming Fundraising EventsCharlotte NASCAROctober 16-18

“Pink in the Rink” with the Charlotte CheckersFebruary 2010

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Avo

n W

alk fo

r Bre

ast C

ance

r

Raising Awareness

The Avon Foundation for Women was founded in 1955 to improve the lives of women and their families. Today this mission is focused on two key

causes: breast cancer and domestic violence, which are consistently rated among the issues of greatest concern for women. As of the close of 2008, Avon global philanthropy had raised more than $660 million worldwide. The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade launched in 1992 and has raised more than $585 million in more than fifty countries, making Avon the leading corporate supporter of the breast cancer cause. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women, and in the U.S. there is a new diagnosis every three minutes. Funds are awarded to advance access to care and research to end breast cancer, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure, with a focus on the medi-cally underserved. Funds and awareness are raised through special pink ribbon products sold by Avon sales represen-tatives and online, the U.S. Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series, the Walk Around the World for Breast Cancer in more than fifty-five countries, the annual Avon Foundation for Women Awards, free educational literature, and public ser-vice announcements. Hundreds of beneficiaries range from leading cancer centers to community-based nonprofit breast

health programs, creating a powerful network of research, medical, social service, and commu-nity-based organizations focused on eradicating breast cancer and ensuring care for all, regard-less of ability to pay. In Charlotte, more than $9.4 million has been awarded by the Avon Foundation for Women to breast cancer organi-zations and institutions in North Carolina and South Carolina.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

In 2001, I was an eleven-year breast cancer survivor, was facing the big 5-0, had just been through two daughters’

weddings, and had two small grand-children. To say the least, I was in need of some me time. One day, I opened a magazine and, magically it seemed, turned right to an advertisement for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. It was like a light bulb lit up: “This was meant to be!” I e-mailed a friend and told her to check it out, hoping she’d get past the picture of the tents before she said NO. To my excitement, she agreed to do the walk with me. At that time, it was a sixty-mile, three-day event. We walked in Atlanta, the closest city to us that hosted the walk. What an inspirational experience this turned out to be! I cried gully-washer tears when I made it to the finish line, surrounded by a huge crowd of so many other walkers, crew, and, best of all, my family. I was amazed at how much money was raised at that walk and how much of the proceeds the Avon Foundation donated to the many causes it supported.

Fast-forward four years. To my excitement, Avon was hosting its first walk in Charlotte, my hometown. It was now a weekend-long event cover-ing 39.3 miles. I immediately signed up to be a crewmember, and my son and daughter registered to walk in my honor. It became a family affair starting with that first walk, and we have had

the whole Price family involved every year since. From my young grandchil-dren cheering for the walkers at the finish line to my 83-year-old mother working as a volunteer, we have contin-ued to be amazed at the work that Avon is doing in the battle against breast cancer. But it hasn’t stopped with the Prices. Sharing our experiences has inspired other people to share how they have been affected by breast cancer. In 2008, we formed a team called the Pink Panthers, which included nine walkers, all of whom raised well over the $1,800 needed. This year, the Pink Panthers grew to ten strong, nine of whom were new walkers! And the walkers from last year didn’t leave; most of them are working as crewmembers this year. Fundraising events have reached out to the community and beyond. Aluminum cans have been collected for recycling, corn-hole tournaments hosted, and “Pink Parties” held for the past four years to bring awareness to this cause and to the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.

Now, fast-forward to the not-so-distant future: I’m cheering on my grandchildren as they cross the finish line, fighting for a cause they believe in. But this time, it’s not breast cancer; we won that war thanks to organizations like the Avon Foundation and the “pay it forward” effect that started with one walk, one person, one family, and the tireless belief that it could be done! —Debbie Price

Walking Strong

Upcoming Avon EventsThe 2009 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer October 24-25, 2009.

Great Start Party Saturday, January 23, 2010Join us to learn more about the 2010 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.

How to Get Involved with Avon• You can join us as a walker and help

raise much-needed funds in the fight against breast cancer!

• Help support the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer by joining us as a volunteer!

• To learn more, visit us online at www.avonwalk.org.

• Call the local office at 704-377-3144.• E-mail us at info.charlotte@avonwalk.org.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Dear Doctor: What is the BRCA gene, and should I be tested for it?The BRCA gene (BReast CAncer gene) helps control normal cell growth. In fact, there are actually two genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, and finding changes (mutations) in these genes can assist in determin-ing your chance for the development of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. The risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer is higher in women who have changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. You should consider testing for changes in these genes if you have had a breast cancer diagnosis at age 50 or younger, if you have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, or a history of male breast cancer. Changes in these genes may be inherited from either your mother’s or father’s side of the family and account for up to 10 percent of breast cancers and 10 percent to 15 percent of ovarian cancers. It is very important to have genetic counseling before and after BRCA gene testing to help you understand the recommended criteria for testing along

with the risks, benefits, and outcomes associated with the test.

—Shirley K. Scott, MD

Director, Carolina Breast Center

Dear Doctor: What should I do to prevent lymphedema? Lymphedema is a chronic condition that exists when lymphatic vessels in the body are unable to remove lymph fluid from human tissue. This is often a side effect of treatments for breast cancer, such as radia-tion, which can cause scarring of lymph vessels. Surgical removal of the lymph nodes may also lead to this condition.

Breast cancer patients with lymphedema may experience the following in their arms or chest wall: a feeling of heaviness or full-ness, swelling, pain, and/or changes in skin color and texture. Some individuals develop these symptoms immediately after treat-ment, while others may remain symptom-free for the rest of their lives.

Symptom control is critical, as there is

no cure or prevention for the development of lymphedema. Manual lymph drainage, a light massage that facilitates alternate pathways for the transfer of lymphatic fluid through the body, is one method of treat-ment. Bandaging the affected areas with compression wrappings and wearing a cus-tom-fitted compression sleeve are other ways that patients can decrease swelling and sus-tain a reduced size of the affected area. With appropriate maintenance, individuals deal-ing with lymphedema can continue to live functional and productive lives with minimal side effects from their condition.

—Vish Raj, MDDirector, Cancer Rehabilitation

Carolinas Rehabilitation

Dear Doctor: Are there steps women should take that could prevent cancer? When should they start getting mammograms?There is no way to prevent breast cancer, but women can reduce their risk by limit-ing alcohol use, exercising regularly, and

Q & ASPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

redefine change

10620 Park Road Building 400, Suite 102 Charlotte, NC 28210

"Early detection is your best defense against breast cancer so don't forget to check monthly"

Midtown Obstetrics and Gynecology is small

by design to provide personalized care in a

friendly and comfortable environment. Call

us at 704-344-1000, then press 2 to start

a long term, healthy relationship.

Services:Annual Exams

Pap Smears

Gynecological Surgery

Breast Disease

Incontinence

Infertility

Routine & High Risk Obstetrics

Ultrasounds

Presbyterian Medical Tower • 1718 E. 4th St.Suite 707 • Charlotte, NC 28204

www.midtown-obgyn.com

Accepting new patients.

Affiliated with manyinsurance plans.

James Hardy, MDHeather N. Robertson White, MDGregory Parker, MD

Stacey Wood, Jr., MD

Beverly Belle, MD

CLTCM_090600_Midtown.indd 1 4/22/09 10:56:38 AM

maintaining a healthy weight. The key to beating breast cancer is early detection. Women should perform monthly breast self-exams, have regular clinical breast examinations, and schedule yearly mam-mograms. Numerous studies prove that early detection is the most vital component in the successful treatment of breast can-cer. Annual mammograms starting at age forty play a central part in early detection because they can detect subtle changes in the breast before they can be felt.

Most women who develop breast cancer have no family history, but it’s important to be aware of increased risk due to fam-ily history or other reasons. A significant family history means you have two or more family members (mother/father, sib-ling, grandparent, aunt/uncle) who have had breast cancer, and/or the breast can-cer in family members was found before age 50. Women at high risk should speak with their physician about whether to have mammograms before age 40 and if addi-tional measures, such as breast MRI, need to be considered.

Most importantly, early detection saves lives. I encourage women to take care of themselves proactively by getting a mam-mogram every year.

—Christina M. Chaconas, MDCharlotte Radiology Breast Center

Breast Imaging Specialist

Dear Doctor: Are there safe and effective ways for women with hormone-positive tumor receptors to manage menopausal symptoms like hot flashes?Hormone therapy with estrogen and/or progesterone is a first-line treatment for hot flashes, however hormone therapy is associated with increased risk and is often contraindicated in patients with breast can-cer or breast cancer survivors. Alternatives include complementary therapy such as herbal or dietary supplements as well as mind/body or behavioral therapies. There are several studies using complementary medicines, but results from these studies lack evidence to strongly support effective-ness. In addition, these therapies are often associated with multiple adverse effects. Those with the most trials include: black cohosh, vitamin E, kava, melatonin, and evening primrose oil. Black cohosh is the most commonly used therapy, but only one in four trials show improvement in hot flashes. Studies using the other thera-pies have failed to show any significant improvement in frequency or severity of hot flashes.

In comparison, trials have shown some mind/body and behavioral therapies to help reduce hot flashes. These include: hypnosis, reflexology, yoga, and tailored counseling/support programs. This approach provides a safer alternative to

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CLTCM_091000_CltRadiology.indd 1 8/21/09 11:13:56 AM

alleviating the disruptive symptoms of hot flashes suffered by breast cancer patients and survivors.

—Richard Foulke, MDMatthews Hematology and Oncology

Committee Member, Breast Cancer Advisory Board

Dear Doctor: What’s been the most important thing that you tell patients who have been diagnosed with breast cancer? Breast cancer is common as cancers go. So, it isn’t rare that a physician has to inform a patient that her exam or mammogram sug-gests cancer or that a biopsy has proved its presence. This event is a critical conversa-tion. It’s a moment which is emotionally charged. Having had a cancer diagnosis myself, I know how time seems to slow down, all blood rushes to your face and you only remember half of what the doctor says. First and foremost, the patient needs to hear “there is a breast cancer and now we have some work to do.” The patient also needs to hear the honesty in your voice and focus on the fact that this is a task to be met, not a surrender to a diagnosis. For most patients, we can be optimistic from the outset due to advances in early detection.

I feel that it is important to emphasize that there are several steps in the evalu-ation, but the first step is the having the name and contact information of surgeons adept at evaluating and treating breast cancer so the patient can make that first important appointment. Fortunately, we have many excellent physicians in Charlotte who are experts in breast cancer treatment. It’s also important for the patient to know that there is continuity of care, and that I will be following her progress with all other involved physicians from start to finish. I want more than anything to tell the patient, “you’re going to be okay,” and, for most, that will be true.

—Gregory Parker, MD

Midtown OB/GYN

Dear Doctor: What can I do to combat fatigue during chemo? Exercise is an effective way to manage fatigue associated with chemotherapy. Research shows that patients who don’t exercise and patients who exercise too much will have increased fatigue levels, but exercise designed at an adjusted tar-get heart rate percentage will decrease fatigue. Presbyterian Cancer Rehabilitation & Wellness’s Strides to Strength program provides a structured regimen with exercise physiologists trained to work with cancer patients. They are able to adjust the exer-cise to meet each survivor’s need through-out chemotherapy.

—Richard Foulke, MDMatthews Hematology and Oncology

Committee Member, Breast Cancer Advisory Board

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION