A PUBLICATION OF THE NORTHEAST REGIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE

SUMMER 2004 this Colorectal Cancer Programs issue... Receive Federal Funding he Northeast Regional Cancer Institute and 2000. has received $100,000 from the U.S. Cancer Institute Board members, as well as Community TCenters for Disease Control to sup- local colon cancer survivors and Cancer Participation port the colorectal cancer research and aware- Institute spokespeople Bob Lamson and The art of healing... ness programs. U.S. Sen. (R- Lackawanna County Judge Carmen Minora, pg. 2 PA), Chairman of joined Cancer the Senate Institute representa- Republican tives Bob Durkin, Survivorship Conference, visited President, and Highlights from the the Cancer Institute Samuel Lesko, MD, 12th annual on June 29 to pre- MPH, Director of Survivors Celebration! sent the ceremonial Research, in greet- pgs. 3-6 check for $100,000 ing Sen. Santorum. in funding that he “On behalf of secured through the the thousands of Community FY 2004 Omnibus Northeastern Appropriations Pennsylvanians Education & U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum presented a check in the amount of Outreach Bill. $100,000 to Bob Durkin, Cancer Institute president, in support of faced with the chal- IN their own words... The funds will the colorectal cancer research and awareness program. lenges of colorectal be used to research the causes of higher inci- cancer, I want to thank Sen. Santorum for A message from one of dences of colorectal cancer in Northeastern securing these funds,” Durkin said. “If the the “Faces of and to educate the public about community and researchers work together, we Colorectal Cancer” prevention and signs and symptoms of the will have the best chance at discovering the pg. 7 disease. cause of the high rates.” “Colorectal cancer is a devastating disease “This grant will allow investigators at the that claims the lives of more and more Cancer Institute to gather data from a popula- Pennsylvanians every day,” said Sen. tion-based sample of newly diagnosed colon Santorum. “I am pleased that the Northeast and rectal cancer patients. The Cancer Regional Cancer Institute will receive this Institute will also be able to identify support- funding, crucial to understanding why ive care in the region for patients at various Northeast Pennsylvania is afflicted with some stages of the illness,” said Sen. Santorum. of the highest rates in the nation.” Since January, 87 colorectal cancer patients According to research conducted by the have been interviewed. The Cancer Institute Cancer Institute, colorectal cancer was the hopes to conduct a total of 500 interviews most frequently diagnosed form of cancer in with colorectal cancer patients nd another 500 Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, Wyoming, interviews of people without the disease with- Susquehanna and Pike Counties between 1996 in the next year. Allied Services/John Institute Community Medical Center Marian Community Hospital Mercy Health Partners Moses Taylor Hospital/Mid-Valley Hospital Wyoming Valley Health Care System Community Participation

The Art of Healing tay Happy.” She refers to art therapy as a would spend hours in art therapy to “Never Give Up.” form of “self-expression,” and, for create a lasting message in the form “S“Anything’s Possible.” many, a way to “leave a of a ceramic tile. It’s hard to imagine that these message that they're OK.” Color - especially bright bright and uplifting messages were It’s a powerful form of and pastel colors - is written by people affected by cancer. healing for children and important in the works of These words, accompanied by adults, and patients and art therapy patients. inspirational works of art, are just a their families, as Sharon “We go through a lot of few examples of the more than 650 points out. red paint,” says Sharon. ceramic tiles that have been hand- One young girl has Black, on the other hand, is painted by cancer patients from been hand-painting ceramic used sparingly. throughout Northeastern tiles at Survivors One of the other things that the Pennsylvania, as well as Celebration for several ceramic tile project makes good use from destinations as far as years. Her uplifting and of is volunteers. “The whole com- Arizona and Florida. spiritually-focused works munity gets involved - from the The words and works of provide a source of masons who put up the tiles, to the art of cancer survivors fill inspiration, even for a volunteers who help me with the eight spires in the Cancer seasoned art therapist like glazing,” says Sharon. Institute’s Cancer Survivors Park Sharon DeNault. She sums up the significance of at McDade Park. They will also fill “There’s a wisdom and art therapy using a story about the your heart with hope. maturity that shines parents of a cancer victim. The diverse images and messages through the work of this In his final stages of on the tiles are united by a common young cancer patient,” she leukemia, a young boy paint- theme of hope and inspiration. The says. ed a ceramic tile through the ceramic tiles have been created by “Many cancer Cancer Institute’s art therapy cancer patients through an art thera- patients feel compelled program. After his passing, py program directed by Sharon to leave a message through a work the parents said that seeing the DeNault, a 23-year cancer survivor of art,” says Sharon. tile on display in Cancer Survivors and a Board-certified art therapist. One such person was a mason Park is a positive permanent “The ability of patients to who had helped install some of the reminder of their son's life and spir- express their emotions can be ceramic tiles on the spires in Cancer it. instrumental in healing - not neces- Survivors Park. In his final stages of Art therapy. sarily in a physical way, but in a spiri- cancer, when he didn't have the Some would call it the art of tual way,” says Sharon. strength for physical therapy, he healing. Cancer Information Resources: Special Thanks to our Newsletter Sponsor (570) 941-7984 1-877-NCCS-YES www.cancernepa.org www.canceradvocacy.org/

Sponsored by the 1-800-ACS-2345 National Cancer Institute 1-800-4-CANCER 2 www.cancer.org www.cancer.gov Survivorship

here’s strength in Celebration were invited to gather for a group photo. numbers. United by Cancer survivors Maureen Besancon, a the spirit of Survivorship, medical records transcriptionist at Wyoming Valley Health Care System, and Bob more than 1,500 T Vanderheyden of people gathered to Oldies 92&100 celebrate life during were the featured the Northeast speakers. Frank Regional Cancer Andrews of Institute’s Survivors WYOU-TV Celebration on June served as emcee 13 at Montage for the event. Mountain. Cancer sur- For its own part, vivors, their fami- the Cancer Institute lies, caregivers had a number to and friends celebrate, as it enjoyed live music marked the 12th via Oldies 92 & anniversary of 100 live broad- Survivors Celebration. cast, as well as The theme for from three this year’s event, “Unity: Together We Can,” bands Pearl, Moonbagg and Doug Smith’s depicted the strength that comes from the Dixieland All-Stars Band and Kathy support of families, friends and volunteers. Elgaway. Jugglers and clowns, face painting, To signify this unity among such a large children’s games, caricatures, food and number of people, attendees of Survivors refreshments rounded out the activities. Survivorship

Joyce Tressler and Curt Stevens marked their 10th and 5th years, respective-- ly,ly, asas co-chairsco-chairs ofof Survivors Celebration.

Cancer survivor Karen Reid (third from left) was joinedjoined byby KarlKarl andand Lois Fritz, grand-- children Matthew, Alex, and Catlyne Calvey, and her husband, Jim.

Bob Vanderheyden of Oldies 92 & 100 was one of the featured speak-- ers for the event. Balloon- tying was popular with the young and the young at heart.

The “Family of Survivors” features four generations. Clockwise, from back: Rev. Rees Warring, Susan Anderson, Dorothy Warring, and Emily Anderson.

Board Member own are some Dr. Lisa of the 25 Thomas enjoys committee some of the embers who afternoon’s orked to plan activities which the event. includedincluded faceface painting and caricatures. 2004 Survivors Celebration Sponsors Underwriter ($2,500) Northwestern Mutual Financial Special Friends ($15- Penn Security Bank & Trust Network 249) Co. Vincent & Joan Rigg Anonymous sBedwick Foods, Inc. The Stevens Family Marge Black sPeter & Sally Bohlin Gold Sponsors ($1,000) Ufberg Tressler & Sileo Cook's Pharmacy of Kingston sRon & United Gilsonite Laboratories Aventis Pasteur Joan Davis sMark H. DeStefano G. Weinberger Co. s Dr. & Mrs. Phillip Boccagno Diamond K Diversified Information s Community Medical Center Technologies, Inc Alfred & Mitzi Bronze Sponsors ($250) Edelsohn sFacing Cancer Together Healthcare System s s Biogen IDEC BMC Desks, Etc. Support Group sDr. Vincent & Marlene Peter & Laura Frieder Citizens Savings Association sCoca Grattolino sTom & Judie Harding Hematology & Oncology Cola Enterprises - Pittston Sales Knowles Associates sLackawanna Associates of NEPA, PC Center sCommunity Bank & Trust Mobile X-Ray, Inc. sJames & Muriel Moses Taylor Health Care Co. sConnor-Helring Associates, Inc. Loughlin s The MONY Group System sRobert C. Cordaro, Esq. sCraft Matheson Transfer Co. sMary E. s McCole Foundation Oil Corporation sCVS Pharmacy McDonald John Ryan, State Farm s Northeast Radiation Oncology sFidelity Bank sFirst Liberty Bank Insurance Scranton Central Labor Union sSurgical Specialists of Center & Trust sFirst National Community Wyoming Valley, PC sThe Albert Northeastern Eye Institute Bank sFlorey Homes sFoley Law Family sLarry & Joan Theilgard sLear G.R. Noto Electrical Construction Firm sGastrointestinal Consultants Von Koch, MD & Associates sWaverly Scranton Hematology & Oncology s of NEPA, PC Mr. & Mrs. William Women's Club - Martin Hyzinski, MD Gilchrist sHealthcare Management The Tressler Family Resources sDavid & Carol Howell s Special Thanks Viewmont Medical Services Michael & Dolores Insalaco s Jerry's AAA North Penn sKarl & Maureen Wyoming Valley Health Care Sport Center, Inc. sLackawanna Besancon sBest Western Genetti System Ambulance, Inc. sMercy Imaging Hotel & Conference Center Associates sAnn & Leo Moskovitz Commissioner Robert Cordaro Silver Sponsors ($500) Commissioner A.J. Munchak MOZIP sNortheast Imaging Blue Cross of NEPA Commissioner Randy Castellani Consultants, PC sNortheast Penna. Burkavage Design Associates, Inc. Dagwood Deli sEndless Mountain Imaging Center sNE Rehabilitation Chamberlin & Reinheimer, Ins., Inc. Water Co. LTD sGuardian Warranty Clinical Laboratories, Inc. Associates, PC & The Healing Arts Hilton Scranton & Conference Center s Delta Medix, PC Center Novartis Medical Nutrition JC Penney sJCPenney Catalog s Employees of Gertrude Hawk PDQ Print Center Pennstar Bank Customer Service Center Chocolates PNC Bank sSanofi-Synthelabo Lackawanna Ambulance Company Golden Care of NEPA, Inc. Oncology sSchiff's Cash & Carry Lynch Bus Service sBob Kollar, Highland Associates Scranton Kiwanis Foundation sThat McDonald's sMartz Motor Coach Kane Is Able Special Woman sThe Bender- Moonbagg sMichael Neff sPatsel's Kaufmann's, A Division of the May Hudacek Team Fund of the Luzerne Pearl sWilliam Rosenstein & Sons Co. s Department Stores Co. Foundation sThe Center for Russell's Restaurant St. Mary's St. Marian Community Hospital Integrative Medicine at Inner Casimir's & All Saints Youth Group McGrail Merkel Quinn & Karen Viccica, Buttons The Clown Harmony, PC sThe Perry Law Firm s s Associates s Victoria Inn Rob Walsh Diane Mercy Health Partners The Quandel Group, Inc. The s Witko Murray Insurance Agency Scranton Times Times Leader sT-R Associates, Inc.

For additional information about the Cancer Institute or Survivors Celebration, please contact: Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, 334 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton, PA 18510 Phone (570) 941-7984 sWebsite www.cancernepa.org Community Education & Outreach A powerful message about colorectal cancer n his days a newscaster for cer survivor. However, he does have number of WYOU-TV, Derry Bird was firsthand experience with the dis- people Iwell-known as a reporter ease. Several of Derry’s family mem- throughout throughout Northeastern bers have had cancer; some died the region Pennsylvania. People throughout the from the disease. who are region counted on Derry to deliver While none of his family’s expe- heeding this the latest news and an occasional riences involved colorectal cancer, advice. weather forecast. Derry knows that it is one of the Cancer Today, the retired newscaster easiest forms of cancer to detect Institute sta- continues to deliver a powerful mes- and prevent through screening. It tistics show Bird sage to the people of Northeastern was a story that the former news- that 41 percent of adults 50 years Pennsylvania as one of the “Faces caster wanted to tell. and older have been screened for of Colorectal Cancer” in a media In the ads sponsored by the colorectal cancer this year. This campaign sponsored by the Cancer Cancer Institute, Derry offers the compares to an average screening Institute. following advice. “Don't be mistak- rate of 32 percent for the past five Unlike the other individuals fea- en and think you’re bulletproof years. tured in the ads and public service when it comes to colorectal cancer. For screening information, con- announcements sponsored by the Get screened!” tact your physician or the Cancer Cancer Institute, Derry is not a can- Derry is one of an increasing Institute at (570) 941-7984. Intheir own words EDITOR’S NOTE: An unforgettable valentine “IN their own words…” features a letter, story Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day and I face my final treatment. or poem written by a I looked back to the first Valentine’s Day when we first met. member of the Family of Survivors. You gave me a ring that had two gold hearts with a diamond set. Tomorrow the first battle is over, but I fear the war is not won. This is an excerpt of a poem written on And I know whatever the future holds, I will not be alone. Valentine’s Day by I know you will help me calm my fears. Barbara Stangline for her husband, David. I look forward to sharing a long life together for many, many years. Barbara, a breast cancer I pray every day that this is what God has in store for us. patient, died in June. Raising our kids, and fulfilling our dreams, is an absolute must! To share your story with Growing old together and holding our grandchildren, I pray. our readers, please call I love you more than ever, as we share this Valentine’s Day. (570) 941-7984.

PCT Fall Classic Family of Survivors Program It's all in the game! September 13, 2004 October 2, 2004 November 11, 2004 Huntsville Golf Club 10:30 am - 12 pm 6 - 9 pm Golf tournament to promote Cancer Survivors Park, McDade Park Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel prostate cancer awareness Gathering of the Family of Survivors An evening of fun, food and games Sponsorship packages available Free and open to the public Proceeds benefit Cancer Institute $250 per player For info, call 941-7984. programming For info, call 947-7446. For info, call 941-7984. 7 Northeast BOARD OF DIRECTORS Regional Michael M. Costello Cancer Chairman Institute Judge Terrence R. Nealon Vice Chairman Easing the burden Kathleen C. Graff of cancer in Treasurer Northeastern Sr. Jean Coughlin, IHM Pennsylvania Secretary Partner Healthcare Facilities Harold Anderson Allied Services Charles J. Bannon, MD Scranton Susan S. Belin Community Medical Barbara Bossi Center, Scranton James L. Brady John Heinz Institute, Wilkes-Barre Harmar D. Brereton, MD Marian Community Jackie Brozena Hospital, Carbondale Thomas Campbell, DO Mercy Health Partners Scranton & Wilkes-Barre Jane M. Carlonas, Esq. Mid-Valley Hospital, Denise S. Cesare Peckville Charles T. Curtin, MD Moses Taylor The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute is a non-profit Mary Erwine, RN, MSN Hospital, Scranton community-based agency working to ease the burden of cancer in C. Richard Hartman, MD Wyoming Valley Health Northeastern Pennsylvania. Focusing on research, education, Care System, Wilkes-Barre and survivorship, the Cancer Institute is the only local cancer William R. Host, MD organization that invests all of its resources in this region. Sue Kluger Financial support for The four main components of the Cancer Institute are the Kenneth Lee, Esq. the Cancer Institute’s Epidemiology Research Program, the Regional Cancer Registry, educational programs and the Cancer Risk Program, and Community Education and James May services is provided by the Support. Senator Robert J. Mellow Partnering with the Cancer Institute to achieve its goals are Harry and Jeanette community leaders, volunteers, healthcare professionals, and a Monsignor Joseph G. Quinn Weinberg Foundation cooperative network of nine partner organizations in Northeastern Evelyn Rafalko McNulty and the Pennsylvania Pennsylvania. Department of Health. Paula Roos William W. Scranton, III If you would like to receive Insights and are not on our Nayan Shah, MD mailing list, or have received Curtis N. Stevens this in error, please call Lisa C. Thomas, MD (570) 941-7984, or Robert E. Wright, MD email [email protected].

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