September 2007 Call of the Amazons Humboldt Community Breast Health Project

Volume 8, Issue 3

Happy Anniversary Let’s Get Personal by Jenifer Pace by Julie Ohnemus, MD “The willingness to consider possibility requires a would like to thank those who contributed to our last tolerance of uncertainty.” newsletter. The family members shared intimate feelings that — Rachel Naomi Remen wereI so very real and told of the cancer experience from such different perspectives. A diagnosis of cancer has a ripple effect on hen I was asked to write an article about the birth of all those touched by it — near and far — and tells of our personal HCBHP in honor of its 10-year anniversary, I began and community connections. Ultimately, these connections offer Wto revisit what it was like to be part of something that did healing. In celebrating the Project’s 10-year anniversary, we commit not yet exist. I thought about those moments of to continuing to weave the social fabric that allows us to fight, live germination when there were inklings of a desire, a need, with, and heal from the cancer experience we share. an image, when there was a sense of possibility. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ “In times of great struggle, when there is nothing else to In this issue of the newsletter, I want to highlight rely on and nowhere else to go, maybe it is the return to another personal aspect of cancer, the evolution of targeted the moment that is the act of faith. From that point, diagnostic tools and individualized cancer therapies. This openness to possibility can arise, willingness to see what up-and-coming technology is helping to personalize the will happen, patience, endeavor, strength, and courage. care patients receive and may ultimately lead to the Moment by moment, we can find our way through.” prevention of cancer. Some of these tools are available now (Sharon Salzberg) for mainstream usage and others are on the way. In 1996, when Julie Ohnemus, MD, was diagnosed with First, there are two free online, evidence-based programs breast cancer, a friend and I accompanied her to Stanford to help you and/or your medical provider personalize your for surgery with Dr. Ellen Mahoney. It was then and there care. The first program is Cancer Profiler, an interactive that Julie was introduced to the Community Breast Health tool designed for patients or health care professionals Project in Palo Alto. Entering that office, being met by (www.cancerprofiler.nexcura.com). It is useful for patients other women with breast cancer who were so eager and with any of a number of cancers, including breast, uterine, able to provide the information and support she had been continued on page 3 seeking, was a profound experience. It presented the model that Julie ultimately vowed to create in Humboldt County. Prior to that experience, there were other meetings with other professionals and non-professionals whose intention it was to provide information or support, but sorely missed Fall Recital the mark. These very Circle of Caring different experiences A musical celebration were grist-for-the-mill that clarified the need, Saturday, October 20, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. created the desire, and Fulkerson Recital Hall, HSU Inside began to form the image We invite the community to join us in celebrating the From the Director...... 2 of a healing center here. The personal experience 10-year anniversary of the Humboldt Community Breast An Open Circle ...... 4 Health Project. Come for a magical evening of music Volunteer Voices ...... 6 provided the seed for “the Project.” Out of the followed by a gourmet reception. This year’s talented Maria A. Carrillo...... 7 artists are (in scheduled order of appearance): Virginia Amazon Writers ...... 9 darkness, came the light of connection and Ryder, The Babes, Brad Curtis, and Dr. Luther Cobb. Contributors ...... 12 possibility. Tickets are $20 each, general admission. To purchase Calendar ...... 16 tickets or for more information, call (707) 825-8345. ™ continued on page 3 From the Director by Dawn Elsbree This newsletter is dedicated to Maria Carrillo. Maria was embraced, and sometimes stay and a founding mother of the Humboldt Community Breast sometimes move on. Each person Health Project and the creator, designer and long-time editor of brings a blessing and enriches the our newsletter. heart and soul of the Project. We embrace the challenge to keep the he dichotomy of life and death is heavy in our hearts circle alive, vibrant and open while at the Project this month. Maria Carrillo, our facing the difficulties of coping with beloved first staff member, has passed away. Her spirit in the realities of cancer. T Maria Carrillo fighting her cancer inspires all we do as we provide Last week one of the warmliners support for the women of our community. We both described the experience of greeting a mourn her loss and look to the future for ways to ensure frightened woman who was newly diagnosed. Volunteers that her accomplishments are honored and kept alive at and staff listened to her story and then sprang into action, the Project. In the library we have a rock painted with the researching information and finding books and articles. words: “What would Maria say?” In this way, we keep in At one point the woman looked up and said “I feel like I touch with her calm dignity and careful modeling of have just been surrounded by a circle of caring.” This taking care. illustrates what we try to do. I know if Maria had heard it, In thinking about Maria and the 10-year history of the she would have smiled and been proud. ™ Project, I keep coming back to the theme of circles. Julie

Ohnemus, our founder, describes the Project as an open ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ circle. This symbol is completely ingrained in our philosophy. Women and men come to us, receive I met a bald eagle on a walk nearby my house. whatever it is they most need, and stay as long as they It was within 10 feet of me when it spread its wide desire. There is a fluidity about the circle and an acceptance of people’s need to come and go. wings and circled around me before it flew away. Many of our volunteers are people who came to the Its powerful message constantly reminds me that my Project with a need, found it met, and in their gratitude soul and spirit can fly above to see life’s beauty and decided to stay and give to others. As a community that my troubles are in Great Spirit’s hands. resource we truly welcome what each new volunteer and client brings to us. People join the circle, are fully — Maria Carrillo, 2007

Humboldt Community Newsletter Contributors Board of Directors Staff Breast Health Project Newsletter Editing SueAnn Armstrong (Treasurer) Medical Consultant/ Outreach Coordinator Bojan Ingle & Sandra Freeman, CMT Founder Carolyn Ortenburger is a community resource of support and Rebecca Zettler, RN Rose Gale-Zoellick, MSW, MPH Julie Ohnemus, MD education for those facing a breast health concern (Secretary) Volunteer Program Newsletter Design Executive Director Coordinator or a diagnosis of breast or gynecologic cancer. ™ Deanna Herrera-Thomas, EdD Dawn Elsbree Bojan Ingle True North Marketing Marlena Kogel (Co-President) We are a client-centered, grassroots organization Maureen Lawlor Client Services Director Office Manager Contributing Writers Sharon Nelson, RN Barbara Sage with services provided by breast cancer survivors Maria Carrillo Carolyn Lehman, MA (Co-President) and their support persons. ™ We promote healthy Lorraine Dillon Lydia Leonardo Client Services Coordinators Volunteer & Sales for survivorship through education, healing support Dawn Elsbree Ellen Mahoney, MD Bet Pinkerton, RN Survivors Coordinator Devon Heim Sheba Goldstein Julie Ohnemus, MD Rebecca Zettler, RN, MS, FNP and hope, enabling each person to become their Jean Wichelman, RPh own best medical advocate. ™ We support and Missy Gruen challenge our community to address breast health Devon Heim Sharon Nelson, RN concerns responsibly and holistically. ™ As Julie Ohnemus, MD Community Advisory Board survivors we heal through service and by bearing Jenifer Pace Paula Allen Carolyn Jones Marian Reeves, RN, CHPN witness to others. Karin Salzmann Barbara Barratt Sylvia Jutila, RN Cynthia Ross Alison Book Allan Katz Jan Rowen, RN OFFICE HOURS: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Copy Editor Kelley Devlin-Lake, RN, BSN, OCN Mary Langley Mary Scott, RN, PHN Jenifer Pace Richard Dorn Kathleen Manaktala Patty Sennott Evenings by appointment Richard Duning Michele McKeegan Doug Shaw 987 8th Street, Arcata, CA 95521 Linda Erickson Madeline McMurray, PhD Dale Sherman (707) 825-8345 John Fullerton, CPA Nanette Medin, NP Cory Spencer, MD Toll-free: (877) 422-4776 Pat Handshy, NP Lisa Mielke Herrmann Spetzler Fax: (707) 825-8384 Joy Hardin, EdD Sue Mossman Betsy Stapleton, NP www.hcbhp.org E-mail: [email protected] Michael Harmon, MD Ken Nakamura, LCSW Sharon Stussman Diane Holliday John Nelson, MD Nina Surbaugh Nancy Noll Maria Tripp Barbara O’Neal John Van Speybroeck, MD The Humboldt Community Breast Health Project does not advocate or endorse any specific course of treatment, Marianne Pennekamp Catherine Valentine, LMFT whether a medical treatment or an alternative or complementary treatment plan. Articles printed in this newsletter Gena Pennington, MD Laurie Watson Stone are provided to inform. The opinions and views expressed by individual contributors do not necessarily reflect those Jean Perry Mary Beth Wolford of HCBHP. If you do not want to receive future newsletter issues, please call or e-mail [email protected]. 2 | CALL OF THE AMAZONS 10 Years of HCBHP Happy Anniversary...continued from page 1 Let's Get Personal...continued from page 1

In the very beginning, it was all conversation about a ovarian, and cervical cancers. You input information on healing center for women diagnosed with breast cancer — a your tumor characteristics and overall health to receive “a drop-in place where information and support would be personalized treatment options report tailored to your available, and where “hair optional” would be the diagnosis. Your report will provide the pros and cons of welcome. And it was more than this. It was recognizing a each treatment, side effects, questions to ask your depth and breadth of information and support, the physician, plus access to relevant summaries of clinical significance of which perhaps only the one who has been studies.” You can also choose to get updates via email. there can truly know. Those of us who were initially (NOTE: This is also an interactive tool for chronic involved, provided a sounding board and forum for diseases other than cancer). ongoing discussions, and provided help with necessary The second program, Adjuvant! Online legwork. The tasks were many, but the vision was (www.adjuvantonline.com), is recommended for use in continually the beacon that propelled us. Most of the conjunction with your medical provider to assess the risks women in that early group had been diagnosed with breast and benefits of using adjuvant chemotherapy and/or cancer, and were in various stages of treatment. Three of us hormonal therapy. The program provides an individual were support people. determination of probable survival and risk of recurrence Soon after Julie’s return home given the use of particular regimens of chemotherapy and from surgery to continue treatment, hormonal therapy based on the characteristics of your she began to participate in a local tumor. It can be used for breast, colon and lung cancer. breast cancer support group, called The breast version of Adjuvant! Online has three different the Amazon Warriors programs. One is for patients with early breast cancer Extraordinaire, started by Joyce (tumors less than 5 cm), another is for patients with an Radke, local artist and facilitator of incorporated Oncotype Dx score (see below), and the third the Persephone Project, and the late is decision-making for ER and/or PR sensitive, Shelah Benson, dance therapist. A postmenopausal patients at the time of completing five task group of women, some of whom were members of that years of adjuvant tamoxifen (i.e., whether to use an support group, began meeting at Julie’s home to discuss a aromatase inhibitor). This program is continuously updated Community Breast Health Project for Humboldt. Ideas, and can be downloaded to a PDA. objectives, and priorities were discussed. The first phone The other arena of technological advancement is in the calls and referrals began to come to Julie’s home. The area of genetics and breast cancer. The study of genetics is beginning of a library was born from the generosity of quite complex and fast moving, but here are some Nancy Noll, a resident of southern Humboldt who, for her simplified, key facts that will get you started: 50th birthday celebration, asked her friends to donate 1) Genes are made up of DNA. DNA contains instructions money to the Project as their gift to her. that tell cells what to do (activator genes) or not do I remember one of many tasks — standing at the copy (suppressor genes). Genes control the behavior and machine for hours in the Palo Alto CBHP library, filling activity of the cells. cartons with loose papers, more or less in order, of the 2) Our genes are packaged in chromosomes. We receive hundreds of articles to re-assemble, 3-hole punch, organize, one chromosome from our mother and one from our and index for the initial informational binders here. Of father. Most cells have two genes that tell them how to course, there would be the inevitable “missing page” of act. The human body has 25,000 gene pairs. some article that would never be found. 3) When there is an error in the DNA, the gene instructs The Amazon Warrior support group needed a new the cell to act inappropriately. These errors can be meeting space, and Julie procured donated space at inherited (e.g. BRCA1, BRCA2 for breast cancer) or Northcountry Clinic so the group could continue. Then, they can be acquired ( e.g. aging, environmental she wrote the first grant request to the Women’s factors, or an error in gene reproduction). Foundation for a computer system. Since they required a site visit, we all scrambled to move the “office” from her 4) Cancer occurs when both genes in the cell have errors. home to the donated office space at NCC. In the nick of Since aggressive cancers have different gene activity time, we set up the first desk and bookshelves for the first compared to less aggressive cancers, we know there are binders, and the beginnings of a library. I remember the many different ranges of erroneous activity, some of thrill of seeing the evidence that the Project was real which may depend on the number of genes that have because it now had an official place. That first grant was gone awry. awarded, and the Project now had a computer, more books, continued on page 11

continued on next page SEPTEMBER 2007 | 3 10 Years of HCBHP continued from page 3 Happy Anniversary... In 1997, HCBHP was a fledgling grassroots endeavor, binder information, and journals. Soon it was time to look struggling to be recognized. There were times of doubt and for office space that would provide better public access. frustration about how to be more visible in the community, Cam Appleton and his sister Lynn Hartley, owners of how to garner sufficient funding to continue, but with each the Jacoby Storehouse in Arcata, offered to donate three grant, donation, phone call, and other encounter, the hope months of free rent for an office in their building until and determination held fast. The commitment to serve one more funding could be found. Julie wrote another request client at a time remains center focus. Ten years ago, it often grant to the Community Needs Network of St. Joseph’s felt making headway was slow, but looking back now, it is Health System for the purchase of a copy machine. This hard to believe that so much was accomplished so quickly. grant was also awarded. Then, another grant came from the For survivors, and their support people and families, Jill Irvine Foundation for the publication of the first entering HCBHP now, as in 1997, is to open the door to newsletters. Next, a large grant was procured from the deep connection, community, and possibility. In our search Union Labor Health Foundation, which funded many for meaning in time of crisis, to participate in something operational costs: a part time office manager, Maria beyond ourselves, in service of helping others, we can Carrillo, and help in purchasing video conferencing discover growth, opportunity, and hope. The experience equipment. Meanwhile, private donations from the can be life-affirming and life-changing. The Project community continued enough to pay the rent. The first embodies the soul and spirit of healing energy and Open House was in the fall of 1998. exemplifies the purest sense of community — the circle of Since then, HCBHP has continued to make history in caring. more ways than can be part of this writing, including three Happy anniversary, HCBHP! ™ additional moves, each one to a larger space, as the Project has grown. Fund raising efforts over the years have been exemplary because of HCBHP’s volunteers and staff and the generosity of this community. The 2007 raffle raised An Open Circle of Volunteers over $67,000. by Lorraine Dillon HCBHP continues to expand as a community resource in many ways. Women with gynecologic cancers are now en years after Dr. Julie Ohnemus shared her vision of included in the Project’s services — the Patient Navigator a healing and educational center, the Humboldt Program, Consultation Planning Service, a variety T Community Breast Health Project has reached of support groups, educational seminars and thousands of people facing breast and health fairs, to name a few. The first Advisory gynecologic cancer. In honor of the hundreds Group was formed in 2001. In 2004, they of volunteers who have carried out this work, became an official Board of Directors. Also 2007 has been dedicated as the “Year of the in 2004, the Community Advisory Board Volunteer.” was formed. The Project’s ever-widening “Volunteers have been the backbone of circle of outreach to provide service to the the organization from the beginning and that community continues, just as the community has not changed,” says SueAnn Armstrong, support of the Project continues to return in one of the founding mothers and current circles of gratitude. Board Treasurer. “Volunteers are where our Looking back, that first tiny office is a long heart is and are our most precious commodity. way from the entire two-story house at 987 8th It’s a privilege to get to know these women.” Street in Arcata that now holds seven part time staff The “founding mothers” of the Humboldt Community members and is home to 200 volunteers. It contains a truly Breast Health Project were the first volunteers. They impressive library of information, and provides healing opened up the support group they had formed and energy that exemplifies the true meaning of “meeting” each welcomed other women dealing with breast cancer. The person who walks through the door. It is a place of caring, new members had many of the same issues and were compassionate, creative, and dedicated women who helped by hearing the personal stories of women who had continue their own healing journey by helping others. This gone through similar experiences. is the model of the wounded healer that has been SueAnn Armstrong was among the first to volunteer in embraced so comprehensively by the Project from the the office. “We started as volunteers, we had no training,” beginning. recalls SueAnn, “we were just women who had been This was Julie’s dream, made possible by the generosity through cancer. I panicked and asked my friend, ‘What of others and by her own gifts of inspiration and passion. experience do we have?’ ‘Relax,’ she said, ‘you’ve had cancer!’” continued on next page 4 | CALL OF THE AMAZONS Volunteer Voices An Open Circle...continued from page 4 Then as now, women coming for information often are Volunteers! in a crisis. Being greeted by a woman who has experienced It wouldn’t happen without you! the same diagnosis may be the first time they understand hank you to all of you who have been part of that survival is an option. “Sometimes people come back our circle during these past 10 years. This has years later and can remember exactly the volunteer who alwaysT been a place full of good energy, and we first greeted them and what that woman said,” says welcome the energy that new volunteers SueAnn. bring. Please join us! Margot Julian remembers the voice of the volunteer Drop by the office or call Devon or Bojan at who answered the phone when she called the office the (707) 824-8345, ext. 145 to find out more about morning after receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer. “The volunteer opportunities. volunteer said, ‘Welcome to the sisterhood.’ I felt this big, Anyone who has just an hour or two to volunteer warm hug coming over the phone,” says Margot. About a can check a whiteboard on the kitchen wall that year after diagnosis, Margot came back as a volunteer to lists tasks that need doing that day. ™ help others as she had been helped. “It’s satisfying because people are so appreciative. It feels good when someone says ‘I couldn’t do it without you.’” A local woman stopped her car to listen more closely when Pixie Moreno started volunteering at the office this year she recognized symptoms she had been experiencing, and soon after treatment for breast and lung cancer. Pixie she immediately called her doctor. The early detection of wanted to give back to the organization that had helped her cancer led to a positive prognosis. her move from a place of terror to being able to laugh The HCBHP was established as an independent 501(c)3 every day. “I’m growing every day, and it’s an incredible non-profit organization three years ago. Part-time staff feeling to reach out. If just one person can get that feeling I manage grants and finances and have been able to build got, it’s worth it.” client services. Many staff members began as volunteers, Pixie’s hair reached to her waist before chemotherapy. and they continue to give their time and energy far beyond During the time she was bald after treatment, Pixie used the hours they are paid. her appearance as a hook to talk honestly about cancer. As the services of the Project have grown, the Project Women customers at the store Pixie manages are reminded depends on volunteers more than ever. Volunteers take on to get a mammogram. She encourages cigarette smokers to tasks that free up the staff for client services. Volunteers stop, citing her own lung cancer that started years after she make and deliver socks to clients facing surgery and chemo had quit. Pixie proudly reports that about 50 people have kits are hand painted by volunteers. Volunteer buddies come back to tell her that she inspired them to give up accompany women to medical appointments. Outreach tobacco. volunteers staff information booths at health fairs from When selling raffle tickets at the Farmer’s Market, Pixie Klamath to Garberville, and as far east as Hoopa and found that telling her own story inspired people to support Weitchpec. The Project even has a team of bilingual the Project. Pixie doesn’t plan to stop reaching out, she volunteers who provide Spanish translation and says, because she might reach someone at a time when it interpretation. can make a difference in their life. Many volunteers report that the community connected Pixie is now organizing a rummage sale, which will take with the Project is what keeps them involved. “The place at the Project on September 15 and 16. volunteers are the most happy lot I’ve ever been with. It’s In addition to wanting to give back after receiving serious, but also a nurturing and loving environment,” says services, volunteers are committed to the Project because of Evonne McConkey. Carolyn Lehman, who serves with the atmosphere of openness and honesty. “I was in danger Marlena Kogel as Co-President of the Board, was attracted of denying I ever had breast cancer,” says Evonne to volunteer because, “I wanted to work with these women. McConkey, who started volunteering three years after her They’re competent, passionate and have good ideas.” diagnosis. “I wanted to breathe some real air about what Chris Angell started volunteering in 2003 after a friend had happened to me. It’s a two-way street. It’s something I told her about the wonderful people involved in the needed and it can lessen the pain in someone else’s life.” Project. Chris brings 20 years of experience as a marriage Board member Carolyn Lehman also says that she feels and family therapist to the Project, and she has streamlined healthier not “tamping down” the reality of having had a processes and created systems that help volunteers keep life-threatening disease. It’s healthier, she says, to use the track of follow-up calls. energy in a positive way. Speaking out about one’s own story can literally save continued on next page lives. Carol Vander Meer volunteered during last fall’s outreach by speaking on the radio about her experience with uterine cancer and the importance of early diagnosis. SEPTEMBER 2007 | 5 Volunteer Voices An Open Circle...continued from page 5 Project Volunteer: Mie Matsumoto While warmliners are at the front line for clients by Devon Heim coming in for services, there are currently almost 200 volunteers who give time to the Project. “Without them the ie Matsumoto first heard of the Humboldt organization would fold,” says SueAnn Armstrong. Community Breast Health Project in 2004 when Six years ago, volunteer Joy Hardin had the idea for a sheM went to a jewelry sale. She saw a HCBHP table there raffle, and each year volunteers have solicited donations, and asked if there were any volunteer opportunities for her. sold tickets, organized ticket sellers, coordinated tabling We said, “Of course! There always are!” and invited Mie to volunteers and processed ticket sales. Volunteers were a warmline meeting. Ever since then, we have had the willing to wear sandwich boards and be silly in public pleasure of Mie’s help with warmlining, tabling, bringing places to bring attention to the raffle, which is more delicious food for gatherings, and arranging gorgeous successful every year. flower displays for events. The fall concerts, started by Dr. Luther Cobb, are also In her home country produced by volunteers. Performers donate countless hours of Japan, Mie was a rehearsing complicated musical pieces, and others provide pediatric nurse and the extravagant reception. The first concert six years ago worked with preventative grew from Dr. Luther Cobb’s offer to raise funds and care. Traditionally, in awareness by performing a classical piano recital. Japan, asking a doctor a Volunteers label and fold newsletters, assemble mailings question was considered and information packets, organize the annual Women’s an insult. Patients were Cancer Advocacy Network (WeCAN) conference, do public typically unaware of speaking, organize Kids’ Day to Play, contact businesses to serious diagnoses and participate in Sales for Survivors, and pick up the recycling were only notified of their at the office. condition if their family And there are men who volunteer as well. Many serve had decided that it was Mie Matsumoto on the Community Advisory Board, and many more sell appropriate for them to raffle tickets. Ken Nakamura was the first community know. Mie’s grandmother, at the age of 80, died of colon member to set up a table to sell tickets, and Bob Houck has cancer — a cancer that her family knew about but wanted been one of the top ticket sellers. Richard Duning and to spare her the burden of knowing about. David McMurray co-facilitate a support group for men who Mie believes that when you have knowledge, you are in have a partner with cancer. Richard also is on the concer the driver’s seat, and being aware of your own body is very, committee and the Community Advisory Board. very important. When Mie started working in California, Rebecca Zettler, garden volunteer and Client Services she was surprised to find a blood vial with a patient’s Coordinator, designed and transformed the yard at 987 8th diagnosis printed and exposed where the patient could see Street into a garden shortly after the Project moved in three it. She was excited to work in an environment where years ago. Rebecca and two other faithful gardeners, Ingrid patients were able to hear of their diagnosis and make Bailey and Catherine Walling, also made a path in the decisions based on that knowledge. grass in the pattern of a labyrinth. In Feburary of 2001, Mie found a pea-sized lump in her The labyrinth is an ancient tool used in spiritual breast. Two days before her scheduled mammogram, it practices around the world. One walks into the circle on a couldn’t be found. She had weeks of unsettling tests, scans circular path that winds and leads to the center. The and an ultrasound only to be told that the doctor could not meditative walking helps a person calm their body and find anything. The frustration that she faced during this mind and focus inward. The center is a symbolic place for time has helped her to support clients at the HCBHP. meditation or prayer. The walker leaves the center on the Mie also teaches courses on Japanese culture and same path, symbolically re-entering the world and joining language at HSU. She likes to hike, backpack, garden and with the healing forces of the universe. listen to classical music. Her creative side includes hobbies This backyard labyrinth, created and tended by such as beading and water color painting. Mie likes the volunteers, embodies the energy of the hundreds of outreach part of volunteering the most and does an volunteers who have carried out the work of the Humboldt incredible job with meeting and connecting with people at Community Breast Health Project over the past decade. As fairs and gatherings. We are grateful for her warm volunteer Margot Julian said recently, “We’re all walking encouragement and her passion to empower people to the same road, though we have different gates and take know their own bodies. ™ different forks. But we’re all on the same journey.” ™

6 | CALL OF THE AMAZONS Maria Carrillo Maria A. Carrillo Thoughts on Maria’s Passing June 26, 1954 – July 25, 2007 by Julie Ohnemus, MD by Sharon Nelson he following are edited thoughts shared by Julie Ohnemus, MD, at Maria Carrillo’s memorial. ur beloved Maria died at her home in the full bloom of summer. Maria was one of the founding mothers of TI had the honor and privilege to know Maria on so Othe Humboldt Community Breast Health Project as well as many levels first within the sisterhood of breast cancer, and the very first paid employee. She later as her doctor, her boss, and retired in 2006 to focus her most importantly her friend. And attention full-time on healing. so I find myself processing and Maria was diagnosed with stage moving through so many memories four breast cancer in 1997. During and experiences with and around the ten years she lived with the Maria, my emotions have been disease, Maria benefited from the overwhelming at times, but this medical advances that were made speaks to the depth of our in the treatment of advanced relationship. breast cancer while simultaneously I met Maria in the Amazon preparing for the reality that cure Warrior Extraordinaire support was not possible. She participated group six months after my own in the support group for women diagnosis. She was quiet, and yet with advanced disease where she her signature call was howling. found deep connection, truth And she would howl without any telling and unending support. introduction, but it spoke to her Maria created and embodied spontaneity which she further the spirit of the Amazon warrior embraced in always speaking her symbol. She modeled strength and truth and moving through life at preparedness for change, innately her own pace. knowing when to hold on and Having had an early stage when to let go. She met the cancer without any positive lymph challenges of the disease one by nodes, it was shocking and one while living life to the fullest. unsettling to have her develop a In understanding that cure was not Maria Carrillo metastasis to her rib only six possible, Maria focused on healing. months after her diagnosis. She used art to explore her inner world, wrote, grew However, as a young woman she flowers, remained open, and shared her music. Those who had been encouraged to just watch this mass in her breast, loved Maria, her medical team led by Dr. Cory Spencer and which she did for a year — after all, young women rarely get Dr. Julie Ohnemus, the community of the Humboldt breast cancer. Maria used her anger and insight around her Community Breast Health Project, and all who came in story to develop a passion for becoming one of the contact with her, had the opportunity to experience a sense founding mothers of HCBHP. She let go of a better paying of wonder and possibility, a sense of the transformation job to become the first staff member of the Project — a that can happen when the choice is healing rather than project without secure funding. It was what she believed in. curing. As office manager she created and held the atmosphere of Maria was lovingly cared for at home by her husband healing energy and ensured the Project’s doors were open, Ric, her friends and the members of her support group. She whether there was a volunteer warmliner or not. She was laid to rest surrounded by love, covered in flowers from served whatever role was needed and was my confidant as I her garden the fruits of her labor. provided executive directorship off-site for seven years. We say goodbye to Maria while renewing our She cared for so many women whose prognosis was so commitment to carry on the work of the Project. We go much better than hers. She embraced and supported their forward with a deeper understanding of all that is possible fears, challenges and hope. She lived with her disease with from having had the privilege of walking next to and such grace, it was easy to forget she had cancer at all. learning from Maria Alicia Carillo. ™ continued on next page

SEPTEMBER 2007 | 7 Maria Carrillo

Maria Carrillo...continued from page 7 what treatment to recommend for her — Maria took our roots — the Amazon warrior — and options were extremely created a symbol that inspires so many to fight and let go. limited and didn’t necessarily We define the symbol of the “warrior” as women of power offer much quality of life, as and strength, who out of love, caring and authenticity her doctor and friend I challenge each other toward growth and a sense of unifying found myself extremely support. It has been said, “The warrior is one who is in unsettled. alignment with the forces of nature, traditions, and Shortly thereafter, I was culture...and in the course of that alignment, the warrior is in a session of myo-fascial able to discern when it is time to fight and when it is time release, a healing process to let go.” So was Maria’s journey. Her 10-year journey that involves deep relaxation embodied the Amazon warrior — it taught us how to be and an allowing of your body graceful in the art of allowing — to continue to step to move into any position it forward. needs to release tension or a

traumatizing memory. While Our beautiful logo was ○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ I was in session, my drawn by Maria Carrillo. It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our practitioner had me sitting walking is our preaching. up in a relaxed state with my eyes closed, and she noticed my head kept wanting to turn to the left. She encouraged

— St. Francis of Assisi me to look back over my left shoulder, and as I did I had ○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ this vision of a field of flowers bathed in a bright sunny day, and from the distance I could see Maria running With each advancement in her disease, Maria chose to through the field with flowers reaching up to greet her. I live longer and larger. sensed such freedom and joy from her spirit. And from that Her determination, her sense of peace, and her sense of day forward I let go of my anxiety and angst around Maria’s humor only grew. Shortly before she made the decision to impending death, and settled into the moment’s curiosity let go and no longer proceed with treatment, she is quoted and what it offered to her. as saying: “I don’t want to forget my sense of tumor.” The last time I sat with Maria while she was in a fully When the cancer continued to march through her conscious state, her words and responses didn’t appear to skeletal system and into her liver and lungs, Maria chose to correlate with the conversation around her. Whether this attend the Music for Healing and Transition Program, was due to medication or that transition that death offers us earning her certification as Music Practitioner. To complete from the physical to the non-physical state of being, one her certification, she spent one year volunteering her time cannot say with certainty. Still, I shared this visual to play music for patients at Redwood Memorial Hospital experience of the field of flowers with her. She listened and and Mad River Community Hospital, as well as submitting I could tell it registered with her by the gleam in her eyes. a recording of her repertoire. “Healing Passages” is Maria’s She said, “Yes, it’s so simple and so beautiful, but not a first recording, showcasing a compilation of healing music straight line.” This so represented her life with such using a Native American flute. simplicity and yet profoundness, I knew I had been touched Maria consciously recognized life’s journey and by her soul. embraced those moments she witnessed as the wounded And so Maria, my friend, my sister, my co-creator, for me healer — playing music for those who were ill, which was this is not a moment of goodbye; rather, I now can even that much more meaningful because she understood and more deeply and profoundly embrace you in my heart. felt the space they were in. Maria, thank you for being our teacher and inspiring us Cancer became simply part of her life: staying ahead of all. ™ her advancing cancer with acceptance as her mark of control. As Maria neared the end of her life, I followed her example of exerting control through acceptance, enabling me to stay in touch with my feelings and process whatever came up. Most recently when the cancer had moved to her meninges, or lining of her spinal cord, I was at a loss about

8 | CALL OF THE AMAZONS Amazon Writers Amazon Writers: Selected Writings

n the late summer of 2006, a talented writer with a sharp wit and big heart, Kay Thornton-Fitts, mentioned her interest in starting a writing group. Kay and I teamed up, and Amazon Writers was born. We’ve been writing ever since. Twice a month, our little group of writersI gets together to write in response to prompts that Kay and I prepare. Each session we are surprised again by the startling individuality that accompanies the shared threads of our experiences. To mark the one-year anniversary of Amazon Writers, we are presenting a sample of the diverse writing that is coming out of this group. Amazon Writers meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. No experience is necessary! Please contact me for more information: (707) 825-8345, ext. 135, or [email protected]. — Carolyn Ortenburger (Note: Some line breaks have been changed due to the confines of column width.)

My Soft Shoulder Yellow Blanky by Maria Carrillo by Sheba Goldstein Sometimes a soft shoulder can be like heaven when the “MOM! Have you seen my lelo blanky?” He is screaming road shakes and rumbles you. at the top of his lungs, standing in the front doorway Your head spins and you need to pull aside. wearing his green rubber boots, diapers and his blue “down shirt.” He calls it his “down shirt” because it goes all the My soft shoulder lies beside me. way down past his little knees. During this time of his life On cold nights I feel his warmth permeating and radiating he does not like wearing pants. Just his boots, the blue like the sun’s rays. “down shirt,” diapers and his “lelo blanky” fashioned His breathing is steady. around his small neck just so it hangs down in the right It lulls me back to slumber, where the angels hold me and place. He always checks to make sure it goes all the way shower me with radiant light. around in front and that it is exactly right before taking off Oh I need that steadiness or my mind will blast through to save us from the “bad guys.” this skin that is my body. “MOM! I can’t find my blanky! I need my lelo blanky.” This voice of desperation grows stronger. “I need my cape His neck is soft. MOM.” Big sobs, a quivering lip and big tears pouring from There is a perfect curve that comforts me. these beautiful blue eyes looking up at me depending on me I lie awake once again and I see the rise and fall of his to help him save the day. I say to myself: he’s on an breath. important mission today. “It’s okay sweetheart, let’s go and I rest my head upon his shoulder and attune myself to his find yellow blanky,” I say. We walk hand and hand down deep grounding roots. the long hallway to the laundry basket to search for blanky and we call out to this yellow blanket. “Please, please let us This cancer has blown me all around find you, yellow blanky!” Eventually we find yellow blanky that I could lose myself to the wind. in a ball, covered with sand and those spiky thorny burrs Like a car without control, I am shaken to the bone. that are a part of beach living. It smells of dried apple juice and the ocean. A comforting and very pleasant scent to my I am waiting by the side of the road. 5-year-old son. “I found it !” I say, and he quickly takes it I see the beauty of the trees that surround me. from me and gives it a HUGE hug, with a big happy grin The forest green wafts through my entire being. and brightened blue eyes. He gives me a big squeeze hug, I wait for peacefulness to settle me and the juniper smells the kind that hurts a little but shows me his excitement and to soothe my aching soul. ™ happiness. “Bye Mom,” he says to me, taking off in a flash back down the hallway and outside. Back to fighting crime with a large stick that magically transforms into a sword that he found in the yard. “Those bad guys don’t stand a chance,” he says. “BATMAN! Dun-na-nun-na nun-na-nunna BATMAN!” He’s out the door and then spins around and looks up at me for a second before saying, “Mom, could you

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SEPTEMBER 2007 | 9 Amazon Writers Amazon Writers...continued from page 9 Fast forward please tie my cape on?” I kneel down in front of him and tie this by Missy Gruen special protective blanket around my child’s neck. He adds Has there been a pause in celebration? the final touch and speeds off to save the world from the Celebrations of life. unseen forces that be. I think to myself what a brave boy Happy times, fun times. he is. Then comes the deepest feeling of sorrow I have ever Those times good memories are made of. felt. What will happen to him if I’m not here? Luckily I There’s not the same lightness, the same joy. have him in my life to interrupt those dark and lonely A dark cloud called cancer has obscured some of that. moments that can consume your mind when you are hit My thirty-sixth birthday was celebrated three weeks with this kind of news. after diagnosis, four days before surgery. I had tea The special blanket was handed down to Jeremiah from instead of a cocktail. Yet I succumbed a very strong and remarkable woman who, like me had to that sugar laden dessert. With every delicious bite faced cancer at a very young age, while she worked, went to I tried to push guilt away. school and raised her son. This blanket had belonged to Sitting in that restaurant, enjoying the moment for her son when he was a small child. She decided to pass it what it was, but not forgetting. along to Jeremiah and he immediately took it into his arms Never forgetting. and loved it as a true treasure from the heart. It meant I am like Eeyore in Winnie the Pooh, the rainy cloud something very special to us. I tried to explain cancer to a always hanging about. All the while saying five year old, but how can you do that as a single mom “thirty-five is too young to be diagnosed.” without really breaking down? How could he have handled I shouldn’t be celebrating thirty-six this way. that? The softness and gentleness the blanket provided was And now I’ve passed the thirty-seventh celebration. Was it a comfort to him while I was away for weeks at Stanford a celebration? I can’t even remember what I did. and my Aunt tried to cope and take care of Jeremiah on Memory surfaces. The afternoon before my birthday, Dean, her own. I don’t think she and her friend could have in his last minute way, took the kids to town imagined the joy and love and protection this blanket to get me a present. Their all leaving me at home was provided my little son. We still have the blanket, even part of the present. These hours I savored. though it has lost its ribbon edging and it has several small Expecting their return anytime, I decided to practice holes. Till this day he still asks me if I have the yellow qi gong until then. I headed to the stereo to push play blanket somewhere safe. on the CD, but decided to dance to a song first. Jeremiah was just five years old when I was first One song was not quite enough. diagnosed with a rare, slow growing pelvic tumor that has I never did qi gong, instead dancing in the dim lights required many surgeries and radiation therapy. This past for a couple of hours. January marked his 15th birthday and the diagnosis of my I danced. third recurrence. I feel blessed to have this beautiful and I cried. supportive son who has been an excellent caregiver to me. I laughed. He has the ability to handle my reoccurring condition with Life surged through. the grace that only comes from experience. I love and “This is what life is!” appreciate deeply the way he tried to protect me with his If this cancer journey can teach anything, it certainly yellow blanky and sword. His unconditional love and encourages one to live life in a way devotion are what give me the great inspiration to keep that most feeds the soul. going. ™ And I did just that on the eve of my birthday. The actual birthday was a bright, sunny, and warm early spring day. Not the spring that is marked on the calendar, but a spring that one feels and observes living close to nature. A glimpse of the promise held within the earth in those darkest, coldest times. As the sun shone down with its promise, I lay in the meadow, bare-chested amazon woman that I am, and wrote. Something else that feeds the soul. Dressing myself, I came back to a lovely picnic lunch at our newly made, long awaited picnic table. I can’t remember beyond that. Celebration blurs ™ 10 | CALL OF THE AMAZONS into reality. Continued Stories continued from page 3 Let's Get Personal... The most recent excitement around gene research is Technologies, such as DNA microarrays, allow scientists coming from the Genome Wide Association Studies. to study the activity of thousands of genes simultaneously These studies, involving 15 different countries, are and characterize how a cancer cell will act. In being able to combing the entire genome for variations of gene study the 25,000 genes, they can then tease out groups of combinations that increase one’s susceptibility to a disease, genes that act out together to create the aggressive nature of specifically breast and prostate cancer. They have looked at a cancer. As you can imagine, using this technology to 10 million SNPs (pronounced “snips,” these are gene classify the nature of a particular cancer could assist with variations) from a number of different studies (e.g. Nurses’ treatment choices. If your cancer is identified as more Health Study, the NCI’s Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and aggressive, then you might be more likely to choose more Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial (PLCO)) and are aggressive therapy. If it is less aggressive, you might choose correlating them with other lifestyle and biomarker data. not to have aggressive therapy, thereby avoiding In May 2007 news broke of four gene variations (identified unnecessary side effects and risks. as FGFR2, TNRC9, MAP3K1 and LSP1 SNPs), which Oncotype DX is one of the technologies using DNA increased the risk of breast cancer. microarrays. (See “Call of the Amazons” Winter 2005, Vol. In the past it was thought that 85–90% of breast 6, Issue 1, page 11 for a discussion of scoring.) In the past, cancers were the result of acquired errors in the genes, but oncologists have used lymph node status, age, tumor size, this discovery is beginning to change that belief. In this the pathologist’s determination of aggressiveness (grade) breaking news, the gene whose variants appeared to confer and other factors to recommend chemotherapy or not. Of the greatest risk of the four is fibroblast growth factor the 216,000 newly diagnosed cancers, there are 56%, or receptor 2, or FGFR2. The mutations raise the risk of 121,000 cases, where the lymph nodes are negative. Studies breast cancer risk by 20 percent if women carry one copy have shown that in spite of the negative lymph node status, of the gene and by 60 percent if they carry two copies. And 20–30% of those cancers will recur or metastasize. In the close to 60 percent of the women they studied carried at past we couldn’t predict who fell in that 30% group, so in least one copy, while 16 percent of the population studied particular patients younger than 51 were all offered carried two copies. It is still premature to screen for these chemotherapy — and many were over-treated with genes outside of the research lab. There are studies of SNPs chemotherapy. Oncotype DX analyzes 21 genes to more that are associated with breast density also, and might help accurately predict the risk of recurrence of the breast us determine who can benefit the most from specific cancer tumor instead of solely relying on the clinical tumor radiographic screening tools, such as mammograms vs. appearances. This allows oncologists to make more MRI. As this gene science evolves, it will also likely lead to individualized recommendations for or against targeted therapy for individuals with these variants as well. chemotherapy for patients with negative lymph nodes and As you can see, the information explosion in the field estrogen sensitive tumors. The analysis utilizes paraffin- of genomes opens up real possibilities to better understand embedded tissue, requiring only a small tissue sample. why certain people get cancer and what therapy could best There is a current study taking the Oncotype DX results to benefit them. There becomes the potential to personalize the next level: TAILORx is looking at survival using only detection, treatment and perhaps prevention. The work hormone therapy vs. hormone and chemotherapy, rather done in the field of breast cancer also offers hope for than the likelihood of tumor recurrence. cancers that don’t have accurate detection methods, such In February 2007 another DNA microarray technique, as ovarian cancer. Mammaprint, was FDA approved. Mammaprint requires Certainly the psychosocial impact of people having the fresh surgically removed tissue in order to analyze 70 genes opportunity to learn if they are at risk for certain diseases to give it a score. The test is done three times to improve based on their genes needs to be studied as well. As noted confidence in the results. The studies on Mammaprint above, just because you have those particular genes doesn’t included women who were younger than 61, had negative mean you develop breast cancer. What impact does it have lymph nodes, and the tumor could be estrogen sensitive on the psyche to know you are at higher risk for (ER+) or not (ER–). If the test designates a woman at “low developing a particular disease? Does it create more fear or risk,” there is a 90 percent probability that in the next five offer hope in being able to incorporate lifestyle changes as years she will not get metastatic breast cancer. If the test preventative actions and closer monitoring? designates the woman as “high risk,” there is a 25 percent The ethics of personalizing science has many faces to chance that a woman will develop some form of metastases explore. As genetic discoveries are growing and gaining within five years. At this writing it is the Oncotype DX that momentum, hopefully the human side will be given equal is covered by insurances. The cost ranges from $3000– attention. ™ $3500. (NOTE: Do not assume that the size of the gene panel analyzed correlates with its accuracy).

SEPTEMBER 2007 | 11 We're Forever Grateful to Our Contributors With deep gratitude and appreciation, we thank the following individuals who have made contributions to the Humboldt Community Breast Health Project from May 19, 2007 through July 27, 2007. NOTE: This list includes all those who purchased raffle tickets from February through May of 2007. Please notify us of any errors.

Birgitta & Robert Pamela Baker Guy Boardman Terry Bundros Lori & Mark Chester Jeanette Cornelius Panette DeMello Abegg Michael Bakke Jeff Bobbitt Jena Burges Betty Chiaroni Nancy Corral Scott Demers Donna Adams Joanne Baldwin Brent Bohannan Judy Burke Bradley Child Maria Corral-Ribordy Tommy Demmon Joy Adams Julia Baldwin Janelle Bohannan Barbara Burleigh Phyllis & Daryl Chinn Louis Corse Ron & Lorene Linda & James Adams Mary Balletta Juliette Bohr Kathrin & Michael Bryan Chipps Nancy Cortez DenHeyer Nate Adams Elva Banducci Doug Boilean Burleson William Christen Donora Cortopassi Shawna Denheyer Kathleen Adkins Jennifer Barber Melissa Bokosky Penny Burman Kathy Christensen Patty Costanzo Barb Denney Nathan Aeschleman Ken & Linda Bareilles Caraline Boland Maria Burns Diane Christian Eddie Cotter Lisa Denny Deb Agee Byron Barker R. Boldt Sandra Burns Penny Christian Gene Cotter Janet DePace Nancy Akana Patsy Barker Aldo & Evelyn Bongio Bob & Ann Burroughs Jessica Christiansen Willie Cotter Joann Derby-Porter, MD Theatta Albert Tina Barker M. Bonner Wendy Burroughs Mary Christiansen Marilyn & David Cottrell Mary Dereuter Violet Albonico Debbie & Jim Barnes Paul Booth Kathy Busenires Shawna Christianson Patricia Couch Audrey DeSilva Laura Albright Emily Barnes Michael Boreing Lois Busey Gina Christopher Michael Courson Marva Detherage Bill Alexander Irene Barney Keith & Cori Borges Jamie Bush Billy Christsen Loretta Cousins Priscilla Devin Linda Alexander Terry Barney Susan Bornstein Edie Butler C. Ciampato Barbara Coutant Kelley Devlin-Lake Maria Alfaro Carolyn & Brandon Kimberly Borst Happie & Elmer Jan Cicco Colum Coyne D. Dickienson, MD Beverly & George Allen Barnhart Anna Mae & Bob Butolph Gail Cipolla Monica Coyne Jim & Darlene Mona Allen Barbara Barratt Botley Connie Butterfield Jeanne Cissna Sara Crabb Dickenson Rachel Allen Lisa Barrote Tami Boughner Tracy Byers Sharon Cissna Nancy Craig Evelyn Dickinson Scott & Susan Allen Moira Barrows Lisa Boulder Mike Byrne Ariana Clark K.C. Cramer Karen Diemer Suzanne & Craig Allen Debra Barrow-Vruezo Linette Bourassa Laura Bywater Carmella Clark Joan Crandell Karen Diers Bonnie Allor Kala Barsanti Carol Bowden Elaine & Paul Cacci Celest Clark Claudia Cranford M. Dietz Linda & Andrew Alm Lori Bartley Donna & Clark Bowen Linda Cade Donna Clark John Crater Charlotte Dillon Erica & Jerry Alston, MD Roberta & Jerry Basist Kim Bowen Pam & Dennis Cahill Gail Clark Jennie Cresci Lorraine Dillon Alicia Ambler Nadene & James Bass Serenity Bowen Marion Cain Sarah Clickner Susan & James Cress Muriel Dinsmore Madeline Amir Ruth Bassis Ann & Dean Boyd Genaro Calabrese Janet & Dennis Clifton Don Crispin Milton Dobkin Sharon Amirault Maria Bates Carol Boyd Adriane Calabreze Tamara Clohessy Whitney Crombie Vickie & David Dodge Denise & Henry Anaya Jane Bauer James & Nancy Boyd Shannon Calhoon Kathleen & Glen Coates Keil Cronin Walter Dolfini Cindy Anders Jo Ann Bauer Milton Boyd Cathy Callagher Luther Cobb, MD & Linda Crook Marc Domings Ann Anderson Rachel Bazzano Lucia Boyer Ellen Callahan Ellen Mahoney, MD Jane Crosbie Vicky & Joe Donahue Aurelia Anderson Terry Bean-Iverson Brett Boynton Regina Callahan Bill Cochran Gail Crosby Susan Donovan Bambi Anderson Mike Beck Triad Boys Patricia Cambianica Kim Coelho Nick Cucek Amy Doran Bea Anderson Gerrie Becker Sue & Michael Andy Campagnei Adrianne Coffman Bud Culbertson Jean Doran Carole Anderson Stacy Becker Bradbury Dot Campbell Nova Cohee Helen Culver Larry Dorfman David Anderson Susan Beckerdite David Bradley Ed Campbell Kate Cohen Leslie Cushman Pat Dorn Gordy Anderson Julia Bednar Joan Brady Jenni Campbell Kay Cohn Janet Czarnecki Richard & Lynne Dorn Judy & Jim Anderson Monique Belanger Marion Brady Kristin Campbell Ray Coil Linda D’agati Bridget Dory Judy & Sid Anderson Gillian Belcher David Bralley Monica Campbell David Coitrell Amy & David Daily Michelle Dostal Linda & John Anderson Jeff & Amy Belkora Bonnie Branco Peggy Candrian Kristie & Bert Colbert Shell Daley Amy Dougan Monica Anderson Judy Ann Bell, MD & Cynthia Brando Jim Canly Margaret & Steve Cole Julie Dalfors Gael Dougherty Susan Anderson Terry Kuenzli Kathy Branum Peggy Canole Nancy Cole Chelley Dallara Laura Dougherty Helen Andrews Pamela Bell Susan Brater Eileen Capaccio R. Cole Renee Dalovisio Pat Dougherty Chris Angell Jim Bella Susan Brayton Louise Cardoso Rita & Douglas John & Emily Dalton Joan Douglas Peggy Annis Beni Bennett Dave Brazil Connie Carlson Coleman Mona & Tim Daly Patrick Dowd Nick & Irma Appelmans Joan Bennett Julie Brazil Lorraine Carlson Tanya Coleman Darol Damm Elizabeth Drabkin Don Archer Lorraine Bennett Tim Brennan Alice Carol Connie Collins M. Daniels Jake Drake Shanna Archibold Stan Bennett Kristine & Edward Rita Carole Kenneth Collins Tamar Danufsky Elisabeth Dreittinger Judy Arday Beverly Bensky Brenneman Maria Carrillo & Marilyn Colson Julie & Keith Darling Philip & Wendy Dresser Emily Arents Jeanine Bentley Karen Briggs Ric Schlexer Chris Colton Cindy Dastwiler Ellen Drury Karen Argo Chris Beresford Barbara & John Brimlow Jan Carstensen Lisa Colwell MaryAnn Dauez Gail Dube Irene Armand Evelyn Berman Mary Broderick Sharon Carter Lorraine Comfort Chris Daugherty Barbara Duca Celestine Armenta Jennifer Berman Linda Broderson Jerry Cartwright Steve Conger Nicholas Daugherty Pete Dulik Sean Armstrong Ken Berman Cindy Broese Tom Cartwright Lisa Connell Barbara Davenport Catherine Dunaway Laurie Arneson Patti & Dick Bermuda Jon Brondyke Carlos Casarez Jeff Conner Marsha Davenport Kerry Dunbar Mary & David Arnold Allison Berry Gillian Brown F. Casasanta Carol & Greg Conners Elena David Dara Dungworth Robert Arnold Molly Berry Justin Brown Collette Castro Ron Connors Amy Davidson Terri Dungworth Gayle Arnoul Sandra Berry Mary Brown Midge Catering Sue Connors Michelle Davidson Richard Duning Paul Arredondo Card & Thomas Bess Sheila & Miles Brown Steve Catton Isaac Coogan John Davis Al Dunlap Laurel Ash Julianne Bettini Toshi Ogata Brown Jamie Cedro K. Cook June Davis Hazel Dunn Joseph Ashenbrucker Mary Beth Bian Lori Browning Christina Center Kaycee Cook Lynette Davis Penny Dunn Sharon Aspen Jessie Bigford Arlene Broyles Paula Cervantet Nancy Cook Ralph Davis Steve Durham Stacy Atkins Sally & John Biggin Millie Brucker Lynda Cesaretti Shelley Cook Sandy Dawson Mary Durina Cyndy Atkinson Gene Biggins Maureen Brundage Marilyn & Raymond Suzanne Cook Megan Day Georganne D’usseau Trisha Atwood Uma Bingham Chris Bruno Cesaretti Cynthia Cooke Robin Day Marilyn Dutkus Debi August Pat Bitton Coleen Bruno Pat Chadwick Jen Cooke Beverly & John Leslie Dutra Jerry Austin Carol & Pat Bivens Lyane Bryan Charles Chamberlin Gail Coonen De Boice Linda Eckert Eda Bachrach Patricia Blackburn Marguerite Bryant Carol Chandler Elaine & Tim Cooney Nick De Ruyter Dan Edrich Robin Badilla Brenda Blairking Kathy Bubenik Daniel Chandler Annette Cooper Jacqueline Debets Frank Edwards Deja Bailey Cheryl & Joseph Blake Patricia Buchanan Barbara Chapman Jessica Cooper James Deen Jenny Edwards Ingrid Bailey Ginevra Blake Susan Buckley Greg Chapman Mary Cooper Ricki Dees Joy Ehlert Holly Baker Heather Block Janice Bucknavage Jean Charles Pali Cooper Diane DeFord Robert Ekholdt Lynn & Gary Baker Patty & Kenneth Jeannie Buerer Dennis Chase Barbara Cooperman Rebecca Deja Jane & Thomas Nancie Baker Blomberg Stasia Buffenbarger Lina Chase Susan Coopes Virginia Del Grande Elferdink Anne Buffington Nicole Chase Kathryn Corbett Maureen Delaney Lois & Theodore Beverly Bulloch William & Penny Paulett Corbin Sabrina DeLashmett Elferdink Joanna Bundros Chastain Inge Cordova Jeff DeMark Brian Elie 12 | CALL OF THE AMAZONS George Ellis Nancy Freemantte Brenda & Zuretti Debra Hartridge Jake Houck Stephany Joy Allegra Kossov Ione & Mike Ellis Devon & Mark Freitas Goosby Pamela Harvell Rhea & Warren Houck Carolyn Joyce Dorothy Luce Kostriken Sue Ellis Sara French Eric Gordon Bret Harvey Stacy Houdek Julie Joynt Lucy Kostrzewa Dawn & Andy Elsbree Ann & Joe Friedman Yici Gordon Jean Harvey Ken Houldsworth Hazel Juell Jackie Kovich Margy Emerson Gil Friedman Judy Goucher Kathryn Harvey Gayle Hove Margot Julian Jerrald & Catherine Heather Emke Edith & Ronald Angela & Albert Lynn Harvey Carol Howard Tom Jurnic Krause Richard Engel Fritzsche Goughnour Melanie Harvey Jim & Sharon Howard Sylvia Jutila Kevin Krause Kathryn Englin C. Frugoni, MD Joanne Grace Roger Harwood Annie & David Howell Barb Kadlecik Hollis & Melvin Kreb Herald English Dan Frye Richard Gracie Joseph & Marina Hash Joann Howell Rebecca Kalal Maria & Thomas Mariah Epidendio Julie Fulkerson Janet & John Grant Jane Haskins Veda Hoyes Lori Kamber-Chester Krenek, MD Kathy & Tyce Eraser Anita Fullbright Patricia & Raymond Michelle Hasting Catherine Hoyle Linda Kamenetsky Becky Kreutel Linda Erickson Joyce Fuller Grantham Dan Hauser Mary Alice Hoyle Megan Kammerer Peter Kriger Linda Erwin Sharon Fullerton Eric & Joan Grantz Donna & Dan Hauser Traccy & Millie Hubbard Michele Kamprath Vicki Kristie Peri Escarda Wes Fulton Allan Grav Sandy Haux Karen Huckaboy Rachel Karno Kristina Kruse Elizabeth Eschenbach Gail Fults Patricia Graves George Hawkins Marisha Huey Larry Karsteadt Debby Krzesni Cindy Escude Debbie Funada Shirley Gray LaRue Hawkins Martha & Kurtis Hufft Manuel Kaster Hannah Kusterer Judith Eskis Bill Funkhouser Virginia Graziani Rosemary & Bruce C. Hughes Allan Katz & Cindy Kuttner Bobby Esterley Shannon Furnier Carol & Richard Hawkins Ted & Cindy Humphry Marylee Bytheriver Gail Kuwahara Peggy & Bobby Devin Furrow Greaney, MD Stella Hawkins Martha Hunkins David & Anne Katz Katherine La Forge Esterley Violet Fuson Kate Green Barbara Hayes M Hunsinger Rebecca Katz Tony Labama Bonnie Etz John Galea Charlotte Greenwood Amanda Hazzard Diana Hunt Sherrie Katz Peter Labes Ava Evans Rose Gale-Zoellick Sam Gregerson Owen Head Howard Hunt Rena Kay Mariam Labey Yvonne Everett Jill Gallagher Genevieve Grein Jennifer & Harry Heagy JoAnn Hunt Maureen Kearns Betty Labranche Catherine Eyer Joan Gallegos Sue Grenfell Diana Heberger Sandi & Scott Hunt Dana Kearny Raymond Lacy Catie Eyer Kit Galvin Sharon Griffin Devon Heim & Linda Hurlbutt Jim Keefe Frank & Elizabeth Lake Vivian Fabbani Ann Gannon Katie Griffith Nick Stowell Richard Hurley Lois Keller Patty Lalund Ramona Fair Nicole Gans Linda & Ronald Grimm Meredith Heinle Laura Hussey Roz Keller Rebecca Lambel Carol Falkenthal Susan Garber Yonts Renee Grinnell Kathi Heinrici Marianne Hutchins Maria Kellerher Laura Lameris Janet & Bob Fallis Barbara & Stuart Jenny Gross Phyllis Helligas Linda Hutchison Barbara Kellogg M. Lancaster Hal Fallkner Garbutt Jacqueline & Michael Sue Hemmann Leisa Huyck Kevin & Christine Sylvia Landberg Laurel Paul Farnham Lauren Gardner Grossman Lisa Hemphill Meredith Hyland Kellogg Barbara Lane Margo Fassio Dixie Garrett Nina Grotin Eileen Henderson Anita Iglesias Casey Kelly Joelle Lane Marjorie Fay Thea Gast Missy Gruen Lori Hendrick & Mark Anna Imrem Jane Kelly Beth Laney Kathleen Fehely Tom Gast Marichu Grundman Minnick Tammy Inclan Kim Kelly Ken Lang P. Felden Jessica Gauthraux Suebah & Mark Esther Hendrix Doug Ingold Paul & Barbara Kelly Mary Lou Lange Michele Feldman Patrick Gavin Guderski Suzy & Richard Hendry Lucy Ingrey Anne Eaton Kemp Shana Langer Camille Fellion Cole Gayhearl Abbey Guest Deborah Henehan Jack Irvine, MD Kim Kemp Mary & Mark Langley Jeanette Fenske Lynn Geck-Moeller JoAnne & David Gurley Deborah Henry Caroline Isaacs Terry Kempe Jennifer Lariccia Dan Ferguson Mary Gelinas & Marilyn Gurnee Linda Henry Andrea Isaarson Lauri Kemper Christa Laririt Sandy Ferguson Roger James Emily Guthrie Martha & Mark Henry Donna Iverson Jeanie Kendall Jeff Larkim Eleanor Ferguson- Phylis Geller Debbie Gutierrez N. Henry Doug Jackson Virginia Kent Sydney & Mark Larson Marshalleck Nike Genolio Melinna Gyenis Bill Hensel Donna Jacob Jackie Kerr Jerome Latsko K. Ferris Janeen George Jeff Haag Sheila Heppe Emily Jacobs Sarah Kerr M. Lattka Richard Fichera Barbara Georgianna Alice Hackett Helen Herd & Emily Molly Jacobs Karen & James Kersey Sarah Lauderdale Erica Field Judy Geppert Mary & Steven Hackett Houck Hildy Jacobsen Joanne Kesser Carol Lauer Sherrie Fielder Edge Gerring Sharon Hafner Jean Heritage Arne Jacobson Bruce Kessler, MD Priscilla Laula Michael Finamore Luis Getter Lori Hagen Yvette Hernandez Joe James Midge Brown & Ginger Laurence Jenny Finch Beverly & Frank Judy Haggard Dianne Herndey Eva-Lynn Janson Kevin Patzkowsky Leslie Lauver Sarah Finestone Giacomini David Hall Gloria Herrera Nancy Jean Lorna Kidd Ann Lawlor Elizabeth Finger Mary Giardino Julie Hall Randy Herring Mary Lou Jensen Elisa Kilg Barbara Lawlor Melissa & John Finigan Evan Gibbs Marlene Hall Debra Herriott John Jerone Matina Kilkenny Mary Lawlor Mindi & Bruce Fisher Kay Gibbs Nancy Halliday Rick Hess Tisa Jewell Liz Killian Patti Lawson Virginia Fisher Sandy & Michael Gibbs R. Hallowell Tom Hessler Patricia & John Jewett Paula & Bob Killion Robert Lawton Deborah Fitzgerald Ulrike & Jurgen Giessel Chris Hamer John Hewston Nancy & Chris Jioras Suk Kim Kathy Layton Donna Fivecoat Josielyn Gilbaugh Ginger Hamilton Patricia Heyden Amy Johnson Todd Kincade Joan Lazzaro Alan Flaks Brenda Gilbert Justin Hamilton Debbie Hill Clay Johnson Jennifer Kincaid Sierra Leash Dan Fletcher Gay & Richard Gilchrist Chris Hammond Harriet Hill Debbie Johnson David Kindapp Aaron Lebow Tammy & Adam Flint Robert & Muriel Gill Margaret Hamnett Heather Hill Diane Johnson Deborah & Timothy Anna May Lee Steve Floray Bill Gilmer Rose Hanan Linda Hill Donna Johnson Kindley Barry Lee Morguine Flynn-Sousa Nancy Gilmore Ton Handgraaf Shirley Hillman Elizabeth Johnson Eleanor King Doug Lee C. Foley Guyier Gin Pat Handshy Nicole Hillyer Helen Johnson Michael King Monica Lee Jackie & Willard Foote Mitchell Glanz Fred Hanf Jim Hilton Jake Johnson Stephanie King- Mary & Joseph Bridgett Ford Alan Glaseroff, MD Audrey Hanks Sue Hilton Jennifer Johnson Hoffman Lee-Civalier Patricia Ford Molly Glasper Tim Hanlans Sharon Hiney Krista Johnson Robin & David Kinzer Kirsten Leeper Christine Foreman Melissa & Michael Glass Carol Anne Hansen Joyce Hinricks Martha & Robert Peggy & Bob Mary Leer Laurie Forman Maureen Glassman Mary Susan Hansen E. Hinson Johnson Kirkpatrick Rita & John Leeseman Marilyn Forsell Patty Glatfelter Sandra & Steven Mark Hinson Melanie & Ronald Pat Kish Kristine Legg Cindy Forsyth Lin Glen Hansen Kathy Hinz Johnson Lynn & David Kitchen Carolyn & Peter Lehman Barbara Fortier Eliz Glenhill Susan Hansen Dayoni Hisei-Bernard Pamm Johnson Marci Kitchen Rosyln Lehman Gregg & Elizabeth Linda Gleye Jennifer Hanson David Hitchcock Roberts Johnson Craig Klapman Syd Lehman Foster Ray Glover Mary Hanson Romi Hitchcock-Tinseth Rosalyn Johnson Joe Klein Francene Lema-Rizza Marcy Foster Kristi & Lenna Gochoel Cynthia Hardin Brian Hober Susan & Bob Johnson Andrew Klock Scott Lemmon Melissa Foster Louise Goff Edith Harmer Judy Hodgson Brenda Johnston Tina Kluch Susie Leo Jonathan Fovargie Barbara Goldberg Sandra Harmeyer Jackie Hogan Holly Johnston Sandra Klugel Lydia Leonardo Susan Fowler Sheba Goldstein Deborah Harmon Laura Holden Peter Johnstone Jeff & Karen Knapp Wendy Leonardo Mary Fowlkes-Wheetley Paula & Richard Anne Harris & Greg Holland April Jones Katy Knight Bonnie Lesley Marilyn Fox Golightly Jeanne Harris Rose Mary & Robert Caroline Jones Ethan Knox Bill Lester Kevin & Nicole Frank Donald Gollihue Mark Harris, DDS Hollinger Debra Jones Marianne Knox Laurie Levey Lauren Franklin Judy Gonzales Michele Harris Shelly Holstein Jeff Jones Alicia Knudson Dennis Lewis Philip Franklin Guadalupe Gonzalez Rosie Harris Alison Hong Jennifer Jones Carolee Koczko Holly Lewis Danny Franks Leigh Ann Goodale Debby Harrison Peter Horner Lynn Jones Marlena Kogel Kathy & William Fraser Ruth Goodfield Tammy Harrison Thad Horner Ruth Jones Renee Koher continued on next page Angie Frazier Brenna Goodman Debbie Hartman Vickie & Steve Horner Julie Jonte Sally & Roy Kortus Marny Freedma Lori Goodman Judy Hartman Kricket & Pat Horvath Tracy Jordan Sandra Freeman Jackie Harton Hillary Houck Marion Jorgensen SEPTEMBER 2007 | 13 Contributors...continued from page 13 Margaret Morris Barbara O’Neal Isabella & Robert Alex & Javan Reid Megan Moseby Janet O’Neill Phipps Ralph & Kristen Reiner Doris Liedt Barbara & Daniel Martin Madeline & David Eileen Mosher Patrick O’Neill Heather Piaza Karen Reiss Claudia Lima Christina & David McMurray Carol Moss Kristine Onstine Claire Piccinelli Charmayne Replogle Shelley Lima Martinek Carol McNeil Linda Mossman Julie Orlandi Marguerite Pierce Cedar Reuben Jack & Rita Limmer Josefina Martinez Suerie McNeill Sue & Archie Mossman Marilyn O’Rourke Gam Pierson Jessica Reynolds Donna Lin Rita Martinez Susan McPherson Betty Lee Mott Mike Orr Marci Pigg Cecelia Ricci Lorraine Lindley Val Martinez Patricia McWhorter Bobbie Mott Mary Orstad Deanna & John Karen Rice Dean Lindquist Yolanda Martinez Katie Me Leyna Mott Jan Ostrom Pimentel Mike Rice Garth Lindquist M. Marzalee Nancy Meadow Stephanie Moug Susan & Dennis Bet & Ken Pinkerton Joan Richards Janis Lindstrom John Mason Liana Medina Linda & Mark Mowrey O’Sullivan Mandy Pinkerton Judith Richards Marie Liscom Marti Mason Linda Medoff Nadine & Douglas Carolyn & Brooks Otis Linda Pirola Marie Richards Linda & Paul Liska Tia Massion Lynne Meece Moyer Julie Owens Robyn Pixley Glena Richardson Karen & Brian Lisko Barb Mateer Rhonda Meehan Virginia Moyer Kindrick Ownby Joyce Plath Jeff Richied Kelly Livingston Christine & Joseph Maria Meghan JoAnne Mulderig Vicki Ozaki O. Plocher Basha Richter Anne Llewellyn Mateer Pat Meglemre Fran Mulein Jenifer Pace Jennifer Pluta Richard Ridenhour Byrd Lochtie Portia & Dean Michael Mejers Jean Munsee Rosella & Robert Pace K. Poarch Patrick Riggs Yvette Logan Matheson Noelle Melchizedek & Maggie Murchie Jackie Pagano Lori & Stan Poff Madhavi Riley Sarah Lohmeier Mie Matsumoto & Rachel Borst Judy & Stanley Rob Page Ilene Poindexter Mary Lou Riley Patty & Jim Long Theodore Merz Pam Mendelsohn Murdock Tim & Marilyn Paik- Pete Poinseth David Rippner Connie Lorenzo Rhonda Matteoli Randy & Lisa Mendosa Elizabeth Murguia Nicely Brenda Pokres-Bishop Robert Rivello Martin Love Lori Matthews Cindy Merwin Maureen Murphy Cathy & David Paillin Thomas Polidore Sandra Roach Susan Lovelace Noah Matthews Bonnie Mesinger Susan Murphy Claudia Paliaga Kathy Poliforni Deborah Roberts Kale Low Laura Matthias Peggy Metzger Diana Murphy- Eliz Palmer Janet Pomerantz Lisa Roberts Travis Lowe Kate & Tom Mattis Mary Meyer Masterson Laura Palmer Patricia Ponnay M Roberts Joyce Lowrey Lina Mattson Ann Michelini Ed & Gayle Murray Peggy Palmer J. Pope Henry Robertson Sarah Lowry Leon Matyshock Karen Miclette Glenn Murray Libby Palmquist Susan Popenoe Michael Robitailie Casey Lu Willa Mauro Jeff Mielke Jean Murray Christina Paoli-Asbill Sharon Porchia- Mark Rochelean Karen Lu Jim Maxwell Lisa & John Mielke Paula Mushrush Sandi Paris Vollmers Carol Rode Natalie Lucas Bob & Barbara May Marsha Mielke Lisa Music Joanne Parkhurst Rebecca & Edward Lori Roecklein Linda Luchessi Louis Mayfield Laurel Milan Deborah Musick Douglas Parkinson Porteous Karen Roger Steve Ludwig Blaine Maynor Donna Milholland Claudia & Charles Myers Sue Parks Roseann Potter Lauren Rogers Kim Luis Jacqueline Mayrand Audrey Miller Madeline Myers Shawnater Parns Mike Pottinger Stacy Rogers Joy Lund Donna Mays Carolyn Miller Marilyn Myrich Gina Parrott Beth Powell Claire Rombalski Lisa Lund-Valdez Sue Mazur Don Miller Beverly Nachem Patricia Parsons Glenn & Vickie Powell Carolyn Roscoe-Clark Caroline Luscombe Claire McAdams Elisa Miller Mary & Sherif Nada Gerald Partain Pam Powell Erika Rose Robynne Lute Stephanie & Robert Elizabeth & Harold Nicole Nada Peggy & George Sarah Powell Jolene Rose Rachel Lyon McAfee Miller Louise NaDean Patmore Judd Powers Lauri Rose Trish Lyons Debra & Robert McBeth Karen Miller Christy Naegele Jean Paulson Marguerite & Cap Erika Rosenberg Bonnie Mac Evoy Erin McBride Kate Miller Kurt Naegele Darien Payne Powers Sonja Roseth John Mac Evoy Sherry McBride Lisa Miller Ken Nakamura & Kelly Pearson Janice Pozder Brett Roslosnik Joyce MacCallum Sonia McBride Lorna & Donald Miller Jennifer Ninnis Barbara Peavey Debbie Prescott Janine Ross Susan MacCharles Brenda McBroome Mary Miller Jack & Wynona Nash Debra Pecaut Bob Pretzel Kendra Ross Sandy Macfarlan Michele McCall-Wallace Shirley Miller Sandy Neal Darlene Peck Virginia & John Prince Sheila Ross Barbara MacGregor Janet McCarthy Lorraine Miller-Wolf Fred Neighbor Jeanne Peffley Brian & Becky Pritchard Tim Ross Sandy Mack Dru McCasland Elsworth Milligoss Daurine Nell Sophie Pelajique Michael & Paula Amy Rotting Wayne & Sandra Mack Mac McClary T. Mills Eric & Martha Nelson Vincent Peloso Proctor Wendy Rowan Tina Mackenzie Bill McClender Virginia Mills Sharon Nelson Jay Peltz Peter Profant Bill Rowe Barbara Madaras Rinda & Don McClure Rosemarie & Walter Mary & Kaia Nesset Cindy Pemberton Carole Punnamkuzhyil Jan Rowen Mary Ann Madej Jill & Eric McClure Millsap Phoebe Netzow Conny Pena-Martin Elan Puno Carla Rowland Rose Madrone Dee McClvng Sarah & Jack Millsap Gwen Neu Marianne Pennekamp Karen Purcell Nita Rowley Kathy Madsen Debbie McCollister Jane & Michael Minor Amy Neukon Gena Pennington, MD Susie Purcell Shala Rubay Lyn Maffei Diana McConnel Jim Miranda Debra Newell Carmen & Jim Peoples Patti Puzin Rachel Rue Lu Magnuson Marilyn McCormick Shelley Mitchell & Martha Newell-Johnson Nancy Peoples Riley Quarles Bill Ruff Shea Mahoney Judy McCrone Fox Olson Kate & Robert Newman Kristine Pepper Jose Quezada Catalina Ruiz Suni & Kiva Mahoney Jeremy McCullough Diana & John Mogel, Jill Nichols Linda Pereira Allie Quick Pam Runyon Ellen Mahoney, MD Ninon McCullough MD Deborah Nielsen Mag Pereira Melody Quiggle Becky Rupp Lynne Mahony Lynda McDevitt Ariana Moise Roy Niles Julie Perry Sheri Quigley Linda Rush Kathy Major Mandi McDowell Dorothy Molofsky Eric Noak Andrea & Matthew Dana Quillman Joseph Russavage Anna Malcomson Laura McEwen Carol Monet Rosemary Noel Pesenti M. Quintana Carolyn Ruth Mary Mallikin Carol McFarland Jonell & Jack Monschke Nancy Noll Jacqueline & John Laurie Quintrell Fern Ryan Mary Maloney Karen McFarland Cleone & Thomas Nick Nossaman Petersen Sharon Rabago Susan & Thomas Kathleen Manaktala Marta McGary Monson L. Nowak Melinda Petersen Teresa Rajas Rydz. MD Sarah Maninger Janet McGinn Kathy Montague Jan Nudoi Debbie Peterson Naseem Rakha Suzanne & Samuel Rye Gwen Mansbridge Allison McGonagle Robin Montgomery Michael O Keefe Don Peterson Patricia Raleigh Kelly Sachs Jean Mansel Anita & Dale McGrew Ellen Moody Allison Oakland Eleanor Peterson Sara Ramirez Jennifer Saffen Bonnie & Gregory Roxanne McGuire Carl Moon Jenny Oaks Gayle Peterson Robert Ranblew Barbara & Charles Sage Mantel Penelope McIntosh Erin Mooney Megan O’Connor Janice Peterson Terry Randall Lisa Salas Barbara Marchi Bobbie McKay Jillian Mooney Marianne Odisio Jennifer & Mike Emily Ransom Karin Salzmann Ana Marena Mildred McKeever C. Moore Anne Odom Peterson Susan & Kerry Cindy Samel Joe Marenghi Nancy McKeever Greg Moore Grant Oestreich Linda & Bob Peterson Rasmussen Susan Sampson Nancy Marie Mike McKellar Jack Moore Barbara & Chet Ogan Lisa Peterson Linda & David Ravetti Ron Samuels Carol Markgraf Robin McKenny Joy & William Moore Gillian Oglesby Margaret & David Renee Rawski Aaron Sandahl Marilyn Markie Maya McKenzie Katrina Moore Jannez O’Hare-Wade Peterson Nonjua Ray Mona Sanders Sharyn Marks Scott McKenzie Kemset Moore Amy O’Herron Marilyn & Ron Peterson Terry William Raymer, Robert Sanders Maryanne Markus Patti McKie Melissa Moore Leo & MaryJo Ohnemus Susan Peterson MD Sheryl Sandige Linda & Tom Marlow Jessica McKnight Shirley Moore Julie Ohnemus, MD Joe Petricca Sharon Read Jennifer Sandoval Mandy & Mark Marquez Pam McKnight Tam Moore Felicia Oldfather Tara Pfaff Chris Reed Darlene Santner Denise & Robert Susan McLeod Carol Ann Moorhead & Sarah O’Leary Ingrid Pfeiffer Cori & David Reed Rick Saria Marshall Barbara & Thomas Luke George Cindy Olsen Howard Phan Debby Reed Betty Sasaki Joseph Marsn McMahon Pat Morales Thomas Olsen Gary & Kathy Philip Delores Reeves Jennifer Savage June McMahon Pixie Moreno Edward Olsgard. MD Dianne & Ritchie Marion Reeves Teri & John Saveliff Bill Morrill Carrie Olson Phillips Sabel Regalia Chad Savereign Marta Morrill Jim Olson Melissa Phillips Sally & Michael Regli Polly & Rob Savoie Jon Omey Cathy Phillis Susan Rehg Rob Savoie 14 | CALL OF THE AMAZONS Bill Morris Teresa Sawatzkey Emily Silver Polly Stemwedel Carolynn Thomas Carol VanderMeer Ted Weller Chris Wnollee Dawn Saxton Bruce & Leslie Silvey Scott & Grace Sterner John Thomas Sharon Vanderpas Lynn Wellman Stacy Wolf Loralei Saylor Paul Simas Corey Stevens Joy Thomas & VanSpeybroeck Family David Wells Connie Wolfe Sheri Schaal Kathleen & Glenn Nancy Stevens Stephen Sottong Fund Lynne Wells Robin & Len Wolff Debra Schaefer Simmons James Stevenson Messina Thomas Jeanne Vaudiau Pat Wells Bob & Adrienne Wolf- Rebecca Schaich Julie Simpson Connie Stewart Patricia Thomas J. Vaudicea Berti Welty Lockett Judith Schamberg Hayley Sirrine Patty Stewart Sue Thomas Paulette & Joseph Davia Wender Mary Beth Wolford Amy Schectman Lorna Skrine Paula Stewart Barb & Rob Thompson Vecchio Carmela & Pat Wenger Connie Wolfsen Iris Schencke MaryAnn Slack Joyce Stigter Brad Thompson Maggie Velinova-Hipp Eileen Weppner Jackie Wood Sharon Schenton Eric Sligh Alex Stillman Claudia Thompson Holly & Ronald Vetter Carol & Geoff Werronen Sherry Wood Carol & Les Scher Chris Smalley Eleanor Stone Darline Thompson Janice Vicine Christine West Carol Woods Noah Schiller Susie & Mark Smelser Kerri & Christopher R.E. Thompson Ryan Voddon Marla & Bob West Christopher Woods Erich Schimps Ben Smith Stone Rob Thompson Kathleen & Philip Ted Westerhold Tami Woods Laurie Schlichting Earle Smith P.M. Strepy Robbie Thompson Vogelsang, MD Karen Westjohn Allan & Becky Larry Schlossler Eric Smith Becky Strickland Yvonne Thompson Pam VonMeter Jennifer West-Junkin Woodworth Anne Schmit Janet Smith Kathleen Strickland Patricia & Dale Jessica Vook Bobbi & Jeff Westman Wendy Woodworth L. Schnyder Liz Smith Richard Stringham Thornburgh Nezzie Wade Katie Wheeler Tressie Word Steven Schonfeld Lynn Smith Helen Stromberg Denise Thornton Jean Wagner Marguerite Wheeler Elena Worley Casey Schuetzle Melody Smith S. Stutzer-Smith Kay Thornton-Fitts Jaffa Wahlberg Mary & Mike Wheeler Audrey Worthen Sonya Schultze Pam Smith Ann Sullivan Laurene Thorpe Jake Wahlberg Nancy & Joe Wheeler Amy & Jeff Wright Lawana & Kelly Schulz Pat Smith C. Sullivan Marcy Tilton Cecelia & Orson Robine Wheeler Donny & Deanna Evan Schwartz Robin Smith Lia Sullivan Cynthia Timek Waldron Elsie Whitchurch Wright Jeffrey Schwartz Rosemary Smith Linda Sundberg Kathy Timmerman Jackie Wales Anna White Jay Wright Mercedes Scoles Toni & Robert Smith Linda & Fred Terri Tinkham Ceci Walken Sam White Jenny Wrye David & Theresa Scott Tracy Smith Sundquist Rick & Terra Tolley Jamie Walker Katie Whiteside Lan Sing Wu Dora Scott Bonnie & Jeffrey Sara Sunstein Anna Tomasini Kerry & David Walker Dan Whitmore Bai Xiong Mary Scott Smoller Hannah Surbaugh Phyllis Tomich Linda Walker Sheri Whitt Jan Yaeger Meaghan Scott Orleen Smukler Nina Surbaugh Larisa & Hai Tong Jaime Walking Bob Wick Maureen Yarnall Rita Scott-York Judith Smultea Gayle Susan Lorelie Tonko Ashley Wall Janet & Bill Wickman Jolene Yeager Sunni Scrivner Cynthia Smurr Kim Sutlon Daria Topousis Linda Wall Mary Wilbur Erin Yeardley Nan Sea Stilson Snow Brenda Sutter James Torres Catherine Walling Dick & Lois Wild Jillian Yerby Gretchen Sears Chuck Snowden Cindi & Robert Sutter Matthew Tortes Barbara Walser Marty Wilde Danielle Yerman Judy Sears Keith Snow-Flamen Paulette Suzanne Johnna Townsend Susan & Robert Walsh Barbara Wilkinson Paula Yoou Sue Seaters Judie Snyder Patsy Svarvari Martha Traphagen Jeff Walters Renae & Robert Will Jenny Young Robert Seber Cynthia & Michael Betty Sweaney Linda Treadwell Crystal Wansick Jenny Williams Joe Young Isabelle Secondo Solinsky Heather Sweet Rachel Trevino Diane Ward Jim Williams Nathan Young Eleanor Seeley Janet Sonntag Holly Sweet Anita Trigerro Iris Ward Patricia & Kevin Vikki Young Mara Segal Robert Sonntag Mary Jo Sweeters Julie & Glenn Trimmer Yvonne Ward Williams Keri Younger Margriet Seinen Sam Sonntag Dorothy Swendeman Christine Triska Alison Ware Rachel Williams Joseph Zamboni Pat Self Selma Sonntag Kerry Swenson Cindy Trobitz-Thomas Chris Warren Sally Williams Thomas Zang Debbie Sellman Loretta Sorensen Linda Swinney Kirsten & Marvin Susan Wartburg Sarah Williamson Philip Zastrow Wade & Cindy Semore Bev Sousa Helen & James Swortzel Trump Joan & Michael Judy Willis Kathleen & Michael Patty Sennott Janice Sousa Rochelle Syphert Pat Tucci Watanabe Clover & Matt Willison Zeppegno Jess Servin Elizabeth Souza Terry Szwed Jennifer Turley Bette Watkins Rick Willits Monika Zerazn Julie & James Sessa Martha Sovereign Rebecca Tanenhaus Elaine Turner Betsy Watson Deborah Willoughby Jana Zerlang R. Severson Tonja Speed Benjamin Tankersley Jackie & Lee Turner Deborah Watson Lanetta & Gary Wilsey George & Rosemary Judy Shaffer Lisa Spellenberg Frances & Timothy Jan Turner Gwen Watson Carolyn Wilson Zettler Irith Shalmony Cory Spencer, MD Tanner Sara Turner Harriet Watson & Chas Wilson Rebecca Zettler & Mary Shanahan Hermann Spetzler Mari & Peter Tardiff Sharon Tuttle Brian Lovell Cindy Wilson Kit Mann Kim Shank Loretta Speziale Wanda & Steve Tardy William Tuttle Pattie Watson Darlene Wilson Pam Zeutenhorst Amy Shannon Ann Sponsler Michael Tarski S. Tyhurst Connie Weaver Mari & Craig Wilson Suzi Ziegenbein Mike Shapino N Spruance Barbara Taubitz D. Tyndall Maylor Weaver Melinda Wilson Gretchen Ziegler Sherman Shapiro Leann Spurlock Alberta Taylor Erika Upton Alene & Ronnie Webb Sarah Wilson Melissa & Bill Zielinski Ron Sharp Adriane St. Clare Donna Taylor Carol Urban M.C. Webster Christine Winfy Kay Ziels Diane Sharples Melinda & Ronald Stahl Michael Taylor Aiko & Ed Uyeki Kate Wedll Michael Winkler Suzanne Ziemer Tim Sheppard Tommie Stanley Pat & Ken Taylor Terry Uyeki Stephanie Wegnecs Sharon Winnett Patricia Zimpelmann Karen Sherman Betsy & Michael Robin Teegarden Jeff Vahldick William Weiderman, MD A. Burgundy Mary Zinselmeir Alicia Shewmaker Stapleton Brian Teitelbaum Peggy Valadao Thomas & Dianne Winningham Rita Zito Jayne Shor Nancy Starck Joan Ann Tempas Catherine Valentine Weisend Wendy Winsted Rachel Zollner Nancy Short Linda Starlin Eleanore & Todd Rose Valentine Anne Weiss Janet Winzler Brenda Zwiefelhofer Frank Shoughney Tory Starr Tennyson Jean Van Bonn Diane & Barry Welch Ronda Wittenberg Lisa Zyrek ™ Brittany Showalter Rebecca Stauffer Naja Tepe Cindy & Bob Van Fleet Ross Welch Terri Sible Shelley Stedman Curt Terribilini Peter & Anita Peggy Welker Gretchen Sidlow Kathleen Steele Cindy Terry Van Fleet Sherri Siegel Michael & Gaylene Dolores Terry Denise Vanden Bos Mark Siemens Steinberg Charie Terry-Paulish Laura & Peter Vander Our Funders Cheri Sigman Julie Steiner Dianna Thiel Meer California Breast Cancer Research Paul Silva Sheryl Steiner Lynn & Cliff Thiesen Leslie Vander Molen Idia Silveira Barbara & Jerry Stelz Judy Thode Jim Vandergriff Program The California Endowment California Wellness Foundation With deep gratitude and appreciation, we thank the following businesses and service Green Diamond Resource Company organizations who made contributions to HCBHP from May 19, 2007 - July 27, 2007. Humboldt Area Foundation Apex North Four on the Floor Theater Company Security Store Richard and Emily Levin Foundation Bank of America Harper Motors Simply Macintosh Melvin & Grace McLean Foundation Coast Central Credit Union Kahish’s Catch Sun Valley Floral Farms Curves Arcata Moonrise Herbs United Methodist Women Safeway Foundation Eureka Floor Carpet One Pierson Building Center V & N Burger Bar St. Joseph Hospital Foundation Union Labor Health Foundation

Included in the lists above wereIn donations Honor made in the beloved memory of Louanne Farrell and Janice Slack. SEPTEMBER 2007 | 15 Calendar of Programs & Events All HCBHP programs are free of charge. Special Events Support Groups Face to Face Arcata Breast Cancer Support Group (formerly called MD Open House) 1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month, 6:00-7:30 p.m. November 1, 2007, 5:00-6:00 p.m. at HCBHP Fortuna Breast Cancer Support Group Hosted by Ellen Mahoney, MD, 1st Saturday of the month, 10:00-11:30 a.m. Breast Medicine Specialist Advanced Disease Support Group HCBHP Rummage Sale Fundraiser Mondays, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. September 15 & 16, 2007 Gynecologic Cancer Support Group 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at HCBHP 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 3:00-4:30 p.m. Furniture, books, clothes, tools, bake sale & more! Guys' Night Support Group Fall Recital For men whose partners have cancer. Circle of Caring — A Musical Celebration 1st and 3rd Mondays, 6:00-7:30 p.m. Saturday, October 20, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. Amazon Writers Fulkerson Recital Hall, HSU No experience necessary. Drop-ins welcome! A magical evening of music plus a gourmet reception. 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 2:00-4:00 p.m. Tickets $20. See p. 15 for more information. The meeting times of these groups may change. Please call (707) 825-8345 to confirm or to add your name to Support Sales for Survivors during September & our support group reminder call list. All groups are held at the October! See insert with calendar inside. Project office except the Fotuna Support Group.

Humboldt Community NONPROFIT ORG. Breast Health Project U.S. POSTAGE PAID 987 8th Street PERMIT NO. 347 Arcata, CA 95521 (707) 825-8345 phone ARCATA, CA 95521 (877) 422-4776 toll-free (707) 825-8384 fax www.hcbhp.org

HCBHP Hours: Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Evenings by appointment

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September is National Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Support Sales for Survivors in September & October! See insert inside.