TBBCF Newsletter 2008 Spring Edition

To be held Saturday, October 4, starting at Saybrook Point and ending at Harkness Park in Waterford, with every penny raised going directly to breast cancer research.

The 2008 Walk Across Southeastern Connecticut is new and improved. Organizers are pleased to announce that they will continue the traditional marathon walk - but with new fundraising goals - and are offering more options to entice more walkers this year:

A two-person relay, with each participant walking approximately 12 miles to 15 miles of the marathon route, and raising a minimum of $250 each.

A five-person relay, with each team participant walking approximately 5 miles to 6 miles, and raising a minimum of $200 each.

And the traditional 26.2-mile walk marathon, with each participant raising a new minimum this year - $500 each. In the past two years, more than 270 walkers have completed the marathon and helped to raise more than $700,000 for breast cancer research.

The goal is simple. To attract more walkers and raise more money! With more funding for researchers there is the opportunity to find medications to stem the wrath of Stage IV breast cancer, or possibly to eradicate it in our lifetimes.

So, the more sneakers on the street on October 4, the more money for breast cancer researchers.

Walk Options for 2008

Participating on a relay team is a great way to enhance your walk experience. Your teammates will help prepare you, push you, and cheer you on. Together, your relay team will form a force greater than that which you could accomplish on your own. Members of two-person relay teams are required to walk 12 miles to 15 miles and raise a minimum of $250 each, while members of five-person relay teams are required to walk 5 miles to 6 miles and raise a minimum of $200 each.
If you're out for endurance and choose to participate in the marathon walk, you'll be required to raise a minimum of $500. Walking 26.2 miles is a tremendous challenge and once you accomplish it, along with raising valuable funds for breast cancer research, you'll know why so many marathoners think they are invincible.

Why the Changes?

Training to walk a full marathon is a commitment that not everyone can do. Others have accomplished a marathon but can't do it again. And although our alumni walkers have averaged $1,800 each in fund-raising efforts, it's difficult to commit to a $1,000 fund-raising goal. The foundation recognizes these challenges and thanks our supporters for ongoing feedback and a healthy response to the walk survey. As a result, the Walk Across Southeastern CT is now new and improved.

Thanks to these changes, we're expecting to see more walkers from 2006 and 2007 return this year, as well as friends who said, "I could never do it." Well, now you can!

Why it's Still Great!

There may be some transformations to the Walk Across Southeastern CT, but be assured that one thing has not changed - 100 percent of total gross fund-raising dollars will be directed towards breast cancer research.

Plus, as a participant you'll still be provided with all the resources to help you succeed including training schedules, organized volunteer-led group walks and fundraising support.

Sign-up Today

Spread the word. Mark October 4 as a "save the date" on your calendar. Tell your friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family. There's an option for everyone (including you!) to participate in the Walk Across Southeastern CT this year.

Register early to maximize your training, fundraising and total experience. Not only will you embark on a physical journey through the lovely coastal towns of southeastern Connecticut, you will also embark on a journey of self-fulfillment, camaraderie, and unification in the fight against breast cancer.

It is a Phenomenal Accomplishment, if We Do Say so Ourselves

In just two years, our fledgling non-profit organization, the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation, has awarded $700,000 directly to breast cancer researchers. Money raised is almost immediately handed over to scientists closing in on a cure for breast cancer. Every nickel of what is raised is allocated to research.

In our inaugural year, 2006, the foundation raised over $300,000 through various activities, most notably our Walk across Southeastern Connecticut. TBBCF awarded three of those grants January 2007, a fourth grant for an additional $100,000 was awarded June 2007. The awards were based on applications received in 2006.

The second year was equally successful. In January, the foundation awarded another $300,000 in separate $100,000 grants to three different researchers.

In a recent communication to the foundation's board of directors, Dr. Nicholas Saccomano, chairman of the TBBCF Scientific Advisory Committee, sought approval of three more candidates for the 2007 awards.

These individuals were selected from a pool of 17 outstanding potential fellows. Their pre-selection was based on the:

scientific quality of their proposal,

benefit to breast cancer research and

contribution to the good and betterment of the foundation.

The Scientific Advisory Board's recommendation was to fund the top three candidates and if funding later permits, support a fourth candidate as well. Dr. Saccomano stressed the candidates this year were of uniformly high quality. He noted that while we seem to be concentrating fellowships in a few institutions, the Scientific Advisory Committee sees no issue with this pattern in the early days given the quality of the institutions as well as the added evident benefit of earning name recognition among a very select cohort of researchers.

On Jan. 31, the foundation board named the 2007 Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation research grant recipients. They are:

Sibgat Choudhury, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Harvard Medical Center and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Dr. Choudhury would like to progress his current research project from where it is now all the way through to potential drug discovery programs. He is passionate about cures and how the study of putative mammary precursor cells resident in breast tissue can give forward clues. Specifically, the proposal aspires to derive knowledge that may lead to curative or preventative treatment in the future.

Kristen Fertuck Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Dr Fertuck is a cell biologist studying estrogen receptor signaling in a premier laboratory guided by Myles Brown. Dr. Fertuck's professional goals are to continue academic research, instruction and plans; and to continue to study aspect of nuclear hormone receptor biology as it pertains to transformation and malignancy. Her proposal is exciting as it seeks to better understand the epigenetic factors that drive estrogen dependent tumors. An advance here would be meaningful in terms of future treatment discovery efforts.

Hanna Irie, M.D., Ph.D.
Clinical and Research Fellow, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical Center Instructor in Medicine and Cell Biology
Dr. Irie has shown a deep commitment to patients as a physician scientist through both her research as well as her advocacy. She is using well advanced technologies to understand critical biological pathways that play a role in cancer cell survival and metastasis. She will pursue a career as a physician/scientist and will continue her research begun at DFCI to its logical conclusion.

The Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation identified and awarded seven grants in the amount of $700,000 to seven promising researchers in Years One and Two of operation. The research grant recipients were showcased as the successful culmination of 2006 and 2007. Click here for complete biographies for each grant recipient.

Message from the President
by Sandy Maniscalco

Tim Brodeur hugs son, Sean
At the heart of the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation is the grassroots group of volunteers who have worked tirelessly to keep Norma Logan's promise to raise money for breast cancer research alive and well. Tim Brodeur was a beloved member of that group.

I was on vacation in Florida when I received the news that Tim had taken his life. My husband and I spent the rest of the day pacing back and forth mumbling over and over, "Tim what have you done?" The reality is that no one has the answer to that question. The one thing I do know for certain is that Tim Brodeur was a good guy.

I never met Terri Brodeur. And before her passing, I didn't really know Tim that well though he was one of my husband's Pfizer friends. But once Norma and Tim agreed that Terri would become the namesake for our new non-profit breast cancer foundation, it was then Tim and I became Foundation friends.

Losing Terri (October 2005) and Norma (April 2006) within a six month period resulted in unimaginable pain. But somehow that pain propelled Norma's grassroots volunteers to action. Her band of volunteers included Tim, Terri's sister Michelle Sottile Hoyt, Norma's sister, Geralyn McPhail and Norma's sister-in-law, Jean Logan.

Tim worked tirelessly in that first year taking on major responsibilities for the inaugural walking marathon and other 2006 fundraisers. Often silent, he stood by us as we faced the world with Norma's message of hope. Tim hosted a fundraiser "One Magical Night". It was a huge success! He did speak at this "sold-out" event mostly paying tribute to our founder, Norma, and through a musical montage about Norma which he produced himself.

In the second year, I thought Tim seemed less sad but a little more distant. Tim's good friend and fellow Foundation Board of Directors' (BOD) member, Stephen Sheehan, explained to me that the Tim we saw at Foundation events was not the Tim he knew in other settings. The Foundation work was a constant reminder to Tim of all he had lost. Still, Tim took on major responsibilities as a board member and team captain for the 2007 walk.

Tim was central to the Foundation and he will be sorely missed. He made significant contributions in the formative days of this great organization. It is with great gratitude I remember Tim for sharing himself and the story of Terri, who continues to inspire and motivate people to join the fight against breast cancer.

Thank You to our 2007 Sponsors and Donors

The Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation (TBBCF) believes every breast cancer patient deserves life-saving and life-enhancing treatment options. We promote that belief through our promise: 100% of every donated dollar is directed to research.

Corporate sponsors play a critical role in helping to achieve the goals of TBBCF by providing critical financial support to cover administrative costs and fundraising event expenses. TBBCF is grateful for the involvement of our corporate sponsors in helping us keep our promise.

In addition to our sponsors, there are also a large number of businesses and organizations who have supported us through the donation of goods or by hosting fundraising events on our behalf.

We hope you will review the list of 2007 sponsors and donors and consider patronizing these great organizations throughout the coming year!

Thank you Alpha Imaging, AT&T, Ed Bartelli Inc, Blu-Prints Unlimited, Carlin Contracting Company Inc, Kostin Ruffkess & Company Lawrence and Memorial Hospital, Minuteman Press, Mohegan Sun, Mystic Army Navy Store, Old Saybrook High School, Outback Steak House, Pfizer Inc, Saybrook Point Inn, Surety Company of the Pacific, The Day and The Logan Family.
2007 Donation List
Thank you to all the individuals and businesses for the donation of goods and time over the past year.
Angel Haven
Attawan Beach Association
bellaPerlina
BJ's Wholesale Club
Black Hall Club Golf Tournament
Blue Man Group
Bob's Discount Furniture
Coca-Cola of Southeastern NE
Coffee's Country Market
Copper Beach Inn
CVS Pharmacy, Groton
d.d.Nickel Make-up
David E. Moskow, D.M.D
Dawn & Tom Trombley
East Lyme Middle School Students
Essex Board of Trade, Paint the Town Pink
Essex Television Group Inc
Fat Betty
Flanders Fish Market
Foxwoods Resort
Fripperies
Garde Arts Center
General Woodcraft
Great Harvest Bread Co
Harp and Hound LLC
High Times
Independent Electronics & Communications
Jo Malone Fragrances
Johnny & the East Coast Rockers
Johnson Controls Inc.
Lake Compounce Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale
Liv's Oyster Bar
Magical Memories
Majestic Jewelers
Mermaid Inn of Mystic
Morning Glories Floral Design & Pottery
NASCAR
NIZA
Norwich Inn & Spa
Old Lyme Country Club Golf Tournament
Old Lyme High School Students
Old Saybrook High School Students
Old Saybrook Parks & Recreation Department
Old Saybrook Police Department
OSKA
Palumbo's Automotive Unlimited
Penny Lane Pub
Pepsi Bottling Group
River Tavern Dinners at the Farm
RiverGods
Riverview Wellness
S & P Oyster Company
Sam's Club
Saybrook Point Inn
Scott's Orchard Farm Market
Scrapbook Clubhouse
Shipman's Fire Equipment Company
Tumbleweeds for Cookin at McCooks
Wal-Mart, Waterford
Waterford High School Tennis Team
Why Ever Not

Thank you to the organizations and individuals who conducted fundraisers our behalf of TBBCF

May 25 - Old Saybrook High School Sixth Annual Walk to Cure Cancer chaired by Old Saybrook High School Seniors: Lizah Carey and Jack Gallagher
May 26 - Waterford High School Tennis Tournament
June 19 - Old Lyme High School fundraiser in conjunction with the regional lacrosse team season. Fundraisers were Old Lyme High School Seniors: KC Risom and Ashley Miller
June 24 Stash's Café Band Bash
June 30 through August 7 - Cookin at McCooks Tuesday Night Summer Concert Series
July 11 - Black Hall Country Club Golf Tournament
July 26 - Old Lyme Country Club Golf Tournament
August 31 - Dinners at the Farm at Mt Archer Farm, Lyme, CT
September 17 - Dinner at Liv's Oyster Bar
September 19 - Evening of Shopping in Madison hosted by bellaPerlina, Jo Malone Fragrances and d.d.Nickel Make-up Studio to benefit Brest Buds of the Shoreline Walk Across Southeastern Connecticut Walkers
September 19-23 - Girls Night The Musical at the Garde Arts Center
September 29 - First East Lyme Middle School Walk-a-Thon for Cancer Research "Finding a Solution to Cancer As We Find Solutions in Math"
September 29 - Magical Memories and Scrapbook Clubhouse scrappink events.
September 30 - Car Wash at Palumbo's Automotive Unlimited in Guilford to benefit Brest Buds of the Shoreline Walk across Southeastern Connecticut Walkers
October 1-31 - Essex Board of Trade Paint the Town Pink
October 18 - Survivors in Fashion Show, featuring TBBCF's own Marcie Brensilver, at the Fox Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino.
October 25 - J. McLaughlin A Day of Pretty in Pink
October 25-27 - Waterford High School WaterforDrama presentation of the Odd Couple, Female Version

The 2008 sponsorship program has expanded to include additional levels of sponsors. If you or your organization, club, or school is interested in becoming a sponsor or donor, or organizing a fundraiser on behalf of TBBCF, contact tbbcf@sbcglobal.net .

Walk Experience Inspires Emmy Nominated Songwriter

Walker and Emmy Nominated Songwriter, Jill Gaudelli (left), is pictured with Brest Buds teammates, Karen Hersher (center) and Catie Canetti (left)
Jill Gaudelli is a very talented pianist and Emmy nominated songwriter. She is also a marathoner who participated in the 2007 Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation Walk Across Southeastern CT in support of Melissa Burns and her Brest Buds teammates and in honor of all breast cancer survivors.
Jill was so moved by her October 6 Walk experience, she was inspired to write a song. "I feel very blessed to have the ability to express myself through music. I have been writing songs for a very long time and it really gives me great pleasure for people to hear and enjoy my music. I have always felt that music can affect people very deeply, and my hope is that this song will inspire others to help and support women who are fighting and living through the battle of Breast Cancer."
Jill has been writing and performing children's music for the last 13 years. She has written and produced over ten children's CDs. Her catchy tunes have proven to be an enormous success amongst her target audience, motivating a wide range of kids to sing and dance along. She is currently producing a series of music videos aimed at school age children (grades preschool to 4) that address the very serious growing problem among children in the U.S. in which one out of every four children is obese and lack a healthy lifestyle.
Jill is the mother of two school age children. "My two girls, Reese (age 5) and Jordan (age 16), are the most important and precious gifts in my life."
Click here to listen to Jill's song, "Believe", recorded by artist Emily Burr, as it accompanies the video montage of the 2007 Walk Across Southeastern Connecticut created especially for us by Shawn Stiles.

"Believe" Lyrics:
You made it!
You kept in stride
You were never alone

Tomorrow, you'll feel some pain
but your heart will know
You kept the pace
it's not a race
but you've WON
Did you laugh?
Did you cry?
Did you learn?
Did you try?

Did you trust?
Did you need?
Did you heal?
Did you believe?
Together, we will win this fight
with every step we take
Never give up
Keep your strength
and walk on
Did you hope?
Did you pray?
did you dream?
Did you change?
Did you battle?
were you weak?
Did you fight?
Did you believe?

Bowerbird Gift Wrap Program

The Bowerbird in Old Lyme has selected the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation as the recipient of the proceeds from their 2008 gift-wrap program. The program runs from November 1, 2007 through October 31, 2008.

The Bowerbird charges a nominal fee for gift-wrapping purchases and then donates 50% to local non-profit organizations. They recently wrapped up their 2007 gift-wrapping campaign to raise funds for the Estuary Council of Seniors based in Old Saybrook and the Alzheimer Assn; CT Chapter. Each organization was presented with a check in the amount of $2819. In the past fourteen years, The Bowerbird has donated over $40,000.00 to 20 local non- profits.

Pictured presenting the 2006-07checks are from L-R Paula Ferrara, Executive Director for the Estuary Council of Seniors, Connie Cliffe; Pres. of the Board ; Chris Kitchings, Jennifer Torgersen co-owners of The Bowerbird, and Pam Howard, Development Director for the Alzheimer's Association.

bellaPerlina Special Edition Breast Cancer Bracelet and Lariat

bellaPerlina is the creation of Andrea Panullo and Betsy Drake Turner. Together they design and create individual jewelry pieces on site.

Their love of color and design in combination with the privilege of being a part of the thriving small town retail community of Madison, Connecticut, allows Andrea and Betsy to continue to provide distinctive affordable jewelry to an ever growing and ever discriminating clientele.

They have designed a bracelet and lariat in support of Brest Buds of the Shoreline in their Walk across Southeastern Connecticut. The bracelet is $40 and the lariat is $65. Andrea and Betsy will donate 30% of the sales from these special edition pieces to the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation.

bellaPerlina | 673 Boston Post Road | Madison, CT 06443 | (203) 245.4850 | www.bellaperlinajewelry.com

BJ's Wholesale Club Special Membership Offer

BJ's Wholesale Club is offering four great reasons to join or renew your current membership!

Get $10 off their $45 annual membership fee
Receive an additional three (3) months of free membership (if you are a current member, BJ's will add 15 months to your current expiration date)
Receive a free second membership card for a household member
PLUS BJ's will donate $5 of your membership fee to The Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation.

Click here for your application and here for a printable flyer

If you are a new member, BJ's will send you a temporary pass until you receive your card. Applications will be delivered to BJ's every two weeks. You should receive your card within 3-4 weeks of BJ's receipt of your application.

This offer is not valid online or at any BJ's Club location. Cash is not accepted. Please make checks out to BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc.

TBBCF is a nonprofit group dedicated to providing critical funding to researchers in search of a cure for breast cancer. Our pledge is to direct 100 percent of total gross fundraising dollars toward breast cancer research.