TBBCF Newsletter 2008 Autumn Edition

The Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation (TBBCF) is pleased to announce that the annual fundraiser, Walk Across Southeastern Connecticut, nearly tripled its participation base. On Saturday, October 4th over 400 walkers participated in the walking marathon and relay from Old Saybrook to Waterford, CT. Plus, with the tremendous fundraising efforts of this year's walkers, the total foundation fundraising dollars since 2006 is approaching $1 million.

The walk was completed by individuals walking the 26.2-mile marathon and by teams of two or five, dividing the distance between team members with each walker raising funds for breast cancer research.

"We are thrilled with the response. This year we changed the format of the event to include relay teams which certainly contributed to the expansion in participation," said Sandy Maniscalco, Co-founder and Executive Director of TBBCF.

The walk began at Saybrook Point and traveled through Old Saybrook, Old Lyme, East Lyme and Waterford, ending at Camp Harkness with a closing ceremonies celebration. The opening ceremony was led by WXLM talk show host Lee Elci and included local author and breast cancer survivor, Laura Fitzpatrick-Nagel, who penned a memoir titled Swimming on My Wedding Day. Additionally, walkers were inspired by Geralyn McPhail, sister of TBBCF founder Norma Logan, and Ashley and Melanie Brodeur, daughters of the late Terri Brodeur.

The closing ceremonies celebration included live music from local band Fat Betty and a special performance by Jill Nesi featuring her song inspired by her participation in the 2007 Walk Across Southeastern CT. The keynote speaker was a 2006 TBBCF research grant recipient, Dr. Samit Chatterjee, from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories, who assured walkers and supporters that fundraising efforts are directly helping ground-breaking research in understanding breast cancer at the fundamental molecular level.

TBBCF is a local, non-profit group committed to fighting breast cancer by donating 100% of gross fundraising dollars to research. In the first two years, 2006-2007, the foundation raised $700,000, translating into seven separate research grants. With the increased response to this year's walk, the total foundation fundraising dollars since 2006 is approaching $1 million. Based on current fundraising projections for 2008, the foundation is expecting to award at least three $100,000 grants, and possibly four. The 2008 research grant recipients will be announced in January 2009.

Subject Recruitment for a Breast Cancer Research Study at UConn Medical Center

Cancer and cancer treatments can cause significant tiredness. Patients with breast cancer often experience serious fatigue during and after treatments. This persistent feeling of tiredness frequently is not relieved by rest and can affect memory and concentration. It can affect one's daily function, relationships with loved ones, and can cause significant emotional distress.

Dr. Andrew Winokur at the University of Connecticut Health Center is conducting a study on Cancer-related tiredness. The study medication is called thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). Thyrotropin-releasing hormone is normally present in the body and has been shown to improve energy levels and motivation when given intravenously to participants in other studies. This hormone has been used extensively in a diagnostic test over the past 30 years. Side effects with TRH tend to be mild and of brief duration. The most common side effects reported with TRH use include flushing, shivering, hot and cold sensations, nausea, urinary urgency and a metallic taste. TRH use has also been associated with mild but brief increases in blood pressure, heart rate and temperature. For people who experience any of these side effects, they almost always go away within minutes.

Eligible subjects will receive study medication or placebo. Medical evaluations and psychological evaluations will be conducted at no charge. This study is conducted at the General Clinical Research Center at the University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington. All participants will receive the study medication and placebo at different time points during the study. They study will last a maximum of 8 weeks with a one to two week screening period. The study treatment period involves four treatment sessions (one/week). Participants will be expected to visit the General Clinical Research Center two times for every session, first on the day of a treatment session and again on the following day. Participants will receive $75 for every completed session (total $300 for four sessions).

If you are age 18 or older, have breast cancer, are undergoing or have undergone radiation therapy and find that you are struggling with cancer-related tiredness, please call 860-679-6777 or toll free 877-252-2225 to see if you qualify.

November 15th Post Walk Party at Stash's Café

Walkers Irene Corsino and Amanda Bourne have organized a post walk party for Walk across Southeastern Connecticut walkers and crew on Saturday, November 15 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Stash's Café.

Walkers and Crew are encouraged to bring family and friends to this post walk celebration. Admission is $10/person and covers finger foods that will be available throughout the afternoon. Tickets will be available at the door. Ticket holders will be eligible for door prizes awarded throughout the afternoon. Musician James Harris will play from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Café food and beverages will also be available for purchase. Check out Stash's Café menu at www.stashs.com.

RSVP to Irene Corsino at irene.corsino@gmail.com by Monday, October 27. Please mark your message Attention Post Walk Party.

Stash's Café
95 Pequot Avenue
New London, Connecticut 06320
Stash's Café is the number one night spot in New London. They have been serving up the best food, the best bands and the best place to party... week after week.

Thank You to Our 2008 Sponsors

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.

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.