Spotlight on Childhood Cancer: Carter Richards

In honor of childhood cancer awareness month SU2C has partnered with People Against Childhood Cancer (PAC2) to bring you profiles on a few of the many children and their families affected by cancer. Carter's mother, Christy Richards, shares their family's journey with Carter from cancer patient to survivor.

On May 9, 2008, my husband and I took our 8-year-old, Carter, to Scottish Rite Children's Hospital. We were expecting to get some blood work done to find out why his blood counts were so low from a recent virus he'd recovered from, and be sent home. What actually happened was any parent's worst nightmare. The next eight hours were a blur as doctors expressed to us their "concern" over some "suspicious" cells. They admitted Carter to the hospital and we awaited the results of a bone marrow test. On Tuesday, May 13, 2008, Carter was diagnosed with ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia).

The beginning of our journey was a whirlwind, full of navigating pills, steroids, and hospitals. The next three years seemed like a lifetime, and our lives were filled with things like,; chemo, ER trips, more pills, spinal taps, infusions and constant worry. I remember wishing that we could just jump forward and get to the happy ending when Carter would get to be a healthy kid again and be cancer free.  I could not stand the thought of this becoming our way of life and the burden this would place on Carter and his two brothers.

If we had missed the journey, it is true that we could've skipped a lot of heartache and pain; however, I prefer to think about the blessings and memories our family was able to make even in the midst of cancer. Holidays, trips, and birthdays that weren't ruined after all, they were just different. The people, all the people that helped us, cared for us, and cured us. Carter's brothers may have had a burden to bear while he went through treatment, but they shouldered it well and I hope, learned huge lessons from it.

It is September once again and we are so thankful to have Carter still with us proudly wearing a new title, survivor. After over 3 years of treatment, Carter took his last chemo pills on July 11th, 2011 and started his 4th grade year cancer-free. Two weeks after finishing chemo, Carter fulfilled one of his dreams by grabbing a helmet and pads to begin playing football. Our goal is simple and has never changed.  No child should ever have to walk this path.  We need cures and we need better, less invasive, and less damaging treatments.

Our family has pledged to continue to fight until no child and their families have to suffer from cancer. This month, our family proudly wears gold ribbons in support of childhood cancer awareness and encourages everyone to keep all these little warriors and their families in your prayers.

Visit Stand Up To Cancer ORG

Moneyball Stands Up To Cancer

On Monday September 19th, the Oakland A's Community Fund hosted a premiere of the much anticipated film Moneyball in Oakland, CA. Based on the best selling book by Michael Lewis, Moneyball tells the story of Oakland A's manager Billy Beane and how he was able to change the face of baseball with a successful attempt to put his team together based on player statistics. The premiere held at the Paramount Theatre of the Arts in downtown Oakland raised over $370,000 in donations that went to benefit both Stand Up To Cancer and the Children's Hospital of Oakland. Actors Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, and Chris Pratt walked the baseball-themed "green carpet" in support of their new film. Oakland baseball fans also got a thrill when Billy Beane, played by Pitt in the film, attended alongside Oakland A's former player Scott Hatteberg, another character in the film. Also in attendance were Moneyball filmmakers Aaron Sorkin, Steven Zailian and the book's author, Michael Lewis. Before the movie began, the theatre packed with Oakland A's fans cheered, "Let's go Oakland!"

"A big thanks goes to the Oakland A's Community Fund who generously included Stand Up To Cancer as one of the beneficiaries of the event." said SU2C Producer Madeline Marotto, who played a key role in Stand Up To Cancer's involvement at the event. In an effort to raise both awareness and support of Stand Up To Cancer, special VIP ticket packages were sold prior to the premiere. "The entire event went very well," says Marotto. "It took a lot of planning, and we were thrilled with all the support and donations SU2C received as a result of it. Having a film like Moneyball, that is so closely tied to the history of our founding donor MLB, help support awareness of Stand Up To Cancer's mission and the importance of cancer research was really incredible. We have the event producers from Sony, Children's Hospital Oakland, and the Oakland A's Community Fund to thank for such an amazing night."

Check out some of the movie's stars on the green carpet supporting SU2C and be sure to check out Moneyball in theatres Friday, September 23rd, 2011.

Learn More on  Stand Up To Cancer  ORG

Stand Up And Use The Force For Good

Have you seen The Complete Star Wars Saga? In celebration of the September launch of Star Wars 

^TM

: The Complete Saga on Blu-ray, Lucasfilm is collaborating with Stand Up To Cancer to Use The Force For Good.

You can help "blast cancer" by joining in the campaign for good in several ways. To kick things off celebrity ambassadors Aziz Ansari, Zach Galifianakis, Bill Hader, Ed Helms, Ken Jeong, Jaime King, Seth Rogen, Andy Samberg and Emma Stone- along with Star Wars alum Samuel L. Jackson - as they each Use the Force for Good and raise awareness for cancer research in a Star Wars inspired all-star video tribute.

Star Wars and SU2C have also created a Stand Up To Cancer line of Star Wars t-shirts that invite fans to sport their allegiance in the fight against cancer. The exclusive t-shirts are available now and can be purchased through the end of the year with proceeds benefitting SU2C. Purchase yours now and join the legion for good today!

In addition, select Major League Baseball Clubs will host Stand Up To Cancer/Star Wars themed nights in their respective ballparks throughout the month of September. These special events will offer Star Wars themed ticket packages with a portion of the proceeds benefitting SU2C. Star Wars nights will include appearances by Star Wars costumed characters, VIP photo ops, giveaways and Stand Up To Cancer exclusive t-shirts. For a list of participating clubs, ticket information, and game schedules click here.

And finally, eBay is giving Star Wars fans a chance to bid on the force for good in a one of a kind charity auction! Starting September 16th at 12:00 PM EDT fans will have the chance to put their passion towards a good cause by bidding on rare and exclusive VIP Star Wars experiences. Auction items include a one-of-a-kind Star Wars-edition 2012 Volkswagen Passat (US only), a pair of sold out VIP tickets to Star Wars Celebration VI in Orlando, one-of-a-kind memorabilia and much, much more. All proceeds from the Use The Force for Good charity auction will benefit Stand Up To Cancer and its work to accelerate groundbreaking cancer research.

Not a Star Wars fan but still want to help? Tell Star Wars fans you know about this exciting partnership and encourage them to use the force for good! When we all come together in support of cancer research we continue the fight for good and will ultimately be able to, defeat cancer for good. 

Go to Stand Up to Cancer Org>>>

In Treatment: A Conversation with Victor Aguilar

 

At 22 years old, Victor Aguilar of Moriarty, New Mexico was faced with a testicular cancer diagnosis. On February 6th, 2010 he underwent surgery to have his left testicle removed, and started planning for four rounds of chemotherapy treatment. On July 8th, 2010 he had surgery to remove another tumor and lost his left kidney in the process. Now considered disease-free, Victor still must go in for the next five years to get scans to ensure the cancer does not return.
What was your initial reaction to learning you had cancer at age 22?
Shock. Age didn't even come to mind at first. I just wasn't sure what to do with myself, and I didn't know how to react to the words, "you have cancer."
Had you ever met anyone else with cancer before your diagnosis?
No. But, after I was diagnosed I discovered that I had an aunt who was a cancer survivor. I asked her a few questions about what she went through, and she gave me some advice.
What was the hardest part about treatment?
At some points I got really bad headaches and I have had some side effects from the chemotherapy. But, the worst part was all the emotions I went through, and am still dealing with. I got really depressed. It's just hard being young and facing something like cancer, especially when you don't know many people who really know what it's like to go through it. I have clean scans now, but I still feel like I'm still fighting in the hopes that it doesn't return.
What helped you stay strong?
My family and my faith were the two things that really helped me get through it. I also owe a lot of thanks to my doctors and nurses who helped me through my treatments.
Did you see a change in how you went about your daily life and your relationships with those you're close with?
I got closer to my family. My parents and my sister were there to encourage me everyday. My extended family reached out to offer encouragement too. It really helped me through everything, knowing they were there.
What advice would you give to someone who is supporting a loved one with cancer?
Just be there, and be prepared to walk in their shoes to give them all the support they need. It's important just to be surrounded by love and support.
What advice would you give fellow cancer patients?
Always remember that life is too short to give up, no matter what age you are. I've seen older people dealing with much worse cancer diagnoses than I dealt with, and you just can't give up. Instead choose to fight and keep on living the best way you can.
I fought, and I'm still fighting in honor of everyone who has suffered a cancer diagnosis. Life comes and goes and I'm lucky enough to still have mine. I've had a few friends tell me that I fought my cancer like a warrior. I honestly think you have no idea how strong you are until you have no other choice but to get up every day and fight to live.

Go To Stand Up To Cancer Org.>>>

Behind the Scenes at the MasterCard/MLB "Thank You" PSA

Tonight during game one of the 2011 Major League Baseball World Series, MasterCard will acknowledge the millions of consumers who helped contribute to their "Eat, Drink and Be Generous" and "Everyday Moments" campaigns that helped raise over $4 million to benefit Stand Up To Cancer's groundbreaking research. MasterCard will debut its "thank you" spot tonight during the game one broadcast on FOX. Major League Baseball legends John Kruk, Andy Pettitte, Ron Darling, Mitch Williams, Tony Gwynn, Reggie Sanders, and more, are featured in the spot.

Check out the behind the scenes footage from the shoot at the MLB Fan Cave to see why MLB and MasterCard are joining together to stand in honor of the ones they love that have been affected by cancer. .

Go to The Site To Learn More: Stand Up To Cancer

Posted by su2c on October 19, 2011 7:44 AM 

Cancer in the News: October 12, 2011

Posted by su2c on October 12, 2011 9:05 AM

The Cost of Cancer
Continuing advances in cancer treatment are a double-edged sword for many cancer patients. New drugs, surgical techniques and other innovations help them battle their disease, but better health and longer lives may come at a hefty cost, even for people with health insurance. Recent research spells out what patients are facing. A study by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality estimated that between 2001 and 2008, 13.4 percent of adults younger than 65 who had cancer spent more than 20 percent of their income on health care, including premiums. That compared with 9.7 percent of people with other chronic conditions and just 4.4 percent of those with no chronic conditions. Researchers from the Duke University Medical Center and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute examined the cancer spending of 216 patients, most with breast cancer, and found their out-of-pocket costs averaged $712 a month. The biggest chunk of that outlay, apart from insurance premiums, went to prescription drugs, at $174. Long term, cancer treatment costs can also have a devastating effect on people's financial stability. A study by researchers at Seattle's Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center found that in western Washington State, 0.5 percent of cancer patients declared bankruptcy in the first year after their diagnosis. Five years following diagnosis, the percentage was 1.9. By comparison, just 0.28 percent of the general population in that region declared bankruptcy over a 10-year period.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/cancer-treatment-costs-can-be-prohibitive-even-with-insurance/2011/10/06/gIQA8iBfaL_story.html

The New Front in Breast Cancer: After Treatment Ends
The mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation and hormone treatments are behind them. Now, the growing ranks of breast cancer survivors face long-term issues that are often overlooked. Despite all the pink ribbons and billions spent on breast-cancer research, there is surprisingly little data on issues that linger or emerge for the 10, 15 or more years after treatment ends. Although the odds of relapse fall with time, they never completely disappear. Some patients who had treatments years ago are encountering delayed side effects such as heart problems, nerve damage, osteoporosis and secondary cancers. Survivors say some of the toughest issues are social and emotional, according to a survey of 1,043 breast-cancer patients released Tuesday by the nonprofit Cancer Support Community with funding from Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Nearly 90% of respondents said they had at least one physical, psychological or social problem that was moderate to severe. Mentioned most frequently were fatigue, sexual dysfunction and sleep issues. What's more, 24% of those surveyed (almost all women, with an average age of 55 and averaging 5.6 years since diagnosis) reported being depressed--about twice the national rate. The survey also highlighted the need to give survivors better guidance for the years ahead. Only 10% of respondents had received a "survivorship care plan" summarizing what past tests and treatments they had, what side effects to expect, what lifestyle changes to make and where to obtain follow-up care--even though 96% said they wanted one. "Patients feel like they are walking out of active treatment and walking off a cliff," says Kim Thiboldeaux, president and CEO of the Cancer Support Community. "They're wondering, 'Am I coming back to you or to my primary-care doctor? When is my next mammogram? What kind of chemo did I have? How often do I need to get blood work?' " Having all that written down and portable can help manage some of the concerns that people have, she says.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203499704576622873279960148.html

California Takes a Stand: Minors No Longer Able to Use Tanning Beds
Minors in California will no longer be able to use tanning beds after Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation Sunday backed by healthcare groups warning of skin-cancer risks. The current law allows minors who are at least 14 years old to use an ultraviolet tanning device if they have written permission from their parents. But Sen. Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) said his bill was needed to protect those under 18 from the risk of adverse health effects, including skin cancer, that are possible from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays. "If everyone knew the true dangers of tanning beds, they'd be shocked," Lieu said. "Skin cancer is a rising epidemic and the leading cause of cancer death for women between 25 and 29." SB 746, will take effect Jan. 1, 2012.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/california-politics/2011/10/tanning-beds-minors-bill-signed.html

Osteoporosis Drug may Benefit Breast Cancer Patients
Breast cancer patients who take drugs called aromatase inhibitors can experience a decline in bone density. However, a new study shows that adding an osteoporosis drug to their medication regimen prevents the bone loss. mAromatase inhibitors halt estrogen production in postmenopausal women, which is good for stopping the growth of cancer cells. But the loss of estrogen harms bone health and these patients are at higher risk for bone loss and fractures. In the new study, from the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, women taking aromatase inhibitors were either prescribed the osteoporosis drug zoledronic acid (also known as Zometa) concurrently with cancer therapy or only after bone loss or a fracture occurred. The study, published online Monday in the journal Cancer, found that the women who toke zoledronic acid concurrently had significant increases in bone density. But those who took the medication only after a bone problem arose had steady declines in bone mass. Although giving zoledronic acid simultaneously with aromatase inhibitors builds bone health and is the "preferred treatment," according to the authors, even the women who received it later benefited from the osteoporosis medication and were able to reverse their bone loss.

In addition to being approved for osteoporosis, zoledronic acid is approved to treat the bone complications of cancer as well.
http://www.latimes.com/health/boostershots/la-heb-breast-cancer-bone-20111010,0,4150700.story

 

More on Stand Up To Cancer

SU2C: Where Your Money Goes

Posted by su2c on October 7, 2011 5:32 PM

Since our inception in May 2008, Stand Up To Cancer has been driven by our mission to fund groundbreaking cancer research through innovation and collaboration, and to accelerate translational research to get new targeted treatments to patients faster. Our goal is to change the way research is done, and ultimately bring an end to cancer.

Through your generous donations, SU2C proudly launched its first five Scientific Dream Teams. These incredible scientists are leaders across disciplines, institutions and specialties, working together to move their research from bench to bedside to benefit patients more quickly. Combined, these five dream teams have already launched 34 new clinical trials for patients.

In a new video series, we invite you to see where your money goes and to hear about the incredible progress our Dream Teams are making. Your donations are the reason for this progress and it remains SU2C's goal to let you know exactly how your money is contributing to the end of cancer.

Click on the highlighted SU2C Dream Teams below to view their latest progress report videos.

Targeting PI3K in Women's Cancers

Dream Team Leader Lewis C. Cantley, Ph.D., and Co-Leaders Charles L. Sawyers, M.D. and Gordon B. Mills, M.D., Ph.D.

The PI3K Dream Team is developing clinical techniques that may lead to therapeutic combinations able to hit multiple targets in the complex pathways that contribute to cancer cell growth in a variety of women's cancers, such as breast, ovarian, and endometrial.

In August 2011 the scientists on SU2C's PI3K Dream Team made a significant research finding that was recently published in the online edition of Nature Medicine (Nature Medicine 2011; 17: 1116-1120). These findings could accelerate the development of targeted therapies for treatment-resistant breast cancer.

Bioengineering and Clinical Applications of Circulating Tumor Cell Chip

Dream Team Leader Daniel A. Haber, M.D., Ph. D. and Co-Leader Mehmet Toner, Ph. D.

The CTC-Chip Dream Team is using a radically different approach to detecting and isolating Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs), pursuing revolutionary diagnostic and treatment strategy tools. The fundamental technology involved takes advantage of microscopic fluid dynamics to construct a chip with 100 times greater sensitivity than existing technology.

In January 2011 the CTC Chip Team announced that the research underlying their SU2C project became one step closer to being available to the public. This promising new "liquid biopsy" can find a single cancer cell amid one billion in a teaspoon of blood and has the potential to significantly aid in both diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Cutting the Fuel Supply: A New Approach to the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer

Dream Team Leaders Craig B. Thompson, M.D. and Daniel D. Von Hoff, M.D

The Pancreatic Dream Team is attacking the lethal problem of pancreatic cancer with a dual approach: exploring advanced imaging techniques to determine what nutrients pancreatic cancers require to grow and survive; using the results of these tests to design individualized treatment combinations that will cut off the fuel supply to pancreatic tumors with the hope of increasing survival and quality of life for pancreatic cancer patients.

Thus far, the Pancreatic Dream Team has four major clinical trials up and running using several new combination therapy regimens. Results from a previously completed clinical trial showed survival rates of patients with advanced metastatic stage IV pancreatic cancer doubled from 6 months to 12 months.

An Integrated Approach to Targeting Breast Cancer Molecular Subtypes and Their Resistance Phenotype

Dream Team Leaders Joe W. Gray, Ph.D. and Dennis Slamon M.D., Ph. D

The Breast Cancer Dream Team has created a fully integrated translational research approach which is rapidly moving toward more effective, less toxic therapies for the three major breast cancer subtypes.

In August 2011, scientists supported in part by the SU2C Breast Cancer Dream Team were able to identify many weak points in breast tumor cells. This new research is now published in Cancer Discovery, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, and has been seen as a starting point for the development of new therapies for breast cancer patients.

Bringing Epigenetic Therapy to the Forefront of Cancer Management

Dream Team Leaders Stephen B. Baylin, M.D. and Peter A. Jones, Ph. D., D.Sc

The Epigenetics Dream Team is delivering on the promise of epigenetic therapy in clinical practice. The team is developing biomarkers that can predict and monitor the efficacy of epigenetic therapies, and conducting clinical trials that will bring epigenetic therapy to the forefront of cancer management.

SU2C's Epigenetics Dream Team has completed the first phase II epigenetic therapy trial in lung cancer. Results from this trial were promising resulting in an improved response rate in patients receiving this treatment. These observations suggest that epigenetic therapy could prime cancers for response to cytotoxic therapy. Trials for both breast and colon cancer patients are underway as well.

New therapies are within our reach, but we need your help to continue to make progress. Let's stand together, and make a difference for the ones we love.