ThyCa News Notes – October 2013

Contents:

 

Support 4th Stage Cycling
Rob Bohning has created 4th Stage Cycling to bring people together through cycling and to raise funds for Medullary Thyroid Cancer Research through ThyCa’s Research Grants.

This terrific ongoing fundraiser brings cancer patients, cancer survivors, and caregivers together through the bond of cycling.

“Hi friends,” Rob writes. “Our most recent cancer ride was this past Saturday. It was called the ‘2013 Ride to Cure Cancer.’ I rode the 50-mile route. It’s not too late for you to donate toward the cause of a cure for medullary thyroid cancer, you can sponsor me on this ride by making a flat donation or donating per mile. All donations are made directly to ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. (www.thyca.org).”
 
For how and where to donate, get details on 4th Stage Cycling’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/4thStageCycling, and find out how to support Rob’s wonderful fundraising effort.
 
Donate online to the 4th Stage Cycling fundraiser, through the article on our Rally for Research page.

All donations and proceeds go directly to ThyCa’s Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC) Research Fund to support research on MTC.

Thank you for your support of Rob, 4th Stage Cycling, and Medullary Thyroid Cancer Research!
 
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2013 Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference a Big Success
The 16th annual International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference drew a record breaking 550 participants from near and far. Through this conference, ThyCa brings together experts to share about the latest research, advances in treatment, follow-up and coping skills for the well-being of people with all types of thyroid cancer, as well and their caregivers.
 
With more than 60 speakers and workshop leaders, the conference featured more than 100 sessions on medical topics, coping skills, insurance and employment, and more.
 
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The 2014 Conference: Mark the Dates!
Join us in Denver next year! Save the date: Our 17th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference will be held at the Doubletree by Hilton in Denver, Colorado, on October 17-19, 2014.

Please check back to the web site frequently over the coming months to learn the details as they unfold.
 
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2013 Conference Participants Comment
From a First-Time Attendee:
This was my first conference and I thank you for choosing Philadelphia this year! I gathered so much valuable information from the experts to guide me through my lifetime of treatment. Thank you to Thy Ca and to all the volunteers and physicians who participated to make this conference so successful. We thyroid cancer survivors are very fortunate to have such a wonderful resource in ThyCa to turn to for information and support!

From Another:
My daughters and I really enjoyed the conference, we learned so much and can’t wait for Colorado next year. Thanks so much to all the volunteers and speakers. What a great event.
 
From Virginia:
It was Phenomenal!!! Four folks from our support group made the trek. The offerings were thoughtful and so rich with info and compassion. I am bowled over, thrilled, smarter. GRATEFUL.

From United Kingdom:
Thank you ThyCa and everyone involved for a great conference, new information, inspiration, and amazing friends. And a special thank you for a wonderful welcome to me coming from the U.K.

From North Carolina:
Thank you for making it another great conference!

From Oklahoma:
I was so thrilled to be there ~ you all are wonderful!!

From Pennsylvania:
Thanks people of ThyCa for all you do! What a wonderful and informative weekend! I have learned SO much and I am SO inspired by the strength of the survivors I have met and by the intelligence and drive of those in the forefront of the ThyCa fight (you all are rock stars!)
 
From Judy:
Thank you to all the conference volunteers, doctors, etc. I appreciate the efforts that went into this, my first. It was intense, educational and totally worthwhile. I have met some great people. A great experience. A new family.

From Florida:
Great Job!!

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ThyCa and ITOG Cooperate To Support Treatment Advances
ThyCa Conference participants learned in two sessions about the work of the International Thyroid Oncology Group, from speakers Steven Sherman, M.D., Lori Wirth, M.D., and Dwight Vicks, ITOG board members.

Dr. Sherman and Dr. Wirth presented ITOG’s mission which is to find and develop therapies for the most difficult to treat advanced thyroid cancers through designing, coordinating, and prioritizing state-of-the-art clinical trials and correlative science. ITOG’s first clinical trial, a major milestone, is a phase II trial of cabozantinib as 2nd line therapy for differentiated thyroid cancer that progresses on first line anti-VEGFR therapy. Four additional ITOG trials are now in development and planning.  
 
Dr. Steve Sherman summed up his enthusiasm by saying, “I always enjoy presenting at the annual ThyCa conference.  As a physician, I don’t often get to speak to, and learn from a large group of patients at the same time.  I am always inspired and motivated by the people I meet, and the stories I hear.  With ITOG on its way to fulfilling a deep medical need, I am even more excited about the opportunity to present here and work with ThyCa.”

After the ITOG sessions, Gary Bloom, Executive Director of ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association said, “ThyCa’s mission of being the organization committed to support and education for all people impacted by a thyroid cancer diagnosis, as well as research for cures, complements ITOG’s mission of developing new treatments for advanced thyroid cancer. I look forward to strengthening our relationship with ITOG and its members in the years ahead.”

Eighteen medical and scientific presentations were made by ITOG members in addition to the ITOG overview sessions.

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Jennifer Completes Her Hike! Congratulations!
Jennifer finishes her hikeJennifer Smart has completed her amazing hike of the 2,650 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail!

Congratulations and thank you, Jennifer, for your fantastic efforts in raising thyroid cancer awareness and fundraising for ThyCa’s support services, outreach, and thyroid cancer research grants.

This article tells about the hike, and has the link to Jennifer’s complete story and more great photos.

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Calling all Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) Thyroid Cancer survivors
Physicians at UCLA and USC want to know what information and support is helpful to you. Participate in the AYA Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ (short) Survey and share with your AYA friends!

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MTC Handbook Available
The Medullary Thyroid Cancer Handbook is now available in a downloadable preview form on our home page (far left column). This handbook joins a growing collection designed to provide an overview of basic facts and useful information on the different types of thyroid cancer.

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Standing with NORD

During early October, ThyCa stood with the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) and more than 100 rare disease patient organizations and medical experts in supporting NORD’s letter urging the U.S. Congress to end the U.S. government shutdown.  The letter cited the importance of ongoing research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the review of new therapies by Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as critical to the health and well-being of patients, yet halted by the government’s closure. The letter urged Congress to reopen the government.

The letter, dated October 11, 2013, was addressed to the leadership in both houses of Congress and pointed to the heightened need for ongoing research for patients of rare diseases, 2/3 of which are children.  It appeared that many patients in these high-risk conditions were unable to enter clinical trials during the shutdown, placing their health at further risk.

NORD is a nonprofit organization representing nearly 30 million Americans who have rare diseases. NORD posted the letter on its web site.

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Tai Chi and Qi Gong Sessions at the 2013 Conference
By Rick Abrams

Ramel (Rami) Rones, internationally known mind-body, Qi Gong, & Tai Chi expert who teaches at hospitals in the Boston, Massachusetts area, and is also a researcher and author, led two capacity-filled sessions at the 2013 International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

RamiIn addition to Tai Chi and Qi Gong, Rami integrates meditation and deep breathing with gentle movements to help patients improve their body, mind, energy and spirit.  He teaches at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Tufts University Medical School, Boston Medical Center and has consulted with Harvard Medical School, Boston Children’s Hospital and other health-related organizations. He designed the Tai Chi training for a study that looked at the benefits of using Tai Chi for Fibromyalgia; results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Lori Cuffari, who attending one of Rami’s sessions, remarked, “I loved the session and didn’t want it to end. As a patient with advanced thyroid cancer, I’m always looking for a way to control the madness. The drugs beat us up…badly.  But practitioners like Rami can make a bad situation palatable and bearable.”

After the session, Rami summed up his excitement about teaching at the conference by saying, “Teaching two sessions at the ThyCa Conference reminded me how nice, curious, and genuine cancer survivors and their families are when it comes to empowering themselves with mind-body approaches to complement their goal to improve their quality of life. Rick Abrams, friend and ThyCa member and I gave all attendees a coupon to take my online course for free, and I’m very happy that so many people are taking us up on this. I wish everyone great success.”

An informal survey of participants overwhelmingly expressed their hope that Rami will come back next year when the 2014 Conference will be in Denver.

For more information about Rami, visit: www.ramelrones.com

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Have you signed our Guestbook?
Sign up and we’ll put you on our mailing list for ThyCa News Notes and special announcements including events and activities. We’ll also send you our free patient information packet!

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Honoring and Remembering Others
Is there someone you’d like to celebrate, honor, or remember and benefit thyroid cancer research at the same time? We have lovely “Tribute Gift Cards” for special occasions like birthdays, congratulations, get-well messages, sympathy, memorials, and more, that do just that!

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Watch for New Spirit Items!
The Spirit items are great to wear, carry, and use. These items are great for your and as gifts. Added new items coming soon! Get your orders in early.

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Watch the Videos
Each of us navigates our lives and thyroid cancer in our own unique way. Sharing and listening to each others’ stories, experiences, and hopes is powerful. Thanks to Rick and Lori for sharing their stories with us.

More videos are available here.
 
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Low-Iodine Recipe of the Month 
Contributed by Natalie W.
Natalie writes,

Thank you for your great cookbook.

My sister has thyroid cancer and will undergo RAI next week. I have been cooking for her.

One of the things she missed was cinnamon rolls. I took the bread recipe contributed by Nina G. on page 90 of the Cookbook’s 7th Edition, and altered the rolls section.

1 1/2 Tablespoons cinnamon

1 cup sugar

1/4  cup canola oil

a tiny bit of water if needed to make it spreadable.

Instead of making a loaf, I divided the dough into 14 pieces. Then I flattened each piece with my fingers and added 2 tablespoons of the cinnamon mix and spread it out. Then I rolled the flattened dough so the cinnamon mix created a swirl from the center outward. Place on cookie sheet this way.

Any remaining cinnamon mix was smeared on top of the buns. Bake in the oven about 10 minutes until a toothpick came out clean.

My sister loves them.

Thank you, Natalie, for contributing this recipe. We will include it in the next edition of ThyCa’s FREE Downloadable Low-Iodine Cookbook.

Free and Downloadable

Download the 7th edition of the Low-Iodine Cookbook in English for free, with more than 340 favorite recipes from more than 150 generous volunteers.

The Cookbook is also available in:

• Spanish and
• French

Please remember, while you’re welcome to download and print the entire free low-iodine cookbook, you can also print just the pages you need.

This free cookbook is a wonderful help when you’re preparing to receive radioactive iodine for treatment or testing. All the recipes are favorites of some of our ThyCa volunteers, who are sharing them with everyone, to make the low-iodine diet easy and tasty. The recipes are also great for family meals and for potlucks, any time.

To contribute your favorite recipe or tip, send it to recipes@thyca.org.

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Get Involved with Virtual 5K To Support ThyCa’s Research Funds
Gather friends, colleagues and relatives to stretch your legs, get your heart rates up and raise funds for ThyCa with a Virtual 5K Research Fundraiser! It’s easy to take part, wherever you are!

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News From the Rally for Research
We support thyroid cancer research, and have awarded more than $1.2 million in thyroid cancer research grants to researchers in 5 countries thanks to your support!

ThyCa’s Research Grants are open to institutions and researchers worldwide, with grant recipients selected by an independent expert panel of the American Thyroid Association.

Read more here, and find out how you can help, on the official Rally for Research page: www.thyca.org/rally.htm

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Follow Us on Social Media

We’re now over 8,500 strong on the ThyCa Facebook page and over 1,500 on Twitter! 

Our support of each other–whether giving or receiving–is an incredible gift. Thank you for joining us.

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Every Day
Every day, thousands of people with thyroid cancer, and their families, receive support, education, and hope from ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. Your generous support is what makes it possible to sustain, strengthen, and expand our services and outreach.

It only takes a minute to make a donation online (http://www.thyca.org/donations/) in support of ThyCa’s work (or you are welcome to donate by mail to ThyCa, P.O. Box 964, Chesterfield, MO 63006-0964).

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About ThyCa NEWS NOTES and ThyCa
Copyright (c) 2013 ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.

Please share ThyCa News Notes with your family and friends. For permission to reprint in another electronic or print publication, please contact us at publications@thyca.org. 
 
Thank you to our writing, editing, and proofreading team for this issue: Rick Abrams, Leah Guljord, Pat Paillard, Barb Statas, Natalie W., Cherry Wunderlich, and Gary Bloom.

The information in this newsletter is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended, nor should it be interpreted, as medical advice or directions of any kind. Readers are advised to consult their own medical doctor(s) for all matters involving their health and medical care.

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization (tax ID #52-2169434) of thyroid cancer survivors, family members, and health care professionals serving people worldwide and dedicated to education, support, communication, and fundraising for thyroid cancer research.

ThyCa sponsors the annual International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference, as well as Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, a worldwide observance each September, plus year-round awareness campaigns, research funding, and thyroid cancer research grants.

Contact us for free materials and information. E-mail to thyca@thyca.org call toll-free at 1-877-588-7904, fax 1-630-604-6078, write PO Box 1102, Olney, MD 20830-1102, or visit http://www.thyca.org.  

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, is asking for patients with MEN2 and FMTC (Familial Medullary Thyroid Cancer) to enroll in the Genetics of Endocrine Neoplasias Registry.

The registry is open to patients everywhere in the world.

MEN2 and FMTC are rare,  which has made it difficult for researchers to study them.

The registry being built at M.D. Anderson is meant to collect medical and family history information on people from all over the world who have MEN2 or FMTC.

Having many people involved not only helps researchers learn more about the disease, but it also helps to support future research studies on genetic, medical, and psychosocial factors that impact health outcomes. 

Any individual with a diagnosis of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) or Familial Medullary Thyroid Cancer (FMTC) is eligible for this study.

Individuals who participate in the registry will be asked to complete questionnaires about their medical and family histories.

Other optional parts of the study include: signing a release for medical records, donating a saliva sample, releasing tumor tissue blocks which have been stored from previous surgeries, sharing information about the registry with family members, and completing yearly follow-up questionnaires.

Participation in the registry can be completed via telephone, mail, or Internet.

For more information about this study, please contact the research study coordinator at 713-792-7642 or email genr@mdanderson.org 

Contents

 

It’s Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month!

Thank you to everyone who’s helping raise awareness of neck checks for early detection, the thyroid cancer events including the Conference September 27-29th, and the many free support services, publications, and more available worldwide. It’s not too late to participate. Raising awareness is easy – get tools, tips, and free materials at www.thyca.org/how-to-help/awareness/awareness-tips/

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Coming Soon! Meet Top Doctors at the Conference Sept. 27-29 

The 16th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference is less than 2 weeks away–September 27-29 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

Join us and meet the amazing lineup of top thyroid cancer doctors plus other specialists. The preliminary Conference Program Schedule is on the web site — you can choose from more than 100 sessions at another fabulous event. Come for 1, 2, or all 3 days. 

You’re welcome to register onsite, and online advance registration is also still open. Find all the details here: www.thyca.org/support/conferences/#2013conf

And help us spread the word during this final run-up to the big event. Thanks!

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Conference Overflow Hotel Has Rooms for $99

If you haven’t made your hotel reservations yet for the Conference, we’re pleased to announce that we’ve arranged an overflow hotel, because the Clarion Hotel is now fully booked. Please contact the Wyndham Garden Hotel, (610) 521-2400, across the street from the Clarion, for the $99 conference rate for rooms reserved by September 20th. Reference “ThyCa” when making your reservation.

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Dinner/Auction Will Raise Funds for Research

We’d love to have you join us on Saturday, September 28th at the Clarion Hotel Conference Center in Philadelphia, for a wonderful evening of camaraderie and fundraising for Thyroid Cancer Research. Whether or not you can join us, however, you’re invited to help with financial support. Details and registration info are available at the link. Tickets are also available onsite at the Conference.

www.thyca.org/support/conferences/

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Free Workshop for Media and Medical Writers: Covering Thyroid Cancer

Know anyone in the media or medical writer community in and around Pennsylvania? We’re hosting a free Workshop for Media and Medical Writers on Covering Thyroid Cancer, on September 26th from 4  to 5 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel Conference Center in Essington (near Philadelphia), as part of the 16th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference. Details are here.

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Giving and Receiving Support

If you’ve participated in a local or online support group, or were matched up with someone through our Person-to-Person Network (TPPN), you know the value of sharing your experience with and getting support from others “who’ve been there.” We thank all of our wonderful volunteers and e-mail and Inspire group members who make this support possible! 

For details, go to our Support page 

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Seeing Your Doctor Soon? 

Tell them about our free resources for medical professionals and patients. We’re happy to send them our free publications in bulk or individual copies. We do our best to let doctors know about this…though nothing beats you personally mentioning ThyCa, our resources and services, to your physician. Thank you. 

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Get Involved with Virtual 5K To Support ThyCa’s Research Funds

Gather friends, colleagues and relatives to stretch your legs, get your heart rates up and raise funds for ThyCa–with a Virtual 5K Research Fundraiser! It’s easy to take part, wherever you are!

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Denver Thyroid Cancer Program September 21st

Do you live in or around the Denver, Colorado area? On Saturday, September 21st, don’t miss Management of Patients with Thyroid Nodules and Thyroid Cancer, a free Patient Education Day with medical professionals from and hosted by the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Thyroid Cancer and Neoplasm Staff!  

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Tune In on September 24th

Listen to the free blog talk radio program on thyroid cancer at 3:30 p.m. ET. Join Columbia University Department of Surgery on Columbia Surgery Blog Talk Radio to chat with Dr. Kevin Parrack, Director of the Biopsy Clinic at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia and Dr. Salila Kurra, Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine for the Division of Endocrinology. The doctors will take questions on thyroid biopsies and the need for early detection. For details and to send a question, visit the program web site. 

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Have You Signed Our guestbook?

Join our mailing list for ThyCa updates on services, resources, events and activities? When you sign up, we’ll mail you an information packet including our Thyroid Cancer Basics booklet. (Be assured, we don’t share this list outside ThyCa.) 

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News from the Rally for Research 

We support thyroid cancer research, and have awarded more than $1.2 million in thyroid cancer research grants to researchers in 5 countries thanks to your support! 

ThyCa’s Research Grants are open to institutions and researchers worldwide, with grant recipients selected by an independent expert panel of the American Thyroid Association. 

Read more here, and find out how you can help, on the official Rally for Research page.

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Follow Us on Social Media

We’re now over 8,200 strong on the ThyCa Facebook page and over 1,450 on Twitter! 

Our support of each other–whether giving or receiving–is an incredible gift. Thank you for joining us. 

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Every Day

Every day, thousands of people with thyroid cancer, and their families, receive support, education, and hope from ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. Your generous support is what makes it possible to sustain, strengthen, and expand our services and outreach.

It only takes a minute to make a donation online in support of ThyCa’s work (or you are welcome to donate by mail to ThyCa, P.O. Box 964, Chesterfield, MO 63006-0964).

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About ThyCa NEWS NOTES and ThyCa
Copyright (c) 2013 ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.

Please share ThyCa News Notes with your family and friends. For permission to reprint in another electronic or print publication, please contact us at publications@thyca.org. 

The information in this newsletter is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended, nor should it be interpreted, as medical advice or directions of any kind. Readers are advised to consult their own medical doctor(s) for all matters involving their health and medical care.

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization (tax ID #52-2169434) of thyroid cancer survivors, family members, and health care professionals serving people worldwide and dedicated to education, support, communication, and fundraising for thyroid cancer research. 

ThyCa sponsors the annual International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference, as well as Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, a worldwide observance each September, plus year-round awareness campaigns, research funding, and thyroid cancer research grants. 

Contact us for free materials and information. E-mail to thyca@thyca.org call toll-free at 1-877-588-7904, fax 1-630-604-6078, write PO Box 1102, Olney, MD 20830-1102, or visit our website.  

Educational and Supportive Event Features More Than 70 Session Leaders, More than 100 Sessions for Anyone Interested in Thyroid Cancer, the Fastest Increasing Center

The 16th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference will take place on September 27-29, 2013, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the Clarion Hotel Conference Center, 76 Industrial Parkway, Essington, Pennsylvania. 

Everyone interested in thyroid cancer is invited to attend for 1, 2, or all 3 days. The conference is sponsored by the nonprofit ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. 

This important conference is for people with each type of thyroid cancer, and for people at all phases of testing, treatment, and follow-up, as well as for family members, friends, and everyone interested in thyroid cancer.

The annual conference offers a tremendous opportunity to learn from top experts about the latest advances in thyroid cancer care and research, to learn about coping skills and practical issues from mental health professionals, attorney-led sessions, and specialists in complementary approaches to well-being, and to share experiences with others living with all types and situations with thyroid cancer. 

This unique event will feature more than 100 informative sessions designed for those whose lives have been touched by thyroid cancer.

  • Advances in thyroid cancer treatment and follow-up
  • Clinical trials of new treatments
  • Research updates
  • Thyroid hormone replacement
  • Ask-a-Doctor sessions
  • Attorney-led sessions on employment, health insurance, disability, and other legal issues
  • Coping skills and strategies to improve well-bein
  • Survivor-caregiver roundtables

Numerous distinguished institutions around the United States will be represented including The Cleveland Clinic, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, and many more. 

 The conference is open to the public, and registration begins at 8 a.m. each day with walk-in attendees welcome to register onsite at the conference. Cost for the conference is $50; family/guests $30. Scholarships are available on request, to cover the registration fee.

Additional information on the conference is available on ThyCa’s website.

“The Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference is the key international event focused specifically on support and education for those affected by thyroid cancer,” said Gary Bloom, ThyCa Executive Director, Conference Co-Coordinator, and 17-year survivor of thyroid cancer. “We are honored to bring together such an impressive group of people to share knowledge and experiences, learn from experts, and build camaraderie with those affected by this terrible disease.”

Every fall, the Annual Conference is an exceptional opportunity for support, education, and communication for people at all phases of testing and treatment for thyroid cancer, as well as their families and caregivers. 

More than 70 speakers lead the attendees through a 3-day conference presenting more than 100 workshops and sessions. The meeting also includes resource tables with extensive free materials on thyroid cancer and related topics. 

In 2013, thyroid cancer is expected to set a new record of more than 60,000 people newly diagnosed the United States, reports the nonprofit ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association.

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association urges everyone to learn about thyroid cancer and ask for a neck check at doctor’s appointments. Thyroid cancer affects people in all age groups from children through seniors. It is the fastest increasing cancer in both men and women.

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is an international, non-profit 501(c)(3) service organization advised by nationally recognized thyroid cancer specialists. ThyCa educates and supports people with thyroid cancer and their families through its award-winning educational Web site, person-to-person support matched by diagnosis, more than 100 local support groups throughout the United States and in 4 additional countries, 12 Internet discussion and support groups, a free online newsletter, free handbooks by download and by mail, numerous other free publications, patient information packets, seminars, workshops, and conferences.

ThyCa also sponsors Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month each September and conducts year-round outreach campaigns to increase public awareness of thyroid cancer and connect survivors and families with our support services. 

ThyCa sponsors thyroid cancer research fundraising and research grants open to researchers at all institutions worldwide, and has awarded research grants every year since 2003 

For more information, visit the website, call 1-877-588-7904, or e-mail thyca@thyca.org.

Follow Thyca on Facebook (THYCA) And Twitter (ThyCaInc).

It’s easy. 

Just choose a day for your walk or your run, either on your own or with friends and relatives — around the neighborhood, or for a full 5K. 

Donate online to the Virtual 5K.

Thank you for your support of the Virtual 5K!

Optional: If you contribute $20 or more, you can ask for a “Run Walk Crawl” T-Shirt. $12 of the amount will be for the shirt and its mailing, and the rest of your contribution will be your donation to ThyCa. Sizes are S to XXXL. The donation form has details.

In This Issue:

Check out the 2013 Conference Program!

The 16th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference Program Schedule Preview is now available online. Terrific physicians will be with us, many leading more than one session. Opportunities to connect with fellow survivors, hear about techniques to cope with fatigue, stress, relationships … are on the agenda. Go to the web site, select the conferences link under News, and click on the Program Schedule.

http://www.thyca.org/support/conferences/#2013conf

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Help Spread the Word!

The 16th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference is weeks away–September 27-29 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Speakers and details are being finalized for another fabulous event. Hotel rooms reserved by September 11th are available at the special $99 rate. Find hotel, other details and registration at http://www.thyca.org/conferences.htm. Help us spread the word during this final run-up to the big event. Thanks!

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Memorial Page, Quilt, and Slide Show Remember and Honor Loved Ones

At our International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference in September, we include a Memorial Page to remember and honor loved ones in the conference booklet. In addition, we’ll show the Memorial Video Slide Show and display the Memorial Quilt. If you’d like us to include your loved one’s picture in the slide presentation or their name in a square in the quilt, follow the link for instructions.

http://www.thyca.org/support/conferences/quilt/

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Giving and Receiving Support

If you’ve participated in a local or online support group, or were matched up with someone through our Person-to-Person Network (TPPN), you know the value of sharing your experience with and getting support from others “who’ve been there.” We thank all of our wonderful volunteers and email and Inspire group members who make this support possible!

http://www.thyca.org/sg/

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Seeing your doctor soon?

Tell them about our resources for medical professionals and patients. We’re happy to send them our free publications in bulk or individual copies. We do our best to let doctors know about ThyCa … though nothing beats you personally mentioning ThyCa, our resources and services, to your physician. Thank you!

http://www.thyca.org/medical-professionals/

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Amazing!

Jennifer Smart has now hiked more than 1,500 miles along the Pacific Crest Trail to support thyroid cancer awareness and raise funds for ThyCa. Read about her journey at the link and on her blog. Go Jennifer!

http://www.thyca.org/news/hiking031713/

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Raising awareness about thyroid cancer is as easy as 1, 2, 3…

Pick from our ten tips for raising awareness and help us get the word out. September, Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, is right around the corner. Thank you!

http://www.thyca.org/how-to-help/awareness/awareness-tips/

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Have you signed our guestbook?

Join our mailing list for ThyCa updates on services, resources, events and activities? When you sign up, we’ll mail you an information packet including our Thyroid Cancer Basics booklet. (Be assured, we don’t share your information with anyone at any time.)

http://www.thyca.org/support/guestbook/

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Dinner/Auction Research Fundraiser Invites Auction Items

On Saturday, September 28, 2013, you’re invited to join us at the Clarion Hotel Conference Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for a wonderful evening of connections, camaraderie, and fundraising for Thyroid Cancer Research.

Whether or not you can come, you’re invited to contribute an item for the auction, and your financial support.

We all share the dream of research for cures for all thyroid cancer. You may donate an auction item and reserve your seat at the 12th Annual Dinner/Auction for Thyroid Cancer Research by using the online forms on our Conferences web page at http://www.thyca.org/support/conferences/

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News From the Rally for Research 

We support thyroid cancer research, and have awarded more than $1 million in thyroid cancer research grants to researchers in 5 countries thanks to your support!

ThyCa’s Research Grants are open to institutions and researchers worldwide, with grant recipients selected by an independent expert panel of the American Thyroid Association.

Read more here, and find out how you can help, on the official Rally for Research page.

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Follow Us on Social Media

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About ThyCa NEWS NOTES and ThyCa

Copyright (c) 2013 ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc 

Please share ThyCa News Notes with your family and friends. For permission to reprint in another electronic or print publication, please contact us at publications@thyca.org.

Thank you to everyone who helped with this issue: Leah Guljord, Roselle Kovitz, Pat Paillard, Shannon R., Barb Statas, Cherry Wunderlich, and Gary Bloom.

The information in this newsletter is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended, nor should it be interpreted, as medical advice or directions of any kind. Readers are advised to consult their own medical doctor(s) for all matters involving their health and medical care.

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization (tax ID #52-2169434) of thyroid cancer survivors, family members, and health care professionals serving people worldwide and dedicated to education, support, communication, and fundraising for thyroid cancer research.

ThyCa sponsors the annual International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference, as well as Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, a worldwide observance each September, plus year-round awareness campaigns, research funding, and thyroid cancer research grants.

Contact us for free materials and information. E-mail to thyca@thyca.org call toll-free at 1-877-588-7904, fax 1-630-604-6078, write PO Box 1102, Olney, MD 20830-1102, or visit www.thyca.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Free Tools and Tips Available on our website

September is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, and survivors, caregivers, friends, and organizations everywhere will be urging everyone to “Find It Early” through neck checks, reports the sponsoring nonprofit ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.

Thyroid cancer is the fastest increasing cancer among both men and women, affecting people from young children through seniors. It is estimated that more than 60,000 people will be newly diagnosed this year in the United States alone, and more than 200,000 worldwide. Thyroid cancer is usually treatable when detected early. However, some thyroid cancers are aggressive and difficult to treat.

Throughout the month of September, people in more than 100 countries around the world will participate in the annual international grassroots effort to:

  • Raise awareness of the importance of early detection, treatment, and lifelong monitoring;
  • Inform the public about thyroid cancer and free support services, resources, and educational events with experts, including, in 2013, the 16th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference on September 27-29 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
  • Increase awareness of the need for more thyroid cancer research, highlighted this year by a 2,650-mile mountain hike by a thyroid cancer survivor, plus a Virtual 5k Run for awareness and research funding.

ThyCa, sponsor of Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month since initiating the observance in 2000, encourages people to ask for a neck check each time they visit their doctor. “Signs to discuss with the physician include a lump or fullness in the neck, lymph node swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or voice changes,” says ThyCa Executive Director Gary Bloom, himself a thyroid cancer survivor. “These are signs of a possible thyroid nodule. Most thyroid nodules are benign, but some are cancer. Health care professionals are essential to the detection of thyroid cancer.”

A few of the many grassroots activities that volunteers have organized this year:

  • In Utah, Kerry is contacting her local newspaper about a story, as well as posting flyers in stores and giving out materials.
  • In New Jersey, Brian is giving out materials at a thyroid cancer awareness event at his church, in honor of his mother, who recently died of thyroid cancer.
  • In Oregon, Maria, mother of a child diagnosed with thyroid cancer, is distributing materials in her middle school.
  • In Minnesota, Shannon is giving out awareness materials including neck check cards at her doctors’ appointments.
  • In North Carolina, Ashley is holding weekly meetings of the ThyCa Greenville Support Group to plan and conduct awareness outreach activities.
  • In Massachusetts, Jayne is giving out materials at the YMCA where she’s a staff member.
  • In Alabama, Kristen is giving out materials in her community.
  • In Illinois, Linda, is posting materials for staff at the nursing and rehabilitation center where she works.
  • In the Pacific Coast Mountains, Jennifer is nearing the completion of her 2,650-mile hike for awareness and fundraising, highlighted on ThyCa’s web site on the home page and Rally for Research page.
  • Radio, television, and online interviews and articles, plus social media outreach including Facebook and Twitter messages, are educating friends, families, and the public about thyroid cancer.
  • Volunteers in more than 100 local ThyCa support groups in the United States, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, and Philippines, are providing telephone and e-mail support and holding support group meetings.
  • Around the world, thyroid cancer survivors, caregivers, and friends are wearing Neck Check shirts, awareness wristbands, and pins, and giving awareness materials to their friends and families.

Two special events this September are:

  • The 16th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference, September 27-29, 2013, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, featuring more than 100 sessions with more than 40 experts, and with scholarships available on request to cover the registration fee 
  • The Virtual 5K for Thyroid Cancer Awareness and Research Fundraising, offering everyone the opportunity to take part from home, with details on ThyCa’s web site at www.thyca.org

More details are on the Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month page on our website.

Since 1995, the nonprofit ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. has been providing free support and information on thyroid cancer. Hundreds of pages of thyroid cancer information and free downloadable materials are available in English, Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish on ThyCa’s web site, www.thyca.org. Free materials, support, and information are available year-round, by e-mailing thyca@thyca.org, calling toll free 1-877-588-7904, faxing to 1-630-604-6078, writing to ThyCa, PO Box 1545, New York, NY 10159-1545, or visiting our website.

Contact: Cherry Wunderlich, 301-493-8810, cwunderlich@thyca.org,
Director of Publications and Outreach, ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
Founder and Sponsor of Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month 

June 24, 2013—ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is proud to announce the funding of six thyroid cancer research grants, including new grants and continuation grants, all funded through contributions to ThyCa from thyroid cancer patients, family members, and friends.

This is the eleventh consecutive year in which ThyCa has awarded research grants. The grant recipients were selected by an independent expert panel of the American Thyroid Association (ATA). Researchers and institutions worldwide are eligible for ThyCa grants.

The new grant recipients are researchers at Duke University Hospital, Durham, North Carolina; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; and Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.  The Ric Blake Memorial Thyroid Cancer Research Grants are named for ThyCa Co-Founder Ric Blake, in honor of his dedication and commitment to ThyCa and to our goal of better futures for everyone with thyroid cancer, everywhere in the world 

The new grants are awarded to these researchers in Medullary Thyroid Cancer and Papillary Thyroid Cancer:

  • Nicole Chau, M.D., Harvard Medical School and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, for the project “Overcoming Resistance to RET inhibitors in Medullary Thyroid Cancer.” Dr. Chau is a medical oncologist and the goal of this project is to compare the efficacy of current and novel RET inhibitors against specific oncogenic RET mutations in Medullary Thyroid Cancer and to predict and study acquired resistance mechanisms.
  • Brittany Bohinc, M.D., Duke University Hospital, Durham, North Carolina, for the project “Overexpression of LGR4 and LGR5 in Human Thyroid Cancer Promotes Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling and is Associated with Tumor Aggressiveness.” This project will focus on understanding the role of specific pathways and markers in nodal metastases and aggressive tumor behavior, with this understanding aiding potential development of novel therapeutics in metastatic papillary thyroid cancer that is unresponsive to current therapies. This grant is the 2013 Ric Blake Memorial Thyroid Cancer Research Grant.
  • Jaroslaw Jendrzejewski, M.D., Ohio State University Columbus, Ohio for the project “Analysis of locus 14q13.3 in search of mutations predisposing to Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (PTC).”  This two-step project aims to uncover mutations by combining second-generation sequencing with bioinformatic analysis of 14q13.3 locus, which genome wide association studies have identified as one of the most important in genetic predisposition to PTC.

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association has also awarded a second year of funding to its three 2012 grant recipients, also selected by ATA’s independent panel. These research projects focus on anaplastic and differentiated thyroid cancer. Researchers and projects include:

  • Niklas Finnberg, Ph.D., Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Hershey, Pennsylvania, for the project titled “Sorafenib and Quinacrine as Potential Combination for Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma.”
  • Aime Franco, Ph.D., University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, for the project titled “The Role of RAS versus RAF in Thyroid Cancer Development and Progression.”
  • Andreas Lundqvist, Ph.D., Cancer Center Karolinska, Stockholm, Sweden, for the project titled “Study the Role of Natural Killer Cells in Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma.”  Dr. Lundqvist is the recipient of the Ric Blake Memorial Thyroid Cancer Research Grant.

First awarded in 2003, and continuing every year since, ThyCa’s grants are the first-ever thyroid cancer research grants to be funded entirely by thyroid cancer patients, caregivers, and friends, and open to researchers and institutions worldwide. ThyCa has awarded more than $1.2 million for thyroid cancer research, to researchers in France, Germany, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States.

ThyCa’s grants are made possible through the generous contributions of all amounts from thousands of thyroid cancer survivors, family members, and friends who want to support increased research to find better treatment options and cures for all thyroid cancer, one of the few cancers significantly increasing in the number of newly-diagnosed patients. 

“ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association is excited to raise urgently needed funds for thyroid cancer research. We are grateful to all of our many donors,” said ThyCa Executive Director Gary Bloom. “We greatly appreciate our collaborative efforts with the American Thyroid Association. We’re pleased to support the best thyroid cancer research projects proposed by young investigators, with funding available to researchers and research centers worldwide.”

Our thanks to the American Thyroid Association (ATA), the professional association of research and clinical thyroidologists, for your ongoing support and collaboration. ATA said, “It is an honor to partner with ThyCa year after year to support our common goal of advancing thyroid cancer research to improve the lives of thyroid cancer patients. We thank ThyCa and its members for your continued dedication and support of thyroid cancer research!”

Grant recipients from 2003 – 2013 are researchers at these institutions:

  • Cancer Center Karolinska, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Cochin Institut, Paris, France
  • Duke University Hospital, Durham, North Carolina
  • Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
  • Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
  • Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
  • Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, and Medical University of Gdansk, Poland
  • Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Hershey, Pennsylvania
  • Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
  • University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
  • University of California Los Angeles/Veterans Affairs West Los Angeles Health Care System, Los Angeles, California
  • University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
  • University Hospital Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
  • University of Illinois at Chicago, Illinois
  • University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
  • Washington Hospital Center/Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.

ThyCa has two Research Funds. One fund supports research on follicular-cell-derived thyroid cancer, including papillary, follicular, anaplastic, and variants. The other fund supports research on medullary thyroid cancer. Both funds welcome contributions of any size. Information about ThyCa’s Rally for Research fundraising can be found on our Rally for Research page.

This year ThyCa is marking its 18th year of providing free services to thyroid cancer survivors, families, medical professionals, and the public. ThyCa sponsors webinars, seminars, workshops, thyroid cancer support groups; one-to-one support from ThyCa volunteers; free publications including handbooks on all types of thyroid cancer, a downloadable low-iodine cookbook, a patient information packet and many other publications; pediatric backpacks with information kits for children and teens with thyroid cancer and their families; monthly online newsletter; and an educational web site with more than 700 pages in English, Chinese, Spanish, French, and Japanese. ThyCa receives guidance from its Medical Advisory Council of world recognized experts in the field of thyroid cancer.      

ThyCa sponsors Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month in September, a worldwide observance, plus year-round awareness campaigns, as well as, and the annual International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference. Details are available on our website or by calling 1-877-588-7904 or e-mailing thyca@thyca.org.

In This Issue:

Now Online! Medullary Thyroid Cancer Handbook Preview Edition

This new handbook is free. Its 55 pages and 27 sections are packed with information about sporadic and hereditary medullary thyroid cancer.

Topics include diagnosis, staging, surgery, follow-up testing, new treatments for recurrent disease, clinical trials, doctor-patient communications, living with medullary thyroid cancer, and sources of support and further information.

Go to the Free Publications section of our Home Page to download and read the Medullary Thyroid Cancer Handbook Preview Edition. The printed edition will also be available soon. We will mail it anywhere in the world.

Thank you to the numerous physician specialists, researchers, medullary thyroid cancer survivors, and caregivers who developed and reviewed this new publication from ThyCa.

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More Than 35 Speakers Confirmed for the Conference September 27-29

On September 27 – 29, 2013, thyroid cancer survivors, caregivers, and health care professionals from near and far will come together in Philadelphia for the 16th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference.

You’re invited to come for 1, 2, or all 3 days. Learn from experts, get answers to your questions, and share experiences and coping tips with others with each type of thyroid cancer, at all phases of testing, treatment, and follow-up.

We’re honored to introduce our distinguished guest speakers confirmed as of July 15, 2013.

  • Douglas W. Ball, M.D., Endocrinologist, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
  • Zubair W. Baloch, M.D., Ph.D., Cytopathologist, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Andrew J. Bauer, M.D., Pediatric Endocrinologist, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, and Children’s Hospital of   Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Marcia S. Brose, M.D., Ph.D., Medical Oncologist, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Monica Fawzy Bryant, Esq., Attorney, Navigating Cancer Survivorship, Chicago, Illinois
  • Kenneth D. Burman, M.D., Endocrinologist, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC
  • Naifa L. Busaidy, M.D., Endocrinologist, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
  • Herbert Chen, M.D., F.A.C.S., Endocrine Surgeon, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
  • Catherine Dinauer, M.D., Pediatric Endocrinologist, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
  • Gary L. Francis, M.D., Ph.D., Endocrinologist, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
  • Robert F. Gagel, M.D., Endocrinologist, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
  • David Goldenberg, M.D., F.A.C.S., Otolaryngologist, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania
  • Mimi I. Hu, M.D., Endocrinologist, Univ of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
  • Julie Hunsaker, Hypoparathyroidism Association, Idaho Falls, Idaho
  • Nick Isenberg, Documentary Filmmaker, Glenwood Springs, Colorado
  • Arjun Joshi, M.D., Otolaryngologist, George Washington University, Washington,  DC
  • Rachel R. Kelz, M.D., M.S.C.E., General Surgeon, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Donald Margouleff, M.D., Nuclear Medicine, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, New York
  • Bryan McIver, M.D., Ph.D., F.R.C.P., Endocrinologist, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
  • David Myssiorek, M.D., F.A.C.S., Otolaryngologist, New York University Clinical Cancer Center, New York, New York
  • Rebecca V. Nellis, M.A., Vice President, Programs & Strategy, Cancer & Careers, New York, New York
  • Karen Neyer, L.S.W., M.S.W., Social Worker, Cancer Support Community of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Daniel A. Pryma, M.D., Nuclear Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Tanveer Rather, M.D., Nuclear Medicine, SKIMS, India
  • Jennifer Rein, L.C.S.W., Social Worker, Children’s Hospital of Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
  • Carol Sanders, Hypoparathyroidism Association, Idaho Falls, Idaho
  • Donna Sherman, M.S.W., Psycho-therapist, CenterPoint Integral Counseling & Wellness, Highland,  New York
  • Steven I. Sherman, M.D., Endocrinologist, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
  • Joyce J. Shin, M.D., Endocrine Surgeon, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio
  • Julie Ann Sosa, M.D., M.A., Surgeon, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
  • R. Michael Tuttle, M.D., Endocrinologist, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, New York
  • Douglas Van Nostrand, M.D., Nuclear Medicine, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC
  • Lynn A. Waldmann, L.C.S.W., Senior Social Work Counselor, Univ of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
  • Lori J. Wirth, M.D., Medical Oncologist, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
  • Linwah Yip, M.D., Surgeon, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

And more professionals are being confirmed. In addition, we have confirmed more than 25 roundtable discussion leaders, including survivors and caregivers coping with each type of thyroid cancer.

Conference Features

  • Meet leading experts
  • Learn the latest about thyroid cancer care and research
  • Get answers to your questions
  • Learn coping skills and complementary approaches to well-being
  • Share experiences with others coping with all types and situations with thyroid cancer
  • Online and mail-in registration are open, with early-bird discount
  • Scholarships to cover the registration fee are available on request
  • Special $99 Hotel Room Rate for conference attendees

Our web site has details. We’ll post more updates soon as well.

Join us for this unique and important weekend for everyone interested in thyroid cancer!

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1,094 Miles and Counting for Thyroid Cancer Awareness!

Congratulations and thank you to Jennifer Smart, for your terrific hike for Thyroid Cancer Awareness, as well as fundraising for ThyCa’s services and thyroid cancer research grants! For Jennifer’s story of her 2,650-mile hike, & more, visit our Rally for Research page www.thyca.org/how-to-help/rally/. Find out how you can support Jennifer’s great efforts!

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ThyCa Awards 6 Thyroid Cancer Research Grants

We are proud to announce our 2013 thyroid cancer research grants. The recipients of the 3 new grants are researchers at Duke University Hospital, North Carolina; Harvard Medical School and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Massachusetts, and Ohio State University, Ohio. The recipients of the continuation grants are researchers at Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania; University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas; and Cancer Center Karolinska, Sweden 

ThyCa’s grants are open to researchers and institutions worldwide. We have awarded grants to researchers in 5 countries: France, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, and United States. This is our 11th year of awarding grants.  Recipients are selected by an independent expert committee of the American Thyroid Association (ATA). Our thanks to ATA for your support.

Watch for more details on our web site.

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Check Out Our Newly Redesigned Web Site
Extensive Thyroid Cancer Resources & Support Available

June 30, 2013 — ThyCa’s web site, with more than 750 pages of quality information about thyroid cancer, support services, events, and free downloadable publications in 5 languages, has been updated and redesigned.

The site provides fast and easy access to up-to-date physician-reviewed information, free support services available worldwide, and additional resources on the cancer that’s the fastest increasing cancer in the U.S.

Specific information on all types of thyroid cancer, testing, treatment, research, living with the disease, Webinars with experts, and downloadable materials in English, Spanish, Japanese, French, and Chinese, are all available on the site.

Added features include the Calendar of Events, plus details about the annual International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference, Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, ThyCa’s research fundraising and thyroid cancer research grants, and more.

Special thanks to our webmasters, Betty Solbjor and Joel Amromin, and to all our publications volunteers and web consultants who helped with this project 

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization of thyroid cancer survivors, family members, and health care professionals, founded in 1995 and serving people worldwide. ThyCa is dedicated to support, education, communication, and research for cures for all thyroid cancer. ThyCa sponsors Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, year-round awareness campaigns, the annual International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference, and thyroid cancer research fundraising and research grants. 

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In 5 Languages: Free Information and Materials on our web site

Visit our web site for information and publications in English, Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish. Our publications include numerous free downloadable flyers, handbooks, and the Low-Iodine Cookbook.

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Not Long Now – Partner with Us in Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month

September is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, Worldwide! Help us raise awareness. Learn more about Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, begun in 2000.

Get tools, tips, and free materials here www.thyca.org/how-to-help/awareness/. Or ask us to mail free awareness materials to you.

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Dinner/Auction Research Fundraiser Invites Auction Items

On Saturday, September 28, 2013, you’re invited to join us at the Clarion Hotel Conference Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for a wonderful evening of connections, camaraderie, and fundraising for Thyroid Cancer Research.

Whether or not you can come, you’re invited to contribute an item for the auction, and your financial support.

We all share the dream of research for cures for all thyroid cancer. You may donate an auction item and reserve your seat at the 12th Annual Dinner/Auction for Thyroid Cancer Research by using the online forms on our Conferences web page at www.thyca.org/support/conferences/

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Memorial Slide Show and Quilt at the Conference

Again this year at the Conference, we will recognize individuals who have passed away. Again our Conference Booklet will have a Memorial Page to remember and honor loved ones.

In addition, we will show the Memorial Video Slide Show created by Cheri Lindle and will display the Memorial Quilt created by Leah Guljord. Cheri and Leah are both longtime ThyCa volunteers.

If you would like us to include your loved one’s picture in the slide presentation and his or her name in a square in the quilt, please send us an attached photo (jpeg).

Please send the photo and information to Cheri Lindle, ThyCa Volunteer, at clindle@thyca.org no later than September 15, 2013.

For more information and a photo of the first quilt squares, visit our Memorial Quilt page.

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Free Thyroid Cancer Education Program in New Jersey on August 2

Surviving Thyroid Cancer program with several physician speakers will take place on August 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, New Jersey. It includes free parking, continental breakfast, and lunch. ThyCa will have an exhibit at this event.  Details on the ThyCa Jersey Shore University Medical Center support group’s web page on www.thyca.org. 

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Know Someone (you?) Newly Diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer?

We have a free patient information packet and mail it to people around the world. It has the handbook Thyroid Cancer Basics, and much more, including some materials to share with your physician. To request your copy, or a copy for someone you know, go to: www.thyca.org/support/packet/

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Low-Iodine Recipe of the Month and Preview of the Cookbook’s 8th Edition
Contributed by Shannon R. of South Carolina.

This recipe is one of dozens of new recipes that we’ll soon add to the Free Low-Iodine Cookbook, in its expanded 8th edition!

Cool Cucumber Pasta

8 ounces pasta (with no eggs
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced – do not peel
medium onion sliced thin

Dressing:

1 Cup Water
3/4 Cup Vinegar
1 1/2 Cups sugar
1 Tablespoon prepared mustard (use dry and add water)
1 teaspoon non-iodized salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

Cook pasta, drain, and rinse in cold water. Put in a large bowl and add oil, then cucumbers and onions, and stir.
Mix dressing ingredients, and pour over the salad and toss.
Cover and chill several hours, or eat the next day. Makes 4 – 6 servings.  

Enjoy!

Thank you, Shannon! Your recipe will appear in the 8th Edition of the Cookbook. 

Free and Downloadable

Click here to download the 7th edition of the Low-Iodine Cookbook in English for free, with more than 340 favorite recipes from more than 150 generous volunteers.

The Cookbook is also available in:

• Spanish and
• French

Please remember, while you’re welcome to download and print the entire free low-iodine cookbook, you can also print just the pages you need.

This free cookbook is a wonderful help when you’re preparing to receive radioactive iodine for treatment or testing. All the recipes are favorites of some of our ThyCa volunteers, who are sharing them with everyone, to make the low-iodine diet easy and tasty. The recipes are also great for family meals and for potlucks, any time.

To contribute your favorite recipe or tip, send it to recipes@thyca.org.

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News From the Rally for Researc 

We support thyroid cancer research, and have awarded more than $1 million in thyroid cancer research grants to researchers in 5 countries thanks to your support!

ThyCa’s Research Grants are open to institutions and researchers worldwide, with grant recipients selected by an independent expert panel of the American Thyroid Association.

Read more here, and find out how you can help, on the Rally for Research page.

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Follow Us on Social Media

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Every Day

Every day, thousands of people with thyroid cancer, and their families, receive support, education, and hope from ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.

Your generous support, in the time you give and in financial contributions, is what makes it possible to sustain, strengthen, and expand our services and outreach.

It only takes a minute to volunteer your time by e-mailing to volunteer@thyca.org or to make a donation online in support of ThyCa’s work (or you are welcome to donate by mail to ThyCa, P.O. Box 964, Chesterfield, MO 63006-0964), so click hereto give.

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About ThyCa NEWS NOTES and ThyCa
Copyright (c) 2013 ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc 

Please share ThyCa News Notes with your family and friends. For permission to reprint in another electronic or print publication, please contact us at publications@thyca.org.

Thank you to everyone who helped with this issue: Leah Guljord, Roselle Kovitz, Pat Paillard, Shannon R., Barb Statas, Cherry Wunderlich, and Gary Bloom.

The information in this newsletter is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended, nor should it be interpreted, as medical advice or directions of any kind. Readers are advised to consult their own medical doctor(s) for all matters involving their health and medical care.

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization (tax ID #52-2169434) of thyroid cancer survivors, family members, and health care professionals serving people worldwide and dedicated to education, support, communication, and fundraising for thyroid cancer research.

ThyCa sponsors the annual International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference, as well as Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, a worldwide observance each September, plus year-round awareness campaigns, research funding, and thyroid cancer research grants.

Contact us for free materials and information. E-mail to thyca@thyca.org call toll-free at 1-877-588-7904, fax 1-630-604-6078, write PO Box 1102, Olney, MD 20830-1102, or visit www.thyca.org.

Extensive Thyroid Cancer Resources & Support Available on Our Website

June 30, 2013 — ThyCa’s web site, with more than 750 pages of quality information about thyroid cancer, support services, events, and free downloadable publications in 5 languages, has been updated and redesigned. The site provides fast and easy access to up-to-date physician-reviewed information, free support services available worldwide, and additional resources on the cancer that’s the fastest increasing cancer in the U.S.

Specific information on all types of thyroid cancer, testing, treatment, research, living with the disease, Webinars with experts, and downloadable materials in English, Spanish, Japanese, French, and Chinese, are all available on the site. Added features include the Calendar of Events, plus details about the annual International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference, Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, ThyCa’s research fundraising and thyroid cancer research grants, and more.

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization of thyroid cancer survivors, family members, and health care professionals, founded in 1995 and serving people worldwide. ThyCa is dedicated to support, education, communication, and research for cures for all thyroid cancer. ThyCa sponsors Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, year-round awareness campaigns, the annual International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference, and thyroid cancer research fundraising and research grants.

Visit the newly redesigned web site.
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E-mail us.