Thyroid Cancer Experts and Survivors Collaborate: ThyCa Announces 2010 Research Grants
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc., is proud to announce two new 2010 Thyroid Cancer Research Grants plus two continuation grants. The grant recipients are researchers at institutions in the United States and Switzerland. They were selected by an independent expert panel of the American Thyroid Association (ATA.)
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. The ThyCa grants are open to researchers and institutions worldwide. ThyCa has awarded more than $650,000 for thyroid cancer research, to researchers in France, Germany, Switzerland, and the United States.
The 2010 new ThyCa grant recipients are:
- Rozita Bagheri-Yarmand, Ph.D., University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer, Houston, Texas, for the project “Center Activating Transcription Factor 4 (ATF4), a Novel Putative Tumor Suppressor Gene in Medullary Thyroid Cancer.”
- Tania Pilli, M.D., University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, for the project “The Role of MADD, an IG20 Gene Splice Variant, and Its Potential Use as Therapeutic Target in the Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer.”
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association has also awarded a second year of funding to its two 2009 grant recipients, also selected by ATA’s independent panel:
- Dingxie Liu, M.D., Ph.D. of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, for the project “Dually Targeting the MAP Kinase and PI3K Pathways in Thyroid Cancer – Testing of a Novel Therapeutic Approach.”
- Martin Walter, M.D. of University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland, for the project “Somatostatin-coupled Nanoparticles for Imaging and Therapy of Medullary Thyroid Cancer.”
New 2010 grant recipient Dr. Bagheri-Yarmand earned the Ph.D. with highest honors from University Paris, Paris, France, followed by postdoctoral fellowships at INSERME U353, in Paris, France, and the University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, where she is now an Assistant Professor.
New 2010 grant recipient Dr. Pilli is an Endocrinologist who received her education in Italy and is conducting the thyroid cancer research project working with Dr. Prebhakar of the University of Illinois at Chicago and Dr. Pacini of Italy, as part of developing a career in translational research. The studies under the ThyCa grant are aimed at having implications for developing novel therapies for anaplastic thyroid cancer.
ThyCa’s grants, now in their eighth year, are made possible through the contributions 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 proud to raise much-needed funds for thyroid cancer research, and grateful to our many donors,” said ThyCa Executive Director Gary Bloom. “We greatly appreciate the opportunity to work with the American Thyroid Association. We’re especially pleased to support the best thyroid cancer research projects proposed by young investigators, with funding available to researchers and research centers worldwide.”
Grant recipients from 2003 – 2010 include researchers at these institutions:
- Cochin Institut, Paris, France
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- emorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, and Medical University of Gdansk, Poland
- Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
- 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
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 at www.thyca.org/how-to-help/rally/
This year ThyCa is marking its 15th year of providing free services to thyroid cancer survivors, families, medical professionals, and the public. ThyCa sponsors free year-round thyroid cancer support groups; one-to-one support matched by type of thyroid cancer; free publications including a Patient Information Packet , a downloadable low-iodine cookbook now in its expanded 7th edition in English, French, and Spanish, and many other publications; free pediatric backpacks with information kits for children and teens with thyroid cancer and their families; free monthly online newsletter; and an educational web site with more than 650 pages.
ThyCa also sponsors Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month in September, a worldwide observance, plus year-round awareness campaigns, as well as seminars, regional workshops, 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.
The American Thyroid Association (ATA, www.thyroid.org) is the lead medical professional organization dedicated to promoting thyroid health and understanding thyroid biology and all thyroid diseases in the United States. The ATA values scientific inquiry, clinical excellence, public service, education, collaboration, and collegiality. The ATA fosters excellence in research, patient care, and education of patients, the public, and the medical and scientific communities.
The important card, “How To Take the Thyroid Neck Check,” developed by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) and the American College of Endocrinology (ACE), is now available free from ThyCa.
ThyCa is now printing and distributing these illustrated cards for use in thyroid cancer awareness activities and in physicians’ offices, and at health fairs, cancer screenings, and other community events.
The informative Neck Check card gives step-by-step instructions to use at home for a simple neck check to find an enlarged thyroid gland or a thyroid nodule. The card also explains the role of the thyroid gland, and discusses the blood test for TSH to determine whether the thyroid gland is producing too much or too little thyroid hormone.
We thank AACE for developing this convenient and informative educational handout and for collaborating with ThyCa to make it available free of charge on request.
To request either a single copy or a bulk request, e-mail your request to thyca@thyca.org or fax to 1-630-604-6078.
Numerous other free publications are also available from ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc., by mail or by downloading, for thyroid cancer awareness, education, and support. Visit www.thyca.org for more details.
In This Issue
- ThyCa Announces Four Thyroid Cancer Research Grants for 2010
- AACE Neck Check Card, Now Available Free From ThyCa
- Dr. Owen To Speak in Reno, Nevada on August 10, 2010
- Thyroid Exam Included in “The Stanford 25” Exam Techniques Every Doctor Should Know
- Coming in September: Worldwide Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month
- More than 30 Speakers Confirmed for Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference
- Expanded Reference Book Presents 40 Chapters by 32 Medical Specialists
- Share Your Story, Poem, or Photo for the 15th Anniversary Collection
- Collaborating To Reduce Post-Surgical Hypoparathyroidism
- Our Free Guestbook
- Poems in Memory of Kelly
- Have You Visited Our Web Site Lately?
- Low-Iodine Recipe of the Month
- How I Coped With My Thyroid Cancer
- Serving People in 55 Countries
- Follow ThyCa on Facebook
- Help Support the 2010 Rally for Research
- You’re Invited To Become a Member
- Events Preview
- Every Day…
- About ThyCa NEWS NOTES
ThyCa Announces Four Thyroid Cancer Research Grants for 2010
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc., is proud to announce two new 2010 ThyCa Research Grants plus two continuation grants, awarded to thyroid cancer researchers at institutions in the United States and Switzerland. The grant recipients were selected by an independent expert panel of the American Thyroid Association (ATA.)
The 2010 new ThyCa grant recipients are:
- Rozita Bagheri-Yarmand, Ph.D., University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer, Houston, Texas, for the project “Center Activating Transcription Factor 4 (ATF4), a Novel Putative Tumor Suppressor Gene in Medullary Thyroid Cancer.”
- Tania Pilli, M.D., University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, for the project “The Role of MADD, an IG20 Gene Splice Variant, and Its Potential Use as Therapeutic Target in the Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer.”
ThyCa has also awarded a second year of funding to its two 2009 grant recipients, also selected by ATA’s independent panel:
- Dingxie Liu, M.D., Ph.D. of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, for the project “Dually Targeting the MAP Kinase and PI3K Pathways in Thyroid Cancer – Testing of a Novel Therapeutic Approach.”
- Martin Walter, M.D. of University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland, for the project “Somatostatin-coupled Nanoparticles for Imaging and Therapy of Medullary Thyroid Cancer.”
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. The ThyCa grants are open to researchers and institutions worldwide. ThyCa has awarded more than $650,000 for thyroid cancer research, to researchers in France, Germany, Switzerland, and the United States.
Thank you to all our generous donors. Your support of the Rally for Research made these grants possible. Together, we continue to work toward our goal of cures for all thyroid cancer. Support the Rally for Research.
AACE Neck Check Card, Now Available Free From ThyCa To Promote Early Detection of Thyroid Nodules
The important card, “How To Take the Thyroid Neck Check,” developed by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) and the American College of Endocrinology (ACE), is now available free from ThyCa.
ThyCa is now printing and distributing these illustrated cards for use in thyroid cancer awareness activities and in physicians’ offices, and at health fairs, cancer screenings, and other community events.
The informative Neck Check card gives step-by-step instructions to use at home for a simple neck check to find an enlarged thyroid gland or a thyroid nodule. The card also explains the role of the thyroid gland, and discusses the blood test for TSH to determine whether the thyroid gland is producing too much or too little thyroid hormone.
We thank AACE for developing this convenient and informative educational handout and for collaborating with ThyCa to make it available free of charge on request. To request either a single copy or a bulk request, e-mail your request to thyca@thyca.org or fax to 1-630-604-6078.
Dr. Owen To Speak in Reno, Nevada on August 10, 2010
Ann Owen, M.D., Endocrinologist, will speak and answer questions about thyroid cancer treatment and testing at the Tuesday, August 10 meeting of the ThyCa Reno, Nevada Support Group. The meeting takes place at Renown Medical Center, Sierra Tower, First Floor, Cafeteria Board Room, 1155 Mill Street, Reno, Nevada. Everyone interested in thyroid cancer is invited to attend. This event is free. For more information, visit www.thyca.org/sg/nv_reno/.
Thyroid Exam Included in “The Stanford 25” Exam Techniques Every Doctor Should Know
Palpating the neck to do a thyroid exam is one of 25 hands-on diagnostic techniques that every physician should know, according to Abraham Verghese, M.D., Professor of Medicine at Stanford Medical School, Stanford, California, in the Summer 2010 issue of Stanford Medicine magazine. The article tells how Dr. Verghese developed the “Stanford 25 Exam Techniques” for training first-year residents (interns). It notes that both the angle of the fingers and the part of the neck examined are important in a thyroid exam.
Coming in September: Worldwide Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month
This is the 10th Anniversary of this important observance, sponsored by ThyCa.
Thank you to our many partners in promoting thyroid cancer awareness for early detection, treatment according to the latest knowledge, lifetime monitoring, and more research for cures for all thyroid cancer.
Our web site will soon give more ideas and suggestions for how you can promote awareness from your home as well as in your workplace, school, medical center, and community group. We’ll also recognize groups and individuals and their activities in this campaign. Visit www.thyca.org for free downloadable flyers to give or display, or e-mail thyca@thyca.org, or call 1-877-588-7904 to request your free materials. Free materials for Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month are available on request. To find out more, e-mail us atoutreach@thyca.org or visit our Raise Awareness page.
More than 30 Speakers Confirmed for Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference
We are honored to introduce these distinguished medical professional speakers already confirmed for the 13th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference, October 15-17, 2010 in Dallas, Texas.
- Douglas W. Ball, M.D., Endocrinologist, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD
- Marcia S. Brose, M.D., Ph.D., Oncologist, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Rebecca Brown, M.D., Endocrinologist, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL
- Naifa L. Busaidy, M.D., Endocrinologist, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- Maria E. Cabanillas, M.D., Endocrinologist, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- Mark S. Chambers, M.S., D.M.D., Oral Medicine, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- Gary L. Clayman, D.M.D., M.D., Surgeon, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX\
- Gilbert Cote, M.D., Endocrinologist, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- Mouhammed A. Habra, M.D., Endocrinologist, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- Shelby Holt, M.D., Endocrine Surgeon, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
- Yariv Houvras, M.D., Oncologist, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA
- Mimi I. Hu, M.D., Endocrinologist, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- Joshua P. Klopper, M.D., Endocrinologist, University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO
- Jochen Lorch, M.D., Oncologist, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- James G. Luehman, Deputy Director, Division of Materials Safety and State Agreements, United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC
- Bryan McIver, M.B., Ph.D., F.R.C.P., Endocrinologist, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
- Mira Milas, M.D., Endocrine Surgeon, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
- David Myssiorek, M.D., F.A.C.S., Otolaryngologist, New York University Clinical Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Rebecca Nagy, M.S., C.G.C., Certified Genetic Counselor, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Theresa A. Rich, M.S., C.G.C., Certified Genetic Counselor, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- Jennifer Rosen, M.D., Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
- Carol Sanders, Hypoparathyroidism Association, Idaho Falls, ID
- James Sanders, Hypoparathyroidism Association, Idaho Falls, ID
- Pamela Schultz, R.N., Ph.D., Research Nurse, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
- Rena V. Sellin, M.D., Endocrinologist, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- Jennifer A. Sipos, M.D., Endocrinologist, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
- Julie Ann Sosa, M.D., M.A., Surgeon, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
- Beatriz Tendler, M.D., Endocrinologist, University of Connecticut Health Center, Storrs, CT
- Steven G. Waguespack, M.D., Endocrinologist, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- Lynn Waldmann, L.C.S.W., Senior Social Work Counselor, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- Samuel A. Wells, M.D., Surgeon, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
- Michelle D. Williams, M.D., Pathologist, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- Lori J. Wirth, M.D., Medical Oncologist, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA
- Laura S. Wood, R.N., M.S.N., O.C.N., Renal Cancer Research Coordinator, Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland, OH
- Anita Ying, M.D., Endocrinologist, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- …and more being confirmed
In addition to these speakers, other specialists will lead sessions, and survivors and caregivers coping with every type of thyroid cancer will lead roundtables and discussions on numerous important topics. In all, the conference will offer more than 100 session choices.
We invite you to join us for this unique weekend of learning from experts and sharing experiences and support with others who understand what you’re going through.
Registration is open at www.thyca.org. You may register either by using our convenient online form, or by mail. We also welcome walk-in attendees. The hotel information with details about the special $99 sleep room rate for advance reservations, and an online reservation link, is also available.
Visit our website often for conference updates.
Expanded Reference Book Presents 40 Chapters by 32 Medical Specialists
The expanded Second Edition (2010) of Thyroid Cancer: A Guide for Patients is now available from ThyCa. This large-format reference book has 434 pages, 40 chapters with numerous checklists and illustrations, and 40 authors, including 32 medical professionals from the numerous specialties involved in thyroid cancer care and research.
Proceeds from the books shipped by ThyCa help support our free education and support services, outreach, and thyroid cancer research grants. The order form is on the Reference Book page.
Share Your Story, Poem, or Photo for the 15th Anniversary Collection
Be a voice for thyroid cancer! Help ThyCa mark our 15th Year Milestone. Send your story, poem, essay, or photo sharing your thoughts and images of your experience with thyroid cancer, to publications@thyca.org. Choose your theme: (1) My Thyroid Cancer Journey, (2) Voices of Survivors and Caregivers, (3) How ThyCa Helps Me. Send up to 500 words, in plain text in the e-mail message. Or send a photo in JPEG format, with a caption up to 25 words) through midnight, July 31, 2010. Please include your first name, last initial or name, and where you live (whatever information you will allow us to share with others).
Collaborating To Reduce Post-Surgical Hypoparathyroidism
ThyCa is pleased to be working together with the Hypoparathyroidism, Association and with our medical advisors, to explore ways to achieve our shared goal of reducing post-surgical hypoparathyroidism. This uncommon complication of thyroid surgery requires patients to take daily calcium for the rest of their lives. Together we plan to give: information in future newsletters and on our web sites, and interact with medical professionals for their expertise on how to help reduce this post-surgical hypoparathyroidism. Also, this year’s International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference in Dallas, Texas, in October will have a roundtable led by the Hypoparathyroidism Association founders Jim and Carol Sanders.
To receive our free online newsletter, plus announcements of ThyCa events and activities, fill out ourGuestbook form.
To protect each person’s privacy, the mailing list is for the sole use of ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc., and its affiliates. ThyCa does not ever sell, share or give away any contact information.
Poems in Memory of KellyBy Lisa Cole, March 2010
you promised to show me you’re ok
i wait
i’m scared but i’m trying to be open
i need to know you’re ok as much as i need to breathe
i want to believe you’re in a better place
cancer and pain free
please show me
+++++
people fade in, people fade out
who will stay and who will leave?
suddenly i’m afraid of people leaving me
like you left me
though not your choice
you’re not here anymore in my physical word and i don’t blame you
+++++
it ravaged
tore, enveloped and hurt
but it didn’t break our bond
cancer can hurt but it cannot break spirit
Have You Visited Our Web Site Lately?
We’re excited to report that the www.thyca.org web site receives more than 350,000 visits per month —more than 11,000 each day.
Almost every day our volunteer web masters make content additions or updates. Recent additions include more local support groups and news about the recipients of ThyCa’s 2010 Research Grants.
More than 650 web pages provide extensive information about all types of thyroid cancer, connections to a broad range of free support services, and details about awareness campaigns, as well as fundraising for thyroid cancer research.
Free downloadable publications include the Free Low-Iodine Cookbook in English, Spanish, and French, plus dozens of other publications. A Chinese language translation is also in progress.
Thank you very much to the more than 50 thyroid cancer specialists who provide their input and expertise, and to the many dozens of volunteers on ThyCa’s Publications and Web Site Teams.
Low-Iodine Recipe of the MonthContributed by Andrea Swangard
Andrea wries, “I’m currently on the low-iodine diet and following the delicious recipes from the ThyCa cookbook. I came up with a meal idea yesterday that I think would be a neat addition!”
Sweet Potato Tacos
Ingredients:
- 2 medium Corn Tortillas (or 4 small ones)
- 2 Avocados
- 2 Tomatoes
- 1 Sweet Potato
- Fresh Basil and/or Cilantro
- Noniodized salt
- Pepper
Directions:
- Dice tomatoes and avocado and mix together in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Microwave sweet potato (puncture skin with fork a few times first) for 10 minutes (flipping over halfway through). Skin the potato and slice into small pieces.
- Microwave corn tortillas for 30 seconds. Spoon a layer of sweet potato onto tortillas, top with avocado and tomato mixture, and garnish with basil and cilantro. Tasty!
Thank you, Andrea! We are including your recipe in the next edition of the FREE Downloadable Low-Iodine Cookbook.
Free and Downloadable: Download the new expanded 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 in 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.
If you’d like to contribute your favorite recipe or tip, send it to recipes@thyca.org.
How I Coped With My Thyroid CancerBy Astrid van Giffen
I’m a firm believer in using humor to get through tough situations. So when I found out I had thyroid cancer and would have to have my thyroid removed I organized a party. It was a farewell party for my thyroid complete with a cake which said “So long and thanks for all the hormones!”.,,,,I had a good time and so did my guests and it helped keep my mind off of the upcoming surgery.
Serving People in 55 Countries
ThyCa is proud to announce that people in 55 countries worldwide are currently utilizing our services.
In addition, our newsletter recently reached a new milestone of going to more than 21,000 people.
Thank you to everyone who is helping to connect people worldwide with ThyCa’s free education, support services, and special events.
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is now on Facebook (Group Name: THYCA).
Thank you to everyone who’s already become a THYCA Friend or Fan! Send us your messages and suggestions!
Help Support the 2010 Rally for Research
Thanks to generous contributions and special fundraising events, ThyCa has awarded new thyroid cancer research grants every year starting in 2003. These grants support our goal of cures for all thyroid cancer and a future free of thyroid cancer. We plan to award new research grants in 2010.
You can help support the Rally for Research. For details about the Rally for Research, donation opportunities, special events, Quarters for a Cure, and information about ThyCa’s past and future Research Grants, visit the Rally for Research page.
You’re Invited To Become a Member
Help us sustain, strengthen, and extend our services. We invite you to join ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
Your membership dues will support ThyCa’s efforts to reach and serve other survivors and their families around the world. Members receive our quarterly Membership Messenger newsletter.
You may join as a 1-year member ($25), 2-year member ($45), or lifetime member ($225). For our secure online Membership Form and our mailed Membership Form, go to our Membership page.
For details and contacts, go to our Calendar page and see the articles earlier in this newsletter.
- Every Day: Thyroid Cancer Awareness Activities by volunteers around the world, to promote early detection, care according to expert standards, connections with free education and support services, and research for cures for all thyroid cancer.
- Every Month. ThyCa’s Thyroid Cancer Support Group Meetings in Your Community.
- September 2010. Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, Worldwide. Sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. since 2000.
- Friday, October 8, 2010, Los Angeles, California, at UCLA Medical Center. Cancer-Related Legal Issues. Free educational conference sponsored by the Cancer Legal Resource Center.
- The 13th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference
October 15-17, 2010 in Dallas, Texas
Sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. - The 9th Annual Dinner/Auction Fundraiser for Thyroid Cancer Research.
October 16, 2009 in Dallas, Texas
Sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
Every day, thousands of people with thyroid cancer, and their families, receive support, education, and hope from ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
Every day, numerous people distribute ThyCa outreach materials to their physicians, making them aware of a resource that can benefit their patients dealing with a thyroid cancer diagnosis.
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 secure donation online in support of ThyCa’s work (or you are welcome to donate by mail to ThyCa, P.O. Box 1102, Olney, MD 20830-1102), so click here to give.
About ThyCa NEWS NOTES
Copyright (c) 2010 ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
Thank you to our writing, editing, and proofreading team for this issue: Lisa Cole, Leah Guljord, Pat Paillard, Barbara Statas, Andrea Swangard, Cherry Wunderlich, and Gary Bloom.
Your suggestions for articles are welcome. The deadline for articles and news items is the first day of each month.
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.
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is a national non-profit 501(c)(3) organization (tax ID #52-2169434) of thyroid cancer survivors, family members, and health care professionals.
We are dedicated to support, education, and communication for thyroid cancer survivors, their families, and friends, as well as to public awareness for early detection, treatment, and lifetime health monitoring, and to thyroid cancer research fundraising and research grants.
Contact us for free awareness materials and information about our free services and special events. E-mail thyca@thyca.org, call 1-877-588-7904, fax 1-630-604-6078, write PO Box 1102, Olney, MD 20830-1102, or visit our website.
In This Issue
- Partner in the 10th Anniversary of Worldwide Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month this September66
- Tim Clark and the Pediatric Backpack Project Going Strong
- New Edition of Thyroid Cancer Reference Book Expands with 40 Authors, 40 Chapters
- Seven Medical Professionals To Speak at Free California Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop, July 17
- Free Expanded New Low-Iodine Diet Cookbook Is Here, Bigger, Better
- My Volunteering Story
- Share Your Story, Poem, or Photo for the 15th Anniversary Collection
- From the E-Mail Box
- Our Free Guestbook
- Come to the Conference
- More Speakers Confirmed
- Free Patient Resource Available
- Have You Visited Our Web Site Lately?
- Low-Iodine Recipe of the Month
- Follow ThyCa on Facebook
- Help Support the 2010 Rally for Research
- You’re Invited To Become a Member
- Events Preview
- Every Day…
- Your Ideas?
- About ThyCa NEWS NOTES
Partner in the 10th Anniversary of Worldwide Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month this September
Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month is a worldwide observance each September, initiated by ThyCa volunteers 10 years ago, and sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association.
This annual observance promotes thyroid cancer awareness for early detection, as well as care based on expert standards, survivor and caregiver education and support, and increased research to achieve cures for all thyroid cancer.
We invite you and your organization to collaborate and partner with ThyCa in the 2010 Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month in September. Already people in 55 countries participate each year.
When you become a partner, we ask that you help promote Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month through your own Internet networks and community events. You and your organization will be acknowledged as a participating partner in ThyCa’s newsletters and on our web site. We will also include information about your organization at the 13th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference, both on the Resource Tables and in the Program Booklet given to all attendees.
Tim Clark and the Pediatric Backpack Program Going StrongBy Betsy Clark
Tim Clark, my son, is the remarkable young man who developed the Pediatric Backpack Project as part of the requirements to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. Tim is a high school senior, works part time for a landscaping business, plays soccer, and takes part in track as a sprinter and pole vaulter for his high school. In the winter, he is a ski instructor. He is also a thyroid cancer survivor.
Tim is very humbled by the tremendous response from everyone about his pediatric backpack project. When another Thank You note comes in, he reads it, shares it with his family, and marks the sender’s location on a map before adding it to his collection. Our family is pleased and proud of what ThyCa and Tim have accomplished.
(Editor’s Note: The backpacks go to families around the world, most recently to Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Quebec, Canada. A longer article about Tim and the Backpack Project will soon be published in ThyCa’s Membership Messenger newsletter, mailed to ThyCa members.Click here for more information about the Backpack Project.
New Edition of Thyroid Cancer Reference Book Expands with 40 Authors, 40 Chapters
The new Second Edition of Thyroid Cancer: A Guide for Patients is now available from ThyCa. This important reference book has expanded by 33% to 434 pages, with updates as well as numerous new chapters on key topics in thyroid cancer care and research.
The 40 authors include 32 distinguished medical professionals in centers in the United States and Canada, plus thyroid cancer survivors and a caregiver. The authors include endocrinologists, surgeons, nuclear medicine physicians, radiologists, and specialists in pathology, public health, research, and mental health. Editors are Douglas Van Nostrand, M.D., Leonard Wartofsky, M.D., Gary Bloom, & Kanchan Kulkarni, M.B.B.S.
Authors include three past presidents of the American Thyroid Association, a past president of The Endocrine Society, and faculty at medical schools and medical education programs in USA and Canada. The forewords are by Ernest L. Mazzaferri, M.D., Endocrinologist, Past President, American Thyroid Association, and R. Michael Tuttle, M.D., Endocrinologist, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
“This book provides easily understandable, clear, concise answers to nearly all of the common questions that patients ask me in the office, on follow-up phone calls, and at survivorship conferences… This book will provide the information necessary for you to help your physicians optimize and customize many aspects of the journey for your individual situation,” writes Dr. Tuttle.
New chapters focus on thyroid cancer in pregnancy, variants of well-differentiated thyroid cancer (including: columnar, Hurthle cell, insular, tall cell), re-operative thyroid surgery, management of bone metastasis, and many other topics. This large-format book from Keystone Press also has more than 80 tables, checklists, and illustrations.
Published in June 2010, this expanded second edition is available at the same price as for the first edition, from ThyCa. The order form is on the Reference Book page. ThyCa volunteers mail the copies by priority mail. Proceeds from orders sent by ThyCa help support our free education and support services, outreach, and thyroid cancer research grants.
Seven Medical Professionals To Speak at Free California Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop, July 17
On Saturday, July 17, 2010, thyroid cancer survivors, caregivers, and friends are invited to the California Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop, sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
This free event takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Stanford Cancer Center, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 875 Blake Wilbur, Stanford, California.
Speakers include:
- Haruko Akatsu, M.D., M.S., Endocrinologist, Stanford University Medical Center
- Benjamin Fisch, M.D., Thyroid Cancer Survivor, Radiation Oncologist, Kaiser Permanente, Santa Clara Homestead Medical Center
- Ross McDougall, M.D., Ph.D., Nuclear Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center
- Wen T. Shen M.D., Endocrine Surgeon, University of California at San Francisco Medical Center
- Ava Wu, D.D.S., Oral Medicine, University of California at San Francisco School of Dentistry
- Michael Yao M.D., ENT, Stanford University Medical Center
The day’s schedule and session topics are on www.thyca.org.
You are invited to come for all or part of this free educational and supportive day. You are encouraged to register online to ensure that you get in to this great event, because the auditorium seats only 75 people, or you can register onsite at the workshop (space permitting). For more information, e-mail to SiliconValley@thyca.org or thyca@thyca.org or call 1-877-588-7904.
Free Expanded New Low-Iodine Diet Cookbook is Here, Bigger, Better
The new, expanded edition of the free downloadable Low Iodine Cookbook is now on the web site! It has so many delicious and easy recipes (more than 340 recipes from more than 150 volunteers) for you to try when on the low-iodine diet.
Download it before you go on the Low-Iodine Diet. Use the cookbook in advance, and make some meals, and freeze them. Think of how nice it will be to have some of these delicious meals frozen and ready to go, especially when you’re too tired to cook while on the diet!
You can also share recipes with people who want to help you, and have them prepare a meal … and they will be pleased to learn the meals are delicious even if you’re not on the diet!
We have received many letters from people who are truly grateful for this cookbook and its wonderful dishes. Get your free copy today.
My Volunteering StoryBy Pat Paillard of Pennsylvania
When I was first diagnosed with thyroid cancer I didn’t know where to turn. I never knew anyone who had it.
The night I was diagnosed I went onto ThyCa’s web site. Wow! There were other people who had this disease! I was not alone after all!
I got so much from the site, I couldn’t believe it. These people really care about others who share their disease and make sure they get all the information and support they need in their journey with thyroid cancer. I consider ThyCa my “new family.”
Well, I really don’t know why I started writing down feelings that I had in relation to my disease, but it happened. I sent a little poem I had written, “The Uninvited Guest,” to ThyCa. It was displayed at the 2006 Conference!
I then communicated with the person at ThyCa who handles publications. I sent in a couple more things I had written down. I have been to three conferences and my writings have been placed on the Creative Expressions Table each year. I was invited to join the Publications Committee. These people at ThyCa make you feel needed and useful.
Each time I attend a conference I try to help out any way I can. While helping, I get to meet so many nice people and I really feel good helping others. After all, we are all survivors, or caregivers and friends, and through ThyCa we are helping “spread the word” about thyroid cancer so that no one will feel “alone” when dealing with it.
Two years ago I received an invitation to join another committee, and thought that maybe it would be a good idea to help out with the E-mail Response Team. There are three of us, plus others who help. We answer e-mails from “newbies,” people who are going on the low-iodine diet and have questions, people who are anxious or scared before their upcoming surgery, and people who may just want a free Patient Information Packet.
I have found this to be a great way to “give back” for the care, concern, and support I got from ThyCa. Some of the people I write to write back and tell me how wonderful the web site is, how the cookbook helped them out, how they are so happy to have this resource. It feels good to help other survivors in this way.
Last year at the Conference, I attended the Support Group Facilitators training session. I thought that as I was doing e-mail support, perhaps face-to-face as a group facilitator would be another way to ease the journey for fellow ThyCans. I filled out the application, send it along to ThyCa, received training, found a location for my group. and got the go-ahead. ThyCa NW Philly was born! We are a small group, but strong. I hope to make it larger and have sent letters to endocrinologists, posted signs, and placed notices in the local newspaper in hopes of reaching more people. I guess when something is new you have to give it time.
Who knows what the future holds for my volunteering for ThyCa?! I guess I’ll just have to wait and see what comes up next.
Share Your Story, Poem, or Photo for the 15th Anniversary Collection
Be a voice for thyroid cancer! Help ThyCa mark our 15th Year Milestone. Send your story, poem, essay, or photo sharing your thoughts and images of your experience with thyroid cancer, to publications@thyca.org.
Choose your theme: (1) My Thyroid Cancer Journey, (2) Voices of Survivors and Caregivers, (3) How ThyCa Helps Me. Send up to 500 words, in plain text in the e-mail message. Or send a photo in JPEG format, with a caption up to 25 words) through midnight, July 31, 2010. Please include your first name, last initial or name, and where you live (whatever information you will allow us to share with others).
A volunteer committee will review the writings and photos. We will showcase and publish several in the Photo Gallery and Survivors’ and Caregivers’ Album. We also will announce the winners in a future newsletter and will choose several for consideration for a future newsletter on the Web site.
Add your voice to ThyCa and embrace your community of fellow survivors, caregivers, and friends who care about helping others coping with thyroid cancer, and supporting research to defeat this disease.
Find out more about ThyCa’s 15th Anniversary Year and ways to help connect and grow our community— visit the Raise Awareness page.
From California:
“Thank you so much…your website is terrific!”
From a medical group in Florida:
“Can you please send some of your Thyca patient cards and your resource information materials for patients. We are out of the items at our practice.”
From Philippines:
“I hope you can give me a free brochure. I just want to know about Thyroid Cancer. Thank you & God Bless…”
From Kansas:
“I’m glad I found your website. It’s very informative and has helped put my mind at ease.”
From a supporter who purchased the Beaded Bracelet, a ThyCa Spirit/Awareness item:
“OMG!! It’s beautiful! I love this bracelet, and it fits PERfectly.”
From California:
“I LOVE this site! It has really educated me, and kept me sane at the same time…thank you so much for your efforts in making it work so beautifully for us!”
To receive our free online newsletter, plus announcements of ThyCa events and activities, fill out ourGuestbook form.
To protect each person’s privacy, the mailing list is for the sole use of ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc., and its affiliates. ThyCa does not ever sell or give away any contact information.
The 13th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference is only about three-and-a-half months away. It will be held in Dallas, Texas, this year from Friday, October 15 through Sunday, October 17.
These annual conferences are filled with information, support, and very caring and helpful people. Whether you are a “newbie, longtime survivor, or a friend or family member of a survivor, you will take away more from these conferences than you can imagine.
Online registration and hotel reservations are now open on ThyCa’s web site. Go to our Conferences section. We hope to see you this year. It will be another great conference!
We’re honored to announce that more than 25 leading medical professionals are confirmed for the Conference. The speakers specialists in every type of thyroid cancer. They are coming from the following centers:
- Cleveland Clinic, Ohio
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Massachusetts
- Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Maryland
- M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Texas
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Massachusetts
- National Cancer Institute, Maryland
- New Mexico State University, New Mexico
- New York University Clinical Cancer Center, New York
- Ohio State University Cancer Center, Ohio
- University of Chicago Medical Center, Illinois
- University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, Colorado
- University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Texas
- Yale University School of Medicine, Connecticut
- ore speakers are being confirmed.
Help spread the word about this unique event. All of us can help make this the best-attended Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference ever!
Download the flyer from our Conference page on www.thyca.org. Or send an e-mail to conference@thyca.orgwith your mailing address, and we’ll send you a stack of flyers to distribute. Visit the web site often for updates and volunteer opportunities, as well as registration.
Free Patient Resource Available
The Patient Resource Cancer Guide publications from Patient Resource Publishing prepare newly diagnosed and newly re-staged cancer patients to become their own advocates. The goal of Patient Resource Publishing is to empower cancer patients by giving them information to assist them in planning their treatment and choice of medical facility. We believe an informed patient, a patient who is proactive in choosing the right facility and treatment for his or her type of cancer, is a patient who stands a better chance of survival. To read more or order a free copy, go to PatientResource.net.
Have You Visited Our Web Site Lately?
We’re excited to report that the www.thyca.org web site receives more than 350,000 visits per month —more than 11,000 each day.
Almost every day our volunteer webmasters make new additions or updates. One of June’s additions was the expanded 7th Edition of the Free Downloadable Low-Iodine Cookbook.
More than 650 web pages provide extensive information about all types of thyroid cancer, connections to a broad range of free support services, and details about awareness campaigns, as well as fundraising for thyroid cancer research.
Free downloadable publications include the Free Low-Iodine Cookbook in English, Spanish, and French, plus dozens of other publications. A Chinese language translation is also in progress.
Thank you very much to the more than 50 thyroid cancer specialists who provide their input and expertise, and to the many dozens of volunteers on ThyCa’s Publications and Web Site Teams.
Low-Iodine Recipe of the MonthContributed by Erin R.
Granita(Homemade Italian Ice)
1 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
Approximately 10 cups cubed watermelon
6 limes
Boil water and sugar to make a simple syrup. Cool for about 15 minutes.
Fill a blender with half of the cubed watermelon, half of the simple syrup, and the juice of three limes.
Puree to make a liquid.
Pour into a 9×13 baking pan.
Repeat with remaining watermelon, simple syrup, and lime juice. Than pour the liquid into the same baking pan.
Put in the freezer for half an hour. Remove from the freezer, and scrape across the top with a fork. You’ll need to break apart the edges, as they freeze first. The middle will still have liquid. Distribute through the entire pan.
Return to the freezer for an additional twenty minutes. Remove from the freezer, and scrape with a fork again.
Return to the freezer for a final twenty minutes. At this point, it should be fairly solid.
This can be made with a wide variety of fresh fruit.
Strawberry/lemon and lemon/lime are delicious too!
Erin writes, “As soon as I found out I was going to have to have a radioactive iodine treatment again this summer, I immediately went to thyca.org to download the cookbook. Thanks so much to everyone for sharing!”
Thank you, Erin! We are including your recipe in the next edition of the FREE Downloadable Low-Iodine Cookbook.
Download the new 7th edition of the Low-Iodine Cookbook in English for free, with more than 3400 favorite recipes from more than 150 generous volunteers.
The Cookbook is also available in Spanish and in 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.
If you’d like to contribute your favorite recipe or tip, send it to recipes@thyca.org.
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is now on Facebook (Group Name: THYCA).
Thank you to everyone who’s already become a THYCA Friend or Fan! Send us your messages and suggestions!
Help Support the 2010 Rally for Research
Thanks to generous contributions and special fundraising events, ThyCa has awarded new thyroid cancer research grants every year starting in 2003. These grants support our goal of cures for all thyroid cancer and a future free of thyroid cancer. We plan to award new research grants in 2010.
You can help support the Rally for Research. For details about the Rally for Research, donation opportunities, special events, Quarters for a Cure, and information about ThyCa’s past and future Research Grants, visit the Rally for Research Page.
You’re Invited To Become a Member
Help us sustain, strengthen, and extend our services. We invite you to join ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
Your membership dues will support ThyCa’s efforts to reach and serve other survivors and their families around the world. Members receive our quarterly Membership Messenger newsletter.
You may join as a 1-year member ($25), 2-year member ($45), or lifetime member ($225). Click here for our secure online Membership Form and our mailed Membership Form.
For details and contacts, go to our Calendar page and see the articles earlier in this newsletter.
- Every Month. ThyCa’s Thyroid Cancer Support Group Meetings in Your Community.
- Saturday, July 17, 2010, Stanford, California. The California Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop with Physician Speakers.
- September 2010. Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, Worldwide. Sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. since 2000.
- Friday, October 8, 2010, Los Angeles, California, at UCLA Medical Center. Cancer-Related Legal Issues. Free educational conference sponsored by the Cancer Legal Resource Center.
- The 13th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference
October 15-17, 2010 in Dallas, Texas
Sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. - The 9th Annual Dinner/Auction Fundraiser for Thyroid Cancer Research.
October 16, 2009 in Dallas, Texas
Sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
Every day, thousands of people with thyroid cancer, and their families, receive support, education, and hope from ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
Every day, numerous people distribute ThyCa outreach materials to their physicians, making them aware of a resource that can benefit their patients dealing with a thyroid cancer diagnosis.
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 secure donation online in support of ThyCa’s work (or you are welcome to donate by mail to ThyCa, P.O. Box 1102, Olney, MD 20830-1102), so click here to giv.
What sections of ThyCa’s web site do you find most helpful? What suggestions do you have for ThyCa’s web site? E-mail your answers and ideas to publications@thyca.org.
About ThyCa NEWS NOTES
Copyright (c) 2010 ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
Thank you to our writing, editing, and proofreading team for this issue of the newsletter: Betsy Clark, Leah Guljord, Pat Paillard, Erin R., Barbara Statas, Cherry Wunderlich, and Gary Bloom.
Your suggestions for articles are welcome. The deadline for articles and news items is the first day of each month.
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.
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is a national non-profit 501(c)(3) organization (tax ID #52-2169434) of thyroid cancer survivors, family members, and health care professionals.
We are dedicated to support, education, and communication for thyroid cancer survivors, their families, and friends, as well as to public awareness for early detection, treatment, and lifetime health monitoring, and to thyroid cancer research fundraising and research grants.
Contact us for free awareness materials and information about our free services and special events. E-mail thyca@thyca.org, call 1-877-588-7904, fax 1-630-604-6078, or write PO Box 1102, Olney, MD 20830-110.
On Saturday, July 17, 2010, thyroid cancer survivors, caregivers, and friends are invited to the California Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop.
The free one-day workshop is sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc., a national nonprofit organization that provides information and support to people with thyroid cancer, and its local affiliates.
This educational and supportive event takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Stanford Cancer Center, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 875 Blake Wilbur, Stanford, California.
Speakers include:
- Haruko Akatsu, M.D., M.S., Endocrinologist, Stanford University Medical Center
- Benjamin Fisch, M.D., Thyroid Cancer Survivor, Radiation Oncologist, Kaiser Permanente, Santa Clara Homestead Medical Center
- I. Ross McDougall, M.D., Ph.D., Nuclear Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center
- Wen T. Shen M.D., Endocrine Surgeon, University of California at San Francisco Medical Center
- Ava Wu, D.D.S., Oral Medicine, University of California at San Francisco School of Dentistry
- Michael Yao M.D., ENT, Stanford University Medical Center
The workshop welcomes people at all phases of testing, treatment, and follow-up for thyroid cancer, as well as family members, friends, health care professionals, community group staff and volunteers, and everyone interested in learning from experts about thyroid cancer.
This event is free. You are invited to come for all or part of the day. Register either online or onsite at the workshop. The web site has the day’s program schedule, directions to the workshop location, and further details.
For more information, e-mail to SiliconValley@thyca.org or call 1-877-588-7904.
The ThyCa Silicon Valley Thyroid Cancer Support Group is the host and organizer of this free event. Visit ThyCa’s web site for more details about the many free resources of the national nonprofit ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
ThyCa Urges Early Detection Through Neck Checks
Thyroid cancer, one of the few cancers that is increasing in incidence, is expected to reach a new record of 44,670 people newly diagnosed (with 1,690 estimated deaths) in the United States in 2010, reports ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association (www.thyca.org), based on information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the American Cancer Society. The 2009 totals were for 37,200 people newly diagnosed and 1,630 deaths.
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.
“Thyroid cancer is usually treatable when found early, so early detection is a key, and lifelong follow-up is just as important,” said ThyCa Executive Gary Bloom, a thyroid cancer survivor. “Many thyroid cancer survivors first become aware that they may have cancer when they notice a nodule on their lower neck. Others notice changes in their voice or breathing or swallowing. While most thyroid nodules are benign, we want everyone with thyroid cancer to benefit from early detection and treatment.”
“Medical professionals are also essential to the detection of thyroid cancer,” continued Bloom. “A neck check can be as simple as touching the neck or watching the patient swallow. This can be done very quickly, but those few seconds could make all the difference when it comes to thyroid cancer. Most thyroid cancer is treatable, but some thyroid cancers are aggressive and difficult to treat.”
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization of thyroid cancer survivors, family members, and health care professionals dedicated to education, communication, support services, awareness for early detection, and thyroid cancer research fundraising and research grants.
ThyCa sponsors free seminars, workshops, and the annual International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference. ThyCa also sponsors Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month each September, plus year-round awareness campaigns, and provides free educational materials throughout the year.
For more information about ThyCa’s free year-round support services, education, and publications, e-mail tothyca@thyca.org, call toll-free 1-877-588-7904, write to PO Box 1545, New York, NY 10159-1545, or visit the web site.
Contact: Cherry Wunderlich, outreach@thyca.org, 301-493-8810, Director of Outreach and Publications, ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
In This Issue
- ThyCa Marks 15th Anniversary Year
- Thyroid Cancer Diagnoses Predicted To Set New Record in 2010
- Come to the Free California Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop, July 17
- Free One-Day Conference on Multiple Endocrine Neoplasias in Houston, Texas, June 26
- More Than 20 Medical Professionals Confirmed for ThyCa Conference
- Conference Registration Opens
- Megan Stendebach Memorial Golf Classic Raises Nearly $15,000 for Research
- Karen Meeks Johnson Raises Awareness in Sacramento Valley and Throughout California
- ThyCa at ATA Meeting
- Power of Prevention Magazine Features ThyCa
- ThyCa Services Reach Families Around the Globe
- New Local Support Groups Meet in Arkansas, California, Kansas, New York, and Oregon
- Thyrogen Supply Temporarily Reduced in United States
- Volunteers in the Spotlight
- Write From the Heart — Help ThyCa Mark 15th Year Milestone
- From the E-Mail Box
- Invitation to Partner in Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month
- Have You Visited Our Web Site Lately?
- Low-Iodine Recipe of the Month
- Follow ThyCa on Facebook
- Help Support the 2010 Rally for Research
- You’re Invited To Become a Member
- Events Preview
- Every Day…
- Your Ideas?
- About ThyCa NEWS NOTES
ThyCa Marks 15th Anniversary Year
Fifteen years ago, in the spring of 1995, thyroid cancer survivor Karen Ferguson of North Carolina began reaching out over the Internet to find other people with thyroid cancer.
Karen’s efforts to help herself led to the creation of a new online service, and it would grow into a unique organization that would help countless others … ThyCa.
In 1994, Karen came up with the idea of using the Internet to reach out in an organized way to others with thyroid cancer. In 1995, Karen and two other thyroid cancer survivors formed the AOL Mutual Support chatroom.
Services grew rapidly. ThyCa has grown from its simple beginnings to a broad range of free support services, educational programs and events, and thyroid cancer awareness activities provided by more than 350 volunteers, managed by 11 volunteer committee coordinators, plus a fulltime Executive Director.
ThyCa’s newsletter now has more than 18,000 subscribers, and the web site www.thyca.org receives more than 320,000 hits each month.
Thanks to our generous donors, ThyCa has proudly awarded thyroid cancer research grants each year since 2003. ThyCa grants are open to researchers and institutions worldwide, working toward our dream of a future free of thyroid cancer.
We thank all the wonderful people who have contributed to the founding and continuing growth and worldwide reach of ThyCa.
We invite you to join in celebrating our 15th year. Please reach out to your family, friends, health care professionals, co-workers, and community groups. Help promote awareness for early detection, for prompt treatment, for access for everyone to ThyCa’s comprehensive array of free services, resources, and special events, and for more research for cures for all thyroid cancer.
Thyroid Cancer Diagnoses Predicted To Set New Record in 2010: ThyCa Urges Early Detection Through Neck Checks
Thyroid cancer, one of the few cancers that is increasing in incidence, is expected to reach a new record of 44,670 people newly diagnosed (with 1,690 estimated deaths) in the United States in 2010, reports ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association (www.thyca.org), based on information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the American Cancer Society. The 2009 totals were for 37,200 people newly diagnosed and 1,630 deaths.
A longer article plus fact sheets are being added to www.thyca.org
Come to the Free California Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop Saturday, July 17
On Saturday, July 17, 2010, thyroid cancer survivors, caregivers, and friends are invited to the California Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop, sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
This free event takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Stanford Cancer Center, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 875 Blake Wilbur, California.
Speakers include:
- Haruko Akatsu, M.D., Endocrinologist, Stanford University Medical Center
- Erik Mittra M.D., Nuclear Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center
- Wen T. Shen M.D., Endocrine Surgeon, University of California at San Francisco Medical Center
- Ava Wu, D.D.S., University of California at San Francisco School of Dentistry, Oral Medicine
- Michael Yao M.D., ENT, Stanford University Medical Center
- ..and more expected
You are invited to come for all or part of this free educational and supportive day. Register either online or onsite at the workshop. The web site will add the day’s program schedule and further details. For more information, e-mail to SiliconValley@thyca.org
or thyca@thyca.org or call 1-877-588-7904. Visit www.thyca.org for more details.
Free One-Day Conference on Multiple Endocrine Neoplasias in Houston, Texas, June 26
On Saturday, June 26, 2010, in Houston, Texas, patients and caregivers are invited to a free conference on Multiple Endocrine Neoplasias (MEN1 or MEN2). This event is sponsored by University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. For more information go to www.mdanderson.org/departments/ccg, call 713-745-7391 or e-mail ccg@mdanderson.org.
More than 20 Medical Professional Speakers Confirmed for ThyCa Conference — 13th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference in Dallas, Texas
You’re cordially invited to Dallas, Texas, on October 15 – 17, 2010, for this unique weekend of learning from experts and sharing experiences with others with all types of thyroid cancer.
We’re excited about the tremendous program being planned.
We’re pleased to announce that we’ve already confirmed more than 24 speakers, including surgeons, endocrinologists, medical oncologists, and other specialists, from:
- Cleveland Clinic, Ohio
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Massachusetts
- M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Texas
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Massachusetts
- Mayo Clinic, Minnesota
- National Cancer Institute, Maryland
- New Mexico State University, New Mexico
- New York University Clinical Cancer Center, New York
- Ohio State University Cancer Center, Ohio
- University of Chicago Medical Center, Illinois
- University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, Colorado
- University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Texas
- Yale University School of Medicine, Connecticut
- …and more speakers being confirmed.
Help spread the word about this unique event. All of us can help make this the best attended Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference ever! Download the flyer from our Conference page on www.thyca.org or send an e-mail to conference@thyca.org with your mailing address requesting a stack of flyers for you to distribute. Visit the web site often for updates and volunteer opportunities, as well as registration.
Register early to save your time and ours. Find Conference details and click on the online Registration Form.
Megan Stendebach Memorial Golf Classic Raises Nearly $15,000 for ResearchBy John Oaks, San Antonio, Texas
The Golf Tournaments originated by Megan Stendebach, and, more recently, held in her memory, had raised a total of $89,000 through 2009. The goal for 2010, was to reach the $100,000 mark, and I’m thrilled to tell you we were successful. We are sending ThyCa a check for $13,350 and we also raised $1,515 in credit card donations. So our 2010 total raised is $14,865 for a cumulative total of $103,865.
We will start working on the second $100,000 on May 1, 2011, at the 10th Annual Megan Stendebach Memorial Golf Classic, and hopefully we will be just as successful.
(Editor’s Note: Our special thanks to John Oaks, owner of the Hangin’ Tree Saloon in San Antonio, Texas, for your wonderful support of ThyCa through this event honoring the memory of longtime ThyCa volunteer Megan Stendebach.)
Karen Meeks Johnson Raises Awareness in Sacramento Valley and Throughout California
Karen Meeks Johnson of Sacramento, California, is busy raising awareness of thyroid cancer with her title of Mrs. Sacramento Valley-America 2010 and also through her service as the volunteer facilitator of the ThyCa Sacramento Valley Support Group. Karen is also an elementary school teacher, a singer, and a songwriter. She soon will have a booth at a community health fair at her school, and also in a community event sponsored by a local grocery chain. In July she will compete for the title of Mrs. California-America 2010. Thank you, Karen, for your thyroid cancer awareness and outreach efforts.
ThyCa exhibited at the American Thyroid Association’s meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, this May. ThyCa was represented by Gary Bloom, Executive Director. In addition ThyCa co-sponsored the public education form on thyroid diseases held in conjunction with the meeting, ThyCa also gave out free materials to patients and caregivers at this meeting.
Power of Prevention Magazine Features ThyCa
Power of Prevention Magazine, published by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists to educate patients and the public about thyroid disorders, has an article about ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association. Thank you to AACE for raising awareness and to the authors of the ThyCa article: Roselle Kovitz, Gary Bloom, and Cherry Wunderlich.
ThyCa’s Services Reach Families Around the Globe
During the past year, ThyCa’s one-to-one support and free information packets served thyroid cancer survivors, caregivers, and health care professionals around the world— in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Egypt, Germany, Guam, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands , New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, and Venezuela. Our services and educational resources are free and available to everyone, and our research grants are also open to researchers worldwide.
New Local Support Groups Meet in Arkansas, California, Kansas, New York, and Oregon
Thank you to the volunteers who stepped forward to form these new support groups:
ThyCa Benton, Arkansas Support Group
Jessica Teague, Facilitator
ThyCa McKinleyville, California Support Group
Kathy Miller, Facilitator
ThyCa Overland Park, Kansas Support Group
Lorrie Mayes and Connie Schade, Facilitators
ThyCa Manhattan, New York Support Group
Arlene Bregman, Facilitator
ThyCa Portland, Oregon Support Group
Becky Johnson, Facilitator
For the web pages of all the local support groups, visit our Support Group page.
Thyrogen Supply Temporarily Reduced in United States
Starting in late May, supplies of Thyrogen within the United States will be reduced until sometime in November, under the terms FDA set for Genzyme Corporation regarding the manufacturing process. This news does not affect supplies of Thyrogen outside the United States. Thyrogen is FDA-approved for use for preparing for certain testing and for preparation for radioiodine treatment for people with well-differentiated thyroid cancer (papillary, follicular, or their variants). Further information about Thyrogen and about this news from Genzyme and the FDA are in this section of ThyCa’s web site.
Thank you to these physicians and other professionals for volunteering your expertise and time to educate the large numbers of survivors and caregivers attending our 2010 Regional Workshops:
- Haruko Akatsu, M.D., Endocrinologist, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA
- James Bergh, M.D., Nuclear Radiologist, St. Joseph Medical Center, Kansas City, MO
- Dr. Burrage, ENT Surgeon. Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- Teresa Day, Day Insurance Solutions, Topeka, KS
- Gerri Anne Devereaux, Dietitian, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- Mehdi Djekidel, M.D., Nuclear Medicine Physician, Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT
- Henry G. Fein, M.D., Endocrinologist, Sinai Hospital, Baltimore, MD
- Erin A. Felger, M.D., Surgeon, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC
- Gail Gaspar, M.A., Professional Life and Leadership Coach, iDecide Coaching, MD
- Dr. Ingram, Internist, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
- Heather A. Jacene, M.D., Nuclear Medicine Physician, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD
- Uzma Khan, M.D., Endocrinologist, University of Missouri Medical Center, Columbia, MO
- Paul Ladenson, M.D., Endocrinologist, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Lorrie Mayes, L.P.N., Kansas City Internal Medicine, Kansas City, MO
- Suzanne Mitchell, M.D., Family Practice Physician, Somerville, MA
- Erik Mittra M.D., Nuclear Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA
- Debbie Ritchie, R.N., Advanced ENT Nurse Practitioner, Columbia, MO
- Errol Rushovich, M.D., Endocrinologist, Center for Bone Health & Division of Endocrinology, Mercy Medical Center, Baltimore, MD
- Katherine Satterfield, L.P.C., Licensed Professional Counselor and Life Coach, VA
- Lisa Shnayder, M.D., F.A.C.S., Otolaryngologist, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
- Wen T. Shen M.D., Endocrine Surgeon, University of California at San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
- Beatriz Tendler, M.D., Endocrinologist and Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT
- Leonard Wartofsky, M.D., Endocrinologist, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC
- Ava Wu, D.D.S., University of California at San Francisco School of Dentistry, Oral Medicine, San Francisco, CA
- Michael Yao M.D., ENT, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA
We greatly appreciate your wonderful support.
Write From the Heart – Help ThyCa Mark 15th Year Milestone
Be a voice for ThyCa! : Help ThyCa Mark our 15th Year Milestone Send your story, poem, essay, or photo sharing your thoughts and images of your experience with thyroid cancer, to publications@thyca.org.
Choose your theme: (1) My Thyroid Cancer Journey, (2) Voices of Survivors and Caregivers, (3) How ThyCa Helps Me. Send up to 500 words, in plain text in the e-mail message. Or send a photo in JPEG format, with a caption up to 25 words) through midnight, July 31, 2010. Please include your first name, last initial or name, and where you live.
A volunteer committee will review the writings and photos. We will showcase and publish several in the Photo Gallery and Survivors’ and Caregivers’ Album. We also will announce the winners in a future newsletter and will choose several for consideration for a future newsletter on the Web site.
Add your voice to ThyCa and embrace your community of fellow survivors, caregivers, and friends who care about helping others coping with thyroid cancer, and supporting research to defeat this disease.
Find out more about ThyCa;s 15th Anniversary Year and ways to help connect and grow our community— visit the Raise Awareness page.
From a Parent …
Our daughter has Follicular thyca. She is 11 and just about to have her the second surgery. Can we order a (pediatric) backpack please? Such a great project!
From Illinois …
I was recently diagnosed and received a total thyroidectomy. I am in recovery and waiting for RAI treatment. I have just received from my doctor information and your website. I wish I had found it sooner.
From Georgia …
I work for an Endocrinologist in Georgia. We want to know if we can get more of the wallet cards to give to our thyroid cancer patients.
From Pennsylvania …
My mother (60 yrs old) has just been diagnosed with Papillary Thyroid cancer. The next step is to go through staging to determine in what stage of the disease she is in. She is currently living in Santiago, Chile where I will be traveling on May 14th to visit. I respectfully request the Free Packet for New Patients so I may bring it with me on my trip to Chile. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has worked hard to put together this website which contains a wealth of valuable information to those who are new to this disease.
From Virginia …
I too am a thyroid cancer survivor and I would like to spread thyroid cancer awareness
From Maryland …
My sorority is participating in our community Relay for Life. We would like Thyroid Cancer brochures to pass our at the event. We would like 50 brochures if possible. Any handouts related to thyroid cancer are appreciated.
From Illinois …
Your website is a godsend. Please snail mail your resource packet to me.
From California …
Your Catherine Bell pamphlet is very popular with our patients; it makes thyroid disease relatable. Please send us another package of those pamphlets as well as the pamphlets “Do You Have Thyroid Cancer?” I would also appreciate any new info you might have that we can share with our patients. We have a very high number of thyroid and thyroid cancer patients.
Invitation to Partner in Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month
We invite your organization to join us as a participating partner in Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, September 2010.
This annual observance, sponsored by ThyCa since 2000, promotes thyroid cancer awareness for early detection, as well as care based on expert standards, and increased research to achieve cures for all thyroid cancer.
As a partner, we simply ask that you help to promote Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month. Your organization will be acknowledged as a participating partner in ThyCa’s newsletters and on our web site. We will also include information about your organization at the 13th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference, both on the Resource Tables and in the Program Booklet given to all attendees.
Materials and help are free of charge upon request. Your participation will greatly benefit people around the world. To find out more, e-mail us at outreach@thyca.org or visit our Raise Awareness page.
Have You Visited Our Web Site Lately?
We’re excited to report that our web site receives more than 300,000 hits per month —more than 10,000 each day.
New additions during May included a link to a medical journal article on management of of lymph node metastases in medullary thyroid cancer, the latest issue of ThyCa News Notes, the newest local support group pages, our committee coordinators, and more.
More than 650 web pages provide extensive information about all types of thyroid cancer, connections to a broad range of free support services, and details about awareness campaigns, as well as fundraising for thyroid cancer research.
Free downloadable publications include the Free Low-Iodine Cookbook in English, Spanish, and French, plus dozens of other publications. A Chinese language translation is also in progress.
Thank you very much to the more than 50 thyroid cancer specialists who provide their input and expertise, and to the many dozens of volunteers on ThyCa’s Publications and Web Site Teams.
Low-Iodine Recipe of the MonthContributed by Stephanie W.
Banana Nut Bread
2 egg whites
1/2 cup canola oil
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup applesauce
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
2 large ripe bananas, mashed
Mix eggs, oil, sugar, vanilla, and applesauce with a spoon. Then stir in dry ingredients. Add bananas and chopped nuts. Stir until well mixed. Bake in loaf pan at 375 degrees until done (50-60 minutes).
Thank you, Stephanie! We are including your recipe in the 7th edition of the FREE Downloadable Low-Iodine Cookbook.
While waiting for the new 7th edition of the Low-Iodine Cookbook, you can still download the 6th edition of theLow-Iodine Cookbook in English for free, with more than 250 favorite recipes from more than 100 generous volunteers.
The Cookbook is also available in Spanish and in 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.
The expanded 7th Edition is coming soon.
If you’d like to contribute your favorite recipe or tip, send it to recipes@thyca.org.
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is now on Facebook (Group Name: THYCA).
Thank you to everyone who’s already become a THYCA Friend or Fan! Send us your messages and suggestions!
Help Support the 2010 Rally for Research
Thanks to generous contributions and special fundraising events, ThyCa has awarded new thyroid cancer research grants every year starting in 2003. These grants support our goal of cures for all thyroid cancer and a future free of thyroid cancer. We plan to award new research grants in 2010.
You can help support the Rally for Research. For details about the Rally for Research, donation opportunities, special events, Quarters for a Cure, and information about ThyCa’s past and future Research Grants, visit the Rally for Research page.
You’re Invited To Become a Member
Help us sustain, strengthen, and extend our services. We invite you to join ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
Your membership dues will support ThyCa’s efforts to reach and serve other survivors and their families around the world. You may join as a 1-year member ($25), 2-year member ($45), or lifetime member ($225).
- Every Month. ThyCa’s Thyroid Cancer Support Group Meetings in Your Community.
- Friday, June 18, 2010, Chicago, Illinois. Cancer-Related Legal Issues. Free educational conference sponsored by the Cancer Legal Resource Center.
- Saturday, June 26, 2010. Houston, Texas. Free One-Day Conference on Multiple Endocrine Neoplasias, sponsored by M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
- Saturday, July 17, 2010, Stanford, California. The California Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop with Physician Speakers.
- September 2010. Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month. Sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
- Friday, October 8, 2010, Los Angeles, California, at UCLA Medical Center. Cancer-Related Legal Issues. Free educational conference sponsored by the Cancer Legal Resource Center.
- The 13th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference
October 15-17, 2010 in Dallas, Texas
Sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. - The 9th Annual Dinner/Auction Fundraiser for Thyroid Cancer Research.
October 16, 2009 in Dallas, Texas
Sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
Every day, thousands of people with thyroid cancer, and their families, receive support, education, and hope from ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
Every day, numerous people distribute ThyCa outreach materials to their physicians, making them aware of a resource that can benefit their patients dealing with a thyroid cancer diagnosis.
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 secure donation online in support of ThyCa’s work (or you are welcome to donate by mail to ThyCa, P.O. Box 1102, Olney, MD 20830-1102), so click here to give.
What sections of ThyCa’s web site do you find most helpful? What suggestions do you have for ThyCa’s web site? E-mail your answers and ideas to publications@thyca.org.
About ThyCa NEWS NOTES
Copyright (c) 2010 ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
Thank you to our writing, editing, and proofreading team for this issue of the newsletter: Leah Guljord, John Oaks, Pat Paillard, Barbara Statas, Stephanie W., Cherry Wunderlich, and Gary Bloom.
Your suggestions for articles are welcome. The deadline for articles and news items is the first day of each month.
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.
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is a national non-profit 501(c)(3) organization (tax ID #52-2169434) of thyroid cancer survivors, family members, and health care professionals.
We are dedicated to support, education, and communication for thyroid cancer survivors, their families, and friends, as well as to public awareness for early detection, treatment, and lifetime health monitoring, and to thyroid cancer research fundraising and research grants.
Contact us for free awareness materials and information about our free services and special events. E-mail thyca@thyca.org, call 1-877-588-7904, fax 1-630-604-6078, write PO Box 1102, Olney, MD 20830-1102, or visit our website.
On Saturday, May 22, 2010, thyroid cancer survivors, caregivers, and friends are invited to the 9th Annual Mid-Atlantic Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop.
The free one-day workshop is sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc., a national nonprofit organization that provides information and support to people with thyroid cancer, and its local affiliates.
This educational and supportive event takes place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. Joseph Medical Center, 7601 Osler Drive, Towson, Maryland, near Baltimore.
Speakers include:
- Henry G. Fein, M.D., Endocrinologist, Sinai Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland
- Erin A. Felger, M.D., Surgeon, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC
- Heather A. Jacene, M.D., Nuclear Medicine Physician, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
- Errol Rushovich, M.D., Endocrinologist, Center for Bone Health & Division of Endocrinology, Mercy Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
- Leonard Wartofsky, M.D., Endocrinologist, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC
- Additional specialists include:
Gail Gaspar, M.A., Professional Life and Leadership Coach, iDecide Coaching
- Katherine Satterfield, L.P.C., Licensed Professional Counselor and Life Coach
The workshop welcomes people at all phases of testing, treatment, and follow-up for thyroid cancer, as well as family members, friends, health care professionals, community group staff and volunteers, and everyone interested in learning from experts about thyroid cancer.
This event is free. You are invited to come for all or part of the day. Register either online at www.thyca.org/conferences.htm or onsite at the workshop. The web site will add the day’s program schedule and further details.
For more information, e-mail to Washington_DC@thyca.org or thyca@thyca.org or phone 301-493-8810.
The ThyCa Baltimore Support Group, ThyCa Washington, DC, Support Group, and the ThyCa Northern Virginia Support Groups are the organizers and hosts of the event. Visit ThyCa’s web site for more details about the program, free online registration, and the national nonprofit ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
In This Issue
- Dr. Oertel’s FNA Guide for Physicians Available Free from ThyCa
- Sherri Russo, Mrs. Collegeville, Pennsylvania 2010, Raises Awareness with New Flyer
- Megan Stendebach Memorial Golf Tournament Raises Funds for Thyroid Cancer Research
- Come to the Free Mid-Atlantic Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop May 22
- Come to the Free Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop May 29
- Free Thyroid Cancer Telephone Conference Call on May 5
- Free Thyroid Disease Forum May 15 in Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Free One-Day Workshops Also Planned for California and Florida
- Free Seminar at Memorial Sloan-Kettering in New York City on May 26
- Free One-Day Conference on Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia in Houston, Texas on June 26
- Volunteers in the Spotlight
- Chernobyl Anniversary Commemorated at Ukraine Embassy with Photos, Memories, and Hope
- Invitation to Partner in Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month
- Preview: 13th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference
- Have You Visited Our Web Site Lately?
- Low-Iodine Recipe of the Month
- Free Cookbook’s 7th Edition Coming Soon
- Follow ThyCa on Facebook
- Write From the Heart: Help ThyCa Mark 15th Year Milestone
- Help Support the 2010 Rally for Research
- You’re Invited To Become a Member
- Events Preview
- Every Day…
- Your Ideas?
- About ThyCa NEWS NOTES
Dr. Oertel’s FNA Guide for Physicians Available Free from ThyCa
The Fine Needle Aspiration Procedure Guide for Physicians, by Cytopathologist Yolanda Oertel, M.D., is available free of charge. Physicians who would like a free copy (or copies) should send their complete mailing address to ThyCa via e-mail to thyca@thyca.org, fax to 1-630-604-6078, or mail to ThyCa, PO. Box 1102, Olney, MD 20830-1102. Please indicate in your request which publication you are requesting.
This 19-page manual for physicians has 15 sections that detail the needed equipment and materials, physician-patient communications, and step-by-step instructions for performing a FNA.
Dr. Oertel is Director of the Fine Needle Aspiration Service at the Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC. She has been performing FNAs for more than 30 years. She has trained numerous other cytopathologists now working around the world. She is a medical advisor of ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
Sherri Russo, Mrs. Collegeville, Pennsylvania 2010, Raises Awareness with New Flyer
The new Thyroid Cancer Awareness Flyer with Mrs. Collegeville, Pennsylvania 2010 features thyroid cancer survivor Sherri Russo. Sherri was also named 2nd Runner-up to Mrs. Pennsylvania International 2010.
In the new flyer, Sherri tells her thyroid cancer story. Her gynecologist does neck checks of all patients, and found Sherri’s nodule. That’s why Sherri encourages gynecologists and other physicians to do neck checks during routine exams.
Sherri’s Mrs. Collegeville, Pennsylvaia platform is thyroid cancer awareness. The new flyer is available near the top of our Raise Awareness page.
Thank you, Sherri, for raising awareness about thyroid cancer!
Megan Stendebach Memorial Golf Tournament Raises Funds for Thyroid Cancer Research
We are pleased and honored to report that our friends at the Hangin’ Tree Saloon in San Antonio, Texas will hold the 9th Annual Megan Stendebach Memorial Golf Classic on May 2, 2010.
For those of you who didn’t have the privilege of knowing Megan, she was an early and very enthusiastic ThyCa volunteer and board member, involved in numerous projects.
Megan co-coordinated several early conferences, led sing-a-longs at our conferences, represented ThyCa at several medical meetings, sang in her country-western band at the Hangin’ Tree Saloon, and initiated and ran several fundraising golf tournaments in collaboration with owner “Big” John Oaks. Big John has continued the golf tournament in Megan’s memory. The golf tournament should pass $100,000 in total funds raised for thyroid cancer research this year! What an accomplishment! Thank you Big John, and everyone at the Hangin’ Tree Saloon for your commitment to Megan, and thyroid cancer.
From the time of ThyCa’s founding, Megan made friends near and far for ThyCa. Very sadly, Megan was diagnosed with other cancers in the mid 2000’s and lost her life. Her words and spirit live on and inspire countless others, in many pages of our yearly conference booklet, and in the Humor section of our web site.
Megan’s memory is cherished by all who knew her, and she is greatly missed by all who knew her.
You can support this fundraiser with a donation in one of two ways if you’d like. You may either make an online donation (www.regform.net/thyca/gift/gift.php) and note that it’s in honor of the Megan Stendebach Memorial Golf Tournament, or mail your donation check (payable to ThyCa), to Hangin’ Tree Saloon, 18424 2nd Street, San Antonio, TX 78266. ThyCa’s web site has an announcement on the Rally for Research page.
Come to the Free Mid-Atlantic Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop Saturday, May 22
On Saturday, May 22, 2010, thyroid cancer survivors, caregivers, and friends are invited to the 9th Annual Mid-Atlantic Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop, sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
This free educational and supportive event takes place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. Joseph Medical Center, 7601 Osler Drive, Towson, Maryland, near Baltimore.
Speakers include:
- Henry G. Fein, M.D., Endocrinologist, Sinai Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland
- Erin A. Felger, M.D., Surgeon, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC
- Heather A. Jacene, M.D., Nuclear Medicine Physician, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
- Errol Rushovich, M.D., Endocrinologist, Center for Bone Health & Division of Endocrinology, Mercy Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
- Leonard Wartofsky, M.D., Endocrinologist, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC
Additional specialists include:
- Gail Gaspar, M.A., Professional Life and Leadership Coach, iDecide Coaching
- Katherine Satterfield, L.P.C., Licensed Professional Counselor and Life Coach
You are invited to come for all or part of the day. Register either online or onsite at the workshop. The web site will add the day’s program schedule and further details. For more information, e-mail to Washington_DC@thyca.org or thyca@thyca.org, or phone 301-493-8810.
Come to the Free Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop May 29
The ThyCa Newfoundland and Labrador Support Group is hosting a free Thyroid Cancer Information Day with physician speakers, in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, on Saturday, May 29, 2010.
This free educational and supportive event takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at Eastern Health, Conference Room C – Administrative Offices, 306 Waterford Bridge Road, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
The day’s topics and speakers include:
- Epidemiology, Diagnosis, & Surgical Management of Thyroid Cancer, and Ask the Doctor. Dr. Burrage, ENT Surgeon.
- Management and Follow-up of Thyroid Cancer after Surgery. Dr. Ingram, Internist.
- Nutrition, Low Iodine Diet, & Thyroid Cancer. Gerri Anne Devereaux, Dietitian.
- Roundtable: Coping with Thyroid Cancer Issues. Joanie Bruce, Ida Marrie, and Grace Dean, ThyCa Newfound and Labrador Thyroid Cancer Support Group Facilitators.
You are invited to come for all or part of the day. Register either online or onsite at the workshop. The web site will add the day’s program schedule and further details.
For more information, e-mail to nf-lab@thyca.org or call Joanie Bruce 709-227-2784 or Ida P. Marrie 709-726-1125.
Free Thyroid Cancer Telephone Conference Call on May 5
A free one-hour telephone workshop titled Treatment Update on Thyroid Cancer will take place on Wednesday, May 5, 2010, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Physician speakers will participate. This program is sponsored by CancerCare, with ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association as a partnering organization. For details and to register, go to: http://www.cancercare.org/get_help/tew_details.php?tew=thyroid_050510&ret=/get_help/tew_calendar.php.
Free Thyroid Disease Forum May 15 in Minneapolis, Minnesota
“Thyroid Disease and You” is the title of the free public education forum being held in conjunction with the American Thyroid Association meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Saturday, May 15. The ATA Alliance for Thyroid Patient Education (including ThyCa) will sponsor this free forum from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the ATA meeting hotel. Physician specialists will speak and answer questions. You’ll find details on our Calendarpage..
Free One-Day Workshops Planned for California and Florida
On Saturday, June 5, 2010, the Florida Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop will take place at Jackson North Medical Center in North Miami Beach, Florida.
On Saturday, July 17, 2010, the California Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop will take place at Stanford Cancer Center in Stanford, California.
The day’s topics and speakers will be set soon. The web site will add the day’s program schedule and further details. For more information, e-mail to thyca@thyca.org or phone 877-588-7904.
These free one-day educational events are sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. Anyone impacted by a thyroid cancer diagnosis is invited to attend.
Free Seminar at Memorial Sloan-Kettering in New York City on May 26
On Wednesday, Mary 26, 2010, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. physician specialists at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center will speak about Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Thyroid Cancer. The location is Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Rockefeller Research Laboratories, 430 East 67th Street (Between First and York Avenues), New York, New York. Details are here.
Free One-Day Conference on Multiple Endocrine Neoplasias in Houston, Texas on June 26
On Saturday, June 26, 2010, in Houston, Texas, patients and caregivers are invited to a free conference onMultiple Endocrine Neoplasias (MEN1 or MEN2). This event is sponsored by University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. For more information go to www.mdanderson.org/departments/ccg, call 713-745-7391 or e-mail ccg@mdanderson.org.
Thank you to these wonderful volunteers, for organizing, hosting, and leading roundtables at the Free Spring 2010 Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshops:
- Sara Brenner of Virginia
- Joanie Bruce of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- Grace Dean of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- Lois Fried of California
- Fran Goodstat of Florida
- David Ho of California
- Heather Hoiseth of Massachusetts
- Gloria Keller of Maryland
- Ida Marrie of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- Marcie Pell of Missouri
- Cal Pierce of Maryland
- Maxine Poupko of Florida
- Bruce Rubin of Virginia
- Connie Schade of Missouri
- Gail Schuler of California
- Sally Snyder of Virginia
- Barbara Statas of Maryland
- Jaime Toth of Connecticut
- Sandy Triplett of Missouri
- Debi Walters of Missouri
- Vanda White of Maryland
- Dan Wickerham of Missouri
- Theresa Wickerham of Missouri
- Cherry Wunderlich of Maryland
Thank you also to all the “unseen” volunteers whose year-round efforts help support these workshops, as well as the International Conference, and much more. Thank you for serving on our E-Mail Team, Toll-Free Number Team, Web Site Team, Publications Committee, and Outreach Committee. Year-round, you’re all giving wonderful support.
As this newsletter gets ready for distribution, we’re happy to report that the Midwest Workshop was a great success with wonderful attendance. The Vermont/New England Symposium is coming up this weekend. And ThyCa volunteers will host four additional free one-day educational events, in California, Florida Maryland, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Chernobyl Anniversary Commemorated at Ukraine Embassy with Photos, Memories, and Hope
On April 26, 2010, the Ukraine Embassy in Washington, DC, hosted a special program to commemorate the 24th Anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear accident in Ukraine.
In the thyroid cancer community, Chernobyl has particular significance, because the communities near Chernobyl experienced a large increase in childhood thyroid cancer.
A photographic exhibition and talk titled “After Chernobyl” featured photojournalist and Fulbright scholar Michael Forster Rothbart. During 2008 and 2009, he lived in villages near Chernobyl, receiving an insider’s perspective as he heard people’s stories and “sought to create fuller portraits of these communities. There is suffering, but also joy and beauty. Endurance and hope.”
The commemorative event was co-sponsored by the nonprofit FOCCUS (Friends of Chernobyl Centers US). For 14 years, FOCCUS has supported family service centers sponsored by the United Nations in Ukraine and Belarus, as well as other programs in support of the people of the Chernobyl area. ThyCa Volunteer Cherry Wunderlich attended the April 26 commemorative event.
The photographic exhibit (www.afterchernobyl.com) will become a traveling exhibit in 2011, the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident.
Invitation to Partner in Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month
We invite your organization to join us as a participating partner in Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, September 2010.
This annual observance, sponsored by ThyCa since 2000, promotes thyroid cancer awareness for early detection, as well as care based on expert standards, and increased research to achieve cures for all thyroid cancer.
As a partner, we simply ask that you help to promote Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month. Your organization will be acknowledged as a participating partner in ThyCa’s newsletters and on our web site. We will also include information about your organization at the 13th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference, both on the Resource Tables and in the Program Booklet given to all attendees.
Materials and help are free of charge upon request. Your participation will greatly benefit people around the world. To find out more, e-mail us at outreach@thyca.org or visit our Raise Awareness page.
Preview: The 13th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference
To Feature Numerous Thyroid Cancer Specialists, Plus Sessions on Coping Skills, and More.
You’re cordially invited to Dallas, Texas, on October 15 – 17, 2010, for this unique weekend of learning from experts and sharing experiences with others with all types of thyroid cancer.
We’re excited about the tremendous program being planned, and welcome more volunteers. We invite your help in spreading the word about this important event. Visit our Conference page on www.thyca.org for the downloadable flyer and further details, as well as volunteer opportunities. Later this spring we’ll add the registration form and further details.
Have You Visited Our Web Site Lately?
We’re excited to report that the www.thyca.org web site receives more than 300,000 visits per month —more than 10,000 each day.
New additions during April included a link to a medical journal article on managing side effects of Sunitinib (used for some thyroid cancer patients with metastatic disease), more events for the Rally for Research, the new International Resources page, the newest thyroid cancer awareness flyer, added free educational events in several locations, the newest local support group pages, and more.
More than 650 web pages provide extensive information about all types of thyroid cancer, connections to a broad range of free support services, and details about awareness campaigns, as well as fundraising for thyroid cancer research.
Free downloadable publications include the Free Low-Iodine Cookbook in English, Spanish, and French, plus dozens of other publications. A Chinese language translation is also in progress.
Thank you very much to the more than 50 thyroid cancer specialists who provide their input and expertise, and to the many dozens of volunteers on ThyCa’s Publications and Web Site Teams.
Low-Iodine Recipe of the MonthContributed by Sherri L. of South Carolina
Homemade Granola
4 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup honey
3/4 cup cooking oil (or, if not on the low-iodine diet when using this recipe, 8 tablespoons butter)
pinch of noniodized salt
raisins
almonds, toasted
Heat oven to 300 degrees. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper or parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt; set aside.
In a small bowl, combine honey and oil. Heat in microwave for about 1 minute, and stir. Pour over the oats mixture, and stir well. Spread on baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Remove from oven and cool. If it becomes crispy and sticks together, just break it up. When it’s cool, pour it into an airtight container, adding raisins and almonds.
This is a delicious recipe on or off the low-iodine diet. I like to add toasted coconut. If not on the low iodine diet, I use 8 tablespoons of butter in place of the oil.
There are many combinations of dried fruits and such that can be added, like dried apples, and others. It just depends on what you like.
Thank you, Sherri! We are including your recipe in the 7th edition of the FREE Downloadable Low-Iodine Cookbook.
While waiting for the new 7th edition of the Low-Iodine Cookbook, you can still download the 6th edition of the Low-Iodine Cookbook in English for free, with more than 250 favorite recipes from more than 100 generous volunteers.
The Cookbook is also available in Spanish and in. 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.
The expanded 7th Edition is coming soon. If you’d like to contribute your favorite recipe or tip, send it to recipes@thyca.org.
Free Cookbook’s 7th Edition Coming Soon
More than 320 delicious recipes will be included in the expanded 7th Edition of the Free ThyCa Low-Iodine Cookbook. They will give you lots of great choices and variety while you’re on the short-term low-iodine diet while preparing to receive radioactive iodine for testing or treatment for papillary or follicular thyroid cancer.
Thank you to the more than 160 wonderful volunteers who contributed their recipes and helpful tips.
The 6th edition continues to be available on www.thyca.org while we’re completing the expanded edition. You’ll be able to download the Free ThyCa Cookbook on www.thyca.org.
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is now on Facebook (Group Name: THYCA).
Thank you to everyone who’s already become a THYCA Friend or Fan! Send us your messages and suggestions!
Write From the Heart: Help ThyCa Mark 15th Year Milestone
Be a voice for ThyCa! Send your story, poem, essay, or photo sharing your thoughts and images of your experience with thyroid cancer, to publications@thyca.org.
Help Support the 2010 Rally for Research
Thanks to generous contributions and special fundraising events, ThyCa has awarded new thyroid cancer research grants every year starting in 2003. These grants support our goal of cures for all thyroid cancer and a future free of thyroid cancer. We plan to award new research grants in 2010.
You can help support the Rally for Research. For details about the Rally for Research, donation opportunities, special events, Quarters for a Cure, and information about ThyCa’s past and future Research Grants, visit the Rally for Research page.
You’re Invited To Become a Member
Help us sustain, strengthen, and extend our services. We invite you to join ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
Your membership dues will support ThyCa’s efforts to reach and serve other survivors and their families around the world. You may join as a 1-year member ($25), 2-year member ($45), or lifetime member ($225). For our secure online Membership Form and our mailed Membership Form,click here.
For details and contacts, go to our Calendar page and see the articles earlier in this newsletter.
- Every Month in 2010. ThyCa’s Thyroid Cancer Support Group Meetings in Your Community.
- aturday, May 1, 2010, Stowe, Vermont. The Vermont/New England Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Symposium with Physician Speakers.
- Wednesday, May 5, 2010. Free Telephone Conference Call on Thyroid Cancer Treatment. S
- aturday, May 15, 2010, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Thyroid Disease and You. Free educational forum about all thyroid disorders. Physician speakers.
- Saturday, May 22, 2010. Baltimore, Maryland. The 9th Annual Mid-Atlantic Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop with Physician Speakers.
- Wednesday, May 26, 2010. New York, New York. Free Thyroid Cancer Center at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
- Saturday, May 29, 2010. St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada. Newfoundland and Labrador Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop with Physician Speakers.
- June 4-5, 2010. Rockville, Maryland. Hypoparathyroidism Patient Conference, sponsored by the nonprofit Hypoparathyroidism Association (www.hypoparathyroidism.org).
- Saturday, June 5, 2010. North Miami Beach, Florida. The Florida Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop with Physician Speakers.
- Friday, June 18, 2010, Chicago, Illinois. Cancer-Related Lgal Issues. Free educational conference sponsored by the Cancer Legal Resource Center.
- Saturday, June 26, 2010. Houston, Texas. Free One-Day Conference on Multiple Endocrine Neoplasias, sponsored by M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
- Saturday, July 17, 2010, Stanford, California. The California Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop with Physician Speakers.
- September 2010. Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month. Sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
- Friday, October 8, 2010, Los Angeles, California, at UCLA Medical Center. Cancer-Related Legal Issues. Free educational conference sponsored by the Cancer Legal Resource Center.
- The 13th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference
October 15-17, 2010 in Dallas, Texas
Sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. - The 9th Annual Dinner/Auction Fundraiser for Thyroid Cancer Research.
October 16, 2009 in Dallas, Texas
Sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
Every day, thousands of people with thyroid cancer, and their families, receive support, education, and hope from ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
Every day, numerous people distribute ThyCa outreach materials to their physicians, making them aware of a resource that can benefit their patients dealing with a thyroid cancer diagnosis.
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 secure donation online in support of ThyCa’s work (or you are welcome to donate by mail to ThyCa, P.O. Box 1102, Olney, MD 20830-1102).
What sections of ThyCa’s web site do you find most helpful? What suggestions do you have for ThyCa’s web site? E-mail your answers and ideas to publications@thyca.org.
About ThyCa NEWS NOTES
Copyright (c) 2010 ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
Thank you to our writing, editing, and proofreading team for this issue of the newsletter: Leah Guljord, Sherri L., Pat Paillard, Barbara Statas, Cherry Wunderlich, and Gary Bloom.
Your suggestions for articles are welcome. The deadline for articles and news items is the first day of each month.
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.
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is a national non-profit 501(c)(3) organization (tax ID #52-2169434) of thyroid cancer survivors, family members, and health care professionals.
We are dedicated to support, education, and communication for thyroid cancer survivors, their families, and friends, as well as to public awareness for early detection, treatment, and lifetime health monitoring, and to thyroid cancer research fundraising and research grants.
Contact us for free awareness materials and information about our free services and special events. E-mail thyca@thyca.org, call 1-877-588-7904, fax 1-630-604-6078, write PO Box 1102, Olney, MD 20830-1102, or visit our website.
In This Issue:
- Web Site Receives More than 10,000 Visits Each Day
- Four Online Surveys: Have You Taken Part?
- Cookbook’s 7th Edition Coming Soon
- Come to the Free Midwest Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop
- Vermont/New England Thyroid Cancer Symposium To Be Part of Stowe Weekend of Hope
- Free One-Day Workshops Also Planned in California, Florida, Maryland, and Newfoundland, Canada
- Free Thyroid Disease Forum May 15 in Minneapolis
- USA Today Article Focuses on Procedures After RAI
- Volunteers in the Spotlight
- Follow ThyCa on Facebook
- ThyCa Represented at National Comprehensive Cancer Network Meeting
- Invitation to Partner in Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month
- Low-Iodine Recipe of the Month
- Help Support the 2010 Rally for Research
- You’re Invited To Become a Member
- Events Preview
- Every Day…
- Your Ideas?
- About ThyCa NEWS NOTES
Web Site Receives More Than 10,000 Visits Per Day
We’re excited to report that the www.thyca.org web site receives more than 300,000 visits per month —more than 10,000 each day.
More than 650 web pages provide extensive information about papillary and follicular thyroid cancer and their variants, plus added specialized web sites for medullary thyroid cancer, anaplastic thyroid cancer, and pediatric thyroid cancer. The web site also connects you to a broad range of support services, awareness campaigns, and fundraising for thyroid cancer research.
Free downloadable publications include the Free Low-Iodine Cookbook in English, Spanish, and French, plus dozens of other publications. A Chinese language translation is also in progress.
Thank you very much to the more than 50 thyroid cancer specialists who provide their input and expertise, and to the many dozens of volunteers on ThyCa’s Publications and Web Site Teams.
Four Online Surveys: Have You Taken Part?
There’s still time to complete these surveys; the international survey will close on April 1st. Click here to find the online questionnaires and further information:
Survey Sponsored by International Thyroid Cancer Patient Alliance
Plus 3 Different Surveys sponsored by several ThyCa Medical Advisors in cooperation with ThyCa.
Thank you in advance for your participation.
Cookbook’s 7th Edition Coming Soon
Nearly ready for publication is the expanded 7th edition of ThyCa’s Free Low-Iodine Cookbook. The new edition will have more than 320 delicious recipes. It will also have lots of helpful tips. More than 160 wonderful volunteers contributed recipes and tips.
Thank you very much to everyone who’s helping make the Low-Iodine Diet easier for people preparing to receive radioactive iodine. Watch for the expanded Free Cookbook on www.thyca.org.
There’s still time to send your favorite recipe, for this edition, or for the Low-Iodine Recipe of the Month. Send your recipe to recipes@thyca.org. Thank you!
Come to the Free Midwest Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop
Saturday, April 17, 2010
On Saturday, April 17, 2010, thyroid cancer survivors, caregivers, and friends are invited to the 6th Midwest Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop. The workshop is sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. and organized and hosted by the ThyCa support groups in Missouri.
This free educational and supportive event takes place from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Community Center for Health and Education, St. Joseph Medical Center, 1000 Carondelet Drive (I-435 and State Line), Kansas City, Missouri.
Speakers include:
- Uzma Khan, M.D., Endocrinologist, University of Missouri Hospital, Columbia, Missouri
- Paul Ladenson, M.D., Endocrinologist, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Debbie Ritchie, M.S.N., A.P.R.N., B.C., F.N.P., Advanced ENT Nurse Practitioner, University of Missouri Hospital, Columbia, Missouri
- Lisa Shnayder, M.D.,FACS, Otolaryngologist, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.
People at all phases of testing, treatment, and follow-up for thyroid cancer, as well as family members, friends, and everyone interested in learning from experts about thyroid cancer are welcome. Nursing contact hours will be provided by Carondelet Health.
This event is free. You are invited to come for all or part of the day. Register either online or onsite at the workshop. For more information, e-mail kc-mo@thyca.org or thyca@thyca.org, or call 816-529-6643.
The ThyCa Kansas City Support Group is the primary organizer of the event, with help from the ThyCa Central Missouri and ThyCa St. Louis Support Groups. Visit ThyCa’s web site at www.thyca.org for more details about the program and directions to St. Joseph Medical Center.
Vermont/New England Thyroid Cancer Symposium To Be Part of Stowe Weekend of Hope
On Saturday, May 1, 2010, everyone interested in thyroid cancer is invited to hear physician speakers and take part in survivor/caregiver roundtables at the Vermont/New England Thyroid Cancer Symposium. The symposium is co-sponsored by ThyCa as part of the Stowe Weekend of Hope in Stowe, Vermont. Visit www.thyca.organdwww.stowehope.org for more information and registration.
Free One-Day Workshops Also Planned in Florida, Maryland, and Newfoundland, Canada
- Saturday, May 22, 2010. Baltimore, Maryland. The 9th Annual Mid-Atlantic Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop will be held at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Towson, MD.
- • Saturday, May 29, 2010. St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada. The Newfoundland-Labrador Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop
- Saturday, June 5, 2010. North Miami Beach, Florida. The Florida Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop will take place at Jackson North Medical Center in North Miami Beach, FL.
- Saturday, July 17, 2010. Stanford, California. The California Thyroid Cancer Survisors’ Workshop will take place at Stanford Cancer Center, Stanford, CA.
These free one-day educational events are sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. Thyroid cancer survivors, their families, caregivers, and friends are invited to attend.
Visitour website for details.
Free Thyroid Disease Forum on May 15 in Minneapolis, Minnesota
“Thyroid Disease and You” is the title of the free public education forum being held in conjunction with the American Thyroid Association meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Saturday, May 15. The ATA Alliance for Thyroid Patient Education (including ThyCa) will sponsor this free forum from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the ATA meeting hotel. Physician specialists will speak and answer questions. You’ll find details on our Calendarpage.
USA Today Article Focuses on Procedures After Radioactive Iodine
Read a follow-up article by Steve Sternberg of USA Today about thyroid cancer and the controversy over hospital stays versus home discharge for patients receiving large treatment doses of radioactive iodine.
In 2007, Steve Sternberg wrote a series of articles on this same topic. The articles included the results of a patients’ experiences survey conducted in cooperation with ThyCa. The survey was posted on ThyCa’s web site for one week and received over 900 responses. This page has a report and links to the 2007 articles.
Thank you to these 61 wonderful volunteers, for generously contributing some of your favorite new recipes for the upcoming 7th Edition of the ThyCa Free Downloadable Low-Iodine Cookbook. You also sent many helpful tips and menu suggestions, which the cookbook will also include.
Line E. of England, Angela B., Dana B., Dian B. of Maryland, Diana B. of Indiana, Mickie B., June C., Laura C., Maria C., Becky D., Beth D., Margaret D., Nadine D., Nan F. of Maryland, Thelma F., 2 Friends, Andra G., Jane G. of Oregon, Jody G. of Illinois, Suzanne G. of New York, Barrett H., Kathy H. of Texas, Michele H., Stella and Mark H. of Indiana, Tracy H., Fawn K., Nancy K., Andrea L., Heather L. of California, Melissa L. of Pennsylvania, Bill and Karen M. of Georgia, Cindy M., Jamie M., Joanne M. of Texas, L.M. of Pennsylvania, Michele M., Mo O. of Washington, Dana P. of Pennsylvania, Dana R., Jill Ann R., Laura R., Linda R. of Massachusetts, Sharon R., Whitney R. of Virginia, Deb S. of Wisconsin, Frances P. of Maryland, Frances S. of Pennsylvania, Judy S. of Florida, Liz S. of California, Sherry S., Alice U., Serene V., Jo W. of Arizona, Becki W. of Pennsylvania, Jill W. of Louisiana, Lily W., Terri Y., and Jean Z. of California
Thank you also to the more than 100 volunteers whose tasty recipes appeared in the 6th edition, and will continue in the 7th edition. You’re all giving wonderful support making the low-iodine diet easier for people preparing to receive radioactive iodine.
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is now on Facebook (Group Name: THYCA)!
Thank you to everyone who’s already become a THYCA Fan! Send us your messages and suggestions!
ThyCa Represented at National Comprehensive Cancer Network Meeting
At the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Meeting in March 2010 in Florida, the volunteers who represented ThyCa and handled our outreach exhibit were Christine Ciletti, ThyCa South Florida Support Group Co-Facilitator, Lori Grossman, and Linda Leibovici. Thank you! NCCN is a professional organization of major cancer treatment and research centers. It’s linked from the Links section of www.thyca.org.
Invitation to Partner in Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, Sponsored by ThyCa
Dear Friends,
We invite your organization to join us as a participating partner in Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, September 2010.
This annual observance, sponsored by ThyCa since 2000 and listed in official health events calendars, promotes thyroid cancer awareness for early detection, as well as care based on expert standards, and increased research to achieve cures for all thyroid cancer.
As a partner, we simply ask that you help to promote Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month. Your organization will be acknowledged as a participating partner in ThyCa’s newsletters and on our web site, and we will include information about your organization at the 13th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference, both on the Resource Tables and in the Program Booklet given to all attendees.
You may choose also to host an event or observance through your organization, and to register it with ThyCa for recognition on our web site, in our free online Newsletter, and in our Calendar of Events. Large or small, your event will be the perfect opportunity to raise awareness of thyroid cancer and acknowledge the contributions of everyone. Please let us know the details about your event, and if you are willing to allow others to develop a similar event.
The 2010 Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month Planning Guide will be available to you free of charge at www.thyca.org. It will contain information you need to know to promote a successful ThyCa awareness activity, on your own or through your organization.
If you have questions or need further assistance, please contact us at outreach@thyca.org. Our organization is here to help.
There is no cost.
Best regards,
ThyCa’s Outreach Team
outreach@thyca.org
Low-Iodine Recipe of the MonthContributed by Dana Peach, Pennsylvania
Spinach Salad
½ pound to 1 pound spinach, washed
1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges
1/4 cup olive oil
2 Tablespoons sugar
2 Tablespoons white vinegar
pinch of parsley
non-iodized salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup slivered almonds with 2 more Tablespoons sugar
Combine oil, sugar, vinegar, and spices. Shake well and refrigerate. Toss almonds with the additional 2 Tablespoons sugar and stir over medium heat until golden brown. When ready to serve, place oranges and almond on top of the salad greens and toss lightly with dressing.
Thank you, Dana! We’ll include all the recipes you sent in the next edition of the FREE Downloadable Low-Iodine Cookbook.
Download the 6th edition of the Low-Iodine Cookbook for free, with more than 250 favorite recipes from more than 100 generous volunteers.
The Cookbook is also available in Spanish and in 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.
The expanded 7th edition is coming soon.
If you’d like to contribute your favorite recipe or tip, send it to recipes@thyca.org.
Help Support the 2010 Rally for Research
Thanks to generous contributions and special fundraising events, ThyCa has awarded new thyroid cancer research grants every year starting in 2003. These grants support our goal of cures for all thyroid cancer and a future free of thyroid cancer. We plan to award new research grants in 2010.
You can help support the Rally for Research. For details about the Rally for Research, donation opportunities, special events, Quarters for a Cure, and information about ThyCa’s past and future Research Grants, visit the Rally for Research page.
You’re Invited To Become a Member
Help us sustain, strengthen, and extend our services. We invite you to join ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
Your membership dues will support ThyCa’s efforts to reach and serve other survivors and their families around the world. You may join as a 1-year member ($25), 2-year member ($45), or lifetime member ($225). For our secure online Membership Form and our mailed Membership Form, go to our Membership page.
For details and contacts, go to our Calendar page.
- Every Month in 2010. ThyCa’s Thyroid Cancer Support Group Meetings in Your Community.
- Saturday, April 17, 2010. Kansas City, Missouri. The 6th Midwest Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop with Physician Speakers.
- Saturday, May 1, 2010, Stowe, Vermont. The Vermont/New England Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Symposium with Physician Speakers.
- Saturday, May 15, 2010, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Thyroid Disease and You. Free educational forum about all thyroid disorders. Physician speakers.
- Saturday, May 22, 2010. Baltimore, Maryland. The 9th Annual Mid-Atlantic Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop with Physician Speakers.
- Saturday, May 29, 2010. St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Newfoundland and Labrador Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop with Physician Speakers.June 4-5, 2010. Rockville, Maryland. Hypoparathyroidism Patient Conference, sponsored by the nonprofit Hypoparathyroidism Association.
- Saturday, June 5, 2010. North Miami Beach, Florida. The Florida Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop with Physician Speakers.
- Friday, June 18, 2010, Chicago, Illinois. Cancer-Related Legal Issues. Free educational conference sponsored by the Cancer Legal Resource Center.
- Saturday, July 17, 2010, Stanford, California. The California Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop with Physician Speakers.
- September 2010. Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month. Sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
- Friday, October 8, 2010, Los Angeles, California, at UCLA Medical Center. Cancer-Related Legal Issues. Free educational conference sponsored by the Cancer Legal Resource Center.
- The 13th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference
October 15-17, 2010 in Dallas, Texas
Sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. - The 9th Annual Dinner/Auction Fundraiser for Thyroid Cancer Research.
October 16, 2009 in Dallas, Texas
Sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
Every day, thousands of people with thyroid cancer, and their families, receive support, education, and hope from ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
Every day, numerous people distribute ThyCa outreach materials to their physicians, making them aware of a resource that can benefit their patients dealing with a thyroid cancer diagnosis.
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 secure donation online in support of ThyCa’s work (or you are welcome to donate by mail), so click here to give.
What sections of ThyCa’s web site do you find most helpful? What suggestions do you have for ThyCa’s web site? E-mail your answers and ideas to publications@thyca.org.
About ThyCa NEWS NOTES
Copyright (c) 2010 ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
Thank you to our writing, editing, and proofreading team for this issue of the newsletter: Leah Guljord, Pat Paillard, Dana Peach, Barbara Statas, Cherry Wunderlich, and Gary Bloom.
Your suggestions for articles are welcome. The deadline for articles and news items is the first day of each month.
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.
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is a national non-profit 501(c)(3) organization (tax ID #52-2169434) of thyroid cancer survivors, family members, and health care professionals.
We are dedicated to support, education, and communication for thyroid cancer survivors, their families, and friends, as well as to public awareness for early detection, treatment, and lifetime health monitoring, and to thyroid cancer research fundraising and research grants.
Contact us for free awareness materials and information about our free services and special events. E-mail thyca@thyca.org, call 1-877-588-7904, fax 1-630-604-6078, write PO Box 1102, Olney, MD 20830-1102, or visit wour website.