South Carolina’s First Support Group for Thyroid Cancer Survivors To Begin Meeting
Beginning on Tuesday, August 10, 2004, 2004, South Carolina’s first support group for thyroid cancer survivors will meet from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. Radiational Oncology Conference Center Room, 101 East Wood Street, Spartanburg, S.C. The ThyCa Spartanburg support group will meet at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month thereafter.
Organized by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc., the ThyCa Spartanburg support group is free and open to all thyroid cancer survivors, their families, friends, and caregivers. For information about ThyCa Spartanburg, contact the support group facilitator, Dr. Donna Smith, by phone at 864-583-6673 or e-mail to Spartanburg-SC@thyca.org.
Free support groups for thyroid cancer survivors are organized across the United States by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. ThyCa is a nonprofit, volunteer organization providing person-to-person and e-mail support groups, a free low-iodine cookbook, a free newsletter, and other educational services and resources to thyroid cancer survivors and their families at no charge. ThyCa’s 7th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference takes place on October 22-24, 2004, in Chicago, Illinois.
For more information about ThyCa’s free services, visit the web site, call toll-free 1-877-588-7904, write PO Box 1545, New York, NY 10159-1545, or e-mail to thyca@thyca.org.
The Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ 7th International Conference will take place October 22-24, 2004, at the Hyatt Deerfield Hotel, 1750 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield, IL. The conference is the first for thyroid cancer survivors ever to be held in the Midwest. The sponsor is the national voluntary nonprofit organization ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
More than 50 presentations, workshops, and roundtables are designed for people with every type of thyroid cancer, from those newly diagnosed to survivors of many years, as well as family members and friends.
More than 15 nationally prominent physician specialists will speak and answer questions about thyroid cancer research advances, diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and future trends in thyroid cancer care. Self-care, coping skills, emotional and physical well-being, insurance, and employment issues will be covered in sessions led by other specialists, long-term thyroid cancer survivors, and caregivers.
This educational and supportive event has a low registration fee and is free to anyone unable to afford the fee.
Details and the registration form are available on ThyCa’s web site. For more information about the conference and the free year-round support, education, and publications available from ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, e-mail to thyca@thyca.org, call toll-free 1-877-588-7904, or visit the web site.
The newest addition to thyroid cancer awareness efforts is the Thyroid Cancer Ribbon Pin, created by thyroid cancer survivors to help promote education, patient and family support, and research.
The ribbon pin features a unique color combination to represent the cancer ranked as the number one cancer in incidence growth in women in the United States, and number three in men.
The pin is available from the national nonprofit organization ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.. The ThyCa web site provides a photograph of the new pin, as well as the order form. Half of the proceeds from each pin’s purchase will support thyroid cancer research.
The Ribbon Project resulted from the initiative of thyroid cancer survivor and ThyCa volunteer Leah Guljord of Florida. She also is ThyCa’s Assistant Board Chair, Facilitator of the ThyCa Spacecoast Support Group, and Editor of ThyCa’s free Low Iodine Cookbook.
The new pin comes in the traditional shape and size of awareness ribbons. It highlights the three thyroid cancer awareness colors: blue, pink/purple, and teal. Thyroid cancer survivor Cherie LC selected these colors more than five years ago as part of her volunteer contributions to ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association. She noted that blue represents the throat energy center, purple/pink represents spiritual influences in healing, and teal is a healing color.
“By wearing this pin you will help others by making them aware and educating them about thyroid cancer,” says Leah Guljord. “The pin comes in time for Thyroid Cancer Awareness Week September 13-19, 2004, sponsored by ThyCa, and also will help raise awareness throughout the year. We invite everyone to help increase awareness and education about thyroid cancer.”
She also notes that thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine cancer. It affects people in all age groups from young children through seniors and comes in several types and variants. She added that yearly detection and treatment, long-term monitoring, and patient and caregiver support are crucial elements in thyroid cancer care.
Free thyroid cancer awareness brochures featuring actress Catherine Bell, co-star of the hit TV series JAG, are available from ThyCa by mail. Individuals and health care professionals may request brochures by sending their mailing address by e-mail to thyca@thyca.org, by fax to 1-630-604-6078, or by mail to ThyCa Brochures, PO Box 1545, New York, NY 10159-1545. In addition, the free Low Iodine Cookbook and many other free materials are downloadable from ThyCa’s web site.
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is pleased to announce the awarding of its second grant for thyroid cancer research.
The grant recipient is Sareh Parangi, M.D., Assistant Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass. Dr. Parangi’s project is titled “Antiangiogenic Therapy of Thyroid Cancer.” Her project will focus on growth of blood vessels (angiogenesis) to tumors using a mouse model that closely resembles human thyroid cancer, and on thrombospondin, a natural inhibitor of angiogenesis that appears to be important in thyroid disease.
The grant review and selection process was conducted by the scientific review panel of the American Thyroid Association (ATA), the professional association of clinicians and researchers involved in thyroid diseases. The award was based on a review of the scientific merits of the grant proposals, independent of hospital or institutional affiliation. The grant fundraising was conducted by the volunteers of ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. through its campaign for thyroid cancer research.
Dr. Parangi earned her M.D. degree at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons after graduating from Barnard College, magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. She did her surgical training in endocrine surgery at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) with Dr. Orlo Clark. She was Chief Resident in Surgery at UCSF in 1997-98. She joined the staff of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School in 1998.
Dr. Parangi’s previous research has focused on angiogenesis in endocrine and non-endocrine pancreatic tumors and the molecular effects of thrombospondin on endothelial apoptosis. The project will examine whether angiogenesis inhibitors can be used singly and in combination to reduce tumor burden and whether novel delivery mechanisms can increase the efficacy of antiangiogenic agents. Associated with Dr. Parangi in the ThyCa-funded research will be Xuefeng Zhang, M.D., Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow at Harvard Medical School.
Gary Bloom, ThyCa Board Chair, said, “We thank everyone involved in this important effort. We greatly appreciate the American Thyroid Association’s support and involvement in the grant review and selection, as well as ATA’s support for patient and family education and its members’ commitment to the care of thyroid cancer patients.”
“We are proud of this new milestone in our support for research aimed at achieving our dream of a cure for all thyroid cancer. We thank all the wonderful volunteers and donors throughout the country who have supported these important efforts,” said Joni Eskenazi, ThyCa Board Member and Fundraising Chair.
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc., is an all-volunteer, national nonprofit 501 (c)(3) service organization of thyroid cancer survivors, families, and health care professionals. ThyCa’s mission is education, support, and communication for people at all stages of testing, treatment, and follow-up for all types of thyroid cancer, as well as for their families and friends.
Information about thyroid cancer, ThyCa’s free support services and publications, and the annual conference is available by writing to PO Box 1545, New York, NY 10159-1545, e-mailing to thyca@thyca.org, or visiting the ThyCa web site.
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc., is pleased to announce that Bryan R. Haugen M.D. and Matthew D. Ringel, M.D. have become members of ThyCa’s Medical Advisory Council.
Dr. Haugen is an endocrinologist and thyroid cancer specialist at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver, Colorado. He is Associate Professor of Medicine and Pathology and Director of the Thyroid Tumor Center. He been studying potential mechanisms involved in thyroid neoplasia and cancer, including the roles of telomerase and the retinoic acid receptors and is interested in newer therapies for thyroid cancer and metabolic consequences of subclinical hypothyroidism.
Dr. Haugen is also a member of the Executive Council of the American Thyroid Association. His presentation at ThyCa’s 5th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference in Los Angeles in 2002 focused on the management of advanced thyroid cancer.
Dr. Ringel is an endocrinologist, thyroid cancer specialist, and thyroid cancer researcher at theOhio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute in Columbus, Ohio. He also is Associate Professor at the Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health.
Dr. Ringel is a member of the Research Committee of the American Thyroid Association and chairs its web site advisory group. He has spoken at Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conferences about future trends in thyroid cancer care. He is also a chapter author for the recently published book Thyroid Cancer: A Guide for Patients (2004, Douglas Van Nostrand, M.D., lead editor).
The members of ThyCa’s Medical Advisory Council are experts in the field of thyroid cancer, with specialties in endocrinology, surgery, pathology, nuclear medicine, and research on laboratory testing related to thyroid cancer. ThyCa’s medical advisors provide medical information updates to ThyCa and support ThyCa’s goals in education, treatment, and research.
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc., is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that provides a network of services and resources for thyroid cancer survivors and their families at no charge. ThyCa’s services include support groups, a free low-iodine cookbook, a free online newsletter, an award-winning educational web site, free spring workshops, and other educational services and resources.
On October 22-24, 2004, ThyCa’s 7th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference will take place at the Hyatt Deerfield Hotel, near Chicago, Illinois.
For more information about thyroid cancer, the conference and other events, and ThyCa’s free year-round support groups and other services, visit the web site at www.thyca.org, write to PO Box 1545, New York, NY 10159-1545, or e-mail to thyca@thyca.org.
Kenneth D. Burman, M.D., Endocrinologist, Director of Endocrinology at the Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC, will speak about thyroid cancer treatment and long-term follow-up, as well as the use of thyroid hormone replacement in thyroid cancer patients on Saturday, June 12, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon at the ThyCa Baltimore Thyroid Cancer Support Group’s monthly meeting.
The presentation takes place at the The Cancer Institute at Sinai Hospital, 2401 West Belvedere Avenue, located in suburban Baltimore, Maryland, north of the city, inside Interstate 695, just west of Interstate 83, and near Northern Parkway.
This free presentation and question-and-answer session is open to people at all stages of testing, treatment, and follow-up for thyroid cancer, as well as their families and friends.
Sponsor is ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. Dr. Burman is a ThyCa medical advisor. For more information, contact Marion Hammond, the thyroid cancer support group facilitator, by e-mail atBaltimore-MD@thyca.org.
Free services and resources for thyroid cancer survivors are organized by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. ThyCa is a nonprofit, volunteer organization providing person-to-person and e-mail support groups, a free low-iodine cookbook, a free newsletter, and other educational services and resources to thyroid cancer survivors and their families at no charge.
For more information, visit the web site at www.thyca.org, write PO Box 1545, New York, NY 10159-1545, or e-mail to thyca@thyca.org.
On Saturday, February 21 and Saturday, March 20, 2004, Idaho’s first support group for thyroid cancer survivors will meet from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Idaho Falls Cancer Center, 3245 Channing Way, Idaho Falls, Idaho (at the corner of Sunnyside Road). The ThyCa Southeastern Idaho thyroid cancer support group will meet at 10:30 a.m. on the third Saturday morning each month thereafter.
Organized by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc., the ThyCa Southeastern Idaho support group is free and open to all thyroid cancer survivors, their families, friends, and caregivers. For information about ThyCa Southeastern Idaho, contact the support group facilitator, Alyssa Dodd, by phone at 208-589-4756 or e-mail to idahofalls-id@thyca.org.
Free support groups for thyroid cancer survivors are organized across the United States by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. ThyCa is a nonprofit, volunteer organization providing person-to-person and e-mail support groups, a free low-iodine cookbook, a free newsletter, and other educational services and resources to thyroid cancer survivors and their families at no charge. ThyCa’s 7th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference takes place on October 22-24, 2004, in Chicago, Illinois.
For more information about ThyCa’s free services, visit the web site, call toll-free 1-877-588-7904, write PO Box 1545, New York, NY 10159-1545, or e-mail to thyca@thyca.org.
On Saturday, July 17, 2004, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, Stephanie L. Lee, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of the Endocrine Clinics at Boston Medical Center, will be the guest speaker at the ThyCa Boston Support Group for thyroid cancer survivors and their families.
The Ask A Doctor program will be in the Wellman Conference Room, in the Wellman Building of Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, Mass. It is open to all thyroid cancer survivors, their families and friends; the program is FREE. Dr. Lee will discuss “Iodine in the American diet and its implications for thyroid cancer.” Thyroid cancer survivors and families will also have the opportunity to meet with each other before and after Dr. Lee’s presentation.
For more information about the program or for directions, call Judy Kaplan at 781-488-3135 or Ric Blake at 603-434-4932, write to Boston_MA@thyca.org or thyca@thyca.org or visit the web site for ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
On Saturday, June 5, 2004, thyroid cancer survivors and their families are invited to attend a one-day workshop from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at UMass Medical Center, University Campus, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655. Sponsor is ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
This educational and supportive day is FREE and open to people at all stages of testing and treatment for all types of thyroid cancer, as well as their families, friends, and caregivers.
Physician presenters are Alan Farwell, M.D., Endocrinologist, Staff
Physician, UMass Memorial Heath Center, and Faculty, University of
Massachusetts Medical School; James Warshaw, M.D, Endocrinologist,
Private Practice, Taunton, MA, and Courtesy Staff Physician, Rhode Island Hospital; Charles Emerson, M.D., Endocrinologist; Anne Larkin, M.D., Thyroid Surgeon; and Giles Whalen, M.D., Thyroid Surgeon.
The physicians will speak and answer questions about all phases of thyroid cancer care, as well as research advances related to thyroid cancer diagnosis, treatment, and long-term follow-up. This day will also include additional speakers and survivor and caregiver roundtables.
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is a voluntary nonprofit, 501(c) (3) organization providing support services, resources, and publications, free of charge, to thyroid cancer survivors and their families.
For more information about the free workshop and the other free support services and annual conference provided by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, call 401-826-0189 or toll-free 1-877-588-7904, e-mail to thyca@thyca.org, or visit the web site.
More Free Materials Available Year-Round
Free Thyroid Cancer Brochure Features Actress Catherine Bell
Dear Friends,
We’re delighted to announce ThyCa’s Thyroid Cancer Awareness Brochure featuring actress Catherine Bell, co-star of the hit TV series J.A.G. and thyroid cancer survivor.
This free brochure presents information about thyroid cancer types, signs to discuss with the physician, as well as ThyCa’s free support services and education available worldwide <www.thyca.org>.
In addition, Catherine Bell shares her own story and highlights the importance of learning about the disease and the resources available.
We’re excited about this brochure and are grateful to Catherine for her terrific support of our outreach efforts. This brochure will be a big help in reaching out to the public as well as to everyone whose life has been touched by thyroid cancer.
Wishing you the best of health,
Gary Bloom
Executive Director
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. <www.thyca.org>
Free copies of the brochure are available by sending an e-mail with your mailing address to thyca@thyca.orgor writing to ThyCa Brochures, PO Box 1545, New York, NY 10159-1545.
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is very grateful for the support and assistance of Catherine Bell, most recently known for her starring role as “Mac” on the CBS Television series “JAG.” Ms. Bell, who has had thyroid cancer herself, has done an invaluable service by donating her time and public persona to help raise awareness for ThyCa and thyroid cancer in general.
The American Cancer Society and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimate that there will be about 30,180 new cases of thyroid cancer in the United States in 2006. Of these new cases, about 22,590 will occur in women and about 7,590 will occur in men. About 1,500 people (870 women and 630 men) will die of thyroid cancer in 2006.
This is a new record high total. It is the fastest percentage increase of any cancer, and almost double the number of new thyroid cancer cases 10 years ago.
Early diagnosis and treatment can be vital. Unfortunately, every year many people lose their lives to thyroid cancer. Ms. Bell’s efforts will undoubtedly help many people.
ThyCa commends Catherine Bell for her selflessness and we wish her every success in a long and healthy life. ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is an all-volunteer nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization of thyroid cancer survivors, family members, and health care professionals.