March 24th  from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Location: Monterey Court Art Galleries 505 W. Miracle Mile, Tucson 85705  (near South side of Miracle Mile and one block west of  Oracle)  MAP

Several local authors will sign books and donate $1.00 from each book sold at the event to Serena’s Medical Fund. This event will be the book launch for SAVE THE CHILD, second edition by Margaret L. Turley. Healthcare providers will be present and give information on prevention, early detection and alternative treatments available for cancer.

FOOD, DRINK AND FACILITIES: We will be having the grills running, so there should be hamburgers, hot dogs, maybe sausages and side dishes for purchase. The patio bar will be open serving alcoholic beverages, soda, water, coffee, etc. There will be restroom facilities in one of the vacant stores, or maybe, if the crew works fast, in our new public facilities.

RAFFLE AND SILENT AUCTION: We will have raffle prizes donated by the stores and other authors have given signed books from the Festival of Books event to raffle off or put into the silent auction. There will be quite the collection of merchandise available, thus, please tell all your friends and family to come and spend an hour or two at the court enjoying food, drinks, music, etc.

Proceeds will benefit Serena,  a WUFC, to help her pay for her cancer treatments.

About the AACR,                                                       

Founded in 1907, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is the world’s first and largest professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research and its mission to prevent and cure cancer. AACR’s membership includes 34,000 laboratory, translational and clinical researchers; population scientists; other health care professionals; and cancer advocates residing in more than 90 countries. The AACR marshals the full spectrum of expertise of the cancer community to accelerate progress in the prevention, biology, diagnosis and treatment of cancer by convening more than 20 conferences and educational workshops, the largest of which is the AACR Annual Meeting with more than 18,000 attendees. In addition, the AACR publishes seven peer-reviewed scientific journals and a magazine for cancer survivors, patients and their caregivers. The AACR funds meritorious research directly as well as in cooperation with numerous cancer organizations. As the Scientific Partner of Stand Up To Cancer, the AACR provides expert peer review and scientific oversight of individual and team science grants in cancer research that have the potential for patient benefit. The AACR actively communicates with legislators and policy makers about the value of cancer research and related biomedical science in saving lives from cancer.  

Writers Unite to Fight Cancer (WUFC) chose the American Association for Cancer Research to be our primary charity in 2010. Our first event to benefit the AACR was a silent auction held during the original 8 member’s book launch on 11/4/2010.

AACR Journal Cancer Discovery Receives Prestigious 2011 PROSE Award

February 7, 2012

PHILADELPHIA — The American Association for Cancer Research’s newest journal, Cancer Discovery, has received a 2011 American Publishers Award for Professional and Scholarly Excellence (PROSE Award). Cancer Discovery received this award for “Best New Journal in Science, Technology and Medicine.”
The Professional and Scholarly Publishing (PSP) Division of the Association of American Publishers presented more than 45 PROSE awards at a special awards luncheon, which was held recently during the PSP Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.

“The American Association for Cancer Research is honored to receive this accolade for its newest addition, Cancer Discovery, to our robust publications program,” said Margaret Foti, Ph.D., M.D. (h.c.), chief executive officer of the AACR. “This award solidifies the journal’s reputation as an influential publication in the industry. Through the expert guidance of its outstanding editors-in-chief, Cancer Discovery brings top-rated research articles to the scientific and medical community, and we are very proud that it has received this early recognition for its contributions to the cancer literature.”

“All of us who are involved with the publishing of Cancer Discovery are extremely pleased to receive such an esteemed award,” said the journal’s publisher Diane Scott-Lichter. “Cancer Discovery captures the most significant work in cancer research and provides a unique forum to communicate and inspire new thinking in the field.”

Cancer Discovery launched at the AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011 and is the seventh journal published by the AACR. The journal provides readers with high-impact, peer-reviewed articles describing major advances in basic, translational, clinical and epidemiological research. It features game-changing research, review articles, perspectives and commentaries, news, and “Research Watch” summaries of important journal articles.

In addition, Cancer Discovery combines the expertise and experience of founding Editors-in-Chief Lewis C. Cantley, Ph.D., director of the cancer center and chief of the division of signal transduction at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and professor of systems biology at Harvard Medical School, and José Baselga, M.D., Ph.D., chief of the division of hematology/oncology and associate director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, and professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.

The 2011 PROSE Awards received a record-breaking 512 entries — more than ever before in its 36-year history — from more than 60 professional and scholarly publishers across the country. Award recipients were determined by a distinguished panel of 14 PROSE judges. A full list of the award recipients and video highlights from this year’s awards luncheon can be found at www.proseawards.com.

For more information on Cancer Discovery, please visithttp://cancerdiscovery.aacrjournals.org.

Follow the AACR on Twitter: @aacr #aacr 
Follow the AACR on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/aacr.org

Arizona Centennial Cancer Research Fundraiser

Thursday, February 2, 2012

6:30 PM until 9:30 PM
Arizona Biltmore
2400 E. Missouri Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85016
$20.00 Donation Suggested     Event Registration      Event Invitation Video

Meet over thirty Authors at the Writers Unite to Fight Cancer Arizona Centennial Cancer Research Fundraiser.

Our keynote speaker, and Medical Director for this event will be naturopathic oncologist Daniel Rubin ND, FABNO, Founding President of the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians (OncANP). Our emcee for the first half of the program will be Jude LaCava, sportscaster from Fox News 10.  The emcee for the second half of the program will be Francis Battaglia, President of KFNX News Talk Radio 1100. Arizona Senator Jerry Lewis will participate as a guest speaker. The third guest speaker on the program is Shauna M. Birdsall, ND, FABNO – Director of Naturopathic Medicine at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America Western Regional Hospital in Goodyear Arizona. Each guest will receive a complimentary gift bag that will include the book Five to Thrive. There will several items available for silent auction, and music will be provided by Jocelyn Obermeyer, certified therapeutic harp practitioner from  Hospice of the Valley.

Each author will donate $1.00 per book sold at this event toward the two Arizona-Based Cancer Research Programs we have designated as equal beneficiaries for this fundraiser.

1.) Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, collaboratively with Arizona State University under the direction of Robert Waters PhD.
2.) The University of Arizona Cancer Center natural product research program directed by Dr. Leslie Gunatilaka.

Radio Talk Show episode of  the Above and Beyond Show hosted by Rev. Cay Randall-May interviews Dr. Rubin and Lisa Finder and features the WUFC Arizona Centennial Cancer Research Fundraiser.

All Arizona authors, or Authors who have written about Arizona, or cancer book authors are invited to attend this event. Find out how you can get involved.

• We are a looking for sponsors to help us reduce our expenses so that we can give the maximum amount of money to cancer research. Find out what sponsorship includes.
• Download our Event Flyer to help us publicize our event.

No one will be turned away for inability to pay. Event is open to the public.  Please RSVP on the Event Registration Page, Facebook or via email: writersunitetofightcancer@gmail.com.

Original Artwork by Valerie Hardin 18 x 24 poster

For sale at the WUFC Arizona Centennial Cancer Research Fundraiser at the Arizona Biltmore February 2nd, 2012 from 6:30 pm until 9:30 pm.

To reserve your copy email Margaret at writersunitetofightcancer@gmail.com

Whole Foods Market has several locations in Arizona. They provide organic foods and produce that are grown and made locally in Arizona. Whole Foods pride themselves in bringing exclusive products to their customers.

Naturopathic Specialists, the unique medical offices of Daniel Rubin, ND, FABNO, Lise Alschuler, ND, FABNO, Melissa Coats, ND, and Leila Turner, ND  is located near Old Town Scottsdale, AZ, just across the street from Scottsdale-Osborn Hospital.  When experience is important, Naturopathic Specialists, LLC, is the right choice for you. All of their physicians are pioneers and experts in their fields and are licensed to practice medicine in the State of Arizona. Naturopathic Specialists are committed to delivering reputable and quality medicine for people with or wanting to prevent cancer, environmental illness and women’s health issues. Drs. Rubin, and Alschuler are board certified in naturopathic oncology. Dr. Coats focuses on naturopathic geriatrics, physical medicine and general medicine. Dr. Turner’s practice is focused on Women’s health issues as well as general naturopathic medicine. View us www.listenandcare.com.

Dr. Rubin’s practice of naturopathic oncology has been an integral part of the Phoenix metropolitan medical community for the past 14 years. Dr. Rubin is Co-Founder and Medical Director of Naturopathic Specialists, LLC, in Scottsdale, AZ, where he practices full-time as a naturopathic oncologist. Dr. Rubin graduated from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences (SCNM) in Tempe and subsequent to that, underwent residency at SCNM. He is currently adjunct faculty at SCNM.  He is also the Founding President of the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians (OncANP). Philosphy of Practice for Dr. Daniel Rubin, Naturopathic Oncologist.

Daniel Rubin, ND, FABNO and Lise Alschuler, ND, FABNO are Fellows of the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology (FABNO). This Board Certification represents the highest expertise in the area of naturopathic oncology by being recognized as such by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP).* Such certification in naturopathic oncology is rigorous, has been achieved by a select few naturopathic physicians and has set the standard for the way non-conventional and integrative oncology is practiced. Naturopathic oncologists are experts in the application of naturopathic medicine in an oncology setting and are not trained or certified to offer conventional oncology care such as that offered by medical or radaition oncologists.

* In 2006, the House of Delegates of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians adopted the AANP Position Paper on Cancer

Services

Drs. Rubin and Alschuler are experts and world leaders in naturopathic oncology. They provide a vital service for people who need to make educated choices regarding their condition and how to treat it. They are there to build a relationship with you and take time to talk with you, your family and loved ones regarding the best path to take to improve your health. Drs. Rubin and Alschuler strive to meet each patient’s unique needs thus they create truly individualized treatment plans for each person. The services Drs. Rubin and Alschuler provide include:

• Working with you to understand your goals and how to achieve them
• Treating your condition, onsite, at the clinic
• Helping people get the best treatment using all aspects of integrative care including allopathic and naturopathic medicine as well as other types of treatments
• Aiding entrance to the most progressive, modern clinical trials
• Assisting you in continuing your current treatment protocol while providing ways to minimize the side effects of conventional treatment such as chemotherapy and radiation
• Researching your options and providing you with a document prepared specifically for you • Helping to integrate all of your physicians
• Making off-site visits when requested

Communication is a modality for healing

Drs. Rubin, and Alschuler believe that good communication is essential to proper treatment. Thus, they encourage communication with your entire medical and healthcare team. Drs. Rubin and Alschuler also encourage you to communicate with your team on regular intervals. Our doctors are available to prepare you for meetings with your other physicians in terms of the proper questions to ask and the important information to glean. They will also review, with you, the notes that you take during your consultations with your healthcare team. Also, Drs. Rubin and Alschuler teach you to keep a constant list of questions or concerns for each meeting with your physicians. In addition, they can educate you on how to manage this information and how to become and advocate for yourself or your family member. In this way each person can improve their communication with and inspire the members of their healthcare team.

Doctor as Teacher :: Education as a Modality

Drs. Rubin,  and Alschuler believe that the highest precept of medical care is to educate people with cancer about their disease. Once people truly better understand what is happening in their body, they often become more empowered. In this sense, education becomes a healing modality, the same way that nutrition or chemotherapy are modalities. Education takes time and our doctors are committed to providing the tools necessary to learn about cancer. As part of the education process, Drs. Rubin and Alschuler help you navigate the maze of available treatment options and those which may be better suited to you as an individual. Often, the knowledge of these opportunities remains behind the locked doors of the medical profession and are open only to physicians who may keep them closely guarded. Drs. Rubin and Alschuler can provide the keys to the myriad of opportunities for treatment that exist in the world of integrative medicine.

Click here to better understand cancer

Reaching Your Goals

*A Physician on Your Side Drs. Rubin and Alschuler are not only skilled in the aspects of your oncological and immunological problems, but are your advocates in all aspects of your treatment. Our doctors are there to listen, to counsel, to advise, to basically hold your hand through the delicate decision-making process. They give you as much time as you need to feel comfortable with your choices and converse with your health care team more effectively.

*Empowering People The goal at Naturopathic Specialists is to make you truly “in-charge” of your well-being…to help motivate, encourage, enable and empower you. In that way you can feel better both emotionally and physically.

Francis Battaglia was born in Flatbush, Brooklyn (N.Y.) and graduated from the University of Virginia in 1990 from the McIntire School of Commerce with a Bachelors Degree. He started in radio at WALE 990 Providence, Rhode Island in 1990 as an account rep. From then on he held the positions of General Sales Manager, General Manager, President and Owner from 1990 – 1998. In 1998, Francis purchased KFNX ‘News-Talk Radio’ 1100 and currently holds the same positions. He is on the Board of The Arizona Interfaith Movement and a member of numerous Valley Chamber and business networking organizations. Francis does a lot of charity work, including volunteering at the Sheriff’s jails. He lives in North Scottsdale, and attends the Franciscan Renewal Center Catholic Church.

Francis Battaglia shares his father’s cancer experience:

“My name is Francis Battaglia, President of KFNX News Talk Radio 1100. I’d like to tell you about my dad, Frank Battaglia, and his battle with colon cancer. Although he suffered a near fatal heart attack at 43, my current age, he changed his diet, exercise program, and quit smoking. He lived another 31 years. His father had died at the age 69 from a heart attack. Heart disease had run in his family, but cancer had not. His mother lived until she was 93 and his grandmother until she was 102. Around 50 he started getting regular colonoscopy exams every 5 years. He had some polyps removed over the years, but they were not cancerous. For some reason he decided not to get an exam when he was 70. At that time he had experienced bleeding from the rectum, drove himself to the hospital and was examined. Unfortunately, he didn’t get a colonoscopy even though my mother had encouraged him to get one.  At 72 he started experiencing pains in his stomach. After seeing the doctor, he was diagnosed with acute appendicitis and was sent to the hospital. After being admitted into the hospital, he was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer that had already spread to his liver and lymph nodes. He had surgery to install a port, developed an infection and had to have surgery again to move the port.

“He didn’t start chemotherapy until two months later and experienced terrible side effects.

“He made great progress though, was in remission and attended the survivors’ party at the hospital later that year. He was able to enjoy the summer, taking a road trip fromNew YorktoCincinnati. Unfortunately, the cancer returned a year later and he had to go through a second round of chemotherapy. He had to have surgery to remove a blockage before he started which severely weakened him. He didn’t make much progress and experienced even worse side effects.  They restarted the first treatment again but it didn’t work this time.

“Unfortunately, he eventually succumbed to the disease, passing away suddenly only a week later on March 25, 2011 at the age of 74. I can only imagine what would have happened if he would have had a colonoscopy when he was 70. Maybe they would have caught and treated the cancer successfully before it had spread. Maybe he would still be with us today. His experience shows me the value of regular colonoscopy exams and the devastating effects of the disease when not detected early. I only wish I could tell my dad that today. I miss him.”

Senator Jerry Lewis was elected in November 2011 to represent the citizens of Legislative District 18 in the Arizona Legislature. He is presently serving on the following committees in the Senate:

• Appropriations
• Border Security, Federalism and States’ Sovereignty
• Economic Development and Jobs Creation
• Education

As an elected official Jerry’s main focus is to work with business, community and education leaders along with his colleagues in the legislature to generate more jobs, create a healthy business environment and educateArizona’s students to achieve their maximum academic potential.

Jerald Hugh Lewis (Jerry) is married to the former Janet Merkley ofLake Oswego,Oregon. They are the parents of 7 beautiful children and 7 incredible and beautiful grandchildren. Jerry was born and raised inLos Angeles,California. He served a two year church mission to Hong KongChinaand then graduated with his bachelors and masters degrees in accounting fromBrighamYoungUniversity. He was a senior tax manager with the accounting firm Deloitte and Touche, chief operating officer for Quorum International, Ltd., teacher with CES, chief executive officer for TJ Development, Inc and is presently serving as the chief executive officer forSequoiaChoiceSchools, LLLP and the Senator from Legislative District 18 inMesa,Arizona. Jerry has served in many church, civic and community organizations and is currently a member of the executive committee of the Boy Scouts of America Grand Canyon Council. He has ran six marathons in the last two years and plans to run the Boston Marathon this coming April.

“Christmas of 1988 was a joyous time for my family as we were able to join “Grandma Dee” at her Santa Susana,Californiahome for the holidays. She had worked diligently for months to insure that the back porch was remodeled and prepared for the advent of the grandchildren…. Old furnishings were removed, fresh paint was applied, windows and doors were repaired, rugs and new furniture were brought in and every imaginable Christmas ornament was hung to create a most festive winter wonderland for her beloved family. Meals were carefully planned to remind us of many fun-filled gatherings we enjoyed as children around the dinner table and no expense was spared as she provided a seemingly endless parade of gifts for her precious grandchildren. Perhaps she sensed that which we could not surmise: this would be our last Christmas with my mother, Delores Marie Davis.

“Although she was only 55 years old she had spent the previous 5 years of her life fighting cancer. At first it was detected in her back. After serious chemo therapy she appeared to be in remission. Nevertheless, a couple years later it reappeared in her breasts. She continued to battle the disease with various surgeries and treatments but the cancer spread to her lungs and finally to her liver and brain.

“I remember an America West flight toLos Angelesto face the moment I had contemplated and dreaded ever since I was 7 or 8 years old. I don’t remember who picked me up from the airport and drove me to the Woodland Hills Kaiser Permanente Hospital. Nevertheless, I arrived by her side very late in the evening. Because I was a close relative, the hospital staff let me in to see her despite the inconvenient hour. She was asleep, breathing somewhat erratically and quite jaundiced. I tried speaking to her but she was completely oblivious to my presence. All I could do was pray. I stayed with her for some time before returning to her house in Simi Valley for some rest.

While there I received a call announcing that my dear wife, Janet, who had remained home in Arizona with our 4 young children, had fainted and collapsed onto our Saltillo tile kitchen floor and seriously injured her head. I immediately caught the last flight out ofLos AngelesforPhoenixand arrived late at night to find that our dear neighbors had Janet resting and our children fed, bathed and tucked into bed. When Janet’s doctor gave clearance the next day, we loaded the family into the van and returned to California.

I arrived very late that night at the hospital with my family but mom was still in a comatose state. We decided to drive on to mom’s house and get some much needed rest. About 10:00 AM that morning we received a call from my sister telling us that mom finally succumbed to the ravages of cancer.

Many times since I have been able to be with and counsel other cancer patients and their loved ones. Many have gone into remission and, happily were able to continue their life’s journey upon this earth. Others have transitioned into their next sphere of existence. As their time has drawn to a close I sometimes would ask “Please say hi to my mom.”

One boy, Jon, a 16 year old student of mine, had been fighting leukemia for about a year. He had stop coming to school about a month prior to my visit this particular day. When I arrived at his house I found him playing around his back yard with 2 of his close friends. He had some electric shears he was using to shave the head of one of the boys so that he could be like Jon. They played as if nothing was wrong. After a few minutes of frivolity, Jon started to cough, stopped in front of his trampoline, put his right hand on the door jam of their garage and slowly slunk down while we held him up. He coughed up some blood and then died in our arms.

It always seemed harder when the patients were young. But then, it wasn’t much easier when they were older, I guess. I’ve learned so much from the survivors, those who succumbed and the families of both. It’s never easy. Thankfully, treatment has improved in the 21 years since my mom died and more people are beating cancer. Yet, there is so much more that can and must be done to save the lives of the many who will yet encounter the ravages of this pernicious illness. We have conquered so many terminal diseases in the past: with continued research we will be able to conquer this one as well.

News Articles about Senator Jerry Lewis:

Lewis Takes Oath, Replacing Pearce in Senate

Jerry Lewis, New Arizona State Senator, says Pearce Loss sends a message to GOP

Russell Pearce’s Nemesis Jerry Lewis Sworn In as Arizona State Senator

FOX 10 Sports Anchor

In May of 2006, I had visited my doctor who asked why I hadn’t had my colonoscopy yet. Dr. Aikin had given me a referral months earlier. I had a symptom all this time. My father had colon cancer and my grandmother passed from it.

My physician wasn’t happy with me to say the least and told me to get in immediately. Of course, this time I got my bottom right in for my colonoscopy. When colon cancer runs in your family you don’t wait for the magic “50″ to get one.

I knew nothing about colon cancer and deep down didn’t want to know. I was nervous. “What if I had it?” I asked my best friend Mo Lukens. She said simply, “Then you’ll deal with it.”

I had a cancerous polyp. After the initial shock, I did what my girlfriend said. I dealt with it. Dr. Aikin set me up with surgeon Dr. Mozia and told me I was in good hands. After surgery, Dr. Mozia visited me in my room at Lutheran Medical Center. “You’re home free,” he said. Those were the sweetest words I will ever hear!

During the follow-up, my surgeon asked if I had heard Katie Couric was coming to town. I’m going to have to meet her, I thought to myself. Her husband had died of colon cancer at 42. She was seen on The Today Show getting her colonoscopy so others would do the same. I attended the fundraiser lunch for Rocky Mountain Cancer Center and filled out an “ask Katie a question” card: “Why are more and more women getting colon cancer and what can we do about it?” I asked.

Get the word out about early detection, she said. Bingo. That’s exactly the response I was looking for. And with your help, that’s what I’m going to do.

So get your “butt checked” and pass it on! If you get nervous, call me. I’ll even drive you there!

Kim Adair