October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and since 1995, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute has recognized individuals, companies and organizations for making significant strides in raising breast cancer awareness. Those efforts include education, research and the promotion of breast cancer early detection, screening, treatment and survivorship. The Karmanos Cancer Institute presented the 15^th Annual Heroes of Breast Cancer Awards on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the Max M. Fisher Music Center. Several individuals and organizations were honored for their commitment in enhancing breast cancer awareness and helping to save lives. 

 

Maureen Keenan Meldrum and Stefany Freeman, daughter of Geri Lester. Geri was an integral in the development of the Heroes of Breast Cancer Program. Unfortunately, Geri lost her 20-year battle with breast cancer in 2003 but her spirit, inspiration and memory live on.

 

“It’s a privilege to recognize these outstanding honorees for their personal commitment in the fight against breast cancer,” said Maureen Keenan Meldrum, director of Breast Cancer Special Programs at Karmanos Cancer Institute and chair of Komen Detroit Race for the Cure®. “They help empower survivors to live and thrive.”  

 

“It is my honor to commend this year’s winners of the Heroes of Breast Cancer Awards,” said Ann G. Schwartz, Ph.D., MPH, interim president and chief executive officer of the Karmanos Cancer Institute. “It is their enthusiasm, spirit and drive that inspire even more individuals to join the fight against this terrible disease. We pay tribute to all breast cancer survivors; those who have courageously lost their lives to the disease; and family and friends who offer compassion and support.”

 

Television and radio personality Ann Delisi helped present awards. The recipients of this year’s Heroes of Breast Cancer Awards are:

 

These awards recognize those who help bring about a society that encourages people to speak out about their illness, where funding for breast cancer research is improving each year, and where more and more people are learning about breast cancer.

Shannon Watson of Rochester Hills is a true inspiration to young breast cancer patients and survivors. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 25 in 2005. Watson co-founded a local group, The Rack Pack, at Gilda’s Club Metro Detroit after she discovered a lack of support groups for young breast cancer survivors in their 20s and 30s. In September 2009, Watson led a fundraiser bra show, “Bras for a Cause,” which raised $50,000 for Gilda’s Club Metro Detroit. She maintains a blog, www.shannoniezzi.blogspot.com, where she documents her cancer experience and offers support and hope to everyone who reads it.

 

 

Quote: “I am honored to receive this award from the Karmanos Cancer Institute. It means a lot to me to be recognized for making a positive impact on others’ lives.” – Shannon Watson

The Michigan Cancer Consortium (MCC) is a dedicated group of public, private and voluntary organizations committed to reducing the human and economic impact of cancer in Michigan. Approximately 112 members include health systems, insurance plans, local health departments, research institutions, universities and professional organizations. The consortium has demonstrated its commitment to reducing breast cancer morbidity and mortality in Michigan by ensuring that breast cancer is prominently included in the Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan for Michigan, which was developed to guide the activities of members.

The consortium also has designated breast cancer as one of only five special projects that its member organization will collectively address now until 2011.

Quote: “The MCC is dedicated to promoting breast cancer awareness and education in Michigan. Through the coordinated, strategic work of our member organizations, the MCC has developed breast cancer guidelines, position papers and resources for both health care providers and the general public. The MCC is truly honored to be recognized for these efforts and to receive Karmanos Cancer Institute’s Heroes of Breast Cancer Leadership Award.” – Vicki Rakowski, MCC Co-Chair

 

This award recognizes a health care professional whose treatment of breast cancer patients has been marked by exceptional technical skill, combined with sensitivity and compassion.

 

Linda Vanni of Huntington Woods is a nurse practitioner at the Karmanos Cancer Center’s Pain Management Service. She received her undergraduate nursing degree from Wayne State University and her master’s degree in nursing from Madonna University. She is a board-certified clinical specialist through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She is a member of many nursing organizations specializing in pain management and she consults and lectures nationwide. Vanni co-authored the American Society of Pain Management Nursing’s core curriculum chapter on cancer pain and she also functions as a graduate nurse preceptor for Madonna and Wayne State Universities. In 2002, Vanni received Sigma Theta Tau Iota Chapter’s Excellence in Nursing Practice award and the Michigan, Detroit Chapter ONS’s Advance Practice Oncology Nurse of the year award. In 2003, Vanni received the prestigious Nightingale Nursing Award for Excellence in Advanced Practice Nursing. Last year, Vanni was honored as a Midwest Region finalist for Nursing Spectrum’s Excellence Award.

 

Quote: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.” – Linda Vanni, from the Serenity Prayer

 

 

This award recognizes demonstrated leadership in breast cancer research.

 

Researchers from the Karmanos Cancer Institute and Wayne State University, Cardiff University in Great Britain, and the Sunnybrook Research Institute in Toronto, worked together to design a series of compounds based on Disulfiram (DSF), typically used to treat alcoholism, and found that one of the compounds was more potent than DSF itself in inhibiting an enzyme that spurs the growth of breast cancers. More than 50 percent of invasive breast cancers have the presence of the enzyme that could be treated by the DSF-derived compound.

 

Angelika Burger, Ph.D., director of the Translational Research Laboratory at the Karmanos Cancer Institute and professor of Pharmacology at Wayne State University, was one of the scientists from Karmanos to present at the 2009 American Association for Cancer Research’s 100th Annual Meeting, highlighting those research advancements in the treatment of aggressive forms of breast cancer. Researchers gave an oral presentation about the compounds derived from Disulfiram, which could provide viable treatment options for breast cancer patients. Dr. Burger, a Detroit resident, served as principal investigator of the study and doctoral candidate Daniela Buac presented the research.

“DSF is a very safe drug,” said Dr. Burger. “It could be given to cancer patients alone or in combination with standard therapies used to treat breast cancers.”

Building on DSF research, Karmanos scientists are encouraging additional preclinical testing. It is anticipated that the findings will translate to clinical trials in the future. Ultimately, this work provides real hope in dealing with the more dangerous, triple-negative forms of breast cancer.

 

Quote: “I am honored and deeply touched by receiving the 2009 Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute Heroes of Breast Cancer Scientific Distinction Award. This honor motivates me and my team to work even harder on finding and developing new treatments for breast cancer patients.” – Angelika Burger, Ph.D.

 

These awards recognize individuals whose efforts reach the community with the importance of breast cancer early detection, cancer care and/or survivorship in a volunteer capacity. 

 

 

Archie Franklin of Detroit retired from the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in June 2008 and continues to present the Breast Cancer Awareness Program as a volunteer breast cancer speaker. In addition to countless breast health education and tobacco prevention programs, Franklin has educated the Detroit community about prostate, colon and other cancers. She is a force to be reckoned with and has been very effective in reaching audiences who greatly benefit from her life-saving messages. 

 

Quote: “I am blessed and honored to receive this award. Humbly, I accept the award for doing what I enjoy! There are many rewards for being a breast cancer awareness speaker – wonderful staff to work with (both paid and volunteer); people you meet in the community; and the lasting friendships that develop. Why, the rewards are unending! God is good, not me! He gave me the talent to reach people. I must do his bidding. This is why I do what I do. Remember, when you hear, “I’m fine” or “I am a survivor” that all is good.” – Archilind Franklin

 

The EDS – an HP Company Team had one of the top fundraising teams at the 2009 Susan G. Komen Detroit Race for the Cure®. In 2004, employee Linda Purvis began a corporate team that grew out of “Patty’s Knechtions,” a family and friends team formed in memory of Purvis’ friend. Their team was small at first, with 111 members, but has grown tremendously. In 2007, EDS won the “Grow Getters” award when their team doubled in size to 268. This year, despite the economy, the team grew to 326 participants, including 21 survivors, and has raised more than $30,000 – up 85 percent from 2008. EDS raises funds in many creative ways, from sales of cupcakes, ice cream and bagels, to pink carnations and used books.

 

Quote: “We are humbled and honored to receive the Heroes of Breast Cancer Community Service Award. Our race team and captains are extremely passionate about this cause, and have worked hard to find creative ways to increase our contributions year after year. We hope, as you all do, that our efforts will lead to the eradication of breast cancer forever. All of us at HP are proud to be part of such a wonderful cause and event in the city of Detroit.” -- Linda Purvis, Team Co-Captain, EDS – an HP Company.

 

MEDIA AWARD
This award recognizes media work that communicates important messages about breast cancer.

Jodie Wilson

Jodie Wilson of Royal Oak was diagnosed with breast cancer on Oct. 16, 2007, at the age of 26. At that time, she had been working for the Detroit News as a designer for more than four years. After the shock of the diagnosis wore off, she knew she had a great opportunity to share her story. The Detroit News was behind her 100 percent, running her first blog not only online but also in print. Over the last two years, Wilson has openly shared her breast cancer experience through “The Breast Monologues,” one of the top 10 most read blogs at detnews.com. Her blog can be found at http://apps.detnews.com/apps/blogs/healthblog/index.php.

 

Quote: “I am so honored to receive this award. I started the blog as a way to deal with my diagnosis. I had no idea how many people it would reach. I was blessed to have the Detroit News’ support as I battled breast cancer. I appreciate being recognized for sharing such a personal part of my life.” – Jodie Wilson 

 

These awards recognize individuals whodedicate resources and talents to benefit the cause of breast cancer.

Dawn Jasinski and Sharon Hemmen were co-workers at Doeren Mayhew. Hemmen, who lives in Sterling Heights, was involved in the Komen Detroit Race for the Cure® since 2004, after her treatment for breast cancer. Jasinski, an Oxford resident, signed up for the Breast Cancer 3-Day walk benefitting Susan G. Komen for the Cure in 2005 after her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. That same year, a co-worker passed away from a long battle with breast cancer. When Doeren Mayhew agreed to match all employee donations, it took Jasinski’s and Hemmen’s fundraising to a level they never imagined. That was the kick-start of their enthusiasm for fundraising and in 2006, they started a small team with family members, called “D.A.S.H. for a Cure” (Dawn and Sharon’s Hope), which now has 11 members.

 

Quotes: “We are co-captains of our D.A.S.H. for a Cure team of breast cancer survivors and family members. Each year, we wonder if we will meet our goal, and each year we are amazed that we always exceed our expectations. The fantastic people on the race committee and the accomplishments of the brilliant doctors at Karmanos, along with the steady increase in survival rates, make our hard work all worthwhile!” – Sharon Hemmen

 

“Over the past five years, I have been involved with breast cancer fundraising (mainly Komen Detroit Race for the Cure® and the Breast Cancer 3-Day). I really got involved when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005. Prior to that, my aunt, grandmother and my fundraising partner Sharon had also been diagnosed. It seemed I knew more and more people each year who were affected by this disease. It was then that I knew I had to help raise money to find a cure for breast cancer. In these economic times, I find it so hard to continue fundraising year after year. And then I see all the benefits and progress that is made through Karmanos and local fundraising groups. That is what keeps me going. The support and encouragement I get each year goes a long way – hopefully long enough to one day find a cure.” – Dawn Jasinski

 

The Partners is a group of young, hands-on volunteers united in the fight against cancer, for the sole purpose of raising funds for the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. Over the past 15 years, Partners has raised nearly $9 million for the Karmanos Cancer Institute from its two annual fundraising events: the Partners Night and sister event, the Partners Golf Classic.

 

These events, which have become annual traditions, are held in loving memory of Geraldine Rissman, who worked tirelessly to help establish these events in 1994 after losing her sister Suzanne Korman Morton to cancer. The family remains actively involved today under the watchful eye of Suzanne’s and Geraldine's sister Eunice Ring. Ring, her husband Milt, and her extended family all give generously of their time and money to ensure the success of the Partners Events.

 

Proceeds from recent Partners events have been used to support the development and expansion of the oncogenomics program at Karmanos. Stephen Ethier, Ph.D., associate center director of Basic Research and deputy director, Karmanos, has had a long-standing interest in breast cancer research. Because of that, the oncogenomics program has focused its attention on identifying novel breast cancer oncogenes; developing oncogene signatures in breast cancer; and developing novel therapeutic strategies for breast cancer based on understanding oncogene networks in breast cancer cells. More recently, Partners proceeds have been used to purchase a Veridex analyzer for use in Dr. Angelika Burger's laboratory. Partners funds also were used to help recruit Dr. Burger to KCI two years ago. The hard work and dedication of Partners members has had a dramatic impact on Karmanos’ breast cancer research program.

For more information about Partners or how to get involved, visit www.karmanos.org/partners.

 

Quotes: “We are so proud of all of you and what you have achieved.  Please keep up the good work. Know that your efforts are deeply appreciated and you are making a major impact in the effort to bring cancer under control.”  -- Eunice and Milt Ring, Partners supporters and community philanthropists.

 

“On behalf of Partners, I am pleased and honored to accept this award recognizing the efforts our members make to benefit the Karmanos Cancer Institute. All of us who are a part of Partners believe in Karmanos’ mission and we will continue to try to provide all of the doctors, researchers and scientists at the Institute with all of the tools, equipment and facilities they need in order to find a cure not only for breast cancer, but all other cancers as well.”  – David Jacob, Partners member

 

THE GERI LESTER COURAGE AWARDS - Presented by Geri’s daughter Stefany Freeman.

These awards are given to individuals whose battle with breast cancer has inspired family, friends and the community.

 

Geri Lester was a leader of the Komen Detroit Race for the Cure® since its 1992 inception and was integral in the development of the Heroes of Breast Cancer program. Lester dedicated herself to bringing supportive and educational services to the metropolitan Detroit cancer community. She was a founding member of Gilda's Club Metro Detroit. A 2002 Heroes of Breast Cancer honoree, Lester saw the good in others, appreciated the gifts of daily living and saw hope in every situation. Lester lost her 20-year battle to breast cancer in May 2003, but her brave and cheerful attitude in the face of her disease remains an inspiration.

 

Kim Hekker fought breast cancer for many years. She was very close to her family. Hekker worked for Smith Barney Southfield until 2000, when she moved to Morgan Stanley. She was a member of the Komen Detroit Race for the Cure® Smith Barney Southfield team until 2008 when the Morgan Stanley team was formed. In the team’s first year, it had 83 members. In six years, Hekker raised $23,000 for the race. Hekker lost her battle with breast cancer in August 2009, but she will forever remain an example of selflessness and an inspiration to everyone she touched.

 

 

Quote: “Kim was a proud breast cancer survivor and huge supporter of the Komen Detroit Race for the Cure®. She taught us all about living in the moment and through the joy given to others. She would have loved being recognized as a ‘hero.’” – Pam Wright

 

Kristy Kaherl battled numerous occurrences of breast and ovarian cancer in her life. Her first diagnosis was at age 42. Although she had a difficult path ahead of her, she was a living example of faith and she personified compassion, courage, bravery and generosity. As Kaherl said, “I am so grateful. When you’ve made it through cancer five times, you can’t look at life in the same way. I don’t take much for granted anymore.” She said that she owed her health and her positive attitude to her faith, family, friends and Karmanos doctors. “What got me through cancer was having a doctor I believed in, a family who loved me, friends who supported me and an ability to look at the glass half full.” Kaherl was an example of courage and fought her disease until September 2008. She was the ultimate example of courage, love and kindness. Even after her death, she is a face of hope to many people.

Patricia LoRusso, D.O., gives a heartwarming welcome to Lindsey Casetta, daughter of Kristy Kaherl.

 

Quote: “We humbly accept this posthumous award on behalf of our mother, wife, sister, daughter and friend. She was a woman of great courage and never gave up. Her story is that she was a fighter and shared this with everyone she met. She lived, loved and laughed. She wanted these words in people’s hearts. She taught us to love one another. She taught us that we are all more alike than we are different. She taught us what it means to be kind to each other. She taught us what happens when we help each other. She led us through life and showed us how to die. She brought the peace of God into every situation. She was a woman of faith. She was and still is a great example of a positive person and a great mother and wife. We are humbled and honored to receive the Heroes of Breast Cancer Award on behalf of Kristy. Our family and friends support the Breast Cancer 3-Day walk and the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® to share Kristy’s story and life to others battling this disease.” – Lindsay Casetta, daughter of Kristy Kaherl.

 

Katrina Studvent was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, just after celebrating her 30^th birthday. After her diagnosis, she knew she wanted to make an impact on the lives of others through education about the importance of early detection. With the support of her husband and her four-year-old daughter, she has become a strong advocate for Komen for the Cure and the mission to end breast cancer. Studvent never hesitates to share her personal story to help educate the public and has spoken at several events on behalf of Komen Detroit Race for the Cure®. She serves on the Race Planning Committee and has involved her co-workers in the event. “Attending the race for the first time helped me feel triumphant in my fight against cancer," Studvent says. “It was like an outward expression of what I was going through internally. Battling cancer is a journey that can be frightening, but it can also end in victory. I feel stronger today and know I’m accomplishing more with my life. A large part of that is due to my participation as a Komen Race volunteer. It was inevitable that I would take a stand for others who are going through the same struggle I encountered in my fight against cancer.

 

  Quote: “Every year I celebrate as a survivor. I fight a little harder in honor of those we have lost in the fight.”  -- Katrina Studvent

 

 

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(From left to right) Ashlee Baracy, Ann Delisi, Maureen Keenan Meldrum, Mary Short, Joan Dennehy and Rebecca Przybycien.