tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58715918352752694792024-03-14T08:01:34.481-04:00Cancer Education, Advocacy & News BlogA cancer survivor covering cancer related news, fundraising, advocacy and other topics.Brian Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11027259431157161397noreply@blogger.comBlogger324125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871591835275269479.post-60596937093028088172010-01-26T12:42:00.001-05:002010-01-26T12:45:33.647-05:00The Last Post on this Blog: Moving to a new blog<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;">This is the offical last post on this blog. I have created a new blog which will cover a wide range of topics and not just cancer. My efforts to support LIVESTRONG and other great cancer fighting organizations will be ongoing. I just could not manage 4 different blogs so I have consolidated and now I use wordpress. I have found wordpress to be a much better blog interface with much more options.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;">Please stop by to see my new blog <a class="tweet-url web" href="http://brianpdowd.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://brianpdowd.wordpress.com/</a> </span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;">LIVESTRONG!</span>Brian Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11027259431157161397noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871591835275269479.post-21297627348910724062010-01-24T11:30:00.003-05:002010-01-24T11:35:46.016-05:00GoodSearch.com - A great, unique and easy way of raising funds for your favorite charityTake a few minutes to check our GoodSearch.com <a href="http://www.goodsearch.com/">http://www.goodsearch.com</a><br /><br />"<em>Give to charity just by searching the internet</em>" ~ ABC NEWS<br /><br /><strong>From <a href="http://goodsearch.com/">GoodSearch.com</a> website:</strong> "<em>We all have a cause we care about - whether it's finding a cure for cancer, saving the environment, finding homes for abandoned pets or so many other worthwhile endeavors. But what we don't all have is the time or money to support these efforts as much as we'd like. So, what if we could raise money for our favorite charities and schools by doing something we do every day — searching the Internet?<br /><br />That's the question Ken Ramberg (the former founder of JOBTRAK, now a division of Monster.com) and JJ Ramberg (an MSNBC anchor and the former Director of Marketing at Cooking.com) asked themselves a few years ago. After realizing what a fraction of the $8 billion generated annually by search engine advertisers could do if it were directed towards organizations trying to make the world a better place, they launched GoodSearch in 2005.<br /><br />GoodSearch is a search engine which donates 50-percent of its revenue to the charities and schools designated by its users. It's a simple and compelling concept. You use GoodSearch exactly as you would any other search engine. Because it's powered by Yahoo!, you get proven search results. The money GoodSearch donates to your cause comes from its advertisers — the users and the organizations do not spend a dime!<br /><br />In 2007, GoodSearch was expanded to include GoodShop, an online shopping mall of world-class merchants dedicated to helping fund worthy causes across the country. Each purchase made via the GoodShop mall results in a donation to the user's designated charity or school – averaging approximately 3% of the sale, but going up to 20% or even more.<br /><br />Ken and JJ wanted to create a means to support charities so that people would say, "Why wouldn't you do it?" That's what GoodSearch does. Since it doesn't cost anything and you get proven search results, there's no reason not to use it!<br /><br />GoodSearch is dedicated to Ken and JJ's mother, who passed away from cancer and who taught them both that by working together with dogged dedication, we can really make this world a better place</em>."Brian Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11027259431157161397noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871591835275269479.post-13225021843396466122010-01-23T11:01:00.002-05:002010-01-23T11:07:16.008-05:00Fight for preemies in honor of Avery Carmella Eck'ArtThough I use this blog to help fight cancer I always try to help other great causes when I have a chance. Today I am asking you to please donate to March of Dimes in honor of Avery Carmella Eck'Art. Avery was born premature (25 weeks) and weighed 1lb 1oz on January 19th. Avery is a miracle and has already shown to be one heck of a fighter.<br /><br />Avery’s family are dear friends and it would mean the world to all of us to see funds raised in honor of Avery. Any amount is a good amount. I started us off with $100 yesterday at around 12pm and right now we are at $965. Let’s see how much we can raise for such a great cause!<br /><br />March of Dimes mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.marchofdimes.com/prematurity/b_new.asp?band_id=58119">http://www.marchofdimes.com/prematurity/b_new.asp?band_id=58119</a><br /><br /><br />Thank you for supporting the March of Dimes and Avery.<br /><br />LIVESTRONG!Brian Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11027259431157161397noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871591835275269479.post-46143724270313847952009-12-03T23:25:00.001-05:002009-12-03T23:27:00.850-05:00LIVESTRONG Challenge 2010 Now Open - ONLY $35Register for Team Down One at <a href="http://teamdownone.com/">http://teamdownone.com</a><br /><br />Don’t miss your chance to register for Philly for <span style="color:#ff0000;">ONLY $35</span>. This year the LAF will not conduct random discounts but rather have established registration windows which provide a staggered price break in the months leading up to the event. The registration fee below will be effective until December 31, 2009 and then it will readjust to $45.<br /><br />In Philly, in order to accommodate a larger number of participants, they will move the <strong>walk/run to Saturday</strong> and the <strong>ride to Sunday</strong>. Here are the details for registration. Please take note there are <strong>Virtual Challenge spots at No Fee</strong>. Virtual participants can register, join a team, fundraise and receive incentives for the LIVESTRONG Challenge, but they will not be participating in the actual event. *In order to receive a t-shirt and water bottle, a minimum of $50 must be raised.*<br /><br />Registration Options:<br />•5k Run/Walk: $35.00<br />•10K Run/Walk: $35.00<br />•10 Mile Ride: $35.00<br />•20 Mile Ride: $35.00<br />•45 Mile Ride: $35.00<br />•70 Mile Ride: $35.00<br />•100 Mile Ride: $35.00<br />•5K Run/Walk and 10 mile Ride participation: $75.00<br />•5K Run/Walk and 20 mile Ride participation: $75.00<br />•5K Run/Walk and 45 mile Ride participation: $75.00<br />•5K Run/Walk and 70 mile Ride Participation: $75.00<br />•5K Run/Walk and 100 mile Ride Participation: $75.00<br />•10K Run/Walk and 10 mile Ride participation: $75.00<br />•10K Run/Walk and 20 mile Ride participation: $75.00<br />•10K Run/Walk and 45 mile Ride participation: $75.00<br />•10K Run/Walk and 70 mile Ride Participation: $75.00<br />•10K Run/Walk and 100 mile Ride Participation: $75.00<br /><br />LIVESTRONG!Brian Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11027259431157161397noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871591835275269479.post-33070214570920767182009-11-17T10:47:00.000-05:002009-11-17T10:48:37.465-05:00Support our Troops by Saying Thanks!Please keep our troops in your hearts and prayers. Let's Say Thanks by sending them a card <a href="http://www.letssaythanks.com/">http://www.letssaythanks.com/</a><br /><br />The mission of Let's Say Thanks is to provide a way for individuals across the country to recognize U.S. troops stationed overseas. By submitting a message through this site you have the opportunity to send a free personalized postcard greeting to deployed servicemen and women.<br /><br />The postcards, depicting patriotic scenes and hometown images, were selected from a pool of entries from children across the country.<br /><br />All you have to do is click on your favorite design and either select the message that best expresses your sentiment or draft a personal note. The postcards are then printed on the Xerox iGen3® Digital Production Press and mailed in care packages by military support organization Give2TheTroops®.Brian Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11027259431157161397noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871591835275269479.post-57538631226318633682009-11-06T10:39:00.002-05:002009-11-06T10:41:12.558-05:00LAF Update on Movember: Week OneLance Armstrong Foundation (LIVESTRONG) staffer Chris Brewer and Dr. Adam Clark discuss Movember and men's health.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMvsw6aNEgw">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMvsw6aNEgw</a><br /><br /><p align="center"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pMvsw6aNEgw&hl=" width="425" height="344" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" fs="1&"></embed></p>Brian Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11027259431157161397noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871591835275269479.post-17112337096078601052009-10-17T09:19:00.001-04:002009-10-17T09:20:55.819-04:00Follow @drewfromtv on Twitter - your follow represents $1<span style="font-size:180%;color:#000099;">Great and very easy way for you to help donate to the LAF without you spending a dime. Start a twitter( http://twitter.com) account and follow @drewfromtv (Drew Carey) </span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;color:#000099;">Each follower will represent $1 and he will donate $1Million to The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LIVESTRONG) if we get his followers up to 1Million by Dec 31 2009. Currently at $102K!<br /><br />Come on and start an account. Remember this cost nothing, takes all of 1-2 minutes of your time and gives a donation to the LAF. Please share this with your family and friends.<br /><br />LIVE<strong>STRONG</strong>!</span>Brian Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11027259431157161397noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871591835275269479.post-14541528138409800762009-09-18T13:15:00.001-04:002009-09-18T13:17:53.230-04:00Media Advisory: “Cocktails for a Cause” LIVESTRONG DAY EVENT<div align="left"><strong>For Immediate Release</strong><br />September 18, 2009<br /><br /><strong>For more information:</strong><br />Lori Ditzel<br /><a href="mailto:ceeotters@comcast.net">ceeotters@comcast.net</a></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">“Cocktails for a Cause”<br />LIVESTRONG DAY EVENT</span></strong><br /><br /><em>Ocean County Resident Holds Local Event to Benefit The<br />Cancer Institute of New Jersey Foundation and The Lance Armstrong Foundation</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left"><strong>SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ</strong> – On Friday night, October 2, Lori Ditzel will hold “Cocktails for a Cause” LIVE<strong>STRONG </strong>Day event at The Beach Bar in Seaside Heights, NJ. LIVE<strong>STRONG</strong> Day is the Lance Armstrong Foundation's one-day initiative to unite people affected by cancer in raising awareness of cancer issues in communities across the country. </div><br />This year’s event, all money raised will be donated to The Cancer Institute of New Jersey Foundation and the Lance Armstrong Foundation. <br /><br />“We encourage everyone to <strong>WEAR-YELLOW</strong>. If you already have a LIVE<strong>STRONG</strong> t-shirt wear it, if you do not have LIVE<strong>STRONG</strong> t-shirt and would like to purchase one or more please visit <a href="http://www.store-laf.org/">http://www.store-laf.org/</a> or you can always just <strong>WEAR YELLOW</strong>. Any yellow shirt will work,” said Lori Ditzel, event organizer.<br /><br />The event will start at 5:00 p.m. at The Beach Bar, located at 28 Boardwalk Seaside Heights, NJ 08751. The event will have free admission, free food, specials on drinks, auction items, 50/50 and Door Prizes. There will be a remembrance wall to sign and honor those fighting cancer or in memory of someone you have lost to cancer and will also create a giant yellow chain around the bar. Those who attend are encouraged to make a donation to benefit the Cancer Institute of New Jersey Foundation and the Lance Armstrong Foundation.<br /><br />“Cancer has affected my family. My father, a nonsmoker, has had Non-Hodgkin lymphoma for 23 yrs and has recently been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. It’s hard to just sit by and just watch. I felt I needed to do something. This is my something. While I couldn't take a treatment for my father or fight his disease for him I can still fight cancer by raising awareness to this terrible disease,” said Ditzel. “LIVE<strong>STRONG</strong> Day is the perfect platform to raise awareness, to show people who are fighting cancer that you care, and to fight for a change in health care.”<br /><br />Over 1000 local LIVE<strong>STRONG</strong> Day events will be held in communities across the country to celebrate and support cancer survivors and their loved ones. To learn more about LIVE<strong>STRONG</strong> Day, visit <a href="http://www.livestrong.org/livestrongday">www.livestrong.org/livestrongday</a>.<br /><br />“I am proud to be raising funds and awareness for the Cancer Institute of New Jersey Foundation and the Lance Armstrong Foundation,” Ditzel said.<br /><br /><br /><strong>About the Cancer Institute of New Jersey Foundation</strong><br />The Cancer Institute of New Jersey Foundation, a non-profit organization, raises funds that are vital to advancing the research, treatment, education and prevention programs of The Cancer Institute of New Jersey. All fundraising is conducted to build enduring partnerships and create goodwill while adhering to the highest ethical and professional standards. To learn more about The Cancer Institute of New Jersey Foundation <a href="http://www.cinjfoundation.org/">http://www.cinjfoundation.org</a>.<br /><br /><strong>About the Lance Armstrong Foundation</strong><br />The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) unites people to fight cancer. The LAF believes that unity is strength, knowledge is power and attitude is everything. The LAF provides the practical information and tools people battling cancer need to live life on their own terms. The LAF also takes aim at the gaps between what is known and what is done to prevent death and suffering due to cancer. We engage with and advocate for the public at large to pursue an agenda focused on prevention, ensuring access to screening and care, investment in research, and improving the quality of life for people affected by cancer. Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, the LAF is located in Austin, Texas. To learn more about the Lance Armstrong Foundation, visit <a href="http://www.livestrong.org/">http://www.livestrong.org</a>.<br /><br /><br /># # #Brian Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11027259431157161397noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871591835275269479.post-37027504182555311522009-09-03T14:54:00.003-04:002009-09-03T15:48:20.621-04:00Help support the fight against cancer at "Cocktails for A Cause" benefiting the Cancer Institute of New Jersey and the Lance Armstrong Foundation<strong>EVENT:</strong> "Cocktails for A Cause"<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">All proceeds will go to the Cancer Institute of New Jersey and the Lance Armstrong Foundation.</span></strong><br /><br /><strong>ADMISSION:</strong> FREE<br /><br /><strong>AT THIS EVENT:</strong> We will have FREE food and SPECIALS on drinks, A remembrance wall to sign to honor those fighting cancer or in memory of someone you lost to cancer, Bracelet links to create a GIANT yellow chain around the bar, LIVE<strong>STRONG</strong> wristbands will be given to all who make a donation, 50/50 and Door Prizes.<br /><br /><strong>WHAT TO WEAR:</strong> WEAR YELLOW! If you already have LIVE<strong>STRONG</strong> t-shirts wear it, if you do not have LIVE<strong>STRONG</strong> t-shirt and would like to purchase one or more please visit <a href="http://www.store-laf.org/">http://www.store-laf.org/</a> or you can always just WEAR YELLOW - ANY yellow shirt will work.<br /><br /><strong>WHY:</strong> LIVE<strong>STRONG</strong> Day is the Lance Armstrong Foundation's one-day initiative to unite people affected by cancer in raising awareness of cancer issues on a global level and in communities across the country. We have all been affected by cancer. Let's stand up together and make a difference!<br /><br /><strong>WHEN:</strong> LIVE<strong>STRONG</strong> Day is Friday October 2, 2009 - 5:00PM-9:00PM<br /><br /><strong>WHERE:</strong> <a href="http://www.beachbarnj.com/">The Beach Bar</a> is located at 28 Boardwalk Seaside Heights, NJ 08751<br /><br /><strong>CONTACT:</strong> For more information, contact Lori at <a href="mailto:Lori_Ditzel@horizonblue.com">Lori_Ditzel@horizonblue.com</a><br /><br />LIVE<strong>STRONG</strong>!Brian Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11027259431157161397noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871591835275269479.post-47519010549478651102009-08-28T09:35:00.003-04:002009-08-28T09:48:47.289-04:00Help Raise Awareness Against Domestic Violence<strong>WHAT:</strong> Friends of Lisa (Letizia) Zindell have organized a walk on the Manasquan Reservoir in Howell to raise awareness against Domestic Violence (DV) Also, purple ribbon magnets were ordered in memory of Lisa to promote DV awareness. They will be sold for $2.00 each.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>WHY:</strong> In Memory of Lisa (Letizia) Zindell. Lisa was murdered by her ex-fiance who was stalking and harassing her after she cancelled their June 21, 2009 wedding. Her story is bittersweet, tragic and must be told. For those who are not aware of what happened to Lisa please click go to her Facebook group <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=244296110190">http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=244296110190</a><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>WHEN:</strong> Sunday, August 30, 2009 11:00am - 2:00pm<br /><br /><strong>WHERE:</strong> Manasquan Reservoir 311 Windeler Road Howell, NJBrian Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11027259431157161397noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871591835275269479.post-58002972347570309932009-08-26T09:57:00.002-04:002009-08-26T10:17:01.105-04:00Ocean County NJ LIVESTRONG Day Event - "Cocktails for A Cause"<strong>EVENT:</strong> LIVE<strong>STRONG </strong>Day Event in Ocean County "<strong><em>Cocktails for A Cause</em></strong>." We will have FREE food, SPECIALS on drinks, a remembrance wall to sign to honor those fighting cancer or in memory of someone you lost to cancer, bracelet links to create a GIANT yellow chain around the bar. LIVESTRONG wristbands to everyone that makes a donation. More to come soon!<br /><br /><strong>WHAT TO WEAR:</strong> WEAR YELLOW! If you already have LIVESTRONG t-shirts wear it, if you do not have LIVE<strong>STRONG</strong> t-shirt and would like to purchase one or more please visit <a href="http://www.store-laf.org/">http://www.store-laf.org/</a> or you can always just WEAR YELLOW - ANY yellow shirt will work.<br /><br /><strong>WHY:</strong> LIVE<strong>STRONG</strong> Day is the Lance Armstrong Foundation's one-day initiative to unite people affected by cancer in raising awareness of cancer issues on a global level and in communities across the country. We have all been affected by cancer. Let's stand up together and make a difference!<br /><br /><strong>WHEN:</strong> LIVE<strong>STRONG</strong> Day is October 2, 2009<br /><br /><strong>WHERE:</strong> <a href="http://www.beachbarnj.com/">The Beach Bar</a> is located at 28 Boardwalk Seaside Heights, NJ 08751<br /><br /><strong>CONTACT:</strong> For more information, contact Lori at <a href="mailto:Lori_Ditzel@horizonblue.com">Lori_Ditzel@horizonblue.com</a><br /><br /><strong>WHY SUPPORT LIVESTRONG? VIEW THE BELOW VIDEO!</strong><br /><br /><p align="center"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/P1JIbJV5jlc&rel=" color1="0xb1b1b1&color2=" feature="player_profilepage&fs=" width="425" height="344" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed></p>LIVE<strong>STRONG</strong>!Brian Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11027259431157161397noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871591835275269479.post-38581317987520600232009-08-04T16:11:00.002-04:002009-08-04T16:17:08.610-04:00LIVESTRONG Challenge Philadelphia is right around the cornerThe LIVE<strong>STRONG </strong>Challenge Philadelphia is right around the corner (August 23, 2009.) Please remember to recruit your friends and family to join you on Team Down One. We need their help to reach our fundraising goal $30,000. Also do not forget to fundraise. This year has been difficult with the economy and people losing their jobs however we all know cancer will not stop so we should ask around. Even during down times people will surprise you. Do not be afraid to ask! Any amount is a good amount. Have them visit <a href="http://teamdownone.com/">http://teamdownone.com</a> to sign up for the team or donate!<br /><br />Please remember the LIVESTRONG Challenge is held at Montgomery County Community College 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422.<br /><br />To secure the LIVESTRONG Challenge group rate, please reserve your rooms through On the Mark Travel by calling (512) 794-8800 or toll free at (800) 618-6275. Lots of hotels are booked so here are the remaining with open spots with LAF rates.<br /><br />Residence Inn<br />1110 Bethlehem Pike<br />North Wales, PA 19454<br /><br />Holiday Inn<br />432 Pennsylvania Ave<br />Ft. Washington, PA 19034<br /><br />Hampton Inn<br />2055 Chemical Road<br />Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462<br /><br />Traffic Sunday morning will not be a problem until you get within 3 miles from the event. Then it will be bumper to bumper. We encourage everyone who is not staying over in a hotel to arrive at 6:30AM to allow for the delays with parking, etc. Remember the event starts at 7:00AM. Please visit <a href="http://www.livestrongchallenge.org/">http://www.livestrongchallenge.org</a> to get all the information you require. Please leave time to get through the traffic.<br /><br />If you plan on attending please take my cell phone number (email me and i will send it to you <a href="mailto:">dowood27@comcast.net</a>) so we can meet up. We will be near the starting line for the walk/run participants. If you are not planning on attending please let me know.<br /><br />Your support is very important to me and my family so THANK YOU! THANK YOU for picking a fight with cancer and helping us make a difference.<br /><br />LIVESTRONG!<br /><br />Brian DowdBrian Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11027259431157161397noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871591835275269479.post-52358156742606262702009-07-21T17:09:00.002-04:002009-07-21T17:25:59.515-04:00Health Care Reform OpinionI am glad that Health Care Reform is actively being discussed, but I do not like to hear some of what has come out lately. I get sick of hearing how Senators are willing to pass the most recent Health Care Reform without reading it. Decisions, as critical as Health Care Reform, should not be made on a persons opinion, news media and what he/she "thought" was in the Bill.<br /><br />As a cancer survivor I know how the costs are too high, we have limited options and how we cannot continue to turn anyone away. Everyone deserves proper care. We have to find a way to serve everyone with the best medical attention possible to help in areas of education, prevention, treatments, surgery, etc.<br /><br />We need Health Care! It should not be hard to get a team of people (from both sides) to work full-time on Health Care and create a point-by-point action plan and show what each action will deliver and the possible negative impacts. I know getting both sides together is difficult, but not impossible. A challenge YES, but never impossible! Too many excuses have been made over the years. It is time to take this topic serious and make an intelligent decision for change. <br /><br />I am optimist so I have HOPE that something will get worked out and be the right choice. <strong>What do you think will happen?</strong><br /><br />LIVE<strong>STRONG</strong>!Brian Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11027259431157161397noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871591835275269479.post-24936286921772562152009-06-12T11:42:00.000-04:002009-06-12T11:43:44.144-04:00Cancer fundraiser for Rene (YECKLEY) Wiercinski<strong>Event:</strong> “Benefit for Renee Wiercinski Fund” This is a cancer fundraiser for Rene Wiercinski and her family to help cover her medical expenses while fighting cancer.<br /><br /><strong>Date:</strong> Thursday, June 25, 2009 <br /><br /><strong>Time:</strong> 4:00 pm<br /><br /><strong>Location:</strong> The Beach Bar at Trump Plaza in Atlantic City, NJ<br /><br /><strong>Entertainment:</strong> Live music<br /><br /><strong>Activities/Prizes:</strong> Auction and door prizes. One door prize of a weekend stay in a 6 million dollar beach front house in Ocean City, NJ<br /><br /><strong>Tickets:</strong> $20.00 donation per ticket which includes FOOD & BEER. Please purchase ticket in advance by mailing your donation to 180 Riptide Ave. Manahawkin, New Jersey 08050 payable to "Benefit for Renee Wiercinski Fund"<br /><br /><strong>If you cannot attend:</strong> Please consider giving a generous donation by mailing your donation to 180 Riptide Ave. Manahawkin, New Jersey 08050 payable to "Benefit for Renee Wiercinski Fund"Brian Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11027259431157161397noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871591835275269479.post-80733051661880044522009-05-19T22:54:00.000-04:002009-05-19T22:57:06.251-04:00San Francisco Giants To Honor Have a Ball FoundationDate: Tuesday, May 26, 2009<br />Time: 7:00pm - 10:00pm<br />Location: San Francisco, CA<br />Street: 24 Willie Mays Plaza<br />City/Town: South San Francisco, CA<br /><br />The Have a Ball Foundation will be honored in a Pre-Game Ceremony at Home Plate to promote the upcoming "Livestrong Challenge" in San Jose. As the back-to-back Champion of the Livestrong Challenge for the Western U.S. (Portland '07 & San Jose '08) the Have a Ball Foundation's story will be presented.<br /><br />Founder of the Have a Ball Foundation Bob Hammer, along with his wife Kim, Daughter Shayna and Son Josh will present a check to Director of Gift Planning for the Lance Armstrong Foundation, Ron Kolenic, for $75,000.00 on Tuesday May 26th before the Giants take the field.<br /><br />The Have a Ball Foundation will also be on hand at the Giants "Community Desk". Volunteers from both the Lance Armstrong Foundation and the Have a Ball Foundation will be on hand to hand out Have a Ball/Livestrong Tote Bags as well as information on both the Have a Ball Foundation and the Lance Armstrong Foundation.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.haveaballgolf.com/">http://www.haveaballgolf.com/</a>Brian Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11027259431157161397noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871591835275269479.post-66203856934373897862009-05-07T16:10:00.001-04:002009-05-07T16:10:57.477-04:00Two Cancer fighting Events in New JerseyOn June 14th in Spring Lake, NJ the Coastal Jersey Parrot Head Club will be hosting “Colors of Cancer” fundraiser at Doolans in Spring Lake, NJ to benefit - The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) - to raise much needed monies for all Cancers. Please visit their website for more information <a href="http://cjphc.org/">http://cjphc.org</a><br /><br />The 2nd annual Run-Ride-Walk at New Jersey Motorsports Park, benefiting the Lance Armstrong and South Jersey Healthcare Foundations is scheduled for July 25th, 2009. Please visit their website for more information <a href="http://www.njmp.com/runridewalk/">http://www.njmp.com/runridewalk/</a><br /><br />I encourage you to check out these events and try to attend.<br /><br />LIVE<strong>STRONG</strong>!Brian Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11027259431157161397noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871591835275269479.post-50623016014069893652009-04-30T12:23:00.003-04:002009-04-30T12:36:40.584-04:00A Little LateI just realized that I did not post here (but <a href="http://twitter.com/brianpdowd">twittered</a> it) about my blood test results. On April 21st I got the call from my doctor that all tests came back negative. Though I was confident I was OK (I have not seen Dr. Dara since July 2006) I still thought about the "what if?" Yeah, sounds crazy, but if you recieve an offical letter from the Ocean County Health Department you should take it seriously, which I did. <br /><br />Read about the Dr. Dara problem: <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gpXvXi9biW7uT0z-fKKGdSKam3lgD97B8SPO0">http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gpXvXi9biW7uT0z-fKKGdSKam3lgD97B8SPO0</a><br /><br />All of the Dr. Dara drama is over for me, but not for 2800 other people. I hope a pray all of them are OK as we should never be put in these situations do to someones incompetence.<br /><br />I now move on and continue a bigger fight. The fight against cancer! I hope everyone can join me. Donate or join Team Down One today <a href="http://teamdownone.com/">http://teamdownone.com/</a>.<br /><br />LIVESTRONG!<br /><br />BrianBrian Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11027259431157161397noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871591835275269479.post-24467652671451958262009-04-21T14:40:00.003-04:002009-04-21T14:44:13.241-04:00Economic conditions & cancerThe current economic conditions have directly affected everyone, but unfortunatley so has cancer. Cancer kills more people every year than AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined. That is a scary fact. Please consider making a donation to help Team Down One reach our goal of $30,000. <br /><br />Got $10, $15, $20 or more...any amount is a good amount to donate. Also do not be shy to send this information to your family and friends. We need more people to help us fight cancer by donating at <a href="http://teamdownone.com/">http://teamdownone.com</a><br /><br />Thank you!<br /><br />LIVESTRONG!Brian Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11027259431157161397noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871591835275269479.post-34432034936522313292009-04-20T15:59:00.003-04:002009-04-20T16:51:35.232-04:00Interesting last few weeksI can say the last few weeks have been a bit hectic. I have been to Poland and Montreal for work giving presentations and sitting in on our (Tata Communications) Sales Kick-Off conferences. It was nice to travel to Poland since I have never previously been there, but it was great to come home to the family.<br /><br />While I was in Poland I received a call from my wife which had some bad news. It turns out my former oncologist, Dr. Parvez Dara, did not know how to manage his office and let things get real bad over there.<br /><br />I received an official letter from the <strong>Ocean County Health Department</strong> telling me of problems they found at Dr. Dara’s office. The Ocean County Health Department said five cases of hepatitis B were reported to it and the state Department of Health and Senior Services in late February. All of the infected people were patients of Dr. Dara. It turns out I was one of the <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gpXvXi9biW7uT0z-fKKGdSKam3lgD97B8SPO0">2800 people who received this letter </a>urging us to be tested for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, hepatitis C and hepatitis B.<br /><br />OK, take a step back from read this and ask yourself “what would I do?” I was in Poland with nothing to do. I could not come home to take tests, but I did recall the nurses at the time I was there (mid-June 2006) did in fact take the needles they used on me out of properly wrapped bag and since that time I have had multiple blood tests done on me for my cancer that I was confident I was OK. However, you do not stop thinking about how messed up the situation really is.<br /><br />I consider myself a good judge of people. I did not like Dr. Dara the first time I met him. Not because of something he said, but when I sat in his office he barely looked at me and Kristy. He was looking 95% of the time at his laptop and not a me. That is a sign that he could care less. That stuck with me and I have never gone back to see him. Though I will admit that I did call him several times as my urologist, Dr. Martin Schor, encouraged me to go back and have my follow ups with Dr. Dara. The problem was his office would never answer the phone and when the actually did pick up they would have me on hold for 10+ minutes and never come back.<br /><br />I finally gave up and told Dr. Schor he is my man for check ups and he agreed. Dr. Schor has been giving me my regular 4-6 month checks ups ever since. He is simple the best doctor!!<br /><br />I did have blood work done out of Dr. Dara’s office when I was there. I do not believe I am at risk because what I have heard from my primary doctor, Dr. Ruben Crisital, is the people who saw Dr. Dara for chemo are the ones at high risk. Each of the 5 apprently recieved chemo from him, which I did not. I have 4.5 weeks of radiation, but no chemo.<br /><br />I had all my blood work the OCHD requested done this past Friday afternoon and I should know soon the results. The results have to get sent to the Ocean County Health Department so they can check my name off their list.<br /><br />I cannot forgive such <strong>extreme incompetence</strong> by Dr. Dara. I hope and pray that man never gets to serve as a doctor anywhere for the rest of his life. I mean come on; they found several blood stains on the floor….<strong>that is unacceptable</strong>. Last week, the <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gpXvXi9biW7uT0z-fKKGdSKam3lgD97EFO8G1">state Board of Medical Examiners suspended Dara's medical license indefinitely </a>after investigators said there was evidence of unsterile practices and procedures in his office.<br /><br />Dr. Dara lost control of his office and that should never happen. You cannot make excuses for lack of management control. If you cannot properly support your patients then you need to turn some or all away until you can support them.<br /><br />What is shocking to me is the fact some of his patients are supporting him. Though some or even the majority might have good things to say that does not take away <strong>the fact Dr. Dara was a horrible office manager and the health department found so many issues that they were compelled to suspend him.</strong> I, for one, am glad he is suspended. He never said a bad thing to me and he treated my grandfather for 17+ years for Leukemia CLL and my grandparents loved him. However, just because a person is nice to you does not mean he/she does everything the right way. I am sure some people thought Jeffrey Dahmer was also nice. I think you get my point.<br /><br />As I waited in the lobby to get my blood work on Friday an older man sat next to me with the same letter I got from the Ocean County Health Department. I looked over at him and said I was in the same boat as him. He said and I quote, “I cannot believe they are making such a big deal out of all this. Dr. Dara is getting a rail-roaded.”<br /><br />I took a deep breath and kept my opinion to myself, but I was thinking of slapping this moron on the back of the head to try and knock some sense into him. HELLO, he was getting blood work as there is a chance he could have been infected.<br /><br />I hope people stop making excuses and be thankful Dr. Dara was caught. If by some chance they allow Dr. Dara to practice again one would have to assume he would have gotten a wake up call and would run a tighter ship.<br /><br />Now I sit and wait to hear that all tests came back negative.<br /><br />LIVE<strong>STRONG</strong>!Brian Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11027259431157161397noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871591835275269479.post-84314871954556147972009-04-10T14:29:00.000-04:002009-04-10T14:30:05.234-04:00Apply to attend the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Summit<em><strong>A message from the Lance Armstrong foundation:</strong></em><br /><br />We need your help to find extraordinary cancer leaders and social entrepreneurs from around the world to make a commitment (<a href="http://www.livestrong.org/global">http://www.livestrong.org/global</a>) to fight cancer and apply to attend the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Summit.<br /><br /><strong>What kind of person are we looking for?</strong><br /><br />- Someone who has already had a major impact but is now ready to take their efforts to the next level<br />- Someone with a clear plan to scale up their efforts to a regional, national or even international level<br />- Someone who would benefit from sharing experiences and making connections with other global cancer leaders<br /><br />We're particularly interested in people who have launched major initiatives as social entrepreneurs, outside of large, established organizations.<br /><br />If you are such a person, or know someone who is, we'd love to hear from you. Make a commitment to fight cancer and apply to attend the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Summit in Dublin, Ireland, on August 24-26, 2009.<br /><br />Please spread the word and forward to other cancer leaders. Join us in the global fight against cancer.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.livestrong.org/global">http://www.livestrong.org/global</a><br /><br />LIVESTRONG,<br />Lance Armstrong FoundationBrian Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11027259431157161397noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871591835275269479.post-42929855253526836522009-03-26T12:42:00.001-04:002009-03-26T13:02:40.667-04:00Global Commitment to Fight CancerCancer; 28 million people are living with cancer and this year, 8 million will die from it. We are asking for commitments from NGO's, world leaders and individuals to make cancer a global priority.<br /><br />Check out the new LAF video: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ey92B55PYZk">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ey92B55PYZk</a><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ey92B55PYZk&hl=" width="480" height="295" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" fs="1"></embed></p>Brian Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11027259431157161397noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871591835275269479.post-5084831285931882782009-03-19T15:32:00.001-04:002009-03-19T15:33:42.484-04:00ARE YOU READY TO CHALLENGE CANCER?<strong>ARE YOU READY TO CHALLENGE CANCER?</strong> Today the Lance Armstrong Foundation came out with a 50% discount for the 2009 LIVESTRONG Challenge Philly on August 23. The registration price is now only $25. You can Join the Fight. Take the Challenge. Register today or if you cannot participate please consider making a donation to help us reach our goal of raising $30,000 for the 2009 LIVESTRONG Challenge Philly at <a title="http://teamdownone.com/" href="http://teamdownone.com/">http://teamdownone.com/</a>.<br /><br />Between now and Saturday, March 21, recruit your family, friends, and coworkers to join you on Team Down One at this year’s LIVESTRONG Challenge Philly on August 23 for ONLY $25 when you enter PHILLY09 in the registration discount field. Don’t miss this great opportunity to become part of a record breaking event full of excitement and empowerment in the fight against cancer.<br /><br />Our mission is to raise funds for the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) supporting critical programs for cancer research, prevention, survivorship, clinical trials and one day a cure. We believe that we can be successful, raise funds and awareness while having FUN.<br /><br />We are entering our 3rd year of participation in the LIVESTRONG Challenge in Philadelphia. The LIVESTRONG Challenge is the LAF’s signature fundraising event. The walk/run event is a 5K and there are bike events for 10, 20, 40, 70 or 90/100 miles. We have raised over $44,000 since February 2007 to benefit the LAF.<br /><br />This year we will have several people participating in the 5K as walkers and runners as well as the 10, 20, 40 and 90 mile rides.<br /><br />Join us to make a difference!<br /><br />LIVE<strong>STRONG</strong>!Brian Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11027259431157161397noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871591835275269479.post-38161680624872822132009-03-16T08:55:00.001-04:002009-03-16T08:57:05.465-04:00What would you say to cancer, given the chance?If you are unable to see the video click <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feXOVkDp-Rw">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feXOVkDp-Rw</a><br /><p align="center"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/feXOVkDp-Rw&color1=" color2="0xcfcfcf&hl=" feature="player_embedded&fs=" width="425" height="344" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></p>Brian Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11027259431157161397noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871591835275269479.post-17788899321433356442009-03-11T19:08:00.000-04:002009-03-11T19:09:58.535-04:00The Sean Kimerling Testicular Cancer FoundationThe Sean Kimerling Testicular Cancer Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of testicular cancer and the need for regular self-examination. Our goal is to increase early detection of testicular cancer. We seek to ensure that young men are aware of the disease and have the information they need to conduct regular self-examinations, recognize possible warning signs, and seek medical help without embarrassment or fear of stigmatization.<br /><br />The Foundation was established in memory of Sean Kimerling, the Emmy Award-winning anchor of CW11 sports and pre-game announcer for the New York Mets. Sean died from testicular cancer on September 9, 2003. He was only 37.<br /><br />Sean fought a brief, intense battle with cancer. He was unaware of his cancer until very late, when severe back pain (a frequent symptom of later-stage testicular cancer) finally sent him to the doctor. He was a young, healthy, vibrant man, intelligent and kind, and an extremely talented sportscaster, quickly rising to the pinnacle of his field. In the starkest sense, his life was cut short in its prime.<br /><br />Testicular cancer is the most common cancer among young men between the ages of 15 and 40. It also has one of the highest cure rates of all cancers, with a survival rate over 95 percent, if detected and treated early. Too often, young men, like Sean, are not aware they have TC until it has spread throughout their body, greatly complicating treatment and their chances of survival.<br /><br />The Sean Kimerling Testicular Cancer Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in New York City.<br /><br />For more information or to make a donation, please contact us at: Sean Kimerling Testicular Cancer Foundation29 Broadway, Suite 1412New York , NY 10006 (212) 986-0892, ext. 5 or visit <a href="http://www.seankimerling.org/">http://www.seankimerling.org</a><br /><br />The foundation has new and exciting programs available to help fight TC. Below are a few links.<br /><br /><a title="http://www.seankimerling.org/downloads/pdfs/Kimerling_Brochure_final.pdf" href="http://www.seankimerling.org/downloads/pdfs/Kimerling_Brochure_final.pdf">http://www.seankimerling.org/downloads/pdfs/Kimerling_Brochure_final.pdf</a><br /><br /><a title="http://www.seankimerling.org/pages/programs/programs_showercard.html" href="http://www.seankimerling.org/pages/programs/programs_showercard.html">http://www.seankimerling.org/pages/programs/programs_showercard.html</a><br /><br /><a title="http://www.seankimerling.org/pages/programs/programs-materials.html" href="http://www.seankimerling.org/pages/programs/programs-materials.html">http://www.seankimerling.org/pages/programs/programs-materials.html</a><br /><br /><a title="http://www.seankimerling.org/pages/programs/programs-resourcekit.html" href="http://www.seankimerling.org/pages/programs/programs-resourcekit.html">http://www.seankimerling.org/pages/programs/programs-resourcekit.html</a>Brian Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11027259431157161397noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871591835275269479.post-43854253217955070842009-02-25T11:02:00.000-05:002009-02-25T11:03:46.119-05:00Ocean County 4 year old battling Lymphoblastic Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma<p>Tyson Manni is a 4 year old battling Lymphoblastic Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and is undergoing intensive treatment at the Cancer Institute of New Jersey.</p><p>March 1, 2009 Team Tyson will be holding a benefit luncheon and gift auction for Tyson Manni at Hemingways Café in Seaside Heights, NJ.</p><p>Check out <a href="http://www.teamtyson.org/">http://www.teamtyson.org/</a> for more details! </p>Brian Dowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11027259431157161397noreply@blogger.com