As I mentioned in an earlier post, this was my first conference. As the web and new media manager for NBCC, I was responsible for this blog and the video booth. This gave me the opportunity to get to know so many of you. What an experience! I feel so fortunate.
You are doing such great work everyday and are an inspiration.
Stay in touch and see you next year!
-Jarah
I started out as a Komen 3-Day walker, intending to celebrate my friends’ survival and the lives of those who were not so fortunate, and to raise funds for Breast Cancer research - for a “cure” . I then added the Avon 2-Day walk to my annual pilgrimages. Over the last 4 or 5 years, my teams have raised over $350,000 for the cause. However, I’ve become impatient with the unfulfilled promise of ”the cure”. I don’t always feel that the funds my team mates and I raise, are adding to the body of knowledge that will expedite the scientific community’s abillity to achieve our real goal - eradicating breast cancer. Some of the fundraising proceeds and sponsorships emanating from these walks is dedicated to the NBCCF through its partners - for example, the National Philanthropic Trust and Avon. But I’ve observed that there are sometimes obstacles to dedicating the bulk of these funds to research that has been properly vetted to maximize its potential for productive, results-oriented scientific study. It occurred to me that there has to be a more thoughtful and targeted way of approaching research, and I think I’ve found that with the NBCCF. In addition to learning ways to more effectively advocate before Congress and local government bodies, I’m hoping to explore another kind of advocacy during this conference - reaching out to some well known, well-intentioned national organizations for potential collaborations. I hope to answer some fundamental questions through my participation in the conference: What inhibits the creation of partnerships among organizations that can lay claim to overlapping goals, if not strictly the same approach or philosophy? Do we need to bring more chairs to the table? And how can I help encourage mutually beneficial collaborations between organizations to facilitate and fund serious, productive scientific research and eradicate breast cancer?
What an honor to remember those who have just this last year, passed on after being touched by breast cancer but still found strength to advocate during that time. Here’s what I say in that quick moment of silence:
Rest in Peace.
May your family and friends be comforted.
May your legacy live on to touch many more lives.
Coming to Washington, D.C as a second year participant at the NBCC Advocacy Training Conference has become a highlight of my year. Attending lectures by leaders in their fields including Dr. Dennis Slamon (UCLA/Herceptin), Dr. Susan Love (Army of Women/Dr. Loves’ Breast Book) and Dr. Brawley from the ACS, increases my breast cancer knowledge by providing me with accurate and updated information to share with my community. There are so many interesting lectures and workshops to attend. A few of the most memorable comments I have heard include, analyze before acting, clinically significant vs statistically significant, evidence based medicine vs. faith based medicine (we think it will work), researchers need to ask questions that are clinically important, and “if you haven’t walked the walk, it’s hard to talk the talk.” Additionally, I truly enjoy meeting my fellow advocates; we encourage and support each others advocacy work. The NBCC conference is educational, intense and rewarding. Rose Gerber/Survivor Advocate, East Lyme, CT
I was recently introduced to the Wisconsin Breast Cancer Coalition and was inspired by what I had been told by a friend what this organization was doing to help fight breast cancer. When the opportunity was given to me to support the local organization, as well as to be apart of the National efforts to eradicate breast cancer, I signed up to give in any way that I can.
I have been inspired by the many women who have shared their personal testimonies in their fight against breast cancer. Even more so, inspired how they have turned their challenges into an opportunity to make a difference not just for themselves, but for all women, including those of us who are not breast cancer survivors. It is evident that more funds are needed for more research, to provide access and quality to health care for all women, and lobbying to bring about the needed change in our government policies to attain the goal of eradicating breast cancer become a reality.
I want to thank all of those who have fought a hard battle and no are longer with us; those who have been on the front line & background moving the needle and the fight thus far; and giving us newbies an opportunity to help with the fight and contribute to the efforts to eradicate breast cancer.
God bless you all for your passion and dedication and I look forward to doing my part.
As an African American who was diagnosed with breast cancer and kidney cancer, we need quality health care for everyone. We need to cut the CEO’s salary order that we can assist those who need health insurance. The rich is getting richer and the poor is poorer. America it’s time for health insurance.
I came to the conference with my daughter. She is on the
board of GNCCF. I’m so impressed by the dedication of the
women in this organization. It makes me very proud to be
part of it.
As a breast and kidney cancer survivor, we need quality Care for everyone. Le’t cut the fat in administrator’s salaries and help those who need diagnostic testing.
I am excited about the new information I learned concerning the Health Care Reform because I am losing my health insurance. I was recently laid-off from work and very concerned about health care.
thank you so very much