Volume 5, Issue 1 October—December 2010

Sisterhood of Survivors
Quarterly Newsletter
V O L U M E 5 , I S S U E 1 O C T O B E R — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0

Mission: Sisterhood of Sur- This year's event will be fantastic! The location is the same,
vivors is committed to assist- Jimy Wen’s, but Jimy has gone above & beyond by securing
ing newly diagnosed breast the vacant space next to his restaurant. The restaurant &
cancer patients and attached space will be for our exclusive use, double the
space for double the fun! We are seeking gift items: game
survivors.
tickets, amusement park tickets, golfing certificates, gift bas-
Vision: SOS offers encourage- kets, spa packages etc. Donations of items to our raffle gifts
ment, support, monthly lunch- & silent auction will help assure the success of this worth-
eons, volunteer opportunities, while event. Contact Lisa Scroggin at lisascrog-
friendship, a resource library, gin@comcast.net if you wish to make a donation. We are
and a quarterly newsletter filled requesting donations be received by October 15th.
with inspiration, resources, and
event information. SOS delivers
educational “totes” to the re- Past Year’s
cently diagnosed, enabling “A Costumed Affair “
survivors the opportunity to
reach out to others just begin-
ning their treatment. Each “tote”
is delivered by a survivor, giving
the new patient an opportunity
to talk to another who has made
the journey herself. Contents
are donated by members of
SOS, the community, and pro-
fessionals. SOS pays for the
making of the totes as well as
some of the contents. SOS
totes are delivered at no cost.

INSIDE THIS
ISSUE:

This Quarter SOS Events 2 MEMBER HIGHLIGHT  

It might be hard to catch
Letter from the Editor 2 up with SOS member
Charyce Haynes these
Guest Speaker 2
days. She is busy prepar-
Breast Cancer ing to participate in the
Awareness Activities
2 upcoming "Susan G. Ko-
man Race for the Cure" on
Outreach Opportunities 3 October 23, 2010.
Volunteer Opportunities 3 When Charyce was diag-
nosed with Breast Cancer
Young Survivors News 4 she did not allow it to
hold her back, instead in
Resources 5
her usual fashion, she
took up learning as much
about the condition as completeness, finality,
she could while educating fullness, and expectancy
everyone along the way. that everyday is a gift
You can find Charyce from GOD.
sharing her knowledge
about Breast Cancer with
anyone who will listen.
Charyce is also co-chair
for the SOS Young Survi-
vors for women ages 45
or under who are diag-
nosed with breast cancer.
Charyce lives her life with
 P a g e 2 S i s t e r h o o d o f S ur v i v o r s

S O S Q u a r t e r l y LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

M e e t i n g s Inspiration for each other
By Diana Dhuyvetter

During the month of October,

Luncheons @ Noon Planning Meetings @ 5:30
Carrow’s the world is focused on Breast
St. Agnes Cancer Center
Cancer Awareness, I thought it
1484 E. Shaw, Fresno 7130 N. Millbrook, Fresno
would be appropriate to share excerpts from
Between First & Cedar Herndon & Millbrook an email I wrote to my co-workers when I re-
October 16 October 11 ceived my first chemo treatment in 2003. How
thankful I am for the encouragement I re-
November 20 November 8 ceived from those around me; however, I did-
Guest Speaker: Dr. Perkins n’t have a support group like SOS, just a cou-
December 18 December 13 ple of ladies I knew who had survived their
journey and they were willing to share their
experiences. Those of us who bear the designa-
tion of Breast Cancer Survivor have a special
DON’T MISS THIS! bond that only we can understand.
Our guest speaker November 20th is
If you have a story of your journey that you
Christopher Perkins, M.D. would like to share and encourage others,
please contact me. SOS is about Inspiration
Dr. Perkins is Medical Director
for each other. Here’s one day from my jour-
and founder of California Oncol- ney…
ogy, and has been in practice in
Fresno for 20 years. He is board On May 15th, I started my chemo treatment (I was
certified and treats all forms of very nervous and scared) but all went well. The doctor
cancer. He specializes in com- and nurse were very comforting and supportive. I felt
prehensive treatment of breast very drowsy afterwards. They gave me an anti-anxiety
and gynecological cancers. He’ll drug to help me relax. It started with a mega dose of
be discussing new advancements anti-nausea medicine that took about 30 minutes
through the medi-port, then the first chemo drug took
in treatment for breast cancer. about another 30 minutes, and the second chemo
med (the RN referred to it as the "red devil") was two
large syringes pushed through the medi-port. The only
side effects I've had from the chemo are my nose
 
burning slightly, a headache, and very tired. Other-
October 2  Central Valley Komen Celebration of Life  wise, I have not felt very sick, just kind of run down.
Luncheon @ Torninos: 11:30am‐2:00pm  So, I am thanking all of you for your prayers - prayer
certainly works!
October 5  Cancer Care Associates: 5pm‐7pm 
I will have weekly exams by the doctor and chemo
October 7  Foster Farms Health Fair: 10am‐3pm  every 3 weeks. I should lose my hair in the next week
October 9  Vera Bradley Foundation Top Drawer @  or so. Jacquie and I will be picking out a hair-do for
me this Saturday. So watch for the premiere in the
Opus 1: SOS rep & tote display all day 
next couple of weeks.
October 21  Fresno County Health Fair : 7:30am‐4:00pm 
The kids and I are doing fine and know that God will
October 22  The Pink Show @ Tower Theatre: 6pm  lead us through this path and SO grateful that the
cancer was caught early. I am so thankful for all of
October 23  SJK Walk for the Cure @ FSU  your support - you are the BEST!
October 29  “A Costumed Affair” SOS @ Jimy Wen’s 
 S i s t e r h o o d o f S ur v i v o r s P a g e 3

A special THANK YOU to

Volunteer Opportunities
The Planning Committee needs your help
with these events & activities:
• Writer for member highlight section
• Writer for newsletter articles
• Website maintenance (someone
interested in creating new info and
adding pictures)
• Assemble & Deliver SOS Totes
Quarterly tote assembly
January 2011
check SOS website for date announcement
The Advance Group
2930 N. Maroa Ave, located on NE corner
of Maroa & Michigan
between Clinton & Shields
For more info, call 227-1192
co-founders of Helping
One Woman...at a time,
Brenda Critzer and
Charlotte Bavaro
for taking time to speak at our
SOS luncheon on August 21st. We learned that HOW
exists because of two women who wanted to reach out
to other women in need and are willing to be used to
help others. This organization is growing and spreading
good will throughout California. If you would like more
information about this organization or know someone
who is in need, you may contact Brenda at 485-4252
or Charlotte at 250-0587,
or visit their website at www.helpingonewoman.org

BE A SANTA TO A SENIOR
T o t e N e e d s Each year, Home Instead Senior Care offices throughout North
America spread holiday cheer to lonely or financially challenged
seniors through the Be A Santa To A Senior program. In the
A basket is available at each luncheon and planning past five years, Home Instead Senior Care has helped provide
meeting where anyone can donate towards the more than one million gifts to 700,000 seniors nation wide.
"Totes" we deliver to newly diagnosed breast cancer
Home Instead Senior Care partners with local non-profit and
patients. Some suggestions are purse size hand
lotion, tooth brushes, lip balm, appointment books, community organizations to identify seniors who might not oth-
pill boxes, note pads, pens, hand sanitizer, breast erwise receive gifts during the holiday season. The company
cancer awareness accessories, and other items you then works with local businesses and retail stores to help facili-
tate the purchase and distribution of gifts by placing trees and
find useful or enjoy.
ornaments within various locations. Each senior’s gift requests
If you would like to donate to the SOS "Tote" are written on a Be A Santa To A Senior tree ornament.
Program but are unable to attend meetings, please If you would like to participate in this wonderful event, orna-
call Mary Ann Bellissima at 433-1763 ments will be available at the October 16, 2010 SOS luncheon.
The trees and ornaments will be in the local Walgreen’s stores
November 8, 2010. The date and location for the Gift Wrapping
Starting in October, watch event will be announced later.
for SOS Member Lisa Contact: Jan Clagg
Scroggin’s Public Service Phone – 559-360-0995
Announcement on Channel or: Pam Welte
18 generating breast cancer Phone – 559-417-8863
awareness to the Central
Valley.

WHY MUST I REPORT WHEN I DELIVER A TOTE?

SOS could never afford to make the totes available to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients without support from our
grantors. However, we are required to document deliveries by providing aggregate information at the end of the grant
period. Personal information is confidential and never shared. Please help us keep our records complete by ensuring the
pink form in the Tote is completed and mailed to the address provided.
Thank you for your support!
 P a g e 4 S i s t e r h o o d o f S ur v i v o r s

Young Survivors News

For Women Ages 45 or Younger
SOS has several breast cancer survivors age 45 and younger. In addition to coping with her breast cancer, younger
women have unique issues such as pregnancy, fertility, and affects on young children.

The group has just started forming and looking for members to join their luncheons. If you are a woman age 45 or
younger diagnosed with breast cancer, we would like to extend an invitation for you to join the luncheon at Luna’s
Pizzeria at 349 Pollasky in Old Town Clovis at noon the second Saturday of each month (this quarter: October 9,
November 13, and December 11).

Bring your friends, supporters, or family members for a time of sharing and learning from one another.

If you have questions, you may contact:

Charyce Haynes at 304-2146
email: rycecup@sbcglobal.net
or
Lynette McBride at 324-0208
email: tommc02@comcast.net

YOUNG WOMEN AND

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 11TH ANNUAL
CONFERENCE FOR YOUNG WOMEN
AFFECTED BY BREAST CANCER
Mark your calendars now for the 11th Annual Con-
ference for Young Women Affected by Breast Can-
cer to be held at the Peabody Orlando on Friday,
February 25—Sunday, February 27, 2011.
A joint effort by Young Sur-
vival Coalition and Living Be-
yond Breast Cancer, this
event is the only international
educational conference focused
on the needs of young women
affected by breast cancer. The weekend will fea-
ture the latest educational information and net-
working opportunities for you and your caregivers.
Visit www.youngsurvivorsconference.org web-
site for information about the 2011 conference
speakers, workshop topics, registration, and travel
grants.
BREAST CANCER
Young women CAN and DO get breast cancer. While
breast cancer in young women accounts for a small
percentage of all breast cancer cases, the impact of
this disease is widespread: There are more than
250,000 women living in the U.S. who were diagnosed
with breast cancer at the age of 40 or under,
and approximately 10,000 young women will be diag-
nosed in the next year. But, despite the fact that
breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in
women ages 15 to 54:
• Many young women and their doctors are un-
aware that they are at risk for breast cancer.
• There is no effective breast cancer screening tool
for women 40 and under.
• Young women are often diagnosed at a later
stage than their older counterparts.
• There is very little research focused on issues
unique to this younger population, such as fertility,
pregnancy, genetic predisposition, the impact of
hormonal status on the effectiveness of treatment,
psycho-social and long-term survivorship issues
and higher mortality rates for young women, par-
ticularly for African-Americans and Latinas.
• Young women diagnosed with breast cancer often
feel isolated and have little contact with peers who
can relate to what they are experiencing.
• As the incidence of young women with breast can-
cer is much lower than in older women, young
women are underrepresented in many research
studies.
Article retrieved 09.28.2010 from:
www.youngsurvival.org/young-women-and-bc/
V o l u m e 5 , I s s u e 1 P a g e
Resources
BCCTP
If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, Free treatment is
available to all Californians who qualify through the Breast
& Cervical Cancer Treatment Program. Information about
this program is available on Medi-Cal’s website or call
800-824-0088 to speak with an eligibility specialist.
NCI'S WEB SITE
www.cancer.gov contains comprehensive information
about cancer causes & prevention; screening & diagnosis;
treatment & survivorship; clinical trials; statistics; funding;
training & employment opportunities; the institute & its
programs. You can also get cancer information online
through the LiveHelp instant messaging service at https://
cissecure.nci.nih.gov/livehelp/welcome.asp
INFLAMMATORY BREAST CANCER
Questions & Answers
www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Sites-Types/IBC
or
1-800-FOR-CANCER
Cancer Detection Program
EVERY WOMAN COUNTS
Pays for eligible woman’s cervical exam
and breast screening.
Until further notice, EWC is not accepting new enrollments
800-511-2300
NEED A RIDE???
If you need a ride or know
someone who needs transportation
to or from the Fresno/Clovis area for
treatment, you can call
AT Medical Transportation at 897-8586
or ACS at 866-444-7672
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
LOOK GOOD, FEEL BETTER
Call 800-227-2345 for classes & reservations
WIG BANK 451-0722 option 2
HEALTHWELL FOUNDATION
For single women/moms
800-675-8416
or
PATIENT ACCESS NETWORK FOUNDATION
866-313-7263
ADDITIONALLY RESOURCES AVAILABLE AT
www.sisterhoodofsurvivors.org
5
NEED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE?
Contact Julie Ruiz for eligibility requirements
California Health Collaborative 1625 E. Shaw, Suite 155
Fresno, CA 93720 Phone: 244-4554
email: jruiz@healthcollaborative.org
CLEANING FOR A REASON
If you know any woman currently undergoing Chemo,
please pass the word to her that there is a cleaning
service that provides FREE housecleaning
One time, per month, for four months while she is in
treatment. Call toll free: 877-337-3348
or visit their website at:
www.cleaningforareason.org
DO YOU NEED EXTRA NEWSLETTERS
for your waiting room or office?
Contact Terry Elrod at 289-4168
Do you know someone who needs a note of
encouragement, a thank you,
or is celebrating a birthday?
Please call Gail Green at
298-5503
Totes are stored in two locations:
North Fresno: Mary Jo 298-3206
Tower District: Julie 227-1192
This enables deliveries to be made quickly and is
much more convenient for everyone. Please feel
free to call and schedule a pickup when you need
to deliver a tote. Don’t forget to complete and
return the pink form in the Breast Book!
Are you a recently diagnosed Breast Cancer patient
currently going through surgery and/or treatments
or do you know someone who is who has not
already received one of our totes?
Did you know you can go to our website
www.sisterhoodofsurvivors.org to request one?
We will have a Breast Cancer survivor make
arrangements to have one delivered!
MESOTHELIOMA CENTER—407-965-5755
With more than 3,000 pages of content, this site features
information on asbestos, mesothelioma, and other cancers
that are caused by asbestos exposure (lung cancer, breast
cancer, prostate cancer, etc.) wwww.asbestos.com
Helping One Woman...at a time
www.helpingonewoman.org
For those in financial need
 WE’RE ON THE WEB!
WWW.SISTERHOODOFSURVIVORS.ORG

We ask you and your loved ones to please consider Sisterhood of Survivors when planning to donate. Dona-
tions are tax deductible. Sisterhood of Survivors (SOS) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation.

I would like to make a donation of $ I would like to volunteer

Please make your check payable to: Sisterhood of Survivors, Inc.

PO Box 3841
Pinedale, CA 93650

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Janet Ames, Survivor
Terry Elrod, Survivor
Debbie Garrett,
California Health Collaborative
M. Margaret Hadcock, M.D.
Jamie Ledezma, Survivor & Komen Public Policy
Chair, Central Valley
Mary Ann Rogozinski, Survivor
ADVISORY COUNCIL
Rodney Hernandes, H&O Medical Group
Sharon Johnson, Survivor & Executive
Director, Komen Central Valley
Margaret Mims, Survivor & Fresno Co. Sheriff
Mikell Parson, D.C., C.C.N., D.A.C.B.N.,
D.A.C.N.B
Bonna Rogers-Neufeld, M.D., F.A.C.R
PLANNING COMMITTEE
Chair—Terry Elrod
289-4168
Membership—Patti Frediani
431-3752
Outreach—Mary Ann Bellissima
433-1763
Ways & Means—Judy Pearson
674-7443
Special Projects—Julie Skiba
227-1192
SOS Connections—Terry Elrod (temp)
289-4168
Secretary/Treasurer—Gail Green
298-5503
Newsletter Editor—Diana Dhuyvetter
ddhuyvetter@childrenscentralcal.org
Marketing/Media Rep—Crystal Sherian
crysa714@aim.com

Sisterhood of Survivors
PO Box 3841
Pinedale, CA 93650

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