OCTOBER 2007- BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Outreach
Panel Presentation Breast Cancer: Mind, Body and Soul:

Outreach at Carlingwood Mall

Breast Cancer Action was at the Community Booth at Carlingwood Mall for the day on Friday, October 12th,  answering questions,  giving out information,  and raising awareness about breast cancer and BCA's programs and services.  Author Penny Williams was on-hand to greet visitors and to sign her books. 

Penny Williams signing her book "Breast Cancer:  Landscape of an Illness" with BCA volunteers Carol and Joan looking on.	BCA volunteer, George, helps set up booth
BCA volunteers Marilyn on hand to greet the public and answer questions about breast cancer.	Penny Williams' books

Breast Cancer: Mind, Body and Soul - Panel Presentation and Reception

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month,  Breast Cancer Action hosted a successful panel presentation at the RA Centre on October 24th.  Breast Cancer:  Body, Mindy, and Soul was attended by more than 60 people of all ages including those who have had personal experience with breast cancer along with their family and friends, as well as members of the public who came out to learn more about something that touches us all in one way or another.

Moderated by Honorary Chair, Jackie Holzman,  panelists author Penny Williams, Rabbi Dr. Reuven Bulka, and Dr. Doug Mirsky delivered very powerful and informative presentations and answered some very challenging questions. 

• Do doctors like when patients try complementary treatments?
• Are MRI's better than mammograms for detecting breast cancer?
• How can a faith community reach out to someone with breast cancer?
• Are breast self-examinations really useless?
• What type of food supplements should be avoided for patients who are estrogen receptor positive?

People appreciated the frankness with which the panelists shared their personal experiences and insights.  For Penny Williams,  it was more than 19 years since her breast cancer diangosis. Rabbi Bulka spoke not only as a spiritual leader but as a husband whose wife died of breast cancer.  Dr. Mirsky spoke as a surgeon who was one of the pioneers for breast cancer care in this community.

During the reception,  participants has the opportunity to share with one another,  visit the Breast Cancer Action information table and relax in good company at the end of the day.  Based on the feedback,  BCA will be planning more outreach events of this nature.

BCA Panel - Speakers  (left to right, Penny Williams, Rabbi Dr. Reuven Bulka, Dr. Doug Mirsky, Jackie Holzman, Paula Speevak Sladowski).	BCA Panel - at the door (Deirdre taking tickets and welcoming people)
BCA Panel Reception (People connect with each other during the reception)