To be an advocate is to speak out on behalf of a cause in which you believe. We at the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation (FBCF) believe that we WILL end breast cancer is possible in our lifetimes. Therefore, we educate ourselves about breast cancer, its causes and potential cures along with diagnostic and treatment options. We speak out by actively discussing our own cases with our physicians and caregivers, by informing others about breast cancer, and by calling, writing and educating our legislators regarding important issues.

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On Friday, July 8,2011 the National Breast Cancer Coalition reported that the FY 2012 Defense Appropriations bill passed the House of Representatives overwhelmingly with the $120 million for the Department of Defense (DOD) Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) intact.

Many thanks to all of the advocates who worked hard over these last several weeks contacting your Representatives to ensure that this funding remained secure.

An amendment threatening to strip all funding for the DOD BCRP and the other medical research programs in the bill, known collectively as the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRPs), was not offered. Action on the Senate Defense Appropriations bill is anticipated in September. Together we WILL end breast cancer!

Leaders in Action

Jeri Francoeur, MS

Jeri Francoeur, MS has been involved in advocacy since she first started working in the medical field. Her passion for breast advocacy became more focused when she lost her best friend to Inflammatory Breast Cancer and her diagnosis 6 months later with Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS). She was appointed by Governor Jeb Bush to one of the Medical Quality Assurance Boards for the State of Florida; both governors Crist and Scott have reappointed her and she now serves as Chair.

Leadership comes naturally to Jeri; she serves as Chair for the FBCF Education and Grant Committee and as a member of FBCF's Scientific Research Committee and the Advocacy Committee. In her spare time she is on the board for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Central Florida Affiliate and is chair of both their Grant Committee and Public Policy Committee. Jeri has attended NBCC's Project Lead, Quality Care, and Clinical Trials programs and attends the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium each year as well as ASCO, FORCE, and many other breast cancer conferences across the United States. Jeri speaks to many groups and conferences concerning breast cancer.

She is involved in Sister's Alive, I'm Still Here, and other support groups. For the past several years she has gone to Washington, D.C. to lobby for healthcare speaking to Florida Congressional and Senate members. In addition, Jeri has appeared on many radio shows, at health fairs, in print, and in other forms of media educating the public about breast cancer. She works closely with Congressional District offices assisting breast cancer survivors in receiving aid, both financially, and physically. She has been a grant reviewer for Komen for the Cure, FBCF, DOD, and will be for AVON this year.

Jeri has a passion for educating, supporting, and counseling patients concerning their disease. By attending the educational seminars she is better informed on the latest in research, prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer. This enables her to further her reach to both patients and physicians in what is available and what needs to be done to further research and legislation. Her mission is to assist women in making educated decisions about treatment and then getting them whatever they need to reach that decision.

Her work is never done!

In Loving Memory

Phylyss E. Beaudet

It is with great sadness and the deepest sympathy that the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation shares the recent loss of our friend, volunteer, strong supporter, and advocate Phylyss Beaudet. Phylyss had been FBCF's bookkeeper from 2007 until November 2010. This is our second loss from this disease at such a close and personal level.

Phylyss' laughter and outgoing bubbly personality will be missed by all of us and all that knew her. May she rest in peace.

Together we WILL end breast cancer!

Pictured above: Evelyn Brethauer, Breast Cancer Survivor and Conference attendee

Breast Cancer Education, Advocacy, and Champions
were Celebrated in West Central Florida

The Florida Breast Cancer Foundation (FBCF) celebrated breast cancer Education, Advocacy, and Champions in West Central Florida on Saturday, June 11th, 2011. From day to night breast cancer awareness was the theme. The morning began with the "Education and Advocacy Day Conference" which was a huge success offering attendees education, local community involvement, and a chance to meet breast cancer survivors, caregivers, and educators in their own backyard. Most importantly, the conference supported FBCF'S mission to end breast cancer through advocacy, education, and research. The event was held at the Moffitt Cancer Research Center, one of FBCF's research grant recipients. Later that night the "Shades of Pink Cocktail and Awards Reception" to honor the six leading breast cancer champions in West Central Florida was held under the stars at the breathtaking Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI). West Central Florida's breast health community welcomed the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation with open arms and helped raise funds to end breast cancer and gain new supporters.

To read more about the West Central Florida conference and award reception CLICK HERE and to see more photos check out the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation Facebook Page!

Pictured Above: Muriel Sommers (FBCF Development Manager), Carolyn Kershner (FBCF Vice Chair), Doreen Grant (Florida Advocate), Jessica Parker- Kerr (FBCF Programs Manager), Kathy Durham (FBCF Chair), and Lynn Gonzalez (FBCF Operations Manager)

Covering Washington, D.C. with the Strength

Behind the Pink!

Washington D.C. was covered in pink by breast cancer survivors and advocates that gathered from April 30th - May 3rd to hear the latest breast cancer science and public policy news at the 2011 National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) Annual Advocacy Training Conference and Lobby day. Over 50 Florida breast cancer advocates, recipients of the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation (FBCF) scholarship and the NBCC Advocacy in Action grant met with Florida representative and senators, such as Senator Bill Nelson, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, and Congresswomen Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. During these meeting they had the opportunity to speak on the National Breast Cancer Coalition 2011 Legislative Priorities: accelerating the End of Breast Cancer Act, which provides a strategic approach to address questions NBCC has identified as vital to end the disease; guaranteed access to quality health care for all; and continued level funding for the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program, among other legislative priorities.

All that attended this year's NBCC conference learned about the latest in breast cancer research and sciences, explored emerging issues in public policy and medical practice, and built or strengthened political advocacy skills. Leading scientists and researchers discussed and debated new and often controversial issues in the struggle to diagnose, treat, cure, and ultimately end breast cancer.

After three days of extensive training at the NBCC Advocacy Training Conference, Florida breast cancer advocates took to Capitol Hill for a full day of meetings. The Florida Breast Cancer Foundation is very grateful and appreciates all of the advocates who attended and shared their voices on concerns with breast cancer legislative issues; showing Washington, D.C. the strength behind the PINK!

FBCF looks forward to traveling back up to do it all again next year. More Florida advocates will be recruited to take on Washington, D.C. in 2012.

Please join us! Together we WILL end breast cancer!

To view photos of the 2011 Lobby Day Visit the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation Facebook Page.

2011 South Florida
Education and Advocacy Day Conference:
We Laughed, Learned, Sang, and Danced!

The Florida Breast Cancer Foundation (FBCF) presented our 2nd Annual 2011 "Education and Advocacy Day Conference" on Saturday, April 16th at the Hilton Miami Downtown from 9:00am to 4:00pm. The one-day conference was a huge success; it not only provided community education and fun, but supported the organization’s mission to end breast cancer through advocacy, education, and research. FBCF supporters, advocates, and breast cancer survivors in attendance learned about the latest cutting-edge research, and had the opportunity to visit informational community resource display tables. Additionally, attendees participated in the fun "End Breast Cancer" License Plate song viral video:

and took part in ending the day with a fun demonstration of a dance and movement relaxation technique. The conference offered a day full of educational sessions featuring hot topics from breast cancer experts and scientific researchers funded by revenues from the Florida specialty End Breast Cancer license plate.

FBCF thanks all of the 2011 Education and Advocacy Conference" sponsors: The Annie Appleseed Project, Army of Women, AstraZeneca, Baptist Health Breast Center, Bosom Buddies Miami, Florida Breast Cancer Foundation, Genentech, Memorial Breast Cancer Center, Physician's Institute, Susan G. Komen for the Cure Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, S.W.I.M., Toshiba Business Solutions South Florida, UPS, and What's Next for my Life?

To read more about Education and Advocacy Day Conference CLICK HERE and to see more photos check out the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation Facebook Page!

ASCO 2011 Conference

Linda McDonald

Thank to the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation I had the opportunity to attend the America Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Conference. This year the conference had over 30,000 oncology specialists in attendance at the McCormick Center in Chicago, Illinois, June 3-7, 2011.

The theme of this year's ASCO conference was "Patients, Pathways, Progress." Dr. George Sledge, a renowned breast cancer oncologist, was this year's ASCO President. He was an excellent speaker and leader. There were many excellent programs on HER-2 Positive Breast Cancer. Since my dissemination partner was the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation and I am HER-2 Positive they were most informative. The challenges and pathways related to my backgrounder information.

Since I am a long time survivor and had my first cancer at the age of three, I went to many survivor and pediatric sessions. I feel very blessed that I am alive and able to offer my help where needed.

On Saturday, June 11, 2011, the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation held and Education and Advocacy Day at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. It was an honor to serve with the doctors as a speaker and workshop leader. I conducted a Healthy Steps/Lebed Method program for Cancer Survivors. It is an evidenced based therapeutic exercise program that is used in over 900 hospitals and centers in the US and fourteen foreign countries. I serve as a certified trainer.

As a result of the additional support and training I hope to be a better advocate, speaker, and teacher. Thank you again for the scholarship opportunity.

Congratulations 2011 Project Lead®
Workshop Grads!

23 Florida Advocates Graduate from
Recent Project LEAD® Workshop in Tampa, FL

Project LEAD® Workshop - Tampa FL, January 7-9, 2011

The Center for NBCC Advocacy Training hosted a Project LEAD workshop in Tampa FL, January 7-9, 2011. The Project LEAD workshop was a 2 ½ day training program focused on providing advocates an introductory education in the science of breast cancer. LEAD Workshop students studied the biological concepts underlying breast cancer, the research methods used to gather new evidence and test new ideas, and developed skills to be critical thinkers to better understand the breast cancer science reported in the media every day. At the Tampa Project LEAD workshop 43 beginning level advocates (23 were Floridians) participated and may now move on to the Center's more advanced level training at the Project LEAD Institute in July.

The Florida Breast Cancer Foundation congratulates all Project Lead workshop grads and looks forward to seeing all Florida Advocates at the upcoming NBCC Advocacy Conference and Lobby Day April 30th - May 3rd, 2011.

Jane Torres Scholarships are available for this opportunity!

Scholarships are available to attend NBCC Advocacy Conference and Lobby Day. For more details about the Jane Torres Scholarship and the official application please click on the Jane Torres Scholarship tab.

The Power behind the PINK!

Pictured above: Florida Breast Cancer Advocates and Representative Ros-Lehtinen

Over 50 Florida breast cancer advocates, survivors and supporters turned Capitol Hill PINK on May 25th, 2010 for the National Breast Cancer Coalition's (NBCC) Annual Lobby Day. They rallied in Washington DC to meet all the Florida state congressional representatives and senators to talk to each office about NBCC's 2010 Legislative Priorities; guaranteed access to quality health care for all; and $150 million dollars for FY11 for the Department of Defense Peer Reviewed Breast Cancer Research Program.

NBCC held a successful conference that provided education and training to more than 800 breast cancer advocates. The advocates took the training, and put it into action on Lobby Day: and brought it back home with them. The Florida Breast Cancer Foundation is very grateful and appreciates all of the advocates who attended to share their voices on concerns with breast cancer legislative issues, showing Washington DC what was behind the PINK!

FBCF looks forward to recruiting even more Florida advocates throughout the year and taking on Washington again next year to continue to make strides. Save the date for NBCC's 2011 Annual Advocacy Training Conference: April 30 - May 3. Together we WILL end breast cancer!

Click the image above to view a video of Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen meeting with Florida Advocates.

To view the complete Lobby Day 2010 photo album visit FBCF on Facebook.

FBCF 2010 Education and Advocacy Day Conference:
We Listened, We Learned, and We Danced!

The Florida Breast Cancer Foundation (FBCF) presented its Annual "Education and Advocacy Conference" on Saturday, April 24th at the Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach from 9:00am to 4:00pm. The one-day conference was a huge success with over 120 FBCF supporters, advocates, and breast cancer survivors in attendance to hear about the latest cutting-edge research, view informational community resource display tables, and partake in ending the day with a fun demonstration of a dance and movement relaxation technique. The conference offered a day full of educational sessions featuring breast cancer experts, researchers funded by monies from the Florida specialty End Breast Cancer license plate, and advocates, Sandy Sirotwitz, from FORCE said, "The Florida Breast Cancer Foundation did a terrific job with providing the latest information about breast cancer study and technology in Florida. As a breast cancer survivor I found it informational without being over our heads"

The 2010 "Education and Advocacy Day Conference" featured presentations from: Ann Fonfa, Advocacy Chair of FBCF and President of the Annie Appleseed Project; Robert P. DerHagopian, M.D., Surgical Oncologist; Paula Holland De Long, Founder of What's Next For My Life, Inc.; Susan Luck, R.N., Founder of the Earthrose Institute; Shahla Masood, M.D., Medical Director of Shands Jacksonville Breast Health Center; Alvaro N.A. Monteiro, Ph.D.; Antoinette Muirhead, Oncology Massage Therapist; and Jonathan R. Weiser, M.D., Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. All sessions where followed by a question and answer period that allowing attendees to interact further with the speakers.

"We are all so proud of the level of professionalism, great attendance, and interest in this year's conference. This conference is a culmination of our mission to educate our community on how our dollars are invested in Florida based breast cancer research. We look forward to next year where it is promised to be even bigger." stated James Konschnik, President & CEO of the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation. Here's to an even bigger 2011!

Together we WILL end breast cancer!

Thank you to all of our conference speakers, attendees, volunteers, and sponsors who helped make the 2010 "Education and Advocacy Day Conference" a success!

Conference Sponsor Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach Community Sponsors Baptist Health Breast Center Memorial Women's Institute of South Florida Non-Profits FORCE Gilda's Club South Florida Donors Wescott Financial Group	Coffee Break Sponsors AstraZeneca Toshiba Business Solutions Table Exhibitors Broward Oncology Nurses Advanced Breast Center of the Palm Beaches D'Clusive Cleaning Services Dietra Palacio
Robert DerHagopian, M.D., James Konschnik FBCF President & CEO, and Paula Holland De Long	Carolyn Newman, participating in The Lebed Method and Dance

CLICK HERE to view a full album of the 2010 Education and Advocacy Day Conference on our FBCF Facebook Page.

10th Annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer

The 10th Annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer in Atlanta, GA seemed like a sea of pink, fuchsia and every other shade of pink imaginable. They arrived in force with an energy and determination to experience a weekend of fun, education, and to reconnect with friends they met at other conferences. The atmosphere seemed less than serious with the frivolous hats, husbands walking around wearing a bra in support of their wife's organization, campy pictures to take back home to remember friends, and back again the fairy godmother sprinkling fairy dust on attendees. Quickly, though, it was apparent that the attendees were here to do serious work as well.

The workshop sessions included topics on how to survive and thrive after treatment was completed, how to cope with the toxicity of treatment, and how to manage lymphedema or prevent it from occurring. Other topics of interest were understanding your pathology report, a closer look at Triple Negative Breast Cancer, money and legal issues, supporting the caregiver, breast reconstruction, and body image. If that isn't enough to think about there was a talk on workplace rights; the Breast Cancer Legal Project was there throughout the weekend. Mindfulness Meditation workshop offered tips on living in the moment. Fertility and Pregnancy was discussed, seeing pregnant survivors or proud moms showing their baby off was truly a memorable moment. Grandma holding her grandchild as her daughter received a massage was visual testament to freezing your eggs prior to treatment.

Listening to a young survivor tell her inspiring story of caring for her sister as she battled breast cancer and then lose her only a few weeks ago is something I will long remember. But seeing this beautiful young woman with her head covered in a flowing scarf tell about her journey from being a caregiver, to patient, and wanting to do right by her sister as she told her story it was remarkable.

Three Oncology Massage Therapists including myself worked for 3 days to offer chair massages. I was especially grateful that the other 2 Massage Therapists were located on the Society for Oncology Massage website. We had the training not only to offer safe massage to the attendees but to also offer evidence-based research on the benefits of oncology massage during and after treatment for cancer. We shared information with the attendees on simple stretches to help with the side effects of surgery, relaxation techniques, and caregiver massage during their massage time with us. We were touched by their comments on how much it meant for us to give our time and be there to help them deal with the chronic issues of tight muscles, scar tissue after surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment. I was also able to offer private Lebed classes as I finished their massage. I turned on the music and demonstrated the lymphatic opener. They were thrilled to know that there was a program designed for them that could help with their lymphedema and promised to search out an instructor when they went home.

Quality of Life issues during and after treatment seemed to be a hot topic. Many of the talks were around the side effects of treatment. As young survivors they are living with hot flashes, lymphedema or the fear of lymphedema, neuropathies that don't go away after treatment, skin conditions, anxiety of reoccurrence, osteoporosis brought about by treatment, fatigue, and pain. If that is not enough there is body image, family relationship issues, early menopause, hair loss, figuring out the right exercise to combat decreased range of motion, what to eat to maintain a decent BMI, and always being encouraged to be upbeat and live for the moment. It's enough to make someone want to drink, oh no, alcohol needs to be decreased as well. The attendees took this all in stride, listened attentively on proper nutrition, exercise, relaxation techniques, and massage are being shown to be beneficial to survive and thrive. They learnt that survivor care should include an interdisciplinary team that coordinates their care for prevention, surveillance, and help with side effects of treatment. Charts and diagrams showed them the latest research on new drug combinations and surgical procedures. All the information will be on Living Beyond Breast Cancer website (www.lbbc.org) for all those that could not attend.

Judging by the dance party I can attest to the fact that these young women do know how to live in the moment, grab the support, and camaraderie that comes from this large community of young women touched by cancer that they so deserve. Armed with the information from the workshops they return home to help their support groups, friends, and families.

Sincerely,

Toni Muirhead

Thanks to Florida Breast Cancer Foundation I had the opportunity of representing the organization at the San Antonio Breast Symposium. The conference was so exciting for me. There was over 9,200 people were in attendance and we learned so much.

It was a wonderful time of networking and meeting with other advocates. I hope to pass on much of the information I learned. The mentor sessions were great. Noted doctors came and spoke to us giving us their best insights on each day's events. It was most rewarding to hear some of the latest research that is going on regarding breast cancer.

The breast cancer patients of Florida are indebted to you and your organization and what you are doing in striving to get rid of breast cancer. Knowledge and education are power. We are blessed that you support education and are offering hope to those effected be the disease. Please let me know what more I can do to help in your effort. I look forward to joining you and bringing others to Lobby day to represent Florida this spring in Washington.

Sincerely,

Linda McDonald

Five Floridians graduate
recent Project LEAD® Institute

At the end of July 29 advocates from around the country and internationally headed to San Diego for the Annual Project LEAD Institute. Amongst them were 5 Floridians, Sonia Baez-Hernandez (Ft Lauderdale, FBCF's very own Jim Konschnik (Miami - CEO of Florida Breast Cancer Foundation, Linda McDonald (Sarasota), and Sara Schneider (Jacksonville).

After 5 intensive days of basic research trainings, seminar, hands-on activities, and fun all 49 attendees completed the required studies and became part of the esteemed group called LEAD grads. We look forward to working with all our new Florida graduates on their continuing advocacy and education involvement in and around the state of Florida. Congratulations to everyone! Keep up the great work. Together we WILL end breast cancer!

Pictured Above: Linda McDonald and Jim Konschnik

For more details and to apply for an upcoming Project LEAD training
visit www.stopbreastcancer.org.

Project Leadership Education Advocacy Development, the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund's premier science training course for activists, has created a revolution in the world of breast cancer research and public policy. The courses have prepared graduates to engage in the wide range of local and national forums where breast cancer decisions are made. Project LEAD graduates bring an educated consumer perspective and critical thinking skills to the important issues and controversies in breast cancer.

It was such a pleasure being a part of the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation Advocacy training team in Washington DC in May 2009. The National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund is to be congratulated on their mission of eradicating breast cancer. We must be educated consumers. As a three time cancer survivor I am striving to be better informed, educated and passing the information along to others. Since I have returned to Florida much of the information has been shared with fellow survivors from Florida and other states. I supplied the Wellness Community with some Florida Breast Cancer Foundation information which was distributed at a program to support breast health to underserved women.

It was a pleasure meeting again with my representative Vern Buchan. I thanked him for his support. I have since asked him for his support in becoming a cosponsor of HR 1844 the Comprehensive Cancer Care Improvement Act (CCIA). The CCIA would encourage doctors to develop and explain plans for treatment and addressing the psychological issues of cancer survivors. The bill promotes follow-up care plans.

I will be back in Washington, DC for a cancer guides conference at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, June 10-14. I will be taking and distributing some of the NBCC and FBCC information with me.

I have been working on my children's picture book, Dancing Cancer. At the present time, the publisher is working on the illustrations. Thank you again for the wonderful opportunity of being a part of the Florida team.

Linda McDonald

As volunteer Advocacy Chair for the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation, it was a pleasure to escort 58 women and men to NBCC 2009 Annual Advocacy Training Conference and Lobby day in Washington, D.C. I had a great time getting to know everyone, listening to their stories, sharing the fun, and going out to lobby.  We had a REAL crowd at some of our Representatives' office that was great!

Everyone was enthusiastic and motivated because we understand that if we can get Florida's Representatives more aware of what breast cancer does to us, we take a giant step forward in eradicating the disease.  We need to prevent cases and that takes commitment from all the stakeholders.

I was privileged to be able to present at two workshops on complementary and alternative therapies as an approach to dealing with breast cancer.

Breast cancer advocates voices have been heard! A total of 52 Senators
signed the letter to the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee calling for
$150 million in appropriations for the DOD Peer-Reviewed Breast Cancer
Research Program for FY 2010. Florida Breast Cancer Coalition Research
Foundation (FBCF) would like to thank Senator Bill Nelson for signing the
letter and encourages all advocates to please take the time to thank him for
showing his commitment to this important program.

Over 60 Florida breast cancer advocates, survivors and supporters met with
all the Florida state representatives and senators to talk to each office
about NBCC's 2009 Legislative Priorities; NBCC'S framework for a Health Care
System guaranteeing access to Quality health care for all; and $150 million
for FY10 for the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program during
the recent Lobby Day, May 5th, 2009.

FBCF is very grateful for all the advocates who helped get the word out
about signing the letter to the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee calling
for $150 million in appropriations for the DOD Peer-Reviewed Breast Cancer
Research Program for FY 2010. A special thank you to all advocates that
attended Annual Lobby Day to give the Senators a push, your advocacy
resulted in major success!

FBCF looks forward to recruiting even more Florida advocates throughout
the year and taking on Washington again next year to continue to make
strides. Together we WILL end breast cancer!

Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen met with Florida advocates representing
Florida Breast Cancer Foundation (FBCF) during Lobby
Day at NBCCF Annual Advocacy Training Conference in Washington, D.C., and
here is what they had to say.

Click the advocates names to see the video:

Ann Fonfa

Andrea Ivory

FBCF and all Florida advocates thank Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen for
the support to end breast cancer!

A Pink Experience in D.C.

Recently, Washington D.C. was painted pink with nearly 900 breast cancer advocates who gathered from May 2nd - 5th to learn the latest breast cancer science and public policy news at the 2009 NBCC Annual Advocacy Training Conference and Lobby Day. Over 60 Florida breast cancer advocates, survivors and supporters met with every Florida state representative and senator. Each meeting allowed the groups to talk to each office about NBCC's 2009 Legislative Priorities; NBCC'S framework for a Health Care System guaranteeing access to Quality health care for all; and $150 million for FY10 for the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program. "This was an amazing experience to be around all these empowering women to discuss the importance of breast cancer awareness and research", stated Jessica Parker Programs Manager with FBCF and first time attendee.

The hundreds of dedicated breast cancer survivors, family and friends who attended this year's conference in Washington, D.C. learned about the latest in breast cancer research and sciences, explored emerging issues in public policy and medical practice, and built and strengthen political advocacy skills. Leading scientists and researchers discussed and debated new and often controversial issues in the struggle to diagnose, treat, cure-and ultimately end-breast cancer.

This was an experience like no other with record breaking attendee's, for the State of Florida, nationally and internationally and continued progress made during this year Annual Advocacy Training Conference and Lobby Day.

FBCF looks forward to recruiting even more Florida advocates throughout the year and taking Washington next year by storm with the largest delegation status to continue to make strides.

Thank you to all for making this a year to remember.

Together we WILL end breast cancer!

Traci Schiller: Jane Torres Scholarship Recipient
San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium Experience

From December 10th through December 14th 2008, I had the extraordinary opportunity to attend the annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. I came away from these four days of morning-to-night sessions recharged, excited and—quite honestly—exhausted. At this year’s meeting over 9,200 oncologists, researchers, pharmaceutical industry representatives and breast cancer advocates thronged to the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center to hear the latest information on the science of breast cancer presented by experts from around the world. We weren’t disappointed.

I think everyone who attends the conference finds different aspects to be important. As a three-time breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed with metastatic disease in 2003, I was thrilled to see significant research focus on metastasis, which was presented in the general sessions as well as by two of the plenary speakers, Dr. Patricia Steeg of the National Cancer Institute and Dr. Joan Massagué of Memorial Sloan Kettering.

Dr. Steeg, who discovered the first metastasis suppressor gene, lectured on the importance of metastatic colonization as a unique and little-studied process. Steeg, along with her team at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), has made significant progress in characterizing HER2-positive brain metastases, identifying gene signatures and exploring new targets for drug development based on metastatic colonization. Because women with metastatic disease are now living longer, the brain has become a “sanctuary” site for metastasis, and the incidence of brain metastases is increasing. New approaches are desperately needed. “Growth in the primary site is not identical to growth in a distant site,” said Steeg. “We need to use metastatic models in drug development.”

Dr. Massagué has also focused his research on metastasis. His lecture detailed his work on gene signatures for specific metastatic sites and on how TGF-beta (a growth factor that plays a role in cancer) affects cell growth and division in lung metastasis. In experiments in mice, Massagué has found that different organs select for distinct “species” of metastasis, each adapted to the unique structural challenges presented by the organ site. He has shown that these different organ “tropisms” that go to lungs, bone or the brain derive from different sets of genes, and has begun to explore key genes associated with each metastatic site.

The San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium is a great place to meet and hang out with other breast cancer advocates, oncologists and researchers from around the world. It is a place to hear all about the cutting edge in the science of breast cancer directly from experts. Most importantly for me as a breast cancer advocate, the annual meeting gave me an incredible opportunity to learn. It’s an experience I would highly recommend to anyone who wants information about the future of a disease that significantly impacts so many lives. To anyone who wants, or needs, a renewed sense of hope [I encourage you to attend next year’s conference].

For more details and abstracts from the 31st San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium visit www.sabcs.org. Mark your calendars for the 32nd Annual Symposium Dec 9-13, 2009. See you in San Antonio!

Congratulations Project Lead 2008 graduates held in Denver, CO from July 29 to August 3. Florida Breast Cancer Foundation Jessica Parker, Programs Manager along with 52 other attendees, recently spent an intense five days immersed in a curriculum that includes lectures and study sessions on the molecular biology of cancer, genetics, epidemiology of cancer, epidemiology and research design, and critical appraisal skills needed to understand the scientific literature. Project LEAD is NBCCF’s science training course designed to help breast cancer activists influence research and public policy in the wide range of forums where breast cancer research decisions are made. Congratulations Grads!

Congratulations to the 2008 Jane Torres Scholarship Fund Recipients!

4 Floridians were chosen and awarded scholarships from The Florida Breast Cancer Foundation through funds from The Jane Torres Scholarship Fund to attend the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund's 2008 Annual Advocacy Training Conference and Lobby Day in Washington DC this April. The recipients chosen were: Linda Hake, HavreDe Hill, Barbara Miranda, and Jennifer Pates. Congrats to all of you. Enjoy the experience and fully represent Florida.

Annual Advocacy Training Conference & Lobby Day 2008, an unforgettable event.

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