On July 28th, 2010
The Florida Breast Cancer Foundation is moving!
Our new address will be:
11900 Biscayne Blvd. Suite 806
North Miami, FL 33181

STAY TUNED FOR MORE DETAILS

You're welcome to volunteer at the new location
or just stop by to Welcome us to the neighborhood!

Join our NEW and Improved

Florida Breast Cancer Foundation's (FBCF) fan page!

Stay connected with the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation (FBCF) on our NEW Facebook fan page! Please use the following link to join the NEW Florida Breast Cancer Foundation fan page:

Check out our photos, notes, events, leave feedback, and stay informed on what's new with FBCF (the FBCCRF fan page will be deleted on August 13, 2010).

Make sure to tell your friends to add our new page. Together we WILL end breast cancer!

Pictured above: Debbie Brooks, FBCF Supporter, Breast Cancer Survivor
and Save Our Sisters Dragon Boat racer.

Florida International Wine Challenge
Challenges Cancer

The 6th annual "Florida International Wine Challenge" (FIWC), attracted more than 300 consumers in benefit of the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation and Melanie Finley Ovarian Cancer Foundation. A steady crowd poured into the Royal Palm Ballroom for three hours of wine tasting during the two-day event Thursday, June 24 and Friday, June 25, 2010, which culminated with the announcement of the Challenge's gold medal and best-in-show finalists.

Behind closed doors a panel of 17 judges tasted nearly 300 wines from around the world. Led by Vinamericas president, David Bernad, and FIWC's executive director and certified wine instructor, Michael Schaefer, judges awarded best-in-show to Vineland Estates Winery's 2008 Riesling Icewine and gold medal honors to 16 finalists.

After the professional competition was conducted, the wines sampled by the judges were offered to consumers, trade and media for the chance to make their own judgment. A portion of proceeds from ticket sales benefited the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation and the Melanie Finley Ovarian Cancer Foundation. Additionally, a percentage of sales from prix fixe menus ordered by guests who dined at The Palms' Essensia Restaurant & Lounge benefited Florida Breast Cancer Foundation and Melanie Finley Ovarian Cancer Foundation.

"On behalf of the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation, I would sincerely like to thank everyone that attended making the Florida International Wine Challenge a success. We always appreciate the opportunity to help spread the word about breast cancer and most importantly, convey the message that early detection saves lives." said Muriel Sommers, FBCF Development Manager and Breast Cancer Survivor. "In Florida over 12,000 women and 400 men are diagnosed annually and 2,800 will die. It's a very important message and FBCF was delighted to be included in the event. The wine was fabulous and we had a wonderful time."

FORCE 2010 Conference
Toni Muirhead

The 5th Annual Joining Force Against Hereditary Cancer Conference was held in Orlando, June 24-26. The conference started Thursday evening with a well attended reception for first time attendees. This was the first time that I have participated as a previvor of ovarian cancer and I took advantage of the evening's event. My mom passed away from ovarian cancer and my hope was to find information for myself and my daughter to decrease our risks. Also, being passionate about spreading the word about the benefits of oncology massage I hoped to share my knowledge. I soon discovered that my desire to inform attendees about safe massage during and after treatment was appreciated. Within minutes of introductions, name, medical history, etc, questions concerning massage were asked d answered as I made my way around the room. I was a bit nervous being there for the first time, but immediately felt more comfortable as stories were shared around the room and I realized that I had a story to share as well. More importantly I witnessed how everyone became resources for each other and role models for living life to the fullest.

During the introductory meeting I learned that FORCE is 10 years old and was formed to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. It is the largest conference worldwide that focuses on hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. This year 550 attendees came from all over the world to hear about the latest research, risk reducing surgery and reconstruction, healthy life styles that included the importance of diet and exercise, managing surgical menopause, understanding genetic counseling, fertility options for survivors and previvors, as well blending integrative and complementary medicine into your treatment.

To read Toni Muirhead full experience at the FORCE 2010 Conference and other Florida Advocate's stories Click HERE.

Make a Difference!

Purchase the End Breast Cancer license plate, and visibly show your support in helping to end breast cancer. The funds generated from this license plate are used to support breast cancer research and education in Florida. As of July 2010 our Specialty License Plate sales have exceeded $3.3 million.

Visit your local tax collector's office or tag agency to purchase your specialty plate today for only $30.00 in addition to the regular fees or to purchase or renew your plate online and see how your contribution is being used on education and research grants.

The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is offering specialty plate gift certificates. This program allows anyone to purchase a specialty license plate as a gift for a motor vehicle registrant.

Click HERE for more details and to purchase your plate online.

Bringing magic to families coping with cancer

Camp Kesem is a free sleep-away camp put on by University of Miami students for the children of cancer patients. This unique camp offers a fun, safe and supportive environment that allows children to form bonds with peers who share similar experiences. At Camp Kesem they focus on fun and aim to give the children the best experience possible. Camp Kesem provides a unique opportunity for its campers. They are given the chance to have a fun, carefree week away from the challenges at home - a chance to simply be kids.

CAMP KESEM HIGHLIGHTS:
*A free one-week sleep-away camp for children of cancer patients.
*Follow-up activities throughout the year, to keep your child connected
*Camp is open to children ages 6 to 16.
*Staffed by University of Miami students.
*Professional health services on-site at all times.
*Wide range of activities, from canoeing, fishing, swimming, archery, hiking, campfires, crafts and more!

Date: August 9th - 13th 2010
Cost: Camp is provided free of charge
Where: New site this year! Camp will be held at Everglades Youth Conservation Camp.
1200 Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33412
Camper Application: Online at www.campkesem.org/miami.

For more information please visit our website www.campkesem.org/miami or contact us at 1.305.284.GIVE.

Are you a FBCF Committee Member?

If your answer is NO then now is your chance to join a committee and make a difference. FBCF is very excited about beginning the 2009-2010 fiscal year and has lofty goals to go along with it.

Why not get involved with one or more of the committees to help accomplish 2009-2010 goals. There is a committee for everyone so help make a difference today!

Click Here for a full list of all FBCF committees and a brief description.

Contact us today at 305.631.2134 or email assistant@FloridaBreastCancer.org
for any questions / sign-up.

Together we WILL end breast cancer!

FBCF, affiliated with the National Breast Cancer Coalition, is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to ending of breast cancer through advocacy, education and research.

Our purpose is to raise awareness and mobilize the population of Florida to ensure:
• Sufficient government and public funding for breast cancer research
• Quality health care for all without fear of discrimination
• An environment free of carcinogens

To achieve our mission, FBCF welcomes all who are committed to ending the breast cancer epidemic. We have made great strides, but much more needs to be done, especially here in Florida. We need your involvement in the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation.

Please click here if you would like to volunteer for FBCF.