Photos from the Conference are on-line

Please check out some of the terrific photos taken at the 6th World Conference on Breast Cancer. Go to www.wcbcf.ca

Resonating Impact

Three short weeks ago, the 6th World Conference on Breast Cancer was about to start. Delegates from around the world were arriving in Hamilton, Ontario. Volunteers and staff were taking care of all of the last minute details that come up. There was the nervous buzz of excitement that one feels before an event of this size.

Now it almost all seems like a distant memory and yet the Conference is having resonating impact. We are already hearing from delegates who are returning to their home countries with stories of optimism and hope.

For example Dr. Shirley Jhagroo was able to attend from the Barbados team. Barbados has a very high mortality rate in breast cancer so it was good that she was able to attend. Shirley writes, "Thank you for inviting us to be part of the ISL (International Support Links), it certainly was a wonderful experience. I have returned to Barbados with such enthusiasm and determination to make things better for our women. I had a meeting with the members of the Breast Screening Program Committee yesterday, and could not contain myself as I was bursting with knowledge and ideas gained from the Conference to share with my committee, thank you for this opportunity."

The 6th World Conference on Breast Cancer is Officially Open

Today is the day that the 6th World Conference on Breast Cancer officially opens.

Hundreds are arriving in Hamilton Ontario for this incredible intragenerational event.

Throughout the next couple of days we will Tweet and update Facebook in between the flurry of events, speakers and workshops. To link to us on Facebook or Twitter go to www.wcbcf.ca and click on the links provided.

Knots

I pray to you,

Please untie the "knots" that are in my mind, my heart and my life.

Remove the have-nots, the can-nots, the do-nots that i have in my mind.
Erase the will-nots, may-nots, and might-nots that may find a home in my heart.
Release me from the could-nots, would-not, and should-nots that obstruct my life.
And most of all, I ask that you remove from my heart, my mind and my life,
All of the AM-nots that I have allowed to hold me back, from truly living my life.
Especially the thought that I AM not good enough.
Because I AM
I AM GOOD ENOUGH
I AM ENOUGH!
I AM.

(Thanks to Kelly who shared this). (Photo source: Shutterstock).

To register for the World Conference on Breast Cancer visit www.wcbcf.ca

Sisters

This was forwarded by one of the WCBCF Board members - enjoy.

A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot humid day, drinking iced tea and visiting with her mother. As they talked about life, about marriage, about the responsibilities of life and the obligations of adulthood, the mother clinked the ice cubes in her glass thoughtfully and turned a clear, sober glance upon her daughter.

"Don't forget your sisters," she advised, swirling the tea leaves to the bottom of her glass. "They'll be more important as you get older. No matter how much you love your husband, no matter how much you love the children you may have, you are still going to need sisters. Remember to go places with them now and then; do things with them."

"Remember that 'sisters' means ALL the women... your girlfriends, your daughters, and all your other women relatives too. 'You'll need other women. Women always do."

"What a funny piece of advice!" the young woman thought. "Haven't I just gotten married? Haven't I just joined the couple-world? I'm now a married woman, for goodness sake! A grownup! Surely my husband and the family we may start will be all I need to make my life worthwhile!"

But she listened to her mother. She kept contact with her ‘sisters’ and made more women friends each year. As the years tumbled by, one after another, she gradually came to understand that her mother really knew what she was talking about. As time and nature work their changes and their mysteries upon a woman, ‘sisters’ are the mainstays of her life.

THIS SAYS IT ALL:

• Time passes.
• Life happens.
• Distance separates.
• Children grow up.
• Jobs come and go.
• Love waxes and wanes.
• Men don't do what they're supposed to do.
• Hearts break.
• Parents die.
• Colleagues forget favours.
• Careers end. BUT.........
• ‘Sisters’ are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you. A girl friend is never far away.

When you have to walk a lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end. Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you....Or come in and carry you out.

The world wouldn't be the same without women. When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of what would lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other.

Reach out to your ‘sisters’ at the World Conference on Breast Cancer in Hamilton, Ontario from June 7 – 11, 2011. www.wcbcf.ca

Breast cancer knowledge is a powerful tool

If you have not already registered for the 6th World Conference on Breast Cancer now is your chance. Just go to www.wcbcf.ca

This international conference will help to raise awareness and spread knowledge. Breast cancer knowledge is a powerful tool given many women and men affected by this disease, in some parts of the world, will not have access to timely services once the disease is in an advanced state. Identifying breast cancer early and knowing what to do is an important part of survival. You and others will share information and create long standing networks, while you learn about the newest research, lab developments and discoveries emerging worldwide. Don't miss this opportunity.

Update on your blogger (Kim Tempest pictured above with her daughter): Sorry I have been absent from the blog for awhile. It has taken a bit to get on track with treatments. As you probably know, I am at the cancer thing again, with metastatic breast cancer in my bones and liver. The good news is that the treatments I am on are working. The bad news is that they won't be able to completely get rid of it.

Interestingly enough I did not know that I was even at risk of bone metastases. I figured once I had done breast cancer the first time that was it. My treatments had been so aggressive I figured we had got it all. Turns out I am not alone. Many women who have been through breast cancer are unaware that if their cancer does re-occur that it will most likely come back in the bones. I, like others, also did not know that metastatic cancer in the bones also places me at greater risk of fractures which can lead to further complications. Who knew - you learn something every day. With this knowledge I am able to do things to reduce my fracture risk - like bone strengthening medications and exercise.

Pick up a pin and make a difference

Aleisha Hunter, the world's youngest breast cancer survivor, who was two years old at the time of her diagnosis, and her mom Melianie, joined WCBCF and Scotiabank for the kick off the Scotiabank fund-raising pin campaign on April 1st to support the 6^th World Conference on Breast Cancer being held in Hamilton June 7-11, 2011.

All Scotiabank branches across Canada will sell lapel pins, the proceeds of which will provide financial assistance to participants from around the world who could otherwise not afford to attend the Conference. Scotiabank, which is the premier sponsor of the conference, officially launched the fund-raising drive at its Hamilton Main branch with hopes of surpassing funds raised during the last PIN fund-raising Campaign held in 2008. The Conference is held every three years and Scotiabank has been the premier sponsor since its inception 15 years ago.

This year's conference will include a full day dedicated to building youth awareness and prevention. Conference Youth Day organizer, Lorna Larsen was also on hand at the launch to preview the Youth Day agenda and provide information on the extent of breast cancer among young Canadian and Ontarian women.

"Through our Scotiabank Bright Future global philanthropic program, we are proud to continue its support of this conference because of the high importance our employees and our customers attach to preventing and treating this widespread disease," said Sylvia Chrominska, Group Head and Executive Vice President, Global Human Resources and Communications, Scotiabank. "As a global employer with operations in fifty countries around the world we recognize the importance of bringing people together in one place to exchange information, share experiences, and develop new and innovative solutions."

To learn more about the World Conference on Breast Cancer Foundation or to register for the conference go to www.wcbcf.ca

73 days and counting

Yes, only 73 days to the opening ceremonies of the 6th World Conference on Breast Cancer. The excitement is mounting as the finishing touches are being put on planning and the registrations are ramping up. If you have not already registered go to www.wcbcf.ca for details and to access the on-line registration forms.

We got the added bump on our 'excite-o-meter' when we learned one of our key note speakers, Dr. Olufunmilayo Falusi Olapade was named to the US Cancer Advisory Board by President Obama. Dr Olapade is a highly skilled hematology oncologist with proven expertise in cancer risk assessment. This appointment is significant in many ways, as Dr. Olapade not only brings years of specialized experience to the Board but also knows first hand the challenges faced - not only here in North America but internationally.

We congratulate her and look forward to everyone having the opportunity to see and hear her speak in June.

Take a global stand against breast cancer

As many of you know – I am fighting breast cancer (again) – this time it is in my liver and bones (which really sucks – but then that is a whole different conversation – at least my treatment is working – yeah). As many of you also know I am on the Board of Directors for the World Conference on Breast Cancer. I am very passionate about this cause because unlike myself, many women experience this disease do not have the support or resources they need.

The World Conference on Breast Cancer brings survivors together with people concerned and working with breast cancer, including: scientists, medical professional, researchers, suppliers, Governments, and many more. The intention is to reach people who can make a difference in the global stand against breast cancer. Through the conference we can educate and equip women from many nations, especially those developing and in transition, with the tools they need to make a difference in their communities.

As part of our social media outreach we decided to create an awareness video on the World Conference on Breast Cancer to launch on YouTube. Well it is launched. The video brings three culturally diverse drummers and women (survivors) and their families together to celebrate the stand against breast cancer.

One million women are diagnosed with breast cancer world wide each year, 400,000 of these women will die. Today four million women are living with breast cancer on our planet. Help to raise awareness about this growing global health issue and share this link with everyone you know. Our hope is to go viral. If we are able to go viral, we may attract advertisers who could help to support the sponsorship of visiting delegates.

Please copy the link and share it with your friends, family and colleagues. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF2d7toiadc

To learn more about the World Conference on Breast Cancer or to register - go to www.wcbcf.ca

Let's go Viral

Our promotional spot for the World Conference on Breast Cancer is now posted on YouTube. Please share this link with everyone you know. Maybe we can go viral. For more information on the conference or to register go to www.wcbcf.ca

News around the World

As I was surfing the net looking for world developments on the breast cancer front, I came across some articles published by the World Heath Organization (WHO). WHO acknowledges that breast cancer is the leading cancer killer of women worldwide. Here in Canada breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed, but it is lung cancer that is the top cancer killer. WHO also states that tobacco use is one of the main contributors to disease resulting in death.

We have known for some time that smoking is a leading cause of lung, throat, oral and bladder cancers, heart attack and stroke (and numerous other afflictions) but breast cancer was not usually linked to smoking. In my search this morning I also found some recent articles out of the UK that are stating that women who smoke prior to menopause and childbirth, are statistically showing an increase in incidents of breast cancer.

What frightens me most about all of this evidence against smoking is that people still start! What will it take to get everyone to stop lighting up for the first time? I feel horrible for everyone out there who is a smoker because the addiction is so horrific and it is hard (maybe impossible for some) to stop. All I can say to everyone who wants to stop - get medical intervention - you probably cannot do it alone. Trust me, everyone you love will support you in your efforts to stop.

I know that there is huge tax revenue from tobacco and that the tobacco lobby is strong - but how can we allow the tobacco companies to continue to legally produce and sell products that are known to kill. I can't even imagine the cost of treating all of the diseases that are a result of prolonged exposure to smoke. Perhaps that is a rant for another time.

I had a great conversation with my daughter about smoking - she is 13. This is a vulnerable age. We talked about how hard it is to stop once you have started and then asked her why kids start. She said because they are stupid and don't think anything will happen to them. I guess that goes with anything - smoking - drugs - unprotected sex - whatever the risk behaviour.

Unfortunately, when I was 13 and lighting up for the first time my invincibility was not a thought. I did not think of - well - anything. It was just what everyone was doing. There were not the warnings we have now, perhaps it might have made a difference. Boy, was I ever lucky everyone was not jumping into a raging river when I was 13. I cannot remember ever being that stupid.

I guess the greatest gift I can give my daughter now is the confidence to do exactly what she wants, without thought or care about the peer pressures around her. My hope is that she chooses the right path.

Holy C_ _P - was that a truck or Chemo?

Well - lots of developments. Got my port-a-cath; they used staples to close the incision - I am thinking a couple of bolts in the neck and I will be good to go. I did not think anyone used staples anymore, they really do look prehistoric.

Ended up meeting the oncologist on Tuesday. Turns out I am unique (go figure - why can't I just have plain old cancer, why does it have to be fancy). I am in the 25% of the population who's cancer changes. My breast cancer was originally estrogen positive and HER2 positive. The cancer in my liver is still my original breast cancer and estrogen receptive but it has changed to HER2 negative. What they do not know is what is in the bones.

The bone cancer is in my hip, ribs, back, neck and scull. They will give me super duper bone strengthener as there is some proof that it helps to stop the cancer from spreading and reduces the chance of bone breakage.

I also got to start chemo last Thursday or as I like to say, I got to attend a cocktail party at the agency (sounds so much nicer). Unfortunately, the first chemo hit me like a ton of bricks - what not expecting that. Whew! Knocked me down a few notches - I was getting kind of cocky and pretending I was invincible. I think I better listen to my body and try to do a little less.

I cannot help but think of the women world wide and why the World Conference on Breast Cancer Foundation is so important. In less than one month, I have been diagnosed, my cancer categorized and I am into treatment. We are so blessed in Canada. We cannot forget that. We also cannot forget our sisters globally who need our voice.

The Conference is only 130 days a way. I want to be strong enough to raise my voice for others.

152 days to the Conference

It is hard to believe that in 152 day delegates from around the world will be gathering in Hamilton, Ontario for the World Conference on Breast Cancer. Some will be greeting old friends - others will be meeting new ones.

One thing is certain is that it will be five jam packed days of sharing, enlightenment, inspiration, hope and the building of long lasting fruitful relationships.

To learn more about the conference go to www.wcbcf.ca

Aloha from Maui

The sun, surf, flowers and fauna are nothing short of amazing here in Hawaii. When you look around at what Mother Earth can provide you realize how incredibly blessed we are. We have been on the North West coast, but have been touring around exploring what we can. I have been very interested in the history of Hawaii and am happy to see that there is an abundance on the Indigenous people - not just the European settlers and Missionaries.

I was also interested to see what kind of support is available for those facing breast cancer here and this is what I found:

The Hawaiian department of health established a Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program in 1993. The primary goal is to reach women who are typically under served by early detection screening programs and therefore at greater risk. In Hawaii that mean women of lower income, who have no or insufficient health insurance and more often are native Hawaiian and Filipino women.

This screening is available to women between the ages of 50-64 and is offered in partnership with nine community clinics, hospitals and other organizations who specialize in breast and cervical cancer detection.

This all came on the heals of the US Congress passing the Breast and Cervical Cancer Mortality Prevention Act in 1990 which recognizes the value of screening and early detection for 'all' American women - not just those who can afford it.

November Memories

Fall has always been a beautiful time of year. The leaves are all turning on the trees. The weather starts to turn colder. Snow kisses the tops of the local mountains. The sun is lower so the sun rise and sun sets are amazing. The squirrels are in a frenzy finding the last of their winter food.

November also takes me back to 2003. I was just finishing my third of six chemo treatments. All of my hair was gone and I was struggling through the fatigue and nausea. I had dropped to a dangerously low weight. Everything around me was dying away - the last of the summer bloom was gone. I guess in a way I was dying a cell at time too - without actually dying.

I got through that 2003 November and each since, with many more ahead of me. Everything seems more intense now. The colours seem more vivid. The air more crisp. The mountains more spectacular. The squirrels - well they are still in a frenzy. Maybe nothing changed - just me. I used to run from the rain. Now I walk in it and let my hair go curly. Life is good.

Call For Abstracts Extended to mid November

The 'Call for Abstracts' has been extended again to mid November. We have had an overwhelming response but know there are a number of you who still would like to submit.

To get more information or to submit your Abstract on line go to:http://www.wcbcf.ca/conference/abstract-form/

We had a number of survivors involved with the WCBCF who attended the recent Young Women's Breast Cancer conference in Toronto, Ontario, plus we had a booth on site. Response has been incredible, with women volunteering to assist with the Ambassador program and the International Support Links project.

The momentum is building. How many more sleeps do we have?

Getting Ready for the Race

Well tomorrow is the big day - I get to run up a mountain with my three gal pals in the Seek the Peak Relay, in support of Rethink Breast Cancer. Fortunately for me - it is a relay so I don't have to literally run up the mountain my self, we each take a leg and then run up together in spirit. The race is 16km and goes straight up 1250m (4100').

I lost my voice last Sunday and still do not have it back. I have felt fine all week, but in the last couple of days it seems to have gone into my lungs. I feel fine - I just cough when I breath in too deep. Hmmmmm - breathing deep - I think I need to do that to run? Oh well - I'll be good.

Rethink targets education and awareness at young women and is taking a planning and support role at the World Conference on Breast Cancer in Hamilton, Ontario next June. They are taking part in the Youth day program and putting on a young women's event.

Wish me luck in the race. Do you think starting to stretch 24 hours in advance is too early?

Happy Birthday Canada - Joyeux Anniversaire le Canada

For those of you in nations much older, Canada is just a kid. 143. I am sure I have relatives in England, Germany, Holland, Russia and Austria (and various other nations who's blood lines run deep in my family) who have socks that are older.

All the same I am proud to be Canadian. I feel blessed to live in this wonderful country, especially given I have daughters.

When you live in Canada, as a woman, you can do anything you aspire to do. You can be a professor at a university. You can work in an office. You can be a doctor, lawyer, judge or politician. You can be a wife and have children. You can be the Prime Minister or CEO of a corporation. It is your choice and the choices are limitless.

There are many things about Canada that make it so special. From our amazing vistas to our diversity of culture. We are a tapestry of many differences. We are unique.

One thing that is special about Canada - is our access to free Health care. This is a luxury I do not take for-granted - especially in an urban centre - because I know that the access is limited in remote communities where the services are not as readily available. I also know that this is something that is not available at all to many woman around the world - we are lucky here.

I am proud to be Canadian - Happy Birthday Canada.

The AGM is coming to a close

What an amazing few days. I sat in awe of the terrific work our Board members and committees have accomplished. The line up of speakers, entertainment, International countries that are joining the International Support Links Project, sponsorships.....

I cannot wait to tell you more in the coming days. We are wrapping up this morning and heading home. I feel satisfied exhaustion.

Ladies Start Your Engines

Bright and early and ready to go. I am looking around the table in our meeting room as we are about to start our AGM for the World Conference on Breast Cancer Foundation.

Very exciting!

Give me a muffin and coffee and we are off to the races!

We will tweet you some more later. To follow us on Twitter go to http://twitter.com/wcbcf