Forward to a Friend
From the Executive Director
Dear Friends,
My first known guardian angel had soft hands, silver hair, an inviting lap, and put rose-scented cologne behind her ears. She was my grandmother. And the first time I was old enough to stay up past midnight on New Year’s Eve, I did so with grandma - except that I fell asleep and she had to wake me up at midnight. I was expecting something more, perhaps some cosmic shift to usher in the new year. The next morning I remember asking her what the big deal was about midnight on January 1st. She flipped through the pages of a new calendar said: “It gives you all of these new days to make a difference in the life of someone else.”
This is the 61st year for Little Red Door. The promise we renew and keep every year is to make a difference in the lives of those we serve. This year we have big plans, big events and big dreams. You will read about them here in the months ahead. But they all happen for one reason: to make a difference in the lives of those with cancer who need us the most. Thanks to your support, we have a brand new year to make a difference in the life of someone else.
John Aleshire
Executive Director
Little Red Door Cancer Agency
Client ThanksWhat makes everything worthwhile is seeing people’s lives changed through the work that we do. We help one woman find hope after a tragic diagnosis. Another person receives the nutritional supplements he needs for his strength and health. Thanks to your support, we are able to provide continued aid and guidance to those facing cancer in our community. Below are excerpts from recent letters we have received.
“You were so nice and patient with me during a hard time with this illness. You are truly a beacon of light at the Little Red Door.” - Written to Angela, one of our directors
“It was because of you that I was able to get treatment for cancer. Everyone was so kind to me. The gift certificate will purchase the special undergarments I need for my up-and-coming surgery.”
“I hope that I can some day give back even more than I have been given.”
“Thank you for all of your work. Because of you, women like me are alive and well.”
Join Team Little Red Door“My first experience with Race for the Cure was last year. I am neither a woman, nor have I had breast cancer. No one in my family has had breast cancer. But, when I walked upon the IUPUI campus last April, and I saw the crowd of pink, I couldn’t help but feel the unity that filled the air.
Men, women, children converged upon that grassy area in the tens of thousands. I had stepped into a world of love, courage and support – where men ran and walked for their wives, sisters and mothers – where women bonded together by the most unusual glue of cancer. This destructive force that brings so much pain had been transformed into a reason to bond together – to support one another. It was exciting and encouraging to see that people can come together and truly change the world.”
- Jeremy Jarvis, Our Director of Communications and Technology
75% of Race proceeds are distributed locally among nearly a dozen non-profits. Little Red Door’s Mammography Assistance Program receives the majority of its funding through Komen. So, when people participate in the race, it makes a tremendous difference for women right here in Central Indiana.
How to join Team Little Red Door:
1) Run or walk with us on April 22.
2) Volunteer through us. You can help on or before race day. Contact Nancy Griffith, 317.925.5595 ext 350, to help make Race for the Cure a success.
About the race:
Since its origination in Dallas, Texas, in 1983, the Komen Race for the Cure® series has grown from one local Race with 800 participants to a national series of more than 100 Races. [more]
Some say goodbye, Some say hello2005 was an incredible year, thanks in part to our incredible board of directors. Little Red Door’s board has given continued support and guidance through these past six years. Our board members are always dedicated to our mission, and willing to roll up their sleeves to bring hope and life to the underserved of Central Indiana. Their work and guidance has meant a lot to us, and we are sad to see a group of them leave. Fortunately, we are blessed with incoming board members who are excited and willing to take up the baton and charge forward.
Departing board members:
- Patricia Prosser
- Steve Hanes
- Dr. Alan Melemed
- Dr. Robert Goulet
- Susan Wehrenberg (earlier in 2005)
- Pat Ritz – Organized the Circle of Friends, and is a long-time volunteer in the community.
- Kristine Danz – A partner with Ice Miller LLP.
- Elizabeth Cisco – Vice President of Marketing with The Heart Center of Indiana.
- Bruce Edelen – Reimbursement manager of the oncology unit at Eli Lilly and Company.
- Cara Hahs, M.D. – Breast cancer surgeon and oncologist with St. Francis Hospital.
- Donna Oklak – A distinguished civic volunteer.
- President: David Warshauer
- President-Elect: Jeff Castell
- Vice President: Ryan Judy
- Secretary: Leslie Carter-Prall
- Treasurer: John Weingardt
Cervical cancer and the HPV linkAround the world, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women, with about 500,000 women diagnosed each year, and more than 280,000 dying from the disease. Globally, it is also the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women. This global statistic stands in stark contrast against the relatively small incidence and death rate of cervical cancer within the United States. In 2005, an estimated 10,000 U.S. women were diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 3,700 died from the disease. These numbers are relatively small in comparison to other cancers within the U.S., and with cervical cancer statistics worldwide.
Why such a disparity? With the introduction of the Pap test, the incidence and death rates of Cervical Cancer in the United States have decreased steadily since the 1950s. Unfortunately, death rates from cervical cancer remain high in many countries where the Pap test has not been widely adopted.
Pre-cancerous changes of the cervix usually do not cause pain. In fact, they generally do not cause any symptoms and are not detected unless a woman has a pelvic exam and a Pap test. Symptoms usually do not appear until abnormal cervical cells become cancerous and invade nearby tissue.
– National Cancer Institute
There is a strong link between cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a very common virus that infects 8 out of 10 sexually active women. Often, a woman will contract HPV without even knowing it. In most cases, HPV does not have any symptoms, but it can cause cervical cancer.
What you can do
Researchers have found higher incidences of HPV among women who have many sexual partners. A person can reduce his/her risk of acquiring HPV by limiting his/her number of sexual partners, or even better, by staying in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner.
Regular Pap tests for Women
Regular Pap tests (also called "Pap smears") will help to detect any cervical abnormalities, which can lead to cervical cancer. If detected early, invasive cervical cancer is very treatable, with a 92% survival rate for localized cancers.
Cancer facts from the National Cancer Institute
- Cervical cancer screening should begin about three years after a woman begins having sexual contact, but no later than her 21st birthday.
- Women should have a Pap test at least once every three years.
- Women aged 65 to 70 who have had at least three normal Pap tests and no abnormal Pap tests in the past 10 years may decide, upon consultation with their health care provider, to stop cervical cancer screening.
- Women who have had a total hysterectomy do not need cervical cancer screenings, unless the surgery was done as a treatment for cervical precancer or cancer.
- Women should seek expert medical advice about when they should begin screenings, how often they should be screened, and when they can discontinue screenings.
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
National Cancer Institute
MakeTheConnection.org
Four Exciting Words...Smothers Brothers October Eighteenth
Send comments to jjarvis@littlereddoor.org
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Forward the e-newsletter to family, friends and colleagues. To refer someone, reply to jjarvis@littlereddoor.org with the words “new subscription” in the subject line, and the person’s name, organization (if applicable) and e-mail address in the body of the e-mail.
fight cancer here in central Indiana, visit
www.littlereddoor.org
Little Red Door Cancer Agency
1801 North Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Phone: 317.925.5595
~Celebrating 61 Years as a Door of Hope~