From the
Executive Director

Dear Friends,

There are days and weeks devoted to nearly every worthwhile cause. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the first week in May is “Cover the Uninsured Week.” I am glad for the attention because it reinforces what we do every day at your Little Red Door - providing services to people with cancer who do not have income and/or insurance.

Unfortunately, the number of people who need our services continues to soar well past our ability to serve. Last year we served more than 12,000 people! Each of them is a unique person who we passionately served through our mission. But there are many more who need our help. Even within the last five months, we have had to say “sorry” to 25 people in need. We had to put them on a waiting list because we have exhausted all of our resources.

• In 2005, we had to turn away a total of 21 clients that needed transportation.
• In 2006, we have ALREADY had to turn away 15 clients who needed transportation.
• In 2006, we have ALREADY had to turn away 10 clients who needed nutritional supplements.

I hope that creative minds will find solutions to the lack of medical insurance and coverage among too many in our community. But until that time comes, Little Red Door will continue, day in and day out, to be there for those who are most in need. So when you walk with us in the Race Against Prostate Cancer, or play golf, or attend a luncheon, or volunteer, or just write a check – you are really helping us save a life. The 12,000+ from last year are grateful! - and all those who have heard “sorry” so far this year hope that we can help them too.

John Aleshire
Executive Director
Little Red Door Cancer Agency


Door of Hope Luncheon,
presented by Regions Bank

If you have ever been at a loss for words or action when a friend or loved one has received a cancer diagnosis, then you will want to hear and meet Roseanne Kalick on Monday, June 19th.

Little Red Door’s Circle of Friends will feature noted author Roseanne Kalick at their Door of Hope Luncheon, presented by Regions Bank. Kalick, herself a cancer survivor, is the author of Cancer Etiquette: What to Say and What to Do When Someone You Know or Love Has Cancer.

Kalick's experience with cancer made her realize that friends, while well-intentioned, often do not know what to say or what to do. Sometimes words and actions, even from doctors, are clumsy and thoughtless. Her book examines words that help, words that hurt, words that heal, and words that fail.

Pat Ritz, Circle of Friends President and a Little Red Door Board member, said “Everyone who has been touched by cancer will want to meet this incredible woman and get this book. Nothing like this has been written until now.”

The luncheon and program will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, June 19th, at Eddie Merlot’s Restaurant on east 96th street. The luncheon includes a specially prepared lunch, as well as a book signing and opportunity to meet the author. Tickets are $45, with nearly half the proceeds going back to support Little Red Door. Reservations are limited to the first 120 people. For tickets, contact John Aleshire, jaleshire@littlereddoor.org or 317.925.5595 ext. 310.


Register for Unite 2 Fight: Race Against Prostate Cancer


It’s time to start your engines for the 4th annual Unite 2 Fight: Race Against Prostate Cancer. Prostate cancer not only affects the important men in our lives, but also their families and friends. Please join with us to bring awareness, hope and help into the lives of Hoosier men and their families.

Last year's race proceeds provided nearly 1,600 free PSA tests, put more than 100 men in a prostate cancer clinical trial, and provided 17 clients with incontinence supplies, transportation to/from cancer treatments, medical supplies, and nutritional supplements. Over 650 men were also helped through educational presentations, exhibits and literature.

How You Can Help:


Cancer Survivor Celebration Picnic

June 11, 2006 - Join other cancer survivor's and their families in the 4th annual Cancer Survivors Celebration. No matter if you are newly diagnosed or a longtime survivor, this event is for you. The picnic will take place from 1:00 - 4:00 at Garfield Park. Free lunch, clowns, kid games and music by Audio Diner. Central Indiana Cancer Centers, along with many organizations are participating in this annual event to celebrate life after cancer.

To RSVP or for more information call Nicole at 317.915.5648. or Nicole.Beasley@Usoncology.com. Volunteers needed. Download Flyer (1.66MB).


Bruce Kopp Little Red
Door Golf Open

Warm weather is finally here, and with it comes another great season of golf. Make your reservations now for the 2nd annual Bruce Kopp Little Red Door Golf Open at the beautiful Prestwick Country Club in Avon, on June 22nd.

Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. with a Noon shot-gun start so you can work in the morning and then bring clients for a great afternoon of golf. Pricing is $500 per foursome, $150 per individual and $150 per hole for sponsors.

Proceeds benefit Little Red Door’s educational, screening & detection, and patient services. For more information, contact Nancy Griffith at ngriffith@littlereddoor.org or 317.925.5595 ext. 350.


Camp Little Red Door Golf Tournament

Our Camp Little Red Door Golf Tournament continues to sell out every year, so early bird(ies) will want to get their foursomes reserved. (We can invoice you for payment later).

This is the exclusive fundraiser for Camp Little Red Door, our week-long camp for children ages 8-18 who are cancer survivors. In 2005, this event raised $60,000 which covered almost the entire cost of camp! This exceptional golf outing will be held at the Brickyard Crossing Golf Resort, on Tuesday, August 8th. Shotgun start at 9:30 a.m.

Complete this registration form to reserve your foursome now, and send it to Nancy Griffith at ngriffith@littlereddoor.org or call 317.925.5595 ext. 350 for more information.


Don't Forget Your "HandyCap"

As you get ready for our two golf tournaments this summer, you’ll likely hit the fairways ahead of time to practice that 300 yard drive of yours. You likely won’t forget to bring your clubs, golf shoes, balls, and tees, but there’s something else you should bring, and you might not even think of it. Your “HandyCap." (a wide-brimmed hat that will protect you from the sun).

Over 1 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed and over 10,700 people will die from it this year in the United States. Skin cancer is mainly caused by UV radiation from the sun. A person’s risk is increased if the person has light skin, has light eyes, has light hair, or is a man. Men are twice as likely as women to develop skin cancer.

Facts from the American Academy of Dermatology:

• 1 in 5 Americans will develop some form of skin cancer during their lifetime.
• Having 5 or more sunburns will double your risk of developing skin cancer.
• One American dies of melanoma almost every hour (67 minutes).
• More than 1 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the US this year.
• An estimated 10,710 people will die of skin cancer this year.

What can you do to reduce your sun exposure? Wear your “HandyCap” and follow these sun safety tips to protect yourself.

• Liberally apply a broad-spectrum waterproof sunscreen with SPF 15 or more
• Ride in a covered cart for less sun exposure
• Wear protective, tightly woven clothing or sun protective clothing that provides an UPF 15 or more
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat that covers the face and ears, and sunglasses that block UVA & UVB rays
• Seek shade while waiting at the tee or when play has stopped
• Use lip balm with an SPF15 or higher.
• Reapply at the turn and/or every 9 holes
• See no shadow? ... Seek the shade! If your shadow is shorter than you are, you'll get a burn
• Consider wearing a glove on each hand
• Reduce sun exposure: Tee off before 8 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
• Drink lots of water along the way. Keep an eye on your skin. If you find anything suspicious, see a dermatologist.

Team Little Red Door #1 Again!

It’s official! For the 3rd year in a row, Team Little Red Door has earned the award for the largest team in the “Nonprofit/Church/Club” category at the Komen Indianapolis Race for the Cure! A special thanks to everyone who participated and brought additional team members to Little Red Door!

Great job everyone!

Little Red Door's Mammography Assistance Program receives the majority of it's funding from the Indianapolis Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Thanks for helping us give back to Komen, and ultimately supporting Little Red Door's mission of support for women in Central Indiana.


Calling all Volunteers!


Feeling that volunteer spirit?

Want to help make a difference?

Want to experience the front lines in the fight against cancer?

Volunteer!

• National Cancer Survivor's Day: Help staff our booth at the IU Cancer Center to honor cancer survivors and their families. This event runs May 30th and 31st from 10am-3pm both days.
• Unite 2 Fight: Race Against Prostate Cancer: More than 100 volunteers are needed for our 4th annual prostate race on Saturday, July 8th. Please complete the volunteer application and return by fax to 317.925.5597, or mail or drop it off: Little Red Door, 1801 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46202.
• Obtain in-kind gift donations for several Little Red Door events.

For more information, contact Nancy Griffith at ngriffith@littlereddoor.org or 317.925.5595 ext. 350.


Needed Camp Supplies

Supplies are needed for Camp Little Red Door to fill camper bags. Items like gel pens, lip balm, bubbles, note pads, yo-yos, and other such “stocking stuffers” are a big hit each year at camp. Bring any such items to Little Red Door by the end of June.


Job Opening in Data Entry

Looking for a part time job? Want to make an impact in your Indianapolis community? Join our team! We are looking for part-time data entry support for our program services department. Visit our website for job requirements, and submission information.


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For more information on how you can help prevent, treat and
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~