Forward to a Friend
From the Executive Director
Dear Friends,
A few days ago, a man called to ask me a few questions. He wanted to donate a gift in support of a particular program (as opposed to a general donation), and wondered if we would do that. I was happy to tell him that we most certainly would. Aside from fulfilling our mission and faithfully carrying out our programs and services, I think there is no greater responsibility than being wise and careful stewards of our financial resources.
When people voluntarily give money to support an organization, they deserve to know how that money is used. This year, the Little Red Door Board of Directors established a special Audit Committee to examine every area of financial reporting with our independent auditors. Little Red Door has established procedures to ensure the highest level of financial accountability, including the use of an outside accountant to prepare monthly reports and monitor our financial affairs. That person regularly meets with Board members and me.
So when we say that 85 cents of each dollar goes to programs and services, we mean it. Also, because financial transparency is of utmost importance, we honor the requests and questions of our donors. Thanks again for your continued support, and thanks for asking questions!
John Aleshire
Executive Director
Little Red Door Cancer Agency
Client ThanksDear Angela, (our Director of Screening and Detection)
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you and your agency from the bottom of my heart.
The diagnosis that I received from the open biopsy stated that what they found would have eventually turned into cancer. If it was not for your agency covering the bills, I would not have been able to have the initial mammogram, the follow ups, the core biopsy or the open biopsy. The outcome would possibly have been very different.
As it stands now, the nodule was removed and I now know that I have an increased risk for breast cancer in the future. This enables me to monitor it much closer than I probably would have (or should have).
Just know that my husband, my 13 year old, and my 4 year old thank you as well. I feel your agency may have saved me from cancer treatment and possibly my life.
May God bless you.
Sincerely,
Amy
Holiday Stained Glass
Karen Ellis-Langefeld has created a charming stained glass Little Red Door ornament that we hope will make a fine addition to your tree this holiday season. The ornament costs $10, with $5 going back to Little Red Door’s mammography assistance program. Also, Karen is continually selling a number of other stained glass pieces that benefit Little Red Door. For the full list, please visit our website.
Jazz MatineeJoin Little Red Door's Minority Cancer Awareness Coalition (MCAC) as it celebrates 15 years of service in the Indianapolis community. An evening of Live Jazz, hearty hors d'oeuvres, and refreshments - the "Jazz Matinee" will celebrate the many successes of MCAC over its 15 year history.
| Where: | The "Pearl Room" at the Savoy Restaurant |
| 2200 West 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN. | |
| When: | Thursday, December 1, 2005 |
| Time: | 5:15 p.m. |
| Tickets: | Free tickets are available through Little Red Door. |
| Tickets are $5 at the door to benefit MCAC programs. | |
| Info: | Contact Little Red Door at 317.925.5595, download save the date card. |
Lung Cancer AwarenessNovember is National Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Lung cancer is an uncontrolled growth of cells in one or both of the lungs. As it is with other cancers, these cells form masses that prevent the lungs from functioning properly. Smoking accounts for more than 87% of lung cancer cases, though not all smokers develop lung cancer.
Lung cancer accounts for 28% of all cancer deaths, killing more Americans each year than breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer combined. Approximately 172,570 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed this year, accounting for 13% of all new cancer cases.
Currently, there is no approved screening test for lung cancer. Because of this, many patients are diagnosed once the disease has reached an incurable stage. Many studies are currently underway to develop tools to detect the disease in its early stages. Research indicates that when lung cancer is diagnosed in an early stage and an operation is possible, the five-year survival rates can reach 85%. Until such early-detection tools are developed, we must rely greatly on detecting symptoms of lung cancer.
Symptoms of Lung Cancer:
- A cough that doesn’t go away
- Constant chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Shortness of breath, or wheezing
- Loss of appetite and weight
- Frequent lung infections, like bronchitis or pneumonia
Sources: www.lungcancer.org, and the American Lung Association
Pancreatic Cancer AwarenessNovember is also National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. Though pancreatic cancer may not be as well known as lung cancer or breast cancer, it is a very deadly disease, ranking as the 4th most deadly cancer in the United States. It has the worst mortality rate among cancers, killing 99% of those diagnosed, with only 4% of patients surviving beyond 5 years.
As you can see, pancreatic cancer is a very serious disease, but so far, no effective early detection methods have been developed. There are minimal treatment options available and (according to www.pancan.org) very little research is under way due to limited research funding.
Approximately 32,180 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year in the United States and 31,800 people will die from it.
Risk Factors:
- Age: The likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer increases with age. Most pancreatic cancers occur in people over the age of 60.
- Smoking: Cigarette smokers are two or three times more likely than nonsmokers to develop pancreatic cancer.
- Diabetes: Pancreatic cancer occurs more often in people who have diabetes than in people who do not.
- Being male: More men than women are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
- Being African American: African Americans are more likely than Asians, Hispanics, or whites to get pancreatic cancer.
- Family history: The risk for developing pancreatic cancer triples if a person's mother, father, sister, or brother had the disease. Also, a family history of colon or ovarian cancer increases the risk of pancreatic cancer.
- Chronic pancreatitis: Chronic pancreatitis is a painful condition of the pancreas. Some evidence suggests that chronic pancreatitis may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Symptoms:
- Pain in the upper abdomen or upper back
- Yellow skin and eyes, and dark urine from jaundice
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight loss
A busy month at Little Red DoorA lot has happened since our last "The Open Door." Here is a look at what happened this past month.
An Evening with The Manhattan Transfer (October 19):
Both moving and enjoyable, An Evening with The Manhattan Transfer hosted 425 guests for an evening of good food, good music, and a good cause. Bruce Hetrick was honored with the Lawrence H. Einhorn Award, and he spoke about his late wife's battle with cancer. After the show, 75 special guests attended a VIP reception with The Manhattan Transfer, sponsored by Regions Bank. The evening raised around $35,000 in support of Mammography Assistance. Thanks to all who attended.
Saks Fifth Avenue's Key to The Cure (October 27-29):
Thanks to Saks Fifth Avenue for putting on their Key to the Cure charity shopping weekend. Jazz vocalists set the mood on October 27th for the kick-off event, accompanied by free food and drink from Eddie Merlot, Atkins Cheesecake, and others. Five percent of weekend sales come to Little Red Door. Thanks to all who participated.
Our Open House and Annual Meeting (November 9):
Thanks to all who stopped by for what was an enjoyable evening to celebrate this past year, and our 60 years of service in Central Indiana. The Annual Meeting, which commenced after the Open House, had its share of bitter-sweet moments, as we were reminded of those who would leave the board, and it was decided who would come on for the next four years. Little Red Door’s board has given continued support and guidance through these past six years, always dedicated to our cause and willing to roll up their sleeves and do what needs to be done to bring hope and life to the underserved of Central Indiana. Though five of our board are leaving their positions, they will always be part of our Little Red Door family.
Send comments to jjarvis@littlereddoor.org
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Feel free to forward this 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 60 Years as a Door of Hope~