Statement on the Death of Senator Edward M. (Ted) Kennedy

Statement by John R. Seffrin, Ph.D.,
CEO of the American Cancer Society and the
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
On the death of United States Senator
Edward M. Kennedy

WASHINGTON, D.C. – August 26, 2009 – “We are truly saddened by the passing of a giant in the area of health care policy -- our friend, U.S. Senator and recipient of the American Cancer Society’s highest award, Medal of Honor and the National Distinguished Advocacy Award, Edward “Ted” Kennedy. Senator Kennedy was a passionate advocate for cancer patients and their families, not just in his home state of Massachusetts, but nationwide.

“Truly one of the great champions in this battle to fight cancer, Senator Kennedy has led a passionate effort against this disease during his more than 40 years in the U.S. Senate, championing health care-related causes from equal access to health care to increased funding for cancer research and screening for early detection.

“Known as the ‘Lion of the Senate,’ Senator Kennedy has fought to bring all the resources of the nation to bear in fighting cancer and other diseases, renewing the war on cancer by introducing a bill to overhaul the 1971 National Cancer Act. Senator Kennedy helped to reign in the tobacco industry with legislation that gives FDA the authority to regulate tobacco products, which was signed into law in June. Senator Kennedy also championed the expansion of the Children’s Health Insurance Program with an increase in the tobacco tax.

“Senator Kennedy was personally touched by this disease long before his own diagnosis, watching his son, Ted Kennedy, Jr. battle bone cancer as a teen, and daughter Kara Kennedy Allen battle lung cancer in 2003.

"We are deeply grateful for Senator Kennedy’s commitment and support throughout his long, illustrious career. He will truly be missed. We express our deepest condolences to Ted’s wife, Vicki, and the rest of his family."

Senator Kennedy's doctors indicated that he had a malignant glioma, a type of brain tumor. Below are some facts about this cancer.

There are many different types of gliomas. Their treatments differ, and can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and biological therapies, in various combinations.
Gliomas are uncommon in children; the incidence rate goes up with age and peaks in the age group from 75 to 84.
About one-third of all brain tumors are gliomas, and about 8 out of 10 malignant tumors are gliomas.
The American Cancer Society estimates that in the United States in 2009, 22,070 people will be diagnosed with malignant tumors of the brain or spinal cord (12,010 in men and 10,060 in women) and 12,920 people (7,330 men and 5,590 women) will die from these tumors, accounting for about 1.5 percent of new cancer cases and 2.3 percent of cancer deaths this year.
Overall, the chance that a person will develop a malignant tumor of the brain or spinal cord in his or her lifetime is less than 1 percent (about 1 in 149 for a man and 1 in 186 for a woman). Survival rates vary widely, depending on the type of tumor.
The cause of most central nervous system tumors is not fully understood. Most brain cancers develop for no apparent reason and are not associated with anything that the person did or didn't do, or with any known exposures in the environment.
At this time there are no blood tests or other screening exams that can be used routinely to detect brain tumors before they start to cause symptoms. These tumors usually come to light as a result of signs or symptoms the person is having. In most cases, the patient's survival is determined by their age, the type of tumor, and its location.

The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation’s largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing nearly $3.4 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us any time, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

ACS CAN is the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. ACS CAN works to encourage lawmakers, candidates and government officials to support laws and policies that will make cancer a top national priority. ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer. For more information, visit www.acscan.org.

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"I made it to the Top!"-- Climb to Conquer Cancer

The American Cancer Society in New Mexico hosted its third annual Climb to Conquer Cancer event Saturday to honor cancer survivors and remember those we’ve lost to cancer.

Nearly two dozen teams of all ages and backgrounds from the local community walked, ran, or biked 6.5 miles up the Sandia Crest Byway to the breathtaking summit at 10,678 feet where a family- fun festival awaited with food, entertainment and a silent auction.

The proceeds of nearly $15,000 will go to the fight against cancer. Those that made the climb can proudly say "I made it to the top." Many thanks to our sponsors and volunteers!

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Bark For Life of Albuquerque a great success

The Bark For Life of Albuquerque was a great success, and we couldn't have done it without you! More than 200 walkers and their dogs participated in the event and more than $7,000 was raised for the fight against cancer! Thank you so much to everyone who came out to the event – we appreciate your support!

It's never too late to collect donations for Bark For Life. You can still send emails from your personal Participant Center by clicking on the link below. If you have additional cash or check donations for the Bark For Life please mail them to:

American Cancer Society
Attn: Bark For Life of Albuquerque
10501 Montgomery Blvd. NE Suite 300
Albuquerque, NM 87111



The American Cancer Society will use the funds you raised to provide patient services to those touched by cancer in your community - and nationwide. You can visit the American Cancer Society website at http://www.cancer.org/ to learn more about the life-affirming cancer research, education, advocacy, and patient services programs you're supporting.
















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Albuquerque Climbs to Conquer Cancer

CONTACT:
Marina MacVicar
American Cancer Society
Tel. (505) 262-6026
Fax: (505) 559-9433
Email: marina.macvicar@cancer.org
http://www.nmclimb.org/

In the United States, cancer accounts for one of every four deaths. More than 565,000 Americans will die from cancer in 2009. The American Cancer Society will host its third annual Climb to Conquer Cancer event to honor cancer survivors and remember those we’ve lost to cancer. Community members can walk, run, wheel or stroll 6.5 miles up the Sandia Crest Byway to the breathtaking summit at 10,678 feet where a family-fun festival awaits with food, entertainment and a silent auction. All proceeds go to the fight against cancer. We are moving toward a cancer-free future, but we can’t reach our destination without your help. Please sign up today!

"The reason I do Climb is because I, nor any of my immediate family has cancer, and hopefully does not ever get it. I feel that participating in this event is the least that I can do for people less fortunate than me,” said Tierna Unruh-Enos, Climb to Conquer Cancer event chair. “I would hope that somebody would do the same for my family as well."

When: August 22, 2009 with a rolling start between 7:00 - 8:00 a.m.
Where: Sandia Peak Ski Area. (30 minutes east of Albuquerque via I-40 and Highway N14 to NM536.)
Cost: $35 registration fee for adults before the event, $40 day of the event. Children ages 7 through 11 register for only $10. Children under 6 are free.
How: visit http://www.nmclimb.org/ for more information or call 505-262-6026.

The American Cancer Society saves lives and creates more birthdays by helping people stay well, helping people get well, by finding cures and by fighting back. To learn more about us or to get help, call us any time, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
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Community to fight cancer with four-legged friends at American Cancer Society Bark For Life

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Christie Anderson, Bark For Life Organizer
American Cancer Society
Phone: (505) 262-6018
Email: christie.anderson@cancer.org

WHAT: American Cancer Society Bark For Life™
WHO: Dogs and their people who want to fight back against cancer
WHEN: Saturday, August 22, 6 to 8 p.m.
WHERE: North Domingo Baca Park, on Corona NE, north of Paseo del Norte between Louisiana and Wyoming
WHY: Bark For Life™ gives people and their “best friends” a chance to take a bite out of cancer by showing their support for the fight against cancer

REGISTRATION: Online at www.relayforlife.org/albuquerquenm or registration forms and information are also available at: Bow Wow Blues; Canine Country Club (on North Fourth Street and the Westside location); Manzano Animal Clinic; Three Dog Bakery; VCA Veterinary Hospitals (all four Albuquerque locations); and Watermelon Mountain Ranch adoption desks at the PetSmarts on Coors Bypass and on Eubank.

REGISTRATION FEES: Before the event, $10 for the first dog, $5 for each additional dog. At the event, $25 for the first dog, $5 for each additional dog.

GOODIES: All dogs will receive an event bandana; all humans who raise/contribute $25 will receive an event T-shirt; treats for dogs from Three Dog Bakery; human food available for sale from Blake’s Lotaburger; dogs and their people who raise/contribute $100 or more will receive a goodie bag including a pet leash, water bottle, and certificates for dog-related services.

ACTIVITIES: Watermelon Mountain Ranch mobile adoption van and rent-a-dog for the event; opening ceremonies; music by DJ Diana Wong; silent auction; Garden of Remembrance for dogs and people. (more being added every day)

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND ONSITE/DAY-OF CONTACTS: Christie Anderson, 262-6018, (cell) 980-8460, Christie.anderson@cancer.org or Kevin Ledwith, 559-9424, (cell) 980-9456, Kevin.ledwith@cancer.org .

INTERVIEW & VISUAL OPPS: Interviews will be available with Bar For Life™ participants and heir people, and local American Cancer Society staff, volunteers and sponsors.

The American Cancer Society saves lives and creates more birthdays by helping people stay well, helping people get well, by finding cures and by fighting back. To learn more about us to volunteer, or to get help, call us any time, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
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Two long-time, local American Cancer Society staff members to retire

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
John Weisgerber, Regional Communications Manager
American Cancer Society
Phone: (505) 559-9430
Email: john.weisgerber@cancer.org

The American Cancer Society has announced the retirements at the end of August of two long-time staff members. They are:

Barbara Morgan, regional vice president for the Society’s Southern Region. The Southern Region is made up of New Mexico, most of Arizona and the Las Vegas, Nev. area. Morgan will retire after 22 years of service. Morgan achieved many accomplishments during her 22-year tenure with the Society including bringing the community-based Relay For Life event to communities across New Mexico. Morgan also helped introduce the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk to the Southern Region a decade ago. The first Albuquerque walk, 10 years ago, still holds the national record for the Society as the most successful first-year launch. This past spring, a record of over 20,000 New Mexicans participated in the 10th annual Strides walk, to show their support in the fight against breast cancer. Making Strides is the largest walk in New Mexico.

Christie Anderson, Income Development Director for the Society’s Southern Region will retire after 25 years of service. Anderson started here career with the Society in Guam as the Unit Executive Director, where she basically did ‘everything’—programs and services, fundraising, and advocacy. After 16 years on Guam she moved to New Mexico and became the New Mexico Relay For Life Manager. Her job was to help start new Relays in New Mexico communities and in her first year she helped five new communities organize and start a Relay For Life event. This year 34 New Mexico communities hosted Relays to fight back against cancer. Anderson took over the duties of Regional Income Development Director in 2003. Anderson recently joined the board of Opera Southwest and plans to help this local non-profit following her retirement from the Society.

The American Cancer Society saves lives and creates more birthdays by helping people stay well, helping people get well, by finding cures and by fighting back. To learn more about us to volunteer, or to get help, call us any time, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
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Local Cancer Survivor Awarded College Scholarship

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: John Weisgerber, Regional Communications Manager
(505) 559-9430
john.weisgerber@cancer.org

Tasha Serna-Gallegos of Albuquerque has been awarded a $2,500 college scholarship by the American Cancer Society.

"The scholarship does two things for me. It allows me to focus less on the financial burden of college and more on my personal goals such as pursuing a career in pharmacy, playing softball, and volunteering for various community organizations,” said Serna-Gallegos. “It also motivates and humbles me knowing that the American Cancer Society supports my cancer-free future."

While most students were enjoying the school year and getting ready for the holidays at Sandia Prep Serna-Gallegos’s world was suddenly turned upside down when the active, athletic freshman was diagnosed in December 2003 with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), a cancer of the white blood cells, which continuously multiply and are overproduced in the bone marrow. After being diagnosed she was sent to the University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) for the first of numerous week-long stays in the Pediatric Oncology Unit to undergo what would become nearly three and a half years of treatment in the battle for her life.

In the fall of 2004, she returned to school as a sophomore and nine months after being diagnosed and receiving initial treatment, with the support of teammates and family she returned to the sports she loved: volleyball and softball. She helped her team win the New Mexico State Championship in volleyball that Fall and was back on the softball field in the Spring. She went on to spend the remainder of her high school career playing volleyball and softball. By the time Serna-Gallegos was a senior in high school, she was clear of cancer. As a healthy 17-year-old, she had her sights set on college and chose Occidental College in Los Angeles.

Now, nearly six years after her initial diagnosis she is a college sophomore and she continues to play one of the sports she loves at the collegiate level, as starting second baseman for the softball team, all while striving to succeed in the classroom. Because cancer was such a huge part of her life she continues to give back to the American Cancer Society and other related organizations. She has her sights set on attending either pharmaceutical or medical school.

Scholarships were awarded based on financial need, leadership, academic achievement and community service. To be eligible, candidates must have had a cancer diagnosis before age 21 and be a New Mexico resident. Students must also have a GPA of at least 2.5 and been accepted to an accredited school. For more information about this scholarship program, call the American Cancer Society toll-free at 1-800-227-2345.

The purpose of the scholarship program is to help both the patient and family overcome the financial burden of cancer. For many, the financial impact from their cancer diagnosis has put the opportunity for higher education out of reach. With the opportunity for a cancer survivor college scholarship to help cover the increasing cost of tuition and related expenses, pediatric and adolescent cancer survivors are encouraged to fulfill their dreams and realize their full potential.

The American Cancer Society saves lives and creates more birthdays by helping people stay well, helping people get well, by finding cures and by fighting back. To learn more about us or to get help, call us any time, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
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New Mexico Cancer Survivor Selected as a Hero of Hope

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: John Weisgerber, Regional Communications Manager
American Cancer Society
(505) 559-9430
john.weisgerber@cancer.org

Beverly Crowe of Gamerco, N.M. has been selected as an American Cancer Society Hero of Hope. As a Hero of Hope, these cancer survivors have demonstrated a commitment to the fight against cancer through their constant inspiration and contribution to their local American Cancer Society Relay For Life event.

Crowe tried celebrating Thanksgiving as usual in 1999, trying to ignore the biopsy she had undergone on her breast a few days prior. But the test weighed heavily on her mind and the day following Thanksgiving, Beverly and her husband went to the doctor’s office to learn the results. The surgeon walked into the exam room and said, “You have cancer.”

“When a doctor blurts out ‘You have cancer’ it’s like falling through a black hole. I couldn’t think… the room was narrowed into the space those words filled, and my mind shut out everything the doctor was saying,” said Crowe. “Finally he realized my suffering, left the room, and I cried.”

Crowe admits at the time of her diagnosis she didn’t know much about the American Cancer Society until later in her recovery and treatment. Later on, an acquaintance came to her workplace and did a Reach to Recovery visit which Beverly greatly appreciated. That visit planted a seed of hope which aided her recovery and eventually also led to her becoming an American Cancer Society volunteer herself.

That hope she gained from other volunteers and survivors she now shares with others. She says that volunteering for the many Society programs is her way of fighting back, and her cancer experience gives her an avenue to help others going through treatment.

Among the events Beverly enjoys supporting is Relay For Life. Now, as she looks back fondly on her first Relay she recalls “I couldn’t believe that others actually cared that I had cancer. I had a medal around my neck walking the Survivor lap with people cheering my survival. If these people cared, I, also, needed to care by getting involved with Relay For Life and other American Cancer Society programs. So I did!”

What helps keep Crowe going after nearly a decade?

“Every time I hear a cancer patient tell a story of hardship, pain, distress, depression, shock, fearfulness, I know that I need to keep fighting back to ease these problems associated with cancer. How will that happen? When people like me keep raising money through Relay For Life, keep advocating for more legislative support, keep spreading educational information about cancer, keep providing services through the Cancer Resource Centers and other programs, and mostly keep supporting the research that is needed to find cures and treatments for cancer so that someday no one will need to hear the words, ‘You have cancer.’”

Heroes of Hope were selected based on their attitude to inspire hope, courage and determination in the fight against cancer. These cancer survivors also have demonstrated exemplary involvement with the Society’s Relay For Life event.

The American Cancer Society’s Heroes of Hope will be instrumental in working with the Society to broaden the outreach of survivorship throughout the year for Relay For Life. Heroes will also be trained as Society spokespeople and will share their inspiring stories.

The American Cancer Society saves lives and creates more birthdays by helping people stay well, helping people get well, by finding cures and by fighting back. To learn more about us or to get help, call us any time, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
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