New Magnet Ribbon Promotes Thyroid Cancer Awareness

Created by Volunteers of ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association

Thyroid cancer continues to increase in incidence, so thyroid cancer survivors of the all-volunteer nonprofit organization ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association <www.thyca.org> have created a new Thyroid Cancer Magnet Ribbon to help promote promote education, patient and family support, and research.

The magnet is 3.5 inches by 8 inches and is now available from ThyCa. The ThyCa web site provides a photograph as well as the order form. Proceeds from each magnet's purchase will support thyroid cancer support services, education, and research.

The new Magnet Ribbon highlights the three thyroid cancer awareness colors: blue/purple, pink, and teal. Thyroid cancer survivor Cherie LC selected this unique combination of colors more than six years ago as part of her volunteer contributions to ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association. The colors represent the throat energy center, spiritual influences in healing, and healing and the heart.

“By displaying this magnet on your car, mailbox, or other metal surface, you will help raise awareness of thyroid cancer, the importance of early detection and treatment, the availability of free support and education, and the need for thyroid cancer research," says Leah Guljord, ThyCa's Assistant Board Chair. She initiated the Magnet Project as well as the three-colored Thyroid Cancer Awareness Ribbon Pin introduced by ThyCa last year and also available from ThyCa.

“ThyCa now has more than 60 free local support groups in 35 states," she adds. "We also have scheduled four free one-day educational workshops in April and May 2005. In September, ThyCa sponsors Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, and on October 21-23, 2005, ThyCa will hold the 8th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Conference in Denver, Colorado. We invite everyone to help increase awareness and education about thyroid cancer throughout the year.”

She also notes that thyroid cancer affects people in all age groups from young children through seniors and comes in several types and variants. Thyroid cancer also is ranked as the number one cancer in incidence increase in women in the United States, and number three in men. She adds that early detection and treatment, long-term monitoring, and patient and caregiver support are important elements in thyroid cancer care.

Free thyroid cancer awareness brochures featuring actress Catherine Bell, co-star of the hit TV series JAG, also support thyroid cancer awareness. They are available from ThyCa. In addition, the free Low Iodine Cookbook, created by thyroid cancer survivors, is downloadable from ThyCa's web site.

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc. is an all-volunteer national non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization of thyroid cancer survivors, family members, and health professionals, dedicated to support, communication, and education for thyroid cancer survivors, families, and friends. ThyCa also raises funds for thyroid cancer research. For more information, e-mail to thyca@thyca.org, call 1-877-588-7904, fax to 1-630-604-6078, write to PO Box 1545, New York, NY 10159-1545, or visit ThyCa's web site.