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ThyCa News

ThyCa NEWS NOTES - May 2010

05/2010

In This Issue

Dr. Oertel’s FNA Guide for Physicians Available Free from ThyCa

The Fine Needle Aspiration Procedure Guide for Physicians, by Cytopathologist Yolanda Oertel, M.D., is available free of charge. Physicians who would like a free copy (or copies) should send their complete mailing address to ThyCa via e-mail to thyca@thyca.org, fax to 1-630-604-6078, or mail to ThyCa, PO. Box 1102, Olney, MD 20830-1102. Please indicate in your request which publication you are requesting.

This 19-page manual for physicians has 15 sections that detail the needed equipment and materials, physician-patient communications, and step-by-step instructions for performing a FNA.

Dr. Oertel is Director of the Fine Needle Aspiration Service at the Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC. She has been performing FNAs for more than 30 years. She has trained numerous other cytopathologists now working around the world. She is a medical advisor of ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.

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Sherri RussoSherri Russo, Mrs. Collegeville, Pennsylvania 2010, Raises Awareness with New Flyer

The new Thyroid Cancer Awareness Flyer with Mrs. Collegeville, Pennsylvania 2010 features thyroid cancer survivor Sherri Russo. Sherri was also named 2nd Runner-up to Mrs. Pennsylvania International 2010.

In the new flyer, Sherri tells her thyroid cancer story. Her gynecologist does neck checks of all patients, and found Sherri’s nodule. That’s why Sherri encourages gynecologists and other physicians to do neck checks during routine exams.

Sherri’s Mrs. Collegeville, Pennsylvaia platform is thyroid cancer awareness. The new flyer is available near the top of our Raise Awareness page.

Thank you, Sherri, for raising awareness about thyroid cancer!

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Megan Stendebach Memorial Golf Tournament Raises Funds for Thyroid Cancer Research

We are pleased and honored to report that our friends at the Hangin’ Tree Saloon in San Antonio, Texas will hold the 9th Annual Megan Stendebach Memorial Golf Classic on May 2, 2010.  

For those of you who didn’t have the privilege of knowing Megan, she was an early and very enthusiastic ThyCa volunteer and board member, involved in numerous projects. 

Megan co-coordinated several early conferences, led sing-a-longs at our conferences, represented ThyCa at several medical meetings, sang in her country-western band at the Hangin’ Tree Saloon, and initiated and ran several fundraising golf tournaments in collaboration with owner “Big” John Oaks. Big John has continued the golf tournament in Megan’s memory. The golf tournament should pass $100,000 in total funds raised for thyroid cancer research this year! What an accomplishment! Thank you Big John, and everyone at the Hangin’ Tree Saloon for your commitment to Megan, and thyroid cancer.

From the time of ThyCa’s founding, Megan made friends near and far for ThyCa. Very sadly, Megan was diagnosed with other cancers in the mid 2000’s and lost her life. Her words and spirit live on and inspire countless others, in many pages of our yearly conference booklet, and in the Humor section of our web site.

Megan’s memory is cherished by all who knew her, and she is greatly missed by all who knew her.

You can support this fundraiser with a donation in one of two ways if you’d like. You may either make an online donation (www.regform.net/thyca/gift/gift.php) and note that it’s in honor of the Megan Stendebach Memorial Golf Tournament, or mail your donation check (payable to ThyCa), to Hangin’ Tree Saloon, 18424 2nd Street, San Antonio, TX 78266. ThyCa’s web site has an announcement on the Rally for Research page.

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Come to the Free Mid-Atlantic Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop Saturday, May 22

On Saturday, May 22, 2010, thyroid cancer survivors, caregivers, and friends are invited to the 9th Annual Mid-Atlantic Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Workshop, sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.

This free educational and supportive event takes place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. Joseph Medical Center, 7601 Osler Drive, Towson, Maryland, near Baltimore.

Speakers include:

  • Henry G. Fein, M.D., Endocrinologist, Sinai Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland
  • Erin A. Felger, M.D., Surgeon, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC
  • Heather A. Jacene, M.D., Nuclear Medicine Physician, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
  • Errol Rushovich, M.D., Endocrinologist, Center for Bone Health & Division of Endocrinology, Mercy Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
  • Leonard Wartofsky, M.D., Endocrinologist, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC

Additional specialists include:

  • Gail Gaspar, M.A., Professional Life and Leadership Coach, iDecide Coaching
  • Katherine Satterfield, L.P.C., Licensed Professional Counselor and Life Coach

You are invited to come for all or part of the day. Register either online or onsite at the workshop. The web site will add the day’s program schedule and further details. For more information, e-mail to Washington_DC@thyca.org or thyca@thyca.org, or phone 301-493-8810.

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Come to the Free Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop May 29

The ThyCa Newfoundland and Labrador Support Group is hosting a free Thyroid Cancer Information Day with physician speakers, in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, on Saturday, May 29, 2010.

This free educational and supportive event takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at Eastern Health, Conference Room C - Administrative Offices, 306 Waterford Bridge Road, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

The day’s topics and speakers include:

  • Epidemiology, Diagnosis, & Surgical Management of Thyroid Cancer, and Ask the Doctor. Dr. Burrage, ENT Surgeon.
  • Management and Follow-up of Thyroid Cancer after Surgery. Dr. Ingram, Internist.
  • Nutrition, Low Iodine Diet, & Thyroid Cancer. Gerri Anne Devereaux, Dietitian.
  • Roundtable: Coping with Thyroid Cancer Issues. Joanie Bruce, Ida Marrie, and Grace Dean, ThyCa Newfound and Labrador Thyroid Cancer Support Group Facilitators.

You are invited to come for all or part of the day. Register either online or onsite at the workshop. The web site will add the day’s program schedule and further details.

For more information, e-mail to nf-lab@thyca.org or call Joanie Bruce 709-227-2784 or Ida P. Marrie 709-726-1125.

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Free Thyroid Cancer Telephone Conference Call on May 5

A free one-hour telephone workshop titled Treatment Update on Thyroid Cancer will take place on Wednesday, May 5, 2010, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Physician speakers will participate. This program is sponsored by CancerCare, with ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association as a partnering organization. For details and to register, go to: http://www.cancercare.org/get_help/tew_details.php?tew=thyroid_050510&ret=/get_help/tew_calendar.php.

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Free Thyroid Disease Forum May 15 in Minneapolis, Minnesota

“Thyroid Disease and You” is the title of the free public education forum being held in conjunction with the American Thyroid Association meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Saturday, May 15. The ATA Alliance for Thyroid Patient Education (including ThyCa) will sponsor this free forum from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the ATA meeting hotel. Physician specialists will speak and answer questions. You’ll find details on our Calendarpage..

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Free One-Day Workshops Planned for California and Florida

On Saturday, June 5, 2010, the Florida Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop will take place at Jackson North Medical Center in North Miami Beach, Florida.

On Saturday, July 17, 2010, the California Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop will take place at Stanford Cancer Center in Stanford, California.

The day’s topics and speakers will be set soon. The web site will add the day’s program schedule and further details. For more information, e-mail to thyca@thyca.org or phone 877-588-7904.
These free one-day educational events are sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc. Anyone impacted by a thyroid cancer diagnosis is invited to attend.

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Free Seminar at Memorial Sloan-Kettering in New York City on May 26

On Wednesday, Mary 26, 2010, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. physician specialists at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center will speak about Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Thyroid Cancer. The location is Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Rockefeller Research Laboratories, 430 East 67th Street (Between First and York Avenues), New York, New York. Details are here.

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Free One-Day Conference on Multiple Endocrine Neoplasias in Houston, Texas on June 26

On Saturday, June 26, 2010, in Houston, Texas, patients and caregivers are invited to a free conference onMultiple Endocrine Neoplasias (MEN1 or MEN2). This event is sponsored by University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. For more information go to www.mdanderson.org/departments/ccg, call 713-745-7391 or e-mail ccg@mdanderson.org.

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Volunteers in the Spotlight

Thank you to these wonderful volunteers, for organizing, hosting, and leading roundtables at the Free Spring 2010 Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshops:

  • Sara Brenner of Virginia
  • Joanie Bruce of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
  • Grace Dean of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
  • Lois Fried of California
  • Fran Goodstat of Florida
  • David Ho of California
  • Heather Hoiseth of Massachusetts
  • Gloria Keller of Maryland
  • Ida Marrie of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
  • Marcie Pell of Missouri
  • Cal Pierce of Maryland
  • Maxine Poupko of Florida
  • Bruce Rubin of Virginia
  • Connie Schade of Missouri
  • Gail Schuler of California
  • Sally Snyder of Virginia
  • Barbara Statas of Maryland
  • Jaime Toth of Connecticut
  • Sandy Triplett of Missouri
  • Debi Walters of Missouri
  • Vanda White of Maryland
  • Dan Wickerham of Missouri
  • Theresa Wickerham of Missouri
  • Cherry Wunderlich of Maryland

Thank you also to all the “unseen” volunteers whose year-round efforts help support these workshops, as well as the International Conference, and much more. Thank you for serving on our E-Mail Team, Toll-Free Number Team, Web Site Team, Publications Committee, and Outreach Committee. Year-round, you’re all giving wonderful support.

As this newsletter gets ready for distribution, we’re happy to report that the Midwest Workshop was a great success with wonderful attendance. The Vermont/New England Symposium is coming up this weekend. And ThyCa volunteers will host four additional free one-day educational events, in California, Florida Maryland, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Chernobyl Anniversary Commemorated at Ukraine Embassy with Photos, Memories, and Hope

On April 26, 2010, the Ukraine Embassy in Washington, DC, hosted a special program to commemorate the 24th Anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear accident in Ukraine.

In the thyroid cancer community, Chernobyl has particular significance, because the communities near Chernobyl experienced a large increase in childhood thyroid cancer.

A photographic exhibition and talk titled “After Chernobyl” featured photojournalist and Fulbright scholar Michael Forster Rothbart. During 2008 and 2009, he lived in villages near Chernobyl, receiving an insider’s perspective as he heard people’s stories and “sought to create fuller portraits of these communities. There is suffering, but also joy and beauty.  Endurance and hope.”

The commemorative event was co-sponsored by the nonprofit FOCCUS (Friends of Chernobyl Centers US). For 14 years, FOCCUS has supported family service centers sponsored by the United Nations in Ukraine and Belarus, as well as other programs in support of the people of the Chernobyl area. ThyCa Volunteer Cherry Wunderlich attended the April 26 commemorative event.

The photographic exhibit (www.afterchernobyl.com) will become a traveling exhibit in 2011, the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident.

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Invitation to Partner in Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month

We invite your organization to join us as a participating partner in Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, September 2010.

This annual observance, sponsored by ThyCa since 2000, promotes thyroid cancer awareness for early detection, as well as care based on expert standards, and increased research to achieve cures for all thyroid cancer.

As a partner, we simply ask that you help to promote Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month. Your organization will be acknowledged as a participating partner in ThyCa’s newsletters and on our web site. We will also include information about your organization at the 13th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference, both on the Resource Tables and in the Program Booklet given to all attendees.

Materials and help are free of charge upon request. Your participation will greatly benefit people around the world. To find out more, e-mail us at outreach@thyca.org or visit our Raise Awareness page.

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Preview: The 13th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference

To Feature Numerous Thyroid Cancer Specialists, Plus Sessions on Coping Skills, and More.

You’re cordially invited to Dallas, Texas, on October 15 – 17, 2010, for this unique weekend of learning from experts and sharing experiences with others with all types of thyroid cancer.

We’re excited about the tremendous program being planned, and welcome more volunteers. We invite your help in spreading the word about this important event. Visit our Conference page on www.thyca.org for the downloadable flyer and further details, as well as volunteer opportunities. Later this spring we’ll add the registration form and further details.

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Have You Visited Our Web Site Lately?

We’re excited to report that the www.thyca.org web site receives more than 300,000 visits per month —more than 10,000 each day. 

New additions during April included a link to a medical journal article on managing side effects of Sunitinib (used for some thyroid cancer patients with metastatic disease), more events for the Rally for Research, the new International Resources page, the newest thyroid cancer awareness flyer, added free educational events in several locations, the newest local support group pages, and more.

More than 650 web pages provide extensive information about all types of thyroid cancer, connections to a broad range of free support services, and details about awareness campaigns, as well as fundraising for thyroid cancer research.

Free downloadable publications include the Free Low-Iodine Cookbook in English, Spanish, and French, plus dozens of other publications. A Chinese language translation is also in progress. 

Thank you very much to the more than 50 thyroid cancer specialists who provide their input and expertise, and to the many dozens of volunteers on ThyCa's Publications and Web Site Teams.   

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Low-Iodine Recipe of the MonthContributed by Sherri L. of South Carolina

Homemade Granola

4 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup honey
3/4 cup cooking oil (or, if not on the low-iodine diet when using this recipe, 8 tablespoons butter)
pinch of noniodized salt
raisins
almonds, toasted

Heat oven to 300 degrees. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper or parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt; set aside.

In a small bowl, combine honey and oil. Heat in microwave for about 1 minute, and stir.  Pour over the oats mixture, and stir well. Spread on baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Remove from oven and cool. If it becomes crispy and sticks together, just break it up. When it’s cool, pour it into an airtight container, adding raisins and almonds.

This is a delicious recipe on or off the low-iodine diet. I like to add toasted coconut. If not on the low iodine diet, I use 8 tablespoons of butter in place of the oil.

There are many combinations of dried fruits and such that can be added, like dried apples, and others. It just depends on what you like.

Thank you, Sherri! We are including your recipe in the 7th edition of the FREE Downloadable Low-Iodine Cookbook.

While waiting for the new 7th edition of the Low-Iodine Cookbook, you can still download the 6th edition of the Low-Iodine Cookbook in English for free, with more than 250 favorite recipes from more than 100 generous volunteers.

The Cookbook is also available in Spanish and in. Please remember, while you’re welcome to download and print the entire free low-iodine cookbook, you can also print just the pages you need.

This free cookbook is a wonderful help when you’re preparing to receive radioactive iodine for treatment or testing. All the recipes are favorites of some of our ThyCa volunteers, who are sharing them with everyone, to make the low-iodine diet easy and tasty. The recipes are also great for family meals and for potlucks, any time.

The expanded 7th Edition is coming soon. If you’d like to contribute your favorite recipe or tip, send it to recipes@thyca.org.

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Free Cookbook’s 7th Edition Coming Soon

More than 320 delicious recipes will be included in the expanded 7th Edition of the Free ThyCa Low-Iodine Cookbook. They will give you lots of great choices and variety while you’re on the short-term low-iodine diet while preparing to receive radioactive iodine for testing or treatment for papillary or follicular thyroid cancer.

Thank you to the more than 160 wonderful volunteers who contributed their recipes and helpful tips.

The 6th edition continues to be available on www.thyca.org while we’re completing the expanded edition. You’ll be able to download the Free ThyCa Cookbook on www.thyca.org.

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Follow ThyCa on Facebook

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is now on Facebook (Group Name: THYCA).

Thank you to everyone who’s already become a THYCA Friend or Fan! Send us your messages and suggestions!

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Write From the Heart: Help ThyCa Mark 15th Year Milestone

Be a voice for ThyCa! Send your story, poem, essay, or photo sharing your thoughts and images of your experience with thyroid cancer, to publications@thyca.org.

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Help Support the 2010 Rally for Research

Thanks to generous contributions and special fundraising events, ThyCa has awarded new thyroid cancer research grants every year starting in 2003. These grants support our goal of cures for all thyroid cancer and a future free of thyroid cancer. We plan to award new research grants in 2010.

You can help support the Rally for Research. For details about the Rally for Research, donation opportunities, special events, Quarters for a Cure, and information about ThyCa’s past and future Research Grants, visit the Rally for Research page.

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You’re Invited To Become a Member

Help us sustain, strengthen, and extend our services. We invite you to join ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.

Your membership dues will support ThyCa's efforts to reach and serve other survivors and their families around the world. You may join as a 1-year member ($25), 2-year member ($45), or lifetime member ($225). For our secure online Membership Form and our mailed Membership Form,click here.

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Events Preview

For details and contacts, go to our Calendar page and see the articles earlier in this newsletter.

  • Every Month in 2010. ThyCa’s Thyroid Cancer Support Group Meetings in Your Community.
  • aturday, May 1, 2010, Stowe, Vermont. The Vermont/New England Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Symposium with Physician Speakers.
  • Wednesday, May 5, 2010. Free Telephone Conference Call on Thyroid Cancer Treatment. S
  • aturday, May 15, 2010, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Thyroid Disease and You. Free educational forum about all thyroid disorders. Physician speakers.
  • Saturday, May 22, 2010. Baltimore, Maryland. The 9th Annual Mid-Atlantic Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Workshop with Physician Speakers.
  • Wednesday, May 26, 2010. New York, New York. Free Thyroid Cancer Center at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
  • Saturday, May 29, 2010. St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada. Newfoundland and Labrador Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Workshop with Physician Speakers.
  • June 4-5, 2010. Rockville, Maryland. Hypoparathyroidism Patient Conference, sponsored by the nonprofit Hypoparathyroidism Association (www.hypoparathyroidism.org).
  • Saturday, June 5, 2010. North Miami Beach, Florida. The Florida Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop with Physician Speakers.
  • Friday, June 18, 2010, Chicago, Illinois. Cancer-Related Lgal Issues. Free educational conference sponsored by the Cancer Legal Resource Center.
  • Saturday, June 26, 2010. Houston, Texas. Free One-Day Conference on Multiple Endocrine Neoplasias, sponsored by M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
  • Saturday, July 17, 2010, Stanford, California. The California Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop with Physician Speakers.
  • September 2010. Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month. Sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc.
  • Friday, October 8, 2010, Los Angeles, California, at UCLA Medical Center. Cancer-Related Legal Issues. Free educational conference sponsored by the Cancer Legal Resource Center.
  • The 13th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference
    October 15-17, 2010 in Dallas, Texas
    Sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
  • The 9th Annual Dinner/Auction Fundraiser for Thyroid Cancer Research.
    October 16, 2009 in Dallas, Texas
    Sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.

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Every Day…

Every day, thousands of people with thyroid cancer, and their families, receive support, education, and hope from ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc.

Every day, numerous people distribute ThyCa outreach materials to their physicians, making them aware of a resource that can benefit their patients dealing with a thyroid cancer diagnosis.

Your generous support is what makes it possible to sustain, strengthen, and expand our services and outreach. It only takes a minute to make a secure donation online in support of ThyCa's work (or you are welcome to donate by mail to ThyCa, P.O. Box 1102, Olney, MD 20830-1102).

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Your Ideas?

What sections of ThyCa’s web site do you find most helpful? What suggestions do you have for ThyCa’s web site? E-mail your answers and ideas to publications@thyca.org.

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About ThyCa NEWS NOTES
Copyright (c) 2010 ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc.

Thank you to our writing, editing, and proofreading team for this issue of the newsletter: Leah Guljord, Sherri L., Pat Paillard, Barbara Statas, Cherry Wunderlich, and Gary Bloom.

Your suggestions for articles are welcome. The deadline for articles and news items is the first day of each month.

Please share ThyCa News Notes with your family and friends. For permission to reprint in another electronic or print publication, please contact us at publications@thyca.org.

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc. is a national non-profit 501(c)(3) organization (tax ID #52-2169434) of thyroid cancer survivors, family members, and health care professionals.

We are dedicated to support, education, and communication for thyroid cancer survivors, their families, and friends, as well as to public awareness for early detection, treatment, and lifetime health monitoring, and to thyroid cancer research fundraising and research grants.

Contact us for free awareness materials and information about our free services and special events. E-mail thyca@thyca.org, call 1-877-588-7904, fax 1-630-604-6078, write PO Box 1102, Olney, MD 20830-1102, or visit our website.