Robert Burger, MD, Director, Women’s Cancer Center at Fox Chase Cancer Center

If you ask these patients, they would say “yes!” On Friday, May 18, 2012, six Fox Chase Cancer Center patients were treated to a special opportunity. Love Versus Cancer teamed up with Lancome & Bloomingdale’s in Willow Grove, PA to introduce the women to Lancome’s National Make-Up Artist, Manuel Villegas, who lifted their spirits with a make-up lesson. Because treatment can affect a patient’s skin, eyebrows, lashes and hair, Manuel provided useful tips for each patient. Everyone left with a cosmetic gift bag, a white rose and a big smile on her face!

“This was the best medicine Fox Chase has ever given me!” said Maureen, who is being treated for ovarian cancer, as she was leaving. Read more comments below:

“The experience with Lancome made me realize that I am still beautiful. My confidence was high that day. Thank you for everything!” Jessica Cerpegi, the mother of a three-year-old daughter, Victoria, is being treated for stage IV breast cancer.

“My daughter, Jess, thought that Manny was great and really liked his sense of style,” she said. “I am glad that I brought her with me. Thank you for my special treat! The pampering was just what I needed. I enjoyed all attention that was spent on me.” Maureen Robinson, mother of three and a nurse at Fox Chase, is being treated for breast cancer.

“Thanks for including me in a great day. It was an indulgence I never would have done for myself – so thank you Fox Chase!! I had rave reviews from family and friends and am having fun “playing” with my new make up.” Marilyn Lemke, retired teacher and an accomplished harpist, is being treated for stage IV breast cancer.

Stay tuned for a similar event at Fox Chase Cancer Center in the works …
Be well,
Bob

Robert Burger, MD, Director, Women’s Cancer Center at Fox Chase Cancer Center

The first 500 guests to donate a book at the Special Tea will receive a free mug.

If you’re in the neighborhood next Tuesday, February 28 at 3:30, we invite you to join us at a special tea and book drive presented by Love Versus Cancer (in the Fox Chase cafeteria).

We are collecting new and gently used books for patients and visitors. Donations of new word puzzle, Sudoku and other activity books are also encouraged.

The first 500 book donors will receive a Love Versus Cancer mug. Also on the menu: the preview of a new video and remarks from a caregiver who will talk about the importance of complimentary reading materials in treatment and waiting areas.

If you can’t join us, but have a book to donate, our Volunteer Office is open Monday – Friday from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (located on the 3rd floor of the hospital) and will gladly take your donations. In addition to books, the Volunteer Office would appreciate playing cards, individually wrapped candy (mints are great!),  pencils, activity books and reading glasses.

Hope to see you next week!

Be well,

Bob

Robert Burger, MD, Director, Women’s Cancer Center at Fox Chase Cancer Center

Join Nutmeg and me at Paws for the Cause

I’d like to invite you and your dog(s) to join us this Sunday, October 23, 2011 at 9:30 a.m., at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia for a very special event. Each year, hundreds of dogs and their owners participate in Paws for the Cause to support the effort to prevail over cancer. To date, the event has raised more than $115,000!

In addition to a one-mile walk around the Fox Chase campus, there are lots of other activities to enjoy, including our MC, WMGK-FM, refreshments, vendors, goody bags, contests and prizes. Enter to win the best pet costume, pet trick and dog-owner look-alike contest. Top fundraisers will also be recognized with prizes.

• 9:30 a.m. Registration, Reimann Building “Barking” Lot
• 10:30 a.m. One-mile walk begins
• 11:00 a.m. Contests, prizes, activities, vendors, refreshments

Register online and you can easily invite your friends and family to sponsor you and your dog. Registration is $25 per dog and includes one t-shirt ($10 for each additional shirt)

Visit dog-friendly vendors and enjoy breakfast treats and refreshments. “Ask the Vet” Oncologist: Rebecca Risbon, VMD, DACVIM, Staff Oncologist at Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center. Rebecca be available to answer questions regarding, basic canine cancer education, early signs and symptoms and overall quality of life for you and your pet.

Students Making a Difference

Jake Kind will draw pictures of your dog on the spot!

Fox Chase welcomes students who are supporting this event, including Pet Emergency Decals by Jillian, an eighth grader who is raising money for animal welfare agencies and cancer research through her originally designed decals.  Jake, another talented eighth grader will draw pictures of your pooch on the spot. Donations are welcome and will be donated to Fox Chase in honor of his grandmother.

Helping Animals in Need

Pennsylvania SPCA Adoption Truck – meet animals available for adoption. Participants are invited to bring much-needed items for animal welfare agencies, including Animal Lifeline and WAGS Animal Rescue.

If you can’t attend, but want to get involved, vote for your favorite dog on Facebook!

I hope you’ll consider joining us next Sunday!

Be well,

Bob

Robert Burger, MD, Director, Women’s Cancer Center at Fox Chase Cancer Center

This piece of original artwork was created by a local artist, Diane, who is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

In 2010, Fox Chase recognized the need to honor and promote the strength and hope that love brings to the challenge of confronting cancer. To accomplish this, we created Love Versus Cancer because love is the driving force that unites patients, families, friends, nurses, doctors, scientists, healthcare providers and survivors in our efforts to end cancer. At Fox Chase, we believe that medicine provides the clinical tools to treat cancer – but love can help us rise above the disease.

During our journey with cancer, love abides and offers a constant support when we need it most, whether we are facing the anxieties, fears, or potential losses that can accompany the disease.

We want to hear from you and your loved ones
Now that you know what Love Versus Cancer means to us, we want to know: what does it mean to you? Earlier this month, Fox Chase launched an art contest designed to let people express their feelings through art.

Dina was diagnosed with breast cancer while she was pregnant with her daughter, Allison, whom she calls her "hero." Learn why by reading her inspirational story: http://www.fccc.edu/whyChoose/testimonials/breast/gillis.html

We have received beautiful and creative masterpieces from children, teens and adults.  Accepted submissions are posted on our Facebook “Love Versus Cancer Art Card Contest” album for you to see. You can “vote” for your favorites by clicking “like” under each picture in the album. (HINT: You need to “like” Fox Chase Cancer Center in order to participate.)

The deadline for voting is 9 a.m. EST on Monday, February 7, 2011. Winners will be announced later that day. The entries with the most Facebook “likes,” combined with judges’ discretion, will be used as free e-cards on www.loveversuscancer.org and possibly on printed cards that may be produced for fundraising purposes.

Children and adults are welcome and encouraged to enter this contest. Acceptable artwork includes hand-drawn, electronic and photography. Artists should use pastels, oil or acrylic paint, or other craft materials. Bright colors are preferred, as they reproduce better. The use of pencils, glitter and plain white paper are discouraged. For contest rules and more information, visit www.loveversuscancer.org/events.

So grab your paint, markers or a camera and show us what Love Versus Cancer means to you. I look forward to hearing from each of you!

Be well, Bob

Sydney, age 10, created this drawing in honor of her grandmother, a breast cancer survivor. Sydney resides in Denver, CO, just a few miles from her "Noni." They especially enjoy going to the theater and dining out together. Click on the photo to vote for Sydney!

Judy Bernstein, who has been living with cancer since 2000, shared this picture, created by her grandsons, Jake and Grant, ages 13 and 10. Their picture shows Love beating Cancer cell in a boxing ring. The crowd is holding a sign that reads "Let's go Love!" In the end, Love wins, which captures the spirit of the campaign.

Robert Burger, MD, Director, Women’s Cancer Center at Fox Chase Cancer Center

Too often, people facing cancer can feel as though they’re in it alone, when the truth is that all of us, whether we are conducting research, treating patients, or struggling to get well, have a bond with one another: We are strengthened and motivated by love.

Based on this unifying theme, Fox Chase Cancer Center is today launching a new initiative called “Love Versus Cancer.” Anchored by an interactive website, “Love Versus Cancer” offers individuals who have been affected by cancer a vehicle where they can easily connect with others who have been touched by the disease in public and/or private ways.

I invite each of you to join “Love Versus Cancer,” to honor loved ones, post inspiring videos, send love notes via e-cards, and offer public thank-you notes to physicians, staff, and others who have helped you on your cancer journey. After all, we know that while medicine provides the all–important clinical tools to treat cancer, love is what bolsters the heart and spirit to help us rise above the daily challenges of the disease.

Additionally, I encourage you to visit the “Love Versus Cancer” web site to view Fox Chase’s “Wag” video, where pet-therapy dog Mary Margaret and her four-legged friends show viewers how they bring smiles to the faces of cancer patients and staff as they travel the halls of Fox Chase Cancer Center—showcasing the true spirit and love among Fox Chase’s community of patients and caregivers. And please be sure to forward the video to anyone you love!

Please remember – above all else – wherever cancer may take us, love abides and offers steadfast support when we need it most. Through both the highs and the lows, love unites us all in our efforts to end cancer.

Be well,
Bob