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

Team Fox Chase at the 2011 Annual Walk/Run to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer. (I am pictured standing, far left in a grey shirt.)

What are you doing this Saturday, September 8, 2012? I highly encourage you to grab your sneakers and join the Fox Chase team at the Memorial Hall, Fairmount Park in Philadelphia, PA for the annual National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC)’s 14 Annual walk/run.

Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer.

NOCC hosts this annual event to raise awareness of ovarian cancer, celebrate ovarian cancer survivors and remember those who lost their fight with this disease. All funds raised benefit NOCC’s ovarian cancer awareness and education programs both locally and nationally.

The run/walk features a 5k Run – USATF certified course (flat & fast!); 5k Walk; and 1 Mile Fun Walk. Awards will be presented following the race. Enjoy live music by the Fastforwards on the route, a health tent, refreshments, survivor activities a TEAL merchandise tent and educational materials.

Fox Chase gynecologic oncologist, Sarah Kim, will be delivering the key note address.

New this year!

Join the staff of Studio Shear Bliss Salon for our on-site hair cut-a-thon! Women and men can receive trims, shaves, teal hair extensions, chair massages and more! 100% of proceeds will benefit NOCC! For more information, contact the Chapter at 215.997.8075 or DelawareValley@ovarian.org.

Hope to see you on Saturday!

Be well, Bob

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

Mike Marsteller, Founder, HCM Foundation

As clinicians, we are trained to treat our patient’s medical conditions. Of course, we understand the importance of treating the whole person. One of the benefits of working at Fox Chase Cancer Center is the phenomenal support for our patients provided by our  Social Work department.

Fox Chase social workers have a great relationship with many community-based organizations designed to support patients and their families. Most of these groups rely on the support of the community for funding, including HCM Foundation, a local non-profit organization that provides opportunities and financial support to cancer patients, survivors, and their families.

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to a remarkable young man, Mike Marsteller, who established the HCM Foundation after working in the Fox Chase Fitness Center (which, unfortunately, is no longer in existence).

Mike isn’t your typical 29-year-old. This Emmaus, PA native has integrated his past learning experiences to help families who are significantly impacted by cancer, including many Fox Chase families. According to Mike, he thrives on staying active, whether he’s running, cycling or living a healthy lifestyle.

Fox Chase social workers, such as JoAnne Rufo, connect appropriate patients in need of financial assistance to HCM.  “Mike’s foundation has been helping our patients for a couple years now and has been an invaluable resource for all of the social workers,” says JoAnn.

Mark Your Calendar for August 4!

If you want to join the HCM family and support its mission, please join them for the Fox Chase Away Cancer 5K Run/1.5 Mile Walk on Saturday, August 4, 2012 at Saint Basil Academy, which is located at 711 Fox Chase Road, Jenkintown, PA. Registration is $20 in advance, $25 on race day. Children under 12 are free. All proceeds will benefit patient care at Fox Chase, as well as programs offered by the HCM Foundation. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the run/walk begins at 9 a.m. For more information, visit www.hcmfoundation.org.

Be well,

Bob

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

Pat Halpin-Murphy, President and Founder, PA Breast Cancer Coalition

If you live in Pennsylvania, I hope you’re familiar with the PA Breast Cancer Coalition (PBCC). If so, you know what a terrific organization it is. If not, I encourage you to check them out.

Pat Halpin-Murphy, President and Founder, established this statewide non-profit organization to create the hope of a brighter tomorrow by providing action and information to women with breast cancer today. They accomplish their mission through providing educational programming, legislative advocacy and breast cancer research grants within our state.

Some of the their accomplishments include:

• Annual Conference in Harrisburg in October
• Home Run Derby
• Friends Like Me Care Packages
• “67 Women, 67 Counties” traveling photo display, (which Fox Chase hosted in October)

Earlier this month, several Fox Chase Cancer Center staff were invited to the PBCC’s annual luncheon, which honors a distinguished group of individuals who regularly help to further the mission of the PBCC. This formal luncheon is held as a way to say “Thank you” and allows the PBCC to publicly recognize their major supporters from the past year. This year’s luncheon was held on Wednesday, May 16th at the Governor’s Residence.  First Lady Susan Corbett hosted the event.

Below is a gallery of photos from the event that I’d like to share with you. Learn more by visiting www.pabreastcancer.org.

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

On Monday, January 30 at 3:30pm, Fox Chase Cancer Center will unveil its brand new mural, called Pathways, in our renovated cafeteria. Joining us will be the accomplished mural artists Meg Saligman and Emilie Ledieu, along with Jane Golden, Executive Director, City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program. If you are in the area, I hope you can join us for what will prove to be a moving and meaningful dedication.

A portion of the mural shown in early January during installation.

The mural is the result of a partnership between Fox Chase and the Mural Arts Program, who designed and produced a mural that portrays Fox Chase’s three main focuses—bold science, breakthrough medicine, and personal touch.  The 250-square-foot mural is a multimedia work incorporating paint, glass mosaic, sculptural elements, collage and back-lit layers of painted glass.

The team at Fox Chase has enjoyed the unique opportunity to work with the Mural Arts Program, an organization with a long-standing history of creating inspirational artwork that engages communities all over the city of Philadelphia by giving them a voice to tell their individual and collective stories.  This experience has been no different at Fox Chase, where our staff, patients, and volunteers have had the opportunity to come together and tell our story.

One of Meg Saligman's murals, The Evolving Face of Nursing, features Fox Chase nurse practitioner Agnes Masny.

Meg Saligman and Emilie Ledieu conducted an extensive series of meetings at Fox Chase and held hands-on creative activities with staff and patients.  Objects collected from the Fox Chase community were included in the finished mosaic portion of the new mural, including painted eyes of significant members—both past and present.

If you’ve spent any time in Philadelphia, you’ve likely seen several of Meg Saligman’s murals – including Common Threads, Passing Through or Philadelphia Muses. Gifted glass mosaic artist Emilie Ledieu’s work includes Under the Clothespin, which be unveiled early this year.

I’d like to acknowledge Fox Chase board member, Ed Glickman, who helped designate funds for the mural. Mr. Glickman serves as president of the Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT), generous supporters of the Mural Arts Program.

I look forward to seeing you on Monday afternoon.

Be well, Bob

About The City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program
The City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program is the largest mural program in the nation. Since 1984, Mural Arts has created over 3,300 murals and works of public art, earning Philadelphia international recognition as the “City of Murals.” Visit muralarts.org to learn more.

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

Later this week, Fox Chase Cancer welcomes breast cancer survivor, Kelly Corrigan, New York Times bestselling author of “The Middle Place” and “Lift.” The authors’ event takes place on Thursday, November 17 at 7 p.m. with a book signing and catered reception.

Corrigan lives deep within what she calls the Middle Place— “that sliver of time when parenthood and childhood overlap”—comfortably wedged between her adult duties and her parents’ care. But she’s abruptly shoved into a coming-of-age when she finds a lump in her breast and gets the diagnosis no one wants to hear. And so Kelly’s journey to full-blown adulthood begins. When her father, George, learns he has late-stage cancer, it is Kelly’s turn to take care of the man who had always taken care of her — and show us a woman as she finally takes the leap and grows up.

The book signing event will take place in the Fox Chase auditorium. There is no cost, but seating is limited, so registration is required. To register, send an email to authors@fccc.edu, call 215-214-3954 or go to www.foxchase.org/authors.

Be well,

Bob

Directions to Fox Chase can be found here: www.foxchase.org/information/directions/index.html

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

Fox Chase Cancer Center is honored to be chosen as the next location for the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition (PBCC)’’s traveling photography exhibit, 67 Women, 67 Counties: Facing Breast Cancer in Pennsylvania, at Fox Chase Cancer Center from October 20 – October 30, 2011.

The photo exhibit will be displayed in the Women’s Cancer Center at Fox Chase located at 333 Cottman Avenue in Philadelphia. As always, free parking is available.

The Office of Health Communications and Health Disparities at Fox Chase is proud to sponsor this display.

Opening Reception – October 20 at 5:00 p.m.

An opening reception is scheduled for Thursday, October 20th at 5 p.m. The exhibit and reception are FREE and open to the public, however reservations are encouraged. Visit foxchase.org for directions.

The traveling photography display.

To R.S.V.P. for the opening reception, please call 800-377-8828 x303.

This work of art features women from each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties, along with a message about how breast cancer has touched their lives. The women reflect the diversity of Pennsylvania, and their stories reflect the impact of breast cancer on themselves, their families and their communities. The exhibit encourages women to learn about early detection and celebrates life, courage, hope and dignity of women and families who have battled breast cancer. 67 Women, 67 Counties: Facing Breast Cancer in Pennsylvania is sponsored by the PBCC and funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Pat Halpin-Murphy, President and Founder of the PBCC, encourages everyone to visit the exhibit. “Breast cancer is not a rare event separate from the fabrics of our everyday lives. It impacts our mothers, daughters and friends. We must educate ourselves about this disease and fight to find a cure now … so our daughters won’t have to.”

The PA Breast Cancer Coalition represents, supports and serves breast cancer survivors and their families in Pennsylvania through educational programming, legislative advocacy and breast cancer research grants. For more information, please call 800-377-8828 or visit www.PABreastCancer.org.

I hope to see you at the exhibit. And if you get a chance to visit, let us know what you think of it.

Be well,

Bob