Long Island OCEANS News: Ovarian Cancer Survivors present $25,000 donation to Stony Brook University Medical Center

Friday, July 20, 2007

Ovarian Cancer Survivors present $25,000 donation to Stony Brook University Medical Center

Ovarian cancer survivors and OCEANS (Ovarian Cancer Education Advocacy Network & Support) members presented a $25,000 donation to Stony Brook University Medical Center at the “Wave of Hope” Gala. Accepting the gift was Michael L. Pearl, M.D., Director, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Stony Brook University Medical Center, second from right. Dr. Pearl was honored at the event for his dedication and commitment to ovarian cancer research. Also pictured, from left, are: Gail Habicht, Ph.D., Vice President for Research, SBUMC; Richard N. Fine, M.D., Dean, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, and OCEANS members Khrissy Lupinacci (gala organizer), Eileen Tobin, and Eileen Cox.

STONY BROOK, N.Y., November 8, 2006 – Long Island OCEANS (Ovarian Cancer Education Advocacy Network & Support) donated $25,000 to Stony Brook University Medical Center at OCEANS “Wave of Hope” Gala. The funds will support several ovarian cancer research initiatives centering on early detection of disease. Approximately 300 attended the gala, held on November 2 at Giorgio’s Restaurant & Catering at Fox Hill in Baiting Hollow, N.Y.

Several women treated for ovarian cancer at SBUMC launched OCEANS in 2004. The grassroots organization provides awareness and education about ovarian cancer and other gynecologic cancers for women with these diseases.

During the event, OCEANS honored Michael L. Pearl, M.D., Director, Division of Gynecologic Oncology at SBUMC, for his work and commitment to research, and Congressman Steve Israel (D-NY), for his support in the search for cures.According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer claims the lives of more than 20,000 women each year.

Many women are diagnosed in the latter stages because symptoms often do not occur until the disease is advanced. OCEANS networks to support the advancement of research for early detection and treatment. Each year OCEANS holds a gala to raise funds for research.

LI OCEANS INC

a beacon of hope for those affected by Ovarian Cancer & Gynecologic Cancers

About Us:

LI OCEANS is an acronym for Long Island Ovarian Cancer Education Advocacy Network & Support. Our group is comprised of women living with Ovarian & Gynecological cancers, from the newly diagnosed to the long-term survivor.

In 2004, several women personally affected by Ovarian Cancer met, exchanged ideas, shared stories, identified the need for change, merged ultimate values and priorities and then made a decision that would transform lives.

They didn't know where they would find the time, the energy, nor the money to create an organization for women with Ovarian & Gynecologic Cancers, but they forged ahead nevertheless, with hope as their guiding light. They knew that without their understanding, passion and strength that other women with ovarian cancer would continue to suffer in isolation.

LI OCEANS recognized the urgent need for awareness; advocacy and action-they aspired to be the voice for Ovarian Cancer and save the precious lives of our mothers, sisters, daughters, grandmothers, friends & neighbors!

Our goal is to create awareness among women the medical community and the greater population regarding early warning signs and symptoms that may be indicative of ovarian cancer, resulting in earlier detection.

Our purpose is to provide support, resources, networking, and education for those women diagnosed with ovarian and gynecologic cancers. We support the advancement of research for early detection and cure of ovarian cancer.

Our mission is to educate, advocates with the ultimate hope to eradicate this deadly disease!

LI OCEANS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit approved by the IRS. Your tax-deductible contributions allow us to continue our battle against ovarian cancer, to raise awareness in the community and to provide education and support to ovarian cancer victims and their families through a network of survivors.

How Can I Help? We are always in need of volunteers!

We need people just like you! Please Help Get the Word Out!

We need you! Tell someone you love about ovarian cancer and the symptoms to watch. When you care, keeping quiet is not an option. Until there’s a test, word of mouth is best.

Together we can save lives.

Volunteer your time and talents to get the word out.

LI OCEANS INC greatly appreciates the support from our friends who host fundraising events on the LI OCEANS behalf.

If you would like to host an event to benefit the LI OCEANS here are a few ideas:

WINGO / BINGO Night
Rubber Duck Race
House party/ tea party or picnic
Walking/Running Event
Night At The Races
Hiking or Biking Event
Health and wellness day at your local workout club
Game night - Trivia night- Poker Party-Name that tune
Karaoke Yard Sale- Plant Sale- Bake Sale
Wine Tasting -wine and cheese evening
Fashion show
Murder Mystery-50’s,60’s,70’s Dance
Host A Teal Awareness Day
Golf tournament -tennis tournament

September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Pathophysiology:

The cause of ovarian cancer is not known. However, there is a connection between the number of ovulatory events and the risk of ovarian cancer appears to exist. Ovulation suppression has been shown to decrease cancer incidence. Ovarian cancer typically spreads to the peritoneal surfaces and omentum. Only an estimated 10% of affected patients have a genetic predisposition. The patients at highest risk are women with site-specific inheritance. In these patients, ovarian cancer develops early, when they are aged 30-50 years.

About ovarian cancer

Ovarian Cancer occurs when cells undergo a transformation and begin to grow and multiply without normal controls. As the cells grow and multiply, they form masses called tumors. Cancer is dangerous because it overwhelms healthy cells by taking their space and the oxygen and nutrients they need to survive and function. Ovarian cancer occurs when a tumor forms in one or both of a woman's ovaries. The ovaries are a pair of small organs that produce and release ova, or human eggs. The ovaries also produce important hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. They are located in the lower abdomen (pelvis), on either side of the womb (uterus). Ova released by the ovaries travel through the fallopian tubes to the uterus, where they may or may not be fertilized by the male sperm. Cancerous tumors are malignant. This means they spread to other tissues and organs. Not all tumors, however, are malignant. In a process called metastasis malignant tumors may encroach on and invade neighboring organs or lymph nodes, or they may enter the bloodstream and spread to remote organs such as the liver or lungs. Metastatic tumors are the most aggressive and serious of all tumors. The type of cell that originated the abnormal growth determines the class of the ovarian tumors. Epithelial tumors: These tumors arise from a layer of cells that surrounds the outside of the ovary called the germinal epithelium. About 70-80% of all ovarian cancers are epithelial. These are most common in women who have been through menopause (aged 45-70 years). Stromal tumors: Stromal tumors develop from connective-tissue cells that help form the structure of the ovary and produce hormones. Usually, only one ovary is involved. These account for 5-10% of ovarian cancers. These tumors typically occur in women aged 40-60 years. Often, surgical removal of the tumor is the only treatment needed. If the tumor has spread, though, the woman needs chemotherapy. Germ cell tumors :Tumors that arise from germ cells (cells that produce the egg) account for about 15% of all ovarian cancers. These tumors develop most often in young women (including teenaged girls). Although 90% of women with this type of cancer are successfully treated, many become permanently infertile. Metastatic tumors: Only 5% of ovarian cancers have spread from other sites. The most common sites from which they spread are the colon (52%), breast (17%), stomach (10%), and pancreas (5%). Within these main classes are many different subtypes of tumors. Noncancerous (benign) ovarian masses include abscesses or infections, fibroids, cysts, polycystic ovaries, endometriosis-related masses, ectopic pregnancies, and others. Of markedly enlarged ovarian masses (>4 cm) found in women who are still menstruating (have not been through menopause), about 20% are cancerous. Of markedly enlarged masses found in women who have been through menopause, about 45-50% are cancerous. The incidence of ovarian cancer varies greatly. Globally, Scandinavia, Israel, and North America have the highest rates. Developing countries and Japan have the lowest rates. At least 15,000 women die each year from ovarian cancer. The 5-year survival rate is greater than 75% if diagnosis of the cancer occurs before it has spread to other organs. However, the 5-year survival rate drops to 20% when the tumor has spread to the upper abdomen. In the United States about 1 in 56 women develops cancer of the ovary. More than 26,000 new cases are diagnosed each year

Memorial and “ In Honor ” Gifts

We are pleased to notify family members or individuals of your gift. Please be sure to include the notification information. In MemoryMake a donation in memory of a deceased family member or friend. A personalized bereavement card will be promptly sent to the bereaved family. In HonorMake a donation in honor of someone who inspired you, or in celebration of a birthday, wedding, or other special occasion. A personalized card will be sent to the recipient informing them of your gift in their honor. Simply mail a check or phone our office. Checks can be made payable to LI OCEANS INC, PO BOX 444, Brightwaters, New York, 11718 Questions Please call:

September 23rd, TEAL TUESDAY

Teal Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008. National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Day.

Khrissy Lupinacci from LI OCEANS Inc (Long Island Ovarian Cancer Education Advocacy Network & Support) launches a Nationwide Public Awareness Campaign calling September 23rd, the 3rd Tuesday of September “ Teal Tuesday”. Our goal is to promote public education and much needed awareness of the deadliest form of Gynecologic Cancer called Ovarian Cancer. Ovarian Cancer claims the lives of over 22,000 women each year, this year alone over 15,000 women will be diagnosed with this deadly disease.

Khrissy Lupinacci (a 6 year survivor of Ovarian Cancer and one of the founding members of LI OCEANS Inc) said, “September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness month.” “ It is our hope that “ Teal Tuesday ” inspires millions of people to adopt this day to raise awareness of this deadly disease. “ We are in need of soldiers, it will take an army to fight this fight against Ovarian Cancer “ said Khrissy. “ We need heros” our greatest asset in this fight against ovarian cancer is our caring and compassionate community at large.” We hope that individuals, busineses and corporations join us in our plight to save lives. “We ask for national and local partnerships to help execute this initiative and support this campaign, making the 3rd Tuesday of September “ Teal Tuesday”. We hope this campaign inspires individuals to join us in our fight and encourages grassroots activities within their own communities to “ think teal, talk teal, wear teal, save lives!

Saving lives, each and everyone of us has the power to save lives, to date there is not an effective nor 100 % accurate early detection test for Ovarian Cancer. We know that early detection can save lives, however, with the lack of an early screening test and lack of Ovarian Cancer Awareness, we are left with but one vital tool, our voice. Together we can educate one another and create much needed awareness. A Pap test does not detect Ovarian Cancer. You don’t need to be personally affected by Ovarian Cancer to help in the fight to educate, advocate and create awareness, you simply need to care. Educate yourself about the signs and symptons of Ovarian Cancer, call or visit your local or National Ovarian Cancer organization, arm yourself with education and awareness of the signs, symptoms and risk factors of the disease, spread the news.

Sadly the majority, 75 percent of women are diagnosed in the later stages of Ovarian Cancer; the five –year survival is only 30 percent. LI OCEANS INC believes one is too many; we must educate and advocate so to eradicate this deadly disease. Please join us in saving lives.

We ask locally and nationally that others join us in our plight to create much needed awareness of this ruthless and relentless killer of women. On Tuesday September 23rd, please wear teal! Wear teal in honor of the thousands of beautiful women that are battling the disease, wear teal in memory of the precious lives of those who have lost their battle to this disease. Wear Teal to help raise public awareness of the often overlooked and unrecognized signs and symptoms of this disease. Wear Teal because you care about the thousands of Grandmothers, Mothers, Sisters and Daughters that will be diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer this year. Wear teal for the 22,000 women that will die from Ovarian Cancer this year. Wear teal, help save lives.

Teal Tuesday, the initiative to launch a national public awareness campaign to save hundreds, thousands of women from Ovarian Cancer. On September 23rd, Teal Tuesday please wear teal; tie teal ribbons or teal balloons within your community, place of business, office or front lawn. Encourage hospitals, businesses, companies, schools, churches, synagogues, restaurants, stores, corporations, government offices, employees and co-workers to wear teal. Contact newspapers, radio, and television. Encourage Members of Congress to participate & adopt this as an annual campaign. “ Our goal is that every woman is educated and made aware of the signs, symptoms and risk factors of Ovarian Cancer.” Said, Khrissy Lupinacci.

LI OCEANS INC(631) 334-1979

Support Group Meetings: 3rd Wednesday of Every Month.

The diagnosis and treatment of Ovarian Cancer can present many realistic, social and emotional challenges for patients, survivors and their loved ones. Learning more about your disease and the support services available to you may help you manage these challenges.

LI OCEANS supports those affected by Ovarian and Gynecologic cancer at any stage of diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. Connecting with other survivors can provide a source of encouragement, information, inspiration and support.

Our " peer to peer "support group offers hope and help to women of all ages and stages. We are students and teachers to one another. We provide a safe atmosphere in which to express your concerns as well as learn from the experiences of others.It is our hope that to improve the quality of life and enhance the possibility of recovery.

Our support group members find that they have a great deal to offer each other in the way of mutual support and encouragement, discussion of common problems and ways of coping, and sharing of medical information.

Our Support group offers a safe and supportive haven for confronting one's fears.

LI OCEANS Inc is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing emotional support, education, and hope for people with Ovarian and Gynecologic cancers.

AME Offices (Assn of Municipal Employees) 30 Orville Drive, Bohemia, NY (across from Mac Arthur Airport)

Mission

LI OCEANS recognized the urgent need for awareness; advocacy and action-they aspired to be the voice for Ovarian Cancer and save the precious lives of our mothers, sisters, daughters, grandmothers, friends & neighbors!

Our goal is to create awareness among women the medical community and the greater population regarding early warning signs and symptoms that may be indicative of ovarian cancer, resulting in earlier detection.

Our purpose is to provide support, resources, networking, and education for those women diagnosed with ovarian and gynecologic cancers.

We support the advancement of research for early detection and cure of ovarian cancer.Our mission is to educate, advocates with the ultimate hope to eradicate this deadly disease!

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

Ovarian Cancer symptoms are often subtle and easily confused with symptoms for other disorders. Frequently, women don't recognize the symptoms, and too often doctors lack sufficient awareness to effectively diagnose the disease.
Consult a Doctor if any of these symptoms persist or increase in frequency for more than two weeks
Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
Back Pain, leg pain or both
Loss of appetite
Constipation or diarrhea
Unexplained changes in bowel habits
Unexplained weight gain or loss
Frequent or urgent urination
Gas, nausea, frequent indegestion
Vague but persistant Gastrointestinal Upsets
Ongoing excessive unexplained fatigue
Pelvic or abdominal pain & discomfort
Feeling full even after a small meal
Bloating, fullness
Pelvic or Abdominal Swelling

Did you know?

To date there is not an early detection test for Ovarian Cancer.
The risk of developing the disease increases with age, ocurring in women 50 years or older.
Ovarian cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women in the United States, and the second most common gynecologic cancer.
Ovarian cancer can develop at any age, all females are at risk.
More than half the cases are among women who are aged 65 years and older.
Industrialized countries have the highest incidence of ovarian cancer.
Having children or taking the birth control pill seems to decrease the risk.
Due to poor early detection, the death rate for ovarian cancer is higher than for that of any other cancer among women
Caucasian women, especially of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, are at somewhat higher risk
African-American and Asian women are at a slightly lower risk.
75% of cases that, when diagnosed, are already in a late stage.
22,430 Estimated new cases of Ovarian Cancer in the US for 2007
15,280 Women expected to be killed by ovarian cancer this year (2007) in the US. According to the NCI.

About Us

About Us: In 2004, several women personally affected by Ovarian Cancer met, exchanged ideas, shared stories, identified the need for change, merged ultimate values and priorities and then made a decision that would transform lives. They didn't know where they would find the time, the energy, nor the money to create an organization for women with Ovarian & Gynecologic Cancers, but they forged ahead nevertheless, with hope as their guiding light. They knew that without their understanding, passion and strength that other women with ovarian cancer would continue to suffer in isolation.

BRAVO & KUDOS to the OCRF- Ovarian Cancer Research Fund

Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, Inc. http://www.ocrf.org 14 Pennsylvania PlazaSuite 1400New York, NY 10122800-873-9569212-947-5652 (fax) info@ocrf.org The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization devoted to the formulation of early diagnostic treatment programs and research towards the ultimate conquest of ovarian cancer. As OCRF strives to find an early diagnostic tool and a cure, it also seeks to support patients and their loved ones in understanding this disease and its treatment as well as to provide outreach programs and raise public awareness.