Building a Bridge to Hope
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Dear Friend,
Lazarex does more than help cancer patients from all walks of life to participate in FDA-approved clinical trials. We also have begun honoring some of our patients by showing support for the things that gave their lives meaning.
This summer we funded a "campership" to a Catalina, CA Boy Scout camp in the memory of Eagle Scout Ian White, one of our Very Important Patients. Scoutmaster Rick Martin said the award is a tribute to Ian's love of the outdoors and his desire for every Boy Scout to be able to enjoy the camp experience as much as he did. The winner, Brendan Danlasky, 14, of Hermosa Beach, CA, spends about five hours each week on scouting activities and plans to become an Eagle Scout by the time he finishes high school. We were thrilled to help, and congratulations to Brendan.
Another highlight occurred at the dinner held as part of the Disneyland Half Marathon this month. One of the speakers was VIP Jessica Marriott, who brought down the house when she reported that her cancer is now in remission. It was a thrilling moment.
Finding patients interested in what we offer continues to be a growth industry. In the past year our patient roster has doubled, which means an even greater need for support. Please review our many fundraising opportunities to see what appeals to you. As always, you have our gratitude and the gratitude of patients like this month's VIP, Barry Gordon.
Please help us spread hope for patients like Barry by sending this email to friends who you think would be interested in Lazarex Cancer Foundation.
If you're interested in supporting Lazarex with a financial donation or if you have a fundraising idea beyond those featured on this newsletter or on our website, send Susan an email.
Won't you join us in building a bridge to hope?
Sincerely,
Dana Dornsife
President, Lazarex Cancer Foundation |
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Lazarex Events - Join us, Donate, Have Fun!
San Jose Half Marathon 
Where: San Jose, CA
When: October 3, 2010
What: There is still time to support our "Team for Life" participants in the crisp autumn air in the South Bay. Join the Lazarex staff, on the course, walking or running, to raise funds for our patients or come cheer us on, donate or volunteer. If you want to run or support a team please visit TFL Rock n Roll San Jose 1/2 marathon
Las Vegas Rock & Roll Half Marathon 
When: December 5, 2010
Where: Las Vegas, NV
What: Enjoy winter in the desert and help raise money for a great cause. There are still openings for race registrants. Donations are accepted anytime. Please visit TFL Rock n Roll Las Vegas marathon & 1/2 for more information.
 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
When: January 7-9, 2011
Where: Buena Vista, FL
What: A weekend of 5K, half marathon, full marathon and the Goofy challenge throughout Epcot and the Magic Kingdom. Registration Closes October 31st! To register, donate or for more information go to TFL Walt Disney World Weekend . Space is limited. Sign up now!
Disney Princess Half Marathon
When: February 27, 2011
Where: Buena Vista, FL
What: A weekend designed for women of all ages. The half marathon winds through Epcot and the Magic Kingdom. Registration Closes October 31st! To register, donate or for more information go to TFL Disney Princess Half Marathon. This race sells out fast so don't delay! |
 Oct. 16 Hope in Motion Motorcycle & Hot Rod Rally, Concord, CA
The Devil Dolls Motorcycle Club is hosting a BBQ, live musical entertainment plus a car and motorcycle show from noon to 7p.m., all for a $25 admission. All proceeds benefit Lazarex Cancer Foundation. Sponsors include Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer, Connie Lekas-Lecatsas, Green Wheelin' Scooters, Mark 1 Aviation, Arlen Ness Motorcycles, The Minks, The RaveUps, The Sun Kings, and Puro Bandido. We have an ad in the September issue of Alive Magazine plus coverage in other publications. You can download our online flyer here. Tickets are available through EasyTix On Line or by phone at 480-840-0457; through the Devil Dolls Motorcycle Club undefined, or at the door the day of the event. Our entire staff will be there, and we hope to see you.
Oct. 23rd Youth Baseball Clinic presented by the MLBPAA, Wilmington NC
You are invited to participate in the FREE Legends for Youth Kids Clinic presented by Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association and hosted by Lazarex Cancer Foundation.
 What: FREE Baseball Clinic, open to boys and girls ages 6 to 15 years
When: Saturday, October 23, 2010 9-12 pm
Where: UNCW baseball field, Wilmington, NC
Who: Former Major League Baseball players will teach you the fundamentals of the Game
How: Registration is limited to 250 participants and opens October 9th. Pre-registration is available now for youths who are willing to fundraise a minimum of $100. To learn about the incentives for participants who fundraise for Lazarex Cancer Foundation contact Erin VanGorder, President of the NC chapter of Lazarex Cancer Foundation, at (910) 271-1967 (cell) or erinvangorder@aol.com.
Oct. 30th Halloween Bash & Fundraiser, San Ramon, CA
 Dust your costumes off or start planning your new one...
Crow Canyon Country Club with live music, food, auctions & raffles. Costumes required!Space is limited. No admission fee and donations are gratefully accepted. If you are interested in attending please contact Susan Sappington at 510 757-5034 by October 24th |
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Meet Very Important Patient (VIP) Barry Gordon
 Barry Gordon, 63, of Colorado, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in February 2009. It is a very unusual disease for an adult to contract. Barry
is a vegetarian, marathon runner, hang glider pilot, ultra-light instructor, horsemen and expert skier. As a real estate broker he developed many friendships as he found 'perfect' homes for many families. He served in Vietnam during the draft, he was 19. He guarded perimeters bathed in Agent Orange and has worked with VA affairs on the most recent sarcoma findings.
After diagnosis he was treated with chemotherapy and surgery. Barry was released from care after a cancer free bone scan. Three months later he was told he had months to live as the cancer had spread to his lungs.
This was "unacceptable" to Barry's two daughters who diligently searched for alternatives. In January 2010 Barry entered a clinical trial in southern CA and had a period of success without new tumor growth. While meeting with doctors and early into the clinical trial he and his wife were "basically living out of their truck" traveling between LA and San Francisco. Lazarex has helped Barry with lodging and travel expenses since February 2010.
However, one stubborn nodule in Barry's lung proved problematic and alternatives were explored. During that period and while awaiting a possible lung transplant, he began feeling worse and was rushed to the emergency room. Scans were ordered, and it appeared that the osteosarcoma had traveled to Barry's brain. Immediately, Barry left for Boulder where the gamma knife/stero-tactic center is and began brain radiation. Those procedures have been successful, and Barry will return to clinical trials in Southern California this fall.
Still, Barry's daughter Angie reports that, "Dad feels strong. "He saw his granddaughter Ella-Ruby turn two, and his grandson learn to ride a tricycle. Ella Ruby was barely 7 months when he was diagnosed. Now she talks about him constantly and recognizes his truck on sight." Angie added that, "None of this would be possible without the care and support you offer and have given. Thank you so much."
"I feel like I'm beating the system," Gordon said, pointing out that in November he was given just eight months to live. Barry's strength and persistence are inspiring to everyone at the Lazarex offices. Stories like this are why we do what we do. As Angie said, "When you are looking down the horizon it's nice to be counting in years again."
Read about some of our other VIPs |
Don Peed Throws Halloween Bash for Lazarex
 Don Peed is a Renaissance Man. He works as president and CEO of an innovative company called Techworkers in San Ramon that helps match companies looking for temporary help with the appropriate resources. Don is also the founder of Artisan, a cover band that plays functions in and around the San Francisco Bay Area. He sings and plays the guitar with the band. We feel fortunate to call him our friend.
On October 30, Don is throwing a Halloween Party and has invited Lazarex to raise funds there. The event will take place at the Crow Canyon Country Club in San Ramon with auctions and raffles to benefit Lazarex. Music will be provided by Artisan (natch) and Jamfunkshus. If you are interested in attending please contact Susan Sappington at 510 757-5034 by October 24th
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| Liberty Mutual's Kyle Cliff Offers Creative Support
Kyle Cliff is an Insurance Agent for Liberty Mutual and a valued member of our fundraising support team. Kyle raffled off a Callaway Driver at the Bridge to Hope Golf Tournament in May and helped us  raise $35,000. He also spearheaded a cash-for-quotes program where he gave Lazarex $5 for each quote generated from guests at the pre-tournament cocktail party. "It truly was an inspiring to see so many people from so many backgrounds come together for such a great cause, Kyle told us. "I had the pleasure of meeting many people, not just from the immediate area, but who traveled from out of state that have been affected by cancer in some way in their life and wanted to do something to help others fight cancer. Additionally, I love volunteering and helping Lazarex because I know every dollar that is donated and raised goes directly to helping cancer patients."
Kyle and Liberty Mutual also offer a product called Liberty's Living Benefit. This great feature allows their policyholder's to access up to 90% of face value of the policy if found chronically or terminally ill. The funds can be used to pay for medical stays, doctor bills or whatever the insured chooses to use the funds for. "It's great to have the comfort of knowing that my clients are covered and have the ability to use their life insurance to fight disease and cancer when they are not ready to give up." Kyle added.
If you would like more information regarding this valuable coverage, contact Kyle at; (925) 838-6310 x 58201
Email: Kyle.Cliff@LibertyMutual.com. Website: www.LibertyMutual.com/KyleCliff |
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Team for Life Fundraising Efforts Successful
We are very proud of two events that took place this summer, a half marathon in Disneyland at Anaheim, CA and a Waterfowl calling fundraiser in North Carolina.
Our Disneyland half marathon on September 5th had raised $68,000 at press time with more donations still coming in, and the waterfowl calling event spearheaded by Erin Van Gorder and Liam Miller in North Carolina on August 20th has brought in at least $1,000 so far. A big thanks to everyone involved! View a video of the event.
For more information you can access www.teamforlifelcf.org or select Team for Life from the Lazarex website at www.lazarex.org. |
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About Lazarex Cancer Foundation
Our Mission: We provide resources for cancer patients who have been told they have no other options, but who are not yet done with their journey in life and refuse to give up now.
Lazarex Cancer Foundation builds a bridge to hope, dignity and life for cancer patients and their families. We provide financial assistance to defray the costs associated with patient participation in FDA clinical trials. Additionally, we help patients navigate their clinical trial options and provide community education and outreach services. We believe that together we can change the face of cancer. To learn more, please contact us at 925.820.4517, toll-free at 877.866.9523, or visit us at www.lazarex.org.
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