lazarex new logo 03-09
               Building a Bridge to Hope

  

  Spring 2011 Newsletter 

Current Stories
Knights, Maidens, a Castle and Moonlight...Our Gala for Hope on a Midsummer Night, July 16th
Meet Our New Corporate Sponsor, FRS Healthy Energy®
Meet VIP Teryl Ribeiro - Her Story, in Her Words
2011 Team for Life Endurance Events - Get your bib now for Bank of America Chicago Marathon or Marine Corps Marathon
Linda Quintero Runs For Love and Support
New Venture With Generous Deals Gives Discounts to You and Donations to Lazarex!
Bracelets for Mother's Day?

Dear Friend,

Spring is a time for new beginnings, which, when you think about it, is the Lazarex reason for being. Since we opened our doors in 2007 we have helped nearly 100 cancer patients build a Bridge to Hope when in most cases there would have been no hope. Whether we've helped give patients one more Christmas, a chance to attend a relative's wedding, or even just one more walk on the beach, it has been our honor to be involved. Of course that involvement would not be possible without the support we receive from people like you. Please count this as one more thank you; I'm not sure it is said often enough.  

 

Spring is also a time for baseball, and through the generosity of a donor who wishes to remain anonymous, we will have a presence at Monte Vista High School baseball games this season and next. Lazarex will have a sign on the outfield fence encouraging high school baseball fans to visit our website and learn more about our journey. Hopefully, this will lead to some growth for us to go along with the pride we feel in being able to help support young people engaged in wholesome competition.

As winter ended I had the opportunity to address the USC Women's Conference as part of a philanthropy panel. The Trojan community is very supportive of Lazarex and it was my pleasure to meet with them and share some of our dreams and accomplishments.

As you read this newsletter, please take special note of the fundraising events scheduled this spring and summer. We try to have something for everyone from athlete to spectator to partier. These events are our lifeblood, and at some of them you can even meet some of our Very Important Patients (VIPs) and the Lazarex staff. We think of our supporters as members of the Lazarex family, and events like the July 16th gala are a lot like family reunions.

Patients like this month's VIP, Teryl Ribeiro, are benefiting from the support that comes from our events and other fundraising activities. Please help us by  who you think would be interested in Lazarex. Won't you join us in building a bridge to hope?


Sincerely,
Dana's sig




Dana Dornsife
President, Lazarex Cancer Foundation

Our 2011 Gala for Hope on a Midsummer Night  

 

Knights, Maidens, a Castle and Moonlight at the Castello diCastello di Amorosa Amorosa

 

Join us on July 16, 2011 for the social event of the season! If you've been to Calistoga, CA you know what a beautiful setting we will have. Now add in a 14th century-style castle and it has to be a party to remember. Enjoy gourmet dinner, dancing, live entertainment, and a live auction at this black tie optional affair to support a great cause. It wouldn't be a party without you!  

 

Castello di Amororosa: http://www.castellodiamorosa.com/  

 

 

When: Saturday, July 16, 2011 from 6:30 pm - 11:00 pm

Where: Castello di Amorosa at 4045 North Saint Helena Highway, Calistoga, CA 94515

What: An evening of fantastic food, wine, auction and live entertainment and dancing

  • Falconry, strolling musicians, castle tours
  • Cocktails and appetizers on the Turret
  • Seated gourmet dinner in the Barrel Room
  • Dessert bar in the Great Hall
  • Live auction followed by a live music review of legendary rock songs and groups from the San Francisco Bay area, 1965 - 1985 by City Rocks in the Courtyard  

Admission for the gala is $500 per person, $450 when purchased by June 15th. Tables (of 10) are $5,000 and $4,500 when purchased by June 15th. To purchase your seats or request an invitation, please contact the Lazarex office, toll free, at 877 866-9523 or send an email to [email protected].

Purchased seats are non refundable.   

 

Getting There: Party buses are available as part of the evening's experience to provide safe, round trip transportation from 5 Bay Area locations to Castello di Amorosa. We encourage you to take advantage of the buses as parking at the castle is limited. 

 

FRS Healthy Energy Products Fuel Lazarex's Team for Life Members and Supports Lazarex Patients 

 

FRS logoSince its introduction in 2004, FRS Healthy Energy� has become the choice of people who desire a healthy alternative to traditional energy drinks, and now they are joining the Lazarex team in a promotional relationship around our endurance events. FRS will provide FRS Healthy Energy samples for Lazarex's Team for Life  welcome packs. In the coming weeks we will have a discount code to share with you. Not only will you get a discount on FRS products, but 25% of purchases made by Lazarex supporters on that discount code will go right back to Lazarex to help our patients. We also have a reciprocal social media relationship with FRS on Twitter, YouT ube, and Facebook. To learn more please visit www.frs.com.   

 

FRS Healthy Energy�

FRS is a healthy sports energy drink fueled by Quercetin, which is a powerful antioxidant found in foods like blueberries, red apples and grapes. Quercetin works by naturally triggering the body's ability to produce more real energy. The more energy your body creates, the longer you're able to push. And the longer you can push, the farther you'll go.

 

The advantage FRS Healthy Energy� has over other energy drinks is simple. Instead of using lots of caffeine and sugar to give your body a lift, FRS activates your body's own energy-producing mechanisms, so you can stay at your best longer without fear of crashing. In other words, you get the energy you need to turn possibility into reality, whether you're shooting for a championship or just trying to make it through your workout.

 

Meet Very Important Patient (VIP) Teryl Ribeiro 

 

Teryl's Story:

VIP Teryl Ribeiro
Teryl Ribeiro 

In December of 2004, I began experiencing knee pain from what I thought was a sports injury. After months of tests and a biopsy, in May of 2005, I was finally diagnosed with bone cancer in the tibia of my right leg. I later learned that this was a very rare cancer known as mesenchymal chondrosarcoma.

 

I underwent nine rounds of chemotherapy at UCSF in San Francisco with Dr. Theirry Jahan. At least I had a pretty view from my hospital room! In January of 2006, I had surgery and Dr. Richard J. O'Donnell removed my right knee and part of my tibia, replacing them with titanium implants. I went through months of physical therapy in Modesto. I especially benefited from a water therapy program and quickly went from crutches, to a cane, and eventually walking on my own. I was enjoying being "cancer free."

 

In 2007, I learned that my sarcoma bone cancer had metastasized to my lungs. In June, I again found myself at UCSF in San Francisco for lung surgery with Dr. Michael J. Mann. This time, I was treated with chemotherapy closer to home in Modesto. I had six rounds of chemo in 2008 followed by a second lung surgery at UCSF.

 

The chemo didn't seem to be working and I began looking for alternative treatment on the Internet. I found out about a clinical trial in Southern California for a new chemo drug from Europe. My doctors in San Francisco agreed that I should give it a try. In April of 2009, I drove with my relatives for 5 � hours to Santa Monica to meet with Dr. Sant P. Chawla at the Sarcoma Oncology Center and begin a clinical trial with the drug Yondelis. I received treatment overnight and returned every 21 days for ongoing infusions. The Yondelis worked and reduced the size of my metastasized cancer by 25%!

I was experiencing financial hardship with all of the medical bills, travel expenses, and increased living expenses. I live on a fixed income and I had depleted my savings and required the help of family members to make the trips every 21 days to Santa Monica. In June of 2008, I found the help of Lazarex Cancer Foundation to reimburse my gas and hotel expenses. This was a tremendous help to relieve my financial burden. 

 

In September of 2009, I had surgery at UCSF on my left lung, where they removed 50% of the upper lobe. I had a brief recovery period then more surgery in December on the right lung. These were very invasive surgeries and the pulmonary recovery was very difficult. After months of recovery, Dr. Chawla agreed to let me start a new clinical trial of Yondelis, which I will continue through 2011. The Yondelis is keeping my cancer at bay. I tried to be considered for cyberknife treatment, but I am told I will probably have to have more traditional surgery in the future.

 

I can't begin to thank the Lazarex Cancer Foundation for all their help and support. Through all of this, I remained very positive and steadfast in my faith. I learned to knit and gave scarves to friend, patients, and medical caregivers. I volunteer for the American Cancer Society. My fianc�e, Ron, and I are looking forward to our future together. Read about some of our other VIPs 

   

Patients like this month's VIP, Teryl, are benefiting from support like this every day. Please help us by  who you think would be interested in Lazarex.

Team for Life Events - Join Us, Donate, Have Fun! 

 

Joining Team for Life gives you the chance to directly support Lazarex Cancer Foundation by participating in any endurance event where Lazarex has an official team OR by creating your own fundraising event. New Team for Life logo

 

Can't make it to one of our endurance events? Not an athlete? Participate in any event of your choice OR create you own. Whatever you like to do - run, cycle, walk, bake, dance or knit!

We'll help you organize your fundraising efforts with a personalized web page, training,  fundraising tips, and most of all, moral support! Plus there are great incentives to help you reach your goals.
 
Best of all, your fundraising efforts directly benefit the patients of Lazarex Cancer Foundation! To sign up:www.teamforlifelcf.org.

 

Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Marathon & 1/2    Rock n Roll Seattle logo

When: June 25, 2011

Where: Seattle, WA 

Contact Jenny Walls or go to: TFL Rock n Roll Seattle Marathon&1/2 

 

Disneyland half marathon weekend


Bibs are available for the Disneyland Half Marathon    

When: September 4, 2011

Where: Anaheim, CA

We have bibs for this sold out race!

To register Contact Jenny Walls or go to: TFL Disneyland Half Marathon  

  

 

Rock n Roll San Jose logo

Rock 'n' Roll San Jose Half Marathon    

 When: October 2, 2011

Where: San Jose, CA 

Contact Jenny Walls or go to: TFL Rock n Roll San Jose 1/2 Marathon  

 

Bank of America Chicago Marathon 

10 Bibs Available for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon   

Already registered? Earn back your registration fee when you join Team for Life.  

When: October 9, 2011                     

Where: Chicago, IL  

We have a 10 bibs for this sold out race!
To register contact Jenny Walls or go to: TFL Bank of America Chicago Marathon 

 

Marine Corps Marathon 

Bibs are available for the Marine Corps Marathon and 10k 

Already registered? Earn back your registration fee when you join Team for Life.

When: October 30, 2011                     

Where: Arlington, VA 

We have bibs available for this sold out race!

To register contact Jenny Walls or go to: TFL Marine Corps Marathon

 

Why I Am Involved With Lazarex

By Linda Quintero, volunteer & 5 year cancer survivor

Being diagnosed with cancer is a life changing experience in so many ways. It made spending time with my then 19 year old son a priority so I took him to Linda QuinteroDisneyland on his birthday. Little did I know it was the day of the Disneyland Half Marathon!  When I saw those medals around the necks of so many people, I thought to myself "How can I get one of those awesome medals?" I asked and was told I would have to participate in the Disneyland Half Marathon. I had never run before and didn't even quite know the distance of a half marathon but I was determined to do this.  

 

That is when I found out about Lazarex Cancer Foundation and their "Team for Life", and that I could be a part of it. I hadn't heard of Lazarex Cancer Foundation before. Having had a lot of experience in fundraising and donating to many causes & charities, I wanted to know who they were and what they were all about before I joined this team.

 

I did my research and was amazed at what I found out. Seeing what they were all about, seeing how much money went directly to the patients and how much went to operations, I knew I wanted to be a part of this. I felt really good about Lazarex Cancer Foundation and knew that my family and friends, who I would ask to help me, would feel good too!

 

Another factor that played into this was that I had lost my 55 year old aunt to cancer just days before I joined this team. I had the privilege of being with her in her last days and hours of her life. I vividly recall when she was sent home after being told she had no other options and seeing first hand a person who was not ready to die go through her final stage with no hope. I remember her saying "if I could just have 3 more years, just a little more time" because the son she left behind was 15 years old. She was one of those who were told she had no other options.

 

I thought I would just run this event, cross the finish line and it would be over.I have since run 2 additional half marathons, I'm training for my first full marathon and I am now excited to be a volunteer with Lazarex!  

 

If I can help someone have just another day, give them some hope, I want to do it and that is what motivates me to be a part of Lazarex Cancer Foundation.

 

Generous Deals For You and For Lazarex!! 

 Generous Deals Logo

Lazarex Cancer Foundation is pleased and excited to announce a brand new venture. We are now featured on GenerousDeals.com, a daily deal promotions website offering huge savings on local goods and services in the Chicago land area.  

Generous Deals gives back 50% of its gross profits to local and national charities. Every time you purchase a promotion on GenerousDeals.com, you benefit from great savings while helping Lazarex Cancer Foundation receive much needed donations.

 

To participate, please click on this link Generous Deals to subscribe, register your email address, and set up your profile. Purchase any promotion and upon checkout, you will be asked to choose a charity to receive donations from your transaction, please select Lazarex Cancer Foundation and we all win!

Bracelets for Mother's Day?      

 

Are the little ones in your house having trouble thinking of what to gBraceletset for Mom on her big day?

Nothing says love and fashion like a handmade bracelet created with love by the parents of Lazarex VIP Scott Zenaro. Last year the Zenaro family achieved its goal of $20,000 in bracelet sales. Won't you help the Zenaro's get off to a running start in 2011 by donating $20 or more to Lazarex at  www.lazarex.org and putting the word bracelet in the "In Honor Of" field? We will send your bracelet in plenty of time for a truly meaningful Mother's Day gift.

Read About the Zenaros "Giving Back"  

Other Ways You Can Support Lazarex

Car Donation Services Heart 

 Donate your car, truck, RV or boat! Please help Lazarex Cancer Foundation build a bridge to hope, dignity and life for cancer patients and their families by donating that unneeded vehicle. We are partnering with Car Donation Services to handle our vehicle donations. They will take very good care of you and they take very good care of us! They use a variety of methods to sell vehicles so vehicles, on average, sell for more, which means more money for us and a larger tax deduction for you.

To donate, please call 1-888-686-4483 and tell them you want to donate your vehicle to Lazarex Cancer Foundation, or complete our  donation form . Thank you for your generosity!

About Lazarex Cancer Foundation 
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 build a bridge to hope. To learn more, please contact us at 925.820.4517, toll-free at 877.866.9523, or visit us at www.lazarex.org.
 
Please help us spread the word by  (or many!) who you think would be interested in Lazarex Cancer Foundation or one of our many events. Thanks!