American Cancer Foundation

A cancer patients story may include details that the public will never know. It often includes their emotional struggles, and the stress of making ends meet while caring for medical expenses to undergo surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or even alter-native/holistic or experimental treatments.
It includes endless blogs from every angle related to cancer-the research studies, the new breakthroughs from scientists―the stories from oncologists who have reported success rates with many of their cancer patients―and the grim statistics that are posted of those who have lost their fight in the entertainment world. There are the stories of everyday people who have had to fight with their insurance companies to get medical treatment that, unfortunately, was beyond their financial reach.
There are so many stories and so many people affected by cancer. Perhaps, the average person may not be aware of how great an impact there cancer donation may help someone they don't know, but it benefits them tremendously. With everyone doing their part, a cancer patient can focus on their recovery, taking away the financial burden that their family or friends may experience trying to raise money for their loved one on their own.
One such nonprofit organization that forms a protective wall for cancer patients and their families is the Lazarex Cancer Foundation. A cancer donation can provide resources for those who refuse to give up. Financial assistance can offset the costs accrued with participation in approved clinical trials. Moreover, a cancer charity provides outreach services and community education.
The president, Dana Dornsife, founded the Lazarex Cancer Foundation in 2006. For Dana the foundation formed to help cancer patients is a very personal one when her brother-in-law was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2003. As a father of three, he wanted to spend his remaining days with his family to form an even closer bond with them, especially with his four-year old daughter. That would not have happened without the clinical trial treatment program that Dana and her family found to give him more time to do just that before his passing.
Ever since then, Dana Dornsife has been driven to improve treatment options for cancer patients who otherwise would have no hope. Patients can take advantage of the most advanced medical breakthroughs—because time is so precious. The foundation believes that the price of treatment and insurance acceptance shouldn't be a barrier for a patient to get the medical care they desperately need. All ages and walks of life, with all forms of cancer. The foundation provides helpful resources such as postings of clinical trials so that cancer patients have every option available to win the fight against cancer.
The Lazarex Cancer Foundation needs your help. this may be the most important new year's resolution you'll ever make. Setting a personal goal to run in a half marathon event(s) in 2013 with Team For Life can help this nonprofit organization raise adequate cancer charity funds to help cancer patients access various cancer treatments.

Music To Heal

Music to Heal Cancer Fundraiser & Concert to benefit Lazarex Cancer Foundation Friday, November 9, 2012  8pm
Location: Kimball’s Carnival, 522 2nd Street, Oakland, CA  (Jack London Square)
 510.444.6401: www.kimballscarnival.com
Featuring Prince “BlkMagic” Damons with special guest. Prince Damons is one of the hottest new producers in R&B, Soul, and Hip Hop. His hot tracks are being heard all over the world. He is the musical force reconstructing the soul of today’s music and has produced hits for some of today’s hottest artists. He  is currently working on his highly anticipated solo project, Atmospheric Soul and has teamed up with old friends and multiplatinum selling artists such as Lenny Williams (Tower of Power), Dwele, E40, Too Short, Goapele, “American Idol” finalist LaToya London and the legendary Archie Bell, amongst many others.
www.princedamons.com

American Cancer Charity Lazarex

There are thousands of nonprofit cancer charities in America that offer support to patients going through cancer treatments, but the one worthy of support American cancer charity is Lazarex Cancer Foundation. Lazarex supports patients and works with patients who have used their insurance benefits but still want to live. The mission on Lazarex.org says, “Lazarex Cancer Foundation believes the quality of your healthcare shouldn’t be determined by the size of your wallet.” Our cancer charity organization has an excellent team and is making use of every fund raising opportunity available. You've heard the saying, "God helps those who help themselves." If this is the case, Lazarex deserves God's help as well as yours. 

American cancer charity Lazarex uses funds raised through their Team For Life to fund treatments involving clinical trials. Funding clinical trials furthers cancer research. This means when someone you love is stricken with cancer answers for cures will be within closer reach. American cancer charity Lazarex.org accepts donations and has multiple fundraising opportunities going at one time but their main fund raising is done through half marathons events. Runners and those in training to be runners sign up to raise funds for Lazarex Cancer Foundation.

Fees will be paid for any race, Including SOLD OUT, Tinker Bell, Big Sur, Walnut creek, California marathon, Bibs for Marine, Disney, Bank of America, San Jose, Tar Heel, Seattle Rock n Roll etc. once you commit to raise a minimum amount of money for Team For Life. After marathon registration is complete, you can ask for donations from friends online, co-workers, fellow members of your place of worship and many, many others. The minimum donation is reasonable.

Now that you are ready to help Team For Life raise funds for cancer research, please check out the list of upcoming marathons and half marathons events:

• Big Sur International Marathon
• Tinker Bell Half Marathon
• Walnut Creek International Half Marathon & 5K Race

You know you have always wanted to run in a marathon for a cancer charity. Now you can run or walk to help cancer patients live! If any of these events interest you, sign up at www.teamforlifelcf.org or www.lazarex.org

Lazarex Cancer Foundation Stats

Cancer Donation

You may be directly or indirectly affected by cancer. You might really want to do your part, but you are not the richest person on Earth. So what can you do to help cancer research?
There are many ways you could help cancer foundations like Lazarex Cancer Foundation gain enough resources to continue their work to help cancer patients from all corners. If you do not have the resources to directly make a donation to the organization, or feel like you would want to do more, you should consider organizing a donation event in honor of the organization and the cause.
You could organize donation drives that aim at collecting cancer research donations from a large group of people. When doing so, remember that every small contribution counts. You are the person collecting these small donations and presenting them to the organization, who can do wonders with the large amount collected. These cancer research donations could help foundations like Lazarex continue changing lives and helping more survive their cancer and live a fruitful life.
You can also create more opportunities for others to do their part by making cancer research donations. You could organize fundraising events like a carwash or yard sale and highlight the fact that the proceeds would go as donations towards cancer research.
When you are putting together a fundraising event, do remember to ensure that the timing and location is appropriate for your community. You should maximize the opportunity and try gathering as much funds that could work as cancer research donations.
You should also be sure to have a reliable team by your side as you plan and implement the fundraising event. This way, you would appear successful and reliable and people would be more confident in making their cancer research donation through your efforts.
The athletes out there might consider taking part in our Team for Life Athletic Events to do their part to help cancer research. Team for life is also a great platform to use if you would want to organize your own athletic fundraising event.
When trying to gather donations to do your part to help cancer research, be sure to remember that no cancer research donation is too small. Every little drop would help in saving lives and changing it for the better. Organizations like Lazarex are doing their best to understand and eradicate cancer. With your help, they will get the resources they need to succeed in their endeavors.
Find out more about Lazarex Cancer Foundation at www.lazarex.org or Team for Life at www.teamforlifelcf.org

From Cars To Causes - Lazarex Cancer Foundation

Fourteen years ago, Steve Haworth got roped into being a charity auctioneer for his daughter's school fundraiser. He told them, "you've got the wrong guy." They weren't wrong, though, Steve was.

'Unbroken' POW describes dramatic life story on USS Hornet - Lazarex Cancer Foundation

 

Mighty forces arrive in large and small packages, a truth never more profoundly evident than at the Lazarex Cancer Foundation's "Battle for a Lifetime" gala.
Making his way on Saturday across the vast expanse of the USS Hornet's hangar bay, Louis Zamperini, the 95-year-old World War II prisoner of war survivor whose life became the subject of author Laura Hillenbrand's New York Times bestseller, "Unbroken," appeared tiny.

But his dramatic story, told by "60 Minutes" correspondent Bob Simon in a 30-minute video played before his introduction as the headline speaker, formed a towering example of fortitude and forgiveness.

After 47 days in a scarcely supplied raft on the South Pacific, two years of unimaginable torture at the hands of prison guards in Japanese prisoner of war camps and a recovery that included wrestling his inner demons with alcohol as his primary tool, Zamperini emerged: small in stature, but majestic in manner.

The evening reminded the estimated 430 guests that victory in war can be attributed to imposing military machines like the Hornet but more often life's hardest battles are won by courageous, individual men and women.

Cancer, the pernicious opponent of the foundation's patients, also presents itself in microscopic proportions. Left unchecked, its capacity to obliterate human life increases. The foundation positions itself as the victor in the war on cancer. President Dana Dornsife founded Lazarex in 2006 to assist cancer patients who have been told no viable treatment options remain. By providing resources to cover travel, lodging, unreimbursed X-rays and lab work, the nonprofit organization helps patients to participate in FDA clinical trials. A Diversity Impact Program reaches underserved communities and populations traditionally reluctant to participate in clinical trials.

"It started with Dana, me, Susan (Sappington, director of development) and two oncologists," said Halle Hart, Rockridge resident and board member. "We're all passionate about the cause, but without Dana, there'd be no Lazarex."

Hart added: "We're not just giving hope, we're giving real time."
Still, winning the battle is more than treatment, and Dornsife brought Zamperini from his home in Hollywood to highlight the need for continued warfare.

"Turn your head, look at the person on your left, then look at the person on your right," she said after Zamperini's brief question-and-answer session with the audience. "Cancer will take one of you. Cancer doesn't give a patient a choice, but Lazarex does."

Zamperini began his talk in the usual fashion, inviting military veterans to stand for applause. Skipping the terrain covered by the video, he dove into recollections of repatriation and repairing his postwar, tormented soul.

Refreshingly, the stories were full of humor and Zamporini's incorrigible love of food. Once, stopped for an interview by a Time magazine reporter with the power to get him quickly out of Yokohama, Zamperini could only think of one thing.

"Not escape," he said, laughing at the memory. "All I could think of was how much I wanted those doughnuts."

Eventually reunited with his family at home, he learned he was entitled to travel pay for the time he was lost at sea. He sent the military a bill for 47 days at the $7.60 per day rate.

"My request was denied," he recalled. "The reply said, 'Travel unauthorized.'"

Aside from the night's highlights - Zamperini's heroic life story, a full harvest moon, music, fine food and airplanes, there were the lyrics of a song and a final missive from Zamperini.

"It takes courage to fight another man's war," Dornsife said, quoting a World War II standard.
"Have a cheerful countenance at all times," Zamperini said. "When you do, your white blood cells go up. If you're angry, they go down. So be cheerful."

Find out more about Lazarex Cancer Foundation at www.lazarex.org or Team for Life at www.teamforlifelcf.org

WORLD WAR II POW, 1936 U.S. OLYMPIAN HEADLINES LAZAREX CANCER FOUNDATION EVENT SEPTEMBER 29 ON U.S.S. HORNET

Louis Zamperini Shook Hands with Hitler,
Was Tortured at Japanese POW Camp;
Will Share His Message of Forgiveness and Hope

DANVILLE, CA—Aug. 13, 2012—Louis Zamperini, a 95-year-old best selling author and motivational speaker, will share his extraordinary life story and his message of forgiveness and hope when the Lazarex Cancer Foundation of Danville holds its annual fundraiser gala on the U.S.S. Hornet on Sept. 29 at 707 Hornet Dr., Pier 3 in Alameda.

Zamperini is one of the last surviving members of the 1936 U.S. Olympic team for the Berlin games. He finished eighth in the 5,000 meter run, but his last quarter-mile split of 56 seconds caught the attention of Adolph Hitler, who insisted upon meeting Zamperini. The pair shook hands, and before the end of the games Zamperini seized the opportunity to steal a Nazi flag off of the Chancellery wall under the noses of Nazi guards.

A few years later Zamperini was serving as a fighter pilot in the Army Air Corps when his plane crashed into the Pacific. He became a Japanese POW and was tortured for three years. The United States listed him as missing in action, and a year later as dead, before his liberation at the end of the war. In 1950 he met his captors and hugged each of them while explaining his life philosophy.

"Louis Zamperini’s message of hope and personal perseverance under the most trying circumstances is a perfect match for our mission of providing hope and time to late stage cancer patients and their families," said Lazarex founder and President Dana Dornsife. Since its founding in 2007, Lazarex has helped more than 100 patients find FDA-approved clinical trials and then paid for travel and lodging for those trials which can be anywhere in North America. These treatments have helped add months or even years to people for whom conventional medicine has no treatment. Some patients are now in remission.

"We’ve helped people enjoy one more Christmas, one more Little League season, or even make it to their daughter’s wedding," Dornsife said. "We believe that the size of one’s checkbook should have no bearing on the length or quality of their life."

The gala will be much more than a sumptuous meal and a unique and memorable speaker. Guests will be entertained during the cocktail hour by a group called The Swingin’ Blue Stars, four Blue Star Moms singing Andrews Sisters-style tunes. After dinner JamFunkShus will regale guests with danceable numbers from the 60s to the 90s.

Casino games will be available throughout the evening along with both a live and silent auction. Prizes include travel packages, deluxe wine country junkets, catered dinners, and fine jewelry. Guests will also have the opportunity to take a ride around the San Francisco Bay in an authentic Vietnam War-era Huey Helicopter.
Well known in CA, Italian crooner tribute duo Wallin and Baretta, ardent Lazarex supporters, will be attending the gala. Stay tuned for other celebrity guest announcements.

Tickets to the Lazarex Battle for a Lifetime are $350 per person and can be purchased at https://lazarex.ejoinme.org/USSHornetGala. Dress is cocktail attire.
"Every dollar we raise helps provide hope for people who have been told they have none," Dornsife said. "We believe our guests will have a great time, hear some inspirational messages, and leave the event knowing they have helped extend the quality of life for some folks in very difficult situations."

Have questions or need support?
Lazarex Cancer Foundation
PO Box 741 | Danville, CA | 94526
toll free 877-866-9523 | office 925-820-4517 | fax 925-552-7305
Copyright © 2007 - 2012 Lazarex | Team For Life | Blog | Life Through Music

Linda’s Story - Lazarex Cancer Patient

Why I am involved with Lazarex
by Linda Quintero

Read what motivates Linda: Linda’s Story

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 to me so I took him to Disneyland on his birthday. Little did I know it was the day of the Disney 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 Disney 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 the 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 and 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 my family and friends I would ask to help me would feel good too!

Another factor that played into this was that I had just 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 remember when she was sent home being told she had no other options. I got to see 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. 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 many other half marathons and I am training for my first full marathon!
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.

Linda Quintero
Team for Life Member, Volunteer & 6 year cancer survivor
Linda Quintero lives in Oxnard, CA with her husband Cornell and sons, Steven & Eric.
Linda has completed 3 half marathons as a Team for Life member; most recently as Team Leader for The Honey Badgers in the 2012 Tinker Bell ½ Marathon. She is looking forward to the Disneyland ½ Marathon in September. Linda is a Realtor with Cobalt Realty Group in Camarillo, CA.

About Lazarex: www.lazarex.org
Lazarex gives hope and life to end stage cancer patients with all forms of cancer by bridging a gap in cancer care. We help navigate clinical trial options and provide financial assistance so patients can take advantage of medical breakthroughs in clinical trials today because they may not have a tomorrow. Our mission is to provide resources for cancer patients who’ve been told they have no other options, but who are not yet done with their journey in life and refuse to give up now.

Have questions or need support?
Lazarex Cancer Foundation
PO Box 741 | Danville, CA | 94526
toll free 877-866-9523 | office 925-820-4517 | fax 925-552-7305
Lazarex | Team For Life | Blog | Life Through Music

Champions Event for Lazarex Cancer Foundation

Football legends Dave Casper and Jerry Rice come to Berkeley's Claremont Hotel to help cancer research

The Champions Party Fundraiser for Lazarex Cancer Foundation raised: $21,000 to help late-stage cancer patients find FDA-approved clinical trials and then supporting those patients' travel, lodging and other expenses incurred as they receive treatment. NFL legends Jerry Rice and Dave Casper attended.

Have questions or need support?
Lazarex Cancer Foundation
PO Box 741 | Danville, CA | 94526
toll free 877-866-9523 | office 925-820-4517 | fax 925-552-7305
Lazarex | Team For Life | Blog | Life Through Music

Introducing Carol Meyer

Carol Meyer recently joined Lazarex as our Volunteer Coordinator. She quickly became a friend, a valuable asset and deeply appreciated member in our organization.

Carol Meyer joined the Lazarex Cancer Foundation team in Summer 2011 as a volunteer. Looking to serve in an organization committed to supporting others, Carol is grateful to have found Lazarex.  Like so many, cancer has profoundly affected the lives of several members of Carol's family. She is thankful to have the opportunity to assist those who find themselves in a similar situation. Presently, Carol coordinates volunteers for the various events and fundraisers within which Lazarex participates. Carol also fills various support roles for the other Lazarex team members.

Carol holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of California, Berkeley and California State University, East Bay respectively, and she has over 10 years' experience in the financial services industry. Her favorite role, however, is as Mom; she is the parent of a daughter, Kristiana and a son, Jackson. 

Lazarex | Team For Life | Blog | Life Through Music

Message from founder - Lazarex Cancer Foundation

Dear Friend,

As you might imagine Lazarex takes great pride in the work it does and the Very Important Patients we are able to help. While that satisfaction is always its own reward, it is exciting to receive some external recognition.
April 28 was proclaimed Lazarex Cancer Foundation and CAA Day by the City of Las Vegas and separately by Clark County in honor of our sold out Las Vegas Soul Festival and the battle we fight every day on behalf of late stage cancer patients. Promoter Jimmy Smith of CAA International had the vision and drive that created the Las Vegas Soul Festival.
In May, several pictures from the impressive Champions Party and Poker Night with Jerry Rice, Dave Casper, Steve Elkington and Phil Hellmuth, benefiting Lazarex, made the Faces page of Diablo Magazine. You can check that out at Faces, Diablo Magazine.
We celebrated our new offices at 50 Oak Court in Danville on May 31 with an Open House and Ribbon Cutting with the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce. It was a chance to reacquaint ourselves with old friends, make new friends and share our story once again. We particularly want to thank Do Good Vines for donating the wine for the event. Lazarex gets a percentage of their sales, so please give them a look!
Lazarex will be a sponsor at the Danville Chamber's 2012 Aloha Classic on July 23 at the Diablo Country Club. Look for us in the program and at our assigned tee where you'll find some of the Lazarex staff. You can sign up to play by visiting  www.danvillechambercart.com.
I'll close with the celebration of two birthday milestones this spring. Brittany Hess turned 30, an occasion her family never expected to experience when she received her diagnosis 12 years ago; and Michael Robbert turned 37, his first birthday after being declared cancer free earlier this year. Congratulations, Brittany and Michael!
Please take a moment to reflect on all the goodness you help make possible through Lazarex. After all, it's about life

Sincerely,
Dana Dornsife
President, Lazarex Cancer Foundation

Lazarex | Team For Life | Blog | Life Through Music

Victoria's Story - Lazarex Cancer Patient Story

Victoria and her husband Andy live in New York with their two children. In September 2011 she received a bone marrow transplant as treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). 2012
We are so thankful for the help you have given us. The trip into the city to visit my doctors is not an easy ride. I am not able to do it alone; in fact it takes me the whole next day to recover from the trip. If it were not for your help Andy, my husband, would have had to take a leave of absence to take me to all my appointments.
Your help has been a blessing on so many levels by giving me the independence to get to my necessary appointments, the financial peace, your warm reception and support when we call your office. We feel we are part of the Lazarex community and that is why Andy was so enthusiastic and motivated to represent Lazarex in the ING NYC Marathon. We believe that when you do something with the right intention you are supported. We are thrilled and so appreciative of the support our friends and family have given us throughout this journey and, now, for the marathon.
According to my doctors it will take up to a year (possibly longer) to rebuild my immune system following this transplant. It will be a year on September 22, 2012. There are no words to describe our appreciation for Lazarex's support through this journey...it is the key in recovery for my whole body.
2011
A week after a routine visit to my internist to monitor my thyroid levels I got a call from the office referring me to a hematologist. The nurse merely said the doctor wanted me to see a hematologist and gave me the name of two doctors in my area. I got an appointment on April 20th, which was about a month away. I did not feel an urgency to go sooner since I had no major symptoms except for some fatigue and felt that was easily explained by my long hours of work as a chiropractor and teacher as well as having 2 children, a husband and home.
When I saw the hematologist in April she tested a sample of my blood and then reported that the results indicated leukemia. My jaw dropped, I could not believe it! She said a bone marrow test would verify the diagnosis. I had it done in her office that day. She called me a few days later to say that there was definitely a malignant condition in my bone marrow. I had some form of leukemia so she referred me to a specialist in blood diseases at a local university hospital.
The following week I saw the specialist who determined that I had MDS (a form of pre-leukemia) that could transform anytime into AML (acute myeloid leukemia). Either way it was imperative I receive a bone marrow transplant and undergo chemotherapy. In the meantime I saw 6 different oncologists in a quest to prove them wrong. I could not believe that I had this diagnosis. Unfortunately they all said the same thing.
In a last attempt to find some other reason for these abnormal blood results I saw my dentist about a mouth sore that a month later had not healed. My dentist x-rayed and referred me to an oral surgeon who did a biopsy. The leukemic cells in my bone marrow had migrated to my mouth. This was viewed as a metastasis and is treated as if the MDS transformed into AML.
The following Monday, June 3rd, I was admitted to Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to begin induction therapy and intensive chemotherapy. After another round of chemotherapy I had my stem cell transplant on September 22, 2011.

Lazarex | Team For Life | Blog | Life Through Music

2012 Lazarex Gala - "Battle for a Lifetime"

JOIN US FOR OUR ANNUAL FUNDRAISER, GIVE THE GIFTS OF HOPE AND LIFE!

JOIN US on September 29, 2012 at 6:00 pm aboard the historic aircraft carrier, USS Hornet, a national historic landmark based in Alameda, CA. It’s played a major role in naval aviation, the defense of our country, the Apollo Program and the exploration of space.

• Tickets are $350 per person
• Cocktail Attire
• For Tickets, Sponsor and Event Information go to the Battle for a Lifetime Gala website: https://lazarex.ejoinme.org/USSHornetGala

THE GALA FESTIVITIES:

FLY HIGH

Take flight from the deck of the USS Hornet in an authentic Huey helicopter that flew missions over Viet Nam. This is a fundraising adventure, space is limited and you must register for this event.

GUEST SPEAKER

“Hope is the power of the soul to endure” ~ Louis Zamperini
Louis Zamperini is a World War II prisoner of war survivor, inspirational speaker and former American Olympic distance runner. He is also an author and subject of the New York Times bestseller, “Unbroken”.

GET NOSTALGIC

Enjoy an all aboard welcome with a military escort by the Side Boys, patriotic tunes from the USS Hornet Band and listen to the “swing style” harmony of the Swinging Blue Stars.

RELIVE THE TRIUMPH

Take a guided tour through the USS Hornet, visit the Flight Deck, Captain’s Bridge or Engine Room. Visit the Apollo 11 space capsule recovered by the USS Hornet or “take off” on the flight simulator.

LIVE AUCTIONS

There will be some pretty tempting Live Auction packages so check the gala website often to see what might appeal to you! Steve Haworth of Charity Auction Fundraising LLC will entertain you with his wit and auctioneering skills. It is futile to resist him.

WINE, DINE, PARTY

Drinks and food are provided. Melons Catering and Event Planning of San Francisco will prepare the delicious repast for this event. Dance with the Bay Area old school funk band "JamFunkShus", play casino games, uncover your alter ego in our photo booth and more...

For Tickets, Sponsor and Event Information go to the Battle for a Lifetime Gala website: https://lazarex.ejoinme.org/USSHornetGala

Questions? Call Lazarex Cancer Foundation at 925.820.4517

Lazarex.org | TeamForLifeLCF.org | Lazarex.org/blog

Glenn's Story - Leiomyosarcoma Patient

Glenn and his wife Datha live near Phoenix, AZ. In 2010 Glenn was diagnosed with Leiomyosarcoma, a rare cancer of the smooth muscle cells. In late 2011 he was accepted into a clinical trial in Santa Monica, CA.

Glenn's Story
In 2008, Glenn began having pain in his left thigh and calf. He spent the next 2 years consulting several different specialists until the last specialist, a vascular surgeon, diagnosed him Venous Reflux Disease in his legs. In 2010 a procedure was performed to collapse a superficial vein in his calf to stop the pain, but the pain still remained. An MRI revealed a tumor (larger than a tennis ball) in his left thigh that was wrapped around an artery, vein and nerve.
Surgery was scheduled a few weeks later. The tumor was removed and a resection done on the artery and vein that was severed by the operation. Glenn remarked, "Thank God the nerve that was severed only caused some nerve damage with minor discomfort and did not affect my ability to walk." The surgeons took a sample of the tumor and initially did not find any cancer. A few weeks later the lab results confirmed a diagnosis of Leiomyosarcoma.
Sixty six days of radiation were successful in removing the cancer in Glenn's left thigh. Unfortunately, the cancer metastasized into the blood stream and several nodules were found in his lungs and liver. In the meantime Glenn's job ended shortly after surgery when his company lost a contract. His wife Datha was also unemployed. With only some savings and retirement benefits, they were barely able to hang on financially.
Chemotherapy was next. After 5 different chemotherapy treatments over a year and half, none were able to stop the nodules from growing. Glenn says his faith in God is what kept him going. They looked for clinical trials in the Phoenix and Tucson areas, they live near Phoenix, but due to the rare form of cancer, none were available.
In the fall of 2011 Glenn was referred to a doctor in Santa Monica, CA and was accepted into a clinical trial. However, it required them fly to Los Angeles every 21 days for over 7 months which put even a larger burden on their finances. The clinic referred them to Lazarex Cancer Foundation for financial assistance during the clinical trial treatments.
Datha said "I will never forget the day I contacted Lazarex Cancer Foundation. In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, they showed a deep concern and compassion for our immediate health and financial circumstances. They took our information and started the procedure to give us travel assistance. I was overwhelmed with joy. My tears were from stress relief, hope, and amazement in the "just in time" support. I felt like someone just covered me with a warm baby blanket and the brick wall was no longer standing."
Glenn added that it was a real blessing when he learned that the foundation approved travel assistance between AZ and CA for his trial. Treatment started in September 2011 and, after receiving 7 months of treatment, there is no new growth and the larger nodules are shrinking.
Glenn stated "I don't know what the next steps look like as we continue down this road, but I thank God for the positive treatment of the cancer and Lazarex Cancer Foundation for providing the means to afford the treatment. The foundation has provided amazing support in the midst of a very stressful time and not just financially."
Read about some of our other VIPs
Patients like this month's VIP, Glenn, are benefiting from support like this every day. Please help us by sending this email to friends who you think would be interested in Lazarex.

Lazarex Cancer Foundation has bibs for Marine Corps Marathon

Giving hope and life for cancer patients and their families is the goal of Lazarex Cancer Foundation. The foundation extends its generosity to patients who are in need of financial assistance and help them lower the costs of participating in FDA clinical trials. These clinical trial options help cancer  patients experience the medical breakthroughs of today in hopes of getting rid of their illnesses or at least extending life. Lazarex believes that the size of a patient's checkbook should not stand between them and the choices they make or the treatments they need.
Lazarex Cancer Foundation has witnessed a number of success stories from their patients suffering from cancer. Through providing clinical options for the cancer patients, they were able to supply a better life. Patients are able to spend more time with their families and even be freed from their sickness. With the help of donations the foundation has received, they have continuously been able to strengthen their patient’s spirits and guide them through their battle.
Through the donations the foundation receives they fund all of their program services and create a better way of life. They acquire these through the various fund raising events or through people who givedonationsto them directly. Lazarex knows they cannot do it alone. The success they acquired is achieved through people who wish to extend a helping hand so Lazarex can fulfill their goals. This means that you can also help in creating a better future for cancer patients and their families.
Start helping out and empowering these patients by signing up for the Marine Corps Marathon throughTeam for Life to raise funds for Lazarex Cancer Foundation. Team for Life is a fundraising program which allows people to support Lazarex through endurance events where Lazarex is an approved charity OR through events created by an individual. Being able to run for a charity is a fulfilling experience. This event will begin on October 28, 2012. The event will start at Arlington, VA. At some point in time, you might have met someone who is battling cancer whether it may be your family member, a friend, or your friend’s friend. Join the Marine Corps Marathon to run for charity and add more days to their life.
All proceeds fund the endeavors of the foundation to assist those with end stagecancer. Each participant has the ability to help a cancer patient in a better manner by helping them participate in clinical trial treatments. With joining Team for Life through the Marine Corps Marathon, you are not only keeping yourself healthy, but also extending a helping hand to those who need your help.
Team for Life offers incentives for achieving a certain fundraising levels. Like for those raising $2500-$3999, you will be able to acquire a Malibu Unisex Rubber Sport Watch with a Turquoise band. Aside from the material incentives that you will receive from the event, the satisfaction of knowing that you have saved a life is a great experience. This simple step can create a huge impact on another person’s life. You will actually have the opportunity to meet the person you helped at the pasta party after event.
Begin helping these patients now and sign up for this event. You will never know how many lives you will be able to save by simply clicking on the register button at www.teamforlifelcf.org

Message from founder - Lazarex Cancer Foundation

Dear Friend,

I know that you know Lazarex does important work, but from time to time I think it is important to share the scope of what we do so that all our friends can appreciate our collective contributions. As spring dawned last month we passed an important milestone - we have given over $3 million to late stage cancer patients seeking  life through clinical trial participation. To put it another way, your support has added 118 years (and counting!) to the lives of over 106 patients to whom we provided direct financial aid for clinical trial participation and patient advocacy for more than 1,940 patients. Your generosity has made possible nearly 43,000 extra sunrises, more than 5,000 additional Sunday dinners, and countless smiles and tears of joy to our patients and their families. We are truly grateful to be in the business of providing time, hope and life!
April 17th marked the 5th year anniversary of the day Lazarex Cancer Foundation received its first request for patient assistance with a clinical trial. The patient was Ian, a teenager in eighth grade who had a very aggressive recurrence of osteosarcoma. He was our patient for 9 months. Ian continues to be a source of inspiration for Lazarex, giving us the courage and strength to do what it takes to fulfill our goals.
Speaking of gratitude, I want to thank the Round Hill Country Club and the many vendors who made our first winter shopping extravaganza such a success. We look forward to doing it again next year. We also held a thank you event for 40+ volunteers who help out at our events, provide office support and take care of all the details our small staff could not possibly cover on its own. The hours our volunteers have contributed provided us with over $1 million in real value and immeasurable love from their hearts.
Please take a moment to reflect on all the goodness you help make possible through Lazarex. After all, it's about life!
Sincerely,
Dana Dornsife
President, Lazarex Cancer Foundation