Guest Blogger: How Breast Cancer Has Gone Online

How Breast Cancer Has Gone Online

The Internet has brought people together in ways no one could have predicted. And nowhere has it been more important than among people who are dealing with serious illnesses like breast cancer. Connecting to the internet has allowed cancer patients to join a wide circle of people experiencing the same fears, problems and treatments and enabled them to share information that can help improve outcomes and well-being.

During Diagnosis

A breast cancer diagnosis can be an isolating experience. Many times, patients do not know anyone who has cancer or who has gone through the process of treatment for breast cancer. The early period following diagnosis can be a terrifying time, with no one to talk to and no one to provide first-hand information.

The internet is full of forums of specialized topics. People in any stage of the disease can communicate their fears and concerns. They can contact others who have dealt with the same emotions, and find a community of people who know what it’s like to await a diagnosis and subsequent treatment for breast cancer.

Information on Breast Cancer
Another way the internet has changed breast cancer its ability to provide information. The internet is a wealth of valuable information that can make it easier to understand treatment options, side effects, current research and other issues so that you are prepared for your journey back to wellness.

A number of non-profit groups, like the American Cancer Society and the National Breast Cancer Foundation, have websites with extensive information on breast cancer.

Treatment Support
The internet has also given breast cancer patients the ability to easily communicate with others undergoing treatment. Forums, chat rooms and support groups can offer real-time help during treatment. These contacts can provide helpful information on dealing with the side effects, both emotional and physical, that patients often experience.

This close, immediate support can mean the difference between feeling isolated and having a circle of friends to offer help and support. The Ellie Fund is a local support groups patients can turn to for help with day to day tasks. Additionally, supporters are able to donate directly through their site. 

Up-To-Date Research
The internet has also made cancer research more widely accessible. In the past, patients with breast cancer could only get information on treatments, trials, new medications and cutting-edge technologies through doctors or libraries. Today, you can find updates on experimental treatments at research facilities around the world by searching online. Many non-profit breast cancer foundations offer this information on their sites.

Recurrence of Cancer
Even after successful breast cancer treatment, cancer may recur. Internet forums and support groups offer places where breast cancer patients can openly discuss their anxiety and fears. The internet can also provide contacts for local groups where patients interact with each other face-to-face.

These patients may not want to unburden their feelings to friends and family who may have already gone through the struggle against breast cancer. A support group can help patients find the honest emotional support they need to re-commit themselves to the fight. 

Nikki Longo is a writer based off the east coast. You can usually find her in the kitchen cooking scrumptiously healthy meals or at the dog park with her pups. Feel free to reach out to her at nikkiblogsallday@gmail.com

Guest Stylist: Ways to Wear Pink

Ellie Fund Guest Stylist Christina K Pierce shares her take on great ways to wear pink this month!

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, it is a perfect opportunity to pull out the feminine pink and blush tones in your closet. Though most women love pink, many struggle with finding ways to wear the hue without looking overly “cutesy” or like their childhood Barbie. Here are some tips on how to wear pink in ways that will keep you looking fresh and trendy this fall season:

Pink suede:

Pink suede is a great way to add texture and a pop of femininity to any outfit. It pairs great with any neutral base such as beige or brown and even compliments navy and winter white. Incorporating pink suede into your footwear is a great way to spice up a desk to dinner outfit while grabbing drinks with your girlfriends. 

Contrast Trim:

A more contemporary way to wear pink and incorporate some edge is to pair the color with black and grey. Selecting a soft blush pink is a great shade to pick when wearing this trend. Look for blouses with piping or contrast color collars to add a sharp contrast to an otherwise soft, feminine look.

Cutouts:

Cutouts are a fun way to set a top or cocktail dress apart from the rest and despite popular belief, you do not need to be magazine toned to pull off the look. Look for shapes that are less form fitting and won’t allow for cutouts to be too tight that can make even the tautest of skin look like it is trying to break free. Cutouts by the shoulders, decollete, and arms are also ways to pull off the trend more subtly and conservatively. 

About Christina K Pierce - Boutique Fashion Agency: Christina K Pierce is the perfect fusion of luxury and practicality. Fashion and business. We provide completely personalized concierge fashion styling services for individuals and brands. As your personal stylist, Christina K Pierce provides an extensive menu of services ranging from wardrobe updates to celebrity style packages.

Feeling inspired? Join us this Sunday 10/20 for a private Mimosa Shopping Brunch at Bloomingdales where you can find some of these styles and more and 10% of your purchases will go to the Ellie Fund. 

Limited tickets still available here!

Also be sure to head over to Dependable Cleaners for your dry cleaning needs. To support the Ellie Fund and thank its customers for their loyal support, Dependable Cleaners is offering 20% off all pink items, with 5% of all dry cleaning sales of pink items going to the Ellie Fund!

Valuable Resources for Breast Cancer Patients, Friends and Family

You’ve received a breast cancer diagnosis, now what?

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with breast cancer it is easy to become confused and overwhelmed by the amount of information given. At the Ellie Fund, we always advise our patients to reach out to his or her care provider, patient navigator or social worker with any and all medical questions.  If you would like more information about how the Ellie Fund can help ease the effects of breast cancer on patients and their families, please visit us here or contact us here 

One amazing resource we would like to share with you today is Health Dialog! We are excited to partner with Health Dialog for our Do Good campaign this October. They have made their award winning breast cancer decision aid and links to the two Health Dialog Care Compass planning aids available here throughout the month.  

Health Dialog’s early stage breast cancer and breast reconstruction surgery decision aids help guide patients through all stages of the decision making process, from explaining how to read a pathology report to illustrating what a patient can expect from different types of surgeries. Health Dialog also offers planning aids for patients and families who are having needle or breast biopsies to prepare for what will happen before, during and after the procedures.  Patient-friendly explanations of medical terms, comparisons of treatment choices, photos, videos, diagrams, and a printable booklet enable patients to become active, engaged and informed as they make the medical decisions that are best for them.

“Facing a breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming,” said Robert Mandel, MD, Chief Executive Officer, Health Dialog. “At Health Dialog, we believe information is one of the best tools a patient can arm themselves with. All of our efforts in support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month are in the interest of providing women and their families with access to resources which help them better understand their condition and treatment options so they can feel more confident when making critical decisions.”

For more information, visit www.healthdialog.com.

Please note, this is just one resource of many. If you have questions or would like additional support please contact the Ellie Fund and your care provider. Be sure to consult with your medical provider first on any questions, concerns or medical decisions you make. 

Bringing National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Back to a Local Level

Pink is everywhere this month thanks to the nationwide support of national companies, media and even the NFL around Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The outpouring of encouragement is inspiring and sheds light on the staggering statistic that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. But, when the pink disappears with the month’s end, we must remember that breast cancer remains and continues to affect the lives of women and families even in our own backyards.  

Each month, the Ellie Fund receives approximately 40-50 new requests for support services and is able to help over 500 women and their family members each year right here in Massachusetts.

While the national media attention is great and effectively calls attention to the large scale impact of this horrible disease, we don’t want to forget about our local community. 

This fall, as part of our annual Do Good campaign, local businesses, schools, and friends will come together to support the beast cancer patients in our community  by pledging to raise money and awareness for the Ellie Fund. Our goal is to raise $100,000 to help local families fighting breast cancer. We think we can do it, thanks to our incredible partners , events and to YOU.

Join our partners today and Do Good!

Happy Friday! Ellie Fund patient update that makes us smile!

At least once a week (if not more) we receive a thank you card, call or email from a patient or family member who we have helped. This is hands down one of the best parts about coming to work and doing what we do. We are also so lucky because so many people want to give back and help the Ellie Fund when they are able. 

We want to thank all of those patients who share their stories with us and wish all the families we help the very best. 

Here is a wonderful update from Michele, a woman that we helped by providing grocery and gas cards, as well as prepared and healthy meals through our Dish and Deliver Program. 

We are so happy you're doing well Michele!

MICHELE'S UPDATES: AND THEN THERE WERE NONE!

Well, yesterday I said goodbye to my radiation family and friends! It's hard to believe I am finally done. The staff there was so wonderful, so friendly and positive, from the receptionists to the radiation therapists. I still have to continue with the "My Girls" cream for at least 2 weeks, which makes me wonder if I am that radioactive inside!!It seemed strange today not going there. But this phase of treatment is over. Next I have follow up bloodwork, scans, mammogram and doctors visits. They are spread out through the end of June which is so nice not to have to go to the hospital every day. I know it sounds strange but during radiation I lost 6 pounds as with chemo I was up 1. So now I need to focus on increasing my strenght, endurance AND weight.

There are SO many people I owe thanks to. Fighting something like breast cancer certainly takes a village. I am not sure why it is so hard for us to accept help sometimes, thinking we can do it all no matter what. It might have taken a while, but once I accepted help (and stopped feeling guilty about it!) the every day things were so much easier. I used to be the Queen of thank you notes but that has certainly fallen by the wayside! Please know for those of you that set up housecleaning services, dinners, flowers, gift cards, rides for Nicholas, constant cards and well wishes just how much they were appreciated. Although it might not have seemed like a big deal to you please know how big a deal it was to me. It was so nice not to have to think/worry about a dirty house or dinner or how Nicholas was going to get to a hockey or baseball practice. (That just made me realize that this journey has gone through 2 sport seasons!)

I also want to ackwowledge the Ellie Fund and its' coordinator Gail Fine. They have been SO generous with food/gas gift cards and Dish and Deliver meals (which were delicious!) It all just made life a little easier when going through a tough time. It also took a little pressure off of Paul and Nicholas who were forced into extra duty! And how can I thank Kim enough and her family for letting me borrow her so often! She has held my hand thru all my treatments, listened to my fears and shared in my laughter and tears. We have always been close but this shared journey has brought our relationship up another level - how could it not. I am so lucky to have a sister who is also my best friend!

Thank you for everything. Your messages on this blog have helped me get through the dark days, and made the sunny days even better. I have learned so much throughout this journey but nothing more important than how truly blessed I am to have such wonderful family and friends.

XOXO

SNEAK PEAK: Inside Kelley for Ellie!

This Wednesday, June 5^th is our annual Kelley for Ellie Fashion Show, hosted by Kelley Tuthill and Susan Wornick of WCVB - TV Channel 5 News. Susan created Kelley for Ellie seven years ago to honor Kelley’s courageous fight against breast cancer and the Ellie Fund’s commitment to helping local patients and families.

This year we are expecting over 350 guests at the Fairmont Copley Plaza and the event will be bigger and better than ever!

There are a few tickets still available here: https://elliefund.ticketbud.com/kelleyforellie

We thought we give you a sneak peak into the event:

This year Ports and Company will again showcase styles from their store in Cohasset. While the line up is a surprise, they did share some summer trends with us! 

Summer Trends: Stripes, Nautical Inspired, Peplum Tops & Dresses!

We will also have Pink Rose Wine from our friends at 90+ Cellars! 

Check out their “I do it” Video…

I Do It Video!

Some featured auction items will include:

Paul McCartney at Fenway Park tickets and private car service!

                         First Class Grand Cayman Vacation! 

AND one of our favorite Patriots players – Julian Edelman will be there as a Special Guest to auction off the Ultimate Boston Sports Package which includes Sox, Celtics and Revolution tickets, and signed Pats Gear!

We hope to see you there and look forward to making this the best year yet!

Ellie Fund's PINK Truck!

Our Newest PINK Partner is.......

We are excited to announce that Devaney Energy has picked the Ellie Fund as its partner to help fight breast cancer in our community!

If you haven’t seen their pink trucks driving around your neighborhood – start looking because Devaney Energy has wrapped 2 Pink fuel trucks with the Ellie Fund logo and has pledged to donate a portion of proceeds for every gallon of fuel delivered!!!

Why do we love Devaney Energy? Not only is this incredible exposure for the Ellie Fund, but Devaney Energy is also a great, local, 4^th generation family owned company based in our own backyard in Newton. They truly care about our community and want to help families fight against breast cancer.

Here’s the truck!

If you see them – give them a friendly wave! And if you have Devaney Energy and want to learn more about the Pink Truck delivery or want to switch to their service – you can reach them at www.devaneyenergy.com.

About Devaney Energy:

For over 75 years, Devaney Energy has been the leader in delivering residential and commercial energy solutions. Massachusetts family owned and operated, now in its fourth generation, Devaney Energy offers an ever-expanding full-service roster to the greater Boston area and surrounding communities. Energy services include: Fuel delivery (heating oil, propane, diesel, and bio fuels), natural gas and electricity supply, energy efficient heating and air conditioning installation, plumbing services, and more.

Hail to Kale!

If you're like me, I have a hard time getting my minimum of 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day.  And if I have to eat another salad, I think I will start to grow rabbit ears.  I just can’t do it!  I love food and consider myself well-versed around my kitchen but I have fallen short of finding new and exciting ways to eat kale, spinach, and all the other leafy greens that have been proven to be so good for us (and not to mention getting my two kids to eat them as well).  As a working mom and breast cancer survivor, I need something that will allow me to eat healthy foods in a way that's fast and easy.

So let me set the stage for you…I am at BJs for my monthly stock-up of the essentials.  You know, toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, giant packages of socks – and pretty soon my shopping list becomes null and void because I just have to get the commercial size package of brownie mix and the 12-pack of marinara sauce.  My shopping habits beside the point, I head down the small appliance aisle for reasons unknown to me.  And there on the shelf, in all it’s blending beauty, is the Ninja.  It is like a blender on steroids.  It can chop, blend, and create things like no other regular blender can.  I had to get it!  This was the solution to all my dietary needs! 

All the ingredients for the "Green Monster" Smoothie

Now my shopping cart had to get filled some more.  I buy bananas, berries (organic of course), kale, spinach, cucumbers, all everything else I could think of that would work to make SMOOTHIES!  I check out and as soon as I get home, I unwrap the Ninja and create a fruit and veggie-packed, delicious, colorful smoothie.  It couldn’t have been easier.

I am a fan of smoothies over juicing.  My feeling is that we lose so much of the good stuff from the fruits and vegetables if we only juice them.  Making a smoothie keeps the nutrient packed skin on (not rinds) and retains more of the fiber from each fruit and vegetable to incorporate into the smoothie instead of being left behind in the juicer.  It fills you up and the combinations are endless.  My kids love them and I have gotten them to try some vegetables that they normally wouldn’t eat like spinach and kale.  They love the “Green Monster” smoothie I've created (hey, my kids love the Red Sox!).



The “Green Monster” Smoothie

* 1 Banana
* Handful of kale or spinach (or any other leafy green except lettuce)
* 1 Orange
* Handful of Blueberries
* A few Strawberries
* Coconut Milk or Almond Milk (enough to thin it out/milkshake-like)



Finshed Product

Ready to Blend

It isn't the prettiest of colors but is to SO good.  Again, you can combine basically anything to suit your taste.  Try adding mango or peaches.  Or try a citrus based one with grapefruit, oranges and a banana.  Smoothies are a super-easy and delicious way to “eat” your 5 servings of fruits and vegetables everyday.

For more great recipies, check these out: Engine 2 Diet
Eating Well Smoothies

Red Carpet Follow Up

The Fahey Family 2011

The Fahey’s are a strong, tight knit family of six from Walpole, MA. With four sons, ages 8‐18, Michelle and Sean have their hands full. In April 2011, Michelle had a clear mammogram and all was well.

In August 2011, the day after her mother arrived from Ireland for a relaxing visit, Michelle was shocked to learn she had a tumor the size of a tennis ball. Michelle’s medical team at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates prescribed eight rounds of chemotherapy, ending mid‐February 2012.   Through it all, Michelle focused steadfastly on her family. When asked how she holds everything together, she says it’s her "boys that pull her through."

Oscar Night Gala 2011

Since first meeting Michelle and helping her family through treatment, she has become an integral part of the Ellie Fund family, volunteering to help with video projects and events. Despite her busy treatment schedule, she still made time to attend our Oscar Night Gala last year and we were truly honored to have her with us, joined by her husband Sean, and her mother (all the way from Ireland!), plus friends from her support team at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates.



Oscar Night Gala 2012

This past Sunday the 24th, we were thrilled to welcome Michelle back to the red carpet again (fifth from left, next to "Fast Freddy" from MIX 104.1) and are happy to report that she is doing well, and so is her family.  "They say it takes a village to raise a child, but it also takes a village to fight cancer. I will always be thankful to my friends, family, and support team for helping me take care of not only my needs but those of my family as well so we could focus on what's most important; healing."

* special thanks to dina k photography * 

 

Get Ready Carpet Ready!

In exactly one month, stars will walk the red carpet, Ryan Seacrest will ask them who they are wearing and my all time favorite critic Joan Rivers, will critique the best and worst dressed of the night. Here at the Ellie Fund, we are getting Red Carpet Ready for our own Oscar Experience Boston Gala! 

Our friend and incredible fashion stylist Christina K Pierce has been kind enough to share her expertise with us. Here she outlines last year's red carpet style misses with thoughts on how to make them better: 

When looking at Oscar considerations for 2013 I always like to take a look back and see what some of the “misses” were and how they could have been avoided. Of course “best” and “worst” dressed lists are always subjective and seem to vary by the source, there is typically one major theme – gorgeous celebrities who ALMOST got it right.  

Take Emma Stone for example:

While the dress is pretty, it is almost too much for the small framed starlet and ages her! I would have much rather seen her in something a little more contemporary and edgy. Red with red hair? Not my pick! If we were to style Emma, here is a couple of our top picks:

 What we like about the green to the left– you get the same effect that Emma must have been going for with the bow but with this Giambattista Valli, the starlet wouldn't look like she is choking. Also the texture and subtle print to the dress make it slightly edgy and the emerald shade of green would play off her red locks perfectly! The black and white Oscar de la Renta may look like an illusion but this dress certainly wouldn't have aged her. Pair with a gold vintage belt for the right amount of juxtaposition and Emma would have emerged as more of a style icon.

For our next actress, we took a look at Sandra Bullock who was THIS CLOSE to perfection.

The color blocking and drop waist design made this number not-so-flattering on top. Though we love the embellishment, it seemed oddly placed. We much prefer this selection:

The soft color would have played off Sandra’s milky skin and dark hair as perfectly fitting as it was on the runway model. Also, the waistline embellishments are definitely more flattering and give Sandra something more unexpected than her last season’s choice. You never can go wrong with Chanel!

About Christina K Pierce - Boutique Fashion Agency:

Christina K Pierce is the perfect fusion of luxury and practicality. Fashion and business. We provide completely personalized concierge fashion styling services for individuals and brands. As your personal stylist, Christina K Pierce provides an extensive menu of services ranging from wardrobe updates to celebrity style packages.  

http://www.christina-pierce.com/

Christina K Pierce is going to be styling the lovely ladies here at the Ellie Fund and I definitely have my eye on a Chanel! 

We also are lucky enough to work with a fantastic partner, Dependable Cleaners who we trust to take care of all of our red carpet fashions before and after the Oscar Experience Gala. 

Here's a coupon just for our friends!

Their Style service offers unparalleled services for your designer couture and high-end garments. With personalized hand care and strict attention to detail; they will help ensure you'll always look your best!

Hopefully this helps get you Red Carpet Ready! Can't wait to see you at the 17th Annual Oscar Experience Boston Gala! 

www.elliefund.org/oscars2013 

Bring on Oscar Season & A Reel Escape!

When I read about CineMamas in the Boston Parents paper, I was elated. Founded in 2012, by two local Moms, Gina Saltonstall and Lori Cohen, who wanted to create a fun, no-pressure mid week retreat, CineMamas is a movie club for Moms who need a break once/month for a few hours. Kind of like a book club but you don’t have to read anything, prep your house, make a meal, buy wine for everyone or clean up. And you come as you are. No getting dressed up, nametags, or forced small talk. Okay you got me. 
I firmly believe every Mom deserves to take time out and focus on herself to maintain her mental health. Usually when I try to do this however, I lose the intended “me-time” by succumbing to the unrelenting pull of the practical, the time-sucking and the mundane: grocery shopping, housekeeping, laundry, yard work, car repair, child care, pet care, husband care – you get the picture.  
"CineMamas is a membership based movie club in Metrowest Boston devoted to an audience that deserves to take time for a 'Reel Escape.' explains Gina. "Sitting in a dark theatre taking in the story unfolding on the huge screen transforms you to a different space. Your mind gets to re-boot and I guarantee you'll leave the theater calmer, with a smile on your face. We've created a wonderful network of fun women who understand the importance of taking a few hours out of the month for themselves.”  

“About 4 years ago we experienced pure bliss one morning as we sat together and were whisked away to another time and place. As we walked out of the theater we were giddy, as if we had snuck away on a mini retreat,” explains Lori. “We were amazed at the lasting positive impact of spending a morning together at the movies.”

Lori + Gina = Brilliant

Membership includes a once a month, new release feature movie during a private 10:00 a.m. show at the spacious AMC Framingham Cinema. The price of a membership includes a 25% savings off the regular ticket price, there is no need to RSVP - just come as you are. 

As this is a pampering escape, there are always extra treats as well. (They've included coffee and homemade baked treats, gift bags, and fun prize drawings.)  And if you can’t make it to the private morning screening, you can show your membership card and be admitted for free to an evening show for the same movie. And get this: if there’s a snow day on the date of a scheduled showing, the feature film will be changed to something kid-friendly and children will be admitted for free. 

In addition, CineMamas donates a percentage of all memberships to a local charity and we're honored they've chosen the Ellie Fund for 2013! "As women, we are most likely taking care of others' needs, so CineMamas gives Lori and me the chance to take a little extra care of you." explains Gina.
So let's get Red Carpet Ready with CineMamas!  Just in time for the Oscars, the next movie is Thursday, January 17, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. for the Oscar nominated Les Miserables. To learn more, visit www.cinemamas.net.