eConnect
May 14, 2015
In Support of the Cancer Therapy & Research Center
at the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio
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From the PresidentLiz Conklyn
Many thanks to Arlene Wueste and the entire Annual Spring Luncheon team for all the
fantastic planning and effort that they so generously invested in the 2015 Spring Luncheon! It
was both a lovely and a successful event! Thanks also to all our members who volunteered their
time, donated a raffle prize, sponsored a table, brought a friend, came in person, and/or bought
raffle tickets! It's so inspiring to see how everyone comes together to support the patients at
CTRC who need our help. I wish everyone could meet the individuals and families whose lives
and spirits are lifted by the money raised at this luncheon. CTRC Council members continue to
be the most generous and compassionate people!
Another round of applause goes to Michelle Laier and the BIG Give team. Thanks to all of you
who supported CTRC Council with your donations, we raised over $7000!
In case you didn't know, you may choose CTRC Council at www.smile.amazon.com next time
you shop and AMAZON will donate to CTRC Council at no cost to you! It's an easy and cost-free
way to keep giving with each purchase.
Warmest regards,
Liz
Membership
Save the Date!!!
CTRC Council Annual Membership Meeting and Reception
7979 Wurzbach Road, 4th Floor Grossman Building
Mabee Conference Room
June 18, 2015
5:30 p.m. to 7:30p.m.
RSVP by Monday, June 15, 2015
Invitations to follow!!
You will enjoy tours of the facility and hear presentations by Dr. Ian Thompson, Jr, CTRC
Director, Dr. Andrew Brenner, a specialist in both breast cancer and malignancies of the
brain and spinal cord and Dr. Virginia Kaklamani, the leader of the Breast Cancer Program
at the Cancer Therapy & Research Center and the new Co-Director of the CTRC’s San
Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.
We hope you will plan to attend and learn about the exciting and transformational work
made possible at the CTRC thru the funds provided by your CTRC Council.
Thank you!
On May 11th we held our 22nd Annual Spring
Luncheon with Ms. Geralyn Lucas as our guest
speaker. We thank all our sponsors, attendees and
supporters! In next month’s eConnect we’ll provide an
update with photos as well as the names of our raffle
prize winners.
The Big Give S.A. 2015
Thank you to everyone who donated your resources, as well as your time, to make The
Big Give S.A. 2015, the most successful year yet for the Cancer Therapy & Research Center
(CTRC) Council! Seventy-five gifts were made from midnight-to-midnight on May 5th totaling
$7,063.
As you know, your donations will work in myriad ways to provide a place of refuge, as well
as resources to those CTRC patients who have been thrust into a period of time that can be
quite disorienting. Thank you to those of you who contributed to providing moments of peace
and hope to patients seeking care in this healing place, called the Cancer Therapy &
Research Center.
Personally, I would like to thank the committee who worked to make this event a grand
success: Lora Watts, Shawne Zakaria, Kathy Glascock, and Allison De Paoli. Liz
Conklyn was an incredible resource, as always. And we could not have done it without
Janet Goebel, our CTRC Council Development Assistant.
Sincerely yours,
Michelle Laier
Chair
The Big Give 2015 Committee
16 Years of Partners Shopping Card. Isn't it time to
become a PSC Business Partner?
Attention businesses! May 30th is the deadline to
submit your Partners Shopping Card 2015 business
agreement. Many businesses have already signed up
to be a part of this 16th anniversary year of the
fundraiser. Download your PSC Business Agreement
or we can bring one to you.
Underwriters are recognized in the PSC Brochure,
the PSC Directory, on the CTRC Council website, and
at the Partners Shopping Card Kick-off Party and La
Cantera Launch. In-kind donations are also welcomed.
If you would like to join these supporters as an
Underwriter of the Partners Shopping Card or would like
information about the different levels of underwriting,
please call the CTRC Council office at 210-450-5571.
Partners Shopping Card Agreements were mailed to
last year’s Business Partners. Thank you to the many businesses who have already signed on
to participate again this year. In the past we called these our Retail Partners, but with so many
kinds of businesses participating now, “retail” doesn’t tell the whole story. If you are interested
in signing up your store, restaurant, spa, or service as a Business Partner, please call the
CTRC Council office at 210-450-5571 or Lisa Grove. Chair of Partners Shopping Card at
210-857-7085 or complete the form on the CTRC Council website.
Like and follow the PSC on Facebook!
Planning for 2015 San Antonio Express-News Book &
Author Luncheon has Officially Begun!
Seated: Mary Brook, Jan Newton, Terry Scott Bertling, Steve Bennett
Standing: Allison De Paoli, Rose Marie Banack, Lisa Cohick, Liz Fox, Joanne Bastien, Elaine Palance, Sheri Ortiz, Meg
Salvadore, Cynthia Parsons, Willa Jo Beuhler, Sabrina Paniagua
Mark your calendars for this year’s 2015 San Antonio Express-News Book & Author
Luncheon – Thursday, November 5!
Planning is underway for this year’s Luncheon benefiting the Institute for Drug Development
(IDD). IDD is the Phase I Clinical Research program of the Cancer Therapy & Research Center
(CTRC), part of the UT Health Science Center San Antonio.
This event has been a success from the beginning and after 23 years, this important
fundraiser has raised more than $3.3 Million for the Phase I Program. This money is used to
help the IDD develop new ways to prevent cancer and novel cancer treatments, including
targeted, viral-based and immune therapies, as well as combinations of agents with diverse
way of attacking cancer cells. This program has become the largest program of its kind in the
country!
It is not too early to reserve your place at this always sold out event!
Also for the second year, you may also “Honor a Loved One at the 2015 San Antonio
Express-News Book & Author Luncheon”! Our commemorative program will include a tribute
section for memorials and honorariums. This special section is a place where you may honor a
cancer survivor or remember a loved one.
Each tribute will be a $100 donation and can contain up to 75 characters. These donations
will contribute to the Book & Author Luncheon proceeds.
CTRC Council Past Presidents' Appreciation Luncheon
Front Row:Rhonda Gurinsky, Tina Altgelt Haynes, Beverly Birnbaum, Louise Beldon,
Rose Marie Banack, Kelley Frost
Back Row: Pam Burdick, Lori Wright, Helen West, Karen Heintz, Liz Conklyn, Laurie Kaplan,
Mary Brook, Lisa Howlett Cohick
The CTRC Council’s Past Presidents' Luncheon was held on Monday, April 20 th at the
Argyle. The Past Presidents were honored for their accomplishments, commitments and
continued service to the CTRC Council. The strategic luncheon was very successful and
provided an opportunity for each President to share ideas about how to stay connected with the
CTRC Council and CTRC UT Health Science Center.
The Past Presidents who attended were: Helen West (1994-95), Beverly Birnbaum (199798), Louise Beldon (2000-01), Kelley Frost (2002-03), Karen Heintz (2004-05), Lori Wright
(2005-6), Rose Marie Banack (2007-08), Tina Altgelt Haynes (2008-9), Lisa Howlett Cohick
(2009), Laurie Kaplan, (2009), Mary Ballenger Brook (2012), Pam Burdick (2013), Rhonda
Gurinsky (2014) and Liz Conklyn 2015 President.
Rhonda Gurinsky, Luncheon Chair, welcomed the
Past Presidents, who, during their tenures provided the
foundation and building blocks upon which the Council
was built! Without their hard work, dedication, passion
and love for the CTRC, we would not be the vibrant and
relevant organization that it is today. Our speakers were
Dr. Liz Conklyn, 2015 President, who gave a update
on the Council’s strategic board retreat and
programming and Dr. Andrew Brenner, a medical
oncologist and medical researcher at the CTRC who
specializes in both breast cancer and malignancies of
the brain and spinal cord. His focus is not only in
clinical management, but also in the development of
novel therapies to treat breast cancers and central
nervous system tumors. Dr. Brenner graduated from
Texas A&M University with his bachelor’s degree in
biochemistry and went on to earn his doctorate in biological science and tumor biology at The
University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center - Science Park.
Kelley Frost conducted an engaging ‘call to action’ exercise where the Past Presidents can
remain involved with the Council by providing support and leadership within committees and in
the community. Out of this group exercise several ideas were developed and they will be
implemented in the upcoming year.
Thanks to all who helped plan this event, including, Kelley Frost, 2002-3 Past President,
Janet Goebel, CTRC Council Development Assistant, Sheri Ortiz, CTRC Liaison and Kris
Doyle, UTHSC, Senior Director of Marketing.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes to this very special group of women, who continue to give from
their hearts! Thank you!
SA Gives Charity Program
A Big Thank you to those who participated in
the San Antonio Express-News’ SA Gives Charity
Program. Based on the Express-News reader
donations of the $100 vouchers provided to them
by the Express-News, we are proud to inform you
that the CTRC Council will receive $15,000 in
advertising dollars in the San Antonio ExpressNews & mySA.com for 2015! The CTRC Council
will utilize these Express-News advertising dollars
to help build awareness and promote the services
of the Cancer Therapy & Research Center(CTRC)
and the important relationship the Council has with
the CTRC. For example, the CTRC Council
provides significant support to the CTRC Patient
and Family Services including transportation,
prescription assistance, nutritional supplements,
emergency funds and other assistance to cancer
patients and their families in need.
The program will kickoff again around August so
look out for the communication.
Thank you for your loyal and invaluable support
of the CTRC and the CTRC Council!
Patient & Family Services - Making Everyone Feel
Welcome
Imagine coming into the CTRC for the first time. You don’t know where to go. You are
unsure about what’s going to happen. You don’t know what the doctor is going to say and you
are scared. Now imagine what a difference it would make to have someone greet you at the
door with a welcoming smile. Someone to offer a valet to park your car. Someone to answer
your questions. Someone to walk you to your appointment. The new CTRC Patient
Ambassadors volunteers do this and so much more.
The first group of Patient Ambassadors began their new duties in March and they have
quickly become an integral part of CTRC. This new volunteer position takes an active role in
making everyone feel welcome. They are the first person guests see, they answer questions,
direct people to resources, guide and escort patients to appointments, answer phones,
distribute materials about cancer and cancer treatments, share information about Wellness
Center classes, support groups and supportive care, visit with patients and their families and
provide hospitality and refreshment.
One of the most popular aspects of the new program is the hospitality cart. Twice a day the
Patient Ambassador loads the cart with healthy snacks, fruit, water, hats, blankets, puzzle
books, craft kits, magazines and books. The Ambassador passes out the goodies in waiting
rooms and treatment areas to patients, family members, caregivers or anyone who needs a little
extra TLC. Not only does the volunteer provide a welcomed snack and comfort item but also
sends a message of care and concern. It shows our guests they are more than a number, more
than their disease, more than just another patient.
More Patient Ambassadors are needed. The goal is to have two Ambassadors present
throughout the day. This is a great volunteer position for two friends who want to work together
or a husband and wife team. One person can man the desk, providing information while the
other helps patients and visitors in the clinic. The current Ambassadors find this to be a fulfilling
position and love their new role. A volunteer orientation is scheduled in June. This would be a
great time to sign up to be a Patient Ambassador. Complete the application found at volunteer
application if you are interested in becoming a Patient Ambassador.
You can contribute in other ways if you aren’t able to volunteer your time. The hospitality cart
goes through items quickly and it’s hard to keep up with demand. Consider donating individually
wrapped snack items (pretzels, granola bars, crackers, nuts, peppermints, etc.). Other things
that are particularly needed are small bottles of water, word puzzle books and small craft kits.
You can drop off items at the Wellness Center located on the 1st floor of the Grossman Building
at CTRC.
CTRC is a unique place. The building contains more than concrete and glass. What makes
CTRC different are the people. Kindness walks through our hallways. Compassion flows from
our clinics. Volunteers make CTRC special. Volunteers get patients through anxious moments
and lets them know that somebody cares. Volunteers make everyone feel welcome!
Mary Jackson, CTRC Director of Patient & Family Services
CTRC Council Recognizes Outstanding CTRC Employees of
the Month for February, March and April
Laura Garcia
Ofelia Romero
Victor Correa
Veronica Gutierrez
Pam Hernandez
CTRC Prevention Studies
Chemotherapy, radiation, and early detection, groundbreaking clinical trials: all have been
instrumental in extending the lives of patients with breast cancer. But most patients probably
would choose not to have developed cancer in the first place.
And so prevention is a primary goal of the Cancer Therapy & Research Center at the UT
Health Science Center.
“Breast cancer kills more than 40,000 women a year in the United States,” said Virginia
Kaklamani, M.D., director of the breast cancer program in the Cancer Therapy & Research
Center at the UT Health Science Center. “Even if we detect cancer early, we still have patients
dying of the disease, which is why it is so important to understand how to prevent it in the first
place.”
The best new science is looking into some old-fashioned advice about maintaining good
health. What we eat, how (or how much) we move and whether common over-the-counter pills
reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence are all studies taking place through the CTRC.
An aspirin a day?
CTRC medical oncologist Andrew Brenner, M.D., is looking for a few more participants in his
study on aspirin and fish oil.
“It’s open to any healthy, cancer-free woman who is post-menopausal and not currently
taking aspirin or omega-3 fatty acids,” Dr. Brenner said. That doesn’t mean they can’t have
taken some aspirin for a headache from time to time, he added. “We’ll just ask them to switch to
Tylenol for two weeks.”
Cancer researcher Linda deGraffenried, Ph.D., from The University of Texas at Austin,
designed the study, working closely with Dr. Brenner.
The study is based on their own findings published last year in the journal Cancer Research,
which reveal that some postmenopausal overweight breast cancer patients who use common
anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen have significantly lower breast cancer
recurrence rates.
Women who interested in participating can call 210-450-5798 and ask about the COX-2
study.
Building upon the results from this one, Dr. Brenner said, they are planning a multicenter,
randomized study in breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant endocrine therapy.
Gym v. Yoga
It started as a friendly rivalry between two researchers over which method serves up the
better benefits: yoga or a comprehensive workout program.
Amelie Ramirez, Dr.P.H. professor and director of the Institute for Health Promotion
Research (IHPR) at the UT Health Science Center, favored yoga, while her co-principal
investigator Daniel Carlos Hughes, Ph.D., assistant professor at the IHPR, thought a
comprehensive workout would yield greater benefits.
They designed a small study, funded by Susan G. Komen for the Cure, bringing in a yoga
instructor who is also a physical therapist, and a team of laboratory scientists at the CTRC.
A third of the participants were assigned to a yoga class designed for their specific needs by
Nydia Tijerina Darby, PT, DPT, MS. Another third were assigned an individualized
comprehensive exercise program designed by Dr. Hughes, and the others were simply
encouraged to engage in three hours of physical activity a week on their own.
It yielded results that they are just beginning to sort through.
“One thing I learned is that these participants, maybe because they are breast cancer
survivors, have a unique motivational profile. They seem to be less about themselves and more
about everyone else,” Dr. Hughes said.
Another aspect of the study that made a big impression on Dr. Hughes was the way experts
from different fields – from laboratory scientists to behavioral health specialists – brought their
unique perspectives to a complex situation to help everyone understand it better.
“I’ve learned that we really need to look at this information holistically, and include all the
variables,” he said.
Eat well, live well
Dr. Ramirez is also principal investigator on another unconventional study funded by Susan
G. Komen, with co-principal investigator Michael Wargovich, Ph.D., who holds the CTRC
Council Distinguished Chair in Oncology. Dr. Wargovich is teaming with Chef Iverson Brownell
to teach breast cancer survivors how to incorporate foods with anti-inflammatory properties into
their diets.
People’s dietary choices can affect inflammation, the process the body uses to protect itself
in response to inflammation or injury, Dr. Wargovich said.
Although it is a vital part of the healing process of wounds and infections, if inflammation
becomes chronic, it is linked to causing illness, like cancer.
Some beneficial anti-inflammatory foods are deep marine fish, dark leafy green vegetables,
bright multi-colored vegetables, black and green teas, and many spices and herbs.
“Science has taught us that eating these types of foods can benefit health, and we want to
see how a diet of these foods can impact breast cancer survivors,” Dr. Wargovich said.
Sarah Pascual, who was part of the first group of breast cancer survivors to go through the
cooking demonstration and lectures, said she already feels the benefits.
“I find myself with more energy, healthier, and I feel like I sleep better,” Pascual said.
Learning about the foods and watching the chef’s techniques made her realize how easy it is
“to create meals for busy people with not too much time to cook. And I find myself adding quite
a bit more spices to my cooking than I had already been using.”
Dr. Kaklamani hopes that the diet study will prove that eating right will decrease
inflammation and that a careful examination of all the studies will help us better understand how
to ward off cancer in the first place.
"What we know is obesity increases the risk of post-menopausal breast cancer,” Dr.
Kaklamani said. “We know that exercise helps prevent breast cancer, independent of obesity.
We think that what happens is that exercise and a healthy diet change our gene expression,
helping the good genes work better,” she said. “By understanding the mechanisms behind all
this, we design new strategies to prevent cancer.”
Elizabeth Allen
Media Relations Officer
The UT Health Science Center at San Antonio
7979 Wurzbach Road MC 8035
San Antonio, TX 78229-4427
work: 210-450-2020; mobile: 210-621-7592
How Quickly Does Changing My Diet Change My Risk for
Cancer?
Michael J. Wargovich, Ph.D., CTRC Council Distinguished
Chair in Oncology
I read recently about a fascinating study conducted by researchers at the University of
Pittsburgh. In this study 20 African-Americans from the Pittsburgh area and 20 Africans from
rural South Africa consumed each other’s typical diets for two weeks. Under observation, each
group ate meals prepared by the researchers using ingredients and cooking techniques typical
of the other group. The team examined fecal and colon content samples, obtained during
colonoscopy, of each volunteer at baseline and after the two-week study period. The results
were astonishing. Each group exchanged risk profiles measured by rates of turnover of cells of
the intestinal lining and markers of bacterial metabolic activity in as little as two weeks on the
diets. The South African group had increased inflammation associated with cancer risk while
the Pittsburgh group moved to lower risk levels as measured by biomarker assessment. Each
subject underwent a colonoscopy as part of the dietary study: the investigators found nine
subjects with pre-malignant polyps in the Pittsburgh population; none were found in the South
African population. The diet of the Pittsburghers was representative of living on high calorie,
high fat, and fast foods while the South Africans ate more fish, more legumes, and other fiber
rich vegetables.
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The mission of the CTRC Council is to support the Cancer Therapy & Research Center (CTRC) at The
University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio through cancer education, community outreach,
fundraising, patient assistance and volunteer service.
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CTRC Council 7979 Wurzbach Suite U600, San Antonio, Texas 78229
Phone: 210.450.5571 | Email: CTRCcouncil@uthscsa.edu
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