Photo by sierragoddess

Antioxidants have long been lauded for their role in breast cancer prevention because of the neutralizing effect they have on free radicals, cancer-causing atoms found in the body. Pomegranates are rich in Vitamin C, one of several types of antioxidants that include lycopene, Vitamins E and A, and beta-carotene, among other substances.

But antioxidants aren’t the only things that make pomegranates a cancer-fighting powerhouse, according to a study published in Cancer Prevention Research. Ellagitannins, a group of phytochemicals found in abundance in pomegranates, helps inhibit estrogren production in the body. While not all forms of breast cancer are estrogen-responsive breast cancer, for those that are, ellagitannins and foods that contain them might make a difference. Researchers were careful to state, however, that results are preliminary and it is too early to tell whether humans or animals are capable of ingesting the levels necessary to increase ellagitannin levels in the bloodstream.

In addition to antioxidants and ellagitannins, pomegranates are also a good source of dietary fiber. A 2011 study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found breast cancer risk was reduced 7% for every 10 grams of fiber consumed per day. Pomegranates contain 4g per 3.5 oz. serving.

Pomegranates will soon be in season, starting in September until February, so eat up! Check out these wonderful pomegranate recipes we found on our favorite recipe site, Epicurious.com. This exotic fall fruit can not only improve your health and reduce your risk of breast cancer, but it’s delicious, too!

Over 250 guests raised over $200,000 for breast health education Saturday, June 11, enjoying cocktails, fine Italian dining, casino games and a celebrity MC at the annual Maurer Foundation Pink Diamond Dinner. The purpose of the event was to raise valuable funds to support the Foundation’s ongoing breast health and cancer prevention seminars offered to schools, corporations, and community groups.

This year’s honoree was long-time Maurer Foundation supporter and Long Island philanthropist John King, Chief Customer Officer of J. Kings Food Service Professionals, Inc. Master of Ceremonies (MC) Ralph Macchio introduced King. “John King is a friend extraordinaire. Whether he’s putting our fund raising events over-the-top or launching a new creative marketing approach to a vexing problem, the Maurer Foundation has benefited from John’s brilliance. John continues to give selflessly and champion our cause in so many ways and we are truly grateful for his friendship and partnership.”

Ralph Macchio, the event’s MC, is a native Long Islander and acclaimed actor. Macchio came to know the Maurer Foundation through founder and breast surgeon Dr. Virginia E. Maurer, who treated someone close to him for breast cancer. Macchio is best known for his lead role in The Karate Kid (1984) and his role in My Cousin Vinny (1992). He has recently appeared in Dancing With the Stars. Macchio and his wife, Phyllis Macchio were greeted by excited Maurer Foundation supporters and offered their time for autographs, conversations, and photos.

From left to right: Phyllis Macchio, MC Ralph Macchio, Honoree John King, and Founder Dr. Virginia E. Maurer at the Pink Diamond Dinner, a Maurer Foundation breast cancer prevention benefit.

Fran Rooney, breast cancer survivor and guest speaker at the 2011 Pink Diamond Dinner, spoke about the importance of the Maurer Foundation’s mission of early detection of breast cancer. “…I really was one of the lucky ones. My cancer was detected early. Had I waited, or had Dr. Maurer waited, I might not be here today,” shared Rooney. “Women want and need to be empowered, not only after a diagnosis of breast cancer, but before. Being informed gives us the power to make choices for ourselves. We don’t have to be victims. …Early detection is the key….”

Villa Lombardi’s in Holbrook, NY hosted the Dinner and wowed guests with samples of fine Italian wine, Italian hor’deurves, and a variety of cooking stations. Chef Joe DiNicola, of Ruvo and La Tavola restaurants, and Chef George Consentino of Ristorante Gemelli, entertained attendees with expert cooking demonstrations.

The Dinner’s theme was “A Night at the Casino” and was organized by M&M Entertainment. Attendees tested their luck at blackjack, Texas hold’em style poker, roulette, craps, blackjack, slot machines, money wheel and other popular casino games with custom “fun money” printed with honoree John King’s portrait. Prizes were awarded to the top six highest scores from the casino and included donated items from Americana Manhasset, Kitchen Kabaret, Tiffany & Co., Great Rock Country Club, Orpheus Day Spa and Salon, and Capitol Hill restaurant.

Maurer Foundation Chairman Andrew Corrado (center) eyes the roulette wheel.

Pink Diamond Dinner Honoree John King shows off his casino "fun money," printed with his portrait.

The Dinner’s $10,000 cash raffle was awarded to lucky winner Frank Pignataro of EB Elliot’s restaurant in Freeport, NY. After the winnings were collected, the raffle raised over $7,000 for breast health education. Maurer Foundation Development Officer Jennifer Hirsch credits the J. Kings sales team for the raffle’s amazing success. “They not only got the word out about the raffle, but they sold more than $15,000 worth of raffle tickets. Our raffle would not have been a success without their diligent help.”

The Judith Ripka silent jewelry auction, coordinated and staffed by Helping Hand, raised $4700, $1000 more than last year.

The Maurer Foundation Pink Diamond Dinner was sponsored by 16 generous organizations and donors, with dozens additionally supporting the Foundation through online journal ads, casino playing table sponsorships and in-kind donations. The Foundation would particularly like to thank Capital One Bank and J. Kings Food Service Professionals, Inc, who were event sponsors at the Pink Diamond level, as well as the Niki & Joe Gregory Charitable Foundation, and Becky and John Halleron, who supported the event at the Pink Heart levels.

The Maurer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit based in Mineola, Long Island, NY. The Foundation’s mission is to save lives through breast health education that focuses on breast cancer prevention, early detection, risk reduction and healthy lifestyle choices.

PHOTOS: Malcolm Brown Photography

Sunday, March 13
1:00PM-3:00PM
300 Long Island, 895 Walt Whitman Road, Melville

Put A Team Together

Each team can be up to 8 bowlers and each bowler is asked to raise $100 or more (includes: two games, shoe rental, food/soda and one raffle ticket).
The $100 per person/bowler can be a single donation or multiple flat donations on your behalf.

Keep in mind your team can be made up of friends, family and/or co-workers and do not have to be “pro” bowlers or have any previous bowling experience.

Don’t forget to come up with a clever team name!

Designate A Team Captain

The point person for the team will be responsible for collecting donations from team. Encourage team members to secure donations as soon as possible which will help us reach our fundraising goal of $25,000.

Challenge a Company or Group of Colleagues

Encourage a rival company or group of colleagues to a bowling challenge. This friendly game of “Bring It On” could win you and your team a special prize and the bragging rights…“We are the Champions!” For additional information regarding a challenge, contact Jennifer at 516-535-5370.

Tickets & Sponsorship Opportunities

• $1,500 Lucky Strike Sponsor: Includes sponsor name/logo on event tee (prominent), newsletter & website Recognition, logo on lane signage, three Lanes reserved for (3) teams of 5, corporate/colleagues challenge ability!
• $1,000 Spare Sponsor: Includes sponsor name/logo on event tee (back), newsletter & website recognition, company name on lane signage, two Lanes reserved for (2) Teams of 5, corporate/colleagues challenge ability!
• $500 Split Sponsor: Includes newsletter & website recognition, name mention on lane signage, one lane reserved for a team of 5
• $250 Lane Sponsor: Includes lane signage
• $25 Pink Pin Sponsor: Includes Program Listing “Someone Special”
• $100 Individual Bowler: Includes two games, shoe rental, food/soda, and one raffle ticket. (Teams of 5 recommended.)

Or, download the registration form and send to:

Flamingo Bowl
The Maurer Foundation
114 Old Country Road, Ste. 400
Mineola, NY 11501

For more information contact contact Jennifer Hirsch at: (516) 535-5370

*Christina Applegate                                                                                                     

*Edie Falco

*Melissa Etheridge

*Kate Jackson

*Jaclyn Smith

*Suzanne Somers

*Olivia Newton-John

*Sheryl Crow

*Cynthia Nixon

*Carly Simon

*Sandra Day O’Connor

For more information about the efforts of these women, check out this great article:

http://www.sheknows.com/articles/809816/inspirational-celebrity-breast-cancer-survivors

-Courtney

1.   Limit yourself to two or three alcoholic drinks a week.

-Alcohol, consumed even in small amounts, is believed to increase  the risk of breast cancer.  Most doctors recommend cutting back on wine, beer, and hard liquor.

2.   Exercise at least three times a week.

-When exercising, work to keep your heart rate above its baseline level for a minimum of 20 continuous minutes.  The more vigorous the exercise- the better.  It only takes thirty minutes of exercise every other day to cut the risk for breast cancer by 75%.

3.  Maintain your body weight, or try to lose weight if you are overweight.

-Research shows that being overweight or obese (especially if you’re past menopause) increases your risk, especially if you put on the weight as an adult.  In fact, a particular study by the researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center showed that obese and overweight women also had lower breast cancer survival rates and a greater chance of more aggressive disease than average-weight or underweight women.

4.  Do a monthly breast self-exam.

-Be sure to get proper instruction from your doctor and have your technique reviewed regularly.  You might catch a lump before a mammogram does, and it’s a good idea to follow changes in your body.

5.  Have a mammogram once a year after age 40.

-Catching a tumor early boosts the chance of survival significantly.  In fact, the five-year survival rate can be as high as 98% for the earliest stage localized disease, but hovers around 27% for distant-stage, or metastatic, disease.

6.  Eat healthier.

-Add more vegetables to your diet and decrease your sugar intake.

-Studies show that drinking green tea may help prevent and possibly even reverse some forms of the disease.

Here’s the link: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/08/picture-your-life-after-cancer/

See the full article http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/shocking-diseases-men-get

Cleaning for a Reason is a new nonprofit that offers professional housecleaning and maid services to women undergoing treatment for any type of cancer.  All she has to do is sign up and have her doctor fax a note confirming the treatment. Click on the link below to see if there’s a maid service in your area.

http://www.cleaningforareason.org/maidservice.php  

It is also important to incorporate a healthy diet and regular exercise into your lifestyle. High levels of estrogen contribute to one’s risk of breast cancer. A diet high in fat increases estrogen levels. Therefore, maintaining a diet low in fat and exercising at least 30 minutes a day can significantly decrease your risk.  Studies show that there is also a link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer.  Even one drink a day increases your risk when compared to non-drinkers.

Understanding that there is controversy over the mammography screening guidelines should not deter women from being in control of their own health.  It is important to reinforce that each person can reduce their risk of breast cancer by living a healthier lifestyle!

If the three-year trial of the experimental stem-cell technique called Neopec, is a success women could form a new breast in four to six months, the Herald Sun of  Melbourne reported.

The procedure uses stem cells of a patient’s own fat thereby enabling women to grow their natural breasts.

During the trial, surgeons from the Bernard O’Brien Institute of Microsurgery in Melbourne will implant a breast-shaped, biodegradable, synthetic chamber under the skin on the patient’s chest as a scaffold for the new breast to grow in.

Doctors redirect a blood vessel from the underarm to the fat inside the chamber, which would grow and fill the fist-sized space and form a new breast during the next four to six months.

Donna