🌷 Spring 2023 • Arlene's updates on health, prevention and advocacy |
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I love spring! New growth, new awakenings, new firsts, new starts, new opportunities, enrichment! I'm so grateful for the support of Dr. Ricki Pollycove and her introduction to NCBC over two years ago. This is a picture of us at the recent and 32nd Annual Interdisciplinary Breast Center Conference. The opportunity to support NCBCs mission, as a founding council member, from a perspective of a healthcare executive, patient and now advocate, has been rewarding. |
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In this Spring newsletter I am delighted to highlight Ms. Karen Adams, SHARE, Breast Cancer Patient Support Manager, as our first featured "In The Spotlight" interviewee. It was wonderful learning more about what drives and inspires Karen and how she is positively changing the breast cancer narrative. SHARE was there for me when I was first diagnosed. I’m now happy to pay it forward and give back as a breast cancer helpline volunteer. My first book Just Diagnosed enabled me to make the leap to become an author. It is those incredible, compassionate, selfless and dedicated servant leaders, like Dr. Pollycove and Ms. Adams, who have illuminated my path and inspired me to forge forward into my current advocacy work. I have found true purpose. As we enter into Spring I want you to think about all those who have inspired you? Reach out to them. Tell them how they have done so. Then GO and pay it forward to others. Happy Spring |
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Read Arlene’s Latest Column in Breast Cancer Wellness Magazine
Follow Arlene in her monthly column featuring resources, practical information, tips and tools you may use on your journey to healing. Mar. 2023 What's in Your Refrigerator? Pages 12-14 Feb. 2023 Relieving Stress. Pages 12-13 Jan. 2023 Knowledge is Power and The Seven Steps. Pages 14-15 Dec. 2022 Kick-off Column and Introduction. Pages 10-13 |
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Karen Adams
Breast Cancer Patient Support Manager
SHARE Cancer Support
Karen began working with SHARE in October of 2022. On the day of her interview with the CEO, Karen decided to wear these beautiful earrings that portray the Tree of Life which had such significant meaning to the CEO. Seeing those earrings on Karen sparked an incredible, impactful conversation.
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To support SHARE’s outreach, Karen is aiming to increase the number of calls that SHARE receives on its helplines. Karen recognizes that breast cancer volunteers give so much of themselves and she wants them to know that they have both a place to go and a voice to be heard. If you have any questions about SHARE’s programs and resources and/or are interested in volunteering email her at kadams@sharecancersupport.org. Below are a few of Karen’s favorite organizations who provide incredible resources for survivors and thrivers. Thank you Karen for all the incredible work you do! |   | |
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Go Jen Go In her fight against inflammatory breast cancer, Jen was touched by the support she received. In the midst of financial struggles and constant health crises, she could count on friends and family to lift her up and provide strength. She vowed to be that for other women, men, and their families fighting breast cancer. In that moment, the Go Jen Go Foundation was born. Today, the Go Jen Go Foundation provides over $135,000 in financial support each year to those fighting breast cancer in the greater Charlotte area. |   | |
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Carolina Breast Friends Established in November 2003 by Kristy Adams-Ebel, Carolina Breast Friends (aka the Pink House) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to uniting and helping women and men with breast cancer at any point in their survival journey. The organization centers around creating an educational and social outlet for women and men with breast cancer to unite in courage and care. |   | |
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NCBC 32nd Annual Interdisciplinary
Breast Center Conference |
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I attended the 32nd Annual NCBC Interdisciplinary Breast Center Conference which partners with the medical community leading the global mission to empower patients. As a founding member of the NCBC National Leadership and Advocacy Council, it was an honor to present on “The Rapidly Changing Landscape of Healthcare: Tools on How to Own Your Diagnosis While Navigating an Active Patient-Provider Partnership.” Now more than ever, active collaboration and the practice of patient-centered care and shared decision-making (SDM) are essential and communication critical as the patient and the provider navigate their partnership. As I say “We as patients and consumers of healthcare need to be fully present and engaged as co-creators of our health and our health outcomes.” While being understanding and respectful of the tremendous pressures put upon on our great health systems, physicians and clinicians. Below are some highlights from the conference! |
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It was wonderful to see Rosalind Sample, Community Outreach Coordinator and the entire The Pink Fund team in action! Thank you to CEO and founder Molly MacDonald for all the work you’re doing to mitigate the financial toxicity of breast cancer treatment. |
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It was an honor to introduce Dr. Tara Snaft, as she presented “The Patient – Provider Partnership Fostering Connection Through Relationship.” Here with Dr. Snaft and Beverly Vote, founder and publisher of Breast Cancer Wellness Magazine (BCW) it was another extraordinary conference. As well as it’s an honor to write a monthly in I’m calling “Just Diagnosed” for BCW. |
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As Co-chair of the “She Believed She Could, So She Did!” award it was Valeda Keys, Founder of Valeda's Hope who received this honor for all of the incredible work she and her team do for community. |
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This was the beginning! I met Dr. Pollycove at an American Heart Association women’s heart health conference that I was managing. We connected instantly, became “breast friends”, and now NCBC has brought this full circle. So great to see you, Dr. Pollycove! |
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As a lifelong learner, journaler, and educator being there at the 66th ACHE Congress with over 5,000 attendees was an outstanding experience. From exceptional faculty and content, wonderful opportunities to engage new and see old colleagues, to getting up on that stage in front of a national audience and receiving the acknowledgement as a new fellow (FACHE) from our newly elected chair Mr. Finley, President and CEO at Atrium Health Navicent, was powerful. I’m humbled to now be among 10,000 credentialed fellows. A favorite word of mine is Bibliophile, and as a person who is always learning, asking questions, seeking answers, and wonderous about the why and the how, this conference exceeded all expectations! It was energizing and inspiring. Here’s some highlights! |
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These two individuals had such a positive impact on me on the road to earning my FACHE credential. Allison Roditi, Vice President of Orthopedics at Catholic Health wrote a letter of recommendation for me, and Walter Dusseldorp, founder and CEO of The Dutch Mentor helped me with my studies. Thank you both for all of your support! |
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Fareed Zakaria of CNN’s Fareed Zakaria GPS was a phenomenal keynote speaker and addressed timely topics such as globalization, disruptive innovation, and the transformation and reality of American healthcare. It was at his later more intimate break-out session we were able to speak one-on-one. Here I shared with him a copy of my book Just Diagnosed and noted I too in my Preface made similar references to the current state of U.S. healthcare. |
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"This book shares greatly helpful information for anyone facing a breast cancer diagnosis and a clear benefit to those looking for help during one of the most difficult challenges in life. From the moment she heard those dreaded words-"You have cancer" to today, where she has come full circle and is now a volunteer for the Breast Cancer Helpline at SHARE."
— Christine Benjamin, LMSW; SHARE, Vice President, Patient Support and Education "Just Diagnosed is at once a much-needed resource for those diagnosed with breast cancer and a deeply moving authentic exploration of one woman’s universal healing journey. I look forward to offering this guide as a resource for my patients. Arlene’s uplifting attitude and positive self-agency permeates the book and, most important, helps anyone diagnosed with breast cancer feel they can handle the experience." — Lisa Langer, PhD, clinical psychologist; associate professor of Psychiatry at Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine Hofstra/Northwell; Author, Deeper into Mindfulness: Next Steps to Sustain Your Meditation Practice and Find Inner Peace; certified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) teacher |
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Disclaimer: Neither the publisher nor the author of Just Diagnosed Breast Cancer or Insights Newsletter are engaged in rendering professional and/or medical advice or services to the individual reader. The ideas, procedures, practices, and suggestions in this book and newsletter are not intended as a substitute for consulting with your physician. All matters regarding your health require medical supervision. If readers are taking prescription medicines, they should consult with their physicians and not take themselves off prescribed drugs without the proper supervision of a physician. Always consult your physician or qualified health care professional before undertaking any change in your physical regimen. Neither the author nor the publisher shall be liable or responsible for any loss or damage allegedly arising from any information or suggestion in this book. While the author has made every effort to provide accurate information at the time of publication, neither the publisher or the author assumes any responsibility for errors or changes that occur after publication. |
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