anuary 2014

NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
BUFFALO, NEW YORK
PERMIT NO. 61
ROSWELL PARK CANCER INSTITUTE
Elm & Carlton Streets • Buffalo, NY 14263
Return Service Requested
for a
How Big Is
Your
Heart?
Buffalo Concert Goers
JAN 2014
Shine at Kissmas Bash 2013
On Thursday, December 12, 2013, fans of all ages
flocked to First Niagara Center for Kiss 98.5’s
Kissmas Bash concert. A yearly sponsor of the
concert, Yroswell once again lit up the arena
through the sale of holiday merchandise.
Thanks to the generosity of those who attended,
we raised more than $17,000 for cancer
l on
cia
er
m
m
co
ll
oswe
research at Roswell Park through the sale
Listen for the Yring Nick and Joe Jonas
Kiss 98.5 featurworld without cancer.
blinkin’ sunglasses.
supporting a
Cooking for Cancer Cures
Join our Roswell Park Team
in the fight against cancer!
w/o cancer
Read & Pass
SHARE this
publication with
your COLLEAGUES
and STUDENTS!
WHAT'S
INSIDE?
GIVING: Go Bald in a Banner Year
Eleven-year-olds Allyson
Nemeth and Jessica Flash
were at a sleepover when they
decided to sell delicious treats
as a way to raise funds for
kids with cancer. What started
as a fun idea turned into a
successful team effort that
raised $1,000 for Carly’s
Club at Roswell Park!
LEARNING: Odochi
Uwazurike Comes Full Circle
Support your favorite Buffalo Sabres player as they go Bald for Bucks!
Visit BaldForBucks.org to see which players are “making the cut” and to
learn more about how you can donate today!
COPING: TLC Buffalo Team
Member Spotlight - Abby Taylor
Mark Pysyk
Brayden McNabb
The girls put together a baking schedule at each other’s
houses and went door-to-door selling yummy baked goods for people and
dogs. They also sold their treats at events throughout the community.
MARCH 1, 2014
“No matter how young you are, we all can make a difference in this
world and positively impact someone’s life,” said Allyson Nemeth.
Buffalo Shamrock Run
8K
For details visit
TeamCureChallenge.com
Mike Weber
Cody Hodgson
Allyson and Jessica are now gearing up for another year of cooking. Their
goal is to raise $2,000 for Carly’s Club and it starts with the Pasta Sauce Off
on February 22 at the LaSalle Yacht Club.
For more information, please contact Emily Marciniak at
Emily.Marciniak@RoswellPark.org or 716-845-4977.
or call 845-8788
27345 (1/14)
www.yroswell.com
facebook.com/yroswell
r
Alexander Sulze
learning
visit yroswell.com/learning
Summer Research Experience
in Cancer Sciences Program
Students:
Jumpstart Your Career
Apply to the Roswell Park Summer Research Program by February 3
High School Juniors:
Coming Full Circle
Program dates: June 23 to August 8
Fees: $20 application fee and $50 activity fee
Housing: Non-Buffalo researchers can
stay with family or in a Canisius College
dormitory at students’ expense
Odochi Uwazurike Goes from Summer Research
Program Intern to Roswell Park Employee
under his belt, he didn’t think twice about
Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI)
coming back to RPCI. Odochi returned to
Summer Research Program from his
RPCI, but this time he was looking for some-
science research teacher, Rebecca
thing a little bit different. “I was very eager to
Isseroff, during his junior year at Lawrence
see the other side of cancer – the people I was
High School on Long Island, N.Y. Odochi’s
trying to help with my science research,” he said.
h
Odochi Uwazurike learned about the
Transportation: Responsibility of the
student, but public transport is available
Application deadline: February 3, 2014
Undergraduate Juniors:
Program dates: June 2 to August 8
teacher encouraged him to apply for this
Odochi was paired with Dr. Lynda Beaupin in
juniors to receive a more “hands-on”
the Department of Pediatrics to work in the AYA
science research experience. For Odochi,
program, which offers support resources for
a career in the science and medical field
adolescents and young adults who are cancer
was exactly what he wanted to explore.
patients and survivors. This internship presented
Five years later, he couldn’t be more thankful
Odochi with an opportunity for growth and a
for his experience and now serves as the pro-
different look at the work being done at RPCI.
gram assistant for RPCI’s Adolescents and
“The AYA program experience was really
Young Adults (AYA) with Cancer Program.
eye opening for me. I realized that as much as
I liked research, I liked working with patients
“I was very
eager to see
the other side
of cancer—the
people I was
trying to help.”
As an intern at RPCI during his junior year of
a little more. Being able to do whatever I could
high school, Odochi conducted his own cancer
to provide resources that these young adults
research project under the collaborative
need. Just to laugh with them or do whatever
mentorship of Dr. Nicoletta Sacchi and John
I could to ease their process,” he explained.
Fischer in the Department of Cancer Genetics.
Odochi’s hard work resulted in the presentation
As Odochi approached the end of his senior
of his project on acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
year, the idea of continuing the work he started
at the prestigious Intel International Science
as an intern in the AYA program encouraged
and Engineering Fair in Reno, Nev.
him to call on the professionals he networked
with during his time at RPCI. Now a program
Odochi had such a rewarding experience at
assistant in the AYA program, Odochi can
RPCI that he aspired to come back before his
confidently say that his experience at RPCI
freshmen year at Dartmouth College. Looking
deepened his passion for cancer research
to have more ownership over his research,
and helped guide him on his career path
Odochi worked with Dr. Eunice Wang in the
to help others.
Department of Medicine, which would become
an annual summer experience for him.
“Even as a high school junior, I realized I wanted
to do research, and I was passionate about
When Odochi became a junior in college, he
cancer and about trying to work to find a cure...
wanted to work in a healthcare-related internship.
I wanted to be able to ease the journey for
With three years of science research experience
cancer patients.”
Fees: $20 application fee and $50 activity fee
Housing: College researchers can stay
at a Canisius College dormitory if they
don’t live in a commutable distance
Transportation: Responsibility of the
student, but public transport is available
h
program for high school and college
After school ends, continue your education this summer at Roswell Park Cancer Institute
with the 2014 Summer Research Program. High school juniors and college undergraduate
juniors who have an interest in science and a passion for fighting cancer are invited to
apply for an opportunity to actively participate in the fight against cancer and complete an
independent research project, all in one summer.
Selected students will work on their own cancer-related research project under the
mentorship of world-renowned researchers and their research team. The core research
experience is supplemented by a curriculum of learning and career development activities
in which interns learn about pertinent topics in cancer science, develop scientific
communication skills and explore a variety of science careers. Students will also partake
in social activities designed to encourage teamwork and foster relationships with other
program participants. At the conclusion of the program, students present the findings
of their research projects at research conferences.
Application deadline: February 3, 2014
For more information on the 2014 Summer
Research Program, students can visit
RoswellPark.edu/Education/Summer-Programs.
Find the video by visiting the
Career Pathways Guide at
In the Fight
Against Cancer, a
Clean Facility and Positive
Attitude Goes a Long Way
YROSWELL.COM CAREER PATHWAYS
Environmental Services Worker
By cheerfully greeting, cleaning and much more, custodial
environmental services member Juan Stanfield shows that
every single member of the Roswell Park team contributes
to the positive experience of Roswell Park’s cancer patients.
Watch the Yroswell Career Pathway video to see how Juan
and his other team members work together in order to contribute
to the mission of Roswell Park. In the video, Juan explains his
daily tasks, his job training and why working at Roswell Park
gives him a sense of pride and satisfaction.
The Yroswell Career Pathways Guide allows students to explore the many career opportunities at Roswell Park and
learn how to get started right away on the path toward a rewarding career in cancer care. Visit Yroswell.com/Careers.
giving
visit yroswell.com/giving
Go Bald in a Banner Year
Goin’ Bald Celebrates 12 Amazing Years
by Giving Back to Participants
lin and her dad,
Sammi Van WickRide For Roswell.
13
Bob, at the 20
You’re Never too Young
to Enjoy The Ride
e Shore
Founding school district, Lak
in 2013.
ks
Buc
for
Bald
t
wen
Central
Sign up your schoo
could hang out wi l by January 31 and you
th DJ Anthony fro
m Kiss 98.5.
Ellicottville Youth proves age doesn’t matter when it
comes to helping a great cause.
Pounding
the Pavement
Pays Off
Over the past five years, Orchard Park teens Brooke
Go Bald for Bucks and you might
have a chance to win Lady Gaga
tickets. Stay tuned for more details.
She used social media sites like Twitter
Driscoll and Katarina Ulsrud, featured in September’s
to network with people and celebrities
issue of YNews, have raised almost $20,000 for the
who could help spread the word about
Western New York Breast Resource Center through
her fundraising. Sammi’s parents also
helped her make YouTube videos of her
the Bosom Buddies Walk for Roswell Park. This year,
Brooke and Katarina nearly doubled that amount by
riding her bike outside, even though it
raising an astounding $17,000, bringing their six-year
was the middle of winter.
total to nearly $37,000! Brooke and Katarina decided
Bald for Bucks is moving into its 12th year and has raised more than $2.4 million dollars in the fight against
cancer. Our mission: to have thousands of bald heads roaming around Western New York and beyond. If you
are thinking about getting your school involved – this is the year. Here’s why!
2
1
Cool Incentives:
Each year the perks for Goin’ Bald grow thanks to Kiss 98.5, Mighty Taco
and Wendy’s. Check out the great incentives that Bald for Bucks has for you
this year!
BALD FOR BUCKS PARTICIPANT INCENTIVES
Sammi’s networking extended beyond
social media. She went door to door in
Lisa who lost her battle with breast cancer seven
In 2012, Sammi Van Wicklin and her
her neighborhood, asking friends,
years ago. Their story even caught the eye of
dad, Bob, started doing The Ride For
neighbors and local business owners for
Channel 2’s Heather Ly who did a feature story
on the girls and their fundraising efforts.
Hang with Celebrities:
Roswell in support of two of her friends
donations, and she even rubbed elbows
DJ Anthony, the Buffalo Bandits and the Buffalo Bisons have
whose moms had been diagnosed
with a celebrity who helped her cause.
an ever-growing relationship with Bald for Bucks. You never
with cancer. “I thought it would be fun
know if your school might be selected to have these celebrities
since I love to ride my bike all the time,”
“I went to a Hollywood movie premiere
or find us on Facebook, and mark your
come hang out while your school goes bald. Who knows, they
she said.
and sat next to Karan Brar,” said Sammi
calendars for the 20th Annual Bosom
of the Disney Channel star. “When I got
Buddies Walk on September 13, 2014!
might even shave some hair!
• Raise $100 and receive an official Goin’ Bald for Bucks T-shirt!
• Raise $500 and receive two free tickets to Kiss 98.5’s Kiss the Summer
Hello concert in June 2014!
SCHOOL INCENTIVES
• Top three fundraisers win gift certificates to Mighty Taco or Wendy’s
• Sign your school up by January 31st to be eligible for an in-studio
visit and on-air broadcast with DJ Anthony from Kiss 98.5!
(How cool – you could be on the radio!)
• The top three fundraisers from each school will receive two
Bald for Bucks VIP tent passes for Kiss the Summer Hello!
• The top five Overall Fundraisers from each school will be recognized
on stage during Kiss the Summer Hello AND will have a “Meet and
Greet” with a performer of their choice!
• All participants at the Most Improved and Top Fundraising Inaugural
School will receive tickets to Darien Lake for Kiss Takes Over The
Park!
3
to get involved in the walk to honor Brooke’s mom
Support an Awesome Cause:
Unfortunately, cancer is something that touches
everyone…on the bright side you can help make a
difference in that fight. The funds raised at a Bald for
Bucks event support critical cancer research and patient
care programs right here in our community at Roswell
Park Cancer Institute.
To learn more go to BosomBuddiesWalk.org
In just two years, Sammi, a sixth grader
home, I wrote to him about my fundrais-
at Ellicottville Central School, has raised
ing for The Ride For Roswell. He sent
more than $10,000 – more than she
me a stack of autographed photos that I
could have imagined when she first
sold to help reach my goal!”
started out. Last year, she set a lofty goal
of $1,000 and was thrilled when her
Sammi isn’t sure what creative fundrais-
donations climbed over $4,000. This
ing ideas she’ll come up with this year,
year she was determined to beat it and
saying they usually pop up in a random
ended up raising more than $6,000.
moment. But for kids like her who want
to make a difference, she says, “When
Sammi started fundraising for The Ride
I was first starting out, I didn’t know how
as soon as registration opened in
much I could raise – I thought maybe
SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
January and used every avenue to bring
$100. But start early and try hard, and
Go to BaldforBucks.org and sign up today!
awareness to the cause and her goal.
you could get really high!”
coping
visit yroswell.com/coping
TLC Buffalo Team
Member Spotlight...
GET
INVOLVED!
Abby Taylor
www.BosomBuddiesWalk.org
BOSOM BUDDIES WALK
jay.josker@roswellpark.org
Meet Abby Taylor. She is in her junior year at Hobart and William
www.CarlysClub.org
CARLY’S CLUB
Smith College studying biology with a minor in public policy.
She hopes to one day advocate in Washington D.C. for kids with
robin.hace@roswellpark.org
cancer, and she has incredible motivation to do so. Abby doesn’t
let cancer get in the way of her dreams.
CARLY’S CROSSING
She was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma a week before
robin.hace@roswellpark.org
www.CarlysCrossing.org
Roswell Park Alliance Foundation.
Lockport
Lions Step
Off the Field
to Help Carly’s Club
Abby also played a big part in the kick-off of Teens Living with
football than what happens on the field. He has been bringing his high school football teams
her 19th birthday. Abby started treatment immediately after her
diagnosis in August 2012, going through 14 days of intense,
high-dosage radiation. Her treatments ended right before the
holidays and she missed all of her fall semester.
Once spring arrived, Abby was ready to go back to school.
She didn’t slow down over the summer either, working part-time
at a day care and interning with the special events team at the
Coach Brendan Brady believes it’s important that his players understand there is more to
Cancer (TLC) at Roswell Park. TLC is a peer-to-peer resource
to the Carly’s Club Holiday Party as volunteers for the past three years. The first two years he
for teens diagnosed with cancer that supports these teens
was with Williamsville East, and this past year, Lockport High School.
through every stage of their cancer journey -- diagnosis,
Abby Taylor (left) with Emily Marciniak,
TLC Program Coordinator, and Ela Asquith,
TLC program member.
treatment and beyond.
www.BaldForBucks.org
GOIN’ BALD FOR BUCK$
GoinBaldForBucks@roswellpark.org
www.RideForRoswell.org
THE RIDE FOR ROSWELL
RideForRoswell@roswellpark.org
www.TeamCure.com
TEAM CURE
julia.harvey@roswellpark.org
www.TeamCureChallenge.com
TEAM CURE CHALLENGE
Every year, his team shows up in their jerseys because, as Coach Brady knows, many Carly’s
Club members (pediatric cancer patients and survivors) see athletes as celebrities and heroes.
julia.harvey@roswellpark.org
on a lot of things that my friends were doing. Nothing was normal
“Volunteering at the Carly’s Club Holiday Party gives my team a great perspective on life,” said
anymore,” said Abby. “When I started going to TLC programs and
Coach Brady. “As athletes, they are very fortunate to have exceptional health, so it’s important
meeting other teens who were going through similar challenges,
to me that in turn, they learn to give back.”
www.Yroswell.com
“Cancer changed my whole life in a matter of minutes. I missed out
“
When I started going to
TLC programs and meeting
other teens who were going
through similar challenges,
TLC became a way for me
to create my new normal.
YROSWELL
yroswell@roswellpark.org
TLC became a way for me to create my new normal.”
Traditionally, at the end of the Holiday Party, the dance floor erupts and both Carly’s Club
Abby participated in TLC Fit, a 10-week fitness program for TLC
members and football players alike light up the dance floor. This year, Coach Brady witnessed
teens, helped to plan and organize the kick-off party at Hoyt Lake in
a special moment.
July, and encouraged others to attend many TLC programs and
events.
“One of my players scooped up a little girl who was very sick. He danced around with her for
a while and when I looked over, I saw her give him a kiss on the cheek. He was glowing. It’s
Throughout it all, Abby never slowed down. Even in her own
special moments like this that remind you of what’s truly important in life. You never know who
struggles, she made the time and effort to help make things
you’ll impact by volunteering, and more often than not, it’s yourself.”
“
easier for other teens like herself.
To learn more about the TLC program, visit
teenslivingwithcancer.org or Facebook.com/teenswithcancer.
Going
?
Green
Send your email address to
yroswell@roswellpark.org to
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