Gene Patent Lawsuit Moves On!

A US district court has denied a motion by the US Patent and Trademark Office, Myriad Genetics, and the University of Utah Research Foundation to dismiss a lawsuit brought against them by the ACLU. The suit challenges the legality and constitutionality of patenting the BRCA genes, associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome. Further proceedings will begin in December.

Please follow the above light blue link to sign your support for the ACLU! Read more!

Women Encouraged to Continue Getting Mammograms

American Cancer Society Stands by its Screening Guidelines; Women Encouraged to Continue Getting Mammograms. Please follow the link below to read the full statement from Otis W. Brawley, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, American Cancer Society in Response to New York Times article on Cancer Screening. Read more!

Patient Group Urges HHS Panel to Push for Oversight of Genetic Test Marketing Practices

Lisa Schlager, an outreach coordinator at Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered, spoke with groups in Washington DC last week and urged them to consider "federal action to monitor, regulate, and track adverse events resulting from marketing from laboratories to consumers and healthcare professionals."

Please click on the above light blue link to read the full article. Read more!

October 20th - Film Screening and Discussion

Here is the beginning of my post. And here is the rest of it. Read more!

Mark Your Calendars: Breast Cancer, Patenting Human Genes & Your Civil Liberties

Mark your calendars for the upcoming event "Breast Cancer, Patenting Human Genes & Your Civil Liberties." See a screening of the famous documentary "In the Family" followed by a panel discussion with filmmaker Joanna Rudnick, the ACLU, and special guests (including our director, Ellen Matloff, MS). Admission is free but space is limited. RSVP to ereshefsky@aclu.org

Time:6:00PM

Date: Tuesday, October 20th

Location: Tribeca Cinemas 54, Varick Street, New York, NY Read more!

Large National Groups Support ACLU's Challenge to the Patents on the Breast and Ovarian Cancer Genes

Three more major organizations including the American Medical Association, the March of Dimes and the American Society for Human Genetics filed briefs in support of ACLU's suit to declare the patents on the breast and ovarian cancer genes unconstitutional. Read more!

Pam’s Pink Posse

Pam’s Pink Posse is hitting the pavement again! Last year, my friends and family formed a team and walked in support of my battle against breast cancer in the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation Walk across Southeastern Connecticut. The mission for this walk was to raise funds to cure breast cancer and they raised over $5,000. On October 3, 2009 I will be joining my team and hundreds of walkers for the annual 26.2 mile walk.

The Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation (TBBCF) is a local, non-profit organization dedicated to fighting this devastating disease. In 2005 Norma Logan and Sandy Maniscalco led a group of walkers in raising $200,000 for an internationally renowned breast cancer foundation. But afterwards, they found out that 40% of all money raised went to overhead. Of the $200,000 raised, $80,000 never made it to critical research programs. TBBCF is different from other foundations in that 100% of all fundraising dollars go directly to breast cancer research. How is this possible? TBBCF is run by experienced volunteers and depends on sponsorship donations to cover event and administrative costs. (Log on to www.TerriBrodeurBreastCancerFoundation.org to find out more about the organization.)

Like many of you, several of the TBBCF board members have shown me a great deal of support over the past year and this organization has become near and dear to me. I thank all of you for your support and hope that you will continue to support me in helping to find a cure for breast cancer.

If you are interested in donating, I have enclosed a donation form for you. You can either donate directly to me, mail a check to TBBCF with the attached form, or go on line at: www.TerriBrodeurBreastCancerFoundation.org, Locate “Sponsor a Walker”, type in “Pamela Watt” and click “Search”. Once you find my name, click “Donate” (to the right of my name).

Thank you for your consideration. Remember, 100% of your donation in support of my walk will fund breast cancer research. Any amount is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Thanks!

Pamela Read more!

Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC): A Network for Gastric Cancer Patients, Survivors and Families

Be Strong Hearted

A Network for Gastric Cancer Patients, Survivors and Families

Chelcun Family Fund for Stomach Cancer Research

Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC) Read more!

Bright Pink

Lindsay Avner is the founder of "Bright Pink," an organization to educate young women about breast cancer and preventive health. Click on the above light blue link to check out a recent CNN article that features Ms. Avner and interviews with other young women. Read more!

PARP inhibitors show promise in treating BRCA related cancers

For Matt Lauer's coverage of this topic, please visit www.msnbc.msn.com and search for "PARP." Read more!