Free Summer Camp for Kids with Cancer

For many children whose lives have been affected by cancer, summer camp seems like an impossible dream. The American Cancer Society is making that dream a reality. The American Cancer Society’s Camp Anuenue, is a free, week-long summer camp for children ages 7-18 who have or have had cancer.

A camper’s only requirement is to have a great time. Campers do not have to be in remission to attend. Medical professionals and qualified counselors are on staff 24 hours a day and transportation to Honolulu for treatment is provided. There is no cost to the child or their family for this week-long camp.

A professional surfer from the Mauli Ola Foundation takes a young camper out for a canoe ride.

Registration for this year’s Camp Anuenue is taking place now. This year’s camp is scheduled for June 3-9 at Camp Mokuleia on the North Shore of O`ahu. Children from across Hawai‘i, Guam, and the Pacific islands who are registered with their local American Cancer Society field office can attend this fun-filled week of activities, encouragement, and friendship. A variety of activities include swimming, stand up paddling, outrigger canoeing, archery, Zip-lining, arts & crafts, cosmic bowling, camp fires, and dance night with a professional makeover.

Camp Anuenue gives children the confidence to try something they have never tried before.

Desiree Medeiros, MD, pediatric oncologist at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children and volunteer on-site doctor for Camp Anuenue, underscores the value of this camping experience, “Children and teenagers with cancer are confronted with many new unpleasant experiences…lengthy therapy…many unwanted and bothersome side effects…lots of time in the hospital. They feel isolated and ‘different.’ Camp gives them the opportunity to come together, be with other children who have had the same experiences, and just ‘feel normal.’ They can forget that they are supposed to be sick. By the end of the week, many of the campers will leave camp with improved self-esteem and new friendships that will last a lifetime.”

Parents are encouraged to enroll their children as soon as possible as spots are limited and the camp fills up quickly. Enrollment can be made by calling Debra Glowik, Director of Camp Programs at 808.489.7425, or apply online at acshawaiipacific.org/camp-anuenue.

Congratulations from the medical staff.

Don’t Fry Day 2012

Friday, May 25, 2012 is Don’t Fry Day.  As you prepare to be active outdoors this summer, remember to go beyond sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.

Skin cancer is on the rise in the U.S.
	There are more than 3.5 million new cases of skin cancer diagnosed annually, which is more than new cases of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers combined.
	Melanoma (the most serious form of skin cancer) incidence rates have been increasing for at least 30 years. Since 2004, incidence rates among whites have been increasing by almost 3% per year in both men and women.
	The American Cancer Society estimates that 76,250 cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in 2012 in the U.S. and 9,180 people will die from the disease.
	Most skin cancers are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
While generous sunscreen usage (broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher) is an important way to protect yourself, there are additional sun safety measures that can help prevent skin cancer:
	Seek the shade when you can.  Use umbrellas or other shade structures when outdoors.
	Wear sun-protective clothing, such as a long-sleeve shirt, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
	Remember that the sun’s UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and that may not be the hottest part of the day.
	Do not intentionally tan or burn.  Do not use tanning beds.

 

Visit the American Cancer Society or the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention for more information and tips to protect yourself from skin cancer.

 

Journey Together: Cancer Survivorship Conference 2012

Cancer Survivors and Caregivers are invited to…

Journey Together: Cancer Survivorship Conference 2012

The Hawai‘i’s Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition’s Journey Together is a cancer survivorship conference that focuses on issues important to cancer survivors and their caregivers. A variety of speakers will share their expertise on topics such as physical activity, nutrition, genetics, long-term effects, fear of recurrence, sexuality, finance issues, research & ethics, social support, spirituality, caregiving, breast, lung, colorectal and prostate cancer, acupuncture and complementary and alternative therapy. Attendees can meet, support, and share hope with others like themselves, as well as learn about services offered by various cancer organizations.

Keynote Speaker: Carolyn Gotay, PhD

Cancer Prevention in Cancer Survivors
Due to advances in cancer screening and treatment, increasing numbers of individuals are living well beyond their cancer diagnosis and treatment.  This good news is coupled with some cautions: cancer survivors are at risk of developing recurrence, new primary cancers, and chronic diseases, due to the same factors that led to their first cancers, impacts of cancer therapies, and simply, the process of growing older. This presentation will provide a snapshot of what we know now about what cancer survivors can do to reduce their risks and attain a healthy life after cancer.

 About Carolyn:
Carolyn Gotay, PhD is Professor and Canadian Cancer Society Chair in Cancer Primary Prevention at the University of British Columbia (BC), and she also holds an appointment at the BC Cancer Agency. A psychologist, Dr. Gotay has had a long career in cancer control and quality of life research, including 16 years at the University of Hawaii Cancer Centre, where she was director of the Prevention & Control Program and also chaired the Hawaii Comprehensive Cancer Coalition.  Dr. Gotay is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and was named “Professor of Survivorship” by Komen for the Cure.  Last year, she was the first woman awarded the “President’s Award,” the highest honor of the International Society of Quality of Life Research.

 

Journey Together:  Cancer Survivorship Conference

When:	Saturday, June 23, 2012
Time:	Registration 8 am – 9 am, Conference 9 am – 3 pm
Place:	Hilton Hawaiian Village, Mid-Pacific Conference Center
Registration Fee*:	$25 will include continental breakfast, lunch, and fully validated parking.  *Scholarships for Neighbor Island travel and fee are available.

Online Registration:             https://www.uhbooks.hawaii.edu/conference/hcccc2012.asp
Journey Together  Cancer Survivorship Conference 2012:     Conference Invitation (2012) 

Or Contact:
Amy Nye
UH Conference Center
1951 East-West Road, #102
Honolulu, HI 96822
Email: anye@hawaii.edu
Phone: 808.956.8204
Fax: 808.956.4372