#71651 03-19-2008 04:37 AM | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | OP  Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | It's hard to believe that it's almost a year since last year's walk. The dental and hygiene students at NYU and Columbia are running the third annual walk to raise money for OCF on April 19th. As many of you know, I have attended the first 2 walks and I am now in the process of raising money by people sponsoring me for this walk. Last year many members sent me checks and together with my family, friends and colleagues, I was able to raise over $3,600 to help support the OCF and help to assure that it will be around to provide this website for us and future oral cancer patients, their families, friends and caregivers. To read a press release about the event click on this link http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/news/story.asp?newsId=2107Here is a link where you get information about this year's walk and to watch a video made last year. www.oralcancerwalknyc.org If you watch the whole thing, you can actually see me. I was truly honored that I was asked to say a few words during the openning ceremonies. I am particularly looking forward to this year's walk as Brian will be there and I am excited about the opportunity of actually meeting him. I was also told by Brian that Colleen Zenk Pinter and other As The World Turns actors will be there, too. For those of you who would like to take the opportunity to support your organization by making a donation to OCF by sponsoring me, you can send a check made out to "The Oral Cancer Foundation" to: Dr. Jerold B. Wilck The Oral Cancer Foundation Suite 201 680 Middletown Blvd. Langhorne, PA 19047 No amount is too small...they all add up. Last year one of our members had a great idea of sending me a photo of themselves for me to carry with me on the walk. I received quite a few. It was a great idea and it made the walk even more special. I will be bringing those from last year with me again. Even if you can't send a check, I welcome your photos and they can be sent to the same address. Don't forget to write the names of those in the picture on the back. I would appreciate getting your checks and or photos by April 11th. Jerry
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 4,912 Likes: 52 OCF Founder Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | OCF Founder Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 4,912 Likes: 52 |
Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 221 Gold Member (200+ posts) | | Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 221 |
CG to Father, 75 yo with SCC of the mouth; upper maxillectomy and neck diss. performed on 5/23/07. Father also suffered heart attack during surgery and now has CHF. RT complete on 8/28/07. Cancer back 11/27/07. RT and Chemo to start on 12/17. Cancer back 6/17/08. Finally at rest 08/08/08.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 794 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 794 | Jerry,
I'll be there and hopefully my mom will be also. Never thought of holding a picture ....her RO has some fascinating ones!! Also, haven't read fully into everything but would love to try and get sponsors. My neighbors/friends and others have been asking what they can do to help....well, seems like I have a good response now!
Last edited by Donnarose; 03-27-2008 06:33 PM. Reason: spelling
Donna
CG to Mom, dx 4/25/07 with tongue cancer,T3N0,tx began 7/6/07, 31 tx's of IMRT, 8 cycles of Erbitux. Brachytherapy, surgery, left neck dissection and temp trach placed all on 9/17/07, trach removed 10/17/07. ORN of jaw, late effect of radiation symptoms. **lost my beautiful mother on 5/5/11.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | OP Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Joy,
Thanks for your support both from me and OCF. I hope you put a picture in with your check. I was not in the office today, but will check on Monday.
Donna,
It will be great to walk with you and I hope that Rose is up to it. As in the past, I'm hoping that other OCF members will also be able to attend this year.
Jerry
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Jerry: I will be sending you a donation next week, I wish it could be more. Im not quite up to the walk this year. Count me in for next year.
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | | | | | Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 199 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 199 | Jerry - I am also sending you a donation in the mail... Wish I could be there, we love New York and were thinking about making another trip there soon anyway, and I was hoping we could work this out, but I just started a new job 2 weeks ago so lots going on! (good things, though!)
Ginny M. SCC of Left lateral tongue Dx 04/06,Surgery MDACC 05/11/06: Partial glossectomy with selective neck dissection. T1N0M0 - no radiation. Phase III clinical trial ("EPOC" trial)04/07 thru 04/08 because tests showed a 65% chance of recurrence. 10 Year Survivor!
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | OP Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Thanks and don't forget to send the pictures.
Jerry
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 794 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 794 | Jerry....the check's in the mail. C'mon, everybody. Let's help Jerry surpass his donation from the walk last year...over $3,000 as I recall. I wish I lived a little closer and could come and walk too. I'll send another picture for you to carry so I'll feel like I am part of the event. Thanks! XO
Colleen--T-2N0M0 SCC dx'd 12/28/05...Hemi-maxillectomy, partial palatectomy, neck dissection 1/4/06....clear margins, neg. nodes....no radiation, no chemo....Cancer-free at 4 years!
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | OP Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Hi all,
Just wanted to publically thank those of you that have sent sponsorship checks.
I still have a way to go to surpass last year's total.
This is a great opportunity to help support the OCF which does so much for all of us.
Thanks.
Jerry
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 83 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | | Supporting Member (50+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 83 | Jerry: donation via PayPal. Hope to join you next year. Thank you for doing this.
Bill Van Horn-53 ex-smoker, social drinker, Biopsy 8/24, Diagnosed 8/30/07 BOT T2N2-B MX Stage IV. Started treatments 10/1/07. IMRT 35 x, Cisplatin - 3 cycles - completed treatment 11/16/07. CT Scans on 1/15/08 all clear Selective neck dissection 1/28/08. All nodes clear.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | OP Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | That would be great, Bill.
Thanks for the support.
Jerry
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 794 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 794 | Jerry, this is such a good way to have a bit more fun giving to this organization that has given so very much to each of us. It gave me the boost to finally get out the checkbook and get a donation made.....something I have been meaning to do for many months. I sent my donation to your office. (Jerry's address is at the beginning of this "string.") Put my name on some of your steps, please! I wish I could come to walk them for myself. XO
Last edited by August; 04-04-2008 07:28 PM.
Colleen--T-2N0M0 SCC dx'd 12/28/05...Hemi-maxillectomy, partial palatectomy, neck dissection 1/4/06....clear margins, neg. nodes....no radiation, no chemo....Cancer-free at 4 years!
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 17 Member | | Member
Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 17 | Hi Jerry, I will be sending you a donation along with my brothers' picture. I am on Long Island and if I can get into the city I will be there to cheer you on. Good luck and thank you..... Jeanie sadsister
Brother,56 yrs.old, diagnosed Feb.2008,scc,bot,+ 2 lymph nodes,stage3,HPV,peg,undergoing chemo and radiation 8 weeks beginning Mar 17,2008
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | OP Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Hi Jeanie,
Thank you. Please tell your brother that a former New Yorker (born & raised in Brooklyn) will be proudly carrying his picture through Central park and the streets of Harlem with hundreds of supporters.
I hope you can make it to the walk and that we can meet. I will email you a picture of my wife and me, so that if you are there, you can look for us.
Jerry
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 341 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 341 | Hi Jerry - just sent my donation via paypal and will e-mail a picture. Thank you so much for representing us in this wonderful event!!!!
Michelle, CG to husband (45), DX 2/08 Stage IVa Adenocarcinoma Salivary Gland (T2N2bMO)
Parotidectomy & ND 2/08, Tumor margins not clear, 4 of 30 nodes positve for cancer,
TX IMRT 39x, cisplatin 7x (completed 5/1/08),
PEG (4/22 - 7/9), No port. Currently in remission!
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | OP Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Hi Michelle,
I received the picture this morning and will print it out. It's a great picture and I will be be proud to carry it with me on the 19th. You have a lovely family.
Thanks so much for your support and I hope and pray that your hubby is not having too rough a time with his treatment.
Jerry
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 681 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 681 | Jerry, I made a donation through OCS store. I hope the weather is beautiful next week. Malka
SCC stage II Partial mandibulectomy w. neck dissection- July 2005. Renal cancer w. partial nephrectomy-Jan 2004. Breast cancer discovered in routine mammogram. Successful lumpectomy, sentinal nodes clear, RT only-2008 Reconstruction of mandible w fibula free flap-Jan 09. TORS removal of begnin pappiloma from esophagus-2010. Masectomy,rt breast 2013.
Support OCF
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | OP Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Thanks Malka,
I really appreciate your support. Hoping for good weather, too.
BTW...not sure what the link in your signature is, but I cannot get the page to load.
Jerry
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 681 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 681 | RE: Link in my signature
Thanks for reminding me. I keep forgetting to remove it. That was a link to Rosie's fundraising through Parade Magazine.
SCC stage II Partial mandibulectomy w. neck dissection- July 2005. Renal cancer w. partial nephrectomy-Jan 2004. Breast cancer discovered in routine mammogram. Successful lumpectomy, sentinal nodes clear, RT only-2008 Reconstruction of mandible w fibula free flap-Jan 09. TORS removal of begnin pappiloma from esophagus-2010. Masectomy,rt breast 2013.
Support OCF
| | | | | Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 | Hi Jerry, Dropped check in the mail this morning so you should have it by Thursday or Friday. My company will match it, so add another donation from CA, INT for the same amount to your total amount. I was hoping to be able to make the walk this year, but my legs are just not up to the trip. Say hello to everyone for me and I'll be thinking of you guys. Keep up the good work. Take care, Eileen
----------------------
Aug 1997 unknown primary, Stage III
mets to 1 lymph node in neck; rt ND, 36 XRT rad
Aug 2001 tiny tumor on larynx, Stage I total laryngectomy; left ND
June 5, 2010 dx early stage breast cancer
June 9, 2011 SCC 1.5 cm hypo pharynx, 70% P-16 positive, no mets, Stage I
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Jerry: In case Im not able to write before Saturday, good luck with the walk. I appreciate you raising awareness for OCF. Thank you for carrying my picture with you. I hope the weather holds out and it doesnt rain. Next year I will be there too
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive | | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | OP Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | UPDATE:
The weather was spectacular and there seemed to be almost twice the number of walkers than last year.
I proudly carried the pictures that were sent to me and I was able to surpass my goal and beat my last year's sponsorship total. Thank you to all of you that sent me checks or supported me directly through an OCF pledge.
I was again honored to be asked to say a few words to the attendees. I will be sending some pictures off to Brian, hopefully this week, so that they can be posted in the "events" section of the forum.
I'm sure that Brian will be getting all the facts and figures from the NYU people that run the event each year.
I hope that next year, some other OCF members will be able to attend this wonderful event.
Jerry
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 4,912 Likes: 52 OCF Founder Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | OCF Founder Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 4,912 Likes: 52 | I heard form Dr. Kerr the evening of the walk. He said that it surpassed all of their expectations for attendance. We had almost 300 registrations for walkers on the OCF store, and they had at least an equal amount at the event itself. OCF was represented well by Jerry who gave out two OCF awards for Excellence in Public Service to two students who put in many many hours of after hours work calling to get sponsorships, and organize the event itself with the city. Besides many students and staff from NYU, Columbia was well represented by students from their dental program as well. As soon as we have the numbers in detail I will post them here, and in the past events page of the web site. This is the third year of the event, and it has doubled in attendance each year.
Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 163 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 163 | Way to go Jerry! We are all very proud of you.
Marica
Caregiver to husband (Pete) Stage IV Base of Tongue. Dx 04 2003 Chemo/Radiation no surgery.. doing great!
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,606 Likes: 2 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,606 Likes: 2 | Great job once again Jerry! Thank you for all you do for all of us.
Ed
SCC Stage IV, BOT, T2N2bM0
Cisplatin/5FU x 3, 40 days radiation
Diagnosis 07/21/03 tx completed 10/08/03
Post Radiation Lower Motor Neuron Syndrome 3/08.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis 01/11
Cervical Myelitis 09/12
Thoracic Paraplegia 10/12
Dysautonomia 11/12
Hospice care 09/12-01/13.
COPD 01/14
Intermittent CHF 6/15
Feeding tube NPO 03/16
VFI 12/2016
ORN 12/2017
Cardiac Event 06/2018
Bilateral VFI 01/2021
Thoracotomy Bilobectomy 01/2022
Bilateral VFI 05/2022
Total Laryngectomy 01/2023
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | OP Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Thanks guys, your kind words inspire me.
Jerry
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
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