Hi everyone!

It seems like no one makes it down as far as the activism topic. Please go there and read my post on the Walk for Awareness in New York on April 15.

Thanks, Barb

Brian, please don't move this post. Pretty please, with sugar on top?

Original posting here http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php?/ubb/get_topic/f/8/t/000067.html

Current info on the walk on this page http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/events/current_events.htm

Barb,

I read it and will be attending. We'll talk later.

Jerry

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to move this thread up to the top.

Besides Bobb131 and me, is there anyone else planning on attending the walk?

I know it's a great distance for most of you. It sounds like a great idea, raising money for the OCF, free oral screenings in a high risk area and a chance to meet the wondeful members of this group.

Please check the links in Barb's posting at the top of the thread.

Jerry

Hi Jerry, I would LOVE to attend but unfortunately cannot this time. I am happy to sponsor you if you would like..Thanks, Carol

I wish it wasn't starting in Harlem. If it was starting in Mid-town, more people might show up

What is at 137th and 5th avenue and where is the nearest subway stop? Where are you walking to? Anybody get the route yet?

Right now my walking legs are working so I'm not willing to commit to anything.

Eileen

Hi Eileen,

I will get the information for you. I will contact the people running the event by email and let you know in plenty of time. It's been a long time since I lived in NY and I never really travelled to Harlem by train

I would offer to drive you up there, but I am going to be at my daughter's house in Springfield, NJ on Friday and I am planning on sleeping there and then drive to the city on Sat.

Hope you can make it.

Jerry

Carol,

That's nice of you to offer to sponsor me. I am collecting money from relatives and friends and will be bringing it to the walk.

If you would like to send a check, made out to the Oral Cancer Foundation, that would be great.

Dr. Jerold B. Wilck
KWH Dental Assoc. P.C.
680 Middletown Blvd.
Suite 201
Langhorne, PA 19047-1817

Glenn,

I too was a little hesitant about Harlem, but my concerns lessened when I thought about it. Late morning and mid-day shouldn't be a problem. I know the area was picked due to the fact that the organizers felt that this area of the city was in need of education more so than others. In addition, there will be free oral cancer screenings being done along the route.

Hope you can see your way clear to come and join the walk.

Jerry

Jerry,

If you don't mind, I'll sponsor you as well. Is there a specific amount? Or is it just a gnereal donation. I know I have some other family members who may also want to sponsor as well.

John

You have to understand that when we do screening events (which are included on the route of this walk chosen by NYU), we on purpose choose to do them in undrprivledged areas of a city. The last screening we did here in CA was in south central LA, not far from the location of those really bad riots of ten years ago. I never met a more thankful, polite, and helpful group of people than those who that came to the screening. The area was 60% black and 40% Hispanic. Racial sterotypes are not going to get in the way of what we need to accomplish.

It doesn't do us alot of good to have a screeening in Westwood, or Santa Monica, as all the residents there have $, see a dentist regularly, etc. As to Harlem, Bill Clinton has his office there, and any phobias that you have about the area, especially in the day time are misplaced. There is a huge medical center at that address where the walk starts. There will be maps of the area to be walked at the registration desk, and I will ask the school to send me a version that I can put up on the web site.

The issue of disparities in health care and health information in the US are significant. If people are not willing to reach out to others in less priveldged areas, it is indeed a sad world.

Does anyone think that blacks get and die from oral cancer twice as often as whites because there is something genetic in blacks that causes that? Hardly. It has to do with socio-economic issues that are for the most part not in the control of those affected. If you grew up in south central LA, I guarantee you that you would have had a lesser education, lesser availability of healthcare, less of a feeling that you would have the opportunity to breakout of the poverty that might be keeping your family there, and fewer local role models that would perhaps keep you from smoking and engaging in other lifestyle habilts that would compromise your health. That only scratches the surface of some of the obsticles that you would grow up with, that those growing up in a neighborhood 10 miles away in LA wouldn't face. As a last soapbox perspective, in the neighborhood where we screened, a grade school child shares their textbook with two other children. In the city next door, one zip code away, this isn't the case, everyone has their own books. What does this do to a young child's learning abilities, and chances? There are disparities that take an extraordinary person to overcome. Out of this particular neighborhood however, one comes to mind who is giving back. Magic Johnson. We have to do what we can with what we have to change things. If those of us that have fought for life cannot appreciate a differnet kind of unfair fight, then we are surely myopic. If you all haven't seen the movie Crash, I highly recommend it. The issue of stereotypes and how they influence us is cleary shown for the problem that they are.

Brian,

Thanks for your explanation for the location and the concerns about Harlem. I didn't quite know how to express it and as always, you have eloquently handled the situation.

John,

I have registered my wife and myself at the $20 registration fee. After that, any donations sent to me will be passed on directly to OCF via the groups running the event. Any amount is welcomed with open arms. This will be a great way of helping this wonderful organization continue with it's mission.

Thanks.

Jerry

Jerry, thank you to you and your wife for walking. I will mail you a check....OCF is a wonderful organization. Take Care, Carol

I just receeived another comment about the walk being in Harlem. I have added to my previous post

Hi all,

As we get closer to the date of April 15th, I am moving this thread up to the top in the hope that others will find it and find a way to get to this great fundraiser.

In lieu of attending, a reminder that any checks sent to me will be turned in at the event and the full donation goes to OCF.

Thanks

Jerry

Brian and Jerry,

I have sponsored a walker and would like to put in a plug for next year's walk to be in Florida. Was at the dentist the other day and got the information about the local hygienist training centers, dental societies, etc. When this one is done, I would appreciate any and all input about how to get organized. Is a year out soon enough to plan?

I am the poster child for early diagnosis and treatment, and would very much like to do this. I told my dentist she will be walking right next to me soon as she was writing down all the information for me. *could you write a little faster, Dr. H, I have to get back to work*

Sincerely,
Lisa

Hi Lisa,

I'm not sure how last year's walk was organized as I was not a member then.

The one in NYC is being run by a consortium of groups and I believe that it is the brain child of NYU Dental School. This event is not related to the one last year and it will hopefully become an annual event in NYC. The goals of raising money for the OCF and increasing awareness of early detection cannot be commended enough.

I believe there was an attempt to plan another OCF walk sometime earlier this year or late last year, but it did not pan out. It would be great if you could organize one in your area.

I think I have the facts right and I hope Brian will check in and confirm this.

Jerry

The walk last year, in Virginia Beach, was put on by me and my family..............and was made a success of sorts by Barb, Danny, Carol, Rosie, Tom and Nikki, and other oral cancer survivors that attended. Barb and her entire family made tons of money for OCF. I had NO IDEA WHAT I WAS DOING with this walk and I also was NOT in the right frame of mind to take on such an event. I almost put Brian over the edge I do believe. These type of things need to be planned months and months ahead of time and it needs to be a group putting it on, not one family. I also believe a survivor needs to be in a good emotional state to do it. I will happily share my mistakes with anyone trying to plan one, so the same mistakes are not made again.

Brian,

Thank you for that post about why the walk is held in Harlem as well as the socioeconomic disadvantages that people living in Harlem and other "inner city" neighborhoods have to overcome, obstacles that those of us growing up with more advantages are sometimes unaware of.

I thought I would add that in addition to those huge socioeconomic obstacels you mentioned, there's some pretty solid research indicating that even when socioeconomic status and education is controlled for, blacks are less likely to get tests that they should have from doctors. It's not clear entirely why this is--could simply be racism or it could be that blacks mistrust doctors more and don't ask for tests when they need them as often as whites or most likely both reasons and maybe some others are at work, but one way or another, doing free screenings in a relatively poor neighborhood mostly populated by people of color is clearly where OCF should be!

I am hoping I can come to this but right now it looks like it will interfere with something else I already committed myself to (but am trying to arrange a way to get out of). If I can't come, I will definitely send money to sponsor someone else. is there anyone walking other than Jerry who would like a sponsor?

Nelie

Hi Nelie,

So far the only one going other than me, as far as I know, is Barbara (Bobb131).

Hope you can manage to work things out. It would be great to meet you.

Jerry

Actually this walk all started last October as a conversation between a 4th year dental student, Khadine Alston, and myself. She was the prime mover in all of this. I was the person who had done events like this for other organizations, and had the know how of what it takes to pull one off. As the event organization became more labor intense, (it takes a lot to put one of these on) we solicited the help of the University via Dr. Ross Kerr and Dean Mike Alfano. They helped pull in ABC and other sponsors to help fund the basics like T-shirts etc.

As to doing a walk in Florida, I'd be all for it, but be careful what you wish for, the operative word to getting one of these things off the ground is WORK, and it takes a team of people to pull it off well. It doesn't hurt to involve a dental school and other large organizations to help bear the load and make it happen. But if someone has the time, and the heart to organize an event, they should just email me and we can afterwards talk on the phone. I can give you an idea of how much is involved in making a successful event. A year ahead is not too long. Even though we have the process cook booked, it takes a while and LOTS of conversations for someone who has not done this before to get up to speed and develop the organization of friends, and other groups locally to make it a high attendance event.

By the way the comment about Barb Boland was correct. She contacted me and told me that she was bringing $15,000 in donations to the Virginia event. I was surprised and thought

By the way minniea don't be so hard on yourself. These things take a lot of work and you deserve credit for showing the heart to even attempt to take the task on. We learned alot from your efforts and not all of it was because something was not right. Clearly, these things take a team of people to pull off, and for a single family to take the task on we learned just isn't practical.

Minnie, you did an awesome job with last year's walk! I was proud to be part of it....Thank You! I cannot walk in this year's due to prior committment but I am sponsoring Jerry. Thanks again Minnie, Love, Carol

Hi, everyone!

I am back to ask who besides Jerry and I are going to walk? I know that the route is about four miles long, that it starts at the Harlem Medical Center, passes through several neighborhoods (I plan stops for pizza, ice cream, etc.), skims Central Park, and takes you back to the Medical Center. My family and I will be doing a slow four mile walk through Harlem and I am looking forward to seeing a part of New York I have never seen before.

If anyone wants information on how to raise lots of money, e-mail me and I'll tell you what my family and I did last year.

Barb

Barb,

Thanks for the help in getting my solicitation letters ready. I mailed the bulk of them on Monday and started getting checks yesterday.

Looking forward to meeting your family and also the pizza and ice cream stops.

Jerry

Barb, can you send me all the information about the walk? I am talking with my older girls about all of us coming. How about motels, know of any good ones there?

Brian and Carol, thanks for the kind words about the walk. I still have the poster that everyone signed, it means alot to me. Someday I would like to try the event again. Carol, maybe we can do one together, we're not that far away.

Hi Minnie,

In case Barb takes a while to get back to you, the link above in Barb's first posting gives you some of the info about the event. More info is also available at http://www.oral-cancer.org/

I don't know anything about motels/hotels in the area, but perhaps Barb will.

Although I was not involved with the OCF in 2004, I heard wonderful things about the walk you organized from members that attended.

It would be great if you and your family can make it and a great opportunity for us to all meet.

Jerry

Eileen,

I checked the NYC subway map at http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/nyct/service/threelin.htm, and this appears to be the best bet. The Seventh Ave. Express goes from Penn Station and stops at 135th Street and Lenox Ave. Not sure exactly how many avenues over Lenox is from 5th Ave. There are also 3 other trains that stop at 135th Street. Not sure if any others are closer.

I will try another email to someone involved in running the event.

Jerry

Thanks Jerry. From what Brian said about there being a major medical center there, I am guessing it is the Harlem Medical Center. If that is the case, I found these instructions on how to get there. Still doesn't tell us how far Lenox is from 5th. Brian, correct this please if I guessed wrong.

http://www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/hhc/html/facilities/harlem-directions.shtml

My previous post should have read 'my walking legs are NOT working' so I doubt I will make it. If I don't, I will sponsor someone, which my company will match.

Eileen

Eileen,

It is one block over and both locations, the Subway stop and the start of the walk, are at the Hospital. It is one of those facilities that takes up a few blocks and should be very safe.

Glenn

Hi everyone,

As we get closer to April, I wanted to move this thread to the top again in case anyone missed it.

So far there are 3 OCF members going that I'm aware of. Please let Barb or me know if you plan on attending.

Jerry

It's looking like I won't be able to attend. But I would like to sponsor one of the OCF members who are walking. I guess I could just make an extra donation here in lieu of that but it wouldn't be nearly as much fun. If one of you sends me a message with your address to mail a check to, I'll try to get one in the mail soon!

Nelie

Nelie,

I know Jerry is walking. Here is what he posted earlier:

That's nice of you to offer to sponsor me. I am collecting money from relatives and friends and will be bringing it to the walk.

If you would like to send a check, made out to the Oral Cancer Foundation, that would be great.

Dr. Jerold B. Wilck
KWH Dental Assoc. P.C.
680 Middletown Blvd.
Suite 201
Langhorne, PA 19047-1817


Thank you for reminding me...I have been planning to donate as well and hadn't gotten a check in the mail!!

Jennifer

I'm happy to report that my wife and I will be participating in the march on April 15th and are looking forward to meeting however many OCF members show up. See you then. - Sheldon

Hi Sheldon,

Happy to hear that you and your wife will be there. Looking forward to meeting both of you. My wife, daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter will be there too.

Maybe you can bring me some Killington snow if there's any left. First year I've missed going there in the last few years.

Jerry

Dear Jerry,

God bless your soul! I'm sending you a check too.
I'm out here on Long Island, which is very close to NYC, but I'm dealing with my own illness right now and probably won't be able to attend the walk (because I can't walk too well in general myself right now- full left sided neuropathy). In any case, please expect my check and I will do my best to spread the word among my husband's family in honor of our Aunt Ro who just had her third reconstructive surgery and is hanging in there.

God bless you and give you energy!

Lisa from Long Island

Hi Lisa,

Sorry to hear that you are not feeling well. Hope things improve real soon.

I really appreciate your good wishes and the check(s), which as you know, will go to good use with the OCF.

I hope that your husband's aunt gets through her current surgery. Seems so unfair that someone should have to go through 3 reconstructions.

Jerry

Hi Walkers,
Sorry, but Charlie and I are NOT going to make it this year either. It would have been nice to meet you or see you again.

Jerry,
Just dropped a check in the mail to you today for the walk. My company, CA, will match the donation 100%. Brian will receive paperwork from them after the walk.

And to the rest of the forum members,
Please think about sponsoring a walker. The OCF has no corporate sponsors and is being paid for by the meager donations and Brian and Ingrids personal finances. That's asking a lot of them without our support so every little penny counts.

Take care,
Eileen

Jerry and Sheldon and anyone else from OCF who is planning to walk in New York on Saturday,

We have to get together and meet. Jerry and I know each other. I have his cell phone number and he has mine. If you want to meet, e-mail me and I will send you my cell number and we can say hello on Saturday and maybe take a picture to post here on the boards.

Keep sending Jerry those checks! I can't wait to see who raises the most money this year -- I think Jerry is going to be stiff competition for me.

Thanks, Barb

Today's the day.

Marilyn & I will be heading over to NYC in about an hour and a half. It's a little cloudy right now but promises to be a beautiful day.

I'm looking forward to seeing Barb again and meeting Sheldon and Glenn.

I'll fill everyone in on the details tonight or tomorrow.

Jerry

Thank you walkers and supporters of walkers! You are all totally awesome! Let us know how it went....thanks again....Carol

Hi Everyone,

It was a beautiful (actually hot) day in NYC yesterday. I have no idea how many people showed up, but to me it seemed like alot. They were mostly dental and hygiene students from the NYU and Columbia Dental schools. Perhaps Barb will write and fill in more of the details.

Barb spoke eloquently at the start of the event and represented our group in top fashion. It came as no surprise to me that she raised the most money. I don't know how much money was raised, but I'm sure that Brian will have a total for us as soon as he knows.

Barb and Sheldon and I with our wives, found each other. Unfortunately, I don't know if any other OCF members were there as we were not given name tags. I will be forwarding some photos to Brian in the hope that he will be able to get them posted on the site.

Before the walk began and then again at the end (in a different location), tents were set up and free oral screening exams were being done. There was plenty of water given out and it was very welcome on such a hot day.

Again, I want to thank those of you that sent checks. I have personally contacted you all already to thank you privately and if other checks arrive, I will forward them on to Brian and let you know that they were received.

I'm hoping that this becomes an annual event and that more OCF members will be able to attend next time. If so, we will have to come up with some way for us to find each other.

Jerry

I haven't heard from Barb or the staff at the school as of Sunday night. The fourth year dental student who brain-stormed this event idea and was the initial prime mover with me last October, Khadine, called me late Saturday night to tell me that the day had been a huge success, with 300 plus walkers. She said that the NYU portion of it all should be tallied up by Wednesday, total walkers, registrations, donations collected by them etc. She said that Barbara was one of the winners of the Jet Blue free tickets which were given to OCF by the airline to distribute to the top three who collected the most sponsors. She said that one student came in with 100 sponsorships and also was given a Jet Blue ticket for her efforts. That is all I know to date. When the photos arrive from Jerry, Dr. Kerr, and others and the statistics arrive from Khadine - we will build an OCF web page with all of them and a story about the event. Given Chester's travel commitments (he plays with Tommy Lee and Motley Crue) we should be able to get something up within two weeks. So far it sounds like a real success, and it doesn

Hi, everyone!

The walk in New York was great! It was quite a surprise to receive the Jet Blue ticket and I can't say how much I appreciate it. There were several people at the walk who heard about it on the news and came to get screenings and join us. There was also a man whose dad is being treated at Dana Farber for a recurrence of tongue cancer, who found out about the walk from a link on a baseball website that had an article about Brett Butler's throat (?) cancer.

This morning Dr. Ross Kerr from NYU and I were interviewed for a piece that will be broadcast on ABC7 in New York on Wednesday. ABC7 has been a great partner with NYU on Oral Cancer Awareness Week.

The dental students did a great job of organizing this walk and next year it can only get better. I hope that next year we can have an even bigger group from OCF there!
Barb

Thank you for walking Barb and Jerry! I hope to next time!!! Carol

Hi everyone,

I've just sent off some late arrival checks to Brian. Thanks again to those that sent checks.

My next project of doing oral cancer screenings at the local ACS Relay for Life event is on its way. With Brian's help, I will be getting this wonderful organization's name out to those that attend.

Jerry