merge magazine october issue

Lifestyle choices and diseaseHealthy diet reduces risk of cancer

A novel idea for charity Author Jessica Mckee raises funds with Piddle, Diddle Stuck in the Middle

A fight against cancer

Determined to survive, Freda lives six years

longer than expected

The power of Twitter

An event you won’t want to miss

An Inspiring

ForceLance Armstrong brings dedication, insight and

survival to Edmonton

Strategic and Tactful Leadership

Volume 1 | Issue 7 | October 2010FREE

Trish Bronsch’s non profit initiatives impact thousands of women affected by breast cancer

This month...

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Sherree ElmManaging Editor

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Run for the Curep. 16

The CIBC Run for the Cure sets off on October third with its 19th annual fundraising event

Research at its Finestp. 15

Dr. Cheeseman and research team condenses twenty five years to three

Genetics is Key to Understanding Cancerp. 14

Dr. Sarah Hughes and team make progress on exciting new research

Lifestyle Choices and Cancerp. 6

A healthy diet and lifestyle can help reduce the risk of developing cancer

A Fight Against Cancerp. 4

Rita Hemmes-Davis and sister Freda stay strong till the end

The Canada Safeway Foundationp. 20

Stimulating dialogue to encourage growth

Strategic and Tactful Leadershipp. 8


Getting Youth Involvedp. 22

The YAC utilizes youth to strategize future goals and educate on new technologies and trends

An Inspiring Forcep. 10

Lance Armstrong brings dedication, insight and survival to Edmonton

Educating Women in their own Languagep. 24

The Multicultural Breast Health Peer Educator Project supports immigrant women affected by breast cancer, with education and resources

Muscular Dystrophy Canadap. 26

Paul McGonigal commits himself to raising funds and assisting those who suffer from Muscular Dystrophy

The Edmonton Woman’s Showp. 31

A place for ladies to indulge

A Novel Idea for Charityp. 33

Author Jessica McKee donates portion of profit to Alberta Firefight-ers Burn Camp

Merge Events Calendarp. 42

Dates and details for business, social and fundraising events around Edmonton

Oct

The Personal Decisions of Treatmentp. 12

The use of holistic, complementary and alternative medicine to fight cancer

Front Cover: Trish Bronsch

Cover Photo: Supplied by CBCF

From The Editor...Back by popular demand, the October issue of Merge is dedicated to

women. Accomplishments, the places to be, and people to be rec-

ognized, are all a part of this issue. However the trials, challenges and

victories that women face when battling breast cancer is our main focus.

Merge Magazine has allocated 20 pages in light of Breast Cancer

month to educating, offering inspiration, and creating awareness of

breast cancer; where research is, where the money goes, and how the

disease affects people’s lives.

There are many questions that individuals have about breast cancer,

and it is unclear if there will be definite answers. One thing that is clear,

is that it affects every woman, whether they are diagnosed with cancer,

or connected to someone who has been.

Women have a special place in the workforce: supporting roles,

leading roles, creative roles, and kick-butt roles. They all contribute to

the greater success of an organization.

Women entrepreneurs are unique as they push through challenges

with drive and ambition, working towards a vision and satisfying their

own sense of success. These women value the importance of relation-

ships, and share common goals of growth and achievement. The support

found within women’s business groups is priceless, as the power of

women working together is greater than any individual working for

themselves.

October presents numerous opportunities to meet these women:

The Fabulous at 50 Martini Party, Bossy Mama Business Flaunt, Edmon-

ton’s Woman’s Show, The UnMarketing Event, and Over the Top Fashion

Swap, all happening through October and November.

As Christmas approaches, Merge Magazine will be focusing on

the people and organizations that support those in need; who lend

themselves for the betterment of other people’s situations, and to offer

joy and inspiration for those who struggle to find it. Please let us know

if there is someone who should be recognized, or who is looking for

support within a program or non-profit organization.

Thank you for reading Merge Magazine!

Sincerely,

Sherree Elm

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Sherree ElmManaging Editor

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the community | A Fight Against Cancer

4

Story by Kristen Wagner

A FIGHT AGAINST CANCER

“It’s so unfair for

somebody so young

and full of life and

who wanted to see

her sons grow up

and graduate and

get married, and to

be a grandmother.”

5

You just go through all the stages of

grief before you even lose some-

body, and you don’t know what to say,

especially when someone is going

through chemo. They’re not thinking

very clearly. It’s hard to understand

when someone is going through that.

You leave and shake your head and go,

‘Oh my, what is she doing? What is she

saying? It’s so strange.’ ”

Watching a loved one suffer is one

of the most painful experiences in life.

Sadly, for the families of the one in nine

women who will develop breast cancer

in their lifetimes, Rita Hemmes-Davis’s

story is all too familiar.

Hemmes-Davis’s sister, Freda, was

diagnosed with breast cancer in 1994.

“You just feel so helpless and frus-

trated,” Hemmes-Davis said of her own

experience with her sister’s illness. “It’s

so unfair for somebody so young and

full of life and who wanted to see her

sons grow up and graduate and get mar-

ried, and to be a grandmother.”

As a way to combat her feelings of

helplessness, Hemmes-Davis joined the

board of directors of the then Alberta

Breast Cancer Foundation. She spent

four years as the chair of the regional

board. After the Alberta Foundation

became part of the Canadian Breast

Cancer Foundation, she spent two years

as vice-chair.

When she was unable to visit her ill

sister in Calgary, working to help find a

cure gave her the feeling that she was

doing something to help. “We can’t all

be research scientists and oncologists,”

she said. “(Working for the foundation)

gives us some positive things that we

can do, instead of just crying.”

Freda’s fight with cancer began when

she was pregnant with her third son.

She underwent a biopsy in her third

trimester; but due to her pregnancy,

doctors were unable to give her enough

anesthetic to remove the entire mass.

After giving birth she underwent a par-

tial mastectomy. At just 37 years old, and

with three young children, Freda was

told she had a year and a half to live.

But Freda was unwilling to accept

this prognosis. A proactive and curious

patient, she did a great deal of research

and tried a number of alternative treat-

ments in addition to what her oncologist

prescribed. “She just did everything she

could to survive for her boys,” Hemmes-

Davis said.

Freda’s search took both her and

Hemmes-Davis to Mexico, where they

came across a treatment that was not

yet approved for use in Canada. When it

gained approval some months later, her

doctor prescribed it.

Hemmes-Davis credits Freda’s proac-

tive search for alternative treatments

and unwillingness to give up hope for

giving her an extra six years of life. “I

think had she not started on something

experimental, she wouldn’t have lasted

as long.

“(That time made) a big difference,”

Hemmes-Davis said, her voice breaking.

“Her son got to know her.”

It is for this reason that she feels so

strongly about the CBCF’s mission to

fund innovative research. Each year the

CBCF Run for the Cure attracts hundreds

of thousands of volunteers, who, in

2009, raised $26.5 million for breast

cancer research.

And while the CBCF and the Run

for the Cure have also succeeded in

raising awareness about the disease

and how people must be conscious of

and take responsibility for their own

health, Hemmes-Davis realizes that

many people need to be aware of the

importance of continued research.

“There are naysayers in the community

that say, ‘Oh, well, the drug companies,

they’ve probably already found the cure

but they don’t want to release it to the

public,’ ” she said.

“Well, if you talk to the research

scientists that I’ve talked to, (you realize)

they have families too. They have people

in their families who have gone through

breast cancer, who they’ve lost to breast

cancer. So they are just as passionate

about this. This is their life’s work.”

The CBCF funds a variety of research

initiatives, some more radical than oth-

ers, but Hemmes-Davis feels a variety

of avenues need to be explored in

the search to find a cure. “(The cure)

could be something as strange as how

penicillin was discovered, with bread

mold. Who knows where the cure is

going to come from? It could come from

some obscure animal in the ocean, or a

sponge, or a coral.”

It is important to fund a variety of

research because of the diversity of the

cancer itself. “The frightening thing that

a lot of people don’t know is that with

breast cancer, it’s not just one cause,

it’s not just one cure,” Hemmes-Davis

said. “I was told there were at least 13

different kinds of breast cancer. So how

do you find a cure for all 13 at once? You

have to focus on the different kinds.”

For that reason, the CBCF and people

like Rita Hemmes-Davis will continue to

search for a cure and an end to suffering

inflicted by breast cancer and lives like

Freda’s, which was tragically cut short.

“My sister never gave up,” Hemmes-Da-

vis said. “Even a week before she died,

she never gave up. That was the hardest

part, knowing how she really fought to

live.

“And I know she was proud of me for

doing what I could.”

“Well, if you talk to the

research scientists... they

have families too. They have

people in their families who

have gone through breast

cancer, who they’ve lost to

breast cancer. So they are

just as passionate about this.

This is their life’s work.”

"

the community | Lifestyle Choices & Cancer

6

Ours is a fast world. We juggle jobs and bills and

kids. According to Statistics Canada, Canadians

have an average daily commute distance of 7.6 km,

tacking on even more time away from home. Finding

time to eat properly and exercise is more than just a

challenge; it seems near impossible most days.

Yet, to give our bodies the best defence against

illness, including cancer, eating and living well is

something we need to give top priority to. Dieti-

cians of Canada believe that lifelong healthy

eating can play a role in cancer prevention.

The Canadian Cancer Society states as

many as one third of all cancers may be

related to what we eat, drink, and

how we live. There is increas-

ing evidence that a healthy

diet and lifestyle can help

reduce the risk of develop-

ing cancer.

In the World Cancer

Research Fund’s 2007 study,

they show physical activity

protects against some cancers, and

that sedentary ways of life are amongst the

causes for certain cancers.

WCRF points out that the diets most protective

against cancer are mainly compromised of plant-

based foods, not meats.

The World Health Organization points out that

there are more than 100 types of cancer and that

any body part can be affected. In 2004, cancer ac-

counted for 13 per cent of all deaths worldwide.

Still not convinced it’s enough to pass on your

12 oz steaks or your two-pack a day habit? Have a

look at these statistics:

• According to CCS, up to 35 per cent of cancers

can be prevented by being active, eating well, and

maintaining a healthy body weight.

• Tobacco use is the number one cause of

preventable disease, disability, and death in Canada.

Smoking causes about 30 per cent of cancers in

Canada and more than 85 per cent of lung cancer.

• Tobacco use is the single largest preventable

cause of cancer in the world, according to WHO.

• Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer

death in Alberta.

• Diets high in fat, red meat and processed

meats have been linked to increased risks of

colorectal cancer.

Ouch.

With a list of statistics like that, it seems over-

whelming to be able to make the changes neces-

sary to reduce you and your family’s risk of cancer.

However, since many of the contributing factors

are lifestyle choices that we all control, that means

the power is in our own hands!

The WCRF and CCS list sev-

eral ways that individuals

can live healthier life-

styles to prevent cancer.

Maintain a healthy

weight.

By using sensible

eating choices (no fad diets)

and an active lifestyle, you can

help reduce your risk for cancer. Aim

for one hour of light activity (walking the

dog, gardening) or 30 minutes of moderate activ-

ity (jogging, cycling) every day. Not sure what weight

you should be? Ask your family doctor.

• Make healthy food choices

Is your diet relying on hamburgers, hot dogs, and

fries? Is the parsley garnish at a restaurant the only

time a green vegetable graces your plate? Contact

a local dietician who can help you device a healthy

meal plan for you and your family.

• Limit red meat and avoid processed meats com-

pletely

While you don’t need to become a vegetarian or

a vegan, add a few meatless dishes to your cooking

repertoire. The Garden of Vegan is a great vegetarian

cookbook filled with healthy recipes that are cheap,

quick, and (best of all) delicious!

• Limit your alcohol intake

And don’t think you can save up your drinks

for a weekend binge! Excessive drinking increases

your risk. Women should have less than one serving

a day, and men less than two. What’s a serving of

Lifestyle Choices & Cancer Ahealthydietandlifestylecanhelpreducetheriskofdevelopingcancer

Story by Krista D. Ball

7

alcohol? A 12 oz bottle of beer, 5 oz of wine (about 2/3

cup), or 1.5 oz shot of spirits are all one serving.

• Quit smoking

According to Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada, it

takes Canadians an average of 3.1 attempts before they

kick-the-butt habit for good, so don’t get discouraged if

you have a set-back. There are many cessation aids on the

market, from help groups to medications. Discuss your

options with your family doctor.

• Stop tanning and use sunscreen

There is no such thing as a healthy tan. Ensure that

you use sunscreen whenever you spend time in the sun.

Makeup doesn’t protect from the sun, so look for products

with a sunscreen included in it for everyday use.

The CCS has some clear words about indoor tanning:

“Indoor tanning is never safe.”

• Don’t rely on vitamins

If you read fitness and health magazines, you already

know that they tout a new wonder-food or super-vitamin

in every issue. Don’t rely on vitamins as your major source

for nutrients. Instead, think of them as an insurance plan

and get the majority of your vitamins and minerals from

food.

Will any of it make a difference in the end? The CCS

says yes, that lifestyle and diet changes do impact overall

health, including helping to reduce your overall risk for

cancer. For example:

*Within 10 years of quitting smoking, the overall risk

of dying is cut in half. Your risk decreases for cancers of

the mouth, throat, larynx, oesophagus, bladder, and cervix.

*Health Canada reports that physical activity may

reduce your risk of cancer by up to 40 per cent.

*Maintaining a healthy weight helps reduce your risk

for cancer in the breast, oesophagus, gallbladder, kidney,

liver, pancreas and the uterus.

Lifestyle changes can be tough, especially if you have

a number of areas to work on, such as eating, tobacco

use, and exercise. Pick the larger health offender habit

you have (i.e. smoking, never exercising) and begin small.

There are many programs available to help individuals

start new healthy habits. Talk to your doctor, registered

dietician, or even grab your dog and get started!

And remember, every bit helps.

10 Quick Tips for Healthy Eating

• Drink lots of non-calorie fluids, including water and non-caffeinated herbal teas.

• Always eat breakfast, even if it’s just a non-fat latte and a homemade bran muffin. People who eat breakfast have an easier time managing their weight, not to mention your brain needs the energy!

•Stay away from the donuts at office meetings and instead snack from the veggie platter.

• Always say no to “Do you want to supersize?”

• Choose milk or soy milk instead of pop and sugary juices.

• Brown bag it! Make your lunch complete by including one serving from each food group.

• Eat 5-10 fruits and vegetables daily. Limit your intake of juice and starchy vegetables and bump up the serving size of your green vegetables. Try a new vegetable or fruit every week, or try a different cooking method.

• Limit your salt intake. The easiest way to do this is to eat homemade food whenever possible and don’t use the salt shaker.

• Eat out less. If you must, stick with the healthy choices on the menu, such as salad and grilled chicken. Skip the fries and mayo all together.

• Plan a week’s worth of meals ahead of time so that you have all of the ingredients on hand when supper time rolls around.

What about people with cancer?

If you are a person living with cancer, nutrition and healthy eating are important parts of your overall well be-ing and treatment. Nutrition is very important when you have cancer and during recovery. Eating well gives you energy, helps you feel better and keeps your body strong. Keep food choices as balanced as possible so that the body gets all it needs to help you heal and recover after treat-ment.

During your cancer treatment, your needs and tastes might be different than they once were. It is important to speak with your healthcare team, including a registered dietician, to help you eat well and maintain a healthy body weight.

Lifestyle Choices & Cancer Ahealthydietandlifestylecanhelpreducetheriskofdevelopingcancer

Sources: CCS, WCRF

8

the community | Strategic and Tactful Leadership

8

Trish Bronsch is a leader in the not-for-

profit community whose initiatives and

goals have impacted thousands of women

whose lives have been touched by breast

cancer.

In 2000, Bronsch joined the Canadian

Breast Cancer Foundation as executive direc-

tor for the Alberta Chapter. Since then, she

has spearheaded and managed the develop-

ment of the Alberta Chapter into a regional

organization servicing Alberta, Saskatchewan,

Manitoba and the Northwest Territories to

form the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

– Prairies/NWT Region, where she currently

serves as CEO.

She is the catalyst behind the growth

of the region from what started as a small

volunteer organization with one office and

three paid staff, into one of the foundation’s

most successful regions, with three offices,

37 full-time employees and a volunteer-base

of over 2,000 individuals. During her tenure,

regional, corporate, community and private

donations grew from just over $2 million

in 2001 to over $11.7 million in 2009, and

grant disbursements have increased from

just over $1 million in 2001 to over $5.5 mil-

lion in 2009.

Amongst the numerous grants allocated

annually to support breast cancer research

and community projects, in 2005 Bronsch

directed the region in its largest single grant

investment to date, committing $2 million

over three years to fund the consolida-

tion of the CLS Repository in Calgary, and

the tumour bank of the PolyomX Program

in Edmonton to create the state-of-the-art

Alberta Research Tumour Bank. To date, over

2,000 tissue samples have been accrued, of

which 60 per cent are breast cancer samples

that are available to researchers globally. To

maximize the long-term research benefits of

the Alberta Research Tumour Bank, the region

awarded another $2.2 million to the project

in 2008 over a three year period.

In her time with the foundation, Bronsch

has been selected twice by the National

Board of Directors to assume the National

CEO role on an interim basis during the

search for a permanent incumbent. With

her professional objectivity and incredible

multi-tasking skills, Bronsch successfully

balanced the responsibilities of the Prairies/

NWT Region, alongside the strategic and

tactical leadership of the foundation’s central

operations.

Bronsch is a consummate idea bank. Her

outside-the-box creativity and visionary

thinking, blended with pragmatic, results-

oriented planning and organizational skills,

has resulted in the Prairies/NWT Region

introducing new campaigns and programs

to the region’s business, such as the Youth

Strategy Program, the Rural Partnership Pro-

Story by Tracy Sopkow



gram and the CBCF Telus Tour for the Cure,

which visited 16 Alberta communities.

She is an inspirational mentor for women

all across our region. Not only is she a driv-

ing force behind the Prairies/NWT Region,

she also contributes back to our community

by serving on the board of directors of the

Association for Fundraising Professionals,

International Children’s Festival, Edmonton

International Film Festival, Canadian Breast

Cancer Research Alliance and the Alberta Bal-

let. She also co-chaired the Athletes Village

for the 2001 World Championships in Athlet-

ics. She has represented our city and our

region on an international level in Malaga,

Spain, at the 4th Leaders in Breastcare, in

Prague, Czech Republic, at the 5th Leaders

in Breastcare, and in both Stressa and Milan,

Italy, as the Canadian representative on the

Global Breast Cancer Planning Committee.

Bronsch mentors and motivates her top-

calibre teams of board members, staff and

volunteers. She empowers people with the

tools, autonomy and direction to achieve the

foundation’s vision of a future without breast

cancer. She exemplifies outstanding leader-

ship in the non-profit community, employing

sound business principles and tactics to

make a difference in the lives of the 23,000

Canadian women and men diagnosed with

breast cancer annually.

9


Trish Bronsch

Story by Trent WilkiePhoto by Elizabeth Kretuz

If you were to have the chance to sit down and talk with

every person you met, I’m pretty sure each one would

have a story about cancer. Someone they love or loved,

someone close to them who meant a lot…it’s one of those

things. No matter whom we are, what we do, or how we

do it, there isn’t anyone singled out. Cancer isn’t racist, it

doesn’t hate and it doesn’t think. It just is; and that is that.

There are, however, those who look at it in the face and

decide to fight it. They see the unreasonable ruthless-

ness of it and drive headlong towards finding a cure. Even

though there isn’t an obvious timeline, they still fight.

The Lance Armstrong Event, which took place in Ed-

monton and Jasper respectively, was a collection of such

people. This mountain ride with the seven time Tour de

France winner was an excellent way to raise money, create

awareness and meet someone who is not only a sports

icon, but himself a cancer survivor. To ride with Lance you

had to raise over $25,000. The one rider who raised the

most is Dawn Payne. Payne, a physiotherapist, raised over

$56,000. To do this, she just used what any of us would:

motivation.

“I have (had) a bulletin board with a picture of Lance

since I can remember,” described Payne. “There is a Nike

ad that has him with his bald head, and you can see (the)

incision from brain surgery. That picture embodied ev-

erything I stood for. It was an inspiration to meet him and

spend time with him. He is so down to earth. If you didn’t

know his story and he was walking down the street, he

would just be a guy walking down the street.”

Talk of inspiration abounds within this article; what

makes people go that extra mile…what gives them

strength. Jared Smith, organizer and principle from Insight

Marketing, not only put the event together, but volun-

teered his time as well as an in-kind donation from Insight.

That in itself is an inspiration.

“I had a tremendous motivation from being behind

the scenes the entire event and watching the remarkable

dedication that all those involved had towards the cause,”

Smith said. “There was a really cool perspective from my

personal time with Lance as well. Insight into his personal

fight and how he deals with the media he gets that is

both negative and positive … he has to pick his battles.

He chose the public route where he could have chose the

private, but he wouldn’t have been able to do as much to

help the cause.”

“The support was overwhelming,” said Trish Bronsch,

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CEO of the Prairies/

NWT Region. “The time commitment, the training by the

riders, the fundraising individuals did both for the ride

and for the luncheon, was truly overwhelming! The rid-

ers, sponsors, in-kind supporters, ticket sellers … all went

above and beyond to create a once in a lifetime experi-

ence for themselves and for the future. We all have a

personal connection to any event supporting this cause

because we all know someone who has been touched by

breast cancer.”

Dawn Payne echoed the community aspect of success,

but in her case, she used her own motivation to push her

to keep fundraising and making as much as she could to

help.

“CBCF was just amazing,” Payne said. “They were really

well organized, and I felt very well taken care of. They took

special care of everyone. People were really generous and

I was pleasantly surprised. Myself, I was really motivated. I

work a lot with people who have a combination of chronic

pain and sports injuries, and that helped me go the

distance. I was lucky; eighty of the companies and people

I approached donated, and it was wonderful. It didn’t feel

like fundraising necessarily. And after I did the ride with

Lance, I felt a sense of calm and added confidence. It’s

how solid Lance is; he is a real anchor and I think I’ll carry

that forward. That is pretty cool.”

It was also pretty cool that, even though people were

saying that it couldn’t be done, Jared Smith took on the

monumental task of setting off the event and set the bar

pretty high for anyone else who follows.

“I was approached by the Canadian representative

of Lance’s people, they wanted to do an event on behalf

of CBCF in Western Canada,” Smith said. “I didn’t know

what to expect, and there were some naysayers who

said I would not be able to raise enough money or to get

enough riders. I ended up with 44 riders, four of whom

were sponsored, all who raised $25,000 or more each. We

also had a sold out luncheon of 1,100 people.”

After interviewing Payne, Smith and Bronsch, I recog-

nized a real sense of community. Like it was said at the

beginning of this story, everyone has been affected in one

way or another by cancer.

“It was about a community coming together with

an amazing individual who has overcome the odds to

raise money for breast cancer research and community

programs,” Trish Bronsch said. “You can’t put a price tag

on this kind of dedication and commitment to the cause.

Lance’s involvement in cancer awareness is priceless; he

is a survivor, he is an athlete and he is an inspiration to

all of us. Lance is a well known celebrity, travels all over

the world and he has chosen to partner with the Canadian

Breast Cancer Foundation. We are so thankful that he

would take the time to help us message our cause, ‘creat-

ing a future without breast cancer.’ ”

the community | The Personal Decisions of Cancer Treatment

12

What is CAM?Complementary medicine is used along standard medical treat-

ment. An example would be using acupuncture to help combat the

vomiting caused by chemo. Alternative medicine is used in place of

standard medical treatment, such as using a special diet in place of

radiation.

Treatment paths can bring out some harsh opinions, often from

family members, causing even more stress during a difficult period.

Anything outside of the medication profession might be called

“snake oil” or “quackery.” And, sometimes, people are against con-

ventional medicine, condemning a patient’s choice to seek chemo,

calling it “poison.” Patients can feel caught in the middle.

Cancer is rampant in Alana Gueutal’s family and she has seen

many different methods used. She says that “there is a dogmatic ap-

proach to traditional medicine. Doctors have gone to school for years

and years ... and there’s unfortunately not a lot of room for any beliefs

other than what they’re told to believe. They view health with tunnel

vision (in some respects) and may not be open to anything other than

what they’ve learned, and I think that’s unfortunate for the patients.”

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, many people with

cancer in Canada have used at least one complementary or alterna-

tive medicine as a part of their cancer treatment.

In fact, a 2004 study shows 43 per cent of Canadians used one or

more complementary therapies. The most common reasons people

used CAM were to cure cancer or prevent its spread, minimize the

side effects of conventional medicine, build immunity, enhance

physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, and gain a sense of

control.

Yet, many patients opt not to speak with their doctors regarding

CAM options they are considering, or even taking without their physi-

cian’s knowledge.

It’s the one phrase people fear most from their doctors. It’s the

phrase that prevents people from seeking treatment for lingering

ailments, for fear of hearing the words.

You have cancer.

Cancer treatment can be a stressful and emotionally-draining

experience. Many patients feel helpless as doctors recommend

the seemingly endless list of medical tests, medications, lifestyle

changes, and treatments that are needed to combat cancer. Even

more isolating is that treatment is individualized to each person. For

example, two people with lung cancer may receive two very different

treatments.

Wanting to take control of their own treatment, some patients

turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

The Personal Decisions of Cancer Treatment

Story by Krista D. Ball

13

Cancer Treatment OptionsChemotherapy, radiation, surgery or hormonal therapy are all

familiar cancer treatment paths, which are supported by the medical

community as being the best chance to treat the many different

forms of cancer. These methods have been scientifically tested in

well-designed clinical trials that explore whether the medicine or

treatment is safe, and whether it works for a particular disease or

medical condition.

However, some people do not want traditional treatments, or they

wish to supplement with alternative measures. For many people, it’s

hard to understand why anyone faced with cancer would choose to

use non-medical treatments. Why would anyone try a treatment not

suggested by their doctor?

The CCS points out that some people find conventional treat-

ments difficult to tolerate, so look for ones that are easier to handle.

Treatment side effects can be difficult, and patients want options

for lessening those effects, such as pain and vomiting. CAM offers

a sense of control over one’s body and treatment during a difficult

time. Some people even use CAM to help cure their cancer, not just

deal with side effects.

One of Gueutal’s family members chose an alternative-only

approach to his end-stage cancer. “He knew that radiation and

chemotherapy, while prolonging his life, would ultimately give him a

lower quality of life. He knew his death was inevitable, and chose the

alternative route to give him as many happy, pain free days as pos-

sible. I applaud his decision.”

The CCS agrees that it is a personal choice, and they support a pa-

tient’s right “to choose what treatment is right for them. This includes

refusing all conventional, complementary and alternative options.”

They also encourage patients to make their decisions based on sound

scientific evidence for the “best hope of success.”

Often, people with cancer hesitate to ask or tell their doctor

when they are considering a complementary or alternative therapy.

Although the decision is a personal choice, both the CCS and the Na-

tional Cancer Institute (U.S.) caution patients to always speak to their

doctors. Otherwise, there is a risk of conventional treatments being

affected, or there may be increased side effects.

Isn’t CAM all snake oil and quackery?Simple answer? No.

Gueutal has seen first-hand the benefits and challenges of CAM

therapies. “Both have their strengths and their weaknesses, and in my

experience talking to the people I know who have done it, a combina-

tion is sort of the ‘best of both worlds’ approach. My aunt did radia-

tion and chemotherapy, then would come home, eat organic, visit the

tai chi healing center, do chakra treatments and go to acupuncture.”

There is a huge range of CAM therapies, including simple activi-

ties such as yoga to release stress, or engaging in creative outlets,

such as music and dance, to let off steam. It can use meditation for

relaxation, helpful to cope with stress.

There are more specialized options, such as massages, chiroprac-

tic care, reflexology, and acupuncture, which can be used in conjunc-

tion with traditional cancer treatments. Vitamins and herbal combina-

tions, or special diets, are common biological-based practices.

There are also more spiritual aspects considered when facing

cancer. The “laying of hands” prayers is one way people engage

spiritual healing and receive strength to overcome the ordeal. Some

people ask their places of worship to remember them in prayer, or

even hold special services to pray for healing.

Is CAM safe?While both the CCS and the NCI support a patient’s right to

choose, they caution that people research the options available and

look at the scientific evidence available, not emotions or anecdotes.

Therapies that come from natural sources (such as herbs) are not

necessarily safe, and could be potentially harmful or interact with

cancer treatments. However, there are a number of complementary

therapies that may be safely used along with conventional cancer

treatments to help relieve symptoms or side effects and improve

quality of life. For example, The CCS notes that there is scientific evi-

dence that acupuncture can help relieve nausea and vomiting caused

by chemo treatments.

Herbs and other products can affect traditional cancer treat-

ments. For example, St. John’s Wort, used for depression, may cause

certain anticancer drugs not to work as well as they should. Herbal

supplements can act like drugs themselves. NCI cites studies that

have shown kava’s negative effect on the liver, even though it’s used

to help stress and anxiety. High doses of vitamins, including vitamin

C, may affect how chemotherapy and radiation work.

Which path should I choose?Gueutal feels frustrated by all of the misinformation out there

as she watched her loved ones fight cancer, including her nephew

who was born with brain cancer. She finds the entire holistic versus

conventional treatment debate frustrating and believes in an open

dialogue and more integrated treatment plans.

She says, “Why can’t more alternative treatments be de-mystified,

and made available to the public? Put it out there, and you won’t

have the people wading through a heap of misinformation.”

The CCS has a 121 page report on various CAM therapies by re-

quest. The unbiased report offers a summary of evidence and studies

done on the 35 most commonly used CAM treatments. Simply email

the CCS at [email protected] for a pdf copy of the “Canadian Cancer

Encyclopaedia” free of charge.

Treatment decisions are personal choices. Sometimes, quality of

life is more important to an individual than extension of life. When

Gueutal’s eight-year-old nephew was dying of cancer, his favourite

medicine became a trip to Disneyland, followed closely by 7-Eleven

slushies. Quality of life sometimes rules out.

In the mess of stress and worry, all of us can forget that treatment

is a personal decision. The mantra “my body, my choice” needs to be

respected when it comes to cancer treatment options.

14

Researchers at the University of Alberta are making progress on

exciting new research in the field of breast cancer prevention

and treatment.

Working with a grant from the Canadian Breast Cancer Founda-

tion, Dr. Sarah Hughes and her team are establishing the basic role of

a gene that is related to the development of the cancer.

Using fruit flies as a model system, Hughes and her team of re-

searchers have identified the homologous gene (the same gene that

is present in humans as in flies), and are working with this gene to

find the exact process that leads to problems in humans.

In humans, the gene may act as a tumour suppressor, which

means it stops cells from proliferating when they shouldn’t. The loss

of this gene can result in cell over-proliferation, which seems to be

associated with very metastatic, or fast progressing, breast cancer.

Understanding cancers at the level of the cell is an important step

to both preventing and treating disease. Hughes, who holds a Ph.D. in

medical genetics, said her research will provide a clearer understand-

ing of how tumours grow and develop, and what factors contribute to

this growth. This understanding then allows researchers to develop

effective treatments, or prevent the illness by identifying patients

who may be at risk through genetic testing before the disease even

appears.

Hughes clarified that there are different types of gene testing.

The method of gene testing currently used to predict breast cancer

looks at a different set of genes. “The BRCA1 gene was identified as

being very important and a very good indicator, but there are many

things that can feed into the formation of a tumour, and there are

many different pathways,” she said. “So these may be other proteins

that are involved, that weren’t appreciated before.

“We have a lot of things going on in our cells. There are a lot of

things that can go wrong.”

The exact relationship between the gene in question and the

formation of cancer is the focus of Hughes’ research. Past studies

have failed to show whether it is the loss of the gene, or increased

levels of the protein the gene makes appearing in the wrong place,

that lead to the development of cancerous cells.

“The overall goal is to try and understand how this tumour sup-

pressor, which is called SIP1 in flies, NHERF1 in humans, is function-

ing,” said Hughes. “To do that, we look at what it’s interacting with.

And so we use a screen to do this.”

A screen is a test to see if mutations in all known genes in flies

affect the expression of SIP1. While humans have two or more copies

of most genes, fruit flies have only one, which makes it easier to find

Story by Kristen Wagner

the effect of a gene on a disease. A genetic screen gives researchers a

short list of genes to look for in humans. The result shows genes that

were thought to be unrelated to a disease, are actually important.

Fruit flies are very well-characterized genetic model systems,

and are often used to identify medically relevant genes and genetic

pathways. Using the flies, Hughes and her team looked for other

proteins that interact with the tumour suppressor protein, with posi-

tive results.

Because the gene in question is a tumour suppressor, Hughes’ re-

search may also have implications for people with different types of

cancer, although its effectiveness in this capacity remains to be seen.

The tumour suppressor, on which her research focuses, inter-

acts with another tumour suppressor, which has been shown to be

involved in brain cancer. There are also connections between her

work and tumours that form on the brain and the spine, and possibly

also the liver. “(The tumour suppressor) could have a broader role,”

she said; “but in humans it’s been shown so far to have an effect in

breast cancer.”

But it will be a long time before Hughes’ research has any

real bearing on the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. She

has been working on this study since receiving the CBCF grant of

$200,000 over two years in 2007, and it could potentially last the

remainder of her career. “We figure things out as we go along,” she

said. “We have to understand how things work at the basic level, how

proteins work together at the basic level before we can go on and

really make drugs.”

“I think that one of the biggest misconceptions about research is

how long it takes to make even the smallest discoveries.”

And if care and caution are not part of the process, more lives

could be lost than saved. “There have been many examples in sci-

ence and medicine where we go too fast and we start making drugs,

but in a certain number of people they can actually cause more dam-

age than good,” she said.

It’s a familiar story in breast cancer treatments. One drug, Taxol,

was a very common treatment for the disease, until it was discovered

that it conflicted with the genetic makeup of some patients. Treating

patients with that particular genetic mutation with Taxol chemothera-

py actually didn’t seem to help at all.

“You have to understand how things work before you can really

go to the next level of treating the patient and developing the drug,”

Hughes said. “We’re at the level of figuring out the basics so that we

can build up a foundation that would then lead to future understand-

ing to develop drugs and therapeutics for the patient.”

Genetics is Key to Understanding Cancer

the individual | Research at its Finest

15

I’ve interviewed a lot of people in my day. I’ve interviewed rock

stars, movie stars, chefs, writers and directors. I’ve even interviewed

someone who considered themselves all of those things (sorry Mr.

(Leslie) Nielsen, but I heard your guitar playing was subpar). But, one

of the most pleasant and intelligent people I’ve had the pleasure to

speak with was Dr. Chris Cheeseman.

Dr. Cheeseman has all the credentials. He received a B.Sc.with

honours in physiology from the University of Sheffield in1968, and

then a PhD in physiology in 1972. Originally from just outside of

London, U.K., he moved to Canada in 1978. As he puts it, “I had a fac-

ulty position at the University of Leicester, but because of cutbacks

things didn’t look promising. I heard of a job opportunity in Canada,

and Canada stands for a lot. It has inclusiveness and a lack of a class

structure, so I jumped the pond with a wife and a young son.”

Describing how he got here is one thing, describing what he

does is another. He is currently leading a research team that involves

chemistry, oncology, radiopharmacy and physiology, which is working

to develop new ways to detect hard to spot cancers. Using Positron

Emission Tomography, Dr. Cheeseman can now visualize and dif-

ferentiate these cells and in doing so, has done something in three

years that usually takes 25. Having a limited capacity for scientific

terminology, I had the good doctor explain it to me in the simplest

way he could.

“Cancer cells have huge demands for energy as they are growing

and need more than the normal cells around them,” explains Dr.

Cheeseman. “They don’t use the fuels for cells efficiently as normal

cells. They use more glucose than the cells around them, and they are

very hungry cells. In order for that glucose to get into the cells they

use transport proteins. You can fool the cell into taking up a glucose

like compound that gets trapped inside the cell. Now we’ve made a

different glucose analogue, more specifically, fructose. We are now

trying to tweak it so that it is trapped inside the cells rather than cells

around it. We have still some ways to go. It’s one to use it in a test

tube, another to animals and another, on top of that, to humans. That

is the big jump. We hope in the next six to eight months, we could be

doing some very preliminary trials on patients.”

Scientists and the like can sometimes go a lifetime without

seeing the effects their work has on the people around them. For Dr.

Story by Trent Wilkie

Cheeseman, he not only

gets to see it; he gets to

build on it.

“This is really gratify-

ing because often, for

basic scientists, we all

want to see our work ap-

plied in some way, but

have no idea where it is

going to be applied,” Dr.

Cheeseman says. “As an

example, some people

would say, ‘What the

heck is the importance

of fruit fly breeding?’

But that laid the founda-

tion to a lot of discover-

ies, and ever some that

are related to what we

are doing today. Without

knowledge of the classical techniques, as well as the modern types,

there wouldn’t be as much growth as we see. We wouldn’t be able

to do this project without the sequencing of the human genome,

because that allowed us to stand on each other’s shoulders and move

forward. Chance favours the prepared mind; so, when something hap-

pens that you aren’t expecting, then you realize that what happened

is actually trying to tell you something. It’s much easier to discard

funny data, but sometimes that is where you find the most informa-

tion. It’s a combination of the classical, of the modern, that helps us

move forward.

“Our research team is like a band that had been touring out in the

boonies and then was an overnight success,” Dr. Cheeseman contin-

ues. “We were ready for it, but it really has been a pleasant surprise.

It was a ‘eureka shower’ for sure. We have some of the world’s best in

the group, and it’s really exciting when it all comes together like this.

We realized we had a perfect opportunity at the University of Alberta.

Their carbohydrate department is one of the best in the world. Before

we knew it, we had this team that could bring all their expertise to

bear and focus on one goal. The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

gave us a grant and in doing so, gave us the opportunity to get this

done. Another really cool thing is that these grants that we are now

getting because of our hard work have allowed us to train another

generation of kids who can come up and keep this study moving

forward.”

Hard work pays off, but just like anything in life, luck is the vari-

able that you can’t always count on. Even in science.

“Serendipity plays an enormous part in science because you

don’t know where it is leading you; that is the fun,” says Dr. Cheese-

man. “You may just finish up in a mountain meadow, it wasn’t where

you were supposed to be, but wow was it beautiful.”

Research at its FinestDr. Cheeseman and His Research Team Condense Twenty-Five Years Into Three

Dr. Chris Cheeseman

the community | Article title goes here

16

Story by Paula E. Kirman


17

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19


the community | The Canada Safeway Foundation

20

In some way or another, almost everyone

Canadian will be affected by cancer in

one of its many forms throughout their

lifetime.

It not only affects the person diag-

nosed with cancer, but their friends, family,

co-workers, teachers and acquaintances.

Among Canadian women, breast cancer

is the most common form of cancer and is

estimated to affect over 23,000 Canadian

women this year alone, according to the

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

Although statistics show that improve-

ments are being made, with the survival

rate after five years increasing over previ-

ous years, there are still challenges to

overcome on the road to ultimately finding

a cure to cancer.

In order to raise awareness about this

devastating disease and this miraculous

organization called the Canadian Breast

Cancer Foundation, the Canada Safeway

Foundation has dedicated a large part of

their efforts over the last eight years to

this mission.

“Each October, we hold an awareness

and fundraising campaign in our stores,

right across Western Canada,” said Renee

Hopfner, manager of the Canada Safeway

Foundation.

“One hundred per cent of the proceeds

raised go directly to the Canadian Breast

Cancer Foundation – specifically towards

research,” she added.

Story by Megan Sarrazin

In 2008, the Canadian Breast Cancer

Foundation put $24 million into research

towards finding a cure. The areas of

research that they focus on include treat-

ment, education, screening, prevention

and after-care support.

The dedication to research has led to a

variety of grants from the Canadian Breast

Cancer Foundation, giving researchers op-

portunities to look further into why cancer

develops, how it spreads, how it could be

treated and how to ultimately make it a

thing of the past.

Throughout the month of October,

which is National Breast Cancer Awareness

Month, Safeway stores across Western

Canada will have check-stand campaigns

at all of their 215 stores that will offer

customers five AIR MILES points after they

make a $2 contribution to the Canadian

Breast Cancer Foundation.

On top of this, the Safeway Canada

Foundation will donate $100,000 to the

campaign, with all funds raised going

towards the cause, as Safeway absorbs all

costs associated with the campaign.

On Saturday, Oct. 23, it will be the

fifth annual Think Pink Day hosted by the

Safeway Canada Foundation.

“Think Pink Day is sort of a festive day

in our stores where employees are encour-

aged to dress in pink. They decorate the

stores in pink, they’ll plan special activities

for employees and for customers and

then the Canadian Breast Cancer Founda-

tion also recruits and sends hundreds of

volunteers out to Safeway locations,” said

Hopfner.

These volunteers will flock to Safeway

stores across Western Canada to provide

information, tell their stories and inspire

customers to get involved with the cause.

The purpose of Think Pink Day is

mainly to spread awareness about the

disease, but it also plays a much bigger

role in making the disease touch home to

customers.

“(It’s) also to provide a voice for the

cause by having breast cancer survivors,

family members (and) community groups

out in the stores helping to spread the

word about positive steps towards breast

health, and helping to get that message

out alongside the Canadian Cancer Foun-

dation,” said Hopfner.

Although funds are critical to support

the research conducted, awareness and

education also play a major role.

According to Hopfner, breast cancer

research and awareness has been an in-

credibly important cause for the company

to be involved in, especially since so many

of their 27,000 employees are affected by

the disease.

The partnership between the Safeway

Canada Foundation and the Canadian

Breast Cancer Foundation originally began

as a campaign spanning a few weeks

The Canada Safeway Foundation Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation’s largest corporate partner for Western Canada

21

throughout October, but it has “grown and

strengthened” into a year-round compan-

ionship that continues to increase their

yearly contributions to the foundation.

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foun-

dation’s largest corporate partner for

Western Canada has long been the Canada

Safeway Foundation.

Earlier this year, on Aug. 25, Safeway

was a co-presenting sponsor for the Link

Pink event, which had cycling-extraordi-

naire Lance Armstrong come to Edmonton

to raise funds and awareness for the Cana-

dian Breast Cancer Foundation.

The Canada Safeway Foundation is

a non-profit organization dedicated to

raising funds for worthwhile causes. Along

with supporting the Canadian Breast

Cancer Foundation, the Safeway Canada

Foundation supports families living with

disabilities as well as prostate cancer

research.

Their commitment towards a future

unscathed by breast cancer is something

the foundation hopes to continue through

their various fundraising and awareness

campaigns throughout the year.

And they are optimistic that they will

one day see the fruits of their labour pay

off with a cure for cancer, making more

survivors of cancer instead of more of

those afflicted with it.

The Canada Safeway Foundation

the community | Getting Youth Involved

22

The future of any organization is dependent on getting young

people involved. The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation Prairies/

NWT Region has come up with an exciting way to attract youth aged

16-25 and get them involved in volunteering. Its Youth Strategy

Program features a Youth Advisory Council, known as YAC for short.

YAC is designed to provide a youth perspective to issues pertaining

to fundraising, awareness, education and research.

“The CBCF Prairies/NWT Region recognized that youth are often

marginalized from important aspects of society, and the importance

of educating youth about important issues, such as breast cancer, in

order to facilitate their involvement in the cause as well as to provide

useful insight into the health sciences profession,” says

Tracy Sopkow, who is with the CBCF and in charge

of the YAC initiative.

Having a Youth Strategy Program is

a win-win situation for all involved.

“Companies are starting to take

youth into consideration when

developing their strategic

plan,” says Sopkow. “They

are beginning to realize the

importance of youth as

decision makers and how

implementing youth now

can affect their choices in

the future as purchasers, em-

ployees, and philanthropists.”

Young people involved

with YAC act mostly as advisors

to the foundation. “They strategize

goals for the future and clue us in

to new technologies and trends. They

advise us on how to make our materials

modern and engaging in order to appeal to the

youth demographic,” Sopkow explains.

Nyssa Ritzel, 23, has been involved with YAC for two years, and

loves the experience. “I’ve always met an assortment of amazing

people: volunteers, survivors, and people generally interested in

raising their awareness. The chance to work with a group of youth to

raise awareness for people our age was a great opportunity that I’m

lucky to be a part of,” she says.

A key factor in breast cancer prevention is educating people

while they are young. “There are things youth can do today to reduce

their risk of developing breast cancer in the future,” says Sopkow.

“By teaching young girls and boys about the signs and symptoms of

breast cancer, as well as the importance of self-breast examinations

and actions to take when they become an age of higher risk, we are

providing them the knowledge on how to detect breast cancer early

when chances of survival are at their highest. We also understand

that the information we provide to youth about breast health may

inadvertently reach their family members and friends that may be in


an at-risk age bracket, like their parents, aunts, cousins, and/or grand-

parents. This in turn can help save many lives.”

Ritzel, who graduated from the University of Alberta in 2009

with a B.Sc. in chemical engineering, started with the YAC program in

Edmonton, and now lives in Calgary. She is working on projects that

directly engage and challenge other youth.

“An example of what we’re working on is a little viral video to

encourage youth to partake in a video contest about breast cancer.

The idea of it is to have a 30 second video encouraging people to try

to make a better video than us about breast cancer; whether it’s facts

or myth busting. Last year, we worked on helping to create a design

that would be appealing to youth in school – binder dividers,

bookmarks – that could be used to give important facts

about breast cancer,” Ritzel says.

The youth pool their ideas to come up

with initiatives that are both informa-

tive and fun. “We try to create interest

in youth, and a lot of discussion

goes into it. Other things include

Facebook campaigns, and a recent

initiative was cleaning up some

of the answers on Yahoo. Often

youth ask questions online that

they are scared to ask family,

doctors, teachers, and we go

through the questions and try to

give an informed answer. This is

to discredit some of the answers.

For example, ‘My friend said that my

left boob is bigger than my right; she

told me I have breast cancer,’ and to give

further information to others that request it,”

Ritzel says.

Sopkow credits CIBC’s sponsorship for the success

of the program. “The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation Prairies/

NWT Region is honoured to have the support of CIBC as the proud

sponsor of the YAC program. As a national corporate partner of the

foundation, and regionally through their involvement with YAC, CIBC

continues to demonstrate their commitment to creating a future with-

out breast cancer,” she says.

Ritzel encourages other youth to get involved. “You’ll never meet

a greater group of people than those who are willing to share their

stories and time: survivors, volunteers – generally anyone you’ll meet

at a CBCF event or anyone who will stop and talk at an awareness

raising event. I really cherish the time I’ve had at the events to talk

to other volunteers, and the opportunities and the different events I

would have never known I could have been involved in if it weren’t

for volunteering. I’m really excited for the next couple years with

what we could do as YAC grows.”

To get involved with YAC, contact the CBCF office at 1-866-302-

2223 or visit their website at www.cbcf.org.

Getting Youth

InvolvedThe YAC utilizes youth to strategize future goals and educate on new

techniologies and trends


23

the community | Educating and Assiting Women in Their Own Language

24


A diagnosis of breast cancer is frightening enough without the

added complication of not being fluent in English, and as a

result, possibly not fully understanding what is happening. Language

can also be a barrier to treatment options, prevention, and detection.

The ASSIST Community Services Centre, a non-profit society

offering a variety of health, education, and family programs and

services to the multicultural community in Edmonton, recognized a

need to help women deal with the realities of breast cancer in their

first languages. Thanks to a grant from the Canadian Breast Cancer

Foundation Prairies/NWT Region, the Multicultural Breast Health

Peer Educator Project assists women in the Chinese (Mandarin and

Cantonese), South Asian, Arabic, Vietnamese, and Spanish speaking

communities.

“We see that breast cancer not only creates significant impacts

on individual women’s lives, but also their families and the society

as a whole,” explains Josephine Lai, the MBH’s project coordinator

and primary health educator for the Chinese community. “However,

many immigrant women may face both cultural and linguistic barriers

25

which prevent them from learning the information about breast can-

cer and accessing breast health services and resources; such as edu-

cation, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Therefore, we would

like to reach out to more immigrants and enhance their knowledge

about breast cancer, as well as breast health services and resources

available in the community, without a language barrier.”

MBH’s mission is to “promote and reinforce breast health through

education, activities, and support to immigrant women, in different

cultural communities, in the women’s first language.” Their educators

offer free services including:

• breast health education workshops and information sessions

• referrals and appointments for mammogram screening

• information and support in their language

• support groups for breast can-

cer patients and survivors

“We’re serving five com-

munities at present,” explains

Lai. “The languages available

include Arabic, Cantonese,

Mandarin, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu,

Spanish, and Vietnamese.”

Women can access the

MBH through a variety of ways.

“Educators will reach out to their

community members through

their networks in the communi-

ty,” says Lai. “They will also pro-

mote their services through dif-

ferent venues such as churches,

schools, and women’s groups.

They will provide promotional

and educational information, in

both written and verbal, in their

first languages. People can also

access services through calling

their hotlines (which are the

educators’ cell phones).”

MBH is particularly organized in the Chinese community. “Ser-

vices are promoted through the ASSIST newsletter, community news-

papers, ethnic radio (Chinese programs), and sending information to

different Chinese associations and family physician clinics. Posters

are placed in Chinese restaurants and grocery stores. We also send

promotion materials to institutes, such as NorQuest, to reach out to

ESL students,” says Lai.

Lai, who has been with the program for almost five years, explains

that staff members speak English in addition to one of the languages

from the immigrant communities the MBH program seeks to reach.

“We recruit educators from the communities targeted. We send out

job postings to different organizations, such as the Multicultural

Health Brokers Co-op, Catholic Social Services, Mennonite Centre for

Newcomers, and other networks.”

The MBH program is also in need of volunteers for its many

services. “(For the Chinese community) we need many volunteers

to help in mammogram services to help fill out forms and question-

naires, explain information, and direct people where they have to go,”

says Lai.

“In the South Asian community, they not only need volunteers to

help with mammogram services, they may need volunteers to trans-

late one of the languages that the educator may not speak. They may

also need volunteers to help connect to the groups.”

For other communities, volunteers are also needed to help with

different activities like mammogram services and language issues.

Volunteers are recruited through the ASSIST Volunteer Coordinator.

As well, some educators may invite some people they know to vol-

unteer with them. In any case, if you think you may be able to help,

contact the ASSIST Community Services Centre at 780-429-3111 or

visit www.assistcsc.org. ASSIST is also always looking for people to

help with its many other services and programs, so even if you don’t

speak a foreign language, you may be able to help.

To celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and to reach out to

the wider Edmonton community, the MBH is holding a special event

on Sunday, October 24. The Multicultural Breast Health Event takes

place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at City Hall and features displays, food,

games, and performances from the communities the MBH serves. It is

free of charge and all are welcome to attend.

26

the community | Muscular Dystrophy Canada

A disease that affects every aspect of life —

from the simple activities of walking, speaking

and even breathing — can affect anyone at any

age. Muscular dystrophy does not discriminate,

and the result can be fatal.

“Muscular dystrophy is the name for a group

of neuromuscular disorders that are character-

ized by progressive weakness and wasting of the

voluntary muscles that control body movement,”

said Paul McGonigal, chair of the Edmonton Fire-

fighters Muscular Dystrophy Committee and board

member with Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

Over the last eight years that McGonigal has

been involved with Muscular Dystrophy Canada,

he has seen improvement as a result of the re-

search and education being done because of the

funds raised for the organization.

“The families come out to our charity events,

so we get to know the families quite well, and

you just see the improvements in the young

kids where they are, years ago, where they were

struggling quite a bit, and now it seems like the

treatments that they get have made improve-

ments. They are living a longer life and it’s greatly

appreciated by the over 50,000 Canadians who

suffer with muscular dystrophy each year,” said

McGonigal.

“With all the funds raised, we’re starting to see

some differences, and it’s great,” he added.

Although there has been progress made, there

is still a long way to go to finding a cure, with

much of that relying on fundraising and donations

from the public.

“That’s the biggest thing that we’re striving

for is the donations. People can make donations

online …” McGonigal said.

Of the money raised, McGonigal said a lot

goes into research as well as providing equip-


Muscular Dystrophy Canada

27

ment, like wheelchairs, to those affected with

muscular dystrophy. Funds also go into educating

and spreading awareness in the public to get more

attention towards the disease.

There are many ways to get involved with

Muscular Dystrophy Canada in Edmonton. Each

year, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services holds camps,

which allow families and parents to listen to doc-

tors and guest speakers while their kids have fun

with the firefighters.

The Edmonton Fire Rescue Services has been

fundraising and spreading awareness of muscular

dystrophy since 1954 as a way to help those suf-

fering with the disorder to “live the lives that we

live every day.”

“It started in 1953, where there was a family

in Boston that came to the firefighters asking for

their support and the firefighters – of course trying

to do our best to help people – they went door-to-

door with canisters asking for funds to help this

family out; and from then, our president of the

International Association of Firefighters declared

that our charity of choice until we find a cure,”

said McGonigal.

Edmonton Fire Rescue Services is dedicated

to Muscular Dystrophy Canada, and holds events

each year to raise money to work towards finding

a cure. For more information, or to donate, visit

their website at www.muscle.ca.

“People look at the firefighters as the heroes,

but the real heroes are the people affected with

muscular dystrophy — whether it’s the patients,

the moms and the dads, or the caregivers — those

are the true heroes out there, and we’re always

trying to do our best to help out this charity

and we won’t give up until there’s a cure,” said

McGonigal.

Muscular Dystrophy Canada Paul McGonigal commits himself to raising funds and assisting those who suffer from Muscular Dystrophy

28

the business | Scott Statton Knows the Power of Twitter

McBee was also quick to note that one of the amazing things

about Stratton is that he practices what he preaches. While he often

speaks on the advantages of marketing through viral and social

networking means, he often does so without promoting his own

company.

“He almost never talks about his own business,” she says. “He

doesn’t do tons of plugs. Everybody knows Scott Stratton is UnMar-

keting, and everybody knows his stats that he has worked with NFL

teams … but he doesn’t do a lot of that self-promotion.”

While the Nov. 29 UnMarketing event will have some self-

promotion for Stratton (everyone who attends will receive a copy of

his book, and he will speak on the virtues of social media marketing)

it will also be a chance for those in attendance to begin practicing

what he teaches: using the event to network before doing business.

“It will be a

networking event for

people to come out

and talk about social

media marketing

and make more

connections on

Twitter,” McBee

notes. Tickets

are limited. To

purchase tickets,

visit www.bossy-

mama.ca.

In March, Scott Stratton helped raise over $15,000 for Share our

Strength, an organization battling child hunger, with a 12-hour

tweet-a-thon on the social networking site. He is a proud member

of the 50/50 Twitter club, meaning he has amassed 50,000 follow-

ers and sent out 50,000 tweets. Since then, he has pushed both

those numbers over 60,000. But what else would you expect from an

expert in social media, viral and authentic marketing?

As part of the promotional tour for his new book UnMarketing:

Stop Marketing. Start Engaging, which was released this summer,

Stratton, the president on UnMarketing, will be bringing his brand

to Sherwood Park Toyota, 31 Automall Road, on Monday, Nov. 29 at

7:30pm. This event will give locals a taste of Stratton’s un-marketing

strategy, which is, as his website explains; “positioning yourself as a

trusted expert in front of the target market, so when they have the

need, they choose you.”

“If you’re on Twitter, you’d probably know of him,” says Carol

McBee of Bossy Mama Inc., one of the event organizers.

Stratton’s business strategies are all about using social media to

create relationships with potential clients, rather than simply trying

to sell them things. As a result, the Oakville, Ont. based member of

the twitterati is out to get companies to engage with their potential

clients through social media, whether it be on Facebook or Twitter or

through viral marketing campaigns on YouTube. The result is projects

such as The Trench Movie and The Dash Movie.

“He sort of epitomizes the whole point of Twitter, which is to get

to know people on a personal level, and then to do business,” McBee

explains.

Story by Paul Owen

29


30


Story by Sarah Kmiech

It’s a fashion lovers’ dream scenario. It’s an environmental lovers’

fantasy. Rows upon rows of trendy, high quality, second-hand

clothes and accessories are all waiting for their new home in a new

closet, and staying out of our landfills while they do it.

Making its second appearance in Edmonton is the Over The Top

Fashion Swap. This event gives people a second chance to do some

spring-cleaning in their closet (except in the fall) and it lets them pick

up some new items as well.

After its successful debut this past May, creators Ally Ng and her

partner Cory Payne are looking forward to an even better event this

time.

“We were really happy with how things went,” Ng said. “There

were over 750 swappers, and tones of clothes.”

Swappers have their clothes evaluated, and are given tokens in

exchange. With these tokens, they get to shop around and find pre-

loved treasures. An item evaluated up to $50 is given a bronze token.

Silver items are $50 to $100, and gold items are over $100.

“We’re really looking for great quality, designer and brand names,

and really unique pieces,” Ng said.

Something that’s a little different this time is the Mobile Swap

Unit and Budget Swap Mobile. On the weekends of October 23 and

October 30, get your swap on in advance by bringing in your items

to get an early evaluation. This eliminates having to wait in line the

days of the event.

The cost to enter the Over The Top Fashion Swap is $20, but early

swappers who come out to the Mobile Swap Unit and Budget Swap

Mobile days will only have to pay $18. For times and locations, visit

their website at www.overthetopswap.com.

Over the course of this two-day event, there will be a little

marketplace set up. This will feature local handmade designers and

independent businesses that will help you put a bit of a dent in your

Christmas shopping list.

And don’t feel bad for all the beautiful clothes and accessories

that weren’t able to find a new home; they will all be donated to the

Canadian Diabetes Association’s Clothesline and the Bissell Centre.

Even if you bring in items that won’t be up for swapping, they will

still be donated. The last event saw 250 bags of clothing go towards

these charities.

If you don’t have any items to swap, you are still more than

welcome to attend and purchase tokens at the event. Bronze tokens

are being sold for $5, silver tokens are $10, and gold tokens are $20.

Half of the proceeds from the token sales go towards the two chari-

ties.

Over The Top Fashion Swap will take place on, Saturday, Nov. 6

and Sunday, Nov. 7 at the Palace Banquet Facility, 3223 Parsons Road.

Saturday’s event is from noon until 6 p.m. People bringing in articles

to swap can show up at 10 a.m. to get their clothes checked in.

Sunday’s event runs from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. with the

clothing check in starting at 11 a.m. Swappers are

asked to bring in a maximum of 12 articles.

Dresses, shirts, pants and purses, all of your styl-

ish needs will be fulfilled.

“I’m a second-hand, vintage junkie,” laughed Ng; “so

it’s like a dream come true for me!”

Cory Payne & Ally Ng

31

Jesse Kovacs and Jesse Beck will be bid on in Edmonton’s Ultimate

Bachelor Search & Auction. Along with them, six local bachelors will

be auctioned off for a date with the lucky winners. All proceeds from

this fun affair go toward the Lurana Shelter Society, an emergen-

cy shelter for women and children who are taking the

first steps in leaving a domestically violent

situation. So not only do you get

a hot date, you also get to

help out a worth-

while

cause.

Not too shabby!

Merge Magazine will

also be at one of the booths, and

with them they will be bringing some of

the local firefighters who are part of the Firefighters

2011 Calendar. Calendars will be available for purchase (and

signed by the firefighters gracing the monthly pages!) with proceeds

going to support the Edmonton Firefighters Burn Treatment Society.

Though the show does offer a lot of fun, Reinich points out that

there will be booths and speakers that are there to give valuable tips.

There will be information given out on health issues, financial advice,

and some pointers on how to purchase a new car.

“We want to be there to provide serious information too,” Reinich

said. “You can get some of your business done as well as have fun.”

The show takes place at the Edmonton EXPO Centre, Hall C, lo-

cated at 7300 116th Ave. Saturday’s event goes from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

and Sunday’s time is 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. You can purchase tickets

online at www.womanshow.com/order-tickets. Tickets purchased in

advance are $10, students and seniors are $8. Tickets at the door are

$12, students and seniors are $10.

Come on out, bring your girlfriends, mothers and daughters, and

take your much deserved moment to celebrate you!

Women are a multitalented species. They are the mothers to

children, providers of families, business associates to col-

leagues, wives to spouses, and friends to others. They truly are

dedicated to all the passions in their lives. With all the different

responsibilities they have, it’s necessary for them to be able to take a

moment, and recognize just how influential and important they are to

everyone around them.

The Edmonton Woman’s Show on Oct. 16 and 17 gives a time and

place for all ladies to have a time of indulgence.

The show has been around for close to 24 years and was pur-

chased 17 years ago by show producer Louise Reinich. She said the

event believes in giving a moment for women to come together

and enjoy time with each other during a weekend that’s

focused solely on them.

“When women get together with

other women, they relate

on a different

level,”

Reinich

expressed; “they’re free

to be who they really are.”

There will be up to 160 exhibition

booths for women to indulge in. The displays

from RONA Home & Garden will help inspire those who are

feeling unsure on their interior design skills, fashion shows will be

happening twice a day to give you some new ideas for the upcoming

seasons. The Top Chef Culinary Challenge will feature local women

whose selected cooking talents are usually only found within their

kitchens. Over the two days, they get to battle it out with their bak-

ing for some prizes and bragging rights!

And what would a women’s event be without a few fine fel-

las? From reality TV show Bachelor Pad, Kiptyn Locke, David Good,

the community | The Edmonton Women’s Show

THE

EDMONTON

WOMAN’S

SHOWStory by Sarah Kmiech

33

the community | A Novel Idea For Charity

Story by Paul Owen

After volunteering with the Alberta Firefighters Burn Camp, Jes-

sica McKee knew she wanted to find a way to help provide them

with financial support. The provincial trauma epidemiologist for

Alberta, McKee minored in English in her undergraduate days, and

decided to put that background to use to create a children’s book as

a fundraiser.

“If you ever thought you had a bad day, you need to go to (burn)

camp,” the 30-year-old author said. “These children have survived

the most devastating painful injury anyone can sustain, and they’re

laughing, smiling, they’re running around acting like kids. … It is hard

for them to get funding; it is a lesser-known charity, and I wanted to

make sure that, no matter what, these kids still keep going to camp.

“I have watched my husband, who is the director of the burn

camp, raise money by himself to try to send these kids to camp, and

I’m like, there’s got to be another way.”

The result is Piddle, Diddle Stuck in the Mid-

dle, a book about overcoming the challenges

of being a middle child. Fifty-five per cent

of the proceeds are directed to North

American burn camps. It costs about

$1,000 per child to send them to the

burn camp, and the Alberta Firefighters

Burn Camp takes 45 kids every year.

However, simply writing the book

wasn’t enough. McKee signed with

a publishing company, but

it was unable to meet her

charitable needs. So instead,

she teamed up with Nathan

Krekula, a 37-year-old former

member of the U.S. Army from

North Carolina who she met at

Walden University. McKee and

Krekula then opened Little

Black Dog Publishing to,

as McKee put it, “create

positive social change

through literacy,” with

Piddle, Diddle Stuck in

the Middle as its first

book.

“Anyone who

signs with us, gives

to a charity,” McKee

said.

“We’re the only publishing company in the world that’s doing

this,” Krekula added. “There’s no other company in the world set up

to do what we’re doing.

“Setting up the company from a business platform that way from

the beginning allows us to do that. That’s why no other publishing

company could do it; they would have the stakeholders involved and

companies that wouldn’t allow that to happen. From the beginning

(with us), even if we bring on a financial partner, they would have

to understand and believe in that value from the beginning,” he

explained.

It’s a business model that doesn’t lend itself to making millions.

This has been considered by some, including some of the lawyers

that Krekula and McKee consulted with when establishing the

company, as “nuts.” But the duo is comfortable with that, if it means

furthering a cause they believe in.

“(The lawyers) are like, ‘Do you know how much money you’re

giving away? It’s a substantial amount. It could be way more than

you’re making.’ Yes, we do. That’s the point,” McKee said.

“We’re not a charity. We still are for profit, but we’re a for-profit

that isn’t all about money,” Krekula explained. “Our main passion is

that we connect people to charities that are lesser known or even

well-known.”

Krekula and McKee insist that the business will be sustainable

despite the charitable donations coming from their sales, noting

both that the public response is more positive to a company giving

away much of their profits and that the added attention given to their

books because of the charitable aspect is a good way for new authors

to get noticed.

“They’re reprinting the Berenstein Bears. There are no new ideas.

There’s lot of books about being a middle child or bullying or being

jealous,” McKee said. “The only way to look at it is how can you

change the market? This is the way to change it.”

In addition to McKee’s book, Krekula has also written one, and

the duo recently signed Albanian-born actress/writer Masiela Lusha.

Lusha played a starring role on ABC’s sitcom George Lopez for five

seasons, and will be donating 25 per cent of the sales of her book

BOOPITY BOOP! Writes Her First Poem to Sentebale, a project that

helps children in Lesotho in southern Africa orphaned by AIDS and

HIV.

The pair is starting small, but also hopes to expand their business

beyond children’s books and into the American market.

“We’re branching out, but we’re taking it slow, because obviously

when you’re giving away a lot of money, you take it slow to build,”

McKee said.

A Novel Idea for Charity

Jessica McKee

34

the business | Women Entrepreneurs Flaunt Their Businesses

The scale of some trade shows can sometimes make you feel a

little bit like Goldilocks; some are too big, leaving you feeling

overwhelmed by everything you’re trying to take in, and some are

too small, making you wonder why you decided to attend. All you’re

left with is the feeling that you want to find the one that fits you just

right.

The Bossy Mama Flaunt event is looking to fill this missing piece.

It wants to give you the satisfying feeling of a trade show that is

precisely what you were looking for. This event showcases over 60

booths, which will be featuring local women entrepreneurs showing

what their businesses have to offer.

President of the Bossy Mama networking group, Carol McBee, is

the busy business mama who has put this event together. She says

this size of trade show allows people to take in everything the ven-

dors have to offer, without the feeling that they’ve missed anything.

“We want an elegant, upscale event that fills the middle void,”

McBee said.

The majority of the vendors will be from the Edmonton area. So

in true sister-hood fashion, women get to go out and spend the day

together, and support other women while they do it.

Story by Sarah KmiechThe decision to pursue your own business can be an intimidating

one, and this event takes notice of the women who have chosen to

take that step and put their love of business into action.

“The goal is definitely to raise awareness towards women entre-

preneurs and to celebrate how many women have taken that leap,”

McBee said. “I’m going to be super, super proud of the vendors.”

On Saturday, Oct. 23 the Oasis Conference Centre at 10930 177

St. will be the home to its debut event. It starts at 11 a.m. and fin-

ishes up at 5 p.m. The first 250 guests get a free bag of swag. So not

only do these attendees get a reusable tote of goodies and coupons,

but they then get to spend the entire day shopping around and filling

it up!

There is no cost for admission, but instead attendees are asked

to bring in a donation for the Terra Centre for Pregnant and Parenting

Teens. The centre focuses on young parents, and helps give them

support through programs and counseling, giving them assurance and

confidence. These contributions can be given in either cash or diaper

donations.

For more information, and to see who will be flaunting their stuff

at this perfectly sized event, visit www.bossymamaflaunt.ca.

Women Entrepreneurs Flaunt Their Businesses

36

When looking for someone to speak on the connection between

health and success, the Edmonton Chiropractic Society went

after the biggest name they could find.

The ECS will be presenting Jack Canfield, who’s sold over 100

million books in his Chicken Soup for the Soul series, along with Dr.

Fabrizio Mancini, an award winning chiropractor, for an Evening of

Health and Success on Thursday, Oct. 28 at the Winspear Centre.

“I’ve heard (Canfield) speak numerous times. His energy is just

amazing, and he brings in a wealth of knowledge,” said Dr. Craig Wing

of the ECS. “What he brings to the table is, he’s going to come here

and talk to people about following their dreams, and he’s going to

teach people about success.”

It’s a role that fits Canfield to a tee. After co-authoring the Chicken

Soup books with Mark Victor Hansen, the duo struggled to find a

publisher before their perseverance paid off and the franchise turned

into a multi-million seller. Since then, Canfield has gone on to author

The Success Principles and appear as one of the teachers on The Se-

cret. He has also established a long career as a motivational speaker

on issues such as success and self-esteem.

According to Wing, Canfield’s two-hour appearance proved to be

the perfect time for the chiropractic society to promote their message

of combining personal health with personal success. He also noted

Story by Paul Owen that one of the themes of the night will be taking a personal stake in

both your own health and, through that, your own success.

“(We’re) putting this event on to enhance people’s awareness

of health and success,” he explained. “You can’t really have success

unless you have your health, and so that’s the whole purpose of the

event: to teach people that you can have both, it’s just a matter of

bringing them both together.

“With our economy now, everyone’s always worried and the

stress is at an all-time high, and (Canfield’s) going to help people

bring it down.”

To help address the health side, the evening will begin with a

talk from Mancini, the president of Parker College of Chiropractic

in Dallas. Along with being a successful chiropractor, Mancini is a

formidable speaker in his own right, dealing with issues of health and

success in his own speaking career.

“What we wanted to do was teach people to take active roles in

their health because people are not trusting themselves; they’re rely-

ing on other people to tell them what to do, and sometimes that’s not

always the best thing,” Wing said. “You’ve got to take action now and

not wait until you have a bunch of problems. So Fabrizio Mancini is

going to bring more of the health aspect towards the evening.”

Tickets are currently on sale for $57–$87 and available through

the Winspear’s website at www.winspearcentre.com.

Co Author Jack Canfield of Chicken Soup for the Soul Speaks on How Health is a Direct Contributor to Personal Success

CSPS SwaP n’ SaleGive your old gear a new home and find great deals for yourself

For more info call (780) 490-0215 or visit

www.albertaShows.com

OCTOBeR 30 & 31, 2010 Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-5pmNorthlands Edmonton EXPO Centre$8 General Admission, Children under 5 FREE

EDMONT

ON

THe SnOw IS On THe waY!

38


39

the community | Fabulous at 50, You Are Hot!

We have so many sayings that set us up for the comfort of aging:

“Like a fine wine, things get better with age,” or; “Change is

good,” and how about; “With age comes wisdom.” With all of these

mottos being thrown around, why are we left with the feeling that as

every year passes, the youth we leave behind is grieved for, and the

future before us is something to be feared?

This is something that rings especially true for women, and

especially at this particular moment in time. For some reason, there

is extra emphasis for the mature women in our world to be obsessed

with youth. Women in their 50s are being told they need to be the

women they were in their 30s. With all the life changes and experi-

ences women this age have fought through, as if this is something

even remotely possible!

To honour these women, there is the Fabulous at 50 Experience

and Martini Party. Mothers, daughters, grandmothers, sisters and

aunts are all invited to take part in this celebration of women. Here

is a chance for women to gather together and enjoy a trade show day

full of shopping exhibits, motivational speakers, socializing, and of

course, martinis!

This is the second event of its kind put on by Dianna Bowes, 52,

president of Fabulous at 50, a monthly meet up group for women

who are 40 to 60 years old. She said this is a day for baby boomer

ladies to not only have an entertaining day out, but to also learn and

talk about the transformations that are happening in their lives with

the guidance of speakers who will be at the event.

“With women in this age group; there’re a lot of changes hap-

pening to us, and with that, we need the support to move forward,”

Bowes said.

These changes include children growing up and moving out of

the house or maybe even moving back into the house, and bringing

grandkids along with them! This age also includes the big change of

menopause. Lori Battochio, a menopause clinic health educator, will

be one of the speakers at this event.

This is also a time where parents or spouses may pass away.

Sheri-Lee Langlois from the Edmonton Bereavement Centre will be

another speaker.

But Bowes says the main idea of the day is to have a fun day out

with the ladies.

“(Women this age) have given their whole lives to other people

… We try to get the energy that when they walk in, they think, ‘Wow!

Everyone here is for us!’ ” Bowes exclaimed; “It’s pretty magical, re-

ally!”

The Fabulous at 50 event heats up on Saturday, Nov. 6 starting at

10 a.m. and finishes at 5 p.m. The Central Lions Recreational Centre

located at 11113 113th St. is where it will be taking place.

Though the event is geared towards women in their 50s, all

women are invited. Tickets are $15 each, or $20 for two. They can

be purchased by calling Tix On The Square, 780-420-1757, or visiting

www.tixonthesquare.ca/event/detail/2081, or can be purchased at

the door on the day of the event.

For more information on the Fabulous at 50 Experience and Mar-

tini Party, visit Bowes website at www.fabulousat50.ca. For informa-

tion on the meet up group, visit www.meetup.com/fabulousat50.

So don’t hide your age! Come out and celebrate it! After all,

everyone in their 20s and 30s will soon enough be in their 50s too!

Story by Sarah Kmiech

Fabulous at 50,

40

the individual | Rebuilding a Life

Regina Galica had already faced her

share of challenges before her life was

bitten by cancer. Throughout her life, she

has made it her goal to surround herself

with challenges as they shape her, and

even goes so far as to say that she “loves”

them.

Galica, now a 50-year-old grandmoth-

er, moved to Canada in 1990, having no

money, no job, no friends and most daring,

knowing no English.

She made the decision to move to

Canada from communist Poland, where

she had grown up. At the time she left, the

Polish government provided monthly food

rations for things like meat, cigars, sugar

and vodka, and left her in a tough spot to

raise her children.

“All I wanted was to have a job, money

and to be in a country with a great future

for my kids. That’s why I chose Canada,”

said Galica.

When she arrived in Canada, she was

overwhelmed with the challenges she was

faced with.

“No money, working two jobs and be-

ing a single mom with two kids. I’d never

heard of welfare and got a third job for

weekends,” Galica said.

Her dreams of success seemed so far

out of reach at the time, but as the years

went on, her situation improved. She

found a new career and a new home. Just

when things seemed bittersweet, cancer

struck her life.

When Galica’s now 28-year-old

daughter, Kamilka, was diagnosed with

colon cancer at the age of 20, everything

changed.

Colon cancer is the second most fatal

form of cancer, according to the Canadian

Cancer Society.

Upon hearing this diagnosis, Galica

decided to quit her jobs to be with her

daughter and to “be there 24-7 for her.”

“It was the worst news a mother can

hear,” said Galica. “I didn’t treat my daugh-

ter any different than if she had the flu; I

didn’t want her to feel weak or sorry for

herself. We were both determined to beat

it, so we did,” she added.

Her daughters’ operation was success-

ful, and after 10 days in the hospital, she

was released to go home.

Drastic adjustments were in order to

ensure her daughter stayed healthy and

life changes were once again on the ho-

rizon for both Galica and her cancer-free

daughter.

After starting over once again, Galica

embarked upon a search that launched the

career and success that she experiences

today.

“I needed a car,” she said. So she

began the daunting task of finding the

vehicle that was right for her. During her

search she discovered that some salesmen

weren’t taking her seriously, even though

she had good credit and was ready to buy.

After her search and many disappoint-

ing experiences, she received a call from

a manager at a car dealership. Out of the

blue and to her surprise she was offered

a job, an opportunity to enter the industry

that had so wrongly devalued her busi-

ness.

“Selling cars? Me? This is a new chal-

lenge,” she said. Not just to enter a tough

and ill perceived industry, but to succeed

with integrity.

“I will sell cars, and yes, I will treat my

customers with pride and 100 per cent

attention, especially if they are women,”

she added.

Faced with the challenge of rebuild-

ing her life, she took the job, and with it,

accepted the scrutiny that many buyers

would throw her way.


“Some male customers looked at me and

had commented ‘a woman?’ Some asked me

where those cars are built, some tested my

knowledge, and some just trusted me and

bought a car from me,” said Galica.

Her success in the industry has come with a

lot of hard work and dedication, often working

six to seven days a week with long hours.

Despite this, she loves her job, and her

passion to assist her customers has helped her

become a leading sales woman in an industry

dominated by men.

“Working in a male-dominant industry is

not easy. As a woman, we must know more than

men, we must be proper, we must be honest

(and) always on the top,” said Galica.

Her career is yet another challenge for her

to be proud of.

She has learned to live life with the motto

“respect, recognition, reward,” adding that she

respects people, recognizes their needs and

wants and rewards them with her friendship.

She has faced a number of challenges

throughout her life and believes they have all

added to her success, patience and strength.

“Trauma in my life has made me a stronger

person,” said Galica.

She is proud to say that her daughter

Kamilka is now “beautiful and healthy, married

and happy” and couldn’t be more proud of her

surviving cancer.

The pair has become much closer since bat-

tling cancer, with Galica saying that they speak

to each other on a daily basis. They also trav-

eled to Las Vegas to celebrate mother-daughter

day and as a way to celebrate “winning with

cancer.”

Although it was a life-changing challenge,

it has improved her life and has made her more

appreciative of what and who she is surrounded

by.

A key in her life is a lesson that her mother

taught her, which is, “Love yourself. If you don’t

love yourself, nobody will.”

“You need support, to stay positive and to

have a dream. Life is that easy,” she added.

Ragina Galica started in sales at Sherwood

Park Toyota two years ago and today continues

to honor her role and lead the industry as one of

few sales woman.

Regina Galica

42

mergemag.ca | Event Calendar

Events Calendar

Social Events

We’re always on the lookout for upcoming social, fundraising and business-related events in and around Edmonton.

• Arts & Cultural Events• Fundraising for Charity or Community Groups• Business Seminars and Workshops

Edmonton Bridal Expo10:00AM to 4:00PM Fashion Shows: Noon to 2:30PMShaw Conference Centre

Find everything and more for your special day in one place, at Edmon-ton Bridal Expo at The Shaw Conference Centre on October 3, 2010. You will find exhibitors for Bridal Dresses, Cakes, Decor Items, Florals, Honeymoon Ideas, Invitations, Photographers, and many others offering samples, money-saving show specials, new ideas and MORE choices as Edmonton Bridal Expo is Autumn’s Biggest & Most Elegant Bridal Show.For more information and tickets visit http://www.edmontonbridalexpo.com/

Oct

3

Christmas Chaos Book Launch2:00PMParkview Hall 9135 146 St

Prairie Dog Publishing has discovered 25 talented writers from accross Canada to fill the pages of Christmas Chaos with laughable, tear-jerking, and jaw dropping tales. A part of the proceeds will be going to Jasper Place Health and Wellness Centre in Edmonton: A place to call home, when you do not have one. Embrace Christmas Chaos by allowing these beautifully written stories to enlighten, encourage, and enhance your Christmas Season! Visit www.JPHAWC.ca.

Oct

3

Movies on the Square7:00PMChurchill Square

Bring your friends and family out for Movies on the Square. Watch a block buster hit that will be playing on a 3-storey high inflatable screen, for free. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/cytke0

8Oct

October

June Indian Cuisine 1016:30PM - 9:30PMAmiskwaciy Academy 101 Airport Rd.Tickets are $109

Get ready for a taste bud extravaganza with the exotic flavours of East Indian dishes. Sip spiced Indian chai tea, toss an Indian mixed salad and make crisp samosas. Recipes also include tandoori chicken, butter chicken, basmati rice, vegetable pulao and cucumber raita. This is a hands-on demonstration course put on by Metro Continuing Education. CAll 780.428.1111 for info.

14Oct

June Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet6:30PMHotel Selkirk in Fort Edmonton Park

The Johnson’s cafe in the Hotel Selkirk offers a delicious buffet of Thanks Giving favourites sure to please everyone! Seating can range from 2, 4, 6 and 8 guests per table. Group seating is also available for over 10. For more information, or to book your dinner buffet, visit http://www.fortedmontonpark.ca. Tickets are: adult: $33, youth: $16, senior: $27.

10Oct

43

LitFest - Edmonton’s Nonfiction FestivalRuns October 14 to 24Various Venues

LitFest is a festival where nonfiction content comes to life. Avid readers with nonfiction content and creators, experience a series of events, chic gatherings and gourmet experiences. It is the only nonfiction festival in Canada. LitFest brings together some of the best-selling, award-winning and emerging authors of books, magazines and film content. It also supports Edmonton as a local incubator for nonfiction literary talent. For a list of events and schedules, or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.litfestalberta.org/home.aspx

Oct

14

JuneScarecrow FestivalRuns October 15, 16 & 17Northlands EXPO Centre, Hall B

This is ABC Head Start’s annual family Halloween fundraiser. Enjoy creepy crafts, ghoulish games and haunted house - suitable for all ages! For more information, visit http://www.scarecrowfestival.org/

15Oct

June

JuneEdmonton Woman’s ShowRuns October 16, 9:00AM - 5:00PM & 17, 11:00AM to 5:00PM Northlands, 7300 116th Ave

It’s a weekend for the women! There are numerous exhibits, a Top Chef Challenge, Fashion Shows, and bedroom displays by RONA Home & Garden, just to name a few. Bid on a date in Edmonton’s Ultimate Bachelor Search & Auction! From ABC’s “Bachelor Pad,” Kiptyn Locke, David Good, Jesse Kovacs, and Jesse Beck from will be up for bidding, alongside some of Edmonton’s most eligible bachelors. Enjoy a special date with one of these handsome men and help out a great cause, with all auction proceeds going to the Lurana Shelter. For more information on this event, visit http://www.womanshow.com/whats-on

16Oct

Boo at the ZooNoon - 4:00PMValley Zoo, 13315 Buena Vista RoadCost: Winter admission

Show up in your coolest costume to trick or treat while you experience the wonders of the animal kingdom. Win a cool prize at the Pumpkin Patch Prize Hunt or enjoy an educational talk focused on the Edmonton Valley Zoo’s Halloween animals. The Spooky Scavenger Hunt will take you on a tour to visit the Zoo’s Halloween animals including snakes, wolves, owls, bats and more!

17Oct

ERS presents Natalia Shamayeva7:30PMMuttart Hall Alberta College, 10050 MacDonald Dr.Tickets are $30, Students & Seniors $20

The Edmonton Recital Society welcomes award-winning harpist with the famous Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow, Ms. Natalia Shamayeva will perform a unique all-Russian recital. Tickets are available at Tix On The Square, or by calling 780-420-1757. They will be going on sale at a later date.

19Oct

Bossy Mama Flaunt11:00AM to 5:00PMThe Oasis Conference Centre, 10930 177th St.

Join Bossy Mama for a day of shopping, networking and entertainment as they highlight some of the very best female owned businesses in the Edmonton area. Bossy Mama is a business network for entrepreneurial woman that is dedicated to helping women take their business to the next level. Free admission in lieu of a dona tion to the Terra Centre for Pregnant & Parenting Teens in the form of money or diaper donation. For more information, or to register, visit their website at http://www.bossymamaflaunt.ca/

23Oct

SpooktacularRuns October 29 and 30, 6:00PM - 11:00PMFort Edmonton ParkAdvance tickets (starts Oct 4) are $17 per person or $20 at the door.

Spooktacular provides a wide range of activities for family and adult audiences to enjoy themselves. Don your costume and venture down to Fort Edmonton Park for a night of fun and fright for all ages! As you make your way through the Park, you can expect to encounter mys-tery and lurking around every corner. Spooktacular is a safe place for children and their families to celebrate Halloween with both indoor and outdoor activities. Don’t forget to bring a bag to collect your treats! https://www.fortedmontonparktickets.ca

29Oct

The Art of Cheremosh GalaOctober 30, 5:00PMEXPO Centre, NorthlandsTickets are $125

Presenting authentic footwork from various regions of Ukraine, Cher-emosh invites audiences to marvel at the intricacy and complexity of its spectacular choreography, dynamic music and colourful costumes. The evening will include: Dance performances by the Cheremosh Ukrai-nian Dance Company, Three-course dinner, prepared exclusively by the chefs of the Edmonton EXPO Centre & Live music by the Mill Creek Col-liery Band. Tickets can be purchased by calling 780-616-5335, emailing [email protected] or visiting http://www.cheremosh.ca/

30Oct

Ski & Snowboard ShowRuns October 30 and 31, Starts at 10:00AM Oct 30, 11:00AM Oct 31Northlands Edmonton EXPO CentreTickets are $8, children 4 and under are free

Whether you’re a skier or snowboarder, you will find all that you need to start the season off right with a visit to the Edmonton Ski & Snowboard show! Reps from various destinations, including every major ski hill in Western Canada, will be on hand to give you all the information you need to plan your next adventure. This Show offers the latest in industry in-novations and trends, with a wide selection of new equipment, clothing, and accessories. Call 780-490-0215 for advanced tickets.

30Oct

Don’t Forget to Vote!9:00AM - 8:00PMVarious Locations

Don’t forget to vote in Edmonton’s municipal election of City Council and Public School and Catholic Separate School District Trustees. For information, visit http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/edmon-ton-elections.aspx

18Oct

44

mergemag.ca | Event Calendar

Deadmonton: Canada’s Halloween FestivalRuns October 1 to 31Various Locations

Highlights the Halloween happenings for all ages. With events start-ing October 1st there is something for everyone including kids, pets, athletes, costume, movie, theatre or music buffs, those wanting to be scared or those just wanting to trick or treat. Many events raise money for Edmonton charities, so make sure you check out the full calendar of events at http://dedmonton.com/calendar

31Oct

Oktoberfest to Rocktoberfest6:30PMShaw Conference Centre, Hall ABC, 9797 Jasper Ave.Tickets are $32.50

Enjoy a fun night of good old oom-pah-pah favorites and polkas until you drop! Tickets include a commemorative Oktoberfest 2010 beer mug, a Bavarian Feast, and chances to win some great prizes. Canada’s own Trooper will also be performing. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.oktoberfestedmonton.com/

30Oct

Fundraising EventsA Kiss of Fall Champagne Reception at 6:00PM, Dinner & Wine pairing at 7:30PM Performance at 9:00PMDelta Edmonton South, 4404 gateway Blvd.

Emplyabilities is proud to present A Kiss of Fall, a night featuring the vocal talents of world renowned musician, Alfie Zappacosta. This will be a night of romance, glamour, and entertainment. For more information call Doug Stacey at 780-945-4642, or email [email protected], or visit their website at http://www.employabilities.ab.ca/ly/bghGDd

Oct

1

True Blue Gala

Northlands, Hall H, 7300 116th AveTickets are $175

The Edmonton Police Foundation in its 10 year aniversary invite you to join the the True Blue Gala. This event is to show the community what the Edmonton Police Foundation has accomplished and honour the win-ners of the Harry Hole Community Policing Award. Funds raised at this event will fund special programs to promote community policing within Edmonton and awards for MacEwan University students. Tickets can be purchased online at https://edmontonpolicefoundation.com

Oct

13

Face Off Against CancerRuns October 15 to 17River Cree Casino Twin Rinks

This is a three-day charitable hockey tournament. All proceeds go directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, your best partner in the fight against all cancers. The Society uses these donations to fund the most promising cancer research in the country, support people living with cancer, provide comprehensive cancer information and prevention initia-tives, and advocate for healthy public policy. For more information, or to register, visit http://convio.cancer.ca/site/TR?fr_id=7600&pg=entry

Oct

15

Dogs With a Cause Charity AuctionCocktails at 6:00PM, Dinner at 7:00PM Blatchford Hangar, Fort Edmonton ParkTickets are $100 with a $70 tax receipt issued

This evening is in support of Dogs With Wings, a society which provides assistance dogs for people with physical disabilities. There will be din-ner, drinks, and a silent auction. To purchase tickets call 780-944-8011 or email [email protected]

Oct

16

Timeraiser7:00PM TransAlta Arts Barn, 10330 84th Ave.

The Timeraiser is a silent art auction with a twist. Instead of bidding money, participants bid volunteer time to agencies needing their skills and energy. Successful auction bidders have 12 months to complete their volunteer pledge. For more information, email Jennifer Grebelding-er at [email protected] or call her at 780-637-8287. Visit the website at http://www.timeraiser.ca/

Oct

16

Changing Lives, Changing Communities Fundraising Breakfast7:30AM - 8:30AMThe Westin, 10135 100th St.

Alberta Association for Community Living invites you to attend their an-nual fundraising breakfast. By attending this event, you will have the op-portunity to hear from families whose lives have been changed through the work of AACL. If your are interested in attending or hosting a table, or would like more information, call Shawn Ergang at 780-451-3055, or email [email protected]

Oct

19

CIBC Run For The CureOpening Ceremonies at 9:00AMSir Winston Churchill Square

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure is Canada’s largest single day, volunteer-led fundraising event dedicated to raising funds for breast cancer research, education and awareness pro-grams. Each year, thousands of Canadians of all ages and from all walks of life unite to participate in the Run. For more information on this event, visit www.runforthecure.com/site/TR?fr_id=1108&pg=entry

Oct

3

Looking Ahead...Putting Poverty Behind Us8:30AM - 4:30PMGrant MacEwan University, 10700 104th Ave.Cost: $100

How does the vision of a future without poverty come to start? What is your role? Putting Poverty Behind Us will bring all sectors of the com-munity throughout Edmonton to engage in a dialogue on poverty and potential strategies for moving families and individuals toward greater economic security. Keynote speakers: Liz Murray & Frank O’DeaEvent will include a panel discussion and break-out groups, Breakfast, lunch & coffee breaks included. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/dkuEQg, or contact Nathan at 780-423-2285 est. 158, or email [email protected]

Oct

6

45

An Intimate Evening with Dan Hill9:00PMShaw Conference Centre, 9797 Jasper Ave.Admission is $50

Join Juno and Grammy award-winner Dan Hill as he performs songs from his new album, and classics such as “Sometimes When We Touch.” Proceeds from this concert will be donated to the Canadian Diabetes As-sociation. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.diabetes.ca/danhill/

Oct

22

CF SpectacularDoors open at 5:30PM, Dinner at 6:00PM, Show at 8:00PMMayfield Dinner Theatre, 16615 109th Ave.

Enjoy a dinner, a show, and a silent auction, all in support of the Cana-dian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The show is “Dark Star: The Life & Times of Roy Orbison.” Tickets are $90 and are available through the Mayfield Dinner Theatre Box Office, 1-877-529-7829, or online. For more information, visit http://mayfieldtheatre.ca/events.asp

Oct

23

Laugh For Life Gala 2010Silent auction starts at 6:00PM, Event at 7:00PMWinspear CentreTickets start at $34

Laugh for Life is a group of Edmonton area residents who organize an annual gala as a way to lighten spirits and raise funds for The Mustard Seed and Candeo Housing Association. This event features comedian Tim Hawkins, singer Lianna Klassen and performance painter Lewis Lavoie. Tickets can be purchase tickets through the Winspear Box office, 780-428-1414 or 1-800-563-5081.

Oct

23

BMO BoolathonTime slot 1: 11:00AM, Time slot 2: 1:30PMGateway Entertainment Centre, 3414 Gateway Blvd.

This is a family-friendly Halloween themed fundraising event in support of Kids Help Phone. Register a team, raise money, and have fun! For more information, or to register a team, visit http://bit.ly/9pflar

Oct

24

Business Events

JCI Monthly Training & Networking Night6:00PMEdmonton Chamber of Commerce, #600 - 9990 Jasper AveTickets: Free for members, $10 for non-members

Come join JCI Edmonton for their monthly training event. There will be guest speakers and a chance to network. JCI is an organization set out to provide opportunities and leadership skills for young leaders in the community. Contact Erin at [email protected].

Oct

7

Coaching Conversations that WorkRuns Oct 21 & 22, 9:30AM to 5:00PMStanley Milner Public Library

This 2-day advanced communications training is an experiential work-shop providing valuable insights and practical skills that support change in how you relate to others and how they relate to you. Enjoy 2 days of coaching and being coached, and in the process learn how to ask powerful questions, to expand your capacity for listening and transform your conversations. Early Bird 10 days before $347 + GST (premium) / $237+GST (regular) GROUP SPECIAL regular: for 2, $227 per person, for 3 or more, $217 +GST. Register for The New Leadership Program Nov. 24-26, get Coaching Conversations that Work, FREE. For more information visit http://www.co-creating.ca/current-events/ or call Creative Attention Canada at 780-465-1721, or email to [email protected]. To register, phone Patricia at 780-934-9659.

Oct

21

Home Staging DIY Workshop9:00PM5326 Calgary Trail NWCost is $53

If you are a property owner, Realtor®, or Home Builder, and are, or are planning on, selling a property, then, yes, this workshop is perfect for you!

* You want to sell your property in at least 50% less time * You want to make at least 7-10% more money. * You want your listing to stand out above the competition.

Call Rhonda Wilson, CCSP™ to reserve your seat, as seating is limited, 780-913-5589 • www.RevealingAssets.ca

Oct

21

Building on Success Series: Building Your Online Presence9:00AM to 12:00PMCost is $47.25

Gain valuable techniques and skills to build compelling and dynamic brand presence online with Ken Jurina, President and Founder of Epiar and Top Draw. Ken Jurina has more than 18 years of experience in tra-ditional advertising and Internet marketing Additionally, Ken sits on the Global Committee and is Co-Chair of the Marketing Committee for the Search Engine Marketing Professional Organization (SEMPO), and is also a founding member and co-chair of SEMPO Canada. To register, visit www.awebusiness.com

Oct

27

Electrifying Electronic Newsletters Workshop10:00AM to 4:00PMRegistration $262.50Communitas Group on the 2nd floor, 12120 106th Ave.

Electronic newsletters are a powerful marketing tool and a cost-effective way get the word out and attract the resources needed to promote your mission, products or ideas. In this workshop you’ll learn to:

* Create the most effective format for your readers * Design and format your newsletter for electronic delivery * Produce templates to speed up the process and ensure consistency * Access and evaluate service providers and much more...

For more information, or to register, visit http://bit.ly/bEnx0Q

27Oct

46


merge magazine october issue

Documents

light of breast cancer

immigrant women

issue of merge

edmonton strategic

people business

risk of cancera novel

fundraising events

research team