Ellyn Davidson’s Weblog

The Detroit Jewish News ran a story about my involvement with the Michigan Breast and Prostate Cancer tax check-off Initiative.  I can’t stress enough the importance of this campaign and what even a small donation can do.  The money gives low income women without insurance access to mammograms and treatment.  Early detection is currently the number #1 key in beating this disease.  Read the article, visit the site, pledge your support and become a fan of the facebook page.  Most importantly spread the word and don’t forget to grab a badge.  I did my taxes yesterday and it was simple.

Ok.  Not so happy with the latest headline.  “Million Women Study Shows even Moderate Alcohol Consumption Associated with Increase Cancer Risks.”  Basically, the take-away message from this study is don’t drink, at all, ever!  I’m not much of a drinker.  In fact, after throwing up through several weeks of 3 pregnancies and going through chemotherapy, I’ll do anything to avoid a hangover.  But, I do love a glass of wine.  And I’m not certain I’m so willing to give it up completely.  I’m curious if this study dug deeper into cancer recurrences, BRCA or anything else specific to my situation.  I guess I’m just trying to rationalize my way out of practicing the advice of the latest study.  You can take away my breasts, ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes, but do you really need to take away my glass of wine?

It’s been three weeks since my last blog so I figured; it’s about time I post. Life is busy lately—in a good way. Here’s what’s going on in my world:

We just got back from a great family vacation in Arizona combined with a wedding of one of Jon’s old college friends. Our last wedding with this group was in 1998 so it was nice to reunite with the old crew. It was also great to spend time with my parents and grandmother in sunny Arizona. We were there last year this time too—only I had a lot less hair.

February 2008

February 2009

In several previous posts, I’ve mentioned social media and my business partner, Jim Tobin. I’ve become increasingly interested in the social media world over the past year. As a result, I’m taking on an increased role in my work life and starting a Detroit office of Ignite Social Media. It means I’ll be working more but I’m excited for the new challenge. In a lot of ways, I credit breast cancer for my new interest and career opportunity.

We’ve sold over 100 tickets for the “Annie” Fundraiser on May 10th. I’m excited with all the enthusiasm and still have more tickets for anyone interested.

 
And Ta Ta Breast Cancer is up to 10 team members and still more joining. Check out our team page if you’d like to join and for ways to support our team. If you have any ideas for fundraisers, send them along. I’m always looking for new fun ways to raise money especially ideas that don’t cost people much money and things people would potentially purchase anyways. I like to call it “fundraising in the new economy”.

Speaking of new economy, I was completely wowed and inspired by our president last night. And how about the 1.26 billion dollar infusion directed at cancer research? That’s my kind of infusion.

This is my first post where I’ve even mentioned Obama and I threw him right into the title.  Why?   Yesterday he increased the cigarette tax to provide people a greater incentive to quit smoking and to insure more children.  Great news for all.  I recently mentioned my work with the Michigan Department of Community Health and one of our major and ongoing programs is an initiative to get people to quit smoking.  Below you can see our television spot that’s been running for several years and has received lots of attention and awards.  I’m proud of my agency and my client for the great success we’ve had with this spot. 

And as a cancer survivor, I know the dangerous links between smoking (and secondhand smoke) and cancer.  So an increase in the cigarette tax is a huge victory for all.  And using the money to help insure uninsured children is an even bigger victory.  So far I’m really digging our new pres.    

My all time favorite musical is “Annie”.  As a child, I saw it in the theater several times.  At 7 years old, we had a friend that was the understudy for Annie at the Fisher Theater.  Before and after the show, I’d go to the dressing room and meet the cast—a dream come true for a 7-year old girl.  As an adult (even prior to kids), I went with a couple of friends to see the show again and loved it just as much.  The week my daughter was born, my mother-in-law purchased the VHS tape of the 1999 movie.  I nursed my new baby and watched the movie.  My kids are still watching it every now and then.  And my two year old knows every word to the song “Tomorrow”.  So when I found out Annie was making its way to the Fisher Theater once again and an old high school friend of mine gave me the opportunity to make it a fundraiser, I hopped at the chance.  So now, I’m selling tickets to my favorite show, raising money for both FORCE and Ta Ta Breast Cancer and going with my 3 children, my parents and my in-laws on Mother’s Day.  I’ve been giddy with excitement since I sent out my first emails yesterday and started to see immediate results.  Can’t wait to see that cute little red head singing my favorite songs. 

Last night we had another great FORCE meeting at Beaumont.  I always walk away from the meetings smiling.  I’ve formed some really nice friendships with some of the woman in the group. 

I really felt the power and importance more than ever last night.  At our first meeting, there were two sisters.  Their dad had just been diagnosed with breast cancer and both sisters were contemplating getting tested.  Last night, all three joined us for the meeting and shared their story. 

After the last meeting, they both got tested—one had the mutation and one did not.  The sister with the mutation went for her initial MRI screening and was immediately diagnosed with cancer.  She is currently undergoing chemo and was lucky to catch the cancer when she did.  She found her cancer because of her knowledge of the BRCA gene and her risk factors.  This is why we need to work to create awareness and make sure people understand how their family history can impact their lives. 

Our next meeting will focus on a very challenging but necessary topic—how to talk to your kids about the BRCA gene.  I’m looking forward to some professional insight and hearing ideas from the rest of the group.  I will share what I can in my blog post after the meeting but if you live in Southeast Michigan, we’d love to have you join us.  Come check out the power of this group for yourself.