Susan G. Komen LA County

Thanks to my special guests from Susan G. Komen LA County, Sharon Schlesinger and Dr. Josh Neman for joining me today.   Both Sharon, past board member, and Josh current board member have a strong connection and commitment to Susan G. Komen LA County. Our show today is dedicated to Metastatic Breast Cancer. You will come to understand what metastatic means because Josh speaks in terms that draws a picture. He takes scientific language that we can digest in his analogies. Did you know? 250,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. 154,000 will be metastatic and sadly 42,000 will die.  Where do metastatic cancer cells spread?   Primarily, 50% goes to the bones, they also travel to the lung, liver, and brain.   Susan G. Komen LA County 7th Anual Metastatic Breast Cancer Conference Sharon is a cancer survivor, having been diagnosed simultaneously with both breast and cervical cancer over 28 years ago.  She knows first hand the fear of those 3 words, “you have cancer.”  Fortunately, she is cancer-free. Sharon has been a board member with Susan G. Komen and understands the importance of getting help and information to patients and family members as well. Josh is a professor at Keck School of Medicine of USC and a member of the Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.  He will be part of the panel of experts sharing their knowledge in research, clinical trials, and coping methods. There will be a total of 31 speakers for this event with breakout sessions from 9:30-5:00. Newly diagnosed. Patients are less than a year since diagnosis. Intermediate. Patients are one to two years since diagnosis. Patient advocates & mentors.  Patients who are two years plus since diagnosis. Sharon has come to realize after founding and chairing the Annual Metastatic Breast Cancer Conferences for the past 6 years, that language had become a barrier for some.  This year, for the first time, the 7th annual conference is going to be interpreted in 4 other languages. They include, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean. For those of you interested in attending the January 4th event at the City of Hope in Duarte, California, I’ve attached the link to the event. What is the cost, you ask?  It’s free! If you don’t live in the Los Angeles area, but you still want to hear this program, you will also be able to participate. The conference will be streaming live on Facebook Live. Check out the Susan G. Komen LA County Facebook page.  Scroll down to upcoming events. The links are there for you to tune in from wherever you live. “Knowledge is light.”   What’s Your Story? Conversations + Connections = Community