Derby Mayor Raises Money for Griffin Cancer Center

Derby Mayor Richard Dziekan, far left, and Eric Heinig, manager of Archie Moore’s in Derby, center, recently presented Griffin Hospital CEO and President Patrick Charmel, second from left, with a check for The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital. Also pictured are Griffin Hospital Development Fund Director Tricia O’Malley and the Mayor’s Chief of Staff Andrew Baklik.

Early Bird Registration for Cancer Center 5K Walk/Run

 

DERBY - Time is running out for discounted registration to The Ninth Annual 5K Walk/Run to benefit the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital.

 

This non-competitive, family-friendly event is set for 9 a.m. on Sat., Sept. 30 at the Griffin Hospital Center for Cancer Care, 350 Seymour Ave., Derby. Pre-registration is encouraged, and the first 500 registered participants will receive t-shirts. Registration is $25, but will increase to $30 after Sept. 15.

 

Proceeds are earmarked for special needs of cancer patients, such as support for transportation, groceries, and wig and salon services, as well as patient support programs at the Center for Cancer Care. In addition to funding direct patient care needs, the proceeds from this year’s 5K will support the purchase of technological advances in Griffin’s Radiation Oncology Department to provide exceptional cancer care that is comprehensive, comforting, and close to home.

 

Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. with the Walk/Run kicking off at 9 a.m. Participants can walk or run individually, or form a team with their family, friends and co-workers. Participants are encouraged to collect pledges or purchase a commemorative sign to honor or memorialize a loved one at the event.

 

Individuals and teams can register online at griffinhealth.org/5k. For more information, call 203-732-7466 or e-mail 5kwalkrun@griffinhealth.org.

 

Volunteer for the Griffin 5K

Volunteers are needed to help with registration and to direct participants on the 5K route. For more information, contact Kathy Browne at 203-732-7555 or kbrowne@griffinhealth.org.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Valley Cancer 5K Walk/Run Raises more than $30,000

 

DERBY - More than 300 participants raised more than $30,000 at the 8th Annual Griffin Hospital 5K Walk/Run to Benefit the Center for Cancer Care on June 4.

 

“We are very grateful to all the walkers, runners, survivors and caregivers who made this year’s Walk/Run so successful,” said Christian Meagher, the Walk/Run director. “It was truly amazing to be part of this wonderful outpouring of charity and support, and Griffin is proud to part of a community that actively makes a difference in the lives of cancer patients.”

 

Proceeds from the fun, non-competitive event are earmarked for patient support programs at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital and financial assistance for cancer patients for a variety needs, including housing, clothing and grocery bills, transportation, wigs, and salon services.

 

The Walk/Run was supported by the Ansonia and Derby Police departments, and its sponsors: The Ansonia Rod and Gun Club; Jefferson Radiology; Smilow Cancer Hospital; Elekta; EDGE Fitness; Centrix; Forest Construction Co., LLC; BIC; YoCrunch; Yale Therapeutic Radiology; HAN Network; and Star 99.9 FM.

 

After the Walk/Run Griffin Hospital staff marked National Cancer Survivors’ weekend with a “Garden Party” themed celebration, treating more than 150 cancer survivors and their caregivers to a picnic lunch, live music, raffles and games.

 

Donations are still being accepted at griffinhospital.org/5k. For more information, call 203-732-7431 or e-mail 5kwalkrun@griffinhealth.org.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Nutrition expert to teach course at Griffin Hospital in Derby

DERBY - Griffin Hospital will offer a free four-week nutrition course beginning Sept. 16.

“Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Nutrition, But Were Afraid to Ask” is a groundbreaking series of fun, informative classes is taught by Samantha Heller, MS, RD, the clinical nutrition coordinator at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital.

A registered dietitian and exercise physiologist, Heller is a nationally-known nutrition expert who regularly appears on television and radio programs such as CBS This Morning, MSNBC, Dr. Oz, Ny1 News, Better Connecticut and more.
She also hosts “Samantha Heller's Health & Nutrition Show” on Sirius XM, and is the author of Get Smart: Samantha Heller's Nutrition Prescription for Boosting Brain Power and Optimizing Total Body Health.

The classes will be held for four consecutive Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sept. 16-Oct. 7 at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave.

Participants should plan on attending all four sessions, as the learning is cumulative. The classes cover a variety of nutrition topics, including how to:

·         Reach and maintain a healthy weight

·         Manage Type 2 Diabetes

·         Lower cholesterol

·         Reduce blood pressure

·         Boost stamina and energy

·         Reduce the risk of cancer and other diseases

·         Improve memory and sharpen the mind

Early registration is encouraged, as space is limited. Register at 203-732-1260.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Hospital in Derby seeks sponsors for 5K Walk/Run

Runners start out at last year's 5K Walk/Run. / Contributed photo

DERBY - Area businesses and community groups are invited to support The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital 6^th Annual 5K Walk/Run set for Oct. 18.
 

This community-based event drew more than 500 participants last year and raised more than $140,000 in its four-year history. 
The course winds through the streets of Derby and Ansonia near the Center for Cancer Care at 350 Seymour Ave., and draws runners and walkers from throughout the Lower Naugatuck Valley, including participants from Derby, Ansonia, Shelton, Seymour, and Naugatuck, and other parts of the state. 
Proceeds from the event support area cancer survivors during their treatment by providing financial assistance for a variety needs, including housing, clothing and grocery bills, transportation, wigs, and complementary medical services (massage, acupuncture, etc.).

Sponsorship opportunities include signage at the event, logos on the event promotional materials and T-shirts, and opportunities to have a table to distribute products at the event or put items, coupons or promotional material in participant give-away bags.

For more information, contact Christian Meagher, 203-732-7431 or cmeagher@griffinhealth.org.

For more information about the 5K Walk/Run, visit http://griffin5k.kintera.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Walk/Run to benefit Center for Cancer Care in Derby

More than 500 runners and walkers took part in the Center for Cancer Care 5K Walk/Run last year, raising over $60,000 for the Center’s patient support programs. This year’s Walk/Run is set for Oct. 18. / Contributed photo

 

DERBY - Griffin Hospital invites individuals and families to join the more than 500 walkers and runners expected to support local cancer patients at the 6th Annual Center for Cancer Care 5K Walk/Run beginning at 9 a.m. Oct.18. 

Starting in the cancer center’s parking lot at 350 Seymour Avenue in Derby, this fun, non-competitive event will feature entertainment and post-event refreshments for all participants and their family members. 
Area cancer survivors are also invited to celebrate the event at a free survivors’ reception that offers food and free massages.

Proceeds from this fun, non-competitive event are earmarked for patient support programs at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital. 
Participants can walk or run individually, or may form a team with their family, friends and co-workers. Participants may also collect pledges or purchase a commemorative sign to honor or memorialize a loved one. These signs will be displayed on the day of the event.

Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m., with the walk/run scheduled to start at 9 a.m. 
Pre-registration is required, and the first 500 registered participants will receive long sleeved T-shirts. 

The 5K registration fee will increase from $25 to $30 after Oct. 4.

Individuals and teams can register online at http://griffin5k.kintera.org. For more information, call 203-732-7431 or e-mail 5kwalkrun@griffinhealth.org.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin in Derby plans skin cancer screenings

DERBY - Griffin Hospital is raising skin cancer awareness and helping protect individuals with free skin cancer screenings this month.

The screenings will be held from 4-7 p.m. July 15 and 29 at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave.

An additional screening is planned for Aug. 12. To reserve a screening appointment, call 203-732-1280.

According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common of all cancers.
It accounts for nearly half of all cancers in the United States with more than 3.5 million cases of basal and squamous cell skin cancer diagnoses each year.
Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, will account for more than 76,100 cases of skin cancer in 2014.

Risk factors for non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers include:

·         Unprotected and/or excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation (sunlight or tanning booths)

·         Pale skin (easily sunburned, doesn’t tan much or at all, natural red or blond hair)

·         Occupational exposures to coal tar, pitch, creosote, arsenic compounds, or radium

·         You or other members of your family have had skin cancers

·         Multiple or unusual moles

·         Severe sunburns in the past

Skin cancer can be found and treated early by looking for these symptoms:

·         Any change on your skin, especially in the size or color of a mole, growth, or spot, or a new growth (even if it has no color)

·         Scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or a change in the way a bump or nodule looks

·         The spread of pigmentation (color) beyond its border, such as dark coloring that spreads past the edge of a mole or mark

·         A change in sensation, such as itchiness, tenderness, or pain

Some symptoms are not as noticeable, so skin cancer screenings are advised. If you have any of these symptoms, call you doctor immediately or visit griffinhealth.org to find a local dermatologist.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Hospital to sponsor Relay for Life in Shelton

From right: American Cancer Society Partner Ahmed Elbordiny, Griffin Hospital Communications Specialist Christian Meagher, Relay For Life Survivorship Committee Member Shauna Blaze, and Relay For Life Chairs Jay Carlucci and Kristen Ostrowski are working together as part of the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital’s sponsorship of The Relay For Life of Shelton and Naugatuck Valley set for June 7-8 in Shelton.

DERBY - The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital is proud to be a sponsor of the 2014 Relay For Life of Shelton and Naugatuck Valley set for June 7-8 at the Riverwalk in Shelton.

Relay For Life is an overnight walk-a-thon that raises funds for the American Cancer Society’s cancer education and research.

The Center for Cancer Care will sponsor the event’s survivor recognition activities, including its survivor reception and Hope Tent, by providing food, refreshments and free massages for cancer survivors.

To join or support the Relay For Life of Shelton and Naugatuck Valley visit relayforlife.org/sheltonct.


This a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to offer free screenings Tuesday

DERBY – For the second straight year, Griffin Hospital will offer free oral, head and neck cancer screenings from 4 - 7 p.m. Tuesday. 

The event, held during the 17th annual Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer Awareness Week®, will be held at the Center for Cancer Care at 350 Seymour Ave.

“Unfortunately, many Americans do not recognize the symptoms of these life-threatening diseases, which include cancers of the oral cavity, larynx and pharynx, and by the time they are diagnosed, for some, it’s too late,” said Ken Yanagisawa, M.D., an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist and president elect of the CT ENT Society.

Oral, head and neck cancer can arise in the nasal cavity, sinuses, lips, mouth, thyroid glands, salivary glands, throat or larynx (voice box). According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 118,000 new cases of head and neck cancers will be diagnosed in 2014, resulting in an estimated 14,000 deaths. 

Last year, Griffin screened 72 individuals and potentially saved the lives of 14 individuals by referring them for additional screening and, in one case, giving an immediate referral for an abnormal growth.

The screening is painless and takes about 10 minutes. Participating physicians include Dr. Yanagisawa, Ronald H. Hirokawa, M.D., Joseph Cardinale, M.D., Dr. Jay Dworkin, DMD, and members of Southern Connecticut Dental Group in Ansonia.

Oral cancer screenings are recommended for every adult, Yanagisawa said, especially for tobacco and alcohol users who are traditionally at the greatest risk. 

However, oral cancer cases are on the rise in younger adults who do not smoke, and recent research indicates this development is due partly to the increase of the human papillomavirus (HPV) virus.

Symptoms associated with oral cancer include:

·         A sore in your mouth that doesn't heal or that increases in size

·         Persistent pain in your mouth

·         Lumps or white or red patches inside your mouth

·         Difficulty chewing or swallowing or moving your tongue

·         Soreness in your throat or feeling that something is caught in your throat

·         Changes in your voice

·         A lump in your neck

(Note:  If you have any of these warning signs, do not wait for the free screenings. Contact your physician or call the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 203-732-1280.

Space for the free screenings is limited; early registration is encouraged. To register, call the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.  

Griffin Hospital in Derby to offer free cancer screenings

DERBY - For the second straight year, Griffin Hospital will offer free oral, head, and neck cancer screenings from 4-7 p.m. April 22. 

The event, held during the 17th annual Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer Awareness Week®, will be held at the Center for Cancer Care at 350 Seymour Ave.

“Unfortunately, many Americans do not recognize the symptoms of these life-threatening diseases, which include cancers of the oral cavity, larynx and pharynx, and by the time they are diagnosed, for some, it’s too late,” said Ken Yanagisawa, M.D., an Ear, Nose and Throat  specialist and president elect of the CT ENT Society. 

Oral, head, and neck cancer can arise in the nasal cavity, sinuses, lips, mouth, thyroid glands, salivary glands, throat or larynx (voice box). 

According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 118,000 new cases of head and neck cancers will be diagnosed in 2014, resulting in an estimated 14,000 deaths. 

Last year, Griffin screened 72 individuals and potentially saved the lives of 14 individuals by referring them for additional screening and, in one case, giving an immediate referral for an abnormal growth.

The screening is painless and takes about 10 minutes. Participating physicians include Dr. Yanagisawa, Ronald H. Hirokawa, M.D., Joseph Cardinale, M.D., Dr. Jay Dworkin, DMD, and members of Southern Connecticut Dental Group in Ansonia.

Oral cancer screenings are recommended for every adult, Yanagisawa said, especially for tobacco and alcohol users who are traditionally at the greatest risk. However, oral cancer cases are on the rise in younger adults who do not smoke, and recent research indicates this development is due partly to the increase of the human papillomavirus virus.

Symptoms associated with oral cancer, include:

·         A sore in your mouth that doesn't heal or that increases in size

·         Persistent pain in your mouth

·         Lumps or white or red patches inside your mouth

·         Difficulty chewing or swallowing or moving your tongue

·         Soreness in your throat or feeling that something is caught in your throat

·         Changes in your voice

·         A lump in your neck

Note:  If you have any of these warning signs, do not wait for the free screenings. Contact your physician or call the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 203-732-1280.

Space for the free screenings is limited; early registration is encouraged. To register, call the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 203-732-1280.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Volunteers show they care at Griffin Hospital in Derby

 Vi Madura, of Milford, and Horace Behrle, of Ansonia, provide assistance and comfort as volunteers at The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital. / Contributed photo
 
DERBY - Treating cancer can require more than just medicine.

At The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, volunteers help lessen the feelings of anxiety and loneliness that can add to the physical and emotional strain of cancer treatment.

Horace Behrle, of Ansonia, knows how difficult battling cancer can be, and that’s why he freely gives his time at The Center for Cancer Care.

Behrle underwent 45 treatments at The Center and attributes his recovery to the skilled and also kind care he received. 

The experience left such an impression on him, that Behrle has been a volunteer ambassador at The Center for four years, greeting individuals when they come in the door and guiding them to their destinations.

“It gives people a better feeling when they come to a new place and someone is receptive to them right away,” Behrle said. “When you escort people to where they are going, it sets them at ease. I want them to know that someone is here to help them.”

Once the patients find where they need to be, volunteers continue to help provide a calm and caring environment at The Center.
Volunteers offer soft touch massage to the hands, feet or back. They provide Reiki or Therapeutic Touch therapies in The Center’s spa-like meditation room. In the afternoon, volunteer bakers make fresh muffins and bring them around the waiting rooms. Volunteers also simply provide a listening ear or a friendly smile, including the special, furry kind that come from the therapy dogs in Griffin Hospital’s People and Animals Working in Spirit (P.A.W.S.).

These free services are also available to patients’ caregivers.

Soft touch massage

Vi Madura, a cancer survivor and 10-year volunteer at The Center, offers soft touch massage and is happy to help caregivers relax because cancer treatment can be just as emotional for a patient’s friends and family.

“I really enjoy volunteering at The Center because I’m helping people through a very difficult time,” the Milford resident said. “People enjoy getting the chance to relax while they are here, the soft touch gives them a chance to take their minds off why they are here, and that’s beneficial for both the patients and those taking care of them.”

The work of these volunteers is one of the pillars of the Planetree patient-centered model of care at The Center for Cancer Care. Planetree is an innovative model of healthcare that puts patients’ needs first by offering welcoming and comfortable interiors and service, emphasizing patient and family involvement in care and providing free health education and access to medical records and information.

“The volunteers at The Center for Cancer Care are invaluable,” said Carrie O'Malley, RN, CCM, CHPN, OCN, patient care navigator at The Center for Cancer Care. “Their welcoming and accommodating nature let’s our patients know that they are important. Our volunteers do a fantastic job helping the patients and caregivers take their minds off their treatment for even just a few moments, taking a not-so-good moment and making it a little easier.”

Every Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital volunteer is required to attend a three-hour orientation, followed by a training session for their particular assignment.
After four hours of service on any given day, volunteers are entitled to a free meal ticket at the hospital’s Dining Room.

For information about these and other volunteer opportunities at Griffin Hospital, call 203-732-7555 or visit griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

 

Dietitian, musician team to present program in Fairfield

Talk to highlight lifestyle changes to boost vitality

 

 Registered dietitian and exercise physiologist Samantha Heller and jazz musician Michael Coppola. / Contributed photo

 

DERBY - Griffin Hospital’s Registered Dietitian and Exercise Physiologist Samantha Heller will team up with jazz musician Michael Coppola Nov. 10 for an out-of-the-box presentation about simple life changes that can boost vitality in a big way.

“How to Beat Fatigue, Feel Fabulous & Look Amazing with Simple Lifestyle Changes” is a unique, music-infused event that shows participants how to optimize health, boost energy and feel younger. The creative fusion of science and song promised to leave participants motivated and empowered to change their lives.

The program will be held at 3 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Fairfield Public Library, 1080 Old Post Road.
Heller, a Wilton native, is The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital’s Clinical Nutrition Coordinator and a nationally known nutrition expert who regularly appears on television and radio programs such as The TODAY Show, the CBS This Morning, Dr. Oz, and Doctor Radio on Sirius XM.

Coppola is a local musician who plays at the Center for Cancer Care and at venues such as Café 9 in New Haven, Fuji of Darien and Ari Bella in Shelton.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin 5K supports Center for Cancer Care in Derby

 
DERBY - Once again I "brought up the rear" at an inspiring Valley fund-raiser. And had a great time in the process.
On Oct. 5 it was the second annual Pounding the Pavement for Pink in Seymour - a truly amazing event to experience - that raised funds for and awareness of breast cancer.
Our Circle of Friends Griffin Hospital support group team came in last at that one.
But somebody has to be last!
 On Saturday it was at the fifth annual Griffin Hospital 5K walk/run to benefit the Center for Cancer Care in Derby.

 

Here are some of my teammates before the walk. Daughter Allegra is hamming it up for the camera.
 

My friend Judy Nicolari of Ansonia was new to the team this year, and I was happy to have her company along the route. Here she is chatting with Jimmy Little of Ansonia before the event.


My team has grown in size and I'm grateful for the moral support that all the members have shown me.
Having had my surgery at Griffin as well as my chemo and radiation treatments at the Center for Cancer Care I feel a strong commitment to all things Griffin.
Hoping to have an even bigger team for next year's 5K.
 

 
It was a beautiful morning! Griffin President and CEO Patrick Charmel told me when the walk began that last he had checked there were more than 540 participants. I haven't learned the final number. 

The weather couldn't have been more cooperative for participants and supporters.

The walkers take off down Wakelee Avenue, Ansonia.

Three of my supporters: husband Ralph flanked by our son, Cameron, and daughter, Allegra. 
 

 We saw some pretty fall colors on Westfield Avenue, Ansonia. 

These little girls dressed in pink warmed my heart when they cheered and chanted "fight breast cancer!" as we rounded a corner.


Chalk drawings along Coon Hollow Road encouraged us near the end of the route.

Judy and I were getting there at this point. We strolled and chatted, and I was able to snap some photos with this blog post in mind.

Hey Team McVillers, wait up!