Recap from the Weekend

As I shared with you on Friday, it was a busy weekend with many things going on.

I had the opportunity on Friday afternoon to tour the new Saunders Research Building at the University of Rochester Medical Center with my old friend, Bob Witmer, and to meet Dr. Thomas Pearson, the Director of that facility. I was truly impressed with Dr. Pearson and the facility and was excited to learn about all that they will be doing at the facility to help generate much needed research and science to help us find the answers to cancer and other diseases. We are very fortunate, here in Rochester, to have been selected by Congress and the National Institutes for Health as one of the initial sites to build such a facility and to have Dr. Pearson providing the guidance and leadership for their work.

For those of you who have been involved with and following CANCER MISSION 2020…THE END OF CANCER BY THE END OF THE DECADE, you know that I truly believe that if we are going to find the answers to cancer we need to educate the American public about the absolute necessity of research and clinical trials, especially for adult cancer patients. Currently in the United States, only 3-5% of adult cancer patients participate in clinical trials. Where we have made some real progress is in the area of pediatric cancers because 65-70% of pediatric cancer patients are participating in clinical trials.

For more information about CANCER MISSION 2020, please check out www.cancermission2020.com and JOIN THE MISSION BY SIGNING THE PETITION!

From the meeting with Bob and Dr. Pearson, I went straight to Clifford & Conkey Avenues in the City of Rochester for the Project T.I.P.S. (Trust, Information, Programs & Services) event. This was our second Project T.I.P.S. event for 2011 and the location was a new one for us. The weather held out and by all accounts it was another successful afternoon with many community residents sharing their thoughts, concerns and ideas through the anonymous community surveys. Residents then came and joined us for a cookout, with burgers, hot dogs and beverages all generously provided by TOPS Markets. A special thanks goes out to our good friends, Mike Lawandus and Velma Campbell, as well as some staff members from Camp Good Days’ and Rise Up Rochester who manned the grills all afternoon! Residents also had the chance to obtain valuable information from a wide variety of social service agency representatives including: Rochester / Monroe County Youth Bureau, City of Rochester Department of Recreation, Pathways to Peace, and many more. The Rochester Police Department had their Child Find area set-up; the Rochester Fire Department had their portable Fire House set up for the kids; A Horses’ Friend provided horse rides for the kids; the New York State Police did their car seat checks for parents; and DJ Dr. Sweetback kept everyone entertained with his music.

It was a great afternoon for the community and representatives from New York State Police, US Marshal’s Service, FBI, Rochester Police Department, Rochester Fire Department, Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, Monroe County Probation, the Youth Violence Intervention Partnership at Strong Memorial Hospital, all joined in to make it a success.

As a special highlight, Joe Szafranski, a Buffalo Police Department Officer and New York State National Guard Staff Sergeant rode to Project T.I.P.S. as part of his Ride 4 Cancer 2020. Joe spent some time at the event and was presented with a special Proclamation from Monroe County Executive, Maggie Brooks, proclaiming Friday, June 17, 2011 as Joe Szafranski Day in the County of Monroe.

On Saturday I was up early and proud to see my grandson, Shane, graduate from DeSales High School in Geneva. We also attended the Buffalo Creative Black Tie Gala on Saturday evening and I am happy to report that Joe made it back to Buffalo safe and sound and completed his Ride 4 Cancer 2020 and it was great to see him and his family recognized during the gala. Once again, Lisa Donato from our Buffalo Office, along with her staff, gala committee and the many, many volunteers did an outstanding job! What a great event, with attendees joining in on the Wizard of Oz theme – There’s No Place Like Camp! The decorations, designed by Mike Russo and his team truly brought us all into the Emerald City, Rob Lederman, once again, did an amazing job as Master of Ceremonies and Lindy Ruff graciously accepted the Spirit of Teddi Award, from his player and Honorary Chairman, Paul Guastad, for all that he and his family have done in support of the children and families at Camp Good Days. Special thanks to all those who attended on Saturday and to everyone who helped, in small ways and big ways, to make that event a wonderful success again this year.

On Sunday, I did, in fact, have the chance to relax a little bit, spending a beautiful Father’s Day at Frontier Field for the Red Wings game with Wendy and her Dad.

This week, we continue with our Summer Staff Training at the Recreational Facility, where this past weekend a group of 25 young men and women dealing with cancer had a wonderful retreat and I have a number of meetings scheduled regarding the many things we have going on and coming up including CANCER MISSION 2020, wrapping up the Tournament of Love, finalizing plans and details for the Corey-Coffey Golf Classic, and finalizing the plans and necessary paperwork for the new building being constructed at the Recreational Facility, promoting Courage Bowl VII, and more!

Busy Weekend for Camp Good Days!

I had the opportunity to spend Thursday at the Camp Good Days’ Recreational Facility and speak to all our Summer Staff members, who are in the midst of their two-week, intensive, Summer Staff Training session. Our Summer Staff members help to ensure that all of the programs are provided in a safe and supportive environment and that our campers have the most wonderful experience possible, helping to coordinate the Dining Hall and all of the meals; activity areas such as Arts & Crafts, Nature, Woodworking, Sports & Games, Adventure Ropes Course & Indoor Climbing Wall, and the Computer Shed; working as trained and certified Lifeguards, and helping to supervise and chaperone the campers in their cabins.

It’s going to be another busy weekend for all of us at Camp Good Days…this afternoon, through our Partners Against Violence (PAVE) Initiative, we will be participating in Project T.I.P.S. in the Conkey & Clifford Avenue neighborhood in Rochester. Project T.I.P.S. stands for Trust, Information, Programs & Services, and includes community agencies and law enforcement personnel working in selected neighborhoods to rebuild trust amongst residents and share information. From 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, groups, including one Police Officer, one Fire Fighter, and two volunteers, will visit residents within the neighborhood to create conversations about quality of life issues, as well as to obtain information about the crime and violence that has plagued the neighborhood, in an anonymous format for residents. Project T.I.P.S. will continue from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, with a community cookout and get together where residents can come and obtain more information from service providers and law enforcement agencies, as well as have some food and beverages, and have the opportunity to visit with their neighbors that they know and meet some neighbors they may not know.

I am so excited that Joe Szafranski, a Buffalo Police Department Officer and New York State National Guard Staff Sergeant will be stopping by Project T.I.P.S. around 4:00 PM, as part of his Ride 4 Cancer 2020. Joe lost his nephew to cancer this past January and over the last week he has biked from Buffalo to Albany and will return to Buffalo on Saturday. Through his ride, Joe is hoping to generate awareness and funds to help support Camp Good Days and CANCER MISSION 2020. Joe is a very special young man and I am thrilled that we can support and encourage him in this endeavor.

Also on Friday evening, a very special group of young men and women who are all dealing with cancer will arrive at the Recreational Facility as participants in the Young Adult Program. This program, open to young men and women ages 18-39, goes from Friday to Sunday and includes a Wine Class & Tasting with our good friend and Teddi Award recipient, Lorraine Hems; Tai Chi; Adventure Ropes Course; Arts & Crafts; Woodworking; Boat Rides; Camp Fire; Movie and more. Camp Good Days started the Young Adult Program in 2007 and it has continued to grow over the past few years, providing an opportunity for these young adults to be in a beautiful and safe environment, with the only people in the world who truly understand what they are going through…other young adults with cancer.

On Saturday, I will head to Geneva in the afternoon to attend my Grandson’s High School Graduation and then travel to Buffalo, along with my wife, Wendy, and a few of our Staff Members to attend the Buffalo Creative Black Tie Gala…There’s No Place Like Camp! Based on a Wizard of Oz theme this year, the Buffalo Gala is always a fantastic event and I am sure this year will not disappoint!

As a father, I am hoping to be able to catch up on some rest and relaxation on Sunday for Father’s Day…maybe catch a Red Wings game, before we return to the office on Monday for another busy week.

I hope you all have a safe and fun weekend – don’t forget to check out our website for more information about the many programs and services and special events and activities going on – please keep all those dealing with cancer in your thoughts and prayers - and I wish all of the dads out there a very HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

Looking Like Summer!

It’s beginning to look a lot like summer and here at Camp Good Days that means we are heading into the time when we really shine and when we do what is most important – provide all of our summer programs for the many, many children, adults and families we serve!

Who would have believed that what was started 32 years ago, to provide a residential camping experience not available in our area at that time for my daughter, Teddi, and 62 other children with cancer (21 from Rochester, 21 from Buffalo, and 21 from Syracuse) would grow to become one of the largest organizations of its kind. In 1979, Camp Good Days was the fourth organization of its kind and over the years many of the programs and services started right here have been used as models for other cancer treatment centers and organizations around the world. We can all take great pride in all that we have been able to accomplish!

Since our inception we have served more than 43,000 campers from 22 states and 26 foreign countries – and we will add to that this summer with campers registered to attend from at least one new country and possibly some new states. By all reports and accounts, this summer is shaping up to be one of our largest ever, with more campers and volunteers registered and a number of our programs filled to capacity.

I have been blessed over the years to have so many special people come into my life and share their talents, time, expertise and love to help keep Teddi’s dream and memory alive and I know that this summer many of those same people, and some new friends, will be a part of the magic and spirit that is Camp Good Days.

I want to apologize to those of you who think it is about time that I updated this blog, but for those of you who know me, you know that my computer skills are something that I am working on improving and I haven’t had much time to work on those skills, as we have been extremely busy. We have recently taken down the old motel building at the Camp Good Days’ Recreational Facility and will soon begin construction on a new, small building on the main side of the property, which will provide some much needed additional accommodations. We are also working on making some improvements to one of the girls’ cabins and diligently preparing for our re-accreditation with the American Camp Association (ACA), which takes place every three years. Not to mention getting the facility ready for our campers and volunteers, training all of our volunteers and summer staff members, and holding special fundraising events, which help provide the funding to make our programs possible and available free of charge for the participants.

Some people have been asking why Camp Good Days has embarked on the initiative of Cancer Mission 2020…The End Of Cancer By The End Of The Decade, including my granddaughter who said to me, “Grandpa, isn’t that a daunting task?” and yes, it is a daunting task, but my response to her and to others is that I am sick and tired of going to funerals for people who have lost their battle to cancer. In 2009 I was shocked to have to attend nine funerals for our campers and I couldn’t understand why this was still happening. Why are 11,000 Americans dying from cancer every single week? These people don’t live in a vacuum, they are someone’s mother, father, sister, brother, grandparent, and as was in my case – they are someone’s child! How is it that we have not found the answers to cancer? I started calling and talking to people from many of the major cancer treatment centers that I have met over the years and that I have great respect for and I was not prepared for what they were telling me. I started meeting with our Advisory Groups in the cities in which we have an office, as well as with members of our Board of Directors and we felt that there must be more than could be done and that we could help lead the way in finally finding the answers to this fight against cancer.

Recently, a group of MBA students from the Simon School at the University of Rochester completed a project on Camp Good Days regarding brand recognition and image and what they concluded was that while people know Camp Good Days and all the things we have done, we live in a much different world today than 32 years ago with the constant clutter of advertising, messaging, social media, etc. In their opinion, as an organization that has always been an industry leader, Cancer Mission 2020 was something that Camp Good Days could lead the way on and it would provide a new and unique way in which to break through that clutter and remain a leader and model well into the 21^st century.

We announced and launched the Cancer Mission 2020 initiative and website in December 2010 and over the course of just a few months we have made some great strides in taking Cancer Mission 2020 from just an idea to a true initiative that is going strong and growing every day. Thousands have visited the site and are signing the Cancer Mission 2020 Petition, joining us in the belief that finding the answers to cancer needs to be brought to the forefront of our nation’s attention and agenda and that the answers will come only through cohesive and collaborative actions.

We have an active and involved Cancer Mission Committee that is working hard on plans and strategies for the Congressional District Cancer Summits, of which we have four scheduled for this August throughout Upstate New York, and the Cancer Mission 2020 College Campus Advocate Program, which involves having college students serve as ambassadors and advocates for Cancer Mission 2020 on their respective campuses. Many students are signed up representing colleges across New York State and beyond and they will have their first training and informational meeting next month. One of the goals is to have representation from all colleges and universities in Upstate New York by the start of the 2011-2012 school year.

Cancer Mission 2020 is something that Camp Good Days can help to lead and spearhead, as we have demonstrated over the years our unique ability to bring people together and truly make a difference by making things come to fruition without bureaucratic obstacles.

I clearly remember when we opened our own Recreational Facility on Keuka Lake, I invited some special friends to join us for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting. Murray Light, who at the time was the publisher of The Buffalo News, asked me afterwards what I wanted to do next and I responded that I hoped that one day we would be able to close the Camp because it would no longer be needed. That was in 1989 and as we look at the number of campers registered to take part in our programs this summer, the number of people being diagnosed with cancer, and the number of people losing their battle to cancer, the need for Camp Good Days has never been greater.

I know this post is long and I promise there will be briefer and much more frequent posts to come, but I wanted to take some time to not only update my blog, but share with all of you what is going on here at Camp Good Days and reiterate our commitment to our core mission and values. The mission of Camp Good Days and Special Times is to be internationally recognized as the premier service organization that enriches the lives of children and families whose lives have been touched by cancer and other life challenges. I want to assure you that all of us – our small staff and the thousands of volunteers who give so much of themselves in small ways and big ways to help make all that we do possible – are fully and completely committed to our mission.

Finally, please know that I have an open door policy – if you want to become involved in any of the programs, services, initiatives, volunteer opportunities, fundraising events, have ideas, suggestions, thoughts, concerns, or questions - my door and my phone line are open!

DO ME A FAVOR - JOIN CANCER MISSION 2020!

As many of you know, this past December, we officially launched CANCER MISSION 2020…THE END OF CANCER BY THE END OF THE DECADE and since that time a number of exciting activities have taken place, paving the way for a comprehensive, cohesive, collaborative way in which we will finally find the answers that have been eluding us in the war on cancer.

Recently, the CANCER MISSION 2020 website, www.cancermission2020.com, re-launched and features a very clean, simple, user-friendly, and easy-to-navigate format. Visitors will find startling information about where we currently stand in the United States in our fight against cancer and are asked to join the CANCER MISSION 2020 effort, to end cancer by the end of the decade, by signing the CANCER MISSION 2020 Petition. CANCER MISSION 2020 is the movement to build awareness and create a call to action, to ensure collaboration and a coordinated effort between public and private sectors in cancer research. Those who sign the CANCER MISSION 2020 Petition are joining, as concerned citizens who urge our nation’s leaders to act now to reevaluate where we stand in our fight against cancer and to make finding a cure for cancer, by the end of the decade, a top priority.

Where we currently stand in the fight against cancer is appalling: 11,000 thousand Americans die from cancer every week – the equivalent of one of the Twin Towers falling every single day; cancer is the leading cause of death of you are 85 years old or younger; One in every three women and one in every two men will face a cancer diagnosis; cancer treatment options have not changed in the past 40 years – the options are cut, burn, or poison.

This is not acceptable! We can no longer depend on others to do what needs to be done. We all need to become advocates for ending cancer by the end of the decade. If we don’t do something here in the United States, cancer will be the leading cause of death, regardless of age, by the year 2016. We are now in the position that it is not a matter of ‘if’ but just a matter of ‘when’ we ourselves or someone we love will have to battle this horrible disease, and those battling cancer do not live in a vacuum – they are our mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, grandparents, and as in my case, they are our children. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, yet expecting different results. It is time to do something different and actually obtain different results!

I AM ASKING EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU TO DO ME A FAVOR…PLEASE JOIN CANCER MISSION 2020 TODAY! Visit www.cancermission2020.com and sign the CANCER MISSION 2020 PETITION!

Support for CANCER MISSION 2020

Leaders are lending their support to CANCER MISSION 2020…THE END OF CANCER BY THE END OF THE DECADE, helping to pave the way for a comprehensive, cohesive, collaborative way in which we will finally find the answers that have been eluding us in the war on cancer. CANCER MISSION 2020 is the movement to build awareness and create a call to action, to ensure collaboration and a coordinated effort between public and private sectors in cancer research. Those who sign the CANCER MISSION 2020 Petition are joining, as concerned citizens who urge our nation’s leaders to act now to reevaluate where we stand in our fight against cancer and to make finding a cure for cancer, by the end of the decade, a top priority. Twenty-eight government, community, business, medical, and media representatives have generously given their support, time and talent to film short video segments for CANCER MISSION 2020, which can be found at www.cancermission2020.com. These supporters include: Louise Slaughter, United States Congresswoman; Tom Reed, United States Congressman; Robert Duffy, New York State Lieutenant Governor; James Alesi, New York State Senator; Maggie Brooks, Monroe County Executive; Michael Green, Monroe County District Attorney; Cheryl Dinolfo, Monroe County Clerk; Jeff Adair, Monroe County Legislature President; Elaine Spaull, Rochester City Council Vice President; Sandra Doorley, Monroe County Assistant District Attorney; David Koon, former New York State Assemblyman; Richard Constantino, MD, Rochester General Hospital; Louis Constine, MD, University of Rochester Medical Center; David Korones, MD, University of Rochester Medical Center; Arnold Klinsky, former General Manager, NEWS10NBC; Rich Funke, Anchor, NEWS10NBC; Ginny Ryan, Anchor, 13WHAM TV; John Kucko, Sports Director, WROC TV-8/FOX Rochester; Brother Wease, Morning Show Host, 95.1 The Fox and cancer survivor; Greg Smith, President of Jay Advertising and cancer survivor; Peter Parts, Owner, Peter Parts Electronics and cancer survivor; Soccer Sam Fantauzzo, Owner, Salvatore’s Pizza; Bishop Gregory Parris, Pastor, Church of Love Faith Center; Shari Hall Smith, cancer survivor; Dan Mason, General Manager, Rochester Red Wings; Rod Baker, Head Coach, Rochester Razor Sharks; Iris Zimmermann, medal-winning Olympic Fencer; and Bill Sedgewick, Assistant Coach, Rochester Rhinos. YOU CAN BE A PART OF HISTORY…JOIN THOSE WHO HAVE COMMITTED THEIR SUPPORT TO CANCER MISSION 2020! Visit www.cancermission2020.com and sign the CANCER MISSION 2020 PETITION!

The Power of Young People

Over the past couple of months, I have been truly amazed by the support, generosity, dedication and hard work of so many young people across Upstate New York. Hundreds of high school and college students have recently spent countless hours and given so very much of themselves, all in an effort to help create some good days and special times for the many children and families who are a part of Camp Good Days. The Teddi Committee at St. John Fisher College held their 29th Annual Teddi Dance for Love, a 24-hour dance marathon held each February on the St. John Fisher College campus. The Dance for Love has been a part of the Camp Good Days’ history since almost the very beginning and remains one of the most special events held each year. New this year, a student committee at Ithaca College planned and held the Inaugural Dance for Courage on the Ithaca College campus. Then we have the unbelievable students at Fayetteville-Manlius High School, who have been hosting their Dance Marathon for many years and this year, reached the $1 Million mark of funds generated to support the children and families at Camp Good Days! In addition to many hours and many students dancing, a group of young people in the Rochester area planned and implemented the third annual HOPE JAM, a fun-filled day on the slopes for skiers and snowboarders of various ages and abilities, as well as a snowboarding and twin tip ski competition. A very heartfelt THANK YOU goes out to all the students and young people who have gone above and beyond to make a real difference in the lives of our campers here at Camp Good Days. It is because of these events and the students who coordinate them and participate in them that we know the real power of young people and the impact they can have on our community and our world, now and in the future. I am calling on all young people to help us in our newest endeavor, CANCER MISSION 2020…THE END OF CANCER BY THE END OF THE DECADE. Many are on board, but we need many, many more to reach our goal of having a comprehensive, cohesive, collaborative way in which we will finally find the answers that have been eluding us in the war on cancer. CANCER MISSION 2020 is seeking college students to serve as CANCER MISSION 2020 College Campus Advocates. To date, advocates from the following colleges and universities are already on board: St. John Fisher College, University of Rochester, John Carroll University, University at Buffalo, Hilbert College, Finger Lakes Community College, Utah Valley University, Keuka College, Niagara University and SUNY Oswego. I AM ASKING EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU TO DO ME A FAVOR…PLEASE JOIN CANCER MISSION 2020 TODAY! Visit www.cancermission2020.com and sign the CANCER MISSION 2020 PETITION and learn more about how to join the CANCER MISSION 2020 effort as a CANCER MISSION 2020 College Campus Advocate.

CANCER MISSION 2020 - DO YOUR PART!

It seems that in our society, we have come to accept that cancer is just a fact of life and we can do nothing about it. It has come to the point that it is not a matter of “if” you will get cancer, but just a matter of “when”. Recent research indicates that all of us have cells in our body that have the potential at some point to start growing erratically and haphazardly, turning into cancer, and once that process starts and is detected, we begin our battle with this horrible disease, and this is something that is just accepted.

I am convinced that the only way we can truly defeat cancer and put an end to it, is if we the people, all of us, decide and demand that more needs to be done and no longer just accept that cancer is something we or a loved one will have to deal with.

After talking to a number of people that I respect and admire, some of them physicians and researchers at some of the best cancer centers in the United States, I am sure that we can find the answers, but first and foremost we need to create the will in the American people that we want more done and we want it done now! Each of us has the ability to say that this is where we want our hard-earned dollars to go and we need to make finding the answers to cancer a topic of national discourse. The experts feel that there has never been a better time than now with all of the technology and tools available to us.

The first steps to finding a cure to cancer by the end of the decade are for all of us to say that this is what we want and then begin spreading the word. If you are satisfied with where cancer is today in the United States then we are never going to find the answers, at least not in our lifetime.

What happened to that belief, attitude and spirit that we, as Americans in this great country, can do anything if we put our minds to it?

I feel that it is unacceptable that 11,000 Americans die from cancer every week. These 11,000 Americans do not live in a vacuum, they are our mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, grandparents, and as in my case, they are our children. If you are 85 years of age or younger in the United States today, cancer is the leading cause of death and if you are between the ages of 30-65, cancer claims the lives of more Americans than the next three causes combined! One out of every three American women and one out of every two American men will face a cancer diagnosis at some point in their life. Deaths from cancer in the United States today are equivalent to one of the Twin Towers falling every single day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE! We can no longer depend on others to do what needs to be done. We all need to become advocates for ending cancer by the end of the decade.
If you feel as I do, please take a few minutes to visit our Cancer Mission 2020 website, www.cancermission2020.com and sign-up to be a part of this effort. You only need to give your name and email address. Once you have done that, please share the site with your family, friends, colleagues and co-workers and ask them to visit the site and sign-up and then share it with their network of contacts. If we each do these two simple things - sign-up and pass it along - we will create a movement and take the first significant steps in our journey to finding the answers and putting an end to cancer by the end of the decade!

We all know family members, friends, and colleagues who are dealing with cancer right now, and we ourselves may have to face that battle as well, but at least we will know that by signing up at Cancer Mission 2020, www.cancermission2020.com, we are trying to do our part to make ending cancer one of our nation’s top priorities, rather than sitting back and watching the continual devastation that cancer continues to plaque on our loved ones.

Yes, finding the answers to cancer is a daunting task, but the time to begin is now and I challenge each of you to do your part!