CORI_Newsletter_FW_2013 (2)

1. COMMITMENT TO RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH California Oncology Research Institute CORI Round-Up 2013Catching Our Breath from 2013… And Looking Forward to an Even Better 2014! CORI Board Chairman Jake Jacobs recently summed up the past year: CORI expanded our community outreach and significantly furthered Dr. Bilchik’s worldwide collaboration for colon cancer research. We are also very excited that Joyce Eisenberg Keefer, our primary benefactor,has agreed to join the board, as well as Joyce Green, our former director of development and Dr. Ronald Hurst, a prominent oncologist. Dr. Hurst has been dedicated to CORI’s mission from the beginning. “Being part of CORI has afforded me a unique opportunity to touch people’s lives in a special way,” said Dr. Hurst.“Through our outreach efforts, we have positioned ourselves in the community as doctors who genuinely care about saving lives. Further- more, with our research efforts, we can hopefully change the landscape of cancer care manage- ment worldwide.” Joyce Green stated, “It is an absolute inspiration to have doctors of the caliber of Dr. Hurst and Dr. Bilchik spearheading CORI’s efforts. I am thrilled to be a part of it.” On March 16, CORI partnered with California Assembly Member, Holly J. Mitchell, to present a health fair for Women’s History Month; and late last spring, CORI was invited to the First Ladies Health Initiative, a citywide health event of thirty Los Angeles area churches. CORI presented an exclusive workshop at Crenshaw Christian Cen- ter, one of Los Angeles’ largest congregations. This past summer saw the 21st consecutive ‘Rod’s Day’. Organized for the first time by CORI, this Hawaiian-themed event was a huge success.The South Bay community came out in full force to raise funds to support CORI. In October, in honor of Breast Cancer Aware- ness Month, CORI hosted a workshop entitled Cancer: Prevention, Detection & Intervention. Held at The First Church of God Center of Hope in Inglewood, this workshop was moderated by actress and breast cancer survivor,Vanessa Bell Calloway. A panel of cancer experts, including urologist Dr. Dana Scott, gynecologist Dr. Allen Noel and Dr. Ronald Hurst and Dr.Anton Bilchik, presented invaluable information about breast, colon, prostate and gynecologic cancers. Free mammograms, underwritten by CORI board member and CFO, Ruth Weil, were provided at this and other past workshops. The CORI Out- reach team presented Ms. Weil with a beautiful bouquet and Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts presented plaques and a proclamation from the Inglewood City Council to Dr. Bilchik, Dr. Hurst, Angela de Joseph and Ms. Calloway.“It’s always an honor to support CORI,” said Butts. Ruth Weil, CORI Board Member and CFO honored by outreach presenters. Actress and breast cancer survivor, Vanessa Bell Calloway moderated CORI’S tribute to Breast Cancer Month. Joyce Green joins the CORI Board of Directors. - continued on back panel. Vanessa Bell Calloway and new CORI board member, Dr. Ronald Hurst. “Through our outreach efforts, we have positioned ourselves in the community as doctors who genuinely care about saving lives.” Jonathan L. “Jake” Jacobs Chairman of the Board

2. California Oncology Research Institute Established in 2008, the California Oncology Research Institute (CORI) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization committed to curing cancer through innovative research, early detection, novel treatments, and education through community outreach efforts. 400 Corporate Pointe, Suite 300 Culver City, CA 90230 310.883.0096 - 310.696.0238 fax info@theCorigroup.org www.theCORIgroup.org Founders Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Anton J. Bilchik, MD, PhD Board of Directors Jake Jacobs Chairman Paul Balson Anton J. Bilchik, MD, PhD Medical Director / Co-founder Brent Cohen Gordon Cohen, MD Joyce Green Ronald Hurst, MD Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Co-founder Donna Rosen Gary Schoenfeld Ruth Weil Mel Keefer Ex Officio Angela De Joseph Executive Director Editorial Board Anton J. Bilchik, MD, PhD Angela de Joseph Julia Forth Joyce Green York Knowlton Sophia Washam If you are interested in receiving copies of previous newsletters, please contact the CORI office. www.theCORIgroup.org Sally Welsh calls herself “just another traveler on the road”. She does not claim to be a medical expert, but after being diagnosed with her first melanoma thirteen years ago and with many new melanomas along the way, she has learned much. Sally has documented her travels with this disease in her book,A Melano- ma Patient’s Survival Guide: Lemons Really Do Make Lemonade. She shares the book’s profits three ways with the John Wayne Cancer Insti- tute,The Angeles Clinic and CORI. Melanoma is a dangerous skin cancer if not found early.The American Cancer Society estimates that over 75,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with melanoma in 2013. Melanoma can affect the skin only, or it can spread more deeply, to other organs and bones. Sally’s melanoma was discovered during a routine skin check-up. Over the years, it grew from about the size of “a fifty cent piece” at the hairline, across her head, ear and into the lymph nodes along her neck. She eventually had to have a portion of her stomach removed. But don’t think for a moment that this slowed down this energetic, active grandmother. “I have never been happier in my life,” Sally says. “It’s summer now and we’re racing our sailboat. On land, I have my Bridge Club, and I’m active in the community and at my church. My kids and grandkids keep things spinning. Life is great and I’m having a ball!” Sally and her husband, Terry, are avid sailors and have sailed to Europe, Hawaii (yearly), Tahiti,Australia and New Zealand. In fact, it was difficult to track this “traveler” down for a chat since she and Terry would be racing their sailboat the next day. But although Sally has not slowed, she has changed her behavior. “When I was young, I didn’t know about the sun. None of us did.We poured coconut oil all over ourselves trying to get a good tan. Now I take precautions. I’m known as ‘The Scarf Lady’—I wear them to cover my surgeries. I have about 150 scarves and when people compliment me on one of them,I use it as an opportunity to explain about melanoma.” It was through a serendipitous series of events that this Newport Beach resident found herself in the office of Dr. Anton Bilchik and she has been in his care ever since. Dr. Omid Hamid of The Angeles Clinic is also one of her doctors, and he and Dr. Bilchik work closely together, coordinating her care. “It takes teamwork and I’ve got the best team around.” Sally’s book is both practical and inspirational. First and foremost, she believes in keeping a positive attitude. “I know what fear is… and I simply don’t go there anymore. I’m convinced that fear can damage a person’s recovery as much as the melanoma itself. I start out every day being grateful.” “I’m a Christian and I believe that we all have a certain period of time on this earth. For example, I drive on a busy street every day: about a year ago, a young woman pulled up next to me at a stoplight. This street is lined with eucalyp- tus trees; as we were sitting there at the light, a tree fell and crushed her to death in her car. She was only 29 years old! I thought, I have been on this street every day for years and have never once worried about a tree falling on me and killing me. I decided then and there that I was not going to worry about melanoma, either.” Words to live by—and with that, Sally Welch was off on another life-affirming adventure. “By Land or By Sea” With Sally Welch Sally’s Seven Tips For Making Lemonade 1 Stay positive—plan to be a winner. 2 Educate yourself—find out where the best melanoma centers/doctors are. 3 Practice gratitude—start out every day being grateful. 4 Explore—journaling can help you understand your thoughts. 5 Ask questions—do you need a punch biopsy? A sentinel node test? 6 Banish fear—it can harm you as much as the disease. 7 Enjoy your life—every day brings a new miracle!

3. Let’s begin by describing what an ovary is. Well, they are located in the pelvis and are part of a woman’s reproductive system. They make the female hormones (estrogen & progesterone) and release eggs until menopause.The normal female anatomy consists of 2 ovaries. There are two types of ovarian tumors. Most are benign and rarely cause life threatening situations. However some are malignant and can cause serious injury or even death. The cancerous ovarian tumors can spread to other organs throughout the body. Most women with ovarian cancer have no risk factors at all. We are unsure of all the causes but some of the suspected risk factors include: Family history of cancer, Personal history of cancer (including breast, uterus, colon or rectal cancers),Age over 55, Never pregnant, Menopaus- al hormonal therapy (especially estrogen without progesterone), Certain fertility drugs, talcum powder and obesity (controversial and not proven risk factors) Early ovarian cancer may not cause obvious symptoms. But, as the cancer grows, symptoms may include: Pressure or pain in the abdomen, pelvis, back, or legs,A swollen or bloated abdomen, Nausea, indigestion, gas, constipation, or diarrhea, Feeling very tired all the time, Shortness of breath, feeling the need to urinate often and unusual vaginal bleeding (heavy periods, or bleeding after menopause) are less common symptoms. We diagnose ovarian cancer through several methods which usually begin with a complete physical exam and includes a pelvic exam, blood tests, ultrasound and biopsies. Once the diagnosis of ovarian cancer has been made, our next step is to determine the extent it has spread throughout the body. This also helps with treatment recommendations. Both you and your Oncologist with come up with a treatment plan that is most appropriate for you. This may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or a combination of the above. Although we are making advances daily on finding a full proof screening tool to detect ovarian cancer, as of now, there exists none. Because of this reason, a lot of women don’t discover the diagnosis until it has spread throughout the body and in this advance stage it is much more difficult to eradicate. Therefore, it is imperative to live a healthy lifestyle as best as possible and see your gynecologist regularly (minimum of annually). If you have been advised that you won’t need a pap smear for 2-3 years please don’t interpret this to mean that you don’t need to be examined at all.We may not send a specimen for cervical cancer screening but you still need to have a bimanual pelvic exam as this can pick up other gynecologic abnormalities.This article only broaches the topic but it’s enough to get the conversation going. Talk with your gynecologist at your annual visit and make sure all the women in your life are being seen regularly as well.Yes, we are our sister’s keeper! A Board Certified Ob/Gyn, Dr. Jancie Hull was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hampton University, Doctorate of Medicine from The Chicago Medical School and then completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Rochester General Hospital in New York. After obtaining board certi- fication she became a Diplomate of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and for the past 10 years has practiced with her father, also a board certified Ob/Gyn, in the city of Inglewood; his thriving practice has been a staple of the community since 1968. A LOOK AT Ovarian Cancer With Dr. Janice Hull Early ovarian cancer may not cause obvious symptoms ROD’S DAY 2013 took place on a July 20th, a beautiful Saturday afternoon at Mo’s Place, in Pla- ya del Rey, CA, where it has been held for the past 8 years. The Hawaiian-themed party kicked off with a rollicking fun raffle led by proprietor and host Mo Krant. Adding to festivities, sportswear manufacturer PacSun and CORI board member, Gary Schoenfeld, provided models to sell the raffle tickets and donated clothing and gift cards. The raffle gifts were stacked high on two pool tables and filled half of the room. Sponsors and local businesses donated great items including autographed balls, collector’s items and photo- graphs from the Clippers, Dodgers and Lakers. Everyone had a chance to win game tickets, sporting goods or a gift card. The local restau- rants, such as Tony Ps, Killer Shrimp and The Warehouse donated thousands of dollars in gift certificates for meals. The Inn at Playa Del Rey donated a complimentary stay at the hotel, Burke Williams Spa, Forty Winks relaxation studio and Odyssey Medi Spa provided gift certificates for spa services. A complimentary delicious dinner buffet was provided by Mo’s Place. All proceeds go to colon cancer research programs helmed by Dr.Anton Bilchik. For twenty years, Dennis Fasone, Rod’s father, hosted the annual event to raise funds for cancer research in memory of his son, Rod Fasone, who began his fight against colon cancer in 1990, during his Junior year in college. More information on the event and Rod Fasone’s story can be found on the ROD’S DAY Facebook page. If you would like to make a donation or attend ROD’S DAY 2014 please send an email to info@CORIgroup.org or call the CORI office at 310-883-0096. ROD’S DAY TURNS 21 Annual CORI Event Raised Funds for Colon Cancer Research For the 21st year, Rod’s Day brought people together to raise funds for cancer research in the memory of Rod Fasone.

4. ‘Health is Power’ was the theme of the women’s health fair sponsored by CORI in partnership with CaliforniaAssemblymember Holly J.Mitchell on Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles. Assemblymember Mitchell, who represents Cali- fornia’s 54th State Assembly District is the chair of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and is a committed advocate for preventive healthcare. This important outreach effort provided free and subsidized mammograms for women with or without health insurance, as well as compre- hensive resource information from local health organizations. Drs. Anton Bilchik and Ronald Hurst, Directors of CORI, along with special guest Dr. Janice Hull were on hand to give pre- sentations and answer questions concerning cancers that are disproportionately affecting women in minority communities. “We want to empower women with information,” said Angela de Joseph, Executive Director of CORI and moderator of the event. “If you don’t have knowledge, you don’t have power. People perish for lack of knowledge. Cancer wreaks havoc in our community, not just because it is a terrible disease, but also because many times a diagnosis comes at a late stage; that’s why prevention, early detection—and when there is a need for it—medical intervention, are so important.” Notebooks and pens were provided courtesy of CORI so that attendees could jot down information and any questions they might have for the Q&A session. Throughout the program de Joseph quizzed the crowd, rewarding those with correct answers with gift cards from neighborhood vendors, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere. “We started CORI because so much of cancer is preventable,” Dr. Bilchik explained in his intro- duction to the doctors’ talks. “If we can make a difference in one person’s life, it makes our organization and our time worthwhile.” Dr. Hull, Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Centinela Hospital and on staff at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, began the program with a talk on cervical and ovarian cancers. Risk factors, prevention, and the importance of appropriate screening were all addressed. But the most important message Dr. Hull conveyed to the attentive audience was a simple one: “Pay attention to your body.See your doctor regularly. If you notice symptoms, don’t rationalize them away. Discuss your concerns . . . .” Dr. Ronald Hurst spoke about CORI’s passionate dedication to bringing free educational events to the community. In a hopeful and informative talk about breast cancer, Dr. Hurst emphasized the great advances made over the past fifteen years and the importance of early detection through the utilization of mammograms, the most important test available. Dr. Hurst commented that “ . . . 75 to 85% of Stage 1 and 2 breast cancers (early breast cancers) are curable.” When Dr. Hurst emphasized this point and the importance of patients knowing their stage so that they may have hope, an excited audience member called out,request- ing he repeat this telling piece of information that illustrates the power that women hold in their hands to be proactive in their healthcare through early detection. Dr.Bilchik’s presentation focused on colon cancer. Colorectal cancer, he noted, has a higher mortality rate in people of color, which may likely be attributed to a lack of early detection.“It’s as- tonishing to realize that up to 70% of all cancers are preventable with diet and lifestyle,” he informed the audience, “ . . . (and) early stage colon cancer is 100% curable.” Encouraging exercise, healthy diet and maintaining a positive attitude, he stated, “We have to work as a team and a community . . . to help family members and friends live a lot longer.” After a lengthy Q&A session addressing issues ranging from insurance advocacy, to cancer prevention, symptoms, and fears about the discomfort caused by mammograms, Assembly- member Mitchell thanked those who made the event possible. She expressed her appreciation to the doctors for bringing their expertise to this community and for encouraging attendees to ask questions of their doctors and to know that it is okay to seek multiple opinions. A $200 gift basket, donated by Avon, was presented to a lucky raffle winner before the day was completed with a lively Zumba dance class. Empowering our community through education, resources and encouragement—this is the goal of CORI’s outreach program. As Dr. Hurst told the audience: “You are in control. Don’t let cancer control you.” - Womans History Month: continued from cover. CORI CELEBRATES WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH State Senator Holly J. Mitchell, presented CORI with a certificate of recognition for sponsoring the Women’s Health Fair. Left to right: Dr. Ronald Hurst, Senator Holly J. Mitchell, Dr. Anton Bilchik, Dr. Janice Hull and CORI Executive Director Angela de Joseph. Dr. Anton Bilchik answers a question on pancreatic cancer. Empowering our community through education, resources and encouragement—this is the goal of CORI’s outreach program.

5. The California Oncology Research Institute (CORI) is dedicated to improving the lives of cancer patients through collaborative research and outreach to underserved communities. On the research front, Dr. Aviram Nissan exemplifies the success that can occur when like-minded scientists work together for the good of all. Dr. Nissan is a surgical oncologist and the recently appointed head of the Department of Surgery at Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, an internationally acclaimed research and educational institution in Jerusa- lem, Israel. He received his medical degree from Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical School and a Research Fellowship and Surgical Oncolo- gy Fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Can- cer Center in New York, New York. When they met at a surgical oncology conference, Dr. Nissan and Dr. Bilchik discovered that they shared similar interests in clinical and field research. The two doctors embarked upon a professional collaboration, conducting clinical trials and translational research projects. CORI provides the mechanism through which these projects are structured. “You might be surprised to learn how unconventional CORI’s approach is,” says Dr. Nissan. “It is rare, in my experience, to find researchers conducting research in the same field that are readily willing to share findings. CORI helps create a collaborative, global environment and provides funding for projects without a complex process of bureaucracy—this allows scientists to focus on what we consider most significant: patients, not paperwork!” CORI’s unconventional approach has indeed produced significant results.The United States Military Cancer Institute colon trial (USMCI), partially funded by CORI, and in which Dr. Nissan played a significant role, was recently published in the Annals of Surgery. This important study clearly showed that better survival rates of colon cancer patients were achieved through an improved, more accurate staging of colon cancer and quality control of surgery and pathology. “Because of CORI, we have a unique opportunity that allows researchers to share their knowledge, expertise and resources in order to achieve important research goals,” says Dr. Nissan. “For example, I am very excited about the Ultrastag- ing in Early Colon Cancer trial (UECC).When the results of this trial mature in about two years time, it will change the way we treat colon cancer and the way we understand this disease.” Through ‘ultrastaging’ or developing better ways of staging tumors, this trial will show that it can be determined if a patient will be cured through surgery alone, or whether treatments are necessary. According to Dr. Nissan, “Molec- ular biology, or what is known as molecular medicine has changed and will continue to change the way we treat cancer.” Of the many emergent cancer treatment options, molecular therapies show promising outcomes for less damage to normal cells, less overall harm to the body, and fewer of the side effects common with radiation and chemotherapy. Because molecular therapies work more directly on cancer cells than standard treatments, it is possible to target cells with a high degree of specificity, to individualize therapies to patients’ specific needs. “Colon cancer is not a single disease but a group of diseases,” explains Dr. Nissan. “It has at least three molecular pathways that lead to the normal colon becoming cancerous.Through molecular medicine, we can predict outcomes based on molecular changes.”And it is research that will provide the discoveries necessary to continue moving forward with this exciting mode of therapy. “What inspires me about research is the freedom of mind,” says Dr. Nissan. “One can come up with the wildest ideas, test these ideas in the lab, and learn new facts about a disease that we are trying to cure. For instance, the next step for molecular medicine would be molecular surgery, in which we will be able to identify, in real-time, occult (hidden) tumor deposits and remove them, or use targeting agents to destroy tumors that we cannot remove.” Dr. Nissan emphasized that progress in cancer care is “constant”. “The fact that we are in the process of learning to adjust the right treatments to the right patients means that we will reduce the toxic affects of drugs that are given to those who will not respond. We will also be able to tell patients that they are cured.” A unique cancer research organization, CORI integrates research with clinical medicine on a collaborative, international scale. Dr. Nissan describes the cooperative spirit of CORI and his work with Dr. Bilchik as “exceptionally open.” By fostering this spirit of openness, CORI is providing a place for researchers like Dr. Nissan, whose primary aim is to share their expertise and knowledge to the benefit of cancer patients everywhere. ______ Aviram Nissan, MD is Head, Department of Surgery and Associate Professor of Surgery at Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center Ein Kerem in Jerusalem, Israel. Dr. Nissan received his medical degree from Hadassah- Hebrew University Medical School and a Research Fellowship and Surgical Oncology Fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, New York. Dr. Nissan’s professional memberships include the United States Military Cancer Institute, the American Association for Cancer Research and the European Society for Surgical Oncology. Among his many awards and honors is The Aaron Beare Foundation Award for Cancer Research in 2003 and the 2006 Faculty prize for basic science research. Dr. Nissan is on the editorial boards for the Journal of Surgical Oncology and the Scientific Board of the Israeli Society for Surgical Oncology. PATIENTS NOT PAPERWORK CORI Speaks with Aviram Nissan, MD Dr. Aviram Nissan in surgery at Hadassah-Hebrew University Hospital, Ein Karem, Israel. “Because of CORI, we have a unique opportunity that allows researchers to share their knowledge, expertise and resources”

6. California Oncology Research Institute 400 Corporate Pointe, Suite 300 Culver City, California 90230 Connect with CORI Online! Join our Community Share with Your Friends. Follow us on Twitter @Cori_Group These efforts require not only dedication of spirit but also of funds. CORI’s Co-Founder, Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer has taken a very important role in fundraising by granting CORI a $1.5 million challenge grant. “There is not a family out there that has not been affected by cancer,” said Ms. Eisenberg-Keefer. “CORI cares. We care about the Los Angeles community and our important research efforts. This grant is a call to action.” Ruth Weil, CORI CFO put it succinctly, “I want everyone to reach into their hearts and pockets to help us expand our outstanding research projects and community outreach program. CORI is excited about expanding its reach in 2014. “We will continue to be hands-on in the community, as well as make use of technology to simulcast events,” said Executive Director,Angela de Joseph. With the expertise of Drs. Bilchik and Hurst, strong board leadership, and the heartfelt fundraising efforts of Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer, CORI is committed to advancing cancer research, education and care now and in the future. DONATE NOW TO REACH OUR $1.5 MILLION GOAL  It seems that we all have a cancer story to tell ... As co-founder of CORI with Dr.Bilchik,I hope that this challenge grant shows our heartfelt commitment to advancing cancer research,education,and care. All pledges will be matched until we reach our $1.5 Million goal.Your $100 pledge becomes $200, your $500 pledge becomes $1,000. Mail your donation to help us continue our work! California Oncology Research Institute (CORI) 400 Corporate Pointe, Ste 300 Culver City, CA 90230 Tel: (310) 883-0096 Email: info@CORIgroup.org  website: www.CORIgroup.org Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer CORI Co-Founder Dr. Anton Bilchik giving presentation on colon cancer. Left to right: Angela de Joseph, Dr. Ronald Hurst, Dr. Janice Hull, Dr. Dana Scott, Dr. Anton Bilchik, CORI CFO Ruth Weil at First Ladies Health Initiative. CORI Round-Up 2013 Catching Our Breath from 2013… And Looking Forward to an Even Better 2014! - continued from front panel.

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