2015
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2 | NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2015
October 2015 | Las Cruces Bulletin
Contents
PUBLISHER
Richard Coltharp EDITOR
Tracy Roy
Discover the cure.................................................. 4
MANAGING EDITOR
Brook Stockberger
Meet the researchers............................................ 6
EDITORIAL
Where does the money go?................................. 9
Marissa Bond Christophe Chino Zak Hansen
Schedule of events......................................... 10-11
DESIGN
Eddie Hodges Cary Howard Ryan Galloway
Through the years.......................................... 12-13
ADVERTISING
Melissa Atencio Claire Frohs Pam Rossi Elaine Sasnow
Cowboys lasso money for research................... 14 Survivors strut their stuff....................................... 16 Las Cruces schools come togther..................... 18
A D V E R T I S I N G A S S I S TA N T
NMSU expands its role........................................ 19
C I R C U L AT I O N M A N A G E R
Game’s emotion hits home for Aggies.............. 20 Meet the Co-Chairs............................................. 22 C4CR Dinner, Dance and Silent Auction............ 24 Charter sponsors vital to campaign.................. 26
Jamie Pfannenstiel
Teresa Tolonen
NMSU Aggies are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2015 is a copyrighted special edition of the Las Cruces Bulletin 840 N. Telshor Blvd., Suite E, Las Cruces, NM 88011. Inquiries regarding editorial or advertising content may be directed to 575-524-8061. © Copyright 2015
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Cure ‘Discover the Cure’Theme gets to the heart of the campaign BY Tracy Roy Las Cruces Bulletin The campaign by New Mexico State University president and director of marketing for the Sisbarro Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink to raise Dealerships and co-chair for NMSU Aggies are Tough awareness about breast cancer and raise funds for Enough to Wear Pink. “The money we’ve raised is going two research endowments is now in its ninth year, and into research, and the research is obviously for a cure. shows no sign of slowing down. It just seemed like a very natural fit.” Last year, the second of two endowments — funded NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink is in part by the campaign — reached its seven-year goal an all-volunteer group dedicated to raising awareness of $1.5 million, three years shy of its deadline, and has and funding on behalf of Cowboys for Cancer Research, been recognized as the top TETWP campaign in the a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. All funds raised are world for several years. kept within the state and earned interest from the This year’s theme, “Discover the Cure,” a collaboration endowments — at University of New Mexico and between the fundraising organization and NMSU, gets NMSU — are used to fund research. Now that the right to the heart of what it is all about. endowments are well-funded, some of the cash raised “The university has a theme that is all about is being made immediately available for research discovery. We are all about discovering a cure,” said projects. two-time breast cancer survivor Pat Sisbarro, vice Pink-related events dot the calendar throughout
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October 2015 | Las Cruces Bulletin
all of October, including Pink Fridays, in which the whole community is invited to wear pink on Fridays and Memorial Medical Center is giving away 100 free mammograms at two locations all month long. Pink Week at NMSU officially kicks off at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20 with a luminaria remembrance ceremony at NMSU’s Pan American Center, directly following a volleyball game between NMSU and University of Texas at El Paso. Decorated bags will be lit in honor of breast cancer patients and the families affected. Co-chairs Laura Conniff and Sisbarro said participants can expect many of the same events as in the past – such as the luminaria lighting, fashion show and the game, but there are a few new things this year. “This year, the city is turning pink. City hall will be pink,” Sisbarro said. “The streetlights downtown will be pink, and that’s new this year. We are very excited about that. It’s a wonderful collaboration between the university, the city and the survivors who will be in the fashion show.” The pink football game is slated for Saturday, Oct. 24, and coincides with homecoming, versus the Troy Trojans, at 6 p.m. at Aggie Memorial Stadium. “I think the two events together will just make it bigger and better,” Sisbarro said. “So many people are affected by cancer. We try to do things that everybody can participate in. I think what makes us so successful is that so many people participate in it, from the survivors in our fashion show, to people donating to our canisters, to businesses writing checks, to people just wearing a pink shirt on Fridays. All of those things help people to feel they are part of it.”
As much as money for research, awareness is also an important aspect. “We’ve tried to make this as fun as possible for all people involved, but still get the message across that awareness of the disease and paying attention to your own bodies makes all the difference,” Conniff said. Sisbarro described TETWP’s efforts as two-pronged. One part is raising funds. “The other part is awareness. We want women and men to check themselves. If there’s something wrong, go to your doctor early. Early detection really is the key,” she said. “We have to fight this. We really have to fight this.” So, this October, when you see pink, think. Take action if something is off with your health. And while you’re at it, participate in pink week in whatever way works best for you. “Buy tickets to the luncheon. Come to the game, wear pink, and support this homegrown effort to find a cure,” Sisbarro said. “It’s amazing to me — and I’ll never get over this — how Las Cruces has totally embraced Tough Enough to Wear Pink. Every year, without fail, people come with bigger and better ideas. It’s still growing.” Photo by Chris Belarde Post-doctoral scholar Lee Uranga, left, works with Dr. Shelley Lusetti, center, and undergraduate students Otto Mossberg and Lindsay Redman in the “cold room” affiliated with Lusetti’s lab. The group seeks to increase the understanding of a mechanism for DNA repair important for chemotherapy and cancer prevention.
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Meet the researchers There are four cancer research projects funded this year at New Mexico State University by Cowboys for Cancer Research, with earned interest on two endowments and cash made immediately available by C4CR. The funds have been built up through years of fundraising by NMSU Aggies
Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink and Cowboys for Cancer Research. Two of the researchers, Dr. Ryan Ashley and Dr. Shelley Lusetti, shared their thoughts regarding their work, the benefits of local funding, and their thoughts on the campaign.
Current funded cancer research projects at NMSU • Dr. Ryan Ashley, Department of Animal and Range Sciences, “Understanding the role of membrane progesterone receptor alpha signaling in breast cancer” The project investigates the role of progestins in an important signaling pathway activated in breast cancer that is expected to improve understanding and may lead to new targets for cancer therapy. • Dr. Kevin Houston, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, “A new technology to detect rare circulating tumor cells in a heterogeneous blood cell population” The goal of this project is to develop a new instrumental method for detecting rare circulating tumor cells that can be used to monitor individualized cancer therapies. • Dr. Shelley Lusetti, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, “The role of SMC5-6 in the repair of damaged chromosomes” The goal of this project is to increase understanding of a mechanism for DNA repair that is important for chemotherapy and cancer prevention. • Dr. C. Brad Shuster, Department of Biology, “Development of a novel anti-miotic strategy for cancer treatment” The goal of this project is to develop a new adjuvant therapeutic approach for targeting mitotically active tumor cells without the side effects associated with existing drugs.
Photo by Chris Belarde Dr. Ryan Ashley, assistant professor of animal science at New Mexico State University, focuses his laboratory’s breast cancer research on understanding the role of membrane progesterone receptor alpha signaling.
Q&A with Dr. Ryan Ashley Q: How has money raised by the campaign directly
impacted your work? A: The Cowboys for Cancer Research funds allowed us to perform studies on cell lines that represent normal breast cells, and we have demonstrated activation of several pathways relevant to cell survival and migration, which are both key in breast cancer biology. Additionally, because of the data generated, we have a better understanding of how progestins function in
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Lou & Pat Sisbarro Dr. John & Laura Conniff Sodexo 4th Annual C4CR/TETWP Golf Tournament Adams Radio/Las Cruces *List Provided By Cowboys for Cancer Research. Includes recorded cash and in-kind contributions as of 10/7/2015 6 | NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2015
October 2015 | Las Cruces Bulletin
breast cells. The C4CR support has truly advanced the research we are conducting in the lab and the results generated have provided new hypothesis driven questions that need to be addressed. Thus, we can say without hesitation the C4CR funds have positively influenced our research and commitment to cancer research. Q: Can you explain a little about how your project is funded? A: A portion of the funding for my work comes from a grant established by Cowboys for Cancer Research. Cowboys for Cancer Research also partners with the NMSU Aggies are Tough Enough to Wear Pink campaign to fund various cancer research projects across the NMSU campus. My work is also part of the U54-2 Partnership for the Advancement of Cancer Research, a collaboration between NMSU and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle that receives funding from the National Cancer Institute. The partnership is working to establish competitive cancer research at NMSU and increase the number of underserved researchers and students involved in cancer research. Q: Briefly summarize your research. A: It is known that post-menopausal women that use combined estrogen and progestin hormone therapy have an increased risk of breast cancer, while women using estrogen alone do not and may in fact have a reduced breast cancer risk. Thus, progestins plays a major, yet undefined, role in breast cancer biology. We are trying to figure out how progestins regulate breast cells in women. The types of breast cancer are often defined by expression of different proteins and some of these proteins are receptors for different steroids. One of our goals is to research and understand the functions of membrane progesterone receptors and how they influence breast cancer biology. It is important to evaluate the contribution of membrane progesterone receptors in breast cancer so we can advance our understanding of how progestins influence breast cells. By elucidating these
7 | NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2015
mechanisms, we can provide vital information relevant to breast cancer etiology that could lead to identifying targets for new prevention and therapeutic strategies. Q: What does the campaign’s efforts mean to your work? A: On a personal note, I lost my mom to cancer and performing research that impacts cancer biology provides a personal conviction to work wholeheartedly at all we do in the lab. Also, because C4CR funds are predominantly from New Mexico residents, it makes our work more intimate and provides a greater sense of responsibility to ensure we are doing the best we can to help our state and others. If it were not for the C4CR support our lab would not have been able to perform our studies and thus would not have discovered the differences that natural versus synthetic progestins play in breast cells.
Photo by Chris Belarde Dr. Shelley Lusetti, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry at New Mexico State University, focuses her laboratory’s research on increasing the understanding of a mechanism for DNA repair important for chemotherapy and cancer prevention.
Q&A with Shelley Lusetti Q: How has money raised by the campaign directly
impacted your work? A: Cowboys for Cancer Research has allowed the research in my lab to expand into a new direction. As described below, my lab studies the mechanisms of
October 2015 | Las Cruces Bulletin
DNA repair. I am trained as a biochemist and have spent my career investigating the enzymology of DNA repair. My experiences to date have provided a strong foundation to contribute to the DNA repair field. My lab has focused on bacterial models and my National Institutes of Health-funded R01 project focuses exclusively on bacterial enzymes. While it is true that many DNA repair pathways and enzymes are conserved from bacteria to humans, it is clear that there are complex differences in the maintenance of genomic stability in human cells and many of those differences are important to the etiology of many types of cancer. The C4CR support is central to the Lusetti lab transition from bacterial models to human models and will ultimately increase the competitiveness for NIH funding in the future. Q: Can you explain a little how your project is funded? A: C4CR provided grant funds to support the research proposal application I submitted. The application was reviewed by an external scientific review panel and approved for funding based on that review. The funds are used to partially support the salary of the scientist that heads the project in my lab and to purchase research supplies specific to the project. The first-year funding allowed the lab to take a critical first step obtaining the training necessary to develop the tools needed to start a long-term project. With these tools in place, the lab is now in a strong position to transition to research that has the potential
to provide new models for cancer susceptibility and therapeutic targets. Q: Briefly summarize your research. A: We seek to provide valuable models for the role of Structural Maintenance of Chromosome (SMC) proteins in RAD51-dependent DNA repair pathways. We are developing the tools needed to begin a detailed biochemical investigation into how SMC proteins play a role in Rad51-linked DNA repair of damaged chromosomes. Defective RAD51-dependent activities are linked to general chromosomal instability and cancer susceptibility phenotypes. Many RAD51 mediator proteins are known tumor suppressors (i.e. BRCA2). It is therefore critical to understand the function of other potential effector proteins that are potential therapeutic targets for several types of cancer. Further, by understanding the fundamental pathways at work to maintain genomic stability, we can also provide new models for cancer susceptibility. Q: What does the campaign’s efforts mean to your work? A: There are many faculty and administrators working tirelessly to strengthen the biomedical research mission and infrastructure at NMSU. C4CR’s efforts to support cancer research at NMSU is a bolus in the arm of this effort. Further, the fact that the funding for my research is provided by contributions to the fight to eradicate cancer inspires me and strengthens my resolve to solve these important health problems.
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Where does the money Go? Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink fundraising begins when you make a contribution.
Cash and earned interest generated from C4CR endowments funds breast cancer research at NMSU and the UNM Cancer.
Your contribution is counted as part of the annual campaign total.
Funds raised stay in New Mexico, invested in C4CR endowments at NMSU Foundation and UNM Cancer Center.
C4CR accepts the fundraising total and combines it with its annual total for a combined grand total.
The TETWP campaign total is presented to Cowboys for Cancer Research at the annual NMSU Pink football game.
Major Sponsors Thank you for your support.
Allen Theatres American Classifieds BravoMic Communications/Las Cruces Cervantes Enterprises Comcast Cable/Las Cruces *List Provided By Cowboys for Cancer Research. Includes recorded cash and in-kind contributions as of 10/7/2015 9 | NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2015
October 2015 | Las Cruces Bulletin
Schedule of Events Every Saturday in October
Tough Enough to Wear Pink at the Las Cruces Farmers & Crafts Market Downtown Las Cruces
Pink Fridays
Everyone is encouraged to wear pink each Friday in October to raise awareness and show solidarity in the fight against breast cancer.
Tuesday, Oct. 20
ASNMSU TETWP Student Dinner • 5 p.m. NMSU Corbett Center, Taos Cafeteria NMSU Volleyball vs. UTEP • 7 p.m. Northside NMSU Pan American Center (near ticket office)
Wednesday, Oct. 21
TETWP Donor Gala & Silent Auction • TBD Double Eagle de Mesilla, by invitation only
Thursday, Oct. 22
TETWP Shop for the Cure 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. NMSU Pan American Center East Concourse Free event TETWP Fashion Show Luncheon 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Seating begins at 11 a.m.) NMSU Pan American Center $45 a person non-reserved or $500 for a reserved table Barbara Damron: Cancer’s Effect on Mental Health 2:30 p.m. Barbara Hubbard Room, Pan American Center Free event
NMSU Luminaria Remembrance and Kick-Off Event • 8:30 p.m. Northside NMSU Pan American Center (near ticket office)
Major Sponsors Thank you for your support.
Digital Solutions First American Bank Gadsden Independent School District *List Provided By Cowboys for Cancer Research. Includes recorded cash and in-kind contributions as of 10/7/2015 10 | NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2015
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Friday, Oct. 23
NMSU Aggie TETWP Football (homecoming) •6 p.m. NMSU Aggie Memorial Stadium (Fulton Center parking lot)
ASNMSU Homecoming bonfire, pep rally and concert • 7 p.m. Student tailgate lot, Sisbarro Community Park, NMSU
Thursday, Oct. 29
Gadsden Public Schools TETWP Football Game • 7 p.m. Santa Teresa High School
Game
Las Cruces Public Schools TETWP Football Game •7 p.m. Field of Dreams
Saturday, Oct. 24
ASNMSU Homecoming parade • 10 a.m. University Avenue Homecoming tailgate • 3:30-5:30 p.m. Pan American Center Practice Gym (south end), NMSU Main Campus
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October 2015 | Las Cruces Bulletin
TOUGH ENOUGH TO WEAR PINK throughout the years
2007 2008
2009
2010 12 | NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2015
October 2015 | Las Cruces Bulletin
2011
2012
2013
2014
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October 2015 | Las Cruces Bulletin
Cowboys lasso money for research
Photo by Chris Belarde Cowboys for Cancer Research Co-Executive Directors Denny and Geraldine Calhoun, top left, sit with Tory Bernett, top right, Peggy Van Pelt Feind, Betty Van Pelt and Lynn Van Pelt Fletcher (left to right, bottom row) during last year’s kick-off luminaria lighting event at NMSU.
C4cr funds projects in the search for a cure
BY Tracy Roy and Brook Stockberger Las Cruces Bulletin Cowboys can be rough and tumble and tackle most Cohorn was pulled together to raise money to fight things life throws in their way. cancer. Cancer, though, is a tough foe. Each year the Cowboys for Cancer Research Team More than three decades ago, a bunch of cowboys Roping event draws teams from New Mexico and and cowgirls in southern New Mexico decided to other states. In addition, C4CR holds a dinner, dance band together in a fight against the disease. Out of and silent auction and a golf tournament each year. that determination came the group Cowboys For The group built up endowments for cancer Cancer Research, a 501(c)3 nonprofit. research projects at New Mexico State University and The organization reports that in 1981, the rodeo the University of New Mexico Cancer Center worth community lost a friend when Alma Cohorn, wife of millions of dollars. roper Kenneth Cohorn, died of cancer. Today, there are two ways that researchers at The loss inspired an idea that has grown into a New Mexico State University and University of New multi-million dollar, annual fundraising campaign. Mexico benefit directly from the money raised by In 1982, a team roping competition in honor of NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink and
Major Sponsors Thank you for your support.
KFOX-TV/El Paso • KTSM-TV/El Paso KVIA-TV/El Paso • Las Cruces Bulletin Las Cruces Public Schools Steinborn & Associates Real Estate, Steinborn Agents and Real Estate Guide *List Provided By Cowboys for Cancer Research. Includes recorded cash and in-kind contributions as of 10/7/2015 14 | NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2015
October 2015 | Las Cruces Bulletin
have decided to make substantial money available to each university for immediate use.” C4CR directors make the call on what projects will be funded and how it will be split up between research and both endowments. This year, the organization provided a total of about $500,000 to specific projects in cash and earned interest from the endowments, split between UNM and NMSU. To help put that in perspective, one year’s interest on UNM’s endowment is about $80,000. Due to the combined efforts of Cowboys for Cancer Research, NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink, NMSU and the Las Cruces community, the campaign quickly became the largest pink event in the world for its type. It’s held that title for eight years running, Denny Calhoun said. So, what’s the goal for this year? Well, there isn’t one. “We typically do not set a goal. We just try to be better from the year before. We are working hard for a cure,” said C4CR Co-Executive Director Geraldine Calhoun. “We’ve worked very hard to gain the public trust and we take it very seriously. We have a lot of supporters and a great community.” The campaign relies heavily on in-kind donations from the community, and according to Denny Calhoun, the total contributions are about a 50/50 split between cash donations and in-kind donations.
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Cowboys for Cancer Research: through earned interest on two hefty endowments and through cash made immediately available throughout the year by C4CR. Each year, C4CR distributes money raised during its events and those held by NMSU Aggies are Tough Enough to Wear Pink between endowments held at both schools. The UNM endowment — Alma Cohorn Memorial Cowboys for Cancer Research Endowment — was started with $10,000 in 1999 and has now grown to more than $2.25 million. In 2010, “it became clear we needed to establish an endowment at NMSU in addition to the UNM one,” according to Denny Calhoun, Co-Executive Director of Cowboys for Cancer Research. The NMSU endowment fund — Cowboys for Cancer Research Endowed Fund — was established in 2011. The group pledged to raise $1.5 million over seven years. It hit that goal in less than four years. “We made that commitment, set that amount, because we thought it would take seven years to meet it,” said NMSU Aggies Are Tough to Wear Pink Co-Chair Laura Conniff. “The community should congratulate itself.” C4CR is the nonprofit organization that handles 100 percent of funds raised; NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink is a volunteer group that works with the university to help raise money. All money raised is turned over to C4CR to be split between the two endowments, and as upfront cash for research projects. “We think there are a lot of projects at both universities that need to be funded. We’ve now decided that we will provide substantial money to those projects throughout the fiscal year,” said Denny Calhoun. In 2004, C4CR provided funding to Dr. Jeffrey Arterburn, regent professor in the NMSU Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, who has been working in collaboration with Dr. Eric Prossnitz at UNM to synthesize new and improved drugs for treating estrogen-responsive breast cancer. Through their research, Arterburn and Prossnitz have been able to identify a new estrogen receptor to target for treating cancer, as well as develop a drug that will block tumor receptors. “Because they had no track record, they could not get any funding for it. And this is very typical,” he said. “A lot of these fledgling little projects just end up sitting on the shelf because no one will support them because they don’t have any history. Well, as it turned out, (Arterburn and Prossnitz) made a discovery of national importance. And they felt it would revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. But based on our history with Dr. Arterburn and that project, we think there are a lot of projects at each university that need to be funded. And so, instead of putting all of the money we contribute each and every year into those two endowments — which is what we did for several years, we put it all in there and just used the interest earnings — now we
October 2015 | Las Cruces Bulletin
Survivors strut their stuff
Photo by Chris Belarde Estella Miyazaki shopped for a pink-camo printed T-shirt during the 2014 Shop for the Cure event, followed by the fashion show luncheon.
Photo by Chris Belarde While handing out shopping bags at last year’s Shop for the Cure event, Debra Merigo greets supporters who attended the NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink luncheon and fashion show.
TETWP fashion show luncheon brings community together BY Marissa Bond Las Cruces Bulletin
Tough Enough to Wear Pink is a community effort with some incredible output, but only one aspect has the power to turn a basketball court into a garden. On Oct. 22, the Pan American Center at New Mexico State University will burst into bloom for the NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink Fashion Luncheon. The majority of the models in the fashion show — which this year includes both men and women — are cancer survivors. “Some years there are women in treatment coming down and their doctors may help them make the walk,” said Pat Sisbarro, co-chair for the NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink committee. “It is so meaningful to see these women up there. They have their hair done, and their makeup done, and they get to wear special clothes, and just to be up there and to have and feel the support of the community after what they’ve been through is really most amazing.” The event will feature a variety of clothing styles from Dillards, Emerald Isle, Mainstream Boutique, Eccoci and Julienne’s. “And all those shops are a little different, but it’ll all come together,” Sisbarro said. “I always charge my 16 | NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2015
committee, ‘We need to be different. We need to do something different.’ And this year, I think with all the different shops, it will be.” On the mezzanine will be Shop for the Cure — booths set up with shops. This year will feature even more booths than in the past, and they will open earlier, at 9:30 a.m. The booths will also stay open later after the luncheon has ended, until 2:30 p.m. Sisbarro said the number of shops and positive response has prompted the increased time. “Last year, people were waiting at the door to get in, and the shops were packed,” Sisbarro said. “And we have a lot of shops. We had to turn them away because we are full now.” After entering through the north door of the Pan Am Center, attendees mingle, browse Shop for the Cure, or visit the bar before the doors open for lunch, served by Sodexo, at 11 a.m. The fashion show has been a part of NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink since its second year. After the success of the first year, Louise and Kelly Burchell from the Emerald Isle said they wanted to help out in the following year with a fashion show. The first year, the fashion show was held at the October 2015 | Las Cruces Bulletin
Photo by Chris Belarde During last year’s luncheon, the Pan American Center was transformed into a fashionable Pink-themed dining hall.
New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum — and it completely sold out. “We couldn’t fit the people in there, it was just too small,” Sisbarro said. “Then we moved to the convention center. And I think we did it a year or two there, too — and I forget how many people they hold, 500, 600. We would just sell out. “The last four or five years we’ve been on the floor of the Pan Am Center because it is the only venue in town that can fit that many people. Last year, we sold out at 850. This year I was able to fit in five more tables, so we are expecting 900.”
The fashion luncheon has grown in size during the past nine years, but the price of tickets has never increased. “We have never raised the price on the tickets because we want the people to come,” Sisbarro said. “It’s a very touching time to see survivors up there surviving. “I always say when you hear your name in the same sentence with the word ‘cancer,’ it is devastating and your life is changed forever. But these kind of happy, uplifting moments come along, and when we can all embrace them, it’s wonderful.”
co-Sponsors Thank you for your support.
Citizens Bank Digital Solutions City of Las Cruces
*List Provided By Cowboys for Cancer Research. Includes recorded cash and in-kind contributions as of 10/7/2015 17 | NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2015
October 2015 | Las Cruces Bulletin
Las Cruces schools come together to support Pink campaign BY Christophe Chino Las Cruces Bulletin
When the power of education, charity and awareness come together, the possibilities are endless. This can be seen with various school systems in Las Cruces coming together in support of one great cause: NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink. Las Cruces Public Schools, Mesilla Valley Christian Schools, Las Cruces Catholic School, Hatch Valley Schools and the Gadsden Independent School District have shown their support for TETWP, with different events during their respective pink weeks, to raise awareness for the fight against breast cancer. Along with the events, the individual schools have also raised large sums of money for the campaign.
Las Cruces Public Schools
Last year, LCPS raised more than $16,000 for TETWP, and hope to raise an even higher amount this year. Brigitte Zigelhofer, the LCPS community outreach liaison, expressed the school district’s main goal for the upcoming pink week as ultimately “tying fundraising to awareness.” “This year we really want to put an emphasis on awareness when it comes to breast cancer,” said Zigelhofer. “Early detection is key, and we want to make sure our young ladies are aware of that.” LCPS will have various events and activities throughout the week of Oct. 26-29 in support of the fight against breast cancer. They will round up the week’s events with the district’s annual Pink Game where Las Cruces’ Centennial High School will square off against Belen High School. The game will also be the location for the check presentation, revealing LCPS’ contribution to the TETWP.
Las Cruces Catholic School
LCCS, though much smaller than LCPS, is no less driven to contribute to the campaign. “Though our enrollment was only at 270, we raised $2,100,” said Las Cruces Catholic School principal Connie Limon, making it clear that though the student body may not match up to the larger student body of LCPS, their charity and awareness will always be present. “We are all really excited about it. We may be a small school, but we raise a lot.” Along with their contributions to TETWP, LCCS 18 | NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2015
hosts various events to honor victims and survivors of the disease, while also raising awareness among the student body. Since LCCS has religious roots, some of their events include this aspect, such as a day in which students and staff can fill out prayer cards for those who are currently suffering or have suffered from cancer. The school will also be hosting a tailgate event at the end of the week during NMSU football’s pink game on Oct. 24, in which they hope to continue to fundraise, as well as spread awareness. It will also be selling “Pink Week” T-shirts throughout the month. “This cause really hits home for us,” said Limon, citing various LCCS staff members who are in remission of the disease, as well as Bernice Florez, a teacher at the school, who died of cancer.
Mesilla Valley Christian Schools
MVCC’s development director, Lori Conn, also expressed her school’s personal ties to the TETWP campaign. Tara Clark, the mother of fifth grader Javin Clark, has been diagnosed with breast cancer. “Along with raising awareness for Tara, we were also able to raise over $1,000 to be donated in her name,” Conn said. MVCC held their pink week Aug. 31 to Sept. 4, which is earlier than other schools in the city, but no less successful. Pink crazy hair day, pink sock day, pink shirt day, and a pink volleyball game were some of the numerous activities during the week. “The teachers and students all had a blast dressing up each day,” Conn said.
Hatch and Gadsden
The schools surrounding the Las Cruces area share the same motivation when it comes to raising awareness and funds towards the fight against breast cancer. Though they may be small school districts, both Hatch Valley Schools and Gadsden Independent School District hold numerous events during their pink weeks. GISD knocks it out of the park on raising a particularly large amount for TETWP. In 2014, it raised more than $20,000. This year’s amount will be revealed during its pink game, which will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23.
October 2015 | Las Cruces Bulletin
Getting bigger and better
NMSU expands its role in Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink campaign BY Zak Hansen Las Cruces Bulletin
Big things start small, and NMSU Aggies are Tough Enough to Wear Pink is no exception. In its earliest iteration, NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink was organized and executed by a small group of community volunteers, led in by the socalled Pink Ladies — Laura Conniff, Magella Boston, Pat Sisbarro and June Mumme — each of them active women dedicated to the Las Cruces community who, together, had beaten cancer. Though the TETWP campaign was managed privately, New Mexico State University was involved from the start, largely with institutional support — providing venues, manpower and the like — a role that’s grown steadily in the campaign’s eight successful years. And as TETWP outgrows its modest beginnings, so too does NMSU’s involvement expand. While the early years were successful, TETWP organizers quickly realized they’d need help to keep up with the project’s rapid expansion, especially in terms of infrastructure – a need NMSU recognized it could fill and jumped at the chance. Following the 2013 campaign, it was decided within the university’s administration that NMSU would take on a larger role in the planning and logistics aspects, providing muchneeded backup for the all-volunteer group of co-chairs – Conniff, Boston, Sisbarro and Lynda Garcia – which still handles the majority of fundraising. Heading into this year’s campaign, a newly formed NMSU committee – headed by none other than NMSU President Garrey Carruthers – is ready to take on the challenge. According to NMSU’s Justin Bannister, also a member of the committee, which includes voices from all areas of the university, the committee’s role is largely one of support. “There are different entities and different moving parts to this,” he said. “The original folks are Cowboys for Cancer Research, Denny and Geraldine Calhoun and Lynn Arnold. Then there are the Pink Ladies, who do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to
fundraising efforts around town. Then, recently created here on campus, is a NMSU committee chaired by President Garrey Carruthers, who is taking a personal responsibility for the work of the committee. “The committee works not quite 12 months a year, but close, to make sure all the different moving parts that comprise the TETWP efforts are executed. There are lots of events, lots of outreach, lots of communication, lots of logistics that have to happen to make sure everything goes off without a hitch,” Bannister said. The university isn’t just helping, though; some of the funds raised stay right here in Las Cruces. “Ever since (TETWP was formed), it’s been more and more intertwined with the university,” Bannister said. “One of the things the university is really excited about is that the money raised by these efforts stays here locally — the contributions go to fund cancerresearch projects here at New Mexico State University. Not only is this a community effort that really a lot of people take pride in, but the results of the fundraising efforts benefit the research going on right here.” In addition to the well-known research of NMSU’s Jeff Arterburn, funds raised by Aggies Are Tought Enough to Wear Pink stay within the university, benefiting work done by NMSU researchers who have dedicated their work to cancer-related areas. In fact, funds raised during these community efforts help to fund the continued cancer research of eight different entities on campus. According to Carruthers, NMSU’s deepened involvement with TETWP makes perfect sense. “We’re a community engagement university, so declared by the Carnegie Foundation, and it’s part of our responsibility as such to do things on behalf of the greater community as well as our own community on campus,” he said. “This fits right into what we try to do as a university — to be involved in our community and our state.
Co-Sponsors Thank you for your support.
Double Eagle de Las Cruces/Pioneer Bank Fletcher Farms • Gencon Lou & Mary Henson Jay & Jennifer Jarden The LNG Company *List Provided By Cowboys for Cancer Research. Includes recorded cash and in-kind contributions as of 10/7/2015 19 | NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2015
October 2015 | Las Cruces Bulletin
BY Brook Stockberger Las Cruces Bulletin Whether they have a pink pin on their sweater, wear a pink ribbon in their hair, tie a pink handkerchief around their head or even show up in a full-blown pink jersey, thousands of fans will make a statement with their color at the Aggie football game Saturday, Oct. 24. The New Mexico State University showdown with Troy at Aggie M e m o r i a l Stadium is not only the Homecoming slate, but is also the annual NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink game. I n recognition of Breast Cancer Aw a re n e ss Month, the NMSU team will wear pink jerseys while many of the fans on hand will also sport pink in some
Football
way. When Aggie wide receiver Cassius Corley looks into the stands, he said he will be emotional. The redshirt sophomore from Grants lost an aunt and a cousin to breast cancer. “They were very young when they died,” Corley said. “My aunt had two kids.” He said if anyone asks why so much pink is seen in October or why the football team wears 20 | NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2015
pink jerseys, Corley said that presents a good opportunity to remind people what the Tough Enough to Wear Pink event is all about. “It means a lot to me and my family,” he said. Corley said he hopes for a big crowd. Bill Powers, NMSU’s assistant athletics director for media relations, said both his mother and mother-in-law were diagnosed with breast cancer. He said he learned there is hope. “I always thought that any diagnoses of cancer was a death sentence, but that is no longer the case,” Powers said. “Ways have been discovered for early detection and that gives anyone a great chance to beat the disease.” His mother and mother-inlaw both beat the disease. “(They) are breast cancer survivors,” Powers said. “But that’s really because of the research and medications developed from the funds raised to fight the disease.” A pink-themed college football game makes perfect sense to Powers. “I think that any attention given to help raise the awareness of the fight against cancer is important,” he said. Powers also pointed out that men can find breast cancer in their lives in multiple ways. “What many people don’t understand is that breast cancer isn’t just a disease that affects women,” he said. “Men can get breast cancer as well. A pink game in college football helps call attention to the fight.” With a career of nearly 30 years in the world of college
October 2015 | Las Cruces Bulletin
athletics, Powers — who was hired by NMSU in 2014 — said he has been very impressed with what is going on in Las Cruces. “This is the largest, most organized cancer awareness football game that I’ve seen,” he said. “I
think it’s great. I’ve been a part of pink week during February for women’s basketball that come close to the organization, but this dwarfs it. That’s a real credit to our university and our community for supporting this effort.”
Football
Facing page: Photo provided Aggie wide receiver Cassius Corley lost an aunt and cousin to breast cancer, making the Aggie Pink Game an emotional experience for him. Right: Las Cruces Bulletin file photo Fans decked out in pink paint for last year’s NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink game. Above: Las Cruces Bulletin file photo Girls in pink got a special visitor during last year’s NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink game.
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October 2015 | Las Cruces Bulletin
Meet the co-chairs
of NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink Laura Conniff
Realtor, qualifying broker, and owner of Mathers Realty TETWP Co-Chair, 2007-Present Laura Mathers Conniff was born in Illinois, but she’s a New Mexico woman through and through. She moved to Cruces in 1965, but anyone who knows her knows she’s really a Las
Cruces native at heart. Laura is former member and past chair of the New Mexico State University Board of Regents. She is a member of the First American Bank Board of Directors, serves on the board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, El Paso Branch, is a New mexico Amigo and a member of the Paso del norte group. Laura was a founding member of the board of directors for the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, and a past member of the Hospice board. Her awards from NMSU are numerous: NMSU College of Business Hall of Fame Inductee, Distinguished Alumna of NMSU College of Business Administration and Economics, Branding Iron Award, and the James Cole Memorial Award for Service. Laura’s husband, John, is a pediatric dentist. She has two children and one granddaughter and a grandson. Family and service has always been at the forefront of what Laura does. And as co-chair of Aggies are Tough Enough to Wear Pink, she may have found her most impassioned role. Her dedication to NMSU and her own experience with breast cancer make Laura a perfect fit for this wonderful event. Laura was diagnosed with cancer in January 1997, but already had a role model in whose steps she would follow. Laura’s mother, Mary Mathers Welch, had been diagnosed with cancer several years before. Both strong women, Mary and Laura survived their cancer, and their survival brings open to all those who may face this same disease at some point in their own lives. Mary passed in 2011, however Laura knows that because of cancer’s strong genetic characteristic her daughter, Sarah, may be especially vulnerable to the disease. So they, like many others in the Aggie community, give of their time and experience in this fight against breast cancer. Will you join them at the Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink event?
22 | NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2015
Pat Sisbarro
Vice-President and Director of Marketing for the Sisbarro Dealerships TETWP Co-Chair, 2007-Present Together, Pat and her husband, Lou Sisbarro, own and operate 10 automotive sales and service operations in Las Cruces, Deming and Sunland Park, New Mexico. A two-time cancer survivor, Pat is one of the original co-chairs of the “NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink” breast cancer awareness and fundraising campaign in Las Cruces. Since 1981, Pat has been a community leader in Las Cruces. • 2012 Hispano Chamber of Las Cruces Citizen of the Year • 2011-2012 NM State College of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Council • 2011 Las Cruces Mayor’s Distinguished Service Award • 2011 Las Cruces Citizen of the Year Recognition from Las Cruces Realtors Association • American Southwest Theater Company (past vice president & board member) • NM State President’s Associates (past vice president & board member) • NM State Aggie Booster Club (pat fund drive chair) • Tresco Incorporated (past board member)
did you know?
Breast cancer can affect both men and women and is one of the most common forms of cancer. Thanks to increased awareness and screenings, many cases of breast cancer are diagnosed early and treated successfully. BreastCancer.org says that invasive ductal carcinoma, or IDC, is the most common form of breast cancer, accounting for about 80 percent of all breast cancers. The American Cancer Society says that, although IDC can affect women of any age, it is most common among women age 55 or older. The good news is that this type of cancer is highly curable, provided it has not spread outside of the ducts to other breast tissue. Survival rates for any breast cancers diagnosed in the early stages are excellent. October 2015 | Las Cruces Bulletin
Cancer is tough and complex. It takes a team to fight it.
When it comes to cancer, we’re all on the same team. The UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center cheers on NMSU and applauds the efforts of Tough Enough to Wear Pink and all those who are making a difference for cancer patients in New Mexico. At the UNM Cancer Center, we work closely with physicians and researchers around the state and across the country to find new ways to prevent, detect, treat and cure cancer. We serve southern New Mexico through our partnership with Memorial Medical Center. And we collaborate with NMSU researchers to beat cancer through the power of science and discovery.
For an appointment, call 505-272-4946. To make a donation, call 505-272-4443. Visit our website at cancer.unm.edu Make sure your health insurance plan provides unrestricted access to the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center
University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center 23 | NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2015
October 2015 | Las Cruces Bulletin
Cowboys for Cancer Research Dinner, Dance and Silent Auction Photo by Chris Belarde The Cowboys for Cancer Research team roping horse trailer, emblazoned with the names of major sponsors, greeted attendees of the 33rd annual Cowboys for Cancer Research Dinner, Dance and Silent Auction Oct. 9 at the Las Cruces Convention Center.
Photo by Chris Belarde Professional rodeo clown Relay, left, entertains guests at the 33rd annual C4CR Dinner, Dance and Silent Auction.
Photo by Chris Belarde A pink fiddle signed by country music superstars Connie Smith, Mel Tillis, Jody Nix and Marty Stuart, was auctioned off live during the dinner and dance. It was donated by Russell Burris in memory of his daughter lost to breast cancer.
Photo by Chris Belarde Co-Executive Director Denny Calhoun greets guests at the 33rd annual C4CR Dinner, Dance and Silent Auction Friday evening at the convention center.
Photo by Chris Belarde Each year, a custom miniature saddle is auctioned off live during the dinner. The winner becomes “Steward of the Saddle” and gets to display the saddle for the public for a year, until it is auctioned off the following year. The belt buckle, pictured, is a gift for the Steward of the Saddle. This year, the saddle and title went to Memorial Medical Center, bid on by CEO John Harris. Memorial Medical Center was the Steward of the Saddle in 2014, too.
Purchase Official TETWP Merchandise
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NMSU Barnes & Noble Book Store 1400 E. University Ave., Las Cruces 575-646-4431 www.nmsubookstore.com
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A portion of all sales is donated back to the 2015 TETWP Campaign
2015 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
24 | NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2015
October 2015 | Las Cruces Bulletin
Now Through October 30 • 100 Free Mammograms, Sponsored by Memorial Medical Center
MMC HealthPlex Women’s Center – 2735 E Northrise AND Imaging Center of Las Cruces – 106 Roadrunner Parkway • To Schedule: 575-521-5270
25 | NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2015
October 2015 | Las Cruces Bulletin
Charter sponsors are vital to the campaign BY Christophe Chino Las Cruces Bulletin
When a whole city comes together for one cause and for one goal, it not only shows the togetherness of the community, but also shows the power of numbers. “It’s truly amazing seeing newspapers, television, radio stations, and schools all coming together for one cause; it shows a lot,” said Las Cruces Sun-News Publisher Frank Leto. The Sun-News, alongside Memorial Medical Center and MountainView Regional Medical Center, show their support for the NMSU Aggies Tough Enough to Wear Pink Campaign, with their services as the charter sponsors of the campaign. “We are certainly excited about it,” said Memorial Medical Center Marketing Director Anita Rockett. “Nationally, the campaign is so effective at raising funds for the treatment and the search for a cure for breast cancer.” Starting last year, Memorial Medical Center decided that, in order to help the women in outlying communities who may not have the means to get mammograms, it would give out 100 free mammograms in October. “Many communities are underserved when it comes to the treatment and prevention of breast cancer, meaning many women go without receiving mammograms. We wanted to help reach those women,” she said. The staff at MMC initially had doubts that enough women would take advantage of the free mammograms. But at the initiative’s conclusion last year, 123 free mammograms were given. “We were extremely surprised by how much response we got,” Rockett said. “We recommitted to the Tough Enough to Wear Pink to once again hold the free mammograms again this year.” MMC prides itself on doing all it can for those who are diagnosed with cancer. Rockett explained that
MMC has a priority to keep the treatment and care in the same community in which cancer patients live, and quality treatment and care along with that. “We believe people who face cancer should not have to leave this community,” she said. “Research, treatment and awareness are all huge high priorities for us.” Unable to host free mammograms or provide direct care, the Sun-News shows its support of the campaign in the form of advertising. It offers in-kind advertising for events, and produces stories that help raise awareness in the community about breast cancer. “We’re proud to be part of an important cause, and proud to be a partner of the Pink campaign,” Leto said. MountainView Regional Medical Center, along with MMC, also believes that cancer patients should be treated locally. Women who face breast cancer, and who are ultimately are freed of the disease, still have to face issues after the fact — issues that Dr. Daniel Sutphim, the attending reconstructive surgeon at the hospital, understands all too well. Sutphim performs reconstructive surgeries that many women seek out during life after cancer. “It really is nice for these ladies not to have to travel hours away to seek out the surgeries, but stay here locally,” he said. MountainView will offer discounted mammograms throughout the month of October. Each mammogram will be roughly $68 all month long. The hospital will have extended hours — 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. — on Oct. 28 for those who may have scheduling conflicts. The charter sponsors, major sponsors, co-sponsors and everyone person in the community that has contributed to the campaign are vital to making the campaign successful year after year.
Co-Sponsors Thank you for your support.
Lamar Outdoor • Newman Outdoor PS360 Marketing Salopek 6U Farms Sally Stahmann-Solis *List Provided By Cowboys for Cancer Research. Includes recorded cash and in-kind contributions as of 10/7/2015 26 | NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2015
October 2015 | Las Cruces Bulletin
Support.
We’re tough enough to help you stay healthy. MountainView is a proud sponsor of the Tough Enough to Wear Pink program, but our commitment to women’s health doesn’t stop there. On October 28, we’ll offer extended hours for mammography appointments from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Insurance companies cover a screening mammogram for all women over the age of 40 at no cost to you. However, for patients in our community who are uninsured, we are offering screening mammograms for $68 during the month of October. If you’re over 40, and haven’t had a mammogram this year, call 575-556-6600 to schedule an appointment today.
MountainViewRegional.com
Appointments are on a first-come, first-served basis. A physician order is not required, but the patient must provide a physician’s name when the appointment is made. If the patient does not have a physician/provider, a list will be provided for the patient’s selection. All mammogram reports will be sent to the physician/ provider and follow-ups are the responsibility of the patient. If you are uninsured, the price of $68 includes both the hospital and radiologist fees. This pricing applies only to a screening mammogram for women who are asymptomatic. Payment is expected at the time of service.
27 | NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2015
October 2015 | Las Cruces Bulletin
Confidence. Plastic and reconstructive surgery can change the way you see yourself. Daniel Sutphin, M.D., and the MountainView Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery staff are focused on helping each patient rebuild their life and improve their self-image. If you’ve recently battled cancer or are facing other challenges that require corrective surgery, Dr. Sutphin is here to help. Call 575-532-1672 to schedule an appointment.
Surgical Services Include: Post-cancer reconstructive surgery • Post-traumatic reconstruction Breast reconstruction • Breast reduction • Body contouring after weight loss • Hand surgery
4351 E. Lohman Ave., Suite 204
Daniel Sutphin, M.D. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Diplomate of Plastic Surgery Diplomate of American Board of Surgery
28 | NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2015
October 2015 | Las Cruces Bulletin