Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2016

X 2016

! s r a e y e h t h g u o r h t

“I’ve been living with cancer for more than 20 years. Thanks to the UNM Cancer Center – it’s a great life.”

— Judy V.

ovarian and breast cancer patient

Judy has been living with cancer for more than 20 years and across three states. She received some great care, but she says none has been better than the care she receives at the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Learn more about Judy’s story at UNMHSLifeStories.org and cancer.unm.edu.

505-272-4946 • 1-800-432-6806

THE OFFICIAL CANCER CENTER OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO A COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER DESIGNATED BY THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE

2 | NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2016

October 2016 | Las Cruces Bulletin

Contents

PUBLISHER

Richard Coltharp

10 years of PINK.................................................................................4 Cowboys for Cancer Research partners with NMSU for cancer support research.................................6 Meet the co-chairs of NMSU Aggies are Tough Enough to Wear Pink..................................................8 NMSU Aggies are Tough Enough to Wear Pink Milestones..............................................10 Stories of survival: Breast Cancer support is better than it was.........................12 Stories of survival: Whirlwind year ends with hope................................................. 13 Fashion show luncheon transforms Pan Am into a ‘wonderful, pink gum machine’...................................... 14 Pink schedule of events................................................................ 15 Area schools raise funds through pink week events......... 16 Aggies hope to even pink game series.................................... 18

CONTENT DIRECTOR

Tracy Roy ADVERTISING

Melissa Atencio Claire Frohs Jamie Pfannenstiel Pam Rossi Elaine Sasnow C I R C U L AT I O N M A N A G E R

Teresa Tolonen DESIGN

Cary Howard Ryan Galloway Alex Burrows EDITORIAL

Mike Cook Billy Huntsman Elva Osterreich Susie Ouderkirk Brook Stockberger

NMSU Aggies are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2016 is a copyrighted special edition of the Las Cruces Bulletin 1740-A Calle de Mercado, Las Cruces NM 88005. Inquiries regarding editorial or advertising content may be directed to 575-524-8061. © Copyright 2016

Mathers Realty, Inc. is Family-Owned Serving Las Cruces for 48 Years!

Founded by Gene and Mary Mathers in 1968, we’ve grown with Las Cruces in sales of residential, commercial and investment properties. Large property management and rentals – from efficiencies to luxury homes. s.

OFFERED BY

522-4224

Mary Mathers Welch gave so much to this community and her family. After the death of her husband, Gene, in 1978, Van Bullock came alongside her to run and build Mathers Realty until 1992, when she gave the reins to Van and her daughter Laura. A few years later, Mary fought and won her battle with breast cancer and was there to support Laura during her own battle and conquest of breast cancer in 1997. Mary’s positive outlook on life was an inspiration to all who knew and loved her!

2223 E. Missouri, Las Cruces, NM 88001 Laura Mathers Conniff • Van A. Bullock Qualifying Brokers

You Matter to

3 | NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2016

575-522-4224 575 522 4224 Explore your options! www.mathersrealty.net

Mathers

October 2016 | Las Cruces Bulletin

2008

2009

10In a decade, years of pink Las Cruces Tough Enough to

’ Wear Pink campaign makes a lasting impact

BY Tracy Roy

Cancer is insidious. It is indiscriminate.

On an individual level, cancer can have devastating consequences, not only on the person with the diagnosis, but also on family and loved ones. The effects are far-reaching — financially, emotionally and physically. As individuals, fighting cancer can be overwhelming. As a society, the task of reducing cancer’s toll is daunting on a different level.

Here in Las Cruces, though, we know the power of community. The New Mexico State University Aggies are Tough Enough to Wear Pink (TETWP) and Cowboys for Cancer Research (C4CR) campaigns are living proof that groups of people can come together, pool resources and make a true and lasting impact.

The research fundraising campaign marks its 10th year in Las Cruces in 2016, and continues to play an important role in raising awareness of breast cancer, raising money that stays in state to fund important research, and raising hope for those in the midst of battle. Support of all kinds can be found within the TETWP campaign, and that’s something of which all Las Crucens can be proud.

“When TETWP started in 2007, it was almost a one-

4 | NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2016

time idea to take the Wrangler jeans cowboy rodeo theme and fit it into a college football game,” TETWP campaign representative Rick Nezzer said. “It was such an overwhelming response that we did it again in 2008, and again in 2009.”

Here we are, 10 years later and the community support is still going strong.

“The significance of all that is the hundreds of people who have supported it financially, the hundreds of volunteers that have donated their time and talent, the community that wears pink to the game and on Friday to support the campaign,” Nezzer said.

“The significance is the whole spectrum of what the community has done to embrace the idea and set the stage for people to invest their money in cancer research, and also to raise awareness to encourage people to get mammograms. If you boil that down to what it means after 10 years, it’s a huge thing.”

Since its inception, the joint campaign has generated more than $4 million in cash and in-kind contributions. The money funds two breast-cancer research endowments: Cowboys for Cancer Research Endowed Fund at NMSU and Alma Cohorn Memorial/ C4CR Endowment at University of New Mexico.

October 2016 | Las Cruces Bulletin

2011

2015 2014

Interest income is given to researchers, and additional cash is made available for immediate use to fund specific research projects.

All funds raised remain in New Mexico. But the money is only part of the story.

“The goal of the campaign has always been breast cancer awareness as much or equal to whatever fundraising was done,” Nezzer said. “So I think the milestone for awareness happens every year at the halftime of the football game when you look around and see pink in the stands, at the tailgates.”

Cancer survivor and TETWP co-chair Pat Sisbarro has a story about her doctor that represents the success of the pink campaign over the years in raising awareness. Her doctor told her: “Every year I write lots of prescriptions for mammograms. What I’ve noticed is that people are filling them.”

Added up — the money, the in-kind support, funded science and pomp and pageantry from the community — it gets down to a personal level of making a difference

in the lives of women, Nezzer said.

“I think just stepping back and looking at something that started as a simple idea that resonated enough with people that it took on a life of its own — people writing checks, our hospitals being involved from day one, the media support,” he said. “Just the fact that the community can come together in so many ways, financially and on a volunteer basis, for something that is so personal in a woman’s life, whether during a diagnosis or prevention, is a powerful thing. It almost characterizes Las Cruces in October.”

This year during the NMSU Pink Game, at halftime, about 200 volunteers will unfurl a 100-yard pink fabric on the football field — sideline to sideline — in the shape of a giant pink ribbon, to symbolize 10 years of teamwork.

Cowboys for Cancer Research Endowed Fund at NMSU and Alma Cohorn Memorial/C4CR Endowment at University of New Mexico.

NMMCP CONSULTING Learn about Cannabinoids CBD vs. THC Cannabinoids are available in alternate delivery methods: Edibles, capsules, topicals, extracts, and more.

Do you know about the NM Dept of Health MEDICAL CANNABIS PROGRAM? If you qualify, we can certify you in Las Cruces!!!

SE HABLA ESPAÑOL

MINDFUL, COMPASSIONATE PATIENT CARE and EDUCATION

NO SMOKING NECESSARY!!!

We specialize in Certification, Education & Protocols for Medical Cannabis Patients (since 2009).

If you are a NM Resident, you may be eligible for certification if you have been diagnosed with one of the 21 conditions approved by the NM Dept. of Health: ALS, CANCER, Crohn’s, Epilepsy, Glaucoma, Hepatitis C, HIV, Huntington’s Disease, Hospice Care, Inclusion Body Myositis, Inflammatory Autoimmune-Mediated Arthritis, Intractractable Nausea/Vomiting, MS, Spinal Cord Damage, Peripheral Neuropathy, Parkinson’s, PTSD, Severe Chronic Pain, Severe Anorexia/Cachexia, Spasmodic Torticolis and Ulcerative Colitis.

Hilda Luz Chavez, ND. | Traditional Naturopath

For Information call or email our Office in Las Cruces: 915-204-5440 | e-mail:chavezhl@aol.com 5 | NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2016

October 2016 | Las Cruces Bulletin

. h t i a f e s e. r lo e up. n e o v e d n e b l l i t We w ill never giv o say this can’ .

We w for those wh called cancer l his thing l i t s d n a r st e can beat t e v e n l l i We w Together, w

3.

1.

2.

6.

7.

Cowboys for Cancer Research partners with NMSU for cancer research support

1. Prof es Dinn sional rode 2 & 6. er, Dance and o clown Rela Ropers y, S work ilent Auctio left, enterta S ins gue 3. The ept. 17-18, 2 the ring at thn. sts at t C4CR te e 0 1 3 he 201 6 4 t a h Annua t the So am rop sponso 5 C4CR l u in C t r 4 h g Resear s, greeted a horse trail ern New M CR Team Ro 4. Co-E ch Dinner, ttendees o er, emblaz exico State ping fundr xe on ais Da ft F Danc cutive Dire nce and Sil he 33rd a ed with th airground er 5. Sout e and Silent Actor Denny C ent Auction onnual Cowboye names of mas. alhoun he s u greets n Oct. 9, 2015 for Cancer jor Rodeo Jrn New Mexicction. guests . o r .

S P t r a incess te Fair appear at the 2 J a a a 015 C4 n n d c d e 7. A pin e CR Dinn k fiddle at the 2016 Powell and R Rodeo Princes er, t o e signed d auction A a e s m o h ly Q r u o n Burris ed off during by Connie Sm ping fundraiseeen Emilee Pa n Uptown (lef it t rra ma in mem de an ), ory of the 2015 dinn h, Mel Tillis, Jr. his dau er and o d y Nix ghter lo d st to brance. It was dand Marty St ua east ca o ncer. nated by Rus rt was sell

6 | NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2016 2016

October 2016 | Las Cruces Bulletin

4.

5.

BY Susie Ouderkirk

Cowboys and cowgirls pride themselves on their strength and resilience. Their toughness is legendary, but there’s still one thing cowboys and cowgirls haven’t beaten: cancer.

For more than three decades, a determined group of New Mexican men and women have ridden hard with the goal to fund cancer research and find a cure.

The funds contributed to University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center (UNMCCC) and New Mexico State University are used “specifically for cancer research through the Alma Cohorn Memorial/Cowboys for Cancer Research Endowment and the Cowboys for Cancer Research Endowed Fund,” according to CoExecutive Directors of Cowboys for Cancer Research Denny and Geraldine Calhoun. “Additional funds are used for selected current cancer research proposals at both UNMCCC & NMSU.” C4CR, a 501c(3) nonprofit group, is a partner with volunteer organization NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink (TETWP), a fundraising organization celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

The TETWP campaign raises funds for C4CR, with both organizations working year-round on additional individual fundraisers.

The Fifth Annual C4CR and TETWP Golf Tournament, held Aug. 26, boasted 64 teams and kicked off 2016 fundraising for C4CR. The 34th Annual C4CR Team Roping fundraiser was held Sept. 17-18 at the Southern New Mexico State Fairgrounds with ropers coming from Texas, Arizona, California and Mexico, as well as from the Land of Enchantment. The youngest roper this year was 12-year-old Calvin Taylor who won a buckle, a saddle and other prizes.

Also held earlier in October was C4CR’s annual dinner, dance and silent auction sponsored by Memorial Medical Center. The event includes a prime rib dinner, special guests, a silent auction of hundreds of items, and a live auction of a mini-saddle, which becomes a mobile trophy held in care for the year by a Steward of the Saddle, among other goods.

“Cowboys for Cancer Research started 34 years ago — very small, very humble beginnings,” Denny said.

“The first event was a two-day memorial team roping

Las 7 | NMSU CrucesAggies Bulletin Are | October Tough Enough 2016 to Wear Pink 2016

and barbeque to honor the memory of Alma Cohorn.

The organizers think they raised about $700 to $800.”

Fast forward to today, “Cowboys for Cancer Research is the largest cancer fundraiser in the state, whose money stays in New Mexico, and all goes for research,” he said.

Additionally, for the past eight years the C4CR and NMSU Aggies are TETWP event has been the No. 1 TETWP event of its kind in the world.

Both C4CR and NMSU Aggies are sanctioned Tough Enough to Wear Pink (TETWP) events, which allows both organizations to use the national TETWP trademark. The national TETWP organization, located in Hughson, California, does not require any funds to be sent to the national organization, Denny Calhoun said.

“Cowboys for Cancer Research makes a cash contribution to the Alma Cohorn/Cowboys for Cancer Research Endowment at the UNM Cancer Center each year,” Denny said. “A cash contribution is also given, in addition to the spendable portion of the interest from this endowment, for immediate use in the funding of selected cancer research proposals. These proposals are presented to a review board of highly qualified individuals at the UNMCCC. This review board makes the final selection. The selected proposals are presented to the C4CR Board of Directors for approval to fund. This same procedure is followed by a review board at New Mexico State University.”

So what makes C4CR so successful?

“We are passionate about the cause,” the Calhouns said. “We work hard; we work together with a positive attitude; we stay strong and true to our beliefs. We all live in the Las Cruces community. We try our very best to represent our organizations and our community with pride and a high level of dignity. On behalf of Cowboys for Cancer Research and NMSU Aggies Are TETWP, it is our sincere hope and prayer that the good Lord will see fit to guide the hands, minds and talents of the doctors, nurses, researchers and technicians, allowing them to make significant progress, substantial inroads into finding new cures and treatments for this terrible disease.”

NMSU Aggies Are Tough October Enough 2016to | Las Wear Cruces Pink 2016 Bulletin |7

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 moved to Las Cruces from Illinois in 1965, but anyone who knows her knows she’s really a Las Cruces native at heart.

• Former member and past chair of NMSU Board of Regents • Member of First American Bank board of directors • Board member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas • New Mexico Amigo • Board member of Borderplex Alliance • Founding member of board of directors for the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico • Past member of the Mesilla Valley Hospice board • Awards: 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. As co-chair of Aggies are Tough Enough to Wear Pink, she may have found her most impassioned role through her dedication to NMSU and her own experience with breast cancer, diagnosed in 1997.

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.

• 2015: National Distinguished Friend of Education Award • 2012 Hispano Chamber of Commerce Las Cruces Citizen of the Year • 2011-2012 NMSU 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 (past fund drive chair) • Tresco Incorporated (past board member)

8 | NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2016

October 2016 | Las Cruces Bulletin

WE’RE TOUGH ENOUGH TO HELP YOU STAY HEALTHY. EXTENDED MAMMOGRAPHY HOURS ON OCTOBER 12 AND 26 FROM 7 AM-7 PM.

MountainView is a proud sponsor of the Tough Enough to Wear Pink program, but our commitment to women’s health doesn’t stop there. We are extending our hours to make getting a mammogram more convenient for you. Do you know if it’s time for you to have a mammogram? For women of average risk, the American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms for ages 45-54, and screening every two years for women 55 and up.

Different guidelines apply to women at higher risk.* Schedule your mammogram today. Call 575-556-6600.

*For a list of risk factors and American Cancer Society recommendations, visit www.Cancer.org. %JGEM YKVJ [QWT KPUWTCPEG RTQXKFGT VQ EQPÆ‚TO EQXGTCIG HQT C UETGGPKPI OCOOQITCO #RRQKPVOGPVU CTG QP C Æ‚TUV EQOG Æ‚TUV UGTXGF DCUKU #P QTFGT HTQO C RJ[UKEKCP QT SWCNKÆ‚GF JGCNVJECTG RTQXKFGT KU PQV TGSWKTGF DWV VJG RCVKGPV OWUV RTQXKFG C RJ[UKEKCP provider name when an appointment is made. All mammogram reports will be sent to VJG RJ[UKEKCP RTQXKFGT CPF VJG RCVKGPV KU TGURQPUKDNG HQT HQNNQY WR

9 | NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2016

MountainViewRegional.com October 2016 | Las Cruces Bulletin

2007 An all-volunteer campaign to raise awareness of breast cancer and money for research is born with original co-chairs June Mumme, Pat Sisbarro, Magellia Boston and Laura Conniff.

2009 Between TETWP and

Cowboys for Cancer Research, the total fundraising reaches $715,000 in cash and in-kind contributions, officially making it the largest TETWP campaign in the world.

2009 2009

Mary Henson becomes a co-chair.

NMSU Aggies are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 5K Fun Run and Walk, sponsored by Cervantes Enterprises, is launches for the first time. The event has continued each year since.

NMSU Aggies are Tough Enough 2012

Biad Chili’s “Tough Book of Green Chile Recipes” releases.

The cookbook, with dozens of recipes featuring green chile, sold for $15 each, with proceeds benefitting Former student TETWP. representative of the TETWP campaign Lynda Garcia, right, who battled breast cancer at only 19 years old, officially joins the campaign as co-chair, after Mary Henson retires.

2013

10 | NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2016

2013

Pink jerseys for the NMSU Aggies football team are unveiled.

2014

NMSU expands its role in the TETWP volunteer campaign, by providing infrastructure and logistical leadership for a smoother coordination of events.

October 2016 | Las Cruces Bulletin

2011

The fifth annual Tough Enough to Wear Pink Women’s Luncheon & Fashion show is so popular by now that it sells out by the end of September, with a record number of survivors participating and more than 30 boutiques showcasing fashion items.

2010

NMSU professor and research scientist Jeffrey Arterburn and Dr. Eric Prossnitz from University of New Mexico begin developing a selective compound for a new chemotherapy drug, targeting receptor GPR30 involved in estrogen-related breast cancer.

The researchers discovered the receptor in 2005. Their research is assisted with funding from the pink campaign.

to Wear Pink

2011

Pat and Lou Sisbarro donate a pink 1975 Ford firetruck to the campaign to use for touring Las Cruces and the state to raise funds and awareness for the campaign.

Milestones

2014

Cowboys for Cancer Research begins making additional cash for select cancer-related research projects immediately available to researchers.

2014

The NMSU cancer research endowment, through Cowboys for Cancer Research deposits, reaches its $1.5 million goal, becoming fully funded — three years earlier than deadline.

11 | NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2016

Aug. 30, 2014 Devoted advocate Emma Jean Cervantes, whose family supported the campaign through its 5K run/walk, passes away.

October 2016 | Las Cruces Bulletin

Cancer survivor Jodie York is a longtime participant in the NMSU Aggies are Tough Enough to Wear Pink fashion show and luncheon, this year to be held Oct. 20 in the Pan American Center.

StorieortsisobefttserunowrvthivanaEvl:er

Breast cancer supp

BY Billy Huntsman

“‘If you were my wife, I’d have that removed right away,’” Jodie York’s doctor told her 18 years ago after examining the images from her mammogram and ultrasound.

Having felt a lump in her right breast, then-35-yearold York went to the doctor for further examination, and soon was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer.

At the time, her children were 6 and 9 and she’d just gone through a divorce, she said.

“I was very scared,” she said.

Upon examining some of her lymph nodes, her doctor determined the cancer had not spread. She had a form of contained breast cancer called intraductal carcinoma, she said.

“If I had to have breast cancer, that was probably the best breast cancer I could get,” she said.

After deciding to get a mastectomy to remove the malignant lump, then have reconstructive surgery, York said she also made a decision to have a positive outlook.

“I’m gonna get bigger boobs,” she remembers thinking.

That positive outlook mixed with the support of friends, family and coworkers helped her stay functional through the fear, she said.

“I was very fortunate that I didn’t have to have any chemo, radiation, anything like that,” she said.

She has been in remission for 18 years now. For the 12 | NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2016

first five, she was tested every six months to see if the cancer had come back.

“The best thing for me was just to get back to work, get back to my normal routine,” York, who owns Telstar Networks with her husband and operates several restaurants in Las Cruces, said.

By doing so, she was able to get her mind off her diagnosis, she said.

After those first five years, she’s been tested every year.

“I’ve had scares on my left breast,” she said, though all of the tests have turned up negative for breast cancer.

Her doctors think the cancer is gone for good, and her outlook for the future is optimistic, she said.

For anyone recently diagnosed, York offered some solace.

“It’s OK that you have breast cancer,” she said. “It’s OK if you lose a breast.”

York said the current climate regarding information about and support for breast cancer patients and their families is much better than it was when she was diagnosed.

The NMSU Aggies are Tough Enough to Wear Pink volunteer organization is part of this support network.

A longtime participant, York will again take part in TETWP’s fashion show and luncheon, held Oct. 20, 2016 at the Pan American Center on the campus of New Mexico State University.

October 2016 | Las Cruces Bulletin

SWhtories of survival: irlwind year ends with hope

BY Billy Huntsman

Tara Rothwell Clark’s breast cancer was like a New Mexico snowstorm; it appeared without warning and was gone almost as fast as it came.

Breast cancer runs in her family. As a preventative measure, the 43-year-old Clark has gotten regular mammograms since her early 30s, she said.

Prior to her diagnosis of “very aggressive” late stageII estrogen-induced breast cancer in August 2015, Clark’s last mammogram had been in February of that year. Doctors found no indication of breast cancer at that time. She was diagnosed when she went the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona to get tested for the breastcancer gene and a mass was found in one of her breasts.

Clark’s doctor was expecting her first question to be: What are my chances of survival?

Instead, Clark’s first question was, “What do we gotta do to take care of it?” she said.

“There was never a doubt in my mind that I was going to fight it and win,” Clark said.

A powerful factor in her aggression against the aggressive cancer was her then-10-year-old son.

“I just knew that I was not going to let this beat me,” Clark said. “I need to be there for him.”

Within four days, Clark said, the mass was found on her mammogram, she had a surgical biopsy and received her diagnosis.

“It was kind of a whirlwind,” she said. “(I had) six cycles of really heavy-duty chemotherapy drugs three weeks apart,” she said.

By November 2015, after both chemotherapy and radiation treatment, the tumor had shrunk considerably, almost to the point they couldn’t find it, she said.

13 | NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2016

Clark had a partial mastectomy in December and, afterward, returned to Mayo Clinic every three weeks to receive intravenous treatment which concluded in August 2016.

“I am cancer free,” Clark said.

Because her cancer was estrogen-induced, Clark has another surgery in late October to remove her ovaries and fallopian tubes, to prevent the cancer from returning.

“That’ll be the last portion of my official oncology plan,” she said.

An inspiration to Clark during her treatment and still today is Laura Conniff, co-chair of NMSU Aggies are Tough Enough to Wear Pink. Conniff was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997 and is a survivor.

Clark’s own grandmother has had breast cancer twice, once in her 60s, again in her 80s, and is alive today at 93.

Hearing such stories makes her optimistic about the future, Clark said. If her cancer were to come back, Clark said she would like to think she would handle it the same way as the first time, but it would be harder, knowing now how strenuous treatment can be.

“I plan to be here a long time,” she said.

For others recently receiving a diagnosis, Clark gave some advice in coping.

“You cannot do it without friends and support, and I have a hard time asking for help,” she said. “I always want to be self-sufficient and do things myself. But it was very apparent, very quick, that you can’t do that when you’re facing this. You have to let people help, and they want to help, but you have to let them because you can’t do it alone. And it’s amazing what people do and the support that you get.”

October 2016 | Las Cruces Bulletin

2011 2014

2012

Fashion show luncheon transforms the Pan Am into a

2013

‘wonderful, pink bubble gum machine’

BY Susie Ouderkirk

2009 2015

Pat Sisbarro knows how to have a wonderful time. A two-time cancer survivor, she’s cochair with Laura Conniff of the NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink Fashion Show Luncheon, which offers up a sparkling variety of entertainment, food, drinks, friendship, support and fun.

“This is an opportunity for real people to come together to celebrate not just cancer survivors, but the caretakers and everyone who has offered support,” Sisbarro said. “It’s an amazing thing; we have 900 people in town participating. We transform Pan Am into a wonderful, pink bubble gum machine.”

The fashion show features cancer survivors walking the runway wearing clothes from sponsors Emerald Isle, Dillard’s, Julianne’s and Eccoci, as well as some surprises.

“Hold onto your hats,” Sisbarro said.

“Firemen will be there wearing pink bunker pants to participate and pass the boots. We have a good time!”

One of Sisbarro’s most meaningful memories came a few years ago when a close friend revealed she was diagnosed with cancer.

“When you hear your name in the same sentence with the word cancer, you are changed forever,” Sisbarro said.

14 | NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2016

Sisbarro consoled her friend as best she could at the time, and was gratified to see her in the fashion show the next year.

“We are kind of a support group for cancer survivors. It’s amazing how this is about cancer, but we make it fun,” she said.

The luncheon features an extravagant meal with such special features as roasted vegetable Napoleon with a savory mousse, asparagus chicken breast, and a pink and chocolate checkered cake with ganache.

At the luncheon, participants can browse the vendor booths on the Shop for a Cure concourse while sipping a glass of wine, Sisbarro said.

“We’re all volunteers,” she said. “Almost everything is donated so you know every dollar spent goes to cancer research.”

The event takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20 at the Pan American Center East Concourse. Tickets are $45 per person or $500 per table of 10.

“It’s all about awareness and early detection,” Sisbarro said. “If I can do it, you can do it!”

To purchase tickets or reserve a table, contact Elaine Rosas-Luna at 575-521-2213 or 575-521-5284 or email elaine.rosas-luna@lpnt. net.

October 2016 | Las Cruces Bulletin

Pink 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 a pink shirt each Friday in October to raise awareness and show solidarity in the fight against breast cancer.

MONDAY, OCT. 17 NMSU Luminaria Remembrance 6 p.m.

NMSU Sisbarro Park Free event TETWP Cancer Education Seminar 6:30 p.m.

Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine Free event

TUESDAY, OCT. 18 ASNMSU TETWP Student Dinner NMSU Corbett Center Taos Cafeteria WEDNESDAY, OCT. 19 TETWP Sponsor Gala & Silent Auction Double Eagle de Mesilla, by invitation only THURSDAY, OCT. 20 TETWP Shop for the Cure 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

NMSU Pan American Center East Concourse TETWP Fashion Show Luncheon 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

NMSU Pan American Center East Concourse $45 a person non-reserved or $500 for a reserved table of 10

FRIDAY, OCT. 21 Mayfield vs. Gadsden High School Pink Football Game 7 p.m.

Gadsden High School SATURDAY, OCT. 22 Cervantes Fun Run/Walk 7:30 a.m. registration, 8 a.m. start NMSU Campus Aggie TETWP Football Game, NMSU vs. Georgia Southern 6 p.m.

NMSU Aggie Memorial Stadium

exposure

Art & Leisure in Southern New Mexico

1740-A Calle de Mercado • Las Cruces NM 88005

575-524-8061

www.desertexposure.com 15 | NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2016

October 2016 | Las Cruces Bulletin

2013

2012

2012 Over the past decade, area school districts and private schools have contributed to raising awareness and money for breast cancer research in a big way. Faculty, staff and students take the task seriously, and seem to kick it up a notch year after year.

Area schools raise funds through pink week events

BY Mike Cook and Susie Ouderkirk

Over the past decade, area school districts and private schools have contributed to raising awareness and money for breast cancer research in a big way. Faculty, staff and students take the task seriously, and seem to kick it up a notch year after year, including Las Cruces Public Schools, Gadsden Independent School District, Mesilla Valley Christian Schools and Las Cruces Catholic School.

LAS CRUCES PUBLIC SCHOOLS LCPS will hold its annual Pink Week celebration Oct. 17-22, 2016 in support of NMSU Aggies are Tough Enough to Wear Pink Campaign and Cowboys for Cancer Research.

A decorating contest between schools will be judged on Monday, Oct. 17, as will a door-decorating contest in the LCPS administration building. Tuesday, Oct. 18 is a day everyone will wear pink socks, followed by “Create Something Pink” day and “Write a Letter to a Cancer Survivor” day on Thursday, Oct. 20. On Friday, Oct. 21, Total Pink-Out encourages the entire school system to wear pink. Events conclude on Saturday, Oct. 22 as the crowd will wear pink to cheer on the Las Cruces High 16 | NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2016 2016

Bulldawgs and Centennial High School Hawks in the LCPS Pink Football Game. It begins at 7 p.m. at the Field of Dreams; the winners of the decorating contest will be announced at half time and schools will receive trophies for collecting the most quarters in support of Cowboys for Cancer Research.

“It is important for LCPS to participate in the Tough Enough to Wear Pink campaign as we are a huge part of this community,” said LCPS Community Outreach Liaison Brigitte Zigelhofer, who is coordinating the campaign for the school district. “Many of our students and staff have been directly affected by cancer or know someone who has been, so by participating we can help spread hope and foster a culture of understanding and compassion. More importantly, we are teaching our students the importance of early detection.”

OÑATE HIGH SCHOOL Oñate High School (OHS) students and staff have a special slate of events lined up for LCPS pink week, according to Sabrina Sanchez-Zamora of the OHS math/ special education department.

• Cash for Dash, Oct. 3-21: Students will be able to October 2016 | Las Cruces Bulletin

2013

leave class (at the discretion of the teacher) five minutes early by donating a $1.

• Penny Wars: Each class will collect money in special Pink Week buckets.

• Friday Hat Days: With administration approval, students will be allowed to wear hats on Fridays Oct. 3-21 if they donate $1 to the Pink Week campaign.

• Pink tie-dye T-shirt sales: Students will sell pink tie-dye shirts to wear at the Friday, Oct. 21 football game between the OHS Knights and the Hobbs Eagles.

GADSDEN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT The 13,000 young people who call GISD their own strive to take breast-cancer awareness to a whole new level each year. During the pink events that take place every October, all 24 schools participate in a variety of ways, learning about cancer and giving back to those around them.

Director of Athletics Karen Nougues knows the kids,

2014

teachers and staff take it to heart every year with pep rallies, public announcements, special pink days, sales of T-shirts, shoelaces, pencils and the like, all in an effort to support the fundraisers going to cancer research.

“The GISD principals, district-wide, have done a good job of teaching the kids to not just think of themselves,” Nougues said. “Even the little pre-K kids are starting to understand that sometimes people don’t feel well, and we help people who don’t feel good.”

It’s not unusual to see students with dyed pink hair, wearing pink clothes and eating pink cupcakes during the whole month of October, Nougues said.

“In the spirit of helping people around us, every year we present a check to the Tough Enough to Wear Pink group,” she said. “We’re hoping that we’re educating our kids on prevention and taking care of ourselves. It’s just contagious in our area.”

2 Unique Hospitals. 2 Distinct Specialties.

1 Convenient Location.

For the tenth consecutive year, Rehabilitation Hospital of Southern New Mexico has been ranked in the Top 10% (10 years) of 774 inpatient rehabilitation facilities. RHSNM was cited for care that is effective, efficient, timely and patient-centered.

At our state-of-the-art facility, we treat and care for patients who have suffered functional deficits from traumatic events such as amputations, stroke or any other debilitating illness or injury.

RHSNM.ernesthealth.com 4441 East Lohman Ave. • Las Cruces, NM • ph: 575.521.6400 17 Las|Cruces NMSU Aggies BulletinAre | October Tough Enough 2016 to Wear Pink 2016

At our state-of-the-art long-term acute hospital, we provide care for patients who require additional time to heal from a catastrophic injury or illness. We treat patients requiring intensive care, medically complex care, modified rehabilitation, ventilator/ pulmonary care, wound care and more.

ACHSNM.ernesthealth.com 4451 East Lohman Ave. • Las Cruces, NM • ph: 575.521.6600 NMSU Aggies Are Tough October Enough 2016 to |Wear Las Cruces Pink 2016 Bulletin | 17

2011

2014 2015

2009

Aggies hope to even Pink Game series

BY Brook Stockberger

What? Football players wearing pink during a roughand-tumble clash on the gridiron? Inconceivable.

Well, it’s actually not too hard to imagine if you believe those players are “tough enough.”

New Mexico State University has played a Pink Game each season for a decade and, at least at first, the pink seemed to have the same impact on the NMSU Aggies as spinach did for Popeye.

NMSU won four of the first five Pink Games they played, including a 16-14 victory in 2010 against hated in-state rival University of New Mexico Lobos. In one of the most-exciting endings to a Pink Game, freshman Aggie kicker Tyler Stampler booted a game-winning field goal through the uprights with less than two minutes to play, his third field goal of the contest.

To set up the winning score, Aggie junior defensive end Donte Savage forced UNM freshman quarterback Stump Godfrey to fumble, and Aggie defender Augafa Vaaulu recovered the ball with 5:19 left.

In fact, if you cast your gaze back to the very first Pink Game, you’ll see NMSU won with a field goal then as well. Aggie kicker Paul Young capped an 11-play, 60-yard drive with a 37-yard field goal with just one second left on the clock to break a tie and give NMSU an exciting 20-17 victory.

The 2009 game saw then-head coach DeWayne Walker record his first career victory, but not until Prairie View A&M made the pink-clad fans sweat a little late. After the Aggies took a 21-3 lead in the fourth

2016 18 | NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2016

quarter, Prairie View stormed back and scored two late touchdowns to pull within three and seemed to be on the verge of a big comeback victory.

NMSU, though, held off their guests to secure the win.

The last time the Aggies won the Pink Game was in 2011 in a wild contest against University of Idaho Vandals from which NMSU emerged victorious 3124. In a special-teams showcase, the two squads combined for two kickoff returns and a punt return for touchdowns. Aggie wide receiver Taveon Rogers had the highlight of the night with a 100-yard kickoff return in the first half.

The Pink Game series turned sour as far as on-field results are concerned after the Idaho game, and NMSU enters this year on a four-game losing streak, including a 52-7 setback against Troy in 2015.

But what better time to reclaim pink power than on an October night against Georgia Southern at 6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 22.

Through the years: Pink Game results

• 2007: NMSU 20, Ark. Pine-Bluff 17 • 2008: San Jose 31, NMSU 14 • 2009: NMSU 21, Prairie View 18 • 2010: NMSU 16, UNM 14 • 2011: NMSU 31, Idaho 24 • 2012: Texas-San Antonio 35, NMSU 14 • 2013: Rice 45, NMSU 19 • 2014: Ga. Southern 36, NMSU 28 • 2015: Troy 52, NMSU 7

'To all of our generous sponsors, thanks for your support and joining us in celebrating 10 years of pink.'

October 2016 | Las Cruces Bulletin

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.

Daniel Sutphin, M.D. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Diplomate of American Board of Plastic Surgery Diplomate of American Board of Surgery Fellow of American College of Surgeons

Surgical Services Include: • Post-cancer reconstructive surgery • Post-traumatic reconstruction • Breast reconstruction • Breast reduction

• Body contouring after weight loss • Periocular surgery/ blepharoplasty

4351 E. Lohman Ave., Suite 204 19 | NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2016

October 2016 | Las Cruces Bulletin

World Class Care Right Here at Home Our outstanding Breast Care Team at Memorial ŝƐ ƵŶŵĂƚĐŚĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƌĞŐŝŽŶ͘ tĞ ŽīĞƌ ŶĂƟŽŶĂůůLJ ĂĐĐƌĞĚŝƚĞĚ ĐĂƌĞ ĨƌŽŵ ŶĂƟŽŶĂůůLJ ĐƌĞĚĞŶƟĂůĞĚ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƌƐ͘ &ƌŽŵ ĚŝĂŐŶŽƐŝƐ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ƚƌĞĂƚŵĞŶƚ ĂŶĚ ƌĞĐŽŶƐƚƌƵĐƟŽŶ ʹ ǁŽƌůĚͲĐůĂƐƐ͕ ĐŽŵƉĂƐƐŝŽŶĂƚĞ ĐĂƌĞ ŝƐ ƌŝŐŚƚ ŚĞƌĞ Ăƚ ŚŽŵĞ͘

Radiologist Lizbeth Reynolds, MD ^ŽƵƚŚĞƌŶ EĞǁ DĞdžŝĐŽ͛Ɛ ŽŶůLJ ĐĞƌƟĮĞĚ ŵĂŵŵŽŐƌĂƉŚŝĐ ƌĂĚŝŽůŽŐŝƐƚ Ͳ ƵƐŝŶŐ ƐƚĞƌĞŽƚĂĐƟĐ ĚŝĂŐŶŽƐƟĐ ĞƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ͘

Breast Health Navigator Liz Lopez, CBHN EĂƟŽŶĂůůLJ ĐƌĞĚĞŶƟĂůĞĚ ƚŽ ůĞĂĚ LJŽƵ ĐŽŵƉĂƐƐŝŽŶĂƚĞůLJ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ LJŽƵƌ ũŽƵƌŶĞLJ ʹ ĨƌŽŵ ĚŝĂŐŶŽƐŝƐ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ƚƌĞĂƚŵĞŶƚ ĂŶĚ ďĞLJŽŶĚ͘

Top Tier Oncology Team dŚĞ ŽŶůLJ Ž^ ĂŶĚ Z ĂĐĐƌĞĚŝƚĞĚ ĐĂŶĐĞƌ ĐĞŶƚĞƌ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƌĞŐŝŽŶ ʹ ƚŚĞ ŶĂƟŽŶĂů standard of care, here at Memorial.

ƌĞĂƐƚ ZĞĐŽŶƐƚƌƵĐƟŽŶ ^ƵƌŐĞŽŶ Paul Phillips, MD DĞŵŽƌŝĂů WůĂƐƟĐ Θ ZĞĐŽŶƐƚƌƵĐƟǀĞ ^ƵƌŐĞƌLJ ƌ͘ WŚŝůůŝƉƐ ŝƐ ŚŝŐŚůLJ ƚƌĂŝŶĞĚ ŝŶ ďƌĞĂƐƚ ƌĞĐŽŶƐƚƌƵĐƟŽŶ ĂŌĞƌ ŵĂƐƚĞĐƚŽŵLJ͘

X MMCLC.org 575-522-8641 20 | NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink 2016

October 2016 | Las Cruces Bulletin