Metro Birmingham Living
THE WITCHING HOUR The ghoulish visions of Nancy Miller Heard
BITTER PILL
The slippery slope of prescription drug addiction
FUSION AWARDS Celebrating the city’s champions of diversity
METRO MENU
Inside the city’s food scene
DAVID BOWIE INSPIRED
FALL FASHION + The ’70s Are Back • Glam Hollywood Reds • The Classic
SPECIAL PROMOTION
Komen North Central Alabama Race for the Cure速 October 17th, 2015
THINK PINK! Linn Park in Birmingham. Funds from the Komen Race for the Cure速 go to research, education, screening and treatment programs.
132
B-METRO.COM
!
SPECIAL PROMOTION
Breast Care Center of Birmingham
Dr. april maDDux
Little Girls Will Always Need Their Mothers
Dr. April Maddux is a breast fellowship trained surgeon specializing in breast surgery, genetic counseling and testing and benign breast disease. She and her staff at the Breast Care Center of Birmingham provide a comprehensive approach to breast care. Dr. Maddux services and operates at Brookwood Medical Center, St. Vincent’s and St. Vincent’s East Hospitals.
Breast Care Center of Birmingham (205) 877-2987
www.BreastCareCenterofBirmingham.com
SPECIAL PROMOTION
Race for the Cure
The North Central Alabama Race for the Cure brings our community together in the shared fight against breast cancer; providing support to our survivors and loved ones, raising awareness of the disease and the need for screenings and raising funds for lifesaving services and research to find the cures . 100% of the net proceeds from the Komen Race for the Cure provide serves our local community through screening and diagnostic services, educational and support program and research to find the cures and improve breast cancer detection and treatment.
How to help:
Register for the Race Whether you run, walk, stroll, “sleep in” or come out to celebrate a loved one, you can contribute to the fight against breast cancer by registering for the Susan G. Komen North Central Alabama Race for the Cure. Register for the Race and you’ll automatically be entered to win a 2015 Ford Focus! Visit komenNCAlabama.org for eligibility details and to register for the Race today. Donate Without a cure, 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will continue to be diagnosed with breast cancer. Without a cure, an estimated 5 million Americans will be diagnosed with breast cancer – and more than 1 million could die – over the next 25 years. The generosity of our donors is essential as we continue our efforts to help breast cancer patients today, as well as to invest in the health of future generations. Make a donation in honor or in memory of someone, in support of Race participant or a Race team, or a general donation in support of the fight against breast cancer. Donate online at komenNCAlabama.org.
Volunteer
Volunteers are the heart of the work of Susan G. Komen and the Race for the Cure®. Their passion and commitment is what brings us closer to the fulfilling our mission and ending breast cancer forever. To learn more about the volunteer opportunities, visit komenNCAlabama.org.
Whose Life Are You Running For
Participate in the 24th Annual Susan G. Komen North Central Alabama Race for the Cure and show everyone whose
134
B-METRO.COM
life you are running for. Are you running for your mother, your sister, a co-worker, a friend? Are you running for your own life? Or are you running for the future? No matter whose life you are running for, now is the time to get involved and run for their life!
We Race Because…
One in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Because every minute, somewhere in the world, someone dies from breast cancer. And because, breast cancer knows no boundaries- be it age, gender, socio-economic status or geographic location. We continue to Race because at the current rate, 13 million breast cancer deaths around the world will occur in the next 25 years. But, when you participate and fundraise for the Race, we fight these statistics together. In 1980, the 5-year relative survival rate for women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer (cancer confined to the breast) was about 74 percent. Today, that number is 99 percent! Komen has played a critical role in every major advance in the fight against breast cancer - transforming how the world talks about and treats this disease and helping to turn millions of breast cancer patients into breast cancer survivors. This progress was made with your continued support and together we can reach our vision of a world without breast cancer.
A Unique Event
The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® Series is the largest series of 5K runs/fitness walks in the world. It raises funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer, celebrates breast cancer survivorship and honors those who have lost their battle
SPECIAL PROMOTION
women and men with the message that breast cancer is not necessarily fatal if mammography and breast self-exam become routine. As well as being a road race for runners, the Komen Race for the Cure is an emotionally charged event that attracts many first timers and recreational runners. It is an opportunity for thousands of women, men and their families, running or walking, to spread the breast cancer message. You can run or walk the 5k route or 1 mile, with a team or as an individual. All registration fees include the official Komen Race for the Cure T-shirt and Race bib.
McWane Center
with the disease. Since its inception in 1983, the Komen Race for the Cure series has grown from one local race with 800 participants to a global series of more than 120 races worldwide. Here in Birmingham, the Komen Race for the Cure is a unique event, designed and implemented to promote positive awareness, education and early detection of breast cancer. It has proved to be an enormously effective way to reach many
Thousands of women and men who could not afford breast health care have received screenings, education and treatments as a result of dollars raised through fundraisers just like you.
Here are some tips and tricks:
•Set a personal goal today (we suggest $250). •Make the first gift yourself to show your commitment!
B-METRO.COM
135
SPECIAL PROMOTION
My Breast Cancer Story Andrea Webb’s Lucky Day
Breast reduction surgery led to a cancer diagnosis and a new breast cancer survivor.
•Utilize your Participant Center. Take advantage of online tools including a customizable web page and email templates to ask friends and family to make a donation to support you. •Social Media. Spread the word on Social Media. Don’t underestimate the power of Facebook and Twitter. •Matching Gifts. Partner with your workplace. Does your company have a matching gift program? •Send a letter. Reuse your holiday card mailing list. •Visit our website to download our 101 Fundraising Ideas
Build a Team
Participating in the Race for the Cure® with a team multiplies the fun, the laughter and maybe even the tears that you share on Race Day. Rally around someone you know who was just diagnosed, someone who has fought the battle, or someone who may have lost the battle. Together, with your friends, family and co-workers, you make an even greater impact than you could alone. Teams are the heart and soul of the Race. They not only contribute to the event’s spirit and sense of community, but also provide a significant source of revenue by raising large amounts of pledge dollars. Start Building Your Team Today! Just follow these easy steps: •Choose a Team Captain •Give the team a name - make it fun if you want, we love clever team names •Register your team •Recruit at least 10 members (including the captain) •Set a goal, think BIG! and FUNDRAISE! •Run breast cancer out of town
I Am The Cure®
I AM THE CURE is a breast health program from Susan G. Komen that motivates people to take action steps that may reduce their risk of breast cancer. It speaks to the importance of early detection and healthy living while (CONTINUED ON PAGE 138)
136
B-METRO.COM
Early in 2011, Andrea Webb went to see Dr. Michael Clinton to inquire about breast reduction surgery to lessen physical discomfort. “We went through all of the hoops required to get the surgery covered by health insurance. Once we were approved, we scheduled the surgery for September 2011.” Webb, a McCalla resident who works in sales for a manufacturer, has been married for 15 years and has a 10-year-old daughter. She was excited about having the surgery and the relief from her physical discomfort. “I had the surgery with Dr. Clinton and everything went well. I went back about two weeks later for the normal checkup,” Webb says. What she discovered at that time shook her to the core and set her on a path of discovery, medical care, and recovery. As a routine part of breast reduction surgery, breast tissue is sent off for a pathology report to determine if any cancer is present. This was just a routine part of surgical follow-up; routine that is until a 2-millimeter tumor was spotted in the tissue. While the pathology check is routine, cancer is not something they normally look closely for, according to Webb. It was pure happenstance that the cancer cells were even discovered. “The discovery of breast cancer in Andrea is noteworthy on many levels,” Dr, Clinton says. “The first time an assisting nurse ever asked me whether we had ever found a cancer in the tissue removed during a routine breast reduction was during Andrea’s actual breast reduction. My answer was ‘no.’ I had never seen a breast cancer discovered in one of our breast reduction specimens. The irony was that cancer was found in the tissue removed during her reduction. When pathologists examine these breast reduction specimens, they only take a few representative slices. The chances of finding this extremely small (a few millimeters) cancer within this very large amount of tissue was extremely remote. Discovering breast cancer in someone this young (rare), under these very unusual circumstances created several emotions. There was fear, wonder, and gratitude. Fear of the future for breast cancer in a very young patient. Wonder that such small cancer was found in a large specimen after only a few views. Whereas we all felt sadness and concern regarding the diagnosis of cancer. Our attitude was quickly accompanied by gratitude that it was picked up at such an early stage, greatly improving her chance of survival,” Dr. Clinton says. “Had it not been for her breast reduction, which proved to
SPECIAL PROMOTION
Andrea Webb with husband Randy and daughter Rylee. be a very important breast biopsy, it may have been years before this was discovered. The prognosis for this patient most assuredly would have been discouraging.” “Dr. Clinton immediately recommended me to a cancer surgeon. He told me he had been doing this kind of surgery for more than 20 years and my situation was the first time he ever had to tell anyone that cancer had been found,” Webb says. “It was caught really early. These kind of tumors are difficult to find on a mammogram and it was really a miracle that it was found when it was. The surgeon recommended a double mastectomy because there was such a high risk of a recurrence with this type of breast cancer. Plus it is difficult to detect.” All of this occurred the week before Webb turned 30 years old. “I wanted a second opinion and went to an oncologist and she pretty much concurred with the surgeon, saying
that with the double mastectomy a lot of worry would be eliminated,” Webb says. Two months to the day from the first breast reduction surgery, Andrea Webb had a double mastectomy, followed up after by reconstruction surgery with Dr. Clinton, the surgeon whose work brought the cancer to light. “Breast reconstruction after cancer is what motivated me to choose plastic surgery as a surgical specialty. I found that I enjoyed putting things back together more than I did taking them apart. Early in my career, it comprised a majority of the patients that I treated. Two things have changed this for me. The surgical treatment of breast cancer leans more toward conservation. Conservation of the skin and even the nipple areola complex. Couple that with more partial mastectomies since cancer is being found much earlier when it is much smaller, and the result is less need for breast reconstruction. Most of the breast reconstruction patients that we currently see have had several other attempts already. We find it very satisfying to sit down with patients and work through options for restoration. Secondly, my practice has evolved more in the direction of breast enhancement than reconstruction. Honestly, my philosophy is that breast reconstruction is a part of the spectrum of breast enhancement. Our experience with augmentation, lifting, and reduction has only served to enhance our experience and hopefully optimized our results with reconstruction,” Dr. Clinton says. In a short span of months, Webb underwent breast reduction, cancer surgey, and reconstruction. By the time it was over she was both tired and grateful. “That was at the end of 2011. I see the doctor every year or so. And everything is great. It was awful to go through, but I am very thankful for the way it all worked out and just glad to be here,” Webb says. B-METRO.COM
137
SPECIAL PROMOTION
encouraging everyone to make a lasting “Curemitment” to their breast health. On Race Day On Race Day, you can visit our interactive I AM THE CURE booth to learn more about breast self-awareness and how to make a Curemitment. You can spin the wheel for prizes and take home breast health education information. You’ll also see our Rovers in the bright green I AM THE CURE shirts; they’ll be sharing the message of early detection, distributing Curemitment Cards, and I AM THE CURE stickers. All throughout the Race, you’ll hear our ‘Cure Leaders’ cheering on Race participants and reminding everyone that we all have the power to be part of the cure!
Take Action. Start Today! Make a Curemitment.
This year, the I AM THE CURE program is asking participants to make a Curemitment – a commitment, a goal, a personal promise – to take one or more action steps that may reduce their breast cancer risk. These action steps include: know your risk, get screened, know what’s normal for you, and make healthy-lifestyle choices. Curemitments can be made on-site or online: On Race day, Race participants can go to the I AM THE CURE booth and write a Curemitment on a water bottle, which becomes their gift for participating; Participants can visit iamthecure.org and click on the “Make a Curemitment” button and follow the prompts. Once you’ve made your Curemitment, go online to ‘declare and share’ what you will be doing this year to be proactive about your breast health.
What you can do to help
For more information about the I AM THE CURE.® program, breast health information and ways that you can personally get involved, please visit iamthecure.org. If you’re interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities at our Race, including becoming an I AM THE CURE volunteer, please contact Komen or visit the volunteer page on their web site. The I AM THE CURE program is ideal for volunteers of all ages seeking to get involved in the Komen Race for the Cure®.
A Tribute to Breast Cancer Survivors
You’ll find an incredible community of survivors and cosurvivors at the Komen North Central Alabama Race for the Cure®. Survivors and co-survivors gather to celebrate and support one another in an atmosphere of genuine comaraderie. It is their inspiring spirit that energizes us to contiue the fight to end breast cancer forever.
All breast cancer survivors registered for the Race are invited to a special ‘Survivor Cafe′” sponsored by Touching You, Inc. the morning of the Race. The Cafe′ opens at 7 am. Be sure to come by to meet old friends and make new ones. Starting at 8:20 am survivors can begin to line up at the Cafe′ for the Survivor Parade. As the Survivors make their way toward the Race start line, participants line the sides of the parade to cheer on their loved ones and witness the sea of pink.
Community Grants
The North Central Alabama Affiliate of Susan G. Komen is happy to announce its grant slate for the 2015-2016 Community Grants Program, with funding totaling $474,098 across eight projects. This is a nearly 13% increase over last year’s funding for breast health initiatives across north central Alabama and will allow the Affiliate to reach an even larger number of individuals with breast health education, screening and early detection services, and survivorship support. Funds for the Community Grants Program come solely from the fundraising efforts of Komen North Central Alabama and community support of events like the annual Race for the Cure. The continued support from communities across north central Alabama has allowed the Affiliated to carry out its mission year after year and continue to provide critical funding to programs like the Alabama Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. The Affiliate’s Community Grants program is guided by the results of its Community Profile. In order to ensure that the programs funded meet the specific breast cancer needs of Alabamians, the Komen North Central Alabama Affiliate worked with local health care professionals and community leaders in 2010 and 2011 to conduct a comprehensive community needs assessment. The 2011 Community Profile identified a number of gaps in breast health services in north central Alabama, including barriers to screening services and inadequate survivorship care. The Affiliate is currently in the process of finalizing its latest community needs assessment, which will culminate in the release of the 2015 Community Profile. “Our Affiliate dedicated the past year to evaluating every aspect of how our mission was being carried out across our 38 county service area. The Mission Action Plan developed during our Community Profile needs assessment really focuses on addressing the critical gaps in resources identified throughout our service area – especially in communities where we have not had as strong a presence as we do in the Greater Birmingham area. This year’s class of grantees definitely reflects our commitment to addressing the needs of communities throughout north central Alabama,” said Deanna
reveal your beauty.
Offering special expertise in: Laser Liposuction Breast Augmentation and Reconstruction Body Contouring Botox® & Fillers Laser Facial Rejuvenation Face & Eyelid Lifts • American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons • American Society of Lasers in Medicine and Surgery MEMBER OF • Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
“It is my passion to help women who face these challenges reclaim, restore and reveal their God given beauty” -Dr. Michael Clinton
Clinton Plastic Surgery Center
One Nineteen Health & Wellness, 7191 Cahaba Valley Road, Suite 200, Birmingham, Alabama 35242 (205) 408-9787
www.clintonplasticsurgery.com
SPECIAL PROMOTION
Fowler, Outreach and Grants Manager for Komen North Central Alabama. Information regarding the 2016-2017 Community Grants program – including the Request for Applications (RFA) and important dates – will be posted at komenncalabama.org in mid-August. For more information on the specific grants awarded, see below or visit the Grants Page at komenncalabama.org.
2015-2016 COMMUNITY GRANTS
Our dynamic Community Grants program provides critical funding for screening, education, and survivorship programs throughout north central Alabama. Without support from Komen North Central Alabama, many of these programs would cease to exist. Grants awarded for 20152016 total $474,098 and include: ABCCEDP Alabama Department of Public Health $315,000 www.adph.org/earlydetection/ Provides free screening and diagnostic services to women who qualify for the Alabama Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (ABCCEDP). UAB K-CHAs Deep South Network for Cancer Control - $18,625 www3.ccc.uab.edu/index.php/community-outreach/ deep-south-network-for-cancer-control/ Retains and enhances the work of community health advisors – trained lay-people in the community, who work to disseminate breast health information and resources throughout Hale, Perry, Green, Sumter and Jefferson counties. New Light Support Group – UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center - $13,500 www.uabmedicine.org/conditions-and-services/cancerbreast-new-light-support-group Provides a supportive setting for UAB patients and their families to learn about the characteristics of triple negative breast cancer, treatment options and clinical trial opportunities. Think Well II: Healthy Living – UAB School of Nursing $20,964 www.youngsurvivorsbham.org Provides funding for the development of the Think Well curriculum, which aims to increase breast cancer survivor and public awareness of cognitive changes that can occur 140
B-METRO.COM
after breast cancer treatment. Hope Lodge – American Cancer Society - $28,828 http://www.cancer.org/treatment/supportprogramsservices/hopelodge/birmingham/birmingham-staying-with-us Offers cancer patients and their caregivers a free, temporary place to stay when their best hope for effective treatment may be in another city – in this case, Birmingham, AL. Reaching All Women – Highlands Medical Center $19,625 www.highlandsmedicalcenter.com Provides transportation assistance services that increase access to screening mammograms, follow up diagnostic exams, and treatment resources for residents of underserved communities in Jackson and DeKalb counties. Greene County Hospital Outreach – West-Mid Alabama Community Corp. - $38,007 https://www.facebook.com/gcheutaw Implements a community outreach program that addresses the breast health and breast cancer screening, treatment and education needs in Greene, Sumter, Hale and Perry Counties in West Alabama. Even After October, My Life Matters – Auburn University Cooperative Ext. - $19,549 http://www.aces.edu/ Implements breast health and breast cancer education outreach designed to increase awareness and knowledge within the African American and Latino communities of DeKalb, Lawrence, and Madison counties. About Susan G. Komen® and the Komen North Central Alabama Affiliate Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever, and in 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen. The North Central Alabama Affiliate is part of the world’s largest and most progressive grassroots network fighting breast cancer. Through events like the Komen North Central Alabama Race for the Cure, we have invested $5 million in community breast cancer programs in 38 counties throughout north central Alabama. 75 percent of net proceeds generated by Komen North Central Alabama stays in North Central Alabama to support breast cancer services and educational efforts and 25 percent funds breast cancer research, helping to bring Susan G. Komen’s investment in breast cancer research conducted in Alabama to over $15 million. For more information, call 205.263.1700 or visit KOMENNCALABAMA.ORG.
Touching You, Inc., a proud sponsor of the Race for the Cure® for the past twenty-six years.
Public Radio WBHM 90.3 FM Your NPR news station and home to the Alabama Radio Reading Service
1564F Montgomery Hwy • Hoover • 205-823-6407 SURVIVORS ONLY:
JOIN US ON Race mORNINg at the SURVIVORS’ cafe fOR BReakfaSt at 7:00 am. SURVIVORS WILL LINe UP fOR SURVIVORS’ PaRaDe IN thIS aRea.
Become a sustaining member today.
Be the difference!
www.wbhm.org 205.934.2606 650 11th Street South Birmingham, AL 35233 A listener-supported service of UAB
“I can control bad hair with my mind. And a brush, dryer and scissors.” -Todd Cargo
Sanctuary 1931 29th Avenue South • Homewood,
Alabama, 35209 • 205-879-4757
HOURS: TUES 9AM-9PM THURS 9AM-7PM FRI 9AM-4PM SAT 9AM TO 4PM
sanctuarywebsite.com B-METRO.COM
141
Think Pink Resource Guide Eye Do Seeing the world through rose-colored glasses. As a 16-year breast cancer survivor, Dr. Ami Epstein’s world is tinted by the disease she fought through and defeated. Dr. Epstein was diagnosed with breast cancer 16 years ago, the day after the birth of her third child. Since that diagnosis she has overcome the disease, had two more children and now excels in a career that she loves. Her passion and perseverance transcends to her practice, Eye Do, where she helps her patients to see with the most clarity possible. Dr. Epstein specializes in fitting even the hardest to fit patients in contact lenses. She is a clinical assistant professor of Optometry at UAB where she was also formerly the director of contact lens services. Dr. Epstein’s patients come from near and far to experience the quality of care and expertise that comes she devotes to each patient. She wants them to have comfortable contact lenses that are easy to wear and care for. There are many options in disposable contact lenses that require little to no maintenance. This makes contacts a great option for even young patients. Proper fitting contacts can make sports, school and even work easier without having to keep up with glasses.
3125 Sunview Drive, Birmingham, AL 35243, 205-977-2777 Breast Care Center of Birmingham Dr. April Maddux and her staff at the Breast Care Center of Birmingham take a focused approach in helping their patients. Breast Care Center of Birmingham is a purposebuilt facility to provide comprehensive, multi disciplinary breast care. Our services include a wide range of clinical and support services, from screening (risk assessments) and diagnosis to treatment and counseling. They offer breast screening for early cancer detection, treatment of breast problems including breast pain, breast lump, breast mass, breast infection, nipple discharge, breast cancer and high risk counseling. With advanced methods of breast cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment, Dr. Maddux can walk to the process with each of her patients tailoring a treatment for their specific needs. (205) 877-2987 www.breastcarecenterofbirmingham.com Brookwood Diagnostic Center Come out to the 2015 Mammothon on October 22nd from 6am - 10pm. We’re proud to now offer one of the latest tools in the fight against breast cancer: 3-D mammograms. This new technology shows breast tissue in thin layers, helping doctors find breast cancer earlier. Most insurances cover annual screening mammograms. For self-pay patients, the price of a mammogram is $125, which includes the radiologist fee. All patients may upgrade to a 3-D mammogram for an additional $50. Parking is free (bring ticket for validation). Call 802.6900 for an appointment Touching You Touching You, Inc. evolved from owner Carol Cauthen’s own personal experience with breast cancer and chemotherapy. Throughout this experience she realized that a positive attitude and personal appearance would be very important in her recovery. However, the experience of purchasing wigs, breast forms and other necessary items to meet her needs, proved exhausting and frustrating. Because of the experience, Touching You, Inc. was started in 1986. It is a business dedicated to serving cancer patients and anyone else in need of similar services. Drawing on her professional business background, she formed a corporation and created an establishment with a warm, comfortable, feminine environment, staffed by women who have personally experienced breast cancer.
142
B-METRO.COM
Come SEE What’s New at
EYE
WE ARE COMMITTED TO YOUR EYE CARE.
Eye care is an important part of your overall health. Get your child’s eyes checked annually, and don’t forget your eyes, too.
Touching You, Inc. is where women can come and find help during the emotional and special fashion needs of mastectomy and other cancer patients undergoing surgery and/or chemotherapy. Touching You takes great pride in their mission and the professionalism and ethical manner in which they do business. Customers know they can always find an understanding ear and the things they need to make their lives a little easier. Call 205-823-6407 or www.touchingyou.com Diamond Smiles Diamond Smiles is the practice of Edgar Luna, DMD, conveniently located on Stadium Trace Parkway near the Hoover High School and the Hoover Met. While they are primarily concerned about your oral health, they also understand that coming to a dental office can be very stressful, so they have made every effort to make your visit a pleasant and enjoyable experience. The office has been designed to feel more like a home than a dental office, with oversized chairs and sofas. You can also enjoy the refreshments, cookies, hand paraffin treatment, neck pillows and chenille blankets. Diamond Smiles welcomes you to the practice. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact them as they are always here for you. Call 205-988-9700 or www.diamondsmiles.com
EYE
WE ARE COMMITTED TO YOUR EYE CARE.
3125 Sunview Drive Cahaba Heights (Just behind Walgreens)
(205) 977-2777 B-METRO.COM
143