January 14, 2012 newsletter

"Where is 15-40 Connection?"

You tell us! Wear your bracelet or print or draw our logo (use any talent to re-create it) show it off and take a picture. Help build young adult cancer awareness and use your picture to enter our "Where is the 15-40 Connection?" contest. You could win and iPad2. It's simple. Enter here.

Have you noticed?

In the news this past month, there have been a number of stories about young adults who have died from cancer and others who are battling late stage cancer. Often buried in the article is information that can help others. United Kingdom X Factor finalist Kerry McGregor died at 37 in December from bladder cancer. It was noted that she "was diagnosed with cancer in September 2010 after suffering two years of stomach pains."

The former Miss Venezuela and Miss Universe third runner-up, Eva Ekvall, died from breast cancer in December. She was 28. She had noticed a lump in her breast months earlier but thought her body was changing due to her pregnancy. "I was very angry because I should have known. My aunt had breast cancer twice and my grandmother died from breast cancer. And I just let time go" Eva became an awareness advocate and wrote a book that is credited with increasing breast exams in Venezuela.

These examples are much like the "Real Stories" on our web site. It's information about signs, symptoms and family history. Early detection is a powerful and effective tool that you want in your arsenal in a cancer battle but to use it you have to be aware and act when the often subtle signs are there.

Happenings

This February the Treasure Chest Company of Shrewsbury is partnering with the 15-40 Connection to improve cancer survival rates in teens and young adults. Visit them in Shrewsbury or online and 30% of selected sales will be donated to the 15-40 Connection for the entire month of February.

Still time to bid on specialty Sharks Jerseys: The Sharks wore specially designed game jerseys last Saturday to benefit the 15-40 Connection which helps to raise awareness and educate people about early detection in order to prevent cancer related diseases. Select game worn and game issued jerseys will be listed on eBay with all auction proceeds benefiting the 15-40 Connection. The auction starts this Sunday, January 15th at 8pm and will close on Sunday, January 22nd at 8pm. Click here to go to the Sharks eBay site.

Recent Connections

It was a sell-out! On Saturday night, January 7, the Worcester Sharks teamed up with the 15-40 Connection to "Check Yourself. Beat Cancer." It was a great event and helped build teen and young adult cancer awareness. The popular rock cover band, Probable Cause, played pre-game. Premium tickets included a great wine tasting event featuring 90+ wines (with hot dogs and soda for the kids). Special 15-40 Connection player game jerseys were signed by players and auctioned. Select jerseys remain available for purchase and will be auctioned on eBay beginning on Sunday, January 15 at 8pm and ending on Sunday, January 22 at 8pm. Watch a video of the event.

This Wednesday, January 11, the 15-40 Connection was invited to participate in an Employee Wellness Fair at the YWCA of Central Massachusetts. The annual fair is held to highlight organizations and companies dedicated to promoting health awareness and health-related services.

Individuals who have endured a cancer diagnosis in their teen or young adult years are tremendous teachers when they share their personal testimonials. On December 8, Laurel Ahearn, a member of the 15-40 Connection Speakers Bureau visited Allied Health students at North High School in Worcester to share her story. Her grace, candor and humor helped illuminate how important it is to pay attention to your health and speak up "when your gut is telling you something is wrong."