Why is the Susan J. Komen Organization Losing Ground?

Musings from 20th Street       This edition of Musings was guest written by Annie Brandt, the co-founder and executive director of the Best Answer for Cancer Foundation. I  was so very pleased and honored to be asked to speak at their prestigious conference last year, and met Annie at that time. I found her delightful, and serious about her mission. The goal of the non-profit organization is to improve the quality of life and treatment of cancer patients with a holistic platform, targeted cancer therapies, and a patient-centered approach.​   For Annie, cancer is a deeply personal issue. Back in 2004, she had advanced-stage metastatic breast cancer. Though conventional doctors gave her a poor prognosis, Annie managed to rid herself of the disease using integrative techniques, and Insulin Potentiation Targeted Low Dose (IPTLD) as her targeted cancer therapy.   In 2011, BAFC was accepted into the Integrative Medicine Consortium (IMC). It’s vision is to make integrative medicine the standard of care.​   Annie Brandt   Komen Organization Losing Ground? Some Interesting News!   I ran across a very interesting piece of news recently that I want to share with you. The Susan G. Komen Foundation is pulling out of Arizona. Mary Budinger, an Advisory Board member who lives in Arizona, sent me two articles from the Arizona Republic newspaper which says SGK: “will close in July because of dwindling donations and event participation … 7,500 people ran in the 2016 Race for the Cure, a number significantly lower than in previous years, which at one time saw upward of 30,000 participants.”   Lower participation and donations are attributed to the fact that Arizona’s weather permits many organizations to hold races and outdoor fundraising events. The executive director suggests there is simply too much competition.   Nice try, but there is much more to it than that. I’ll let Wikipedia hit some of the high points: “In 2012, Komen's controversial attempt to withdraw funding for mammogram referrals provided by Planned Parenthood caused a significant decline in donations, event participation and public trust. The organization was further criticized for its use of donor funds, the CEO's 64% pay raise after the significant drop in donations, its administration costs, its choice of sponsor affiliations, its role in commercial cause marketing, and its use of misleading statistics in advertising. In March 2013, Komen dropped from Charity Navigator's highest rating of four stars down to three stars and then to two stars in 2014.”   I still remember when SGK slathered their pink on M&M candies and buckets of fried chicken—foods no cancer patient should touch—in return for sponsorship money. The organization chooses to beat the drum for annual mammograms, despite a mountain of evidence that they represent a poor early detection technology. Why not make the choice to promote some form of thermography? Why not wage a war on sugar, cancer’s favorite food? Why not come out against trans fats which we’ve known for decades to be carcinogenic? Why not give voice to the 2005 research by Environmental Working Group which detected 287 chemicals in umbilical cord blood, of which 180 are known to cause cancer in humans or animals? Or give voice to the more recent work of Dr. Thomas Seyfried? You get the idea.   Seems the American public is getting the same idea. SGK, founded in 1982, started out with a promise to find a cure for cancer. In 2016, SGK announced their “Bold Goal to reduce the current number of breast cancer deaths by 50% in the U.S. by 2026.” Given how they choose to operate, it is hard to imagine SGK could even make a small dent in the coming fatalities.   It is my opinion that so many people have had cancer now, or known family members and friends who have had cancer, that they have glimpsed the harsh realities of the cancer industry’s machinery. And SGK, advocating for the status quo, is part of that machinery. Increasingly, the public is rejecting the status quo. So to all of you on the front lines of innovative, integrative care—keep it up. The public is waking up and rejecting the status quo. Yes, many still fall for the mainstream marketing because getting the diagnosis of cancer can scare the living daylights out you. Having some good survival statistics for alternative therapies can help people look at the options that are available. I strongly encourage all of you to participate in one of our clinical studies to get quotable survival stats for alternative medical therapies. Write me and I'll tell you how.   I also encourage us all to amplify our messaging and let people know good options exist.   Our efforts ARE making a difference! Change IS happening!   Thank you for all you do, Annie   EXCITING TALKS AT LA CASA!   DR. ADIEL TEL-OREN BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Thursday, August 31st, 7:30pm   Advance purchase tickets are available HERE Admission: $5 in advance; $10 day of event   At Dr. Tel-Oren’s last talk at La Casa, we were filled to the brim, and had to turn away 30 people. He is returning to La Casa for another one of his insightful, fact-filled lectures on health next month.   Dr. Tel-Oren has opened over 30 skin clinics around the world. During his trip to NYC, he is offering his free whole-body examination. Skin cancer is the most prevalent cancer today. And if not caught early, it can turn lethal. You can book a place to attend Dr. T's skin clinic HERE.   See you there!   ===============================================     HAL S. BLATMAN, MD   Dr. Blatman spoke at La Casa to a packed house, on August 9th. He is a nationally recognized chronic pain specialist and the founder and medical director of the Blatman Health and Wellness Center. He is credentialed in Pain Management and Board Certified in Occupational and Environmental Medicine and in Integrative Holistic Medicine.   In 1988, Dr. Blatman established Cincinnati’s first clinic specifically dedicated to providing traditional and holistic pain treatment solutions. He is a Board Certified Practitioner of Integrative and Holistic Medicine, Designated A.B.I.H.M., for American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine.   His fascinating and enriching talk can be viewed in full by clicking HERE, or on the image below.      ===============================================       A little video to make your heart smile — proof that animals love hugs just as much as humans.   Just click the image below for pure joy.         For a complete archive of all previous issues of Musings From 20th Street, simply click HERE!       Respectfully submitted by:   La Casa Spa and Wellness Center and Jane G. Goldberg Ph.D.   *Licensed Psychologist *Certified  Psychoanalyst *Stone Carrier Medicine Woman, Native American Traditional Organization   Thanks to everyone who came out to our Athleta event!    The RAFFLE WINNERS from the evening are as follows:   Winner: Angela Brown Prize: One Matrix Decoder free assessment   Winner : Lita Bush Prize: Meet with Jane for a free psychoanalytical session, to discuss feelings, emotions, stress and behavior.     Jane's latest book is out now through Free Association Books, and available through AMAZON!   FROM OUR READERS!   We just love hearing from you! This week, after reading the last Musings about Nasturtiums, Iva DeMartelly sent us this photo and note:     "Dearest Jane, thank you for my lovely salad recipe!! Attached is a photo of my finished product -- I added fennel, delicious!"   Thanks for the tip, Iva!     Book Your Room at La Casa de Vida, Puerto Rico Now!     Our beautiful La Casa de Vida, in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, now has three types of accommodation to suit all budgets. All rates are per night, through Airbnb:   Book a $50 room HERE,  Book a $70 room HERE,  And book an entire cottage for $100 HERE.    Since we opened to the public, we've had some wonderful visitors. Positive reviews have been flooding in about what it's like to stay there.     “The house overlooks the rainforest with a gorgeous view from the porch. Overall it's very comfortable & has everything you would need. And bonus: it came with two adorable puppies that greeted us in the driveway. The house was so cute & exactly what we were looking for. We loved the multi-paintings on the left in the kitchen..what a cool concept. Will definitely stay again next time I'm in Rio Grande."                                 - Cara   “John was a wonderful host. We were unable to rent a car so when we got lost with our Uber driver he came and picked us up. He also helped us get dinner and took care of us until we left. The actual place is beautiful! Fireflies at night, two cute puppers and a friendly little hung out with us when we were out. You can really enjoy the rainforest here. So calm and peaceful--we absolutely loved it!”                        - Kyunghyun   “True to the pictures! The view was beautiful, very private, cute little place for a couples getaway. We fell in love and will come back in future. Away from all city noise, surrounded by rainforest noise... Everything was great, it was my first time using airbnb and was completely satisfied. Thanks for sharing La Casa; it will become a place we will come back to in future.”                            - Kristine   “The location is absolutely amazing and you are in the middle of nature even though you are just minutes away from shopping and nightlife. The outdoor shower gives you a million dollar view of the El Yunque forest and the room was clean and spacious. I will absolutely return if I come back to Puerto Rico. Absolutely amazing hosts.”                                - Oliver​ Millennial Entrepreneurs are Boosting Puerto Rico's Economy     The New York Times reported earlier this month that Puerto Rican millennials are returning to the country, after seeking education elsewhere, in order to stimulate the country economically and socially. It is hoped that these efforts will help bring Puerto Rico out of its so far 11-year-long recession. You can see the full article HERE.   Another video posted to the site demonstrates that Puerto Rico also has a thriving bar and resort scene. You can watch that HERE. La Casa has a brand new brochure out, introducing new therapies as well as innovative packages at significant price-saving costs.     Stop by the Spa & Wellness Center soon to pick up your copy and find out which of our healing and nourishing therapies is right for you. La Casa Spa and Wellness Center was created out of the experience one woman had with her mother. Long before holistic medicine became widely known, Dr. Jane Goldberg spent the 1970s seeking alternative cancer therapies for her mother, who had been diagnosed with terminal bone cancer. Following sound principles of holistic health, Jane's mother was able to reverse her cancer condition entirely, moving from her wheelchair to joyfully playing tennis again. This experience inspired Jane to specialize in her psychoanalytic practice to work with cancer patients, and to fulfill the need for a holistic healing center in NYC. Jane and La Casa invite you to partake of the restorative and profoundly cleansing therapies that have brought La Casa world-wide recognition. Legal Disclaimer Information provided is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. No health claims for these products or therapies have been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), nor has the FDA nor any other medical authority approved these products pr therapies to diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. Since every person is unique, we highly recommend you to consult with your licensed health care practitioner about the use of products or therapies discussed here as it relates to your particular situation.