Jamie Tisch

Breast Cancer Awareness: WCRF with Jamie Tisch

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. Over 180,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and more than 40,000 die of it. In the past decade, however, the death rate has dropped by approximately a fifth. This is due to early detection and more effective treatments.  

Many organizations, such as the Women’s Cancer Research Fund, co-founded by Jamie Tisch, have been working on new ways to both discover and treat breast cancer. These organizations try to alert women of the danger and encourage them to be more aware of their health, before it is too late.

Women have much better chances of recovering if the cancer is detected early. For this reason, they suggest that women be alert to any changes or unusual sensations in the area, and go for annual breast screening once they reach the age of 50.

 

Breast Cancer Gene

People often talk about the breast cancer gene, but what exactly is it and what does it mean? Well, the basic finding is that the genes breast cancer are most associated with are: BRCA1 and BRCA2 (otherwise known as Breast Cancer Gene One and Two).  These genes – when functioning healthily – have the task of keeping breast cells growing at a normal rate while preventing cancer cell growth.  But when abnormalities occur in these genes, there is an increased risk of contracting breast cancer.  Still, the gene only accounts for around 10% of all cases of breast cancers.  Also remember that most women who contract breast cancer do not have a familial history of the disease.  Nonetheless, the fact that research centers have made such progress in the identification of BRCA1 and BRCA2 has resulted in the development of new ways of treating and detecting breast cancer.  Jamie Tisch is one of the co-founders of the Women’s Cancer Research Fund, an organization working tirelessly to fight this disease.

Use of Hormone Therapy in Breast Cancer Prevention

Recent studies have shown that the long-term use of hormone therapy (often used for menopausal symptoms) show an increased risk for contracting breast cancer.  Those taking the drug should discuss other options with their physician.  If you do decide it’s best for you to continue with the drug however, at least consider lowering the dosage or switching to a temporary (not long-term) usage of it.  While taking the drug may reduce extremely unpleasant menopausal symptoms, it might not be worth the risk that it comes with vis-à-vis the possibility of contracting breast cancer. There are other options available, including alternative remedies that won’t come with these added complications so it is definitely worth investigating the successes of these.  The Women’s Cancer Research Fund – of which Jamie Tisch  is a co-founder – is constantly looking toward better methods and ways of reducing the potential of contracting breast cancer.

Pantene Helping the Women’s Cancer Research Fund with Jamie Tisch

The Women’s Cancer Research Fund, co-founded by Kelly Chapman Meyer, Marion Laurie, Anne Douglas, Quinn Ezralow and Jamie Tisch, relies on the generous donations of many to continue doing their important work.  One of their major donors is Pantene, the famous hair care product company.

Pantene started in 1947 and was owned by a Swiss drug company Hoffman-LaRoche. Pantene arrived in the United States in the 1960s and continued its popularity there.  In the 1980s they had some of the most popular campaigns ever, including the “Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful” campaign. They were purchased by Procter and Gamble in 1985 and they expanded their distribution on a massive scale at that time. By 1995, they had become a billion dollar brand and, today, they have over 100 hair care and hair styling products.

Certainly, the Women’s Cancer Research Fund with Jamie Tisch appreciates the support of Pantene to help in the fight against women’s cancers.

Getting to the Know the Major Donors of the WCRF

Certainly, the Women’s Cancer Research Fund, started by Kelly Chapman Meyer, Marion Laurie, Anne Douglas, Quinn Ezralow and Jamie Tisch, appreciates the commitment offered by its major donors.  With their help, the WCRF is able to pursue their many goals and continue working towards cures for cancer.

As a major donor, philosophy is committed to helping women to look their best, and to be their most healthy.  Prior to founding philosophy, Christina Carlino had a skin care company called biomedic which was a medically-based skin care line that was distributed to the world’s leading plastic surgeons and dermatologists.  With philosophy, she wanted to bridge the gap between what was offered in the doctors’ offices and retail.   

Women's Cancer Research Fund Honors Christina Applegate

At the 13th Annual Unforgettable Evening, Emmy winner Christina Applegate was presented with the Nat King Cole Award. This award recognized her dedication to encouraging awareness and early detection for women who are at high risk for breast cancer.

The EIF’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund, founded by Kelly Chapman Meyer, Anne Douglas, Quinn Ezralow, Marion Laurie and Jamie Tisch, raises money for innovative cancer research and recognizes individuals who show exceptional commitment to the cause.

Christina Applegate founded Right Action for Women after her own breast cancer diagnosis. Her foundation helps women who have an increased risk for breast cancer and who do not have insurance or the financial ability to cover the high costs associated with breast screenings and more. EIF’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund recognized her for her dedication and commitment.

Courtney Cox Recognized by Women’s Cancer Research Fund

Last year, at the EIF’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund annual evenings, Courtney Cox was honored for her dedication to cancer causes. The event, called the Saks Fifth Avenue Unforgettable Evening, benefits the EIF’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund, founded by Kelly Meyer, Anne Douglas, Quinn Ezralow, Marion Laurie and Jamie Tisch.

Courtney Cox received the Nat King Cole Award for her dedication in helping people who have battled cancer. She was presented with the award by a dear friend who has battled ovarian cancer.

InnerSpark with Jamie Tisch

As one of her many charitable activities, Jamie Tisch is on the Board of Trustees of InnerSpark.  InnerSpark was created in 1985 when Governor George Deukmejian signed SB45, authored by State Senator John Garamendi.  In doing so, they created the State Summer School for the Arts, InnerSpark. 

By establishing the school, their major objectives included:

1.       Enabling gifted and talented students to receive intensive training in the arts with a multidisciplinary approach

2.       Providing training for future artists who wanted to study and practice the arts or pursue careers in the performing arts

3.       Establishing the California State Summer School Arts Foundation as a model for partnership between the public and private sectors

They held their first summer session in 1987 and, after it proved so popular, the Governor signed follow-up legislation making the program permanent in September of 1990.  

Butterfly Ball Co-Chaired by Jamie Tisch

Last month saw a fantastic evening of fun and charity when the Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center had its 3^rd annual Spring Ball.  Co-chaired by Shelley Carr, Tory Burch, Jamie Tisch, and Dee Dee Ricks, this evening on May 18^th, 2010 was a night to remember.  The evening featured cocktails, dinner, dancing and live entertainment by Mary J. Blige.

Over 400 guests enjoyed a lovely, breathtaking décor by leading design and event production specialist, Branson Van Wyck.  The ballroom was transformed with thousands of paper butterflies that hung from the ceiling and symbolized both spring and rebirth.

During the evening, additional funds were raised for HOPP, the Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program chaired by this year’s honoree at the Spring Ball, Dr. Charles L. Sawyers.  The funds are targeted to help with the development of highly effective cancer therapies.

Star-Studded Evening for the EIF’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund

 

January 28^th, 2010 saw a star-studded event to raise awareness about cancer research and to raise much needed funds for the EIF’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund, started by Jamie Tisch and others.  The event raised over $1.7 million for cancer research and honored a number of important people who have worked tirelessly for cancer research.

Taylor Swift, the top-selling digital artist in music history, performed as part of the evening.  Lee Jeans was recognized for its major contribution of support to EIF’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund with its annual Lee National Denim Day fundraiser for breast cancer. In addition, Grammy winners Time McGraw and Faith Hill were honored with the 2010 Courage Award.