Past Events

November 2, 2003 4th Annual Tea Party -- Talk by Helen

History of the Foundation
I am celebrating my third year as a metastatic breast cancer survivor. I am dedicated to helping women and their families cope and survive in their struggle to free themselves of this dreadful disease. Believe me, my family coped and struggled, and we did get help from hundreds of people. I read every card three times and believed every word of the "trite" sayings in those cards. I had an inordinately bad reaction to chemotherapy and I have written of that ordeal. You will find a copy of my story in the next room. I lost 30 pounjds in three weeks and was in liver failure. I lived in spite of it. Maybe the chemo has extended to some extent my life, but there must be another way; there must be a way to alleviate the pain and suffering of cancer patients who go through the traditional treatments of surgery, chemo, and radiation.

From the day that I discovered that I had breast cancer, I founded this Foundation. The Mission of the Foundation was formulated shortly after because of my experience.

Learning Experience in comprehensive cancer care and mind/body/spirit medicine
Two years ago I was a plenary speaker, speaking to 1400 medical professionals about my experience through cancer treatment at the Comprehensive Cancer Care Conference in Washington D.C. This even was sponsored by the Center for Mind-Body Medicine, with James Gordon, MD, Director. I attended the following conference a year and a half later. I have been appointed to the Advisory Board of the Foundation for Alternative Medicine, and attended two of their Washington functions, the last one only two weeks ago.

International Conference in India
As a result of the experience, last January my husband and I attended the International Conference on Holistic Medicine in Bangalore, India, where 44 nations were represented. There is a written report of that conference in the library. It was the promotion of health in the context of the prevention of illness: a multi-dimensional approach toward the physical, mental, social, and spiritual aspects of health. "Disease is a manifestation of a lifestyle that has failed. Music, which some people may call "Music Therapy" was an integral part of the conference program.

New Life Health Clinic, Boston
Upon my return, I stayed at a Chinese Health Clinic in Boston for a week to strengthen my body and spirit. Last year's speaker went with me to interview Master Bo-in Lee after his being recommended by a fellow board member of the National Foundation for Alternative Medicine. I had asked my oncologist about where I could go to regain my health and strength after the chemo/radiation protocol, and she had no information for me. The only thing I could find was Canyon Ranch out west, that cost $10,000 a week. I thought, no way. The Chinese Health Clinic ended up being a lot better, and less expensive, I might add. I believe that it made a big difference in regaining my strength and spirit. There is literature in the library.

What is the Foundation doing today?
We are sending two physicians to a Professional Training Program called "Cancer Guides" for a week put on by the Center for Mind-Body Medicine.. Dr. Lissa is here, along with Dr. Jane Hart, to tell you why they believe that this training will make a difference in their work with cancer patients. Our Foundation had sent them to the Comprehensive Cancer Care Conference in Washington DC this past spring.

Healing Quest: Notice the tapes playing in the other rooms. Lightbridge Productions, whose president is Judy Brooks, is offering to public television a series of programs on alternative and integrative medicines called "Healing Quest." I saw this program in Washington and believe that it would be good for our area if we can get some sponsors. These are first-class documentaries in quality and content. If any organization or institution would like to look at these tapes, please contact me. We may consider being a sponsor ourselves for this program.

The new Cleveland Health Museum
Last night, my husband and I, along with Dr. Nate and Dr. Suzie Berger, attended the opening of the new health museum. The architect Stephen Buchierri is here and I would like for him to be recognized. A friend of mine, a resident in the Village who is not running for Village Council and who happens to be the Chairman-elect of the Health Museum, is here today. Mr.Bill Bolton, please say something about what you envision for the health museum regarding alternative, integrative, and comprehensive, mind-body-spirit medicine.

Special Announcement regard Deepak Chopra
Before our speaker is introduced, I want to make a very special announcement. In India, Richard and I saw and heard Deepak Chopra - a speaker with presence and brilliance. In a two-and-a-half hour lecture, he was able to critique religion and the medical profession without seeming confrontational or offensive. He causes you to think. I said to Richard, and repeated it to my board:"This is the man I would like to see come to Cleveland." We must be challenged!

According to Dr. Joan Campbell, Director of Religion at Chautauqua, as well as being the mother of the Mayor of Cleveland and the mother of the Head of geriatric medicine at Metro-General Hospital, only Jane Goodall and Dr. Chopra pulled in the biggest crowds in a 10 year period at the Chautauqua Institute. Dr. Campbell is here and I would like him to stand and be recognized.

Various board members met with Trina Becksted of CloudNine Marketing, to explore sponsoring Dr. Chopra to speak in Cleveland. We also met with representatives from the Cleveland Clinic. I would like to recognize Dr. Joan Fox. Together we are sponsoring and cooperating to bring Chopra here on Monday, April 26, 2004, to speak at Severance Hall. Furthermore, Dr. Chopra has consented to come to this house for a small fundraiser before his lecture on behalf of the Helen Moss Breast Research Foundation.

Dr. Fox, Head of Integrative Medicine at Cleveland Clinic
At this point I would like to have Dr. Fox come forward and say a few words about what the Clinic is planning, and what her position is at the clinic to promote integrative medicine.

Dr. Berger to introduce Speaker Dr. Barrie Cassileth, Director of Integrative Medicine at Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Institute in NY
Finally, we have come to the moment we have been anticipating - our very challenging speaker. I am asking Dr. Nathan Berger, Professor of Medicine, Biochemistry and Oncology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and Helen Moss Breast Cancer Research Foundation board member, to introduce the speaker.

Thank you for coming. If you wish to make donations, there is a table in the library that will take them.