MRM Lecture Series

Our guest speaker, Joy Loverde, author of the book WHO WILL TAKE CARE OF ME WHEN I’M OLD, gave an outstanding presentation on Tuesday, June 12. Her topic, No Surprises: Prepping for Old Age, created quite a response from theater patrons. It wasn’t only Loverde’s humor that amused the audience, but also her vast knowledge of a growing epidemic in our society—taking care of the elderly. She shared ideas about how to prepare for something that’s inevitable—growing old. During the Q & A, the audience fired off questions and comments giving proof not only to the urgency of the topic, but also ways to solve some of the problems facing all of us as we age. I’m hoping Joy Loverde continues to share her vast knowledge of problems facing the elderly. Thank you Joy for a memorable evening!

Together, our two dynamic speakers, Dr. Twaddle and her patient, Pamela Holtzman, delivered an inspiring talk about their journey together as partners in palliative care. It isn’t often that someone who is courageously fighting cancer becomes a vibrant and articulate advocate for others who have been diagnosed with a metastasizing cancer, but on October 24, both Pamela and Dr. Twaddle engaged attendees with their poignant and articulate story in hopes of easing the pain and suffering of anyone facing a chronic and or debilitating disease. They talked about non-traditional medication (medical marijuana) and using traditional medication (methadone) – both providing amazing results.

Stayed tuned for the video of our Tuesday, October 24 presentation!

I loved the idea of inviting Dr. Judith Moskowitz to present STAYING POSITIVE IN THE MIDST OF STRESS as our June lecture at the Greenhouse Theater. I had heard her on NPR’s Morning Shift and immediately struck by her speaking ability and research on positive thinking in relation to health.

During the few weeks leading up to the presentation, I found myself using the eight skills which build positive emotion identified in Dr. Moskowitz’s research. After practicing this unique form of mediation for a few weeks, my personal research was complete—yes, I was able to stay more positive in a variety of stressful situations. It took a bit of practice, but doesn’t everything in life that is worthwhile?

My thanks to the First Responders who attended and shared their personal experiences of stress—police officers, fire fighters, and the many people who work in the healthcare industry. Because of this lecture, Dr. Moskowitz has been invited to speak at the police and fire academy. Thanks to all of you who made this event a huge success!

Our guest, Dr. Miller, arrived with a grin and soaking wet from an unexpected rainstorm. Where someone else might have been upset by the downpour, Miller took it in stride and said, “I’m so glad to be here. Thanks for the invite.”

The Greenhouse Theater’s MainStage soon filled its 200 seats with like-minded people. The energy and vibes were electric and everyone seemed enthralled with the topic—THE POWER OF IMPOSSIBILITY. Somehow, the idea of bringing the philosophy of palliative and end-of-life care to the forefront didn’t seem as impossible as it had in the past. This movement, of monumental proportions, was destined to come full circle and be accepted by medical and lay people alike. A welcomed model of how we live and how we die was on the verge of being passed on from one generation to the next.

Thanks to our amazing speaker, Dr. B.J. Miller, the event was a success. Thank you all for an incredible evening and making our debut in Chicago a memorable experience.

Terry Ratner, RN, MFA
Chairman of the Board

Video and details of the sold out event coming soon.

Check out Dr. Miller’s NPR Chicago Morning Shift interview (May 1st, 2017).

Thomas Lodi, MD, Fellow in Integrative Oncology Internal Medicine, and founder of An Oasis of Healing, presented on Thursday, April 21st, HOW TO STOP MAKING CANCER. He talked about the importance of sleep, exercise, detox, nutrition, and stress reduction.

The Q&A session took us into overtime, and just like an exciting football game, we enjoyed the back and forth knowledge with Dr. Lodi declaring all attendees who combine the best alternative therapies with the best conventional ones—a winner.

Be sure to join us on Thursday, May 19, for an evening with Dr. Dan Koontz, owner of Healthy Habits and a retired naturopathic MD with over 40 years of clinical experience discussing his experience with helping thousands of cancer patients. See you soon!

Our March 17 presentation, PRECISION MEDICINE IN ONCOLOGY, turned into an eye-opening experience, including a Q & A between our excellent speaker, Dr. David Duggan and attendees. It isn’t every day one learns about the cutting-edge of medicine by an articulate scientist from TGen (Translational Genomics Research Institute). Dr. Duggan shared his knowledge of the technological advances in genomics and gave us an understanding of the biology of human disease as he focused on the biggest benefactor to date—oncology.

These medical advancements allow patients to gather technical information about their DNA with specific attention to molecular information about particular cancers. To have access to this incredible information allows patients and families to make informed medical decisions about medical treatments.

I’d like to thank TGen and Dr. Duggan for sharing their latest scientific breakthroughs with the MRM Cancer Lecture Series. And, of course, a big thanks to all of you who attended this event.

Here is a list of companies that Dr. Duggan mentioned during the presentation:

Tumor Profiling
Ashion Analytics (TGen JV Co)
Caris Diagnostics
Foundat1on Medicine
Personal Genome Diagnostics
plus 50 Other companies and academic medical centers

Circulating Tumor DNA
Gaurdant Health
Trovagene
Foundation Medicine
Personal Genome D1agnostics

Risk Assessment
Amber Genetics
GeneDx
Myriad Genetics
Invitae
Color Genomics
23AndMe
TGen

Asymptomatic Screening
Veritas Genetics
Adaptive Biotechnologies
Arivale
Health Nucleus
HealthTell
Grail

MRM Cancer Support sponsor, Arizona Oncology is hosting their 1st Annual Patient and Caregiver Survivorship event on Saturday, February 27^th at the Marriot Desert Ridge from 7:45 am – 1pm. It is free and includes breakfast and lunch.

Dr. Mahesh Seetharam provided an eye-opening presentation on Clinical Trials 101: An Experimental Science. The attendees had their questions answered in an easy to understand, yet direct and informative fashion which allowed them to unravel the maze of clinical trials. Dr. Seetharam’s empathy for his patients was evidence in the way he communicated with individuals and the group as a whole.  His research team, a group of four qualified nurses, were present to answer questions and explain their personal roles when a patient requests information on clinical trials. We plan to include the researchers in a clinical trial panel discussion later this year. Thanks to all of you who attended and our newest sponsor, Arizona Oncology.

We look forward to seeing you at our March 17 event featuring David Duggan, Ph.D at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen).

Dan Rubin, ND, FABNO, presented Cancer Treatments: Naturopathic and Conventional, at our January meeting. What a great kickoff to the 2016 series!

We met for dinner at Bluewater Grill, where we tasted the best clam chowder soup and warm  sourdough bread in Arizona. A delicious Caesar salad followed with a main course of meatballs simmered in a tomato based sauce.

Our round table event with Dr. Rubin began with an interesting overview of naturopathic medicine followed by a relaxed Q & A session. His answers were informative, relevant, and personalized. Great presentation. Thank you Dr. Rubin!