World Diabetes Day in the Bay

Transportation to this event is available for those in need.
Please call (415) 507-1564 or email info@DiabetesDayBayArea.org

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Tel: (415) 507-1564
Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DiabetesDayBayArea

info@DiabetesDayBayArea.org

www.DiabetesDayBayArea.org


Proceeds from World Diabetes Day will be used for scholarships to help those in need gain access to diabetes care.

To make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.DiabetesDayBayArea.org. Lift for Teens is  registered with the IRS as a 501(C)(3) corporation.

Stress Elimination Workshop

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=7azulzbab&v=001BpBBz7jUJgB8vWtRE8cH-BZ5hwkW0Or_nrQSKs4rsqpFVJP3_99JUKjJ3xFJmo9OU_MrCd8d_WLISZT3uEzI-HyCfB7oLdHlb-hpMPtDlXTuLaKxsbS_dKwR2yRZvJAuwns6WsFHxrZ3p-LBxnhZWA%3D%3D

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

I would like to invite you to join me in celebrating National Breast Cancer Awareness Month at VIPink San Francisco. The event is being held October 13^th at Infusion Lounge in San Francisco from 6-9pm and will benefit Bright Pink, an organization dedicated to breast cancer prevention and awareness in young women.

Guests will enjoy a free cocktail courtesy of Pucker Vodka and One Hope Wines as well as complimentary appetizers and a raffle with some amazing prizes.

This cause is very dear to my heart and I would truly appreciate if you could circulate and pass along to your friends, family and contacts. The ticket is $35 online; you can purchase tickets online at http://vipinksf.eventbrite.com/ Tickets will also be available at the door but I encourage you to buy ahead of time in case we sell out.

Click here to buy tickets and view the invitation and please feel free to email our Ambassador Rebeckah Collard at rebeckah@bebrightpink.org. Please consider purchasing a ticket to support this great cause and enjoy an amazing evening!

Thank you very much,

Krystie Scull

Krystie Scull
Executive Director
Community Health Charities of California
2363 Boulevard Cir St. 105
Walnut Creek, CA 94595
925-947-5771 phone
925-947-5772 fax
www.healthcharities.org/california

www.healthmattersatwork.org

My Transgendered Nephew

Greetings:

Please bear with me as I write this blog. I am still processing this experience and I welcome your input. A few days ago a part of my mind opened up to a reality to which it had previously been closed.

Thirty-three years ago I witnessed the birth of my niece Kamari. She was a beautiful baby girl who grew into an extraordinarily gifted and talented musician, singer, song-writer, rapper, dancer and skate boarder. She dated one boy in high school that I know of and hung with other boys as friends. She attended her high school prom with a boy and wore a traditional prom dress. A year or so later, she escorted her first real girlfriend to her girlfriend's prom. This time Kamari wore a tuxedo. That was the year our family came to grips with the fact that Kamari was a lesbian. Kamari's parents, who are also the pastor and first lady of the church she attends, did not and do not approve of Kamari's lifestyle. However -- like the rest of our family, we all love Kamari immensely. Everybody does. Even the You Tube community.

At this point, I'm going to switch pronouns or not use them at all because Kamari officially transgendered from a self-proclaimed "tomboi" during the You Tube era. The transition literally unfolded in front of the world on You Tube. I learned more about Kamari by watching the You Tube videos than I ever would have learned through simple conversations. Kamari's following on You Tube is so large that You Tube actually pays him to post his videos regularly.

My relationship with Kamari changed this year as I gained a deeper understanding of who he is. The first breakthrough was when I was teaching a Zumba class at the church. I introduced Kamari as my niece to a friend. My friend seemed to totally dismiss the fact that I said "niece" and began asking me questions about "him." Kamari could see that I was perplexed and later asked me to refer to her as "him," not to use pronouns and not to "out" her to people. The second breakthrough occured when I saw Kamari enter the men's bathroom at church. Still -- I really didn't get it until a few days ago.

I work as a nurse educator at a local hospital. Kamari came in to have a hysteretomy. I was on duty and went into the recovery room to check on him. Totally forgetting about the 'no pronouns' thing I asked the nurse if Kamari's mom could see her. Having no idea that I was a relative, the nurse gently and professionally "corrected" me. "I know it might be confusing because Kamari had a hysterectomy", she said, "but Kamari is a man. He is a transgendered male. His girlfriend is here and she knows about it. I am telling you because this is a very sensitive situation and we need to be respectful of him and his family." Needless to say, that nurse endeared herself to me that day. I was very pleased to hear what she would say about Kamari to someone who did not know the situation. I also saw that Kamari was listed as a male patient on the board. It took strangers to make me aware that Kamari is really no longer my niece but is now my nephew. Right or wrong, good or bad, real or not real -- I love Kamari for who Kamari is. How could I not?

Helping Hand Fighting for Women's Health

Dear Family and Friends,

I hope this message finds each of you in good health and great spirits.  On my truth seeking journey, we have connected in a positive way.  This email represents a special request for your support.  Please take a few minutes to read my request for the Women’s Cancer Resource Center (WCRC) in Oakland California. 

As most of you know, I serve as the Operations & Finance Manager for the WCRC and am Critical Mass Health Conductor 747.  WCRC is one of three providers nationally who supports the wide scope of pressing issues that cancer patients experience (check out the website for specific services provided at http://www.wcrc.org/.  WCRC is committed to creating opportunities for cancer patients to improve their quality of life through education, supportive services, and practical assistance.

Every year on the first weekend in October, WCRC hosts an annual fundraiser (Swim-A-Mile) that represents 30% of the center’s budget.  All of our services are free to clients and have been for more than 25 years; we will never turn anyone away, and will refer them to appropriate services, if we cannot meet their needs.   This year marks the 25^th Anniversary Silver Swim-A-Mile for Women and Men with cancer.  I can say “and men” proudly as we have extended our services, through a special grant, to provide emergency financial assistance to men who qualify. 

This is the first year that the management team is taking a unified approach in raising funds and increasing cancer awareness.  Our fundraiser will be held this weekend October 1^st and 2^nd at Mills College in Oakland.  I will also walk Lake Merritt (3 miles) in Oakland on Sunday, October 16^th at 10am to honor all the men and women who have had cancer and touched my life in a tremendous way.  You can come out and join me or send me your positive energy.  Today, I lead with an open heart in asking for a monetary donation to reach my individual fundraising goal of $2,000.  Donating is simple and tax deductible. Please click this link our swim to make an online donation, or you can send in a check to: WCRC, 5741 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609.  You can check out my team’s progress as well.  So far, I have raised $250 and received a pledge of $100 over the next four months.  You can also pledge to give at any time before the end of the year.

I want to acknowledge your social consciousness and your ability to share your treasures.  I want to also acknowledge the economic hardships that most of us have experienced during this recession.  I have been amazed at how many more people are deciding to give to non-profits.  It is as if someone has placed a “call to action” in the universe that has been the impetus for the average citizen’s gift.  A theme that is highlighted at WCRC is “many in body, one in mind” representing our cultural humility and appreciation for life.  We all are connected in this great universe and must lead with our hearts by lending a helping hand to someone in need.  Let your heart lead you to make a decision to give today.  Remember, it does not matter how much you give, but rather that you decide to give something to this great cause.  You can make a private (anonymous) donation too.  I appreciate your time, technology, electricity, eyes, hands, brain, chair to sit or feet to stand in reading this email and your wallets in supporting our services.  Treasure each moment in life, as you never know when it may be your last…

In good health and wellness,

Jessica Drummer Ryan, OFM – CMHC #747

Jessica Drummer Ryan, Operations & Finance Manager

Women's Cancer Resource Center

5741 Telegraph Avenue

Oakland, CA 94806

Office:510-601-4040 x110

Fax:510-601-4045

Helpline:510-420-7900

Work hours: 8:30am - 4pm (Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri)

On Sunday, October 2^nd, the Women’s Cancer Resource Center (WCRC) management team will be swimming in support  of the Swim a Mile for Women with Cancer; I will be walking Lake Merritt of Oakland (3 miles) on Sunday, October 16^th to honor all of the men and women who have had cancer and touched my life in a tremendous way. Let me know if you would like to join me on the 16^th.  I am asking for your monetary support of our swim. Please click this link our swim!  I appreciate your support. (Treasure each moment, you never know when it may be your last…)

...if you have a purpose in which you can believe, there's no end to the amount of things you can accomplish. - Marian Anderson (1902-1993), American opera singer