Breast Cancer Luncheon Committee Names 3 New Co-Chairs
The Breast Cancer Luncheon Committee recently selected three new co-chairs for 2004: Debbie Testa and Attorneys Joyce Riccio and Barbara Massaro.

The three co-chairs are already planning the luncheon scheduled for October 7th. In 2003, the Breast Cancer Luncheon raised $120,000 to support breast cancer programs.

Riccio, an attorney practicing in Fairfield, has been a member of the luncheon committee. A Black Rock resident, she has been involved in several community organizations, currently serving as the Secretary of the Italian Cultural Foundation. She also is a Board member of several organizations. “I believe the Swim is one of the best organizations around,” Riccio said. “It does some wonderful things. My goal for the Breast Cancer Luncheon Committee is to raise awareness and more money. By doing that we can provide the community the benefits of the Swim.

Testa of Wallingford is the Director of Sales and Marketing for Insurance Programmers. She has attended several Swim events and is familiar with its mission. Involved in health care as a professional, Testa sees her involvement with the Swim as a logical extension of what she does professionally. “I’ve attended many Swim events and was always impressed with the goals of the Swim,” Testa said. “I would like to see the Swim continue to grow its base of support throughout the state.

Massaro serves as the City Attorney for the City of Bridgeport and has been active in many charitable organizations. A Fairfield resident, she is also involved with Sacred Heart University. “I’m very familiar with the Swim and have seen the good work it does throughout the City of Bridgeport,” Massaro said. “It’s one of the great treasurers of this City.”

Fashion Show Focuses on Wedding Theme
The second annual Walk With Harold Best In Fashion Show features a wedding theme at Mitchells Westport March 31st from 7-9 p.m.

Dozens of models will strut their stuff in the latest wedding ensembles from traditional to beach wedding wear, accompanied by fashion-coordinated dogs, hosted by Mitchells. The show will culminate with Harold, the dachshund owned by event co-chair Auden Grogins and Valentina, the Chihuahua owned by Andrew Mitchell, wearing a tux and gown respectively. Swim Honorary Co-Chair and Men’s Fashion Designer Joseph Abboud will appear as the special guest at the fashion show.

Cablevision’s “12 On Health” Gillian Neff and Lauren Collier of Cablevision’s “Pet Talk” will serve as co-hosts for the evening, providing commentary on the hot wedding designs. The evening will also include silent and live auctions of dozens of exciting items, such as jewelry, vacations, rounds of golf, sports memorabilia and dinner at popular restaurants. Swim Co-Chair Frank Scifo, M.D. will act as the MC for the live auction.

Guests will also enjoy delicious dishes prepared by sponsor restaurants Vazzy’s, St. Tropez, Tutti Pazzi, Quattro Pazzi and Avellinos. Luigi’s of Bridgeport will provide cake and Italian pastries. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at Mitchells Westport (203-341-6414) and St. Vincent’s Foundation (203-576-5451). Frankie’s Angels is co-sponsoring the evening. Denise Daniels, founder of Frankie’s Angels, will sing in honor of her brother, Frankie, who passed away from cancer.

New Co-Chairs To Head the Tour de Sound Bike Ride
Dennis Brown and Dan Rose, M.D. were recently named co-chairs of the Tour de Sound bike ride June 19th to benefit cancer patients.

The Tour de Sound is a Swim Across the Sound event that benefits cancer patients and their families primarily throughout Fairfield County and the rest of the state. The ride will start and end at Roger Ludlow Middle School field and run along the beach area and through additional Fairfield County Towns. Riders can choose the length of their routes, ranging from a “Family Fun Ride” (about 10 miles), 25-miles or 100-miles.

Minimum registration will be $25 per rider. Participants raising additional pledges will be eligible for other prizes. The Tour de Sound is one of the few rides that offers a police escort along each route to insure safety. Each registered rider will also receive a box lunch and refreshments at the end of the ride. There also will be live entertainment and raffle prizes. Anthem is the major sponsor of the event, and other sponsors are welcome to apply.
Brown, a senior financial advisor at Merrill Lynch in Fairfield and Rose, head of cardiac surgery at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, plan to expand the number of riders in one of the most scenic bike routes in Fairfield County.

"The cause supported by the ride is the ultimate reason why people get involved,” Brown said. “The Tour de Sound is helping our neighbors, friends and loved ones. It’s also a fun day that the entire family can take part in."

Dr. Rose, a cancer survivor with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, is a tri-athlete and is an example of the indomitable spirit of cancer patients. The father of four, he has ridden in the Tour de Sound for several years – one year with his daughter, Ellen, who is studying to be a Physician’s Assistant.

"Being a cancer survivor, I recognize all the important things the Swim does,” Dr. Rose explained. “You see the results of the Swim programs that support local people in the community."

The Swim supports 34 cancer prevention, screening and education programs through St. Vincent’s Medical Center. In 2003, the Swim provided services to more than 18,000 cancer patients and their families.

Brown, also an avid cyclist and tri-athlete, joined the Tour de Sound through the suggestion of friends to get in shape. Since then, he has become more involved each year.

"I joined because of friends. I was coming out to have fun," Brown said. “It’s such a great cause and I enjoyed the ride so much I had to keep coming back. We’re looking forward to a great event this year.”

UConn Coach Jim Calhoun To Speak at Prostate Cancer Institute Dinner
UConn men’s basketball coach Jim Calhoun will be honored at the first annual Prostate Cancer Institute dinner May 20th at the Holiday Inn, 1070 Main Street in Bridgeport.
The Swim Prostate Cancer Institute will honor Calhoun for his tireless work in campaigning for early detection in fighting the disease. Co-Chairmen Frank Morse, PCI Chair and Bill Mitchell of Mitchells Westport will present the award.

Calhoun, a prostate cancer survivor, will also talk basketball as well as the importance of raising awareness about prostate cancer in men. He will also take part in a pre-dinner cocktail party, co-sponsored by Madison Jewelers and Dr. Robert D. Russo Associates. The event will also include a silent sports auction.

SCHEDULE:
Dinner – 7 p.m.
Keynote Speaker:
UCONN Coach Jim Calhoun
Live Auction of Sports Memorabilia
Ticket - $100

Special Reception – 6 p.m.
Join Coach Calhoun for:
• Photo Opportunities
• Autographs
• Dinner & Cocktails
Ticket - $200

Sponsors: Mitchells Westport, Bigelow Tea, Zoltan Tuba, Town Fair Tire, Health Net

In 2002-03, Coach Calhoun faced the biggest challenge of his life, announcing he had prostate cancer. He took an immediate leave of absence from the team and underwent surgery. He remarkably returned to the sidelines for the team’s match-up with St. John’s at Gampel Pavilion, only 13 days after successful surgery to eliminate his prostate cancer.
Calhoun has molded the Huskies into one of elite collegiate basketball programs in the country. In 17 seasons, Calhoun has accumulated 399-159 (71.5%) mark at Connecticut. Calhoun led the Huskies to the NCAA Division I title in 1999. Several UConn players have gone on to successful careers in the NBA, such as Ray Allen, Donyell Marshall and Chris Smith.

To make a reservation, call St. Vincent’s Foundation – 203-576-5451. Proceeds benefit Swim Across the Sound’s Prostate Cancer Institute.

Fairfield County Basketball Officials Host Youth Tournament to Benefit Teen Smoke Stoppers
Fairfield County Board of Approved Basketball Officials will host the 4th Annual Basketball Classic at Bunnell High School April 19th until April 22nd. All proceeds will benefit Swim Across the Sound “Teen Smoke Stoppers.” The Bulkley Foundation Trust is the title sponsor for the tournament.

The tournament is a single elimination with each team guaranteed two games. The boys and girls divisions will consist of four teams in each one. Games will take place during the evening (TBA) with teams playing one game per night.

There will be four teams in the 7th grade boys division and the same number in girls division as well as four teams in the 8th grade boys division and the same number in the girls division. Ages for entry in the tournament are boys and girls 14 and under in the 7th and 8th grade, born on or after September 1, 1989.

The team entry fee is $150 per team and rosters should have 12 players. Every team member will receive a tournament t-shirt and awards, such as hooded sweatshirts and/or Swiss Army watches donated by Swiss Army Products will be presented to the winners.

For questions, call Glen Colello at (203) 259-4805 or (203) 521-7648 or email - glen@wakemanclub.com.

Swim Volunteer Honored as Community Builder
Tom Casey of Shelton, a long-time Swim volunteer, was honored as a Community Builder by the United Way’s Celebration of Community Builders at the Arena at Harbor Yard on March 16.

“This is a great honor to win the United Way award. I enjoy giving back to the community,” said. “I have been a volunteer for Swim Across the Sound for many years now and I have always enjoyed being a part of a great cause like the Swim.”

Casey, a Sikorsky Aircraft aviation heating and air conditioning mechanic, has been a long-time supporter of the Swim. He is a part of the Sikorsky Men’s Relay Team for four years, which participates in the Swim Marathon. Casey also organized the Swim Mini-Aquathon at the Shelton Community Center, and helped train the two Shelton Seals Relay Teams that swam in the Swim Marathon, which included his son, Tom Casey Jr.

“Tom Casey has been an outstanding volunteer,” said Ron Bianchi, President and CEO of Swim and Corporate Senior Vice President of St. Vincent’s Medical Center. “He exemplifies how people really help out with the Swim. It’s an honor he well deserves.”

Feast of St. Joseph’s Celebrates Italian-Americans & Friends of the Swim
The Sixth Annual Feast of St. Joseph honored Ralph M. Iassogna, Trumbull Superintendent of Schools and Mark A. Lauretti, Mayor of Shelton at the Holiday Inn on Friday, March 19th. Proceeds raised from the evening benefited the Swim and the Italian Cultural Foundation Scholarship.

The feast kicked-off with a cocktail hour at 6:30 p.m., drawing 425 supporters. Dinner included a sumptuous feast of Italian delights, such as porchette, chicken, cheeses and fresh vegetables, baccala and scungili salads – all prepared by Tina. Luigi’s of Bridgeport provided a Venetian table of delectable Italian pastries. Along with the fine dining, there was dancing to the music of the “Essentials.”

Iassogna has been an educator for 36 years, also teaching in Bridgeport and Fairfield. In Trumbull, he has served in several administrative positions, including Principal, Assistant Superintendent and currently Superintendent of Trumbull Public Schools. He participates with Swim Across the Sound and the Regional Youth and Adult Substance Abuse Project (RYASAP). He is also currently a high school football referee, where he has worked four State playoff games and six league championships. The father of three sons and grandfather of six, Iassogna currently resides in Trumbull with his wife, Carol.

“I feel deeply honored to receive such a prestigious award,” Iassogna said. “Serving my community and to the public is something I have really enjoyed. It’s a pleasure to be recognized for something that I love to do. I am very proud to be a part of outstanding organizations like the Swim and the Italian Cultural Foundation.”

Serving his seventh consecutive term as Mayor, Lauretti thrives on his hectic schedule and enjoys his service to the people of Shelton. Mayor Lauretti has held positions as a teacher, track and basketball coach at Shelton High School, Syracuse University and Central High School in Bridgeport. He played in a professional basketball league in Bologna, Italy and now coaches basketball at the Lower Naugatuck Valley Boys and Girls Club. The proud father of four children, Alexa, Nicholas, Anthony and Joseph, Mayor Lauretti resides in Shelton with his wife Anndee.

“It’s a great privilege to receive this outstanding award,” Lauretti said. “I’ve really enjoyed serving my community. Both the Swim and the Italian Cultural Foundation are wonderful organizations which I’m grateful to be a part of.”

The Trumbull High School Choral Group also performed at the feast as a gift to Iassogna from the students at Trumbull High School.

Teen Smoke Stoppers to Debut on PBS
The Teen Smoke Stoppers program, funded by the Swim, will be part of an upcoming show on teen smoking on the Keeping Kids Healthy Show on PBS. KKHS shot the segment in January at Fairfield High School. The date the segment is scheduled to air in April.

The show will feature the teen smoking cessation classroom with Teen Smoke Stoppers Director Mary Ellen Bolcer. She will also appear in the PBS studio during the program to explain the dynamics of TSS. More than 32,000 teens have benefited from Teen Smoke Stoppers prevention classes in over 85 schools throughout the state, encouraging students to avoid or quit smoking. Over 5,000 have participated in the teen smoking cessation classes. The program began in 1996. The mission of Teen Smoke Stoppers is to encourage kids to have a quitting experience. Studies have shown that teens who quit by the age of 18, will likely not smoke for 20 more years.

KKHS is a weekly half-hour TV program designed to provide parents and caregivers of children with the knowledge and support they need to make well-informed decisions about their children’s health. The series, produced by an award-winning editorial team that includes recipients of Pulitzer, Peabody, Emmy and Ace Awards, are on Thirteen/WNET New York, the nation’s flagship PBS station and is offered for syndication to PBS stations around the country. For more information on KKHS visit www.keepingkidshealthy.org.

Inspirational Writing
The Swim newsletter begins a new feature of an inspirational writing that touches on the mission of the Swim. We welcome all cancer survivors or supporters of the Swim to submit a poem, essay or reflective piece for consideration for publication. Send all writings to sziborg@aol.com.

The Obligation of the Cured
By Scott J. Capozza, Cancer Survivor/Swim Volunteer

Physical Therapist – Rehabilitation AssociatesWhile I was going through my surgeries and chemotherapy for testicular cancer, I never asked the question, “Why did I get cancer?” I figured that was a question that I couldn’t answer, and maybe, someday, the answer would make itself clear to me. Instead, after all my treatments were completed, I asked the question, “Why did I survive cancer?”

Shortly after I was given my clean bill of health, my friend Alissa’s father was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Alissa was one of my closest friends in graduate school and she often visited me when I was in the hospital and helped me catch up on my studies when I was up on my feet again. After she told me her dad had cancer, I thought, “I had cancer and I survived, so he should survive his cancer, also.” Unfortunately, he did not survive his battle with cancer; he passed away only two months after being diagnosed, leaving behind his wife, Alissa, and her brother.

It tore me up to see my friend so upset and mad that she had lost her dad. It didn’t make any sense to me. I was, only 23 years old, fresh out of school with no job, no wife or kids of my own; and yet, I survived my battle with cancer. He had a nice house, a loving wife, two intelligent and beautiful grown children, and yet he lost his battle. It didn’t seem fair; I felt like it should have been me who had lost the battle, and not Alissa’s father.

I was by her side at her father’s funeral, and over the next several years, I would frequently go up to visit Alissa. I would take her mind off the loss of her father when she needed to be distracted, and allowed her to vent her anger and sorrow when she needed to. I eventually said to her, if it could have been any other way that I should have lost my fight to cancer so that she could still have her father. She turned to me and stated that maybe the reason why I survived was to help her get through the loss of her father. It was then that I realized that I had survived cancer for a reason. My ‘obligation of the cured’ meant that I needed to provide education to others about cancer; to fight for the cause to end cancer; and to be by the sides of family, friends and strangers alike when the words “You have cancer” are directed at someone they love.

I still think about the struggles that Alissa and her family go through; some days are better than others for them. I do know that I am very fortunate to be a survivor, and I have a much clearer answer to the question “Why did I survive cancer?”

Tee It Up With the Swim
Tee off at the third annual Swim Golf Tournament May 25th at Whitney Farms Golf Club in Monroe. The Fiore-Monahan Consulting Group of Westport will sponsor the tournament for the third consecutive year.

The scramble format will tee off at 12:30 p.m. with registration and lunch at 11 a.m. Following the tournament will be a dinner and awards program. The fee is $300 per player, which includes greens fees, a cart, lunch, dinner and a host of great prizes. Each player will also receive a Swiss Army watch.

Ralph LoStocco and John J. Lawrence, M.D. are co-chairing the tournament that draws a full field each year. Make your reservations soon. For more information or to reserve a spot, contact St. Vincent’s Foundation at 203-576-5451 or visit www.swimacrossthesound.org.

Cancer Support Programs/Lectures Schedule
The Cancer Support Programs and Lectures, sponsored by the Swim, will be in full swing for 2004. Here is a listing:

1. The General Cancer Support Group will meet 6-7:30 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month.
2. The Cancer Lecture Series will continue to take place on alternating months. The next lecture will be April 6th – Lynn Roberge Discussing Stress Reducers.
3. The Look Good Feel Better Program meets six times during the year. This is a highly successful support program so please encourage all chemo/RT female patients to attend. If necessary, patients can bring a guest for assistance.
4. The Breast Cancer Support Group gets together on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month from 5:30-7 p.m.
5. The Family Support Group meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month from 4-5:30 p.m. for lymphoma, multiple myloma and leukemia patients. The group is done in partnership with the Leukemia Lymphoma Society.

For more information about these support groups or to reserve a place, contact Teresa Money McLaughlin, Case Manager, Outpatient Cancer at 576-6158.

Remember the Swim
Of all the worthwhile causes, few meet the work the Swim does in helping others. There are many ways to help the Swim:

• Donate to Swim events;
• Participate in Swim events;
• Name the Swim in your will;
• Donate a planned income gift;
• Volunteer;
• Run your own Swim fundraiser.

For more information, call the Swim Foundation at 203-576-5451.

UPCOMING EVENTS

March 31, 2004
2nd Annual Walk with Harold Best In Fashion Show
Mitchells, Westport

April 19-22, 2004
Fairfield County Board of Approved Basketball Officials Tournament

April 26, 2004
101 Boy’s Night Out
Vazzy’s Bridgeport

May 16, 2004
Shelton Swim-A-Thon Shelton Community Center
8:00 am-8:00 pm

May 20, 2004
1st Annual Prostate Cancer Institute Dinner with Coach Jim Calhoun!
Holiday Inn, Bridgeport
Make Reservations Now: (203) 576-5451

May 25, 2004
3rd Annual Golf Tournament
Whitney Farms Golf Club, Monroe

May 27, 2004
DiNardo Dinner
Saugatuck Rowing Club, Westport

AUGUST 7, 2004
2004 Swim Marathon
Captain’s Cove Marina, Bridgeport, CT

St. Vincent's Medical Center's Swim Across the Sound is turning the tide against cancer.

The Swim has a unique mission to help cancer patients in need. The Swim raised $2.5 million in 2003 and helped 18,000 cancer survivors and their families throughout Southern Connecticut.

This is not a research program, but a charitable foundation dedicated to helping people on a case-by-case basis. The Swim has grown into a series of year-round activities focused on raising funds to underwrite 34 cancer education, screening and support group programs.