Hitting Below the Belt

By Heather Minter for Spark Media

Gynecological cancer doesn’t get a lot of press.  It’s private.  Its effects are private.  Many of the symptoms are things women easily ignore.  There’s a reason they call ovarian cancer “The Silent Killer.”  Bloating, pelvic discomfort, pain during intercourse, or terrible gas are not things that might make you run to your doctor.  But you should.  Early detection is critical.  In early stages, these cancers are treatable and have high survival rates.  Undetected, they are thieves in the night.  They steal fertility, they steal sex organs, they steal lives.  And gynecological cancer is under-publicized and underfunded.  But we can do something to help.  Awareness is the key.  

No Evidence of Disease.  These are the sweetest words a woman who has battled gynecological cancer can hear.  This is the goal for all GYN Oncologists.  But there are six incredible doctors who not only spend their days fighting cancer, they spend their nights spreading awareness.  N.E.D. is the name of their band, and they take their mission and their music very seriously.  They want to be a “lightening rod for awareness” and help drive funding for research and early detection.  But they’re not just about spreading awareness, they are about making great music, music you can dance to, music with which you can celebrate survival.

Stephen Russ of beliefnet writes that the music “is anchored by a solid rhythm section and bluesy lead guitar while much of the musical intrigue comes from the work of John Soper who often adds the flavor to each piece through the mandolin and slide guitar. The two vocalists, John Boggess and Joanie Hope, each have a unique tone with John providing the pop balance to Joanie’s husky, homey folk tone.”  NED’s music is about remaining upbeat while surviving life, whatever difficulties it brings.  They have a message of hope for those battling cancer and suffering alone.  As lead singer, John Boggess says, “there are worse things than getting cancer, and that’s feeling isolated and without help and understanding.”

But now, not only are they spreading awareness through music, they are the subjects of an upcoming feature-length documentary titled “Dancing with N.E.D.”  Stone Soup Productions and Spark Media have taken up their cause and are in production of this film now.  They need our help to get this film made.  

Why is this important to me?  Having suffered from a severely painful and life-altering gynecological syndrome, I know something about the difficulty of suffering alone.  I was diagnosed with Vulvar Vestibulitis in 2003 after years of seeing various doctors, searching for an answer.  I know how weird it is to talk about your vulva on a regular basis, to have it displayed on large screens and have it surgically altered.  I know about how this affects you sexually, emotionally and physically.  It sucks.  But I can’t even wrap my head around going through that and battling for my life.  I can’t imagine chemotherapy and radiation and radical hysterectomies.  I can’t imagine having my uterus removed before I even had the chance to get pregnant.  I can’t imagine the fear, the loss, the struggle for hope.  And this year alone, 90,000 women will face that battle.  

Please, help fund this film.  Help spread the word about gynecological cancer.  Help women learn about prevention and early detection.  My mother is a survivor because of early detection. Help reach out to the thousands of women who are suffering with a message of hope.  These cancers really hit below the belt.  Let’s fight back.

Here’s how you can help.

Go check out the film at http://www.dancingwithned.com/.  
Check out the band at http://nedtheband.com/.
Become a fan of the movie on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/DancingWithNED.

And then think about something you can afford to GIVE UP so that other women won’t have to.

Every little bit will help.  Make coffee at home for a month and GIVE UP your Starbucks fund to Dancing with Ned.  GIVE UP that cab ride and walk instead.  GIVE UP a movie, a dinner out, a new book.  Give It Up so that more women know they can hear those sweet words,

No Evidence of Disease!

Visit The Give It Up Campaign here to tell them what you’re giving up.  Then visit the donation page and make your pledge.  Thank you.  

* Heather Minter is a BlogHer.com Life featured writer, wife and mother of three. You can read her personal blog Fresh Mintings here and on BlogHer.

In memory of our good friend Stetson Kennedy.

William Stetson Kennedy, whose radical opposition to Jim Crow racial segregation made him a pariah in his hometown early in life and an honored elder statesman late in life, died in St. Augustine, Florida, August 27^th. He was 94.

One of the pioneer folklore collectors during the first half of the twentieth century, he is remembered for having infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in the 1940s, exposing its secrets to authorities and the world. His actions led to the state of Georgia’s 1947 revocation of the Klan's national corporate charter.

Kennedy began his crusades against what he called "homegrown racial terrorists" during World War II when a back injury made him ineligible for duty.

"All my friends were in service and being shot at in a big way. They were fighting racism whether they knew it or not," Kennedy said. "At least I could see if I could do something about the racist terrorists in our backyard."

In the 60’s, Kennedy became active in the local civil rights movement in Jacksonville, joining demonstrators who were attempting to desegregate downtown lunch counters. Alton Yates, leader of the NAACP Youth Council which organized the sit-ins, said Kennedy actually warned police that Klan members were planning to attack demonstrators: “Stetson was one of the greatest contributors to the anti-poverty and civil rights movements in the country. He was just a unique individual."

The author of countless articles, eight books and co-author of a ninth, he was writing books and speeches into his 90s. Neither age nor the Klan could slow him down.

"He was a giant," said Peggy Bulger, friend, protégé, and director of American Folklife for the Library of Congress. "He never quit working. Last time I talked to him he was still full of p--- and vinegar."

"I don't like to think I've mellowed," said Kennedy, at 85. "Mellowing is for wine, and my last words will be my most militant," he said with a chuckle.

The day he checked into the hospital, Kennedy told the physician, "that every person has a cause and his was finished." Sandra Parks, his wife wrote, "Few people see their life's purpose so dramatically fulfilled.”

Now, his legacy will live on in Spark’s new feature length documentary: Klandestine Man.

“it's one world, one morality, what afflicts one afflicts all…, --Stetson wrote in an email to Director Andrea Kalin. Inspired to share his “radical” ideals of justice and equality he relayed his last directive in a clear and firm voice one day before he made his last trip to the hospital.

“On with the show!”. He commanded.

Come Relay Around The Mall!

By Maribel Quezada for Spark Media

You don't need to be a runner to be on our team this October.

Doctor Larry Maxwell, Chairman of the Department of OB-GYN at the Inova Fairfax Hospital in northern Virginia is hoping to draw attention on the mall this October. The goal? To run 100 mile relay around the national mall 24 hours per day for 4 days straight.

According to Dr Maxwell, this is an effort to promote the Race to End Women’s Cancer scheduled for November 6 2011 in Washington DC, and the band N.E.D. featured in the upcoming documentary Dancing with N.E.D. "We are recruiting folks willing to run five or 10 mile segments in a grass roots demonstration." says Dr. Maxwell.

There is still time to sign up and help make this movement a success. Remember, you don't have to be a marathon runner. These are regular people in all levels of fitness who just want to be a part of something meaningful. And if you were looking for an excuse to shape up, here's your motivation! Come join us from October 21 through  the 24th on the National Mall.

For more information or to volunteer and sign up please visit: http://www.doodle.com/uuuhhph34d9fycy4

Dancing with N.E.D.
Race to End Women's Cancer

Documentaries Matter

Reason # 408 Why Documentaries Matter:

What docs are trying to do is figure out how something happens, so we can say, 'I understand'.

Can you share more reasons with us why documentaries matter? Send them to us at info@sparkmedia.org

Documentaries Matter!

Reason #330 why documentaries matter:

What a fantastic gift to millions of people to allow them into the life of someone else that they wouldn’t otherwise know.

Share your reasons with us and help us tell the world that documentaries matter!

Dancing with N.E.D. - GYN Cancer

By Maribel Quezada for Spark Media

If you live in the United States, you probably know that one out of eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. That means you probably know more than one woman who has been diagnosed with this disease. Sadly, I know several. But I also know other women who have been impacted by other forms of cancer – specifically gynecological cancer. Often called the silent killer, these cancers can strike unannounced and with symptoms that are sometimes difficult to detect.

There are five main types of gynecological cancers: Cervical, Ovarian, Uterine, Vaginal, and Vulvar. According to current statistics, a woman is diagnosed with a form of GYN cancer every 7 minutes. That’s 200 every day! That’s why it’s important to talk about it, and it’s important to educate ourselves about the checkups, screenings, symptoms, and treatments available. That’s the goal that six gynecologic oncologists set out to achieve when they formed the rock band No Evidence of Disease – N.E.D. Spark Media began producing a documentary, compelled by the message and devotion these doctors share. And so began the journey of “Dancing with N.E.D.”

Working on this documentary has undoubtedly taught me more about gynecological cancers than I ever intended to learn. I’ve spent many afternoons reading up on blogs, medical articles and websites about the symptoms, treatments, screenings and life after cancer. And in doing so, I realized that there are some basic questions every woman needs to know the answers to when it comes to taking control of their health.

1. What are the symptoms of gynecological cancer?

According to Dr. Deborah Nucatola, senior director of Medical Affairs for Planned Parenthood there are no symptoms specific to ovarian cancer. In fact, women are more likely to have general symptoms, such as like pelvic pain, bloating and changes in bowel or bladder habits. Endometrial cancer and cervical cancer symptoms are also pretty nonspecific signs, like abnormal bleeding, especially after menopause, and lower abdominal pain.

2. What should I do if I experience some of the more generalized symptoms of GYN cancers like bloating or heart burn?

According to Dr. William Winter, N.E.D. band member and Gynecologic Oncologist at Northwest Cancer Specialists, you should check with your primary care doctor. Chances are it is just that - reflux, ulcer, or gastritis. However, if it doesn't resolve with dietary changes or anti-reflux medications, go to your doctor. The exception to this rule is if you are a part of the high risk population with a genetic disposition to breast and ovarian cancer. (For more information of genetic disposition visit the CDC Cancer site.)

3. Ovarian cancer seems to be the most difficult to detect of GYN cancers, are there any recommended screenings used to help rule it out?

There is no accepted or effective screening exam for ovarian cancer. It is a statistically uncommon disease to catch in its early stages without a noninvasive test. According to Dr. Winter, blood tumor markers, ultrasounds and frequent pelvic exams have been tried. “At best so far this results in many unnecessary surgeries to find one cancer. Bottom-line - we are far from a screening test. Prevention is key, oral contraceptive pills can reduce your risk by up to 50%.”

4. What options do under-insured or uninsured women have for preventative care?

Planned Parenthood offers preventative care to uninsured or low income women such as PAP tests, pelvic exams, ultrasounds and blood tests. The cost of services can vary based on a variety of factors, including the health center’s location, funding and the type of care being sought. According to Dr. Deborah Nucatola, many of the affiliates are able to offer care to uninsured patients on a sliding-fee scale based on their income. And some Planned Parenthood affiliates receive funding that allows them to offer services to very low-income patients at no cost.
There are also hospital programs around the U.S. that offer preventative health care for women at low or no cost. Evelyn Robles-Rodriguez, Director of Oncology Outreach Programs at the Cooper Cancer Institute, leads the Camden County Cancer Screening Project Program that provides screening for certain types of cancer such as cervical. According to Evelyn, “the beauty of the program for the cervical cancers, is that we are finding early changes such as HVP, carcinoma and low grade lesions before they turn into cancer, thus preventing future cervical cancers, giving our underserved and minority women a better chance of surviving their disease.”

Helpful sources:
Dancing with N.E.D.
N.E.D.
Planned Parenthood
CDC Cancer

Maribel Quezada is a communications professional and freelance contributor to the Spark blog. You can follow her personal blog on tumblr & on Twitter @MaribelQM

Quick Guide to Your Privacy on Facebook

By Maribel Quezada for Spark Media

Many of us use social media as a major means for communication. It has become a significant part of our daily interaction. It is because we spend so much time online, that we have to take these tools seriously and learn to manage them properly.

Who is watching YOU on facebook?

- Your best friend & not so best friend
- Potential employers
- Current employers & colleagues
- The media

Always remember: what you post online could become public domain and can never be erased. This means that it can be used in anything from a court of law, a newspaper article or popular magazine sometimes without your consent.

Including:

- Photos
- Videos
- Messages
- Emails
- Comments
- Status updates

Know your Privacy Options

1. Classify your friends. It sounds harsh and it might take you some time, depending on the number of facebook friends you have but it gives you more control. On facebook you have the option to create lists for different groups of people you are friends with and give each list specific permissions and restrictions. For example, you may want to create separate lists for family and colleagues. This way you can allow anyone in the Family list to view your pictures, no one categorized in the Colleagues list. You can find this option under the FRIENDS tab on the right-hand side of the page.

2. Don’t be afraid to block someone. And if you feel threatened or unsafe you should report them immediately. On facebook you can find the block button under PRIVACY SETTINGS

3. Be aware of who can see your updates. facebook has made it easier to choose who can see your updates by simply clicking on the lock icon below your post, before you publish it, and selecting the friends lists to exclude form viewing this post. This is another wonderful benefit of classifying your friends into lists.

4. Lastly, you should never accept invitations from people you don’t know. If you’re worried about networking, that’s what LinkedIn is for.

You can still have fun with your facebook profile and feel free to express who you are. Just remember: The world is watching!

Maribel Quezada is a communications professional and freelance contributor to the Spark blog. You can follow her personal blog on tumblr & on Twitter @MQ02

Using the Creative Commons License On Flickr

Written by, Melissa Turley for Spark Media

$39.50 for a picture of Abe Lincoln’s inauguration. $75.00 for a sunset over the pacific. It seems you can put a price on a timeless image and those costs can add up. An alternative is to take advantage of photos under the creative commons license on Flickr.com.

• STEP 1: Search for an image on Flickr
  

• STEP 2: Go to an advanced search.

• STEP 3: Scroll down to the bottom of the advanced search page and select the box indicating content under the creative commons license.

• STEP 4: After selecting an image you would like to use, scroll down to the bottom right and click on the license.

YOU'RE DONE! After clicking on the license, the owner of the image will list their agreement under the creative commons, stipulating how the work must be attributed or reused.

* Melissa Turley is an undergraduate Journalism & Mass Communication student at The George Washington University in Washington DC. She is also a fantastic intern at Spark Media.

AMMF Featured in What Makes Us Smile

Check out the American Visionary Art Museum, a terrific museum in Baltimore, Maryland which is currently featuring an exhibition called What Makes Us Smile? Described as a "playful celebration of human joy," the exhibition is co-curated by The Simpsons mastermind Matt Groening, artist Gary Pantor and AVAM founder Rebecca Hoffberger.

We are excited and honored to have clips from our comedy film, Allah Made Me Funny, included in the exhibition. If you live in the Baltimore/Washington D.C. area, you should check it out!

Click here for more information!

Location:
American Visionary Art Museum
800 Key Highway
Baltimore, MD 21230


Hours:
Tuesdays through Sunday 10am to 6pm

Soul of a People at NCPH

Soul of a People: Writing America's Story is scheduled to be screened at the upcoming National Council on Public History Annual Meeting in Pensacola, Florida on April 9th!

The NCPH is an organization that advances "the field of of public history, promoting professionalism among among history practitioners and encouraging their engagement with the public."

The theme of this year's annual meeting is "Crossing Borders/Building Communities - Real and Imagined" You can find out more about this meeting HERE.

Soul of a People will screen on Saturday, April 9th, at 1:30pm.

The location is the beautiful Crowne Plaza Grand Hotel in Pensacola at 200 East Gregory Street, Pensacola, Florida 32502. The number for more information is 1-850-433-3336.

Hope you can make it!

A Call to Action!

The budgetary wrangling in Congress has gone from bad to worse, with potential cuts to the National Endowment for the Humanities approaching $22 million. Don't let this happen! Contact your Congressman and make your voice heard. Here is a LINK to reach your representative.

Here is a message from Jim Leach, Chairman of the NEH:

"There are, of course, costs to all public programs, but the cost of not supporting some could be far higher. Just as we need an infrastructure of roads and bridges, we need an infrastructure of ideas. In a splintered world, bridging cultures may be our most difficult challenge."

Remember - for those who argue that we need to tighten our belts in tough, economic times - the total budget for the NEH is not even a drop in the bucket for the federal budget, and these cuts will literally make no difference in reducing our deficit. But these cuts will have a large and damaging impact on the communities that the NEH serves. So click the LINK and make your voice heard!

Help Save Public Humanities!

Dear friends,

This week, Congress is voting on a proposed $12 million cut to the National Endowment for the Humanities. There have also been some unfortunate rumblings about Congress eliminating the NEH from next year's federal budget altogether.

We cannot let this happen. Look, we understand that in tough economic times belts need to be tightened, but the NEH represents only 1/21,000 of the current federal budget. It is a drop in the bucket and will literally have no impact on reducing our deficit. But these cuts would have a huge impact and far-reaching consequences for the communities the NEH serves.

For such low cost, NEH funds programs benefit libraries, museums, veterans and VA hospitals, historians, educational filmmakers and educators. These are programs that strengthen our communities and enrich our lives, providing a core of learning that will help us as a nation face the problems of today and tomorrow. We need your support today!

How can you help? It's easy! Just click on this LINK and let your Congressional representative know that you support the humanities and the NEH. This will literally take 2 minutes.

For those of you who are worried your voice won't be heard, don't forget that the NEH fought a similar budget battle in the mid-1990s. And thanks to overwhelming public support, the NEH has been able to continue its strong work in our communities. So there is proof that your voice will be heard!


Thank you!!!

N.E.D. on KGW.com!

KGW.com has recently featured N.E.D. as part of their Making a Difference segment. Entitled Doctors Spread Healing Through Rock, it's a great story. We definitely recommend you click on the link below and check it out!

DOCTORS SPREAD HEALING THROUGH ROCK

N.E.D. performs in Portland!

NED performs at the Aladdin Theater in Portland!

Our film crews have just returned from a fantastic film shoot - we just filmed N.E.D. performing to a wildly enthusiastic crowd at the Aladdin Theater in Portland, Oregon!

This is most exciting N.E.D. concert we've been to yet, with the band performing songs from their upcoming album, as well as their older material. The band truly rocked the house and the footage is superb.

There is a great article about the event HERE.

The production shoot continues as our videographers are following Dr. Joanie Hope home to Alaska. Expect updates on the Alaskan adventure soon!

Also, don't forget to follow Dancing with N.E.D. on Facebook!