Sidewalks to Science: Getting to know Dr. Carmen Bergom, M.D., Ph.D. at Medical College of Wisconsin

IMG_3093-Edit

Dedicating her life to finding a cure for breast cancer, Dr. Carmen Bergom is driven to help Komen meet our Bold Goal of reducing the current number of breast cancer deaths by 50% by 2026. As a radiation oncology physician, she works closely with patients and patient advocates that inspire her to improve breast cancer outcomes through research and clinical care.

In this month’s Sidewalks to Science blog, we will get to know Dr. Bergom a little better.

When I’m not in the lab I…

Love to spend time with my husband and three wonderful daughters, ages 5 to 13
Enjoy spending time on the lake with my family
Love to ski

Bergom Komen Event 2

What I do… study the tumor cell microenvironment to potentially enhance treatment options

My team studies the environment around the breast cancer tumor cell that influences growth, spread and treatment response. Better understanding these environmental factors could lead to improved targeted treatment options for patients.

Breast cancer is… personal to me, my friends and family

I have a family history of the disease and have witnessed too many loved ones be directly impacted by breast cancer. These experiences led me to become a radiation oncology physician scientist, specifically treating breast cancer patients as well as leading a breast cancer research lab.

Bergom Lab 4

Working with patients… has helped shape my current research program

In my interactions with patients, I would see people who had the same stage, tumor markers and other predictive features, and then have vastly different outcomes from treatments. That’s what made me focus my work on recognizing these non-tumor differentiators, and this research that could lead to more personalized and effective treatments.

People with breast cancer should… ask for help when they need it

Friends, family, support groups and organizations like Komen are always there to help breast cancer patients in need. Using resources to assist with cancer-related challenges may reduce stress and anxiety in some patients, helping to ease an already challenging time.

sidewalkes

Komen is… helping the community

I have a special affinity for organizations like Komen that battle breast cancer on all fronts — advocacy, research, and community — all improving patient outcomes. In addition to participating in the Race for the Cure and local Affiliate fundraisers, I have also had the privilege of giving laboratory tours to patient advocates, helping them see our research at work.

“Like everyone touched by breast cancer, I believe improved outcomes for breast cancer patients cannot be achieved soon enough!”

Welcome Spring! 3-Day Fundraising Ideas

3DAY_2017_SD_MDER_1306

Spring is here at last! The weather might not quite be reflecting it yet in some parts of the country, but we are more than a little excited about blooming flowers, sunshiny days and more walks outside. This change of season also allows for new fundraising opportunities, and we have them rounded up all in one spot. Get outside and make the most of the season!

Spring Cleaning Garage Sale

This one is a no brainer, and helps you in more ways than one! Spring cleaning your house, closet, kitchen and beyond will help de-clutter your life. This can also help de-clutter your emotions and even be a de-stressing technique. Throw away or donate what you need to, but save as much as you can, then hold a garage sale with the proceeds going to the 3-Day!

3DAY_2017_SD_MDER_2157

April Fool’s Day

Lots of people play April Fool’s Day pranks – Why not take advantage of it? Partner with local comedians or radio hosts to set up a “you donate and we prank” fundraising movement. You can have them make prank calls or even prank “deliveries,” and ask your friends and family to donate for the right to send a prank on the funny holiday.

Spring Spa Day

Ask local salons, spas and hairdressers to donate products like lotion, nail polish, or scrubs and host a spa day at home! Ask for donations from your friends in exchange for “services” like scalp massages, manicures or hand scrubs. It’s the perfect way to spend a Sunday with your friends.

Flower Delivery

Those florists and local gift shops you worked with to send Valentine’s Day flowers? Call them up again! See if they would be willing to donate any extra flowers at the end of each week, then you can make special deliveries to potential donors. Who could say “no” to a fundraising letter that comes with a bouquet?

Earth Day or Arbor Day Hike

Ask people to sponsor miles of a hike you will take in honor of the many Mother Nature-related holidays in April. Every mile you walk means more funding for the 3-Day! It will double as a good training walk, and could be used as a team building or recruitment exercise as well! Asking your friends to walk with you gives you plenty of time to tell them your 3-Day story…they might just join you!

Get Outside

Offer lawn care services and car washes,to people in your neighborhood in exchange for donations! You probably have all the materials you need right at home, so all it will cost is your time. It will also give you a great excuse to get outside!

What are your spring fundraising plans? Tell us in the comments!

Making the Most of the 3-Day Training Apps

Day 1 of the Susan G. Komen 3day walk in Novi, Michigan on August 4, 2017.

Walking 60 miles is no small feat, and it certainly takes training! Everyone prepares in different ways, but one easy way to start and track your training is with our 3-Day training apps. With training plans for both 24 and 16 weeks out from each of our 2018 3-Days, the apps make it simple to get 60-mile ready!

The features of the 3-Day App include:

Weekly training tips
Daily mileage goals
Track your distance and pace with each workout, with built-in GPS*
See your walk on a map
Select your own music and skip tracks without leaving the app
And more!

3Day_2017_MI_MD-610

If you haven’t started using it yet, now is the time! All you have to do is open the Apple App Store to buy and download apps. Search for “Susan G. Komen 3-Day” and choose the 24-week or 16-week version of the app. Follow on-screen instructions, and for just $2.99 the app will be all yours to explore and use!

Have any more questions? We have answers!

How do I see my mileage goal for the day?

Tap the “Walk” icon, then scroll left or right to select the day (i.e., Week 22, Day 5) to view the mileage goal for the day.

To mark your walk complete, all you have to do is tap the “Walk” icon again, then scroll left or right to select the day (i.e., Week 22, Day 5). Double tap the day to mark the mileage goal for the day as complete. Great job!

How do I see my weekly training tips?

Tap the “Walk” icon, then scroll left or right to select the day (EX: Week 22, Day 5) and tap the “Tips” button to see the walking tip for that day. They’re a great way to stay motivated and excited as your training kicks into high gear!

Day 1 of the Susan G. Komen 3day walk in Novi, Michigan on August 4, 2017.

How do I track the distance and pace of my walk?

Tap the “Walk” icon, then scroll left or right to select the day (EX: Week 22, Day 5). Once you’ve selected the day and mileage you’d like to walk, tap “GO!” A countdown will begin. If you’ve selected a specific playlist, music will also start playing then to get you in the walking mood. As you walk, your distance and pace will be calculated. This will help you make sure you’re not pushing yourself too hard, and to see how your pace changes throughout your walk.

How do I share my workouts on social media?

To share workout information on Facebook and/or Twitter, tap the “Settings” icon from the main page, then tap “Sharing.” You’ll get to choose options for what platform you want to share on! If you’re part of our 3-Day Social Stars community, don’t forget to use #3daysocialstars and #sponsored when you share to earn points for the month!

How do I select which music to play while I’m walking with the app?

Great tunes help a walk go by quicker and easier! Just tap the “Settings” icon, then “Music.” You can choose from playlists, shuffle songs and other options to be the soundtrack to your training. Then, tap “Music” on the main screen, and choose which playlist you’d like to hear during your walk.

What do I do if I start using the app after the training program has already begun for my 3-Day?

Don’t worry! You can advance to the current weekly training schedule by tapping “Choose Event” from the home screen and then “Walk.” A question will pop up, asking you if you want to catch up. Just choose that, and get walking!

How do I see stretching tips?

Yes, we even have these on the app too! From the Home screen, tap “Walk.” Next to the “Go” button, tap “Stretch.” You should know that the stretching program is a supplementary program available in the app store for a $1.99 additional fee. But, it’s worth it to keep your muscles fresh and loose!

Download the app in the Apple App Store now! Then, share your progress with us on social media. Good luck!

Note: Please keep in mind that the app is only available in the Apple App Store, not available for Android phones. If you don’t have an iPhone, or don’t want to purchase the app, you can find your 24-week or 16-week suggested training program at The3Day.org/Training.