American Cancer Society – South Palm Beach Chapter Talks of a Cancer-free New Year and Reminds of Upcoming Hope Gala
The American Cancer Society – South Palm Beach Chapter leadership wishes The Patriots Press readers a good year filled with excellent health. Jamie Lober, Public Relations Chairman stresses that taking care of your general wellbeing and safety can help you stay cancer-free. When she is not in the swimming pool or catching up with her best friends, you can find Lober applying her master’s in health psychology and decade of experience in health education to offer up health advice and promote the local American Cancer Society. “One of the many reasons I feel the American Cancer Society is great is their dedication to teach people how to get well and stay well and it is a misconception that doing so is such a big commitment,” said Lober. Getting healthier in 2013 does not have to be a time-consuming resolution. “Wash your hands with soap and water for fewer than twenty seconds and that is less than a minute right there,” said Lober.
Hygiene is not the only thing that you can control in under a minute. “Put on sunscreen, seek shaded areas and cover up so you do not get sunburned or even worse, skin cancer,” said Lober. Automobile accidents are one of the most common causes of injury that can be avoided by taking precautions which take less than a minute. “Put on your seatbelt and if your child is under twelve years-old, put him in the backseat,” said Lober. Kids tend to engage in risky behavior without thinking. “Never leave someone in the pool unattended and if you go boating, be sure your child has a properly-fitted lifejacket to reduce his risk of drowning,” said Lober. Resisting negative cravings like smoking does not take much time either. “Try deep breathing, chew a piece of gum or just do something else because nobody wants to breathe secondhand smoke,” said Lober. The list of what you can do is endless. “Read food labels, test smoke alarms every month, do a skin check, know your numbers, recycle, wear earplugs if you will be somewhere loud, do not be afraid to ask questions of your doctor and know the signs of heart attack and stroke,” said Lober.
Staying healthy means taking time out to participate in fun activities, which leads the American Cancer Society to remind us that their Hope Gala will take place on Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 6:30pm at the luxurious Woodfield Country Club. Claiming she could give a sermon on the reasons to attend, Lober emphasizes what a gratifying experience both personally and professionally her involvement with the American Cancer Society has been. “It will be nice to see the amazing result of all of our hard work, take a day to relax and then it is on to the next one,” said Lober. Each member of Leadership has stepped up to the plate for a different reason. “Everyone has a connection of some sort and for me, I am in this for my father and I will be in this organization until his rare cancer is cured,” said Lober.
As we already know, the 2013 Hope Gala proclaims the 100th birthday of the American Cancer Society. As for the future, Leadership appears hopeful yet cautious. “I adore this Society and applaud the wonderful staff partners who make things happen everyday but at the same time with all sincerity I say that I hope they are all unemployed soon because that will mean our mission of creating a world without cancer has been accomplished,” said Lober. The organization does not move forward without taking a few moments to look back.
Over the past century, the American Cancer Society has made significant progress in the areas of education, advocacy, research and support services to name a few. “I like to think we are the most popular nonprofit in America and the fact that we have stood strong for 100 years supports that, though it is more important to say that we are going to continue celebrating our progress and raising money until cancer stops taking years from people’s lives,” said Lober. In a health-conscious territory like South Florida where you would imagine people do all they can to stay cancer-free, Lober criticizes the prevalence of smoking. “I do not believe there is such thing as light or intermittent smoking; you either do or do not smoke and if you are so afraid of the stigma of being a smoker, you should just quit and avoid the health risks while you can,” said Lober. Before switching gears to the details of the Hope Gala, Lober insists the previous topic is not done. “You cannot just tell people to quit smoking without telling them how, so we must mention that there are telephone quit lines, online support groups, mental health counselors and medications like Chantix or Zyban and your doctor would be glad to help you make a plan,” said Lober.
It is encouraged that everyone comes out and shows their support for the American Cancer Society at the Hope Gala. “It will be legendary and the only gala of its kind, as we celebrate the progress that has been made in the fight against hundreds of devastating diseases where cells just grow out of control,” said Lober. You can expect a fine dining experience, live and silent auctions and spectacular entertainment and dancing. “This is an awesome way to do a lot of good and it only requires a few hours of your time,” said Lober. Both individuals who care about the cause and those who have been touched by cancer will be present at the gala, including some very brave children who are currently in the battle. “I want to be sure that all of these people, particularly the children, receive a warm welcome and it is frustrating that it still feels necessary to say that cancer is not contagious and you cannot get it from sharing meals, having sex or breathing the same air,” said Lober. Lober suggests there is a lot of misinformation about how cancer is transmitted. “The only health concern at the gala is the same germs that are anywhere else in the community so you should wash your hands and be careful who you are kissing since there is not much else to say,” said Lober.
The American Cancer Society is awarding proceeds from the gala to R.O.C.K. (Reaching out to Cancer Kids) Camp, Florida’s first and only residential for children with cancer. “I am so thrilled that R.O.C.K. Camp is available and doing what they do and that doctors are getting information out about it as well,” said Lober. Childhood cancer seems to have come far. “As the doctor’s approach becomes more specialized and interdisciplinary, I think kids are having better long-term outcomes, living longer and healthcare professionals are doing a better job of looking out for any potential health consequences later in life,” said Lober. Based on the energy, integrity, knowledge and confidence Lober displays as she represents the American Cancer Society, it is clear that 2013 will be a good year for them. You can contact Ellen Vaughan, unit executive director at (561)-394-7751, x5308 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for information about tickets or sponsorships.