Mass for Lynne

On Saturday April 21, 2007 there will be a Mass held for Lynne at St. Patrick's Church in Malvern at 5:00 pm.

Celebration on the Hill - 2006 : Rally For Advocacy

Below is a post from The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. All are welcome to join in the Celebration to rally for Advocacy in the fight against cancer. It could be enlightening!

www.acscan.org

Celebration on the Hill 2006 is an American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network event celebrating cancer survivorship and empowering survivors and others to advocate for laws that will help fight the disease. On September 19-20, 2006, nearly 4,000 American Cancer Society "Celebration Ambassadors" will gather in Washington, DC for Celebration on the Hill 2006—a unique event that will show our country's lawmakers how the American Cancer Society and its sister organization the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network is waging the fight against cancer in communities nationwide.
Organized by the American Cancer Society's sister issue advocacy organization, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Ambassadors will meet with their members of Congress and let them know that fighting cancer is a priority to their constituents back home.

The goals for Celebration on the Hill 2006 include:

Making cancer a priority with elected officials
Expanding advocacy outreach
Advancing a healthy public policy agenda
Mobilizing the American Cancer Society Cancer Action NetworkSM

First held in 2002, Celebration on the Hill ushered in a new era of building cancer awareness with policymakers everywhere.

Lynne Smith Fund Has Had Over 2000 Hits!!

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As of today we have had over 2,000 hits on this site.




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National News Again!!!

Yesterday the Lynne Smith Fund was in the national news again... Check it Out!!

http://www.topix.net/health/colon-cancer/page2

Oh That Test:Get Over It!

Reprinted from the Tallahassee Democrat (www.tallahassee.com)
Originally published July 30, 2006


By Mary Ann Lindley
EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR


While traveling this summer, I've seen Katie Couric's beautiful smile on many airport billboards and every time I've thought: What a woman!

She is almost single-handedly bringing out of the closet a topic that makes more people squeamish by far than taboos we tucked away for generations, but which are now easily discussed.


Couric is making it more tolerable to acknowledge that each of us, even beautiful TV celebrities, has a colon and that it needs to be as well-tended and healthy as our hearts, lungs, blood vessels, prostates, breasts, thyroids and all other significant body parts that manage to remain giggle-proof.

Couric's husband died of colorectal cancer and her mission for several years has been to urge people who are 50 or older to have That Test. She herself had it discreetly performed on TV.

The test that makes grown men whimper and women who have given birth to five children flinch is the colonoscopy. It's the most thorough examination for early signs of colorectal cancer, but there are less-invasive, less-expensive tests such as the sigmoidoscopy, that also provide early warnings.

I've had 'em all, the sigmoidoscopy not long after my mother was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 1976. She received that terrible news shortly after her brother had died of colon cancer, and so my doctor said it wasn't too soon to be screened.

I was younger than most people when I had my first colonoscopy. A few weeks ago I had my second one, and I'll have the test every three years from now on, in accordance with the advice of Dr. Timothy Paulk of the Digestive Disease Clinic. My family history trumps other risk indicators: eating a lot of fatty foods, smoking at all, drinking excessive alcohol, failing to exercise, being overweight.

The test is by no means a dreadful ordeal. The worst part is drinking 8 ounces every 15 minutes for three long hours a bland pharmaceutical product amusingly named Golytely, and you will. Go.

This cleansing procedure gets tiresome and traps you near a bathroom. You can't eat anything to speak of, and nothing at all from the night before the procedure. Yet, a funny thing happened to me at some point during this preparation: I began to feel incredibly virtuous, pure as the driven snow, light of spirit, and bored enough that I was more than ready to get on with the colonoscopy. Which is a piece of cake.

You will be sedated and have a nice nap, waking up to a pleasant desire to have a bite to eat, but probably not a triple cheeseburger. Remember, your body has adjusted to your 24-hour fast and is appreciating how your favorite jeans aren't so tight now.

Most likely, you'll then get a doctor's report that helps guide your future health-care habits, but which will not give you any bad news. But if the test results do show a condition of concern, such as polyps, which are typically removed during the test, you are already many steps ahead of Katie Couric's husband. He died of not bothering to be screened for subtle conditions that can take a decade to turn into cancer.

You would also be far ahead of my mother, who although she is 87 today, has lived for nearly 30 years with her digestive system rerouted by a full and irreversible colonectomy, which she has handled with grace, mentioning it only rarely and then as "a nuisance that you get used to."

Her experience has committed me and my siblings to diligence and just a touch of evangelism regarding The Test.

It is of great concern to me that 42 million Americans over 50 are not getting screened for this cancer, with black Americans especially at risk. Though it is the nation's No. 2 cancer killer, and will take more than 55,000 lives this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 60 percent of those deaths could be prevented through routine screening. Medicare pays for the screenings and most insurance policies cover them in part. But money and insurance are not the biggest parts of the problem, for there are simpler, cheaper tests to start with and the CDC has just started a free-screening project in five areas nationwide. It may, it should, be expanded nationwide to attack this killer.

In the meantime, don't be a wimp: Get the test. It's not going to kill you.

Thanks For The PhotoMosaic Tile

Thank you to whomever donated a photo mosaic tile to Lynne's Family for the American Cancer Society and added The Lynne Smith Fund to the Charity list. You are helping us raise awareness more than you know. Everyone please check this out.

http://www.photomosaiq.com/tilelist.php

(A post from Puddy Knabb)

My family grew up with Lynne as our next-door neighbor. This month, when my 41-year old son found a small amount of blood on his toilet tissue, he insisted on a colonoscopy. The doctor did find a polyp and it was removed. Thank you to Lynne and her family, none of us will let symptoms go unnoticed and we will all insist on a proper test to diagnose colon cancer. Our sadness at losing the vivacious Lynne will be replaced with vigilance and spreading the word on the silent killer known as colon cancer.
With love and appreciation to Lynne's family & friends, Puddy Knabb

Posted at 11:26AM on Jul 23rd 2006 by Puddy Knabb

Guidelines for Colon Cancer Prevention

Colorectal cancer (cancers of either the colon or rectum) is the second most common cancer in the U.S. and one of the deadliest. One in five colorectal patients will probably die because most cases are not diagnosed until a late stage of the disease. Seventy five percent (75%) of all colon cancer cases are random i.e. no prior family history existed. We are working hard to reduce the mortality rate through awareness and early detection. You can save your life or the life of a loved one by following these guidelines;

1. Get Screened.. Detected early, progression of colorectal cancer is entirely preventable. A colonoscopy is your best defense. If polyps are found (small bumps that can become cancerous), they are removed during the test.

2. Diet - the quicker food moves through your colon the better. High fiber, low fat is the way to a healthier colon. Red meat is the number one risk factor connected to colorectal cancer. Eat lots of vegetables, fruits, fish and white meat and take fiber supplement and you will reduce your risk. Avoid refined sugar and white flour.

3. Exercise - studies suggest regular exercise reduces the risk of all cancers so get walking!

4. Supplements - Dietary antioxidants such as vitamin E, calcium, vitamin D and the B-vitamin folic
acid may also reduce your risk of contracting colorectal cancer and aid in reversing early stages of this cancer.

These guidelines are based on review of many studies. However, we can not stress enough how testing is your only true defense as this disease is silent with little or no symptoms. The ironic thing about the "risk" factors we have researched is that Lynne was not in any "risk" group. She did not eat red meat her diet was for the most part vegetarian. She was fit (running after 3 young children will do that for you) and she had been taking vitamins before, during and after her pregnancies. There was no prior family history of colon cancer. Lynne at 37 was well under the age of high-risk which is over 50. So don't wait for symptoms, get tested and live longer!

Ginger Shown to Protect Against Colorectal Cancer

(Reprinted from the World's Healthiest Foods Website)


Gingerols, the main active components in ginger and the ones responsible for its distinctive flavor, may also inhibit the growth of human colorectal cancer cells, suggests research presented at the Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research, a major meeting of cancer experts that took place in Phoenix, AZ, October 26-30, 2003.

In this study, researchers from the University of Minnesota's Hormel Institute fed mice specially bred to lack an immune system a half milligram of -gingerol three times a week before and after injecting human colorectal cancer cells into their flanks. Control mice received no -gingerol.

Tumors first appeared 15 days after the mice were injected, but only 4 tumors were found in the group of -gingerol-treated mice compared to 13 in the control mice, plus the tumors in the -gingerol group were smaller on average. Even by day 38, one mouse in the -gingerol group still had no measurable tumors. By day 49, all the control mice had been euthanized since their tumors had grown to one cubic centimeter (0.06 cubic inch), while tumors in 12 of the -gingerol treated mice still averaged 0.5 cubic centimeter—half the maximum tumor size allowed before euthanization.

Research associate professor Ann Bode noted, "These results strongly suggest that ginger compounds may be effective chemopreventive and/or chemotherapeutic agents for colorectal carcinomas."

In this first round of experiments, mice were fed ginger before and after tumor cells were injected. In the next round, researchers will feed the mice ginger only after their tumors have grown to a certain size. This will enable them to look at the question of whether a patient could eat ginger to slow the metastasis of a nonoperable tumor. Are they optimistic? The actions of the University of Minnesota strongly suggest they are. The University has already applied for a patent on the use of -gingerol as an anti-cancer agent and has licensed the technology to Pediatric Pharmaceuticals (Iselin, N.J.).

Lynne With Ben

It has been 3 months since Lynne passed. To reflect on what we have accomplished in these three months is mind-boggling. We have raised funds in Lynne's name for her babies. We have seen many of Lynne's friends and family members get screened for Colon Cancer and some have caught early stage cancer. We have created a website that has been published as a link by national cancer websites for our content, which is informing thousands of curious people how - exactly - to get a colonoscopy without paying too much. We are more aware of our body signals. We are talking about Colon Cancer symptoms, without shame. When I spoke at Lynne's funeral, I had no idea why I mentioned her "purpose". I just had to believe that there was some 'reason'. Maybe, we can glean some greater meaning from all of this. Maybe...she has saved a few lives.

-Stacey B.

Please Do NOT overpay for your Colonoscopy!

Different institutes and insurances are charging for and covering colonoscopies in very different ways. One reader received a bill for a colonoscopy which was a staggering $13,000+ although was 80% covered by insurance it still left a patient balance of $2,600. However, the good news is another reader received an insurance statement for $432 with zero $ due to be paid by patient for the exact same procedure.

On further research we have the following advice for you:

(1) Ensure your Doctor refers you for a colonoscopy based on "medical reasons"i.e. one or more of the following family history, unexplained anemia, fatigue, blood in stool, change in bowel movements etc. If you are over 50 you are entitled to a colonoscopy as part of routine physical check-up.
(2) Ensure your Doctor refers you to a Gastroenterology specialist that is(a)in your insurance network and (b) Performs the colonoscopy at their own surgery.
(3) Check in advance with the specialist’s office as to the full cost and with your insurance company for their coverage so you know that you have little or no payment for the test.

If you do not have Health Insurance, research your State Health Departments website and look for specialists that offer the test for free or reduced price for the uninsured.

ABOVE ALL;

(1) Where possible, avoid getting your colonoscopy at a hospital facility this apparently is where large unnecessary $'s get added to your bill.
(2) Shop around, ask questions. We have heard of several people who have received the test the total insurance price of $1,100 with insurance paying all or most of the bill.

All this being said, don't let the extra effort (a couple of phone calls) put you off getting a colonoscopy remember;

The True Cost of A Colonoscopy - Means Saving Your Life = Priceless.

Welcome to the Lynne Smith Fund Blog

Many new visitors are joining us daily from within the USA and all over the world. This could be attributed to our coverage on reknowned organization's websites such as The Cancer Blog.

http://www.thecancerblog.com/category/colon-and-rectal-cancer/

If you are new to the site we would like you to spend a little while getting to know Lynne Marie Smith, a wonderful, 37 year old mother of 3 who passed away after a 2 month battle with colon cancer. We have no doubt you will be touched by her spirit.

Originally, this site was set up as a forum to update family and friends on a private fundraising drive to help her family. We were hugely sucessful in that goal, raising over $20,000 for her children's college fund.

As she began to realize the seriousness of her condition, Lynne appealed to friends to get tested.

And so as time and circumstance evolves, we are all committed to raising people's awareness of colon cancer, armed with the knowledge that with early screening this is the one cancer for which there is already a cure. We have already heard of people being spared from colon cancer because they took action as a direct result of Lynne's story.

If you have a story to share pertaining to colon cancer and/or early screening please leave a comment.

Here is some shocking news as you read this..

If you are female YOU, are more likely to die of colon cancer than breast cancer - yet you will be routinely checked for breast cancer 10 years before colon cancer.

If you are male YOU, are more likely to die of colon cancer than prostrate cancer - yet you are checked at every annual physical for prostrate cancer - many years before your 50th birthday (when you will be expected to get your first colonoscopy).

There does not need to be any family history. Lynne was the first known member in her extended family to have colon cancer.

This is the ONE cancer that the test (colonoscopy) could be the cure. The procedure could remove any suspicious polyps in your colon (bumps that can develop into cancer).

Please read other posts on this site. If you think you have symptoms don't waste time . Please talk to your doctor. Get screened as soon as you can.

Please share this site with your loved ones. Start a dialogue.

Thank you so much for your visit.

Lynne Smith

Lynne,

Your natural beauty should have made the girls jealous,
but instead all wanted to emulate you with zealous.
Your zest for life was so sweet and so true,
Many had fun because of you.

Each time we think of you, your face is smiling bright,
even in the hard times, through your difficult fight.
Your head would bounce as you chatted full of fun,
and made each person feel like the special one.

Mike is the one who saw your incredible strength,
He knew for sure, you were heaven sent.
Three gifts to this world you have made a better place,
Three darling earth angels full of your grace.

Benjamin a wise and wonderful boy,
an old soul for sure, he brings such joy.
Riely so funny so determined and true,
she gives the most laughs as you always knew.
Shelby, sweet Shelby you knew you must bring into this life,
For your goal was to be a mother of three and a loving wife.

Your Mother's rose, your Dad's biggest bonus,
You have left us behind with an onus...

Thanks for taking us on this path with you,
we know we have much work still left to do.
We will listen to our hearts and follow your lead,
to prove we were worthy of your visit indeed.

Rest now and enjoy your children from above,
we can do the rest because of your love.

Lynne Smith Fund

Friends!!!

Short Term Goal Achieved:

$20,000.00

New Contributions:

$1,975.00

Running Total:

$21,925.00





Thanks for so generously contributing to the Lynne Smith Fund. I am humbled by your kindness.

Please keep spreading the word!

Just in case you are new to this, the Lynne Smith Fund was created when
Lynne was newly diagnosed with Colon Cancer. Friends felt the need to help but
how?? We started the fund. It started as a nanny/help "slush"
fund. When Lynne passed it became a fund for her three
beautiful children.

Contributions can be sent to:


"The Lynne Smith Fund"
56 Lily Pond Lane
Chester Springs, PA 19425

About Lynne

Reprinted from the Times Tribune, April 24, 2006


Lynne Marie (Rafalko) Smith April 21, 2006

Lynne Marie (Rafalko) Smith, 37, of Glenmoore, formerly of Malvern, died Friday at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania after a two-month battle with colon cancer.

She is survived by her husband, Michael D. Smith. Born May 29, 1968, in Charlottesville, Va., she was the daughter of Arline and Gervus Rafalko, of Malvern, and the daughter-in-law of Rodney and Yvonne Smith, of West Chester. She graduated in 1986 from Great Valley High School and from the University of Delaware in 1991. She was a former biology teacher at Downingtown High School. Lynne dedicated herself to her husband and and children and expressed her devotion through her many family-centered activities, holiday celebrations and day-to-day loving and caring. She could frequently be seen in her yard, running and playing with her children and the sound of their laughter echoed in and around the home. Her zest for life added a spark not only to her everyday home life, but to extended family gatherings and time spent with neighbors and friendsShe died peacefully in the presence of her family.Also surviving are a son, Benjamin Michael, at home; two daughters, Riley Lynne and Shelby Catherine, both at home; a brother, Leonard Rafalko (Alison); two sisters, Karen Griffith (Gary); and Laureen Romer (Jeff); 10 nieces and nephews; a sister-in-law, Tristie Junier (Ed); a brother-in-law, Ryan Smith,; and additional relatives in the Scranton area.The funeral will be Wednesday, with Mass at 11 a.m. in St. Elizabeth’s Church, Fellowship Road and Route 100, Upper Uwchlan. Friends may call Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. until Mass time in the church. Interment, St. Agnes Cemetery, West Chester.

posted by FriendofLynne @ 8:37 AM 0 comments links to this post
Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Lynne's Eulogy: April 26, 2006

Lynne's Eulogy

Written & Read by Susan Hunt, Kathy Deanna & Stacey Bonnell
(Susan Hunt)
Lynne was a very close and dear friend to so many of us here today. On Saturday night, some of
Lynne's oldest friends got together to help each other through this difficult time. Some of us had
not seen each other in years. Immediately, there was laughter and reminiscing. Reflecting on
our years of friendship, it occurs to us that special friends, friends you've shared your childhood
with, through adulthood, sharing milestones like marriage and children, life's joys and losses -
they become more than a friend, they become a part of who you are, part of your soul.
Today, each of us feels the terrible loss of Lynne in our lives, but we are also here to celebrate
the gift of her beautiful spirit that has touched and enriched each of us and will forever fill our
souls. So, we thank God for giving us Lynne, and for allowing us to grow up with her. I
remember in Jr. High hanging around In Lynne's bedroom dreaming of kissing our boyfriends
(which we didn't have yet) in Bloomingdales entryway - we thought it was romantic. Don't ask
me why... We all loved the person she was, and the people we became when we were with her.
(Stacey Bonnell)
Lynne was pure, angelic, ethereal, soft and sweet but with just the right amount of spice. As
teenagers living in Malvern, we weren't inundated with exciting things to do. But Lynne had a
way of making the ordinary, extraordinary. Lynne organized Formal dinners and a big yellow
bus to take us to Prom. Lynne was creative and spontaneous which we desperately needed.
Lynne never, ever forgot a birthday. You could always call Lynne when you needed an address
or a phone number. When all else failed, Lynne would never hesitate to call your parents to find
you. Lynne made her friendships a priority and we all felt valued as a result. Lynne was a leader
who never left any one out. She was the glue that kept our circle of friends together. When I had
moved three times and fell out of touch, Lynne made sure she let me know when something
important happened at home. Lynne had a list of "50 Things to Do" in her life. One was:"Move
Away". Although she never moved far, she learned that everything she needed was right here
all along.
It has been said that we are all born with a purpose. Once that purpose is fulfilled, we go. I
know, all of us here, can think of a reason why Lynne came into our lives. I also know, all of us,
wish that her 'purpose' hadn't been fulfilled....so soon.
(Kathy Deanna)
Lynne was a Wonderful Mother. She always put family first. She adored her children. Around
them she was playful and magical. She cherished her relationship with her husband. He was the
love of her life. Lynne will always be a role model for us as we continue to develop our own
families.


(Stacey) Today, we make a commitment, on behalf of Lynne’s oldest friends, to continue to
nurture our friendships as Lynne would have wanted for us.


(Susan) Today, we make a commitment to embrace you, Mike and support you in every way
we can.


(Kathy) Today, we make a commitment to keep Lynne's beautiful spirit alive for her children,
always.
posted by FriendofLynne @ 8:17 AM 0 comments links to this post