Rexanna's Foundation will be hosting two 5K & KidsK runs this Spring!
3/26/11 @ Cedar Hill High School - In Honor of David Hilson
4/2/11 @ McKinney North High School
Visit www.runforapurpose.com for more details!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Rallying for David Milson
Ex-Cedar Hill coach David Milson battles cancer, recieves and outpouring of support from the Dallas area
Thursday, June 10, 2010
By: MARK DENT / The Dallas Morning News
mdent@dallasnews.com
Every season is a journey, a blur of timeouts and practices, of losses that sting and victories that spark, and of faces. David Milson remembers the faces, the people.
Thirty-one years coaching basketball, 31 years connecting.
"You can change somebody's life," he says, "by speaking to them."
He randomly spoke to a young stranger named Eddie Berumen one time at the state tournament in the '80s. Berumen later became his assistant and is now a high school head coach.
He took a child fishing in Spur, Texas, one day 30 years ago. The kid's mother, who now lives in Maine, thanks him for it to this day.
"I don't know quite how to explain it – it's David," Berumen says. "There's something special about him."
Milson, who spent the last 23 years coaching Cedar Hill, retired in April. Weeks later, he found out he had lung cancer, a type called adenocarcinoma, despite being a nonsmoker.
He's been down, of course, but the lows don't last long. Someone from the past is there to call or help, to become part of the present.
Someone is there for David Milson.
"How you treat people along the way surfaces in crises," says Tommy Thomas, a friend of Milson's and former coach of The Colony. "What a great example of how well he treated people in the last 25 years for how they're helping him now."
Family Important
He wanted to watch his daughter play basketball. It was really that simple.
Rylea played for Midlothian last year as a freshman, and Milson saw portions of maybe five games. Tanner, his son, was just wrapping up his final year of high school and preparing to play basketball at UNC-Wilmington.
Time had come for Milson, 52, to stop.
"I spent five or six years chasing Tanner around and loving every minute of it," Milson says. "Now I want to do that for my daughter."
What a coaching life. Milson grew up in Benjamin, Texas, a speck on the map west of Wichita Falls so small it doesn't even have a Main Street. He was the son of a principal and a secretary, and he earned $5,883 at his first job, coaching tiny Spur High School.
He advanced quickly, going from Spur to Olney to Munday to Cedar Hill. He won 676 career games, finished Class 5A runner-up twice, spoke with Bill Self and Rick Barnes , taught basketball in Spain and helped Mike Krzyzewski at Duke basketball camp.
"When we started at DeSoto," basketball coach Chris Dyer says about Milson, "we looked to see whose program we wanted to emulate. That's who we needed to be."
Illness struck earlier
Milson knew this feeling of disbelief and dismay once before. At age 15, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, battled through the chemotherapy and beat the disease.
He admits it's different this time. Back then he worried only about if he could continue playing football and basketball. Now he has a wife, Val, and his children. When an oncologist diagnosed the cancer, he did what everyone would do. He thought about his mortality, and he Googled everything he could about his disease, negativity abounding.
"All this stuff," he says, "runs through your head."
Milson needed a lift.
And for so long, that had been his role.
When he first moved to Cedar Hill, he drove around in his car waving to everyone who passed by. He saw disruptions in the hallways at Cedar Hill and would perform magic tricks to calm the students down. He befriended kids who looked like they just needed someone to talk to. He drove players to the airport for their official college visits, waited with them until their flight departed and showed up the minute their plane touched down from the return trip.
"You're going to be better as a person because you know David Milson," his friend Rex Spain says.
Spain coached against Milson when he was at Munday, and, Milson being Milson, they got to know each other.
Spain heard about Milson's cancer in May, though the two hadn't stayed too close. He didn't know that Milson couldn't find a place to get treatment and that he wouldn't be able to go to the renowned MD Anderson Clinic in Houston until mid-June.
But he called Milson out of the blue, as did the Kruger family, other acquaintances of Milson. Spain's wife, Lisa, and Stephanie Kruger were part of Rexanna's Foundation, a group that helps lung cancer patients and has close ties with MD Anderson.
Milson didn't ask for any favors but not long after talking to them, he received a phone call from MD Anderson. He was now able to see doctors in mid-May.
Others have joined in to help. Thomas, the rival coach from the Colony, gave Milson and Val a place to stay when he was an outpatient for three weeks in Houston. Berumen sat with Milson's 78-year-old mother, Bo, at Tanner's Cedar Hill senior awards because Milson and Val were out of town. Friends have also organized a charity golf tournament to raise funds.
"Everybody's glad to do it," Spain says. "He's helped countless people."
The news from Milson's early appointments has been encouraging: two spots on the left lung and one on the right with no signs yet of spreading. He'll drive with the family to North Carolina next week to take Tanner to college and will probably undergo chemotherapy when he comes back.
Togetherness wins
Milson never yearned for the superstars in his 31 years of coaching. Of course, he wouldn't mind having one now and then. But no, for him, the best teams contained ordinary kids fusing together to do something special, to win.
"I believe you win," he says, "with average people doing above average things."
As a former coach, it's not surprising that Milson views his circumstance as a game, albeit a serious one. Right now, he's preparing and waiting.
And he has his team, people like the Spain family, Thomas, Berumen and the 2,000-plus who have already visited his blog on CaringBridge.org, average people who will do anything to help him win.
"Milson," Berumen says, "would do the same for us."
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Check our this Article!!
Selenium Shows No Benefit in Prevention of Lung Cancer
Dr. Daniel Karp
CHICAGO — Selenium, a supplement taken daily by millions in hopes of protection against cancer and a host of other diseases, has proven to be of no benefit in reducing a patient's risk of developing lung cancer - either a recurrence or second primary malignancy, according to results of an international Phase III clinical trial.
Results from the decade-long study, initiated by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group, were presented today at the American Society of Clinical Oncology 2010 Annual Meeting by Daniel D. Karp, M.D., professor in the Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
"Several epidemiological and animal studies have long-suggested a link between deficiency of selenium and cancer development," said Karp, the study's principal investigator. "Interest and research escalated in the late 1990's after a skin cancer and selenium study, published in 1996, found no benefit against the skin cancer, but did suggest an approximate 30 percent reduction of prostate and lung cancers. Our lung cancer research and another major study for the prevention of prostate cancer evolved from that finding."
These large, follow-up clinical studies investigating the naturally occurring mineral, however, have since proven disappointing. In 2009, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) halted SELECT, an international study of more than 35,000 men investigating if either selenium or Vitamin E, alone or in combination, could reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Both supplements failed to show benefit.
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 219,440 people were diagnosed with lung cancer in 2009 and 159,390 died from the disease, making it the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women. When caught as early as Stage I, and the tumor is surgically resectable, however, and can even be cured in about 80 percent of the cases. In this population, a chemoprevention agent would be desirable, as the risk of recurrence in Stage I patients after surgery accumulates by one to two percent annually. For example, a patient's risk of developing a new cancer at 10 years is approximately 10-20 percent, said Karp.
From 2000 to 2009, the international NCI-sponsored Phase III study, enrolled 1,522 Stage I non-small cell lung cancer patients, all of whom had their tumors surgically removed and were cancer-free for at least six months post-surgery. Participants were randomized to receive either 200 micrograms of selenium or placebo. The study's primary endpoints were reduction of development of a new cancer, or second primary, and/or recurrence of their initial cancer.
The study was halted early after an interim analysis revealed that the progression-free survival was superior in the placebo arm: 78 percent taking the placebo were alive without recurrence after five years, compared to 72 percent on selenium. A total of 216 secondary primary tumors developed, of which 84 (38.9 percent) were lung cancers. Of those taking selenium, 1.9 percent developed a second primary tumor after the first year, compared to 1.4 percent taking placebo. In total, 3.66 percent of participants in the selenium arm developed a secondary primary tumor of any type after one year, compared to 4.1 percent in the placebo group.
Side effects were minimal and no different in both groups: of those taking placebo, 38 percent had grade 1 or 2 toxicity, and 3 percent had grade 3, compared to 39 percent and 1 percent, respectively in those taking the supplement. The study was stopped by the independent Data and Safety Monitoring Committee due to futility.
The researchers did find that in a small group of the lung cancer patients who were never smoked, selenium did provide a small benefit; however, the size of the group of patients, 94, was too small to be statistically significant.
"Our results demonstrate that selenium is not an effective chemoprevention agent in an unselected group of lung cancer patients, and it's not something we can recommend to our patients to prevent a second cancer from developing or recurring," said Karp. "These findings also remind us that never smokers may represent a unique disease and should be an area for special consideration for research focus.
"Given our results and that of SELECT, physicians now can point to two large NCI-sponsored Phase III trials and tell patients that, at this time, the only definitive studies that have been conducted have been negative," said Karp.
In addition to Karp, other authors on the study include: John Ruckdeschel, M.D.; Sandra Lee, ECOG; Gail Shaw, M.D.; Steven Keller, M.D.; Steven Belinsky, Ph.D.; Seena Aisner, M.D.; Omer Kucuk, M.D.; Jean MacDonald; and Mary Steele.
Dr. Daniel Karp
CHICAGO — Selenium, a supplement taken daily by millions in hopes of protection against cancer and a host of other diseases, has proven to be of no benefit in reducing a patient's risk of developing lung cancer - either a recurrence or second primary malignancy, according to results of an international Phase III clinical trial.
Results from the decade-long study, initiated by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group, were presented today at the American Society of Clinical Oncology 2010 Annual Meeting by Daniel D. Karp, M.D., professor in the Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
"Several epidemiological and animal studies have long-suggested a link between deficiency of selenium and cancer development," said Karp, the study's principal investigator. "Interest and research escalated in the late 1990's after a skin cancer and selenium study, published in 1996, found no benefit against the skin cancer, but did suggest an approximate 30 percent reduction of prostate and lung cancers. Our lung cancer research and another major study for the prevention of prostate cancer evolved from that finding."
These large, follow-up clinical studies investigating the naturally occurring mineral, however, have since proven disappointing. In 2009, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) halted SELECT, an international study of more than 35,000 men investigating if either selenium or Vitamin E, alone or in combination, could reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Both supplements failed to show benefit.
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 219,440 people were diagnosed with lung cancer in 2009 and 159,390 died from the disease, making it the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women. When caught as early as Stage I, and the tumor is surgically resectable, however, and can even be cured in about 80 percent of the cases. In this population, a chemoprevention agent would be desirable, as the risk of recurrence in Stage I patients after surgery accumulates by one to two percent annually. For example, a patient's risk of developing a new cancer at 10 years is approximately 10-20 percent, said Karp.
From 2000 to 2009, the international NCI-sponsored Phase III study, enrolled 1,522 Stage I non-small cell lung cancer patients, all of whom had their tumors surgically removed and were cancer-free for at least six months post-surgery. Participants were randomized to receive either 200 micrograms of selenium or placebo. The study's primary endpoints were reduction of development of a new cancer, or second primary, and/or recurrence of their initial cancer.
The study was halted early after an interim analysis revealed that the progression-free survival was superior in the placebo arm: 78 percent taking the placebo were alive without recurrence after five years, compared to 72 percent on selenium. A total of 216 secondary primary tumors developed, of which 84 (38.9 percent) were lung cancers. Of those taking selenium, 1.9 percent developed a second primary tumor after the first year, compared to 1.4 percent taking placebo. In total, 3.66 percent of participants in the selenium arm developed a secondary primary tumor of any type after one year, compared to 4.1 percent in the placebo group.
Side effects were minimal and no different in both groups: of those taking placebo, 38 percent had grade 1 or 2 toxicity, and 3 percent had grade 3, compared to 39 percent and 1 percent, respectively in those taking the supplement. The study was stopped by the independent Data and Safety Monitoring Committee due to futility.
The researchers did find that in a small group of the lung cancer patients who were never smoked, selenium did provide a small benefit; however, the size of the group of patients, 94, was too small to be statistically significant.
"Our results demonstrate that selenium is not an effective chemoprevention agent in an unselected group of lung cancer patients, and it's not something we can recommend to our patients to prevent a second cancer from developing or recurring," said Karp. "These findings also remind us that never smokers may represent a unique disease and should be an area for special consideration for research focus.
"Given our results and that of SELECT, physicians now can point to two large NCI-sponsored Phase III trials and tell patients that, at this time, the only definitive studies that have been conducted have been negative," said Karp.
In addition to Karp, other authors on the study include: John Ruckdeschel, M.D.; Sandra Lee, ECOG; Gail Shaw, M.D.; Steven Keller, M.D.; Steven Belinsky, Ph.D.; Seena Aisner, M.D.; Omer Kucuk, M.D.; Jean MacDonald; and Mary Steele.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Important Info!
LUNG CANCER ALLIANCE HAILS MAINE DELEGATION SUPPORT FOR LUNG CANCER MORTALITY REDUCTION ACT
Thanks Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) for Joining Congressman Michael Michaud (D-ME) and Endorsing Legislation
Washington, DC (Wednesday, May 26, 2010) - Today, Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) commended Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) for joining Congressman Michael Michaud (D-ME) as cosponsors of the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act (LCMRA), a bi-partisan, bi-cameral bill that establishes the first ever multi-agency, comprehensive research program targeted all aspects of lung cancer.
After recent meetings in Washington, DC with LCA President & CEO Laurie Fenton Ambrose and LCA-Maine Lead Advocate and long time lung cancer survivor, Deb Violette, Senator Snowe and Congresswoman Pingree joined as cosponsors of Senate Bill S. 332 and its House companion measure HR 2112. Congressman Michaud cosponsored the House bill this past December.
"It is so exciting to see momentum continue to build in support of a national plan of action for lung cancer", said Laurie Fenton Ambrose, President & CEO of LCA. The willingness of members of the Maine delegation to join other Senate and House colleagues and demand that lung cancer no longer be ignored and that it be addressed with greater compassion, increased resources and a comprehensive plan – is what will ultimately end lung cancer as we know it."
The Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act, authorizes a five year program to reduce the mortality rate of lung cancer which continues to be the leading cause of cancer death among men, women and in every ethnic group in Maine and in every state across the country. Additionally, military men and women are at increased as compared to their civilian counterparts.
"We must elevate lung cancer to a national public health priority and commit to reducing lung cancer mortality as quickly as possible. That is what the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act is poised to do," commented Senator Snowe.
"Lung cancer continues to claim the lives of more people than any other cancer, yet vital research is still severely under funded," said Congresswoman Pingree. "I am committed to ensuring that a comprehensive plan of action is put in place to reduce the deadly impact of this disease.
S. 332 and HR 2112 requires the Secretaries of Health and Human Services, Defense and Veterans Affairs to combine forces on a comprehensive, coordinated plan of action with funding authorized for five years to accomplish the mortality reduction goal.
"As a survivor, I am proud to be represented by these elected leaders who listened to the facts and understood that the time is now to act to reverse decades of stigma and neglect too long attached to lung cancer, said Deb Violette, and I will continue working with any interested party in Maine to improve outcomes for the entire lung cancer community."
For more information abou the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act please visit www.lungcanceralliance.org.
Lung Cancer Alliance is the only national non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to patient support and advocacy for those living with or at risk for lung cancer. Lung Cancer Alliance is committed to leading the movement to reverse decades of stigma and neglect by empowering those with or at risk for the disease, elevating awareness and changing health policy.
***Information from Lung Cancer Alliance
Thanks Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) for Joining Congressman Michael Michaud (D-ME) and Endorsing Legislation
Washington, DC (Wednesday, May 26, 2010) - Today, Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) commended Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) for joining Congressman Michael Michaud (D-ME) as cosponsors of the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act (LCMRA), a bi-partisan, bi-cameral bill that establishes the first ever multi-agency, comprehensive research program targeted all aspects of lung cancer.
After recent meetings in Washington, DC with LCA President & CEO Laurie Fenton Ambrose and LCA-Maine Lead Advocate and long time lung cancer survivor, Deb Violette, Senator Snowe and Congresswoman Pingree joined as cosponsors of Senate Bill S. 332 and its House companion measure HR 2112. Congressman Michaud cosponsored the House bill this past December.
"It is so exciting to see momentum continue to build in support of a national plan of action for lung cancer", said Laurie Fenton Ambrose, President & CEO of LCA. The willingness of members of the Maine delegation to join other Senate and House colleagues and demand that lung cancer no longer be ignored and that it be addressed with greater compassion, increased resources and a comprehensive plan – is what will ultimately end lung cancer as we know it."
The Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act, authorizes a five year program to reduce the mortality rate of lung cancer which continues to be the leading cause of cancer death among men, women and in every ethnic group in Maine and in every state across the country. Additionally, military men and women are at increased as compared to their civilian counterparts.
"We must elevate lung cancer to a national public health priority and commit to reducing lung cancer mortality as quickly as possible. That is what the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act is poised to do," commented Senator Snowe.
"Lung cancer continues to claim the lives of more people than any other cancer, yet vital research is still severely under funded," said Congresswoman Pingree. "I am committed to ensuring that a comprehensive plan of action is put in place to reduce the deadly impact of this disease.
S. 332 and HR 2112 requires the Secretaries of Health and Human Services, Defense and Veterans Affairs to combine forces on a comprehensive, coordinated plan of action with funding authorized for five years to accomplish the mortality reduction goal.
"As a survivor, I am proud to be represented by these elected leaders who listened to the facts and understood that the time is now to act to reverse decades of stigma and neglect too long attached to lung cancer, said Deb Violette, and I will continue working with any interested party in Maine to improve outcomes for the entire lung cancer community."
For more information abou the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act please visit www.lungcanceralliance.org.
Lung Cancer Alliance is the only national non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to patient support and advocacy for those living with or at risk for lung cancer. Lung Cancer Alliance is committed to leading the movement to reverse decades of stigma and neglect by empowering those with or at risk for the disease, elevating awareness and changing health policy.
***Information from Lung Cancer Alliance
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