Dear Friends,
Once again, it is the time for us to gather around the table with family and friends to celebrate all that makes us grateful. For me, that list is long, and it includes all of you. Without your support, VAX 2 STOP CANCER wouldn't be. I cannot imagine how things would have been had we started at any other time besides January 2020. Still, I can confidently say that I could not have felt more supported or humbled by the generosity of all of our supporters. COVID changed the face of so many things, including the way we were able to implement our programs, but thanks to you, nothing stalled. Because of COVID, this might be the first year some of us are gathering as we used to. For many of us, the table will look different. As I grieve for the losses so many of us have experienced, many entirely out of our control, I am even more steadfast in my determination to prevent the losses we can control.
The HPV vaccine prevents at least 90% of the six known cancers caused by the human papillomavirus. We can prevent cancer with two doses of a vaccine. But vaccines don't prevent cancer sitting on shelves, those doses have to go in arms. So, this Thanksgiving, while I am immensely grateful for the progress we have made, I can't help but look to what is left to be done and I have two more things to ask of you: -
Please use the information in this newsletter-- particularly the Did You Know?-- section to encourage your hesitant family members to get themselves, their children and their grandchildren vaccinated against HPV. The science is settled. The vaccine is safe, effective, and long-lasting. Please let them know they can always find more information on our website www.VAX2STOPCANCER.org
- Your end-of-year donation will be greatly appreciated and will support our important programs and the new ones we are developing for next year! Help us reach our $10,000 goal by donating at the link below by December 31st.
Your continued support of VAX 2 STOP CANCER is vital to preventing HPV-associated cancers in the state of Alabama and your generosity is always appreciated. With Gratitude, Barbara S. Schuler Founder/CEO
P.S. Please update your contacts to include my new email address: barbara@vax2stopcancer.org |
Your gift will prevent HPV cancers for the next generation. |
The Daniel Foundation of Alabama has been a VAX 2 STOP CANCER supporter since 2020. This year they offered us a challenge: raise $20,000 and we'll match it. Thanks to some very special donors, we were able to meet the challenge and the Daniel Foundation awarded us $20,000 for our programs! |
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Stuart Lockwood, Board Vice-Chair
Stuart is a board-certified public health dentist. He is a graduate of Auburn University and the University of Alabama -Birmingham School of Dentistry. Following dental school and a General Practice Residency at Huntsville Hospital, Stuart practiced general dentistry in Union Springs, AL before embarking on a career in public health, earning a Master of Public Health degree in Health Care Policy and Organization from UAB. He then completed a 3-year National Institute of Health Fellowship in Oral Epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. He was a dental officer/oral epidemiologist in the Division of Oral Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and retired as the State Dental Director in the Alabama Department of Public Health. He is an Adjunct Professor in the UAB School of Dentistry and serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Alabama Rural Health Association. He recently served as a member of the Alabama State Committee for Public Health (State Board of Health).
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Why did you join the board? I had worked with V2SC Board Chair, Casey Daniel, on HPV-related activities, including Oral Cancer Awareness month. She recommended me to Barbara Schuler to be a board member and I was glad to accept.
What does the mission of VAX 2 STOP CANCER mean to you?
Our mission, to prevent cancer by expanding the use of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine through education and public awareness-- is so unique. How often does one have the opportunity to prevent cancer. Through our provider education program -- Preventing HPV Associated Cancers Through Effective Provider Education -- there is a unique opportunity to educate healthcare providers and parents about HPV cancers and eradicate them. What is the most rewarding part of being involved with V2SC?
To be associated with passionate people, particularly our founder Barbara Schuler, in trying to bring awareness of HPV cancers -- and as a dentist those cancers of the oropharynx (back of tongue, beginning of the throat and tonsils).
What do you want the public to know about V2SC?
We are making a difference! V2SC has been in 18 counties, 44 practices and trained 185 health care professionals to date, and increased by 11% the number of adolescents receiving the HPV vaccine. We are making a difference and need everyone's help in preventing HPV associated cancers.
While most people are aware of HPV associated cervical cancers, many are not aware of cancers of the oropharynx (base of tongue, tonsils, and beginning of the throat). Since 2020, these oropharyngeal cancers now exceed the number of cases of cervical cancers each year. With the vast majority of the oral cancers in males, it is important that adolescent boys receive the vaccine as well as girls. And the HPV vaccine is well tested, having been given since 2006 around the world. It makes a difference!
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Ross Bridge Pediatrics
Ross Bridge Pediatrics provides primary care services for children of all ages in Hoover. The clinic has two providers, pediatrician Nicolette R. Marak, MD and Marjorie Eiland, CRNP along with a Registered Nurse-Destinee Wade, BSN, RN. The team provides care right from the prenatal stage, through birth and caring for your infant, and on to the school years and the health needs of young teens. Destinee Wade, BSN, RN How are you involved with the VAX 2 STOP CANCER program?
As the vaccine coordinator and immunization champion I am passionate about protecting the health of children and adolescents encouraging appropriate and timely vaccinations. I take the lead on vaccine promotion in our clinic which includes implementing strategies to increase vaccination coverage.
Why did your practice choose to participate in the program? Being able to protect children against diseases is an advantage that no parent should pass up. The Team at Ross Bridge Pediatrics knows how valuable it is to provide children with the assurance of better health using modern immunization programs. What have you learned from the program?
This program helped our clinic develop and implement strategies to increase HPV vaccination completion rates. What has been the most rewarding part of participating?
We have loved seeing an increase in HPV vaccination completion rates within our clinic. What is one thing you want the public to know about the program and/or the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is safe and is one of only two vaccines available that actually helps prevent cancer.
If you would like to refer a practice to our program, please email veronica@vax2stopcancer.org
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The "anti-vaccine" content on social media platforms about kids and vaccines originates from a tiny group of just 12 people. In a 2021 analysis, the Center for Countering Digital Hate found that this tiny group—it nicknamed the "disinformation dozen"—was the original source of about two-thirds of the anti-vaccine posts and messages. These 12 individuals wanted to draw more traffic to their own websites.
Source: healthychuildren.org |
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Kyndahl Harris I am a senior at the University of Alabama, majoring in public health. After graduation I plan on attending graduate school to work on receiving both my masters of public health and juris doctorate.
Why did you choose to do your Internship with V2SC?
I chose VAX 2 STOP CANCER for my internship is because I think that the purpose behind the organization is so meaningful and more people should know about it. Which is why I wanted to help build a presence on tiktok so that the target age range of children the organization is trying to reach would be able to make opinions about the vaccine on their own.
What does the mission of VAX 2 STOP CANCER mean to you?
Coming from a family where six people have died from cancer, I think that promoting vaccination that could potentially prevent an individual from getting cancer and prevent their family from going through that pain is an amazing opportunity that everyone should take advantage of.
What is the most rewarding part of being involved with V2SC?
Knowing that I'm helping people make an informed decision that could potentially save their life one day. Know someone who would like to intern with us? Email info@vax2stopcancer.org for more information. |
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Don't forget on BLACK FRIDAY and CYBER MONDAY with |
at no additional cost to you, your purchases can support VAX 2 STOP CANCER! |
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