Osprey Observer » Center

Brandon Regional Unveils New Cancer Treatment With CyberKnife

Marie Gilmore — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 17:58:21 +0000

By Kathy L. Collins

Brandon Regional Hospital held a ribbon cutting ceremony in early March and unveiled its newest weapon in the fight against cancer, CyberKnife. For cancer patients and others with benign tumors, the CyberKnife Radiotherapy System allows doctors to focus the radiation with a tiny beam. This allows for a higher dose of radiation to a specific area.
The Medical Director for the CyberKnife Cancer Center at Brandon Regional Hospital is Robert S. Lavey, M.D., M.P.H. He is a Board Certified Radiation Oncologist who graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University and earned his medical degree at Stanford University. He also has a Master of Public Health degree from the University of California, Berkeley. Prior to moving to Brandon to work at the Center for Radiation Oncology in 2008, Dr. Lavey served as an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Radiation Oncology at the University of Southern California for 13 years.
According to Lavey, “This is the only machine that uses advanced robotics and image-guidance to keep its radiation beam focused on tumors that move when the patient breathes or shifts position. This allows us to give more radiation to the tumor in a shorter time that conventional radiation therapy.”
With traditional radiation, you have a wide margin of error. As such, traditional treatment ends up damaging a lot of healthy cells, explained Lavey.
While CyberKnife does not replace standard radiation for all patients, it does allow doctors to treat where you could not previously. Lavey explained that a patient who has a tumor in the brain, lung, trunk or spine, can now receive a highly effective dose of radiation to the tumor with minimal effects on the delicate normal cells in the surrounding brain, nerves, and organs.
CyberKnife technology was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1999 for treatment of tumors in the head. In 2001, the technology was cleared to treat tumors anywhere in the body. Worldwide, there are 150 CyberKnife treatment machines in clinical use.
Because CyberKnife is non-invasive and concentrates the radiation to an area close to the tumor, there are minimal to no side effects. Additionally, because the radiation is so tightly focused, the course of treatment lasts one to five days as opposed to one to two months for standard radiation treatment.
“Having the CyberKnife Cancer Center in Brandon gives patients access to the most technologically advanced radiation therapy system in the world right in their community,” notes Melonie Hall, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Brandon Regional Hospital. “They can drive in from their home for treatment daily, and their local doctors can participate in their radiation treatment and offer care,” added Hall.
Patients who want to determine whether CyberKnife treatment is appropriate, can be referred by their physicians or can contact the Center directly at 571-6464 and speak with the Cyber Nurse, Brenda Bailey
Patients in the Brandon area are indeed lucky, as the community has two machines in operation. In addition to the one at the CyberKnife Cancer Center in the Brandon Medical Plaza at 425 S. Parsons Ave., there is one located at New Millennium CyberKnife at 601 Lumsden Professional Ct., Brandon. For more information on the CyberKnife Cancer Center, call 571-6464 or visit www.cyberknifeflorida.com. For more information on New Millennium CyberKnife, visit www.newmillenniumcyberknife.com.

Public Hearing For Expansion of Valrico Rec Center

Marie Gilmore — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 19:02:44 +0000

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE USE
March 5, 2009
Public Meeting Scheduled to Discuss the Proposed
Phase II of the Development of the Valrico Recreation Center
Hillsborough County will hold a public meeting to discuss Phase II of the Development of the Valrico Recreation Center.
The proposed project includes adding a football field, along with an irrigation system and lights. In addition, parking will be expanded. Phase II is budgeted at $250,000 through CIP (Capital Improvement Program) funds.
The park currently has a recreation building that houses the after-school and summer playground program, walking trail, basketball court, playground, parking and landscaping.
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the details of the project and receive public input. County staff will be at the meeting to answer any questions residents may have.
Please attend, we welcome your input.
* Date: Tuesday, March 10
* Time: 6:30 p.m.
* Place: Valrico Recreation Center, 707 S. Miller Road, Valrico, FL 33594

All meeting facilities are ADA compliant. For additional assistance, please call us.

For more information, residents should call Steve Valdez, Public Works Department – Quality Assurance Section, at 813-272-5275 (TTY: 813-301-7172)

Winthrop Buzzes With New Business

Jennifer Silverstein — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 20:22:21 +0000

Winthrop Town Center in Riverview at the corner of Bloomingdale Ave. and Providence Rd. is flourishing with new businesses opening in the small town-centered plaza. And with homes under construction in the surrounding area, a community Advantage Center planned nearby and a few more spots to fill, Winthrop is becoming a community destination. With boutiques including Bellafia Chocolate Boutique, Downtown Divas fine gift shop and Happy Paws and Tails, salons including First Choice Hair Cutters and an Asonipse Aveda Salon, banks, a newspaper office, Starbucks, Publix, Moe’s Southwest Grill and Shane’s Rib Shack, there is reason to go to Winthrop anytime.
Acropolis Greek Taverna
Acropolis Greek Taverna, with two other locations in Ybor City at 1833 E. 7th Ave. and North Tampa at 14947 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., will open soon in the spot that used to house Mojitos.
The Greek restaurant will open on Sunday, February 15.
The bar and grill will offer such Greek appetizers such as Hummus, Tzatziki, an appetizer platter, calamari and octopus. Salads will include a roasted vegetable salad, buffalo chicken salad and the Acropolis salad, which is a Greek salad with lamb gyro meat and warm pitas with tzatziki sauce.
The Acropolis restaurants feature unique items, specific to location. They differ slightly and not all items will be available at all locations.
For more information, call 971-1787 or visit www.acropolistaverna.com.
Green Iguana
Green Iguana Bar & Grill recently opened back in early December. It replaces M.J. Barleyhoppers. Manager Mike Finnegan said that management brought Green Iguana to the area because “it’s a great location and there was nothing like this in the area.” Finnegan is a Clearwater resident, but says that most of the staff consists of local residents.
Green Iguana, located at 6264 Winthrop Town Centre in Riverview, is open from 11 a.m. – 3 a.m. every day with happy hour from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Happy hour is all day every other day. Their 2-4-1 happy hour includes well drinks, house wines and Budweiser products.
For more information, call 643-7800 or visit www.greeniguana.com.
Cuenelli’s
Cuenelli’s Peruvian-style-rotisserie chicken recently opened in the Winthrop Town Centre. Offering flavorful roasted chicken and Peruvian specialities, including Cilantro rice, black beans, flan and an excellent family value of a whole chicken and three large sides for $17.99. There is plenty of food for four adults with leftovers, creating excellent flavors and homemade sauces. It is located at 6260 Winthrop Town Centre Ave. Call (813) 681-9993.
BikeWorks
BikeWorks recently made the move from Kings and Bloomingdale avenues to the Winthrop Towne Center in early November. It had been in that location for 17 years, but has been in business for a total of 23 years.
“Cap” Pooler, owner of BikeWorks, said he did not make the more for more space; the new location is actually smaller, 3,600 sq. ft. from the old store, which was 4,000 sq. ft., but for a better location. Also, the new space is two stories, and the second can be used for storage. With the tall ceilings in the new location, Pooler can now rack the bikes as well and present a more marketable look, he said.
BikeWorks sells bikes, accessories and services bicycles. Pooler said it also builds custom bikes and does bike fittings.
Custom and road bikes that BikeWorks carries include Pinarello, Trek, Colnago, Orbea, Issac, Carrera and DeRosa.
BikeWorks is located at 6046 Winthrop Town Centre Ave., behind Starbucks, and is open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and is closed on Sunday for product testing. Call 661-RIDE (7433) or visit www.bikeworks-brandon.com.

Eye on Business January Brandon

Jennifer Silverstein — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:53:44 +0000

Japanese Steakhouse Coming To Brandon
Kobe Steakhouse, a chain of restaurants with locations also in Tampa, Clearwater and Orlando, will soon be open on S.R. 60, across from the Westfield Brandon mall. The steakhouse will sit in the same building that used to house Benningan’s, which closed in July. Currently, the only Benningan’s in the Tampa Bay area that is still open is its location in Channelside.
Kobe Steakhouse and Sushi Bar offers teppanyaki, which means table cooking in Japanese, and a variety of sushi rolls and sashimi.
For more information, visit www.kobesteakhouse.com

Storage Center Available For Rent
Self Storage Centers of America, located at 9234 Causeway Blvd., recently held a ribbon cutting with the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce in December and is now open for business and is available to rent.
The facility has a large facility with 546 inside climate controlled units, 60 parking spots for RVs and boats as well as 80 outside non-climate controlled units that range from 10×20 to 10×40.
“Our facility has drive up storage units, RV/boat parking, free truck and driver with move-in, boxes and packing supplies and state of the art security,” says General Manager Sheila Burnett. “We are considered a Class ‘A’ Facility.”
Office hours of operation are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday – Saturday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sunday. Gate Operation is 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
For more information or to rent a storage unit, call 621-7867.

Local Dentist Earns Fellowship in National Academy
At the American Academy of Implant Dentistry’s 2008 annual meeting in California, Sanford Schwartz of Brandon was recognized as a Fellow of the Academy.
As one of 282 dentists who hold this distinguished membership, Dr. Schwartz is one of the leading experts in implant care. Schwartz maintains a dental practice at 787 W. Lumsden Rd.
To qualify for Fellowship, Schwartz completed more than 400 hours of postdoctoral instruction in implant dentistry, performed more than 50 implant cases, held Associate Fellow in the Academy and passed the Academy’s Fellow examination. The Fellow examination included a series of oral examinations, presentation of 10 implant cases and review of Schwartz’s professional and leadership credentials.

Local Resident Starts Online Business Selling T-shirts
Scott King, a Brandon resident and staff member at Fox and Hound Irish Pub, has started his own Website selling T-shirts. His Website, http://www.print fection.com/lowbrowscottking, currently sells three T-shirt styles in 31 different colors. The three designs include an eye and heart, a gothic heart and a heart T-shirt, all on sale for $24.99.
Center Has Entertainment for the Whole Family- requested by Shannon

Looking For A Fun Location For A Family Outing?
K Breeze Indoor Putt Putt opened recently on Bloomingdale Ave., offering a Playstation 3 gaming center in addition to an 18-hole miniature golf course.
Owned by John Tierney, the center is available for birthday parties in a private room, with three different packages available, and offers drinks and light refreshments.
Children under 3 years play for free.
K Breeze Indoor Putt Putt is located at 815 W. Bloomingdale Ave. Hours are Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday, 12 Noon-6 p.m. Call 315-9813 for more information.

Dog Gone Holistic Hosts Pet Photo Day
Dog Gone Holistic, located at 5620 FishHawk Crossing Blvd. in Lithia is hosting a Pet Photo Day with photographers, Flash & Co. on Saturday, January 31.
Pet & People Photos will be taken from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. starting at $20 for one 8×10.
Props such as an airplane, motorcycle, golf cart and bathtub will be available and prop packages start at $89.99.
Visit its Website at www.doggoneholistic.biz or call store at 813-651-0842 for more info or to reserve you photo session.

XB-fit Energy Drink Now Open on Bloomingdale Ave.
Are you constantly on the run? Do you always go from home to work, to a restaurant, then to the store, a game or a club and finally back home? And when you do get home, is there so much to do you can’t think straight? Is this your schedule – day in and day out, week after week? Then you probably aren’t as healthy as you should be. Sounds like you need to XB-Fit energy drinks.
XB-Fit Energy is the brainchild of a firefighter and paramedic, Joe Greco of Thonotosassa. He saw an opportunity in the nutritional supplement and energy drink industries.
XB-fit is available in 8.3 ounce cans, with a five calorie, sugar-free option also available. XB-fit also comes in one ounce convenience packs, which Greco said are perfect for your purse or the kid’s lunch box. For more information or to order your XB-fit energy drinks, visit www.xbenergy.com or call 888-611-2348. Orders placed will be directly shipped t your home.

Little Harbor Announces TownHomes
Little Harbor is pleased to announce an exceptional opportunity – the chance to purchase a two or three bedroom townhome in this amenity-rich, Caribbean-style seaside community on the SouthShore of Tampa Bay. A limited number of townhomes are being offered at significant discounts to qualified buyers.
Priced from the low $300,000s, these residences are marina and canal-front, and constructed of reinforced concrete block. Each unit has many design and construction features including expansive terraces, washer and dryer, and oversized, one-car garages and carports. The total AC sq. footage ranges from 1,000 to more than 1,800 sq. feet, with total area ranging from 1,800 to more than 3,200 sq. feet.
Little Harbor is an island-style residential resort on Tampa Bay. This unique seaside village presents an enchanting combination of beach, bay, river and harbor-front residential homes and resort-style residences, along with a colorful mix of amenities that evoke images of a bygone Caribbean lifestyle. The project is being developed by EarthMark Companies, a real estate development company known for creating resort-style, amenity-rich communities.
Visit the Sales & Information Center, located at U.S. Hwy. 41 and Shell Point Rd., call 888-645-9010, e-mail sales@littleharbor.com or visit www.LittleHarbor.com.

Newland Communities Renames Lake Hutto To Circa FishHawk

Marie Gilmore — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 13:16:16 +0000

By Michelle Caceres
It’s not a part of FishHawk Ranch, but the 700-acre site formerly known as Lake Hutto has been renamed Circa FishHawk to reflect its close proximity to the master-planned behemoth.
FishHawk and Circa developer Newland Communities and its advertising agency worked closely to settle on the new name.
“We felt that it was important to position this community as its own special place while still acknowledging the strong FishHawk Ranch brand that has come to define the ‘FishHawk’ area,” said Newland Communities Regional Marketing Director Pam Parisi.
Located south of FishHawk Blvd., between Boyette Rd. and FishHawk Ranch, the steady pace of construction in Circa is currently underway. Roadways to two new schools, Stowers Elementary and Barrington Middle, are being laid with the schools slated to open in August. Attendance boundary lines for the schools are in the process of being drawn and approved. A public meeting to discuss boundaries has been scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, at 6:30 p.m. in the multi-media room at Randall Middle School.
Parisi expects the community to attract families for the same reasons they’re attracted to FishHawk Ranch. The community will feature onsite schools, a convenient town center and a variety of amenities all connected by a trail system.
In addition to families, Circa is also expected to attract singles, pre-family couples, empty nesters and retirees with its variety of housing options, including many maintenance-free options that appeal to these buyer groups.
While the land plan is still being designed, product offerings will include apartments as well as a variety of single-family and multi-family options.
Circa is the continuation and evolution of the FishHawk area, bringing a vibrant Village Center and fresh, new lifestyle choices-both residential and commercial-to the area, said Parisi.
Newland officials say the community is still in the envisioning process, as they are attempting to nail down the land plan and product offerings. Builders are showing interest in the community but specific discussions with builders have not occurred.
“It’s still way too soon,” said Parisi.
For more information about Circa FishHawk, visit www.newlandcommunities.com.

County Celebrates Groundbreaking of U.S. Hwy. 301 Project

Tamas Mondovics — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 21:39:37 +0000

The northeast corner of U.S. Hwy. 301 and Big Bend Rd. in Riverview marked the site of the beginning of another long-awaited project, soon to alter the flow of traffic in Riverview.
Hillsborough County and Florida Department of Transportation officials, along with staff, local development representatives and community representatives, gathered together in October to celebrate the groundbreaking of the U.S. Hwy. 301 Improvement Project and to be first to put the shovel in the ground.
According to County Division Director of Transportation and Land Development Review Bob Campbell, work on the project itself, which is hoped to improve a six-mile segment of U.S. Hwy. 301 from Gibsonton Dr. to C.R. 672/Balm Rd., began in 2005 when the county approved an agreement with nine developers to provide partial funding for the widening U.S. Hwy. 301 to four lanes from Gibsonton Dr. to S.R. 674 (Sun City Center).
Campbell explained that additional funds were provided by a second group of developers in 2008 which allowed the county and Florida Department of Transportation to expand the design of the project to six lanes with a 22-ft. median. Pedestrian features will include a five-ft. sidewalk on the west side and a 12-ft. multi-use path on the east side.
The cost of the current phase is approximately $110 million, which includes construction, design, studies, acquisition and administrative costs. The state is contributing $47 million to the project. A portion of this amount, $32.9 million, is from a grant that the county received from the state in October of 2007, which is awarded to communities that have congested state roads. Developers are contributing about $42 million to the project, and the county will be contributing about $20 million.
But according to District Secretary Don Skelton, the best part of all of this is what the three parties involved were able to accomplish.
“The partnership between the state, the county and the developers alone is a tremendous accomplishment,” Skelton said.
FDOT spokesperson Marian Scorza agreed when she said “This construction project is simply unique. Due to the efforts of all involved, the project construction has advanced by almost 10 years,” she said.
Of course, this project will require the cooperation of all motorists as well before things will be smooth sailing on U.S. Hwy. 301. The project is to be completed and open to traffic in the summer of 2012.
For more information, residents may call the Florida Department of Transportation at 975-6060.

Library Celebrates Anniversary with Big Event

Jennifer Silverstein — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:52:32 +0000

SouthShore Regional Library is celebrating its second anniversary on Saturday, November 15, with a variety of programs available for all ages throughout the day. The Friends of the Library are organizing this event. According to the SouthShore Friends of the Library Website, the Friends organization does for the library what the PTA does for schools and the booster clubs do for sports programs. “Basically, library employees cannot raise or handle money, so lucky libraries like this have a ‘Friends of the Library’ group that does fundraisers and raises money for programs beyond the basic ones offered at every library,” said Friends Board Member in charge of programs, Diane Waronka. “It really is another example of Sun City Center retirees that find a cause they like and really offer wonderful time and resources.” Jim Duffy was the founder and original president of the SouthShore Friends group. He held meetings a year or more before the library opened and got corporate and individual sponsorships. Duffy asked Waronka to represent Apollo Beach since it’s a regional library. The board of Friends now meets quarterly. Last year, Waronka ran a Harry Potter trivia contest on the first anniversary and “for the opening ceremony, I organized a ‘Why I like to Read’ essay contest with local schools and had a big awards ceremony,” she said. This year, the festivities will begin at the library at 10:15 a.m. with the Fritzy Brothers One Man Circus. “This really funny program truly appeals to kids of all ages,” Waronka said. “The entire family will laugh at juggling, unicycling, clowning and comedy.” At 11:30 a.m., children will learn the art of cartooning as a form of personal expression. All readers and doll collectors ages 7-14 will do games or crafts based on Samantha, Kitt and other girls from the new series of American Girl at 2 p.m. Youngsters are invited to bring one doll of their own, if they wish. At 3:30 p.m., in the Game Zone, local teens will teach seniors how to play Wii bowling and tennis and then assist in games and tournaments. Also in the Game Zone, Rock Band and Guitar Hero will be available to play. For more information on the SouthShore Library’s second anniversary or the SouthShore Friends of the Library, visit www.southshorefriends.com.

New Big Lots Store Has Big Bargains

Kelly Legg — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:50:16 +0000

Many SouthShore residents eagerly anticipated the opening of the new Big Lots store in October. Maybe it’s the thrill of the hunt or the satisfaction of finding that certain item at a discount rate. But whatever the reason, Big Lots holds firm to its advertising slogan – “Helping people connect with their inner bargain hunter.” The large discount retail chain, Big Lots, opened its newest store, measuring 24,000 sq. ft., in the Sun Point Shopping Center located at 3048 East College Ave. in Ruskin. The grand opening ceremony drew large crowds of retail shoppers looking for big savings, especially in these tight economic times and with the holidays quickly approaching. During the opening ceremonies, Big Lots showed its support for the local community by presenting a $2,500 check to Lennard High School. Big Lots is known for its partnership within its communities, coordinating many charitable events including its partnership with Toys for Tots. Store Manager Ira Cohen was enthusiastic about the response from the community. “This is a great turn out, and we are excited that the store is finally open for business” said Cohen. Cohen, an Apollo Beach resident and a father of five children, has worked for Big Lots for six years and had previously worked at two different stores in the Tampa area. The opening of this new store was his first grand opening, and he marks it as an achievement. “We have 45 employees and everyone has worked tirelessly to make this grand opening happen successfully for the community,” said Cohen. Grace Payton, a Sun City Center resident, was shopping that morning at the new Big Lots store looking at the holiday decorations. “I have always loved Big Lots, and I used to drive all the way to the Big Lots in Brandon,” said Payton. “Now, I am thrilled to have this store right down the street.” The new store shelves were neatly stocked with a broad range of brand-name products, including consumables, seasonal items, furniture, housewares, toys, electronics, home décor, tools and gifts to attract any bargain hunting consumer. Founded in 1967, Big Lots is now considered the nation’s largest closeout retailer and operates over 1,400 retail stores, serving 47 states and employs more than 38,000 associates. For more information about Big Lots, please visit www.BigLots.com or you can call the new store directly at 641-7349.

Ruskin Thanksgiving Day Dinner

Carisa Biesecker — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:44:49 +0000

Teaming up with the South Hillsborough County Service Center advisory board and Beanie’s Family Sports Grill, the Ruskin Chamber of Commerce plans to lull the pangs of hunger for 500 people at the upcoming SouthShore’s Big Give in Ruskin. According to Executive Director Melanie Morrison, of the Ruskin Chamber of Commerce, “This year, there are so many more people that are not only homeless, but just ‘in need,’ mainly because of the current condition of our economy.” Taking place on Thursday, November 27, at 11 a.m. at Beanie’s Family Sports Grill, located at 2002 U.S. Hwy. 41 S. in Ruskin, a feast of turkey and all the traditional sides of Thanksgiving Day dinner will be served. The chamber is welcoming any residents who would like to start the spread of holiday cheer through the offering of their time. Volunteers are needed for the set-up of the event, the serving of food, the breakdown of the event and with the collecting of donations. If time is not on your side Thanksgiving Day, the chamber is also welcoming cash donations for tents, tables and chairs as well as food donations including bread, potatoes, green beans, cranberry, stuffing, turkeys and desserts. Paper or plastic table settings are in need as well. And on the other side of the spectrum, residents are also encouraged to mention the upcoming event to anyone in the SouthShore area who may be in need of a good meal. The first-time event is headed by committee members Morrison, Beth Howard of SouthShore Gallery, Tony Zipperer of Zipperer’s Funeral Home, Ron Simpson of Weichert Realtors – SouthShore, John Lawson of Hydro Harvest Farms and Debbie and Beanie (Don) Teachy of Beanie’s Family Sports Bar & Grill. Along with the contributions of the committee, local organizations such as the Ruskin Advisory Committee and the South Hillsborough Community Cupboard, a nonprofit in Ruskin, also plan to sponsor the event, while South Bay Hospital plans to donate 25 turkeys. “This is a wonderful way to reach out to these people who are right here in your very own community, to show them that you care. It’s a great lesson to teach your children to get involved and at the same time ‘be thankful’ of what they have,” exclaims Morrison, concluding, “On Thanksgiving Day it would give everyone something extra to be thankful for. It’s definitely a win-win for the entire community.” To make a donation, get involved or learn about the dinner, call the chamber at 645- 3808 or the center at 671-7647, ext 222.

Residents Walk To Fund Project Cure

Carisa Biesecker — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 18:34:32 +0000

Together with the Lightning Foundation, St. Stephen Catholic Church welcomes the community to take the “steps” necessary in order to combat breast cancer by joining its upcoming effort known as Project Cure.
In its third year, Project Cure is a 60-mile walk taking place from November 14-16, which starts at Natures Way Blvd. in Valrico within the Bloomingdale East Park, running from 6 a.m.-1 p.m. Residents are welcome to walk all three days or just part of the walk – at 9 a.m. on Saturday, November 15, walking one four-mile lap – the choice is theirs. From this walk, all proceeds go to benefit the Don and Erika Wallace Comprehensive Breast Program at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, with a goal of $50,000 hoping to be reached this year. Astoundingly, Project Cure has raised almost $60,000 the last two years it has been in operation with every cent going to help breast cancer victims.
Having lost two mothers of students enrolled at St. Stephen Catholic School, one in 2003 and another in 2006, church members decided to take action, having first participated in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk. “When we were raising money, we found out that Komen provides grant funding to Planned Parenthood,” says coordinator Lisa Huetteman, managing partner of Black Diamond Associates, who mentions that Komen’s giving to this organization is to make sure low-income women receive breast health from a qualified provider (http://www.bdfund.org/ breastcancer.asp). “While we understand that the funding is provided for breast cancer programs, we could not support an organization that provides funding to another organization that ends lives. We congratulate Komen for the ‘great strides’ they have made in finding a cure, but personally, we could not support them.”
Expecting more than last year’s tally of 100 walkers, St. Stephen Catholic Church welcomes all to support the effort by both raising funds for the effort and taking part in the walk. “Our goal this year is to reach out beyond the St. Stephen community and invite all of the Greater Brandon area to participate,” concludes Huetteman.
If you are interested in registering for the walk or would like more information, go to www.projectcure.ststephencatholic.org. For those who would like to support the effort, send checks made payable to The Lightning Foundation, with Project Cure on the memo line, to St. Stephen Catholic Church, 5049 Bell Shoals Rd., Valrico, FL 33594. For more information, call Huetteman at 685-6185 or email lisa@the-black-diamond.com.