The B-Town Blog welcomes back Advertiser Market Place Salon and Day Spa with this important community announcement:

To celebrate and acknowledge October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Market Place has teamed with Highline Medical Center to encourage women to get their mammograms. As part of their efforts, staff will be appearing at Highline Diagnostics at 160th to provide what they call “mini-spa events” for women getting their mammograms this month (look for them towards the end of the month). Patients will receive a hand or scalp massage and polish change.

They have also provided HMC with a “Queen for a Day Makeover” which includes a day of head to toe pampering as a raffle prize for Highline Diagnostics raffle. Imagine a cut and color, manicure and pedicure, a facial, a massage and a makeup application–all for you if you win the raffle. It’s a $275 value, and you’ll have a chance to win just by getting a mammogram at Highline Diagnostics at 160th.

In cooperation with Aveda, Market Place is selling limited edition Aveda Hand Relief Lotion. $4.00 from every sale will go directly to Breast Cancer Research. Just stop by the spa and look for the tubes with the pink ribbon to help this worthy cause.

They will also have daily in-spa specials throughout the month. Check out their sidewalk chalkboard for these specials.

And here’s something we don’t often think of, so the Market Place staff has thought of it for you:

“Did you know that 8 out of 10 women wear the incorrect size bra?”

In honor of Breast Cancer Awarenes Month they will be offering free bra fittings by Michelle on Saturday October 24 from 10am-1pm.” Michelle is a Certified Bra Fit Expert through Nordstom.

Market Place Salon is located at 15858 First Ave. South, next to Trader Joe’s in the Five Corners Shopping Plaza in Burien. You can call for an appointment for a bra makeover or beauty blast at 206-244-8886, or visit their website here.

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BTB Advertiser Vision Collision is sponsoring a car wash this Saturday and Sunday to help raise funds for Robin Hoof, a local teacher who is fighting breast cancer.

The event takes place on both this Saturday (Oct. 10th) and Sunday (Oct. 11th) from 11am to 5pm at Vision Collision, located at 803 SW 154th Street in Burien.

Robin Hoof has been a teacher and swim coach with the Highline School District for 20 years. At Evergreen High School she is a French teacher, and also serves as swim coach for the boys and girls teams at Highline High School.

In April 2007, Robin was diagnosed with breast cancer. After undergoing chemo and a mastectomy, she was considered in remission. In early 2009 she noticed a lump in her neck and was diagnosed for the second time in February. She again underwent chemo and then in the Spring she took her students to Europe. When she got back from that trip, she noticed she had a rather bad cough. Then in August she was admitted to Swedish Hospital where she continued chemo treatments, but her health was rapidly declining. Due to her compromised immune system, the doctors gave her the last chemo treatment on September 18th and told she and her mother, “any day now.”

That day has come and gone, and Robin is still fighting, but she needs your help (and you need a car wash, so this is a perfect match!).

Alternative forms of treatment are now being explored by her family, as those closest to her refuse to give up. Robin’s words to her mother at Swedish were, “I’m not going to let this get me Mom.” She’s in the fight of her life, and wants to beat this disease.

Here are some pertinent website links:

• Facebook Group: “Hope for Robin”
• Facebook page for Vision Collision’s car wash
• A local AVON representative is giving 30% of total sales to Robin’s cause

Here’s more info:

Amy Driscoll and her husband are graciously opening their doors on the weekend to help Robin. We need volunteers to hold signs and draw people in off the road, wash cars, and talk to the public about what’s going on with Hope for Robin. We are doing this BOTH days! Misty will be there with her laptop to push the AVON site. Get in touch with Kristina Todd (on my friends list) if you’re willing to volunteer. I will be visiting both Evergreen and Highline high schools Friday October 2nd to rally for business and volunteers. Thanks everyone

Car washes to be held at different times through out the year by the Driscoll family at Vision Collision.

And the big Kahuna…a charity climb in her honor to the summit of Mt. Rainier Summer ‘10.

Many have rallied around Robin by way of well wishes, donations, and offerings of volunteer work for her. But it’s not enough. More people are needed. Her medical bills are through the roof already, and as a person who’s touched as many people as she has, don’t we owe it to her? Isn’t it our job to give back. And giving Robin hope, is the best gift any human being can give to another.

Because 1 car, and $1 can make all the difference! And because ONE person can make a difference! Be a part of the Army of HOPE!

Burien’s Highline Medical Center is aiming to provide 1,000 mammograms to women in our community during October, which is “Beast Cancer Awareness Month,” and is offering free “booby prizes” (NOTE: this is our nickname, not theirs) as incentive.

As part of their “October 1,000” campaign, the first 1,000 women who receive mammograms at Highline Diagnostics at SW 160th during October will receive an eco bag filled with items to pamper herself. In addition, 75 random bags will contain Dr. Oz’s book “YOU: Staying Young. The Owner’s Manual to Extending Your Warranty.”

They will also be treating mammogram patients to complimentary mini-spa and mini-massage sessions. As an extra incentive, every woman will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win fun prizes including spa packages, gym memberships, salon visits and personal training sessions.

HMC adds:

“We understand women are busy and want to make scheduling a mammogram appointment as easy and convenient as possible. To accommodate their busy schedule, we have extended our hours to include evenings until 7pm and Saturday until 4pm for the month of October and added an online appointment request to schedule a screening mammogram.

Please call Highline Diagnostics at 160th at (206) 248-8900, Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 6:00pm or log onto www.HighlineMedicalCenter.org to schedule your appointment.”

As you may know, October is “Breast Cancer Awareness” month, and Burien’s own Highline Medical Center is partnering with local businesses to help encourage women to get their mammogram. Early detection is still the best protection and they want to do all they can to help women in the fight against breast cancer.

So if you’re a local/area business, here’s a chance to get some good, local exposure.

Here’s a blurb from HMC:

To help encourage local women to get their mammograms we are partenering with local businesses to help the women in our community to have an enjoyable experience during their visit. All women who come into Highline Medical Center for their mammogram during the month of October will receive free mini-spa sessions donated by local salons and schools. In addition every woman who comes in will receive a raffle ticket to win great prizes donated by local businesses and artists.

Highline Medical Center would like to invite you to partner with us to help encourage the women in our community to get their mammograms. We would encourage you to consider donating a gift card, certificate, or basket to raffle off during the month of October, or to donated services to participate in our mini-spa session event. All businesses or individuals who donate will receive a free 8.5 X 11 ad space in our local businesses book which is viewed by 30-40 local women a day while they wait for their appointments.

Highline Medical Center is proud to be a partner in health with our community and we encourage you to join us.

Please contact Janinne Walker, 206-293-6784 or email jwalker@highlinemedical.org, if you would like more information or if you are interested in donating.

by Ralph Nichols

Many of us enjoy the promotional jingle for Emerald Downs: “Nobody’s gonna slow me down. Oh no, oh no, I gotta keep on moving….” But instead of horses, it easily could describe Burien City Councilmember Sue Blazak this summer.

Not long after filing for election to a second term on the city council in late May, Blazak discovered what every woman fears – a lump in her breast, found during a self-exam. She had a mastectomy on June 18. (“I won’t say which side,” she quips. “I think it’s more interesting for people to wonder.”)

While all tests since then indicate that she is now cancer free, Blazak will begin chemotherapy soon. This is standard medical procedure since, during surgery, it was discovered that cancer had spread to her lymph nodes. She won’t have to undergo radiation treatment.

Learning that she had cancer “was a shock,” Blazak told the B-Town Blog recently. “I think that I had some other things going on that may have lowered my immune system. My odds might have gone up. And I turned 50 this year. But it was unexpected. I have no family history of this.”

Despite the stunning news, Blazak didn’t lapse into self-denial and promptly sought medical care. “I was due for a mammogram anyway. And I want to encourage other women to have mammograms and do self-examinations,” she stressed. “They caught (mine) early and I feel lucky.

“I discovered that I have a lot of company. It’s happening to a lot of women, and there’s a very good support system” for those with breast cancer.

Despite the physical challenges that lay ahead, Blazak was determined even before surgery not to let this slow her down. She was going to keep on going – to beat breast cancer, and to continue running for re-election.

And one of the first persons to express his sympathy and best wishes was former Councilman Jack Block Jr., who will run against Blazak in the only contested race in Burien this November.

“I want to let people know,” Blazak added, “that for the next few months I will not be able to keep up the pace that I did the last campaign. Fatigue (from both surgery and chemo) is a problem and I understand that. I need to recuperate and won’t have the same energy that I had four years ago.

“Other than fatigue, I’m feeling fine now. I’m doing some physical therapy and walking every day. And I’m taking no more pain pills. I’m clearheaded again. I’m thrilled!”

While Blazak needs time for rest and rehabilitation now, “I won’t slow down in the long run,” she promises. “I am hoping to be, I expect to be back up by September. I’ll give myself couple of months to relax first. I have a lot of people volunteering to help me.”

During her recuperation, she plans to sit down with friends “and get better organized.” They will help her get campaign yard signs out, delegate other campaign chores, and plan for the last couple months of her bid for re-election. Already she’s received the endorsement of the Women’s Political Caucus.”

Blazak has a lot she still wants to accomplish as a councilwoman. Looking ahead, she said the impetus begun “with the planning and completing of projects in Town Square needs to keep going. Burien has an excellent reputation with planning and completing projects….

“Burien and South King County need to have a stronger voice with planning in our region. Seattle has size, Bellevue has money, and I feel strongly that we need to have a voice, to be at the table when decisions are made.

“We need to be more involved,” she continued, pointing to her experience on the South County Transportation Board and on the Transportation Policy Board of the Puget Sound Regional Council, “where I’ve strongly advocated for Burien and South King County…. That’s one of the things that I feel I do well.”

Blazak also wants to continue working for a bicycle/pedestrian transportation plan for Burien, which may include putting a proposed Transportation Benefits District on the ballot this fall to fund that plan (read more on the proposed TBD here).

In addition, she supports a proposed new Community/Senior Center for Burien, which is on hold because of the economy, and promotes Burien as a “wellness center” that would encourage both improved health care and the entry of students into the educational pipeline for good careers in health care.

The Burien Elks Club is sponsoring an “Original Knocker Walkers” 3-day Walk Fundraiser for Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer on Saturrday, July 25th from 6pm to midnight at their lodge, located at 14006 First Ave South.

The evening will also include a spaghetti dinner and silent auction, and here are the details:

WHAT: Burien Elks Club “Original Knocker Walkers” fundraiser with spaghetti dinner and silent auction

WHEN: Saturday, July 25th from 6pm to midnight

WHERE: Burien Elks Club, located at 14006 First Ave South

COST: Tickets are $25.00 each, or $40.00 per couple

INFO: “Please join us for a night of fun; including dinner, silent auction, dessert auction, music, and dancing! No Host Bar Available!”

To purchase tickets, contact The Burien Elks or team co-captains:

• Kim Ross – phone 206-227-5194 (themanetamer@comcast.net)
  
• Jennifer Claggett – phone 253-954-6931 (jennclaggett@hotmail.com)

by Janet Grella

Earlier this week, I went in for my annual mammogram at Highline Diagnostics on SW 160th.

Like most “women of a certain age” (over 40 according to the American Cancer Society), this is something we don’t look forward to.  The squishing, the pain and discomfort of the unnatural-like positions and finally the waiting in a cold room while the Mammography Techs check each film to make sure one was readable.  Of course we are always delighted when we learn after a week or so that we’ve got an “all clear” for another year. Further I can recall some time ago when I had a “suspicious” mammogram and had to go back for more x-rays.  Waiting for the next appointment was nerve wracking for my family and me.

But what a difference a year makes – NO MORE FILMS! Late last year the Highline Cancer Center at Highline Medical Center (HMC) invested in new equipment – the Digital Mammography from GE Healthcare – for Highline Diagnostics.  According the GE’s website, ”digital mammography represents a breakthrough in the advancement of women’s health care. Digitally enhanced breast images have outstanding clarity and contrast, leading to a quick diagnosis and quality patient care”.

At Highline Diagnostics I could tell that Jill, my Mammography Tech, and Kris, “Tech In Training” were really excited about this new mammography device they now get to work with. According to them, the amount of unnecessary recalls are reduced by more than 20%; patient anxiety is minimized and the exam time is reduced.

Further, I didn’t get squished like before, the equipment was built to make the digital imaging less uncomfortable, and the only standing around I did was to look at my ‘digital breasts’ on a computer monitor screen.

According to Janinne Walker, Community Outreach Manager of HMC, my images were sent directly to the radiologists, and they will be read twice by radiologists, and then further by ‘CAD” (a computer reader).  At the same time the radiologists receive my digital mammography, they were also made viewable by other HMC specialists through a system called PACs, which allows providers to access the images through a password protected system.

But this story is not about me or my wonderful mammogram experience at Highline Diagnostics. It’s about all you women who put off your annual mammogram because it’s too painful, too awful, humiliating….whatever your excuse, in my opinion, you’ve run out of them.  As National Breast Awareness Month draws to a close, I want to remind you to make that mammogram appointment.

The American Cancer Society Guidelines for Screening Mammography are:

• Annual breast examination by a physician or other health practitioner
• Annual mammography beginning at age 40
• Monthly breast self-examination

Janinne at HMC tells BTB that they recommend starting mammograms at 35 years old (although most guidelines say 40), and that women can obtain a mammogram at any younger age with a doctor’s referral.

You can make your appointment at (206) 248-8900 and visit Highline Diagnostics at 160th, 275 SW 160th Street in Burien (right behind Sylvester Middle School).

The good thing for me was that it didn’t take long to get an appointment, and there was no waiting once I got there.

by Janet Grella

High winds and intermittent rain showers kept many people away, but it didn’t dampen the spirits of the 20 Burien businesses who hosted “Ladies Day Out” on Sat. Oct. 4th on SW 152nd in Burien.

Participants in the event purchased pink bandannas from participating businesses to enjoy special discounts all day and into the evening. 100% of all bandanna money was donated to the Highline Cancer Center.

Many businesses pledged part of their daily sales to Highline Cancer Center as well.

Here are some photos of the event:

Discover Burien is presenting their annual “Ladies Day Out” this Saturday, Oct. 4th, from Noon to midnight in the downtown Burien area.

It’s a fun, all-day event meant to raise funds to fight breast cancer (and as you may know, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month).

Activities will include:

• Purchase a Pink Bandana for just $5 (100% goes to Highline Cancer Center) and get special discounts and promotions
• In-store specials throughout the area
• Wine tastings
• Book signings
• Ballroom dancing at 4:30pm at Karuna Yoga

So, get out, look for the pink balloons at participating businesses and enjoy the festivities, knowing it’s for a great cause.

According to Michele Smith of Vino Bello, Tuesday night’s “Burien Battles Cancer” fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation raised over $10,000.

47 prizes were donated and sold, bringing in more than $10,000, and raffle tickets raised nearly $2,500 in cash donations.

Sheila Lengle, who works for a local newspaper, and who is currently undergoing cancer treatment, served as the inspiration for the event.

 

Tonight’s another fundraiser night in B-Town, with a special Breast Cancer Auction starting at 5pm at Vino Bello, located at 636 SW 152nd Street.

The basics:

• Starts at 5pm and goes until 9pm
• $25 donation at the door
• All proceeds go directly to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
• Live jazz featuring the Brian Moss Trio
• Appetizers
• Prize raffle at 7pm

Some of the items up for bid include:

• Cannon Beach Trip – Two Nights for 4 at the Tolovana Inn ($800 value)
• Ocean Shores Trip – Two Nights at the Polynesian w/$160 Dining Experience at Mariah’s Restaurant ($560 value)
• Moclips on the Northwest – Two Nights at Ocean Crest ($550 value)
• Gift Certificate for Complete Power Teeth Whitening from Seahurst Dental Design ($750 value)
• Individual or Family Portrait Session w/11×14 portrait from Photography by Steven ($250 value)
• $150 Gift Certificate for Ding Removal from Northwest Dentman Inc.
• Two sets of 2 Tickets to Peter Pan from the Hi Liners ($100 value)

For full details on the fundraiser, including the entire list of donated items, click here.

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A “Burien Battles Cancer” fundraiser auction will be held at Vino Bello Wine Bar Tues. night Aug. 26th, from 5pm – 9pm.

The cost is $25 and all proceeds will go to the Seattle chapter of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Details:

• Tuesday, August 26th
• 5pm – 9pm
• $25 donation at the door (cash or check made out to Susan G. Komen)
• Live Music featuring the Jazz Stylings of the Brian Moss Trio
• Appetizers provided by Emerald Cove Catering
• Prize Raffle @ 7pm
• Vino Bello is located at 636 SW 152nd Street – Suite F
• (206) 244-VINO

For more information, go to the Vino Bello website.

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Our generous friends at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub are holding a couple of fundraisers for the Susan B. Komen Foundation, including a Bikini Car Wash and Car Show in Renton on Sunday July 27th:

According to Christina Rogers, they’re still seeking donations, so if you have something cool and want to donate, please call her at 206-243-2358.