Frank Dalziel has been healthy since 2005 Popular Today By Lenny Holland  Posted: 2:00 AM May 12, 2012

On a September Saturday in 2004, Frank Dalziel sat in a cold, white, windowless hospital room and was told he had colon cancer.

After a year of being seriously ill and having done extensive research about his symptoms, Dalziel had come to the same conclusion, even before five hours of testing at Providence Medford Medical Center.

What: third annual Friends of Frank Benefit, with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society

When: Noon to 11 p.m. Sunday, May 13

Where: Alex’s Plaza Restaurant in Ashland

Musical acts: Bluesman James Harman, The Rhythm Kings, the Robbie DaCosta Trio and Frankie Hernandez

Admission: Donation of $10 requested at the door

The news came to the then 34-year-old Dalziel five years after he lost his mother to ovarian cancer, and he was determined to fight.

“I remember thinking, you beat my mom but you won’t beat me,” said Dalziel. “I’ve never had one of those ‘woe is me’ moments.”

Despite his fighting attitude, there was one thing he dreaded doing that day — a thing that proved to be the most difficult of all.

“Calling my Dad was the hardest thing, because I had to say, ‘Oh, here we go again,’ ” recalls Dalziel, looking away for a moment, unable to speak. “That was so tough.”

He soon began six weeks of chemotherapy and radiation treatments, followed by surgery in December. One week later he began four and a half more months of chemotherapy.

His last treatment was May 5, 2005, and he has been cancer-free ever since.

But his road has not been easy. not by a long shot.

Hoping for $10,000 this year

It’s Thursday evening, and Dalziel is looking healthy and energetic, pacing back and forth and talking into his phone.

He is calling local businesses and artists, seeking donations for his upcoming annual benefit for the American Cancer Society on Sunday.

The event, the third annual Friends of Frank Benefit, will be from noon to 11 p.m. at Alex’s Plaza Restaurant in Ashland. it is a run-up to the Relay for Life, held the following Saturday at Southern Oregon University’s Raider Stadium.

Last year’s event at Alex’s raised $8,000, up from the previous year’s $5,000. That was 2010 — Dalziel’s five-year anniversary of being cancer-free.

“We’re hoping for $10,000 this year,” he says with a smile. “And I know we can do it.”

Musical acts this year include bluesman James Harman, The Rhythm Kings, the Robbie DaCosta Trio and Frankie Hernandez. Raffles are held throughout the day and a donation of $10 is requested at the door.

Though he admits preparation for the benefit is hectic, he revels in the fact that he is making a difference.

“My father was diagnosed with esophageal and prostate cancer, and has been battling both for the last two years,” says Dalziel.

“He’s 80 and doing great. For me, that’s why I do this benefit: this money goes to research and coming up with solutions”… and it helps a community that was there for me.”

Help from a stranger

Five years before he organized the first benefit, Dalziel was having a hard time managing his own medical expenses.

“I didn’t have insurance,” he explains. “There were jars all over town with my face on them for donations.”

He eventually qualified for VOLPAC, a Jackson County program that allows for the admission and treatment of qualified patients who wouldn’t normally be able to afford their medical bills.

Under this program, and with help from the community, Dalziel began his treatment — the second round of which he admits was the worst.

“I lost all my hair, couldn’t eat, dropped 45 pounds and weighed less than I did when I graduated high school,” Dalziel says grimly.

During this difficult time he went to a friend’s wedding in Florida. he was sitting in the hotel, when a stranger approached him and began talking to him about cancer.

“Later that night I suffered an attack,” says Dalziel, his voice shaking. “I was in a hallway, very sick, and here comes this stranger again.

“So this guy said, ‘I was at home, and I just knew you needed me, so I came,’ ” Dalziel says slowly, fighting tears. “It was a miracle.”

After surgery, two rounds of chemotherapy, four colonoscopies and endless check-ups, Dalziel came out on the other side, cancer-free and determined to make a difference.

He says that the prognosis for cancer patients these days is much better than it was five or 10 years ago, but the fight needs to continue toward furthering research.

Five years ago, a friend’s sister died from colon cancer after being cancer-free for seven years. That makes this year an especially tough one for Dalziel.

“There’s not a day I don’t think about it returning,” he says. “Any cancer survivor always has that in the back of their head.”

Lenny Holland is an associate editor/entertainment editor for The Siskiyou and a senior in journalism at SOU.

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August 17, 2011 12:58 PM Eastern Daylight Time 

MAPLE GROVE, Minn.–(EON: Enhanced Online News)–Entellus Medical inc., a medical device company that markets minimally invasive solutions for treatment of patients with chronic sinusitis, today announced the completion of a $35 million round of fund raising. the new financing was led by Covidien Ventures, who joined existing investors SV Life Sciences, Essex Woodlands, Split Rock Partners, and Greenspring Associates. Proceeds from the financing will be used to fund the company’s ongoing operations and commercialization of Entellus’ multiple product lines, which are used by Ear, Nose, & Throat (ENT) physicians to dilate narrowed or obstructed sinus drainage pathways.

“the recent financing led by Covidien Ventures, along with the strong support of our existing investors, provides Entellus the capital necessary to substantially grow our business while providing significant savings to the healthcare system and numerous benefits to the patients who suffer from chronic or recurring sinusitis.”

Chronic sinusitis impacts approximately 37 million Americans and leads to surgical intervention in approximately 525,000 U.S. patients per year. Entellus Medical products employ balloon technology to open sinus drainage paths and have been demonstrated in clinical studies to safely reduce the symptoms of chronic and recurrent sinusitis sufferers. Entellus products have also been proven to reduce absenteeism of these patients while also improving work productivity.

the company’s product lines include the XprESS multi-sinus dilation tool, which offers ENT physicians an easy-to-use, cost-effective tool to trans-nasally treat the frontal, sphenoid or maxillary sinuses in either a doctor’s office or operating room. the company’s FinESS product line is uniquely designed for use in a doctor’s office and enables ENT physicians to directly visualize and dilate the drainage path from the maxillary sinus. the maxillary sinus is the most common sinus that undergoes surgical intervention. a study published in 2011 showed that the FinESS procedure performed in a doctor’s office was safe, well-tolerated by patients and provided long-term relief of sinus-related symptoms.

the procedures in which Entellus products are exclusively used are covered by many health insurance plans which together constitute approximately 150 million covered lives in the U.S. When performed in the doctor’s office, these procedures are less costly to the healthcare system than traditional endoscopic sinus surgery performed in hospital or surgicenter operating rooms.

According to Brian Farley, President and CEO of Entellus Medical, “The recent financing led by Covidien Ventures, along with the strong support of our existing investors, provides Entellus the capital necessary to substantially grow our business while providing significant savings to the healthcare system and numerous benefits to the patients who suffer from chronic or recurring sinusitis.”

About Entellus MedicalEntellus Medical (entellusmedical.com) provides complete solutions for the minimally invasive treatment of chronic and recurrent sinusitis patients and is leading the way with easy-to-use, cost-effective products designed for office-based balloon dilation of narrowed sinus pathways. With this approach, Entellus sinus dilation products also provide significant efficiency and cost-effectiveness for sinus dilation procedures performed in operating rooms.

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By PATSY STODDARDEditor

Huntington will host a fundraiser on April 16 at 5 p.m. at the Canyon View Junior High. there will be a BBQ pork dinner and an auction. there are at least 14 members of the Huntington/Lawrence area at this time fighting cancer. Proceeds raised will go to help with medical expenses. that morning they will be taking donations for a yard sale beginning between 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Canyon View Junior High. the yard sale begins at 1 p.m. Items are needed for the yard sale, bake sale and auction. Please support this fundraiser. there are future plans for a golf tournament, trap shooting contest and a concert in the park during the summer to continue fundraising. the Huntington Youth City Council will be selling pizza coupons from BKs and homemade glazed doughnuts. there will be a bake sale during the auction as well.

A fun run will be hosted that morning at 9 a.m. beginning at the Huntington City Park all proceeds will go to the cancer fundraiser. call Julie Jones 749-0674 and RuthAnn Ekker 749-1233 with questions.

In addition to the other activities a Zumba-thon is planned for April 9 at Canyon View Junior High from 9-11 a.m. Check in at 8:30 a.m.

Come party for a good cause for two hours or as long as you want. Registration at the door $10. Contact Cheryl at 687-9317. Bring your own water and snacks will be provided.

Cancer is an indiscriminate disease which can strike anyone at any time. Huntington/Lawrence has been particularly hard hit as of late. Two cancer survivors undergoing treatment at this time are LaRae Majors for breast cancer and BreAnne Simmons for cervical cancer. these tough ladies took a moment to speak about the disease and the changes brought into their lives by having cancer.

Majors said she was having some discomfort under her arm pit. She thought she had pulled a muscle or maybe she was just getting old. She went in for a MRI but it wasn’t until a biopsy was completed that she found out it was cancer. She said she kind of drug her feet from the time of the MRI to the biopsy and too much time passed. She didn’t think cancer could happen to her because she had been healthy her whole life. the doctor told her it was genetics. you can’t change your genetics. the lump was two centimeters to start with and by the time the removal of the lump took place it had grown to 6.5 centimeters in eight months. “I was really in denial and refused to follow-up with treatment. the doctor asked if it would bother me to have cancer and I said no, but that’s not what it is. but, they did the biopsy and it was cancer and it had to come out. I really didn’t have any symptoms. my shoulder ached a bit, but I help the kids in the gym with their gymnastics and I thought it was sore from working in the gym. and, I thought maybe I’m just getting old. I have been bad about getting mammograms. but this cancer wasn’t in the breast, it was way under my chest cavity well under the arm pit. I recommend that all ladies have their mammograms. When they did the surgery they did a complete mastectomy, but no cancer was found in the breast it was deep under my armpit. It’s been a crazy ride. I have had chemotherapy and that totally knocked me down. I had no energy. you would start feeling a little better, then it was time for another treatment. I go to the radiologist on Monday to find out if I need radiation treatments. I’ve always felt that I’m a tough old broad and I told my daughter this wasn’t going to kill me. I’ve still got too much left to do. I was feeling so low that they did have to give me four units of blood and after that I perked up. after 7-10 days after a treatment is when you’re the most vulnerable. Chemo really just kills your body, all your hair falls out, I lost my nails. Chemo, I know affects everyone differently, but I was really sick. my cancer was stage three when it was found. I am getting stronger each day with a little more energy each day. I am working in the studio a little bit now. It’s been quite a trip. I have had so much support. my family and friends, employees have all been so great. the food, flowers and prayers have been so appreciated. you don’t really realize how much other people are important in your life. the cards and letters of support, it’s really been amazing,” said Majors.

Breanne Simmons said she wasn’t feeling well and it was time for her yearly pap smear. She recommends all ladies get their yearly testing done. It’s so important for catching cancer early. Her doctor knew something was wrong, when he completed the examination. When the biopsy came back it was cancer of the cervix. Her cancer was in stage 1B. they don’t know why she contracted cancer. It was something viral. It was caught early. there was a large tumor on the cervix. Surgery was performed immediately. a complete hysterectomy was completed. Simmons has just recently completed radiation. She was referred to the Huntsman Cancer Institute where they reviewed her case. because the tumor was so big and she was feverish when she went in for the surgery, they determined she should have radiation.

Both Simmons and Majors don’t know why they contracted cancer, Majors is 68 years old and Simmons will be 32 soon. Majors said she envisions cancer as being like a Pacman on a video game, that enters your body and eats all the good cells. “The cells in your body are always replacing themselves. the cancer grows and grows. It can happen to anyone at any time,” said Majors.

Simmons has completed her radiation treatments now and has to go back every few months for testing to make sure she remains free of cancer. they tested her lymph nodes and they are cancer free. Simmons is starting to feel better, but she has had pain in her legs and her bladder isn’t functioning properly. When organs are removed from the body, it takes the body awhile to readjust and begin functioning again. with the radiation treatments she became a little sick, but she’s mostly very tired. “I had people drive me back and forth to treatments so I could get back as soon as possible to be with my girls. I have four daughters. this has been a very difficult time. I was also going through a divorce at the time my cancer was found, so emotionally it’s been very draining. I’ve had so much help from my girls and my family and my church community. I’ve tried to go to all my girl’s activities and continue a normal life as much as possible, but it’s been hard. I still have a lot left to do in my life and I keep on going. a good attitude is helpful as you battle something like cancer,” said Simmons.

Majors plans to walk in the 5K on April 16, “I’m going to try it,” she said.

Statistics involving Emery County and cancer include: in Emery County Between 2003-07 there were 39 incidences of cancer per year. the recent trend is stable. this death rate is below the US rate. the average deaths per year (2003-2007) is 15. the annual death rate (2003-2007) is 144.0 per 100,000 with a 95 percent confidence interval from 113.0 to 180.9

In comparison with Salt Lake County. the recent trend is falling. this death rate is below the US rate. the average deaths per year (2003-2007) is 992 the annual death rate (2003-2007) is 139.9 per 100,000 with a 95 percent confidence interval from 135.9 to 143.9.

In comparing the cancer rate deaths in Emery County to Salt Lake County there is a 4.1 higher percentage rate of deaths from cancer in Emery County than Salt Lake County for the indicator years 2003-2007; the latest years for which the data is complete.

In comparing cancer data with other counties in Utah, Emery County was found to be in the middle; with 13 counties having a higher cancer rate and 15 counties a lower cancer rate. Cancer deaths in Emery County are lower than in surrounding Carbon, Sevier and Sanpete counties. Print PageEmail PageShareGet ReprintsTop of Page

Courtesy of etniesThe etnies x Autism Speaks collection is available now through the etnies Web store.

etnies Footwear has teamed up with Autism Speaks, the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization, to create a line of co-branded kid’s footwear. Ten percent of proceeds of sales of the co-branded shoes, with a minimum of $10,000 per year, will be donated to Autism Speaks to help raise awareness and support Autism Speaks in their continued efforts to fund autism research, as well as develop resources and treatments.

etnies BMX pro Brian Kachinsky has rallied behind the cause. “Individual sports like BMX, can have a positive effect on children with autism,” says Kachinsky. “When etnies made me aware of the Autism Speaks organization, I jumped at the chance to be a part of the effort,” he adds.

Currently, etnies is offering two co-branded models, the Fader and RVM, which are available in children’s sizes and sold in the etnies Web store. according to Kachinsky, an X Games Bronze Medalist who has been a part of the etnies BMX pro team for the past several years, etnies plans to expand their efforts. “The collection will expand to include adult footwear and apparel in coming seasons,” says Kachinsky. “Also, in April, etnies and Autism Speaks are planning to host a clinic for kids diagnosed with autism to come and learn how to ride BMX and how to skateboard. It’s going to be rad.”

Autism, a developmental disorder that appears in the first three years of life, affects the brain’s normal development of social and communication skills. Over the past two decades, autism prevalence as risen by up to 600 percent. Today, one in every 110 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. And for Kachinsky, the cause hits close to home. “I have friends who have made a career working with autistic children and I admire their dedication in working with those living with autism,” he says. “I also think it’s part of my role as pro to utilize that status and influence for positive efforts like Autism Speaks.”

Cody Yorketnies BMX pro Brian Kachinsky has rallied behind the etnies x Autism Speaks cause.

Autism remains a challenging condition for children and their families, but the outlook today has improved. Today, with the right therapy, many of the symptoms of autism can be mitigated, though most people will have some symptoms throughout their lives. Kachinsky believes that the joint effort between etnies and Autism Speaks will help raise awareness of the disorder. “As a pro BMX rider, I believe that being a good role model is crucial. Kids are paying close attention to what we do. And if we take their attention and expose them to different causes and amazing organizations like Autism Speaks, we can educate them and hopefully encourage them to support the causes that are important to them personally.”

Additional etnies athletes supporting the Autism Speaks cause include skateboarders Jose Rojo and Ryan Sheckler, BMXer Aaron Ross, FMX pro Kyle Loza, and etnies surfers Kai Otton and Sally Fitzgibbons.

Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright, grandparents of a child with autism. Since then, Autism Speaks has grown into the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.

To learn more, visit etnies.com.