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The Sun - The Red Devils aid breast cancer patients in tough economic times

June 29th, 2009

‘After more than a year juggling the family finances to handle the expense of battling breast cancer, Ronda Bediang was surprised a few months back when she found she was unable to pay a $1,000 deductible for her treatment.

She was even more surprised when the Red Devils stepped in to settle the bill, no questions asked.

“Even with good insurance, I still needed them,” said the 35-year-old Taneytown mother of one. “Initially, I cried. It was a blessing.”’

Read the article at baltimoresun.com or angelajbass.wordpress.com

Thank You for Another Successful Stroll!

June 17th, 2009

The seventh annual Heart and Sole Stroll lived up to its billing as “Lucky Number 7.” We could not have asked for a more perfect day or a more energetic assembly of Strollers. Thank you for making the Heart and Sole Stroll a tremendous success. Because of your generosity, this year’s Stroll will add at least $105,000 to our funds for breast cancer patients and their families. With the money you raised, we will be able to relieve some of the burdens facing so many patients like the woman who wrote to us saying, “Before I began my 36 radiation treatments, I was very concerned about the cost and how it would affect my family. It is difficult to tell you how surprised and happy I was to learn that I would receive your help. It truly made the beginning of my treatments less stressful, and was one of the rare uplifting occurrences during this great cancer journey.”

We hope you had a wonderful time and left Centennial Lake uplifted by knowing that every email you sent, every phone call you made, every personal appeal for team members and donations, and every step of your 2.4 mile walk mattered in someone’s life.

Please mark your calendars for Stroll 8, June 13 at Centennial Lake. While registration isn’t open just yet, when the time comes, use The Red Devils Platinum Rewards Visa card to pay for your registration or to make your contribution. A percentage of every purchase made with the card benefits the patients we assist.

Thank you, again, for your continued support. Remember, this year’s Stroll website will remain open for anyone who wasn’t able to support a Stroller or make a general donation in advance of the Stroll.

Best wishes,
The Red Devils

Liz Chuday of Chuday Communications discusses her role with The Red Devils

June 12th, 2009

So, to provide some insights into the juggling act which is putting on a major event, I asked Baltimore public relations professional Liz Chuday (Chuday Communications) to offer some insights (Liz does PR for The Red Devils, a non-profit organization formed in 2002 to improve the quality of life for Maryland breast cancer patients and their families; this Sunday, June 14th, the Red Devils will hold their annual “Heart and Sole Stroll” in Columbia, MD) What’s your role as PR person for the Red Devils re: Heart and Sole Stroll? What are your responsibilities?

» More here from Daniel Collins The Examiner

People Are Talking: Heart And Sole Stroll

June 11th, 2009

Volunteers and staff interview on WJZ TV:


Good Souls Rally for The Red Devils, Support June 14 Heart and Sole Stroll

June 11th, 2009

This Sunday, June 14 at 10:00 a.m. a host of good souls will rally for the Heart and Sole Stroll, the annual signature fundraising event of The Red Devils, a nonprofit organization committed to improving the quality of life for Maryland breast cancer patients and their families. Centennial Lake, in Columbia, MD, is the official stroll site, selected in part because of its easy accessibility off I-95 and park amenities strollers from around the state of Maryland will enjoy after the 2.4-mile “fun” walk.

“More than 25 percent of our operating budget comes from the monies raised on this one day, so it’s absolutely crucial it be a success,” according to The Red Devils Executive Director Jan Wilson, who expects a turnout of 600-plus.

Through a provider network, The Red Devils funds services such as transportation to and from doctor appointments; help with drug co-payments; meals and groceries; housecleaning; and therapeutic massages.

The group operates from temporary headquarters on Joppa Road in Towson, MD. A fire last August 22 forced The Red Devils to abandon offices on York Road in Baltimore City near the historic Senator Theatre. Wilson learned of the blaze from a late-night television report that Friday. By Monday, a Good Samaritan had appeared in the form of the American Breast Cancer Foundation (ABCF), a non-profit founded in 1997 that offered to share space in their national headquarters at 1220 B E. Joppa Road, Ste. 332, in Towson, MD. Two days later, The Red Devils were moved in.

According to ABCF Co-founder and President Phyllis Wolf, “We’ve been a long-standing supporter of The Red Devils. Our services are very complementary. Through our Key to Life Breast Cancer Screening Program, we focus on providing uninsured and underinsured women and men nationwide with the financial assistance they need to obtain diagnostic services such as mammograms and biopsies because early detection saves lives. ”

“We were really blessed to have a helping hand from ABCF as well as the other sponsors and individuals committed to making this stroll a success despite the bleak economic climate,” according to Wilson who says this year’s Stroll fundraising goal is $130,000.

“Every dollar you raise gets us closer and helps fund essential support services for breast cancer patients and their families. Here’s how we’ll put the money you raise to good use. $50 will help pay for one roundtrip ride for treatment. $75 will cover one house cleaning. $100 will help provide meals and groceries for a family for one week. $300 will help pay a patient’s prescription drug co-payments,” Wilson says.

Under Armour is this year’s Presenting Sponsor. The performance apparel, footwear and accessories of the Maryland-based manufacturer are worn by athletes worldwide.

“This is Under Armour’s first year and we’re really proud to be associated with this brand and the fact they selected us for their support,” says 2009 Stroll co-chair Paige Koerner.

Co-chair Claudia Brooke says,” We are equally grateful that we’ve retained our very first sponsor, Howard County General Hospital, which has been with us from day one in a very visible way.”

According to the Stroll’s third co-chair Stephanie Inglis, other notable sponsors this year include Aegon Transamerica Foundation, Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC); Harbor Hospital, part of the MedStar Health network; Good Samaritan Hospital; and the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Center at GBMC.

Clear Channel Outdoor, a national outdoor advertising company with an area office in Laurel, MD, is another business that stepped up to the plate in tough economic times to help The Red Devils. Ronda Badiang, a Carroll County resident who has benefited from The Red Devils services, called the company out of the blue late this winter in hopes of securing a billboard.

Says Badiang, “I realized it was a very long shot but why not? We had nothing to lose and everything to gain.”

Badiang learned from that Clear Channel Outdoor makes many efforts to support non-profits if there is available inventory. As it happened, The Red Devils request came at exactly the “right” moment. Several billboards could be positioned just in time to allow a few weeks of advance promotion for the Stroll. Five billboards were donated: two in Carroll County; two in Baltimore City; and one in Prince George’s County.

Other Baltimore media supporting the Stroll are ABC 2 TV; MIX 106.5 Radio (WWMX-FM), whose on-air morning show personality “JoJo” Girard will emcee the event along with WMAR’s Cheryl Conner; plus SmartWoman Online.

Recently, The Red Devils received a $150,000 grant from Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world’s largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer. The grant is the single largest

received in the history of the organization and in part helped fund The Red Devils expansion earlier this year into the D.C. suburbs of Maryland’s Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties.

Now in its seventh year, The Red Devils was incorporated in 2002, founded by the families and friends of Jessica Cowling and Ginny Schardt, who succumbed to breast cancer that same year, a month apart. The two had met during chemotherapy treatment and were fortunate to have a superior support network.

The Red Devils Board President Jeanne Backof says “We wanted other people who didn’t have that same level of help to know that someone out there cared very much whether they lived and that there was a good quality-of-life to their existence. Our assistance is not based on economic need, but on the toll breast cancer takes not just on the patient, but her circle of friends and family who also are devastated by this disease.”

On-line registration for the Heart and Sole Stroll is underway now. Day-of registration is at 9:00 a.m., with the walk set to begin at 10:00 a.m. More than 600 strollers turned out last year and organizers hope to exceed that number this June. Individual registration for the Heart and Sole Stroll is $35; a family registration is $70. Everyone – including leashed family pets – is welcome to participate in this non-competitive walk held “rain or shine” on June 14.

Says Wilson, “In addition to enjoying the walk around Centennial Lake in Columbia, you’ll be entertained in the Strollers Village, have an opportunity to meet representatives from our partner hospitals and sponsors, and enjoy a picnic with friends and family to celebrate your achievement. Make sure you get some ice cream, too, dished out by the MIX 106.5 staff.”

For more information about the Heart and Sole Stroll, visit the special stroll web site at www.heartandsolestroll.org or call The Red Devils headquarters at 410-323-0135.

The Red Devils New Custom Visa Platinum® Rewards Card

June 9th, 2009

Make a big difference in your own small way.

Introducing The Red Devils new custom Visa Platinum® Rewards Card!

  • $50 donation by UMB Bank when you first use the card plus ongoing contributions*
  • 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 6 months†
  • Earn points and bonus points at hundreds of participating online and neighborhood retailers
  • Redeem points for name-brand merchandise, event tickets, gift cards or travel reward options
  • No annual fee and not additional cost to you
  • Enhanced Visa Platinum benefits, including 24/7 Emergency Customer Service and 100% Fraud Protection, Purchase Security, Warranty Manager and much more
  • Make your own statement with your choice of The Red Devils custom Visa Platinum® Rewards Cards.

    Apply online now or print an application to send by mail. Either way, you will support breast cancer families with every purchase you make. And, the online application makes it easy to share the opportunity with a friend. Look for the “Share This” link at the bottom of the application.

    The Red Devils Visa card program is operated by UMB Bank, N.A. All applications for The Red Devils Visa card accounts will be subject to UMB Bank, N.A.’s approval, at its absolute discretion. Please visit cardpartner.com for further details of terms and conditions which apply to The Red Devils Visa card program

    *Donation made when card is used within 90 days of issuance.
    †After this period a low variable APR will apply.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q. How does opening a credit card with UMB benefit Red Devils?
    A. Red Devils receives $50 for each approved application that is activated and used within 90 days of approval. Additionally, a percentage of every retail purchase made using the card will be donated to Red Devils.

    Q. Who is UMB?
    UMB a multi-bank, multi-billion dollar holding company headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, was recently ranked by Smart Money as “the highest-scoring traditional bank among our favorites.” As a leading card issuer with nearly 40 years of credit card experience, UMB offers a wide range of consumer and commercial Visa and private label products. For more information, visit www.umb.com.

    Q. Is there an annual fee?
    A. No, there is no annual fee.

    Q. What is the interest rate on the card?
    A. 0% for the first six month introductory period on purchases and balance transfers. After the six month introductory period, the interest rate will be the federal prime rate (no lower than 5.25%) + 5.90%.

    Q. Can I apply over the phone?
    A. Unfortunately, not at this time.

    Q. How can I get an application by mail?
    A. Paper applications will be available at certain Red Devils events or by contacting jan@the-red-devils.org. We encourage you to apply securely online to help us reduce marketing and processing costs.

    Q. When I apply for the card, will my transaction be secure?
    A. Yes. Your application will be transmitted to UMB through an encrypted security page.

    Q. Do I have to activate and use the card within a certain time period for the Red Devils to receive the $50?
    A. Yes. But you only need to use the card once within the first 90 days for us to receive the $50 bounty. Of course, we encourage you to make it your primary card because Red Devils receives a percentage of every retail purchase at no additional cost to you.

    Q. What are Bonus Rewards Points?
    A. Bonus Rewards points are earned when you use your card at participating bonus retailers. Simply shop at the participating local retailers listed on rewards.umb.com, or through participating online retailers.

    Q. How does it work?
    A. Simply use your card at the participating retailers listed on rewards.umb.com:

    • To earn Bonus Rewards points shopping in-store, make sure you use your card for all your purchases. An up-to-date and complete list of participating retailers can always be located on the program Web site.
    • To earn Bonus Rewards points for online purchases, you must access participating retailers through the Bonus Rewards Web site and use the link provided to make your purchases. If you do not use the link to shop, you will not earn Bonus Rewards points on your transactions.
    Your earned Bonus Rewards points will automatically be credited to your Bonus Rewards Activity account.

    Q. What can I redeem for with my points earned?
    A. You can redeem your points for a seemingly endless selection of rewards such as cash, merchandise, gift cards, travel, event tickets and activities. For more information about redemptions options, please visit rewards.umb.com for more details.

    Q. Do my points expire?
    A. Points expire after 5 years. For more information on Program Rules, please see the Rewards Program Rules disclosure that will accompany your card.

    Q. How do I redeem my points?
    A. Simply go to online redemptions site at rewards.umb.com to redeem your points.

    Q. If I have another question about Bonus Rewards not listed above, who can I contact?
    A. Please contact customer service at 800-821-4115.

    The Pink Party at Time Out

    May 15th, 2009

    Ronda Badiang, captain of last year’s Heart and Sole Stroll Team Spirit-winning, “Ronda’s Fight to Survive,” is holding a fundraising night on May 23rd at Time Out Sports Grille in Westminster from 6 p.m. to closing.

    The Pink Party will feature DJ Juniour Johnson playing all your favorite music; and Time Out will be donating 10% of the evening’s food and beverage profit to The Red Devils. There sill be door prizes, a 50/50 raffle and a basket raffle. Guest bartenders for the evening include Dr. Rober Donegan from GBMC, as well as Dr. of the Year, Dr. Flavio Kruter from Alliance Cancer Center.

    Stop by, if you can. The address is 400 West Center Street, Westminster, 21157.

    If you have any questions about the evening, you may contact Ronda at 443.929.6146.

    Look forward to seeing you there!

    Under Armour, Howard County General, Others Step Up In Tough Times to Support Red Devils

    May 13th, 2009

    Registration Underway, Online 

    BALTIMORE, MD May 6, 2009 – Tough times call for a tougher resolve to raise capital for charities such as The Red Devils, a nonprofit organization that funds services to improve the quality of life for Maryland breast cancer patients and their families.  That call has been answered by corporations and institutions which still believe in the benefits of “giving back” despite the economic bust. 

    “Our biggest fundraiser of the year is the annual Heart and Sole Stroll held this spring on Sunday, June 14. We hope to raise $130,000. More than 25 percent of our operating budget comes from the monies raised on this one day, so it’s absolutely crucial it be a success,” saysThe Red Devils Executive Director Jan Wilson. 

    Under Armour is this year’s Presenting Sponsor of the Stroll at Centennial Park in Columbia, MD at 10:00 a.m.  The performance apparel, footwear and accessories of the Maryland-based manufacturer are worn by athletes worldwide.

    “This is Under Armours first year and we’re really proud to be associated with this brand and the fact they selected us for their support,” said 2009 Stroll co-captain Stephanie Inglis. “We are equally grateful that we’ve retained our very first sponsor, Howard County General Hospital, which has been with us from day one in a very visible way, giving support in both dollars and fielding a team of strollers from amongst the hospital ranks, from top docs to former and current patients.” 

    Other notable sponsors this year include Aegon Transamerica Foundation, Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC); Harbor Hospital, part of the MedStar Health network; Good Samaritan Hospital; and the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Center at GBMC.   Baltimore media partners are MIX 106.5 Radio (WWMX-FM), whose on-air morning show personality “JoJo” will again emcee the event, as well asSmartWoman Online.  

    “Howard County General Hospital is very proud to have been the first hospital partner of the Red Devils,” says Victor A. Broccolino, president and CEO of Howard County General Hospital: A Member of Johns Hopkins Medicine. “The services that the Red Devils provide to breast cancer patients and their families are invaluable during the difficult time of diagnosis and treatment. The support is even more important during these difficult economic times, which is why we are as committed as ever to supporting the Red Devils’ mission and we strongly encourage others to lend their support as well.”

    Recently The Red Devils received a $150,000 grant from Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world’s largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer.  The grant is the single largest received in the history of the organization and in part helped fundThe Red Devils expansion early this year into the D.C. suburbs of Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties.  

    Now in its seventh year, the Heart and Sole Stroll is the signature event of The Red Devils, formed in 2002 by the families and friends of Jessica Cowling and Ginny Schardt, who succumbed to breast cancer that same year, a month apart.  The two had met during chemotherapy treatment and were fortunate to have a superior support network. 

    Board and founding member Rebecca Berger, Jessica’s close friend, says that “We wanted other people who didn’t have that same level of help to know that someone out there cared very much whether they lived, and that there was a good quality-of-life to their existence.  Our assistance is not based on economic need, but on the toll breast cancer takes not just on the patient, but her circle of friends and family who also are devastated by this disease.” 

    Through a provider network, The Red Devils fund services such as transportation to and from doctor appointments; help with drug co-payments; meals and groceries; housecleaning; and therapeutic massages. 

    On-line registration for the Stroll is underway now.  Day-of registration is at 9:00 a.m., with the walk set to begin at 10:00 a.m.  More than 600 strollers turned out last year and organizers hope to exceed that number this June.  Individual registration for the Heart and Sole Stroll is $35; a family registration is $70.  Everyone – including family pets – is welcome to participate in this non-competitive walk held “rain or shine” on June 14. 

    Says Wilson, “Our goal this year is to raise $130,000. Every dollar you raise gets us closer and helps fund essential support services for breast cancer patients and their families. Here’s how we’ll put the money you raise to good use. $50 will help pay for one roundtrip ride for treatment. $75 will cover one house cleaning. $100 will help provide meals and groceries for a family for one week. $300 will help pay a patient’s prescription drug co-payments. In addition to enjoying the 2.4 mile walk around Centennial Lake in Columbia, you’ll be entertained in the Strollers Village, have an opportunity to meet representatives from our partner hospitals and sponsors, and enjoy a picnic with friends and family to celebrate your achievement. 

    “Pack a cooler; grills are available. And If you are a breast cancer survivor, stop by the Survivor Tent for a special gift. Awards and prizes will be given to outstanding individual, family, and team fund raisers. You could be a winner if you get started early. Don’t delay. Register or make a donation today.” 

    For more information about the Heart and Sole Stroll, visit the special stroll web site at www.heartandsolestroll.org or call The Red Devilsheadquarters at 410-323-0135. 

    A reminder:  The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Global Race for the Cure takes place on Saturday, June 6, 2009 in Washington D.C. Proceeds of the race help fund programs like The Red Devils.

    Let the Good Times Roll

    April 15th, 2009

    Are you a Bunco player? Do you belong to a Bunco group? If so, make plans to attend Howard County’s Biggest Bunco Night benefiting The Red Devils, The Cancer Support Foundation and The Ribbons of Comfort. Tickets are $25 and include appetizers and desserts. The event also includes a cash wine bar.

    Frinday, April 24, 2009
    Doors open at 7 p.m. and the dice roll is at 7:30 p.m.
    The Historic Hebron House
    2231 Calvin Circle
    Ellicott City, MD

    For more information, please contact Jennifer Broaddus at 410.461.7436 or broaddus.j@gmail.com

    Let the Good Times Roll!

    Living Well with Cancer: 2009 Seminar Series

    March 25th, 2009

    • Where: National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) Auditorium, on the Washington Hospital Center campus,102 Irving Street, NW, Washington, D.C.

    • When: Saturday, March 28, 2009

    • Time and Program Format: 8:30–9:00 a.m. Continental breakfast and check-in; 9–11:30 a.m. Presentations, with question and answer sessions. There will be one 15-minute break.

    • Cost: FREE

    • Details: Seminar 3 Details: Moving On

    * Eating for Life: A healthy diet, regular physical activity and managing weight may help reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Hear how a few simple dietary guidelines can improve your odds.Presented by Cynthia D. Clark, RD, LD, oncology nutritionist, Washington Cancer Institute, Washington Hospital Center.

    • Exercise Your Power: Learn how to help your body heal itself and become whole again through stress management, better sleep and being fully present in your current life. Presented by Miriam Ratner, MSW, LICSW, psychosocial oncology, Washington Cancer Institute, Washington Hospital Center.

    • Rebuilding Strength and Stamina: Our expert – a cancer survivor herself – demonstrates how to turn everyday movements into purposeful exercises for a healthier you. Presented by Dorelle Lafalle, certified personal trainer, of Full Circle Fitness

    • To Register: Contact Lorna DeLancy, community outreach coordinator, at 202-877-3915 or by e-mail at lorna.delancy@medstar.net. You may also register online at WHCenter.org/livingwell.

    • Directions and Parking: For directions to the hospital, visitWHCenter.org, and click on Hospital Maps & Directions. Parking is FREE in the Blue Parking Garage next door to NRH. Just bring your parking ticket with you to be validated at the seminar check-in table