What do you think?

[Jean]

Well, tax season is over....(ugh) are you a little curious where our tax dollars are going? I was...and I was not very happy that 29 Billion
dollars is budgeted for Health care. While a whopping 189 Billion is the budget for the war in Iraq. To make things a bit more bitter, 500 Billion
is budgeted for Defense. The dept. of health has also had to take a 2% budget cut. We are currently spending 4 times the amount on war compared to finding a cure for cancer/and/other life threatening disease.

I am writing my Congressman.
Regards,
Jean

[Bill]

Jean, you know I love you, so I'm going to pause a little on this one. I understand exactly what you are saying, but your post is kinda like poking a flaming stick into a hole in the side of a hill and waiting to see what flies out.

[lilyecuadorian]

Joan when you fisinsh your letter ..if is OK give a copy ..I change the name of my congressman and send it to him too ...???????????????????????????????

[Jean]

Bill,
I truly in my heart believe that by informing the men in Congress whose job it is to represent us....should know that we want and have a right to expect our tax dollars to be spent for the good of our communities. 29 Billion towards health care with a 2% cut to that dept is not acceptable. We spend more money on bullets than medicine/and/research...shame on them....

And Bill, - I love you still I always will..hmmmm can you hear me singing?
hehe....

hugs,
Jean

[harrie]

I think the reflection of our govt's priorities shown in the billions spent on the Iraq. Our dependence on oil is finally really starting to hit home. I am hoping to see major changes in the near future and looking forward to the upcoming election.

[Yorkiegirl]

Jean I like Bill will take a pause on this.


Signed --A Proud Army Wife.

[mts]

Hi Jean-

I serve on a breast research panel that is sponsored by the US Congress. Every year, we review numerous breast cancer research proposals from all over the world (yes, the world !) and along with the 15 scientists that sit on the panel- try to figure out which proposals are the ones based on sound scientific merit and whether they should be considered for research funding. These scientists, while reviewing a proposal, will cumulatively provide their take on the proposal and very effectivley assess whether the proposal is viable with the suggested outcome the proposer provides. If the steps in research do not jive, they recommend changes to the proposal so that whoever proposed it can revamp and apply again... and again... Please know that if I were told that tying my boobs in a knot behind my head would be a cure I would vote to fund that ! But based off scientific merit, that concept like many proposals unfortunately just don't cut it. These people are not doctors. They are PhD's in nuclear physics, endocrinology, mechanical physics--- these are the people that teach our own doc's and onc's how to treat us. When they all sit in one room, you can palpate their desperation in trying to find a cure. I have no doubt that these people are trying their best. These are the people that in the end say where research funds go. And beleive me when I say that it is really sad when there is 220M in research available just for this group and only 10M is given out because most proposals are not based on sound research.
I firmly believe that its not the lack of funding, but the lack of more scientists ! A lot of these people end up being private practitioners and for those very few who stay in research- they specialize in the aspects of one molecule. Because a molecule is in a world of its own- research can be spent for decades researching just one !! Just look at the research done on estrogen alone... we now have tamoxifen- herceptin- arimidex- And all those drugs were based on estrogen metabolism.
The incremental, next obvious steps in breast cancer research are funded. Its the leap-frog, most "out there" types that we need more of. And those types are the ones we work on.
I am proud to say that the USA provided more bc research funding than any other nation. And if you sat on one of these panels, you would see another side of the breast cancer that's rarely seen.
Any bc patient can serve as a consumer reviewer on these panels. I have pasted info on the Congressionally Directed Breast Research Panels below as well as a review of the program itself. I would encourage anyone to participate and see first hand how breast cancer research is funded. These funds are appropriated by Congress and managed by the Dept of Defense. So, some of those dollars we see going to defense, are actually also going to bc research !!! Why do they go to the Dept of Defense? Well, because they have setup a mechanism to get the dollars out there for the leap-frog research. For the proposals that don't make it to the DOD, they apply to the NIH where the incremental, obvious next research steps are funded. I know I am not the know all of bc research, but maybe my experience can help explain a small bit of how our gov't does provide funding.
As a parting thought- As I sat eating dinner with my fellow panelists, I asked them how many true scientists working on breast cancer there were in the world... their answer was: "enough to fill up this restaurant".
We were eating in a restaurant with max seating of 75.

Maria

http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?isbn=0309057809

http://cdmrp.army.mil/cwg/why.htm

[Joe]

Maria,
You have beaten me to the punch. I have received many open invitations to serve on patient advocacy panels or to attend cancer research meetings.

Shortly I will be adding a new message board where we will be listing these opportunities. I highly recommend anyone who is interested to apply.

You forgot to mention that most of the reviewers are not only well compensated for their participation, but in most cases travel and lodging is also paid for.

We must all keep in mind that we are all advocates wether we participate in these venues or in clinical trials. All of the progress that we have made in breast cancer is based on the work of others who were before us.

Although each of us may only have a small voice, our voices are cumulative. Let the choir sing to the heavens in high.

Regards L&L
Joe

[Jeanette]

Jean, I too have to pause on this one. Having two family members fighting this war at the moment I have mixed feelings. I agree there should be more funding for research though.
Proud wife of USN retired and 3 sons 1 daughter USMC
Jeanette

[StephN]

Thanks a whole heap, Maria!

Everyone should take note of most of what she says.
The booth for the US Army Medical Research programs was just down from ours at the conference this week. They were looking for people to be reviewers and were expecially excited to see a support group such as ours.
They have 150 million to spend on breast cancer ALONE. There was a chart whith the various cancers and the amounts allocated as part of their booth. Breast cancer was at the top with the most money. (Don't know which slice of the pie chart this funding comes from, but it is substantial.)

They had a signup sheet for anyone who wants to be contacted about being a reviewer. As Joe says they pay for your travel, lodging as well as your time AT HOME studying the material to be discussed in the larger group. If it was not so far away and I had the time, I would have given them my name. They want people who are NOT scientists as well as scientists so they have a more balanced input.

Maria - I really hope you will consider going to the AACR (American Association of Cancer Researchers) annual meeting in Denver next year. There were roughly 15,000 participants. Twice the number of the San Antonio Breast Cancer symposium, which are mostly treatment team types.

I know, they are working on ALL cancers, but many ideas are crossing over and there is collaboration on searches for effective targets.
We met far more than 75 BC researchers just in our little corner of the exhibit hall. There were at least 3 times more exhibits than at San Antonio, for instance.

We met everyone from full professors to graduate students working on breast cancer in some capacity. They all seemed quite serious about their work. New molecular targets is the big focus, and some of this is bound to mean great things for our disease.

[Mary Anne in TX]

Thanks to all for sharing what they know! Even though the "little grey cells" don't work as well as before, they surely do leap and rejoice when they get good input! And I love all the different input! Thanks again! ma

[swimangel72]

This is a wonderful discussion for a newbie like me! I believe that money alone won't lead us to the cure - but the minds and hearts of young scientists. Science education is so important - while we ask for more funding to be applied to BC research, more money needs to be spent on public education in the sciences.

[duga35]

I have often wondered why a guy like Bill Gates, who gives away millions and millions of dollars, doesn't do something similar that was done during WWII.
He could build a technology park, assemble scientists and researchers from around the globe to work together on finding a cure for cancer. He could even offer them a large chunk of money, say for instance 1 million dollars for the first person or team that finds the magic cure.
With his wealth, it would only take a small percentage of his money to do this, and he could still donate to the other projects that he believes in. He also has the power and influence to bring more rich people in with him.
Finding a cure for cancer would make him way more famous 200 years from now than founding Microsoft will.

[Jeanette]

I agree, Bill Gates could donate, so could Warren Buffett and Oprah. There are so many wealthy people in the world that could finance this project. Oh know they all donate to different projects, but wouldn't it be nice if the big " C" could be cured. Hoping for a miracle, Hugs and blessings to you all. Jeanette

[Bill]

Doug, that's an awesome idea! "If you can conceive it, you can achieve it"

[Jean]

Maria,
Thank you for the education. I understand that much is being done.
I am just frustrated and when hearing the health care budget dollar amounts, I felt we should have more in the budget. It is evident from your informative post that much is being addressed and certainly the
research that comes before the panel must be worthy to receive funding.

Jeanette, I too have a family member ( my cousin's son) who is a Marine Lt. serving his second tour in Iraq. I support our troops and Thank God we have these brave men and women.
But I would be lying if I said I feel correct with the money being spent on
the war. But that is an entire other issue and my post was directd at
having more dollars for health care.

Hopefully in the near future I will be able to devote time to these wonderful and excitng panels.

Kind Regards,
Jean

[mts]

Hi
It truly is frustrating.
After the last review I attended, the group passed around a microphone to allow all participants a comment regarding their review experience. I realized at that moment, that if the particular scientistss in that room all got together-
I mean, take the funding and move all these folks and their families to one breast research facility and let them all together work on the highest scored proposal --- they would come up with a leap frog, highly innovative outcome. Obviously these people are bright enough to pick apart other researchers proposals and amongst themselves arrive at ways to get answers... This would certainly cost less than a few of funded proposals !!!
In my humble opinion, many of the breast research facilities (overwhelmingly universities with teaching hospitals) have a stake in the process. The grants provide not only the financial means to support a bc research program, but also pay for infrastrucutre, staff salaries, computers, high-tech equipment, refrigerators, even the breeding of mice for research !

I really would love more of us to join these panels. They are soooo interesting and educational !!! The Komen people attend in droves ( I think it helps them see where research is going so they can 'pick-up' a few contacts for their giving.)
I was graciously provided a letter from Joe and Christine as my "support group sponsors" a few years back. Panelists are paid- betweem $750- $1200 for the 'service' we provide, plus airfare and hotel, meals... and the mileage to the airport as well. They even paid for two extra nights for me because I did not want to drive to Orlando from my rural town in the dark. Another time my hubby went with me and we made a little time for ourselves (it did not pay for his airfare, but the hotel room was covered). They send you nearly 60 proposals via email or cd; you read and score your 12 and familiarize yourself with the rest. This portion takes around 3-4 weeks and then they fly you to DC for 3 days.

I have seen the same faces there for the last 3 years... it sure would be nice if there were new ones ! JOIN !!!!

Maria

[fauxgypsy]

I would love to participate in these programs. I found the link to one of them and I am going to look into it. I miss being in research and am hoping to get back into it but right now I would like to feel that I am making a difference in some way. Joe, I am looking forward to the information you are going to post.

Leslie

[Jean]

Maria,
Could you tell me how often do you meet with the panels?
Usually how long are the meetings?

Your information is encouraging.
Thank you,
Jean

[PinkGirl]

Am I getting this right? Is Maria saying that the dollars are there but that the proposals are not "sound" and
therefore not being funded?

Does this mean that all of the propellerheads of the world
need to be united and able to share ideas in order to get
"sound" proposals which would be funded because the money
is sitting there waiting for some good ideas ????

Jean, I know you meant no disrespect for your military.

[karen z]

Maria and Joe,
What is the best way to try and sign up to be a reviewer for research proposals? Maria, it looks like the second link you posted yesterday has instructions for trying to volunteer. Is this the main group to sign up with or are there others? Could you post any and all links for those of us who may be interested?
Karen

[mts]

Hola -

Jean - http://cdmrp.army.mil/cwg/default.htm This is the link to the Dept of Defense congressionally directed medical research program. Find the "How Do I Apply" section and download !!! Joe and Christine sponsored me several years ago.
The panels meet once a year (but for those that want you can meet more often). It lasts 3 days and travel time is included in those three days. Its always in D.C.
I recently (last month) signed up to review proposals from doctoral students that were trying to receive funds for their doctoral thesis... the whole review was from my home on my computer. They paid $750 (to my surprise). When they call I always volunteer becasue I feel its an excellent way to see and hear all the things that are going on in bc research. This last review was also through the DOD (Dept of Defense- Army).

PinkGirl- In many ways, (in my opinion) yes. The $$$ is there. Keep in mind the funding the DOD provides is for the "leap frog, highly innovative and impactful research". The "next obvious steps in research" are usually funded by the NIH or other organizations. There is a difference between the two. Most bc research universities have specific setups for a specific train of research and rarely change course when they feel "they are on to something". Those are great, but when the primary investigator leaves, retires or is hired by another larger university, then all that info goes with him/her leaving a void. In many ways, these grants not only offer funding for research, but also the backing for these people to keep their jobs!!! But then- that is what research is- Usually the ideas of a couple of people in one place that need funding to perpetuate their research. The money goes to their salaries and infrastructure for their facility. Although many of the applicants are scored on whether or not they have the facilities for the specific research they contemplate. At least an eye is kept on those that just want funding for better equipment.

Many of the scientist reviewers themselves are future recipients of DOD funding and they go to these meetings to see how they can advance their carreers. I do not have a problem with that all. I figure whatever little idea they can pick up and run with is good--- after all, they are all in the same mode: to find a cure. I just hope they don't quit (or worse- go into private practice !!)

Maria