This article was published in the VIEWS, a monthly publication of the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, February 2006 issue. 

Losing one's hearing and sight from a genetic anomoly called Usher syndrome can have tragic results for those afflicted. As Usher syndrome crept up on Dr. Bert Riedel in the early 1950s, the communication problems nearly tore him from the human race.  "Reconnected by Sign" illustrates how this tragedy was averted for Dr. Riedel, turning the last six years of his life into true golden years as he was reconnected to his family and to friends through the help of a teacher who taught them tactile sign language. 

            Survivors have many similarities in experiences in dealing with cancer, starting with the day we hear the words, “you have cancer,” as we push toward recovery. Hearing the Stream, illuminates these experiences and the strength we draw in dealing with our cancer from our families and from the sisterhood to help get ourselves through.

 Bevacizumab (Avastin) is one agent that has been found effective in extending the life of persons with metastic colon cancer. Scientists at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium of December 2005, reported on the studies underway to assess the effectiveness of Bevacizumab in fighting metastatic breast cancer as well.

Educated and trained breast cancer consumer advocates serve on panels with scientists in the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program in reviewing research proposals.