"Judge the day not by the harvest we reap, but by the seeds we plant"

Here are a few more photos from my busy, busy week. After attending the NLCP Advocacy Summit and the Governor's office, I traveled up to Gary, IN to sing the National Anthem at the Gary RailCats baseball game, Gary vs. Fargo. What fun! Then onward to Hammond, IN, where I sang and spoke at the Sisters in Song Charity on May 31st. I met so many wonderful women, many touched by Lung Cancer. I was able to share my message, and my mom's story. I spoke for those who can't, for those whose lives have been taken prematurely by cancer. I dedicated the song, "My Tribute" to the men and women who have died fighting lung cancer, to my mom and dad, and to those fighting for LIFE, funding, research and treatment! Believe that it will happen, believe that the seeds we plant today will result in bountiful harvest tomorrow, believe in HOPE.

Busy, busy, busy!

I just got home from Chicago where I attended the Lung Cancer Advocacy Summit, met with Indiana's Governor Mitch Daniels, and spoke at the Sisters in Song Charity for Women in Business. Whew! I have more photos coming, but here are a few to share with you.
At National Lung Cancer Partnership's Advocacy Summit, May 27-29, I met survivors and caregivers, like myself, that are advocating for lung cancer prevention and hope. It was an inspirational time, filled with stories, tears, and hope! HOPE - a powerful feeling and message. NLCP hosted the event, and leaders from the Lung Cancer community were in attendance.
I worked alongside the President of NLCP, Dr. Joan Schiller, as a volunteer, advocate and committee member. On the 29th, I met with Laurie Fenton Ambrose, President of Lung Cancer Alliance; we are working together on a Bill for Lung Cancer Research Funding, sponsored by Senator Barbara Boxer and Senator Chuck Hagel. I am excited to be part of this movement, and to have initiated Sen. Boxer's interest.
On Friday the 29th. I met with Governor Daniels and his Health Director, Ellen Witt. His administration is very supportive of National Lung Cancer Awareness Month and of ways we can increase funding in the state of Indiana!
More to come...

United for Lung Health Advocacy Days!

Pictured here with the Free to Breathe CA CEO Margo and one of her primary advocates, Roslynn. We crossed from the House to the Senate side 10 times! Well worth the aching feet!





May 13th and 14th were United for Lung Health Advocacy Days on Capital Hill. I represented National Lung Cancer Partnership and advocated for increased funding for the NIH and CDC, and for Lung Cancer Awareness.
I met with Senator Lugar, Senator Bayh, and Senator Feinstein's office. I also met with 7 congressmen from CA and Indiana. Everyone was very receptive to my agenda:
6.6% increase in funding for NIH (National Institutes of Health) and CDC (Center for Disease Control)
Increased funding for CMAQ (air quality Improvement)
Increased funding for DERA (Diesel Emission Reduction)
Support of the Family Smoking Prevention Act
Reinforcement of the Indoor Radon Abatement Act (one of the leading causes of lung cancer)

Most importantly, I had a face-to-face meeting with Senator Barbara Boxer, Chair of the Environment and Public Works Committee. She is a strong advocate for clean air, disease control, and cancer funding. After I shared my story about how I lost my mom, she shared that she was aware that lung cancer kills TWICE as many women as breast cancer and that lung cancer has never had adequate funding.

Senator Boxer is writing and sponsoring a Bill for Lung Cancer funding! This means NATIONAL sponsorship and funding! I am working with the DC staff to get this on the floor for voting by the next administration! This is huge, as it will allow funding for research, which will lead to better screening, better treatment and better survival rate. I am so very happy! This proves that one person CAN make a difference.

Revlon Run/Walk

Today I ran a 5K to honor all women and to increase awareness of Women's Cancer - Breast and Ovarian. I am amazed by the wonderful turnout at events such as this - there were over 40,000 people there! Revlon Los Angeles is sponsored by the Entertainment Industry Foundation, EIF. Lisa Paulson with EIF spoke, along with Tom Selleck, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Halle Berry. Lisa mentioned how she had been touched by cancer in her family and that her dad died of lung cancer last year. I also met a young 17 year old today that lost her mom to lung cancer too at the age of 10. Sad...I know what they have gone through and ARE going through. Losing a loved one, so fast...it isn't fair.
I ran today because I had a lump removed from my left breast 10 years ago, I ran because I am high risk for breast and lung cancer. I ran because cancer runs in my family. What is sad is that 1 out of 7 women will get breast cancer, but sadder is that more than TWICE as many women die from lung cancer than breast cancer! My challenge to all women (and men) is to get checked, to ask your doctor questions, know if you are at higher risk, and look deeper than the breast...look at your lungs too!

Walk with Sally's Ribbon Cutting

Walk with Sally is a California based non-profit that is doing amazing things. I am training to be a mentor, as I have lost a parent to cancer. I would love to see this organization expand nationwide. I am attending a Grand Opening for their new location before heading to D.C. to visit Indiana's Senators Lugar and Bayh.
Please click on the photo to get a better view of the flyer. www.WalkwithSally.org

United For Lung Health Lobby Days!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LUNG CANCER ADVOCACY MAKES ITS WAY TO WASHINGTON
Niece of Screen Legend Steve McQueen Brings Her Personal Fight to
Capital Hill

Mrs. Indiana International 2008, Janice McQueen Ward joins the National Lung Cancer Partnership in their push for National Lung Cancer Awareness. Representing both Indiana and California she will be in Washington on May 13 and 14 for the United for Lung Health/Federal Advocacy Day.

The purpose of this historic event is to educate elected officials about lung disease from the patient’s perspective and to urge government to increase funding of lung health research and educational programs.

Having lost her mother and uncle, the legendary actor Steve McQueen, to this killer, Janice brings a very personal passion to this issue and her intention is to bring Cancer Awareness to the forefront in every state in the United States: This is just the beginning.


If you would like more information or to schedule an interview with Janice McQueen Ward, please call Janice through Laughing Cat Productions at 219.923.3887

Soroptimist International Charity Fashion Show and Silent Auction

April 12th, 2008


It was a great day, beautiful weather, and a wonderful environment of charity. I modeled in a Fashion Show today, benefiting Soroptimist International - advocates for awareness and prevention of Domestic Violence. To learn more about Soroptimist International's Color Me Pink and Purple, Not Black and Blue, go to - www.siamprsd.org
Mrs. International, Rebekah Negrete, modeled as well. It was great to see Rebekah again and catch up with her. She has had a busy and blessed year, filled with appearances and being a foster parent. She lives her platform daily, which is an inspiration! Her mom, Karen Keller, was there as well. She is a delight and so very sweet.

Miss USA Pageant and Fashion Rocks the Universe!

April 10th and 11th, 2008







What fun! I attended the Fashion Rocks the Universe at Hawaiian Tropic and Planet Hollywood. Great venue and I caught up with a few pageant friends - Holly Ernst, Robin Fleming, Suzy Bootz and more! I met Miss Universe and and the owners of Syrup Swimwear, one of the sponsors.
On Friday, I attended Miss USA with one of my friends, Renita. It was her first pageant experience, so I think I spent most of the night explaining how it all works. I saw Mrs. United America, Deanna as well! One thing I can say about Miss USA, it stays true to its tradition...pageantry at its best!

Girl Scouts of America

April 6th, 2008






While in North Carolina, I spoke to a local Girls Scouts of America Brownie Troup about Volunteerism. We shared examples of how we each can give back. The girls shared how they gave toys to Toys for Tots, served meals at church, visited nursing homes, dropped off food at the local food bank, and donated food to the local animal shelters. Great ideas by all! We visited a local Girl Scout camp, where we rock-climbed (I made it to the top!), hiked and visited the camp accommodations. Funny, when I was a Girl Scout, we slept in tents, not cabins.

Busy, busy, busy!

April 4th and 5th, 2008




Wow, it has been non-stop for the past 2 weeks, so I am just now catching up! I was a Special Guest, Co-Host and Performer for the Mrs. NC United States Pageant. I sang the National Anthem, and asked the Top 5 Platform Questions. It was great to go home and visit with my NC friends and Queens. As a former Mrs. United States, I was honored to be a part of the NC tradition and to see my sister Queens- Debra, Shannon, Kelly, April, and now Nicole. I was also able to visit with Shelby (April's mom), Bria, and Stephanie Hunt. What a blessed weekend. Thanks to Cinamon and Debra for being such great friends - I wish I could visit "home" more often. Love to North Carolina and my Carolina Girls!