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AROUND TOWN
Your Cellular Superstore!
As the
On Track
Expert
Question:
What steps can
I take to reduce my exposure to
radiofrequency (RF) energy from
my wireless phone?
Answer:
If there is a risk
from these products — and at this
point we do not know that there is
— it is probably very small. But if
you are concerned about avoiding
even potential risks, you can take a
few simple steps to minimize your
exposure to radiofrequency energy
(RF). Since time is a key factor
in how much exposure a person
receives, reducing the amount of
time spent using a wireless phone
will reduce RF exposure.
If you must conduct extended
conversations by wireless phone
every day, you could place more
distance between your body and
the source of the RF, since the
exposure level drops off dramati-
cally with distance. For example,
you could use a headset and carry
the wireless phone away from your
body or use a wireless phone con-
nected to a remote antenna.
Email Questions to:
asktheexpertz@wirelesstoyz.com
and visit the nearest
locations at:
Jennifer Babby
12 Mile & Northwestern
248.945.0090
Elizabeth Price
10 Mile & Evergreen
248.948.5000
Sandy Maizi
Orchard Lk. & Telegraph
248.253.1400
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A22
June 19 2008
1374880
T
sy of Gay le Elias
Survivors and supporters go the distance to fight cancer.
hey came from all walks of life, but when
dozens of cancer survivors and caregivers
stepped onto the track at West Bloomfield
High School for the opening lap of the 10th annual
Relay for Life, they instantly shared a common
bond. Patti Nemer, 49, of West Bloomfield, a moth-
er of two, was among them.
"It was empowering! It
really gives you strength to
be part of an event like this;
I felt very alive;' Nemer said.
"This was my first relay and
I was proud to have my fam-
ily there supporting me:"
Nemer was diagnosed
with breast cancer in April
2006 and is currently under-
going chemotherapy. Her
participation in the June
7-8 relay helped mark a
personal milestone. She formed "Patti's Birthday
Team" with sons, Michael Baum, 18, Stuart Baum,
11, and other family members and friends to walk
and raise money for the American Cancer Society
in honor of her 50th birthday which she'll celebrate
at the end of June.
"When you're being treated for cancer, birthdays
are a big deal:' Patti said. "Everything that happens,
I'm just so glad I can be here for it. The more I can
experience, the better."
Nemer is also on a mission to spread the word
Haley Nathan and Rachel Hollander, both of West Bloomfield
in the Jewish community about the breast cancer
gene, known as BCRA. According to genetics coun-
selors at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, one in 40
bers and friends took part in the relay with the group "Kids
people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent carry a mutated version
Conquering Cancer," a team formed in Haley's honor by her
of the gene, which means they have a much higher chance of
friend Rachel Hollander as part of her bat mitzvah project.
developing breast cancer than the general population.
"This is something kids can do for kids," Nathan said.
"A simple blood test can help people determine whether
"Haley feels really strongly that this is her way of giving back
they carry the gene before they're diagnosed;' Nemer said.
and helping other young people in a similar situation. She'd
"Preventive measures can be taken that can drastically reduce really like more area children who are cancer survivors to get
your risk of developing cancer. This is a no-brainer; it's criti-
involved and help the team grow."
cal that we raise awareness."
Haley's fight also serves as an inspiration. Her family spoke
at this year's luminaria ceremony during which candles are
A New Generation
lit inside decorated paper bags in memory of -those who have
Haley Nathan, 9, of West Bloomfield is part of a new genera-
lost their battle with cancer.
tion of cancer survivors. The fifth-grader at Eagle Elementary
"Unfortunately, you can't find many people these days who
School in the Farmington School District was diagnosed with haven't been touched by cancer somehow;' said Gayle Elias
a soft tissue cancer at age 6 and has been undergoing treat-
of West Bloomfield. She co-chaired the relay along with Staci
ment including surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation off
Goldman, also of West Bloomfield.
and on for the last three years.
"More people are living with cancer than ever before.
"Everything about Haley is amazing;' said her father,
Because of new treatments and medications, people are living
Stuart Nathan. "She's missed a lot of classes but has contin-
longer, better lives:' Elias said. "The money raised by different
ued to go to school; she goes to camp, loves art, takes dance
Relay for Life events around the country has helped make that
classes, participates in Girl Scouts, and more than anything
happen."
just wants to lead a normal life."
Haley's parents, Emily and Stuart Nathan, her twin broth- The Fight Continues
er, Andrew, younger sister, Allie, 5, and other family mem-
The West Bloomfield relay started a decade ago in memory