Metro 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 Advertisement 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