By Linda Wisch-Davidson

Many, many years ago my youngest son Ethan and I drove to Austin to visit my youngest daughter, Jordana, who was studying at UT Austin, and was also a proud member of the sorority, Alpha Epsilon Phi. Before I venture farther into this paragraph, I want to clarify that Ethan did the driving — I was merely the supervisor.
The sorority was participating in the Susan B. Komen walk, and honoring the memory of the late Janis Levine Music z’l.
I remember the day quite clearly — a very warm and sunny Austin morning. A horde of AEPhi members as well as female relatives took off to embrace the race earnestly and competitively.
Although I am probably not the most athletic member of my family, I was ready to do the walk and keep moving.
The sorority girls were way ahead of Jordana and me. She stayed with me, though prodding me occasionally — that “the others will finish first and we’ll be last.”
In my breathless quasi-wisdom, I can remember replying — “that it is a race; however, it is more about the participation — that it wasn’t in the winning, but in the doing and being present.”
Of course, we were the last ones to cross the finish line, but I felt a tremendous sense of accomplishment for both the participation and the cause.
I have a feeling that Jordana learned something from the experience. Many years later she would tell me that she figured it out and understood — and that conversation brought tears to my eyes.
With that said, I want to feature two very important Walks/Races that will take place in the community in the next two weeks.

Learn more about Sjogren’s and other autoimmune diseases at healthfare

Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease, which can affect the many mucous membranes of the body and cause a host of aggravating symptoms in those affected with the disease.
Most commonly patients may complain of dry mouth or dry eyes; however, it can affect organs in the body as well.
A visit to a board-certified rheumatologist can assist in making the diagnosis, although Sjogren’s can occur with other autoimmune diseases.
The 2014 DFW/Sjogren’s Walkabout and Health Fair will take place May 10 at Grapevine Mills Mall near the Food Court. The Health Fair and Registration will begin at 10 a.m., with the walkabout following at 11 a.m.
The walkabout focuses on raising community awareness of Sjogren’s while raising funds to support the research and awareness programs of the Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation (SSF).
Whether you are able to walk, meet other Sjogren’s patients, or support friends and family, everyone is welcome, and your presence is vital in helping to spread the message about the seriousness of Sjogren’s.
Area physicians will be on hand to answer questions about Sjogren’s. All are welcome to attend the event and visit the health fair exhibits.
There is no cure for Sjogren’s at this time.
For additional information or questions, contact Ben Basloe at the SSF 301-530-4420, ext. 207.

Free to Breathe Run/Walk May 18 to raise awareness, vital research funding

Register, raise funds, and run or walk — that’s all it takes to be a hero in the eyes of a person facing lung cancer.
Hundreds of local residents will join the nationwide movement to double lung cancer survival by participating in the Dallas/Fort Worth Free to Breathe Run/Walk May 18 at the Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve in Plano.
All proceeds from the event support Free to Breathe, a lung cancer research and advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring surviving lung cancer is the expectation, not the exception.
“It only takes one day of action to make a lifetime of impact,” said former volunteer event chair Susan Swanson of Dallas. “By joining the Free to Breathe movement and fundraising, you help fund research that may unlock a new treatment that can save the life of someone in our community.”
The Free to Breathe events community, united in the belief that every person with lung cancer deserves a cure, has helped raise more than $10 million to fund crucial research and provide comprehensive resources to help people living with lung cancer make decisions about their care.
In support of the 2013 Dallas/Fort Worth Free to Breathe Run/Walk, community members, teams and local businesses championed the cause by raising more than $214,000 to help those facing lung cancer and their families.
This year there will be a 10k run, 5k run/walk and 1-mile walk, with awards for fundraisers and top finishers. The day will also include food, a rally, live music, and fun for the whole family. Help double lung cancer survival by 2022. To register and begin fundraising, visit www.freetobreathe.org.
Those who can’t take part in the Dallas/Fort Worth Free to Breathe Run/Walk can bring their individual determination and creativity to the movement by organizing a community fundraising event of their own.
Free to Breathe resources can help guide you to fundraise, mark a special occasion or host an event of your choosing — the possibilities are endless but the end result is certain — improving the lives of everyone affected by lung cancer. To get started today visit www.freetobreathe.org/community-fundraising.
Many of the members of the Dallas/Fort Worth Free to Breathe committee were brought together by Joan Schiller, M.D., who took care of many of their family members and friends. Dr. Susan Swanson was 2011-2013 event chair. Dr. Swanson’s close friend was one of Dr. Schiller’s patients. Dr. Swanson found that working with others to bring a FTB to Dallas/Fort Worth helped her channel her deep grief into action.
Dr. Joan Schiller, M.D. is widely published and internationally recognized for her work in Lung cancer clinical research. She is the deputy director of Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center and Division Director of Hematology/Oncology at the University of Texas-Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. In 2001, Dr. Schiller formed The National Lung Cancer Partnership, now called Free to Breathe, and she is actively involved in all facets of the organization.

Andres Family Lecture Series, Wednesday, May 14

The Dallas Jewish Historical Society will present professor Mark K. Bauman, Ph.D., who will speak on “Quiet Voices: Southern Rabbis and Civil Rights” at 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 14 at the Aaron Family Jewish Community Center, 7900 Northaven Road in Dallas.
The study of black-Jewish relations has been filled with controversy, especially with the role played by Jewish leaders during the Civil Rights Movement. Did these leaders play a pivotal role or did many of them, especially in the South, succumb to societal pressures and strive to be accepted rather than risk being persecuted? If some of these leaders did choose a quieter path, were their reasons valid? And were their methods successful?
Mark K. Bauman serves as founding and current editor of Southern Jewish History. Bauman investigates individual, inter- and intragroup behavior through the study of religious/ethnic/immigrant memories.
In conjunction with the lecture series, the DJHS will hold its annual meeting and volunteer appreciation recognition.

Herzl Hadassah Monthly Meeting

Storm hunter Stephen Levine will be the featured speaker when the Dallas Chapter of Hadassah, Herzl Group meets at 10 a.m., Monday, May 12 in the Conference Room at the JCC.
In addition to Levine’s stormy stories, there will be a final report of the Lifesaver Luncheon. There is no charge but donations to Hadassah will be accepted. Hadassah greeting cards and scrip will be available for purchase.

Press Notes

Kudos to Max Wolens, 18, St. Marks senior and son of Laura Miller and Steve Wolens and grandson of Maliette Wolens. Max was featured last month in Popular Photography magazine as a rising star among photographers under 20.
Max was honored twice as one of Texas’ top 10 high school students by the state’s Association of Photography Instructors.
He has more than 40 photography awards to his credit, including First Place in Adobe’s Teen Photo International Contest.
You can see more of his work on his website, maxwolensphoto.com.
Max will head to Stanford in the fall.