The Cancer Center at the University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is now offering easier, shorter radiation treatment for patients with early-stage breast cancer. 

Known as Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI), this course of treatment is limited to the immediate area surrounding the tumor and minimizes radiation exposure to the rest of the breast, skin, ribs, lungs and heart. UM Shore Regional Health is a member organization of University of Maryland Medical System.

“Along with more precise targeting of the immediate area surrounding the original tumor, a significant advantage of APBI is that it is accomplished in five sessions over five treatment days, as opposed to 15 to 20 sessions over several weeks,” said Rashmi Benda, MD, Medical Director of the Cancer Center’s Requard Radiation Oncology Center. “In addition, patients experience little to no pain, swelling or skin redness with the treatment.”

Rashmi Benda, MD

APBI treatments begin after the patient’s lumpectomy and a CT scan that pinpoints the tumor site for the radiation oncology team. In an outpatient procedure, tiny gold markers are placed in the breast. After a second CT scan, a treatment plan is generated, and the patient returns for five treatments. The gold markers are tracked during each treatment, allowing radiation to focus on a smaller volume of breast tissue.

Rebecca Bartholow of Kent Island completed APBI treatment in early July of 2023.\ “I received five treatments that lasted about an hour, with a day in between each,” she said. ”The experience was awesome – it went great! Other than being a little tired, I felt really good. I couldn’t have been happier.” 

APBI has been shown to be effective compared with traditional longer and more intensive treatment regimens. “We are pleased to offer this innovative and beneficial treatment to our patients in the Shore community,” said Dr. Benda.

For the second year in a row, For All Seasons is gearing up for their highly anticipated Best Girlfriends Weekend, set to take place from February 2nd – 4th. The event promises another unforgettable experience, this time at the picturesque Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels, renowned for its five-star amenities and spectacular views.

The lineup of activities for the weekend includes five gourmet meals prepared by talented and renowned chefs, two mix-and-mingle events, and an array of engaging seminars and classes. From mixology sessions to a master class on coffee making, sip and paint, two forms of yoga, a meditation walk, a rom-com movie night, an improv show by Improv Easton, and more, the days are designed to be an entertaining escape. As in the previous year, women from diverse backgrounds across the Eastern and Western Shore, and even beyond, will be joining the festivities.

Mia Cranford

Mia Cranford, Director of Development, emphasizes the flexibility of the weekend’s schedule, “It’s not a camp; you don’t have to do everything. Pick and choose the things that interest you. Spend time with your girlfriends and meet new ones; we have plenty of ways for people to interact and make new friends.” The thoughtful selection of activities aims to create a perfect balance between relaxation and enjoyment.

Scheduled for the weekend is Brittany Krautheim from MacDonald Laser and Vein, who will discuss ‘Aging Gracefully (with a little non-invasive help).’ Stacia Skinner will guide participants on ‘The Art of the Conversation,’ while motivational speaker Carrie-Ann Barrow will delve into the ‘Art of Self-Confidence.’

Also included is a mini session of ‘Living into Your Values,’ part of the For All Seasons’ Dare to Lead program. It will be led by Beth Ann Dorman and Lesa Lee—two of the 300 qualified leaders in the United States. Katie Theeke, VP of Marketing and Communications, said, “This will be an inspirational talk to help people understand how to embrace their vulnerability and authenticity. It also encourages reflection on and learning about their strengths, and living through those strengths.”

The Best Girlfriends Weekend, however, is more than just a winter retreat with friends—it’s also a chance to support For All Seasons’ mission of improving lives through expert mental health services, crisis support, education, and outreach. Cranford emphasizes the backing of the ‘open access program,’ which ensures that those in need can see a mental health professional on the same day, a service located right here on the Eastern Shore and unique to only 500 centers in the United States.

It is important to note that everything (except cocktails and spa treatments) is included in the price of the weekend, making it a perfect rejuvenating experience for attendees. “We expect that all women coming will leave as happy people,” Cranford said, “understanding what For All Seasons is about and how they can help their fellow neighbors. It’s not just about supporting the community; it’s also about bringing in much-needed funds.”

The weekend is sponsored by Tracy Higgs-Wagner- Realtor Meredith Fine Properties and art owner of The Oaks, O’Donnell Laser and Vein, Creative Training Solutions, Scaling Strategies, Shore United Bank, and Wye Financial. The retreat is limited to 68 people, and the price of $899 covers everything (except cocktails and spa treatments) for the two-night stay.

For All Seasons envisions the event growing over the years, not just as an annual gathering but as a significant fundraiser. Said Theeke, “Women who take this time for themselves are doing a really important service to the community and our agency just by being a part of the weekend. It means a lot to us. We can’t do what we do without the support of others.” Cranford added, “It’s a win-win; there’s not a downside to this.”

So, grab your bestie or close friend and head down for a weekend filled with fun, relaxation, and learning—a unique experience supporting a nonprofit that goes beyond the traditional galas and tournaments.

For All Seasons: https://forallseasonsinc.org

For tickets to the Best Girlfriends Weekend retreat, go here.

For sponsorship opportunities, contact: [email protected]

Val Cavalheri is a writer and photographer. She has written for various publications, including The Washington Post.  Previously she served as the editor of several magazines, including Bliss and Virginia Woman. Although her camera is never far from her reach, Val retired her photography studio when she moved from Northern Virginia to the Eastern Shore a few years ago.. She and her husband, Wayne Gaiteri, have two children and one grandchild.

While increasingly gaining deserved notability for the organization’s commitment and construction of affordable Housing on the Eastern Shore, Port Street Commons being a good example, in recent years, it has sometimes been overlooked by the general population about its core mission.

For more than forty years, The Arc has devoted all of its resources to helping families take care of children with intellectual and physical disabilities. And one way that is done is through The Arc Family Fund.

Established in 2017, the Family Fund has become a beacon of hope for families struggling with the financial burden of therapies, equipment, and educational opportunities for children with disabilities. The innovative fund was created to address the needs often not covered by insurance and beyond the financial reach of many. With a focus on youth under 21, the Family Fund has already disbursed over $90,000 to local needy families.
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Applications for the fund open annually in the spring, with this year’s cycle commencing on February 1, 2024. The Arc meticulously reviews each application, with award decisions announced by March 15. Recipients are notified via email and can receive the grant via mail or direct deposit starting March 16.

Eligibility for the Family Fund requires applicants to be residents of specific counties in Maryland, have a child under 21 with a disability, and submit a complete online application. Preference is given to those who still need government funding and first-time applicants. The Arc Central Chesapeake Region also seeks permission to use recipients’ stories and images for future promotions, aligning with their commitment to community engagement and support.

We asked The Arc’s director of development, Cecilia Helmstetter, to stop by the Spy studio to learn more.

This video is approximately three minutes in length. To learn more about The Arc Central Chesapeake Region please go here. To make a donation to the Family Fund please go here. 

This video is approximately six minutes in length. For more information about palliative care services please go here.