[Previous entry: "Guest Editorial"] [Next entry: "CD&PD To Retain Consultant, Make Changes"]

11/01/2005: "Women's Summit Nov 4th & 5th at Rosario Resort"

In 2002, Washington State had the highest breast cancer incidence of all 50 states in the US. Within Washington, San Juan was the county with the highest incidence of breast cancer. Islanders for a Healthy Environment/SJC Cancer Detectives is working to find out why San Juan County has so much cancer, and what can be done to make the place we live safer for all of us.

At the Islands Women's Summit (to be held at Rosario Resort on Orcas November 4th and 5th : Past Story & Information on the Summit), Women will share two days of informative group sessions, special guest speakers, roundtable luncheon discussions, an Artisan's Marketplace, the Island Women's Resource Room, relaxing spa time, plus evening music and entertainment. (Click below for more, including information on a free shuttle to Rosario Resort)

One of the presenters will be a Alison Longley, Ph.D. biologist, who will discuss the rising incidence of breast cancer throughout the US, and what is known about the causes of cancer, and Wilma Munsey of San Juan Island will seek input from the audience on what might explain excess cancer in the islands.

Wilma and Alison will also discuss their current projects: The "tooth fairy" project will collect baby teeth for testing for Strontium 90, a known carcinogen..

Alia Knight, student from Friday Harbor High School, will talk about the student project to measure the incidence of cancer in pets in the islands. An ongoing project to learn more about how cancer is affecting islanders is continuing and we welcome islanders who wish to become involved in solving the mystery of excess cancer in San Juan County to attend the Islands Women's Summit and share their views.

Free Shuttle To Women's Summit
San Juan Transit is providing free transportation for San Juan Islanders attending the Islands Women's Summit November 4 and 5th at Rosario Resort and Spa.

Driver Janet Thomas will depart Friday Harbor on the 11:40 am sailing to Orcas on Friday, November 4th. Passengers may load onto the shuttle starting at 11:00 am. Attendees on this shuttle will arrive at Rosario in time for the Friday afternoon sessions.

Janet will also meet the 5:30pm sailing from Friday Harbor at the Orcas Landing on Friday for women coming for the evening "Celebrating the Sisters of the Salish Sea" performance.