Marin County nonprofit eyes $100,000 goal

13th annual Zero Breast Cancer fundraising hike up Dipsea steps set for Sept. 26 

The 13th annual Dipsea Hike fundraiser for Zero Breast Cancer, a Marin County-based nonprofit, has been scheduled for Sept. 26.

Registration starts at 8 a.m., with the post-hike celebration to run from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The 6.29-mile hike, which includes beautiful Mt. Tamalpais trails, starts at Old Mill Park in Mill Valley and covers a variety of terrain — "the Dipsea steps, steep hills, dirt footpaths, wooded areas and some road walking," its website notes.

Last year's event drew more than 500 participants — hikers, runners and teams — and raised more than $75,000 to support the organization's research and education programs. 

This year's goal is $100,000.

The post-hike celebration and entertainment last year featured music from the UFO (Ukulele Friends Ohana) and massages. 

This year's? Come and find out.

More information is available at 1-415-507-1949 or dipsea@zerobreastcancer.org.

Not incidentally, under a headline that reads "Men caregivers need support, too, " the Zero Breast Cancer website spotlights "Rollercoaster: How a man can survive his partner's breast cancer," a VitalityPress book I, Woody Weingarten, have aimed at male caregivers.

South African native to lead Marin County agency

Nonprofit breast cancer agency gets new headquarters — and a new executive director

Rose Barlow

Zero Breast Cancer, a nonprofit that focuses on identifying the role environmental factors play in breast cancer, has a new home. 

And a new leader.

The Marin County organization moved its California headquarters on June 1 to 30 N. San Pedro Road, Suite 160, San Rafael, CA 94903 from its previous headquarters on Redwood Highway. 

And Rose Barlow, a South African native, has taken the executive director reins from Janice Barlow (no relation), who retired after 15 years as chief exec.

Rose Barlow has lived in Marin 20 years. For the past 15 she's been working with nonprofits. 

She carries a BRCA1 breast cancer gene mutation, so she knows about — and works closely with her local doctors to minimize — the risks involved.

ZBC's 13th annual Dipsea Hike for Zero Breast Cancer has been scheduled for Sept. 26. Information on that fundraiser, or anything else pertaining to the agency, can be obtained by calling 1-415-507-1949.

Zero Breast Cancer, which collaborates with scientists on studies designed to recognize the causes and recurrence of the disease, has given my book, "Rollercoaster: How a man can survive his partner's breast cancer," a prominent push on its website.

Under the headline "Men caregivers need support, too," the article says that "when it comes to breast cancer, men — especially prime caregivers — are often a forgotten part of the equation."

And it notes that I, Woody Weingarten, wrote the book to remedy that situation.

It quotes me as saying that "Rollercoaster," which your favorite bookstore can order in hardcover or paperback, "will benefit male caregivers because 'even if they mistakenly believe they require zero help and can fix anything, they need support.'" 

Simultaneously, the quote continues, "a woman reader can learn what a man goes through while she's locked in a life-threatening battle."

The article also cites the fact that I've been running Marin Man to Man, a drop-in breast cancer support group for guys, for 20 years — since shortly after my wife, "who’s doing well indeed, was diagnosed."

ZBC was founded in 1995 as Marin Breast Cancer Watch. It became Zero Breast Cancer in 2006. 

I've been the only person so far to earn its healing award twice — once for being the caregiver for my wife, Nancy Fox, and later along with Marv Edelstein and Dan Goltz as longtime members of our weekly support group, Marin Man to Man.

Nonprofit plugs breast cancer care book

Zero Breast Cancer organization supports 'Rollercoaster' book for male caregivers on website

Zero Breast Cancer, which collaborates with scientists on studies designed to identify the causes and recurrence of the disease, has given my book, "Rollercoaster: How a man can survive his partner's breast cancer," a prominent push on its website.

Under the headline "Men caregivers need support, too," the article says that "when it comes to breast cancer, men — especially prime caregivers — are often a forgotten part of the equation." 

And it notes that I, Woody Weingarten, wrote the book to remedy that situation.

It quotes me as saying that "Rollercoaster," which your favorite bookstore can order in hardcover or paperback, "will benefit male caregivers because 'even if they mistakenly believe they require zero help and can fix anything, they need support.'" 

Simultaneously, the quote continues, "a woman reader can learn what a man goes through while she's locked in a life-threatening battle."

The article also cites the fact that I've been running Marin Man to Man, a drop-in breast cancer support group for guys, for 20 years — since shortly after my wife, "who’s doing well indeed, was diagnosed."

ZBC, a nonprofit based in San Rafael, California, was founded in 1995 as Marin Breast Cancer Watch. It became Zero Breast Cancer in 2006.

It's 16th annual Honor Thy Healer awards program and dinner is scheduled for Thursday, May 7, 2015, shortly before its Racing for Research fundraiser on Saturday, May 16. A third event, Dipsea Hike for Zero Breast Cancer, is slated for Sept. 26. 

You can register for any or all of the ZBC events, or obtain information about the organization, at www.zerobreastcancer.org or by calling (415) 507-1949.