December 10th, 2009

From Chris Burke, Health and Wellness: The State of New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services has moved to “tier three” for distribution of the H1N1 vaccine. This tier includes:

• anyone from 6 months to 24 years old
• anyone 24 to 64 years old with a chronic medical condition

KSC will be hosting three H1N1 vaccination clinics:

Thursday, December 10, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., in the Atrium Conference Room, Student Center
Friday, December 11, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., in the Madison Street Lounge, Student Center
Tuesday, December 15, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., in the Mabel Brown Room, Student Center

All students and staff up to age 24 are eligible as well as any students, staff, or faculty who have a chronic medical condition and are 24 to 64 years old. Given the potential risk of H1N1 to the traditional-age college population, we strongly encourage students to receive the vaccine. The vaccination is free. We are planning to distribute 600 doses at each clinic on a first-come, first-served basis. Most eligible individuals will qualify for and receive the flu mist vaccine, which is inhaled rather than injected. The H1N1 vaccine carries the same benefits and risks as the seasonal flu vaccine.  Please visit www.keene.edu/alerts for informational sheets on both the injection and the mist vaccine.

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Chris Burke (Health & Wellness) reports that ILI (influenza-like illness) is escalating on campus (read complete letter to campus here.) She reminds the campus community that sick students should call the Center for Health and Wellness at 8-2450 before visiting the clinic to minimize the spread of the virus. All KSC updates on H1N1 influenza are posted on the Alerts page.

 
The College is tracking the flu on campus so administrators can make informed decisions. Faculty are requested to report flu-related absences to Sylvie Rice whenever 30% of the students in a class are affected by the flu. This report should include faculty name, the number of students absent, the total class enrollment, and the location of the course meetings. Supervisors are requested to report flu-related absences to Sylvie Rice whenever 30% of the employees in a work area are out sick or affected by flu. This report should include the department or unit, supervisor’s name, number of employees out, the total number of employees in the unit, and the building/space(s) associated with the work unit. (Please note that we are not tracking or requesting individual names).

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From Chris Santiago, Campus Safety: The Keene State College Community has seen a significant increase in bicycle usage this Fall. This is an extremely good thing, but it creates some issues for us as a community. There have been announcements through various mediums asking community members to please secure bicycles to bicycle racks around campus rather than to trees, light poles, and handrails. The Department of Campus Safety would like to reinforce that message - this will keep our campus both beautiful and safe.

The increase bicycle usage has created other issues as well. Since First Year Orientation on August 26, Campus Safety has taken six bicycle theft reports and other reports of bicycle vandalism. We encourage you to leave your bicycles in well-lit and high-travelled areas, to use the bicycle racks, and, most importantly, to secure your bicycle with a good lock. In addition, City of Keene ordinances require all bicycle owners to register their bicycles (stop by the Department of Campus Safety or the Keene Police Department to do so).

Here are some bicycle safety tips:

• Safety first: Safety equipment begins with the helmet. Wearing an approved helmet can reduce the risk of a head injury by up to 85% in the event of an accident. In addition, wear brightly colored or reflective clothing so you can be seen during the early morning and evening hours. You should avoid riding your bicycle at night.
• Keep your bicycle in good shape: Make sure all parts are in good repair, checking your brakes, tires, and gears often. Learn the basics so that you can practice routine maintenance. Be sure your bicycle is equipped with reflectors and lights.
• Follow traffic laws: Bicycles are considered vehicles, and cyclists should obey the same traffic laws as motorists. Travel on the right side of the road and avoid riding on sidewalks.
• Check other routes: Sometimes the main road may not be the safest way to travel by bicycle. Look into alternate routes with less motor vehicle traffic and better road conditions.
• Find the correct fit: The most important factor in bicycling is finding a bicycle that fits you properly. You should be able to stand just over the top bar of the bicycle with your feet flat on the ground.

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From Chris Burke, Health Services: We will begin our seasonal flu shot clinics on Thursday, September 10, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Zorn North Dining Room, Zorn Dining Commons (directly across from the Hoot-n-Scoot). The cost for the vaccine is $15 for students and $25 for staff. We will be accepting debit/credit card payments or checks. No cash payments will be accepted. Students may put the charge on their bill. You can prepay for the vaccine by registering at https://www.events.unh.edu/RegistrationForm.pm?event_id=6265

This vaccine protects against seasonal flu, and although this vaccine will not prevent H1N1, we are encouraging students and staff, especially those with chronic medical conditions like asthma or diabetes, to get this vaccine to help maintain overall health. Other seasonal vaccine clinics are scheduled for:

• Wednesday, September 16: 5-7 p.m., Zorn North, Zorn Dining Commons 
• Tuesday, September 22:  5-7 p.m., Zorn North, Zorn Dining Commons 
• Friday, October 2: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Room 308, Student Center. 

Please remember to wear loose-fitting or short-sleeve shirts.

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From Recreational Sports: Faculty and staff (and their spouse or same-sex domestic partner) can purchase memberships to the Recreation Center facilities and programs. There are several membership options available:

• If you are a benefits-eligible employee and you have your health insurance through the College with Harvard Pilgrim, you can utilize the Wellness Connection program, which will cover the cost of your membership as long as you work out a minimum of 8 times per month.
• If you do not have health benefits through the College, the cost of the Recreation Center membership is $480 from now until the end of August 2010. Membership entitles you to use all the facilities and programs we offer. We also offer faculty and staff the option of purchasing semester memberships (for $200) or academic year memberships (for $400); summer membership is $80.

• The other memberships available are the walking track/aerobics membership for $125 per semester (access to the walking track and group fitness program) and the Spaulding Gym membership (use of the swimming pool during Rec Sports swim time and the racquetball court at no charge). Faculty and staff can sign up for a membership at the front desk of the Recreation Center.

Facility members may obtain child passes for dependent children ages 18 and under for access to the pool and recreation courts only (based on membership restriction of the faculty or staff member). We recommend bringing children to the facilities on the weekends (1-3/5-8 p.m. for the pool, and noon-5 p.m. for the recreation courts). Children must have parental supervision at all times while using the facilities. To use the pool, children must be toilet trained (completely out of diapers) and able to touch the bottom of the shallow end. Child passes can be obtained from the front desk staff. The pass must be shown at the front desk when using the recreation courts and given to the lifeguards when using the pool. Children high school age and under are not permitted on the jogging/walking track or in either fitness center area. Dependent children aged 18 and older cannot purchase memberships during the academic year.

Please contact the Recreational Sports office, 8-2814, if you have any questions about facility memberships, or if you would like information on recreational sports programs.

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From Kimberly Harkness, Human Resources: Many folks on campus are preparing for a fall outbreak of the H1N1 flu anticipated to impact a significant portion of the community. At this time, for the majority of individuals, symptoms appear to be mild and recovery is usually uncomplicated. While a significant number of students, faculty, and staff may be affected, it is most likely that the institution will remain open and continue to operate through the flu season.

Help us track the flu at Keene State so that campus administrators can make informed decisions.

• Faculty members are requested to report flu-related absences to Sylvie Rice via e-mail (srice2@keene.edu) whenever 30% of the students in a class appear impacted by the flu. This report should include faculty name, the number of students absent, the total class enrollment, and the location of the course meetings.
• Supervisors are requested to report flu-related absences to Sylvie Rice via e-mail to srice2@keene.edu whenever 30% of the employees in a work area are out sick or impacted by flu. This report should include the department or sub-department unit, supervisor’s name, number of employees out, the total number of employees in the unit, and the building/space(s) associated with the work unit.
• Please note that we are not tracking or requesting individual names.

In addition, there are some salient points that I ask all employees to keep in mind:

• Employees who experience a sudden onset of flu-like symptoms should not be in the workplace and should remain out of work until fever-free (without benefit of medication) for 24 hours. While we love dedication to the College, we will benefit more from a sure recovery than from sick employees exposing co-workers to the flu and risking their own personal health.
• The College reserves the right to require employees to leave the workplace if it is determined that they may be “under the weather” with influenza-like illness and therefore not “fit for duty.” Supervisors should refer employees who are unwilling to “go home” to Human Resources.
• Because the College is making the request that sick employees NOT come to work, supervisors should review time-and-attendance policies for each department and insure that employees who stay home when sick are not penalized.
• Recent case law suggests that FMLA protections may be extended in cases involving a flu-like illness. As such, flexibility should be provided to employees who must serve as caregivers for sick children, spouses, or parents.

What can supervisors do now?

• Supervisors should review all areas of responsibility and identify critical areas of functionality that could be at risk if a significant portion of staff were unable to work and then make alternative preparations. For example, is there only one person in your area responsible for critical information feed? Is there adequate documentation or cross-training to insure that all essential functions continue?
• This would be a good time to review time-and-attendance policies to be sure that employees know what the expectations are for calling in when they are unable to come to work because of sickness or family responsibilities related to care giving.

The College will continue to communicate flu-related announcements by e-mail and on the web at http://www.keene.edu/alerts. Please check this website frequently for updates on the influenza outbreak. We encourage you to be mindful of how easily this virus can be spread, to consistently wash your hands with soap and water, and to use hand sanitizers and other preventative measures when possible.

Nurse Practitioner Deb Coltey and Health Educator Tiffany Matthews show off some of the 26 hand sanitizer dispensers delivered around campus on Monday, August 24, by Physical Plant employees Bob Dumond and Chris Lariviere. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to keep hands clean and cover coughs and sneezes as the fall semester begins and the H1N1 virus looms. (Photo by Deb Williams)

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From Karen Crawford, Human Resources: The President’s Commission for the Promotion of Wellness (PCPOW) celebrated Walk NH Week 2009 and launched the KSC Moves program with a 2.25-mile campus walk on June 1. Twenty-three staff participated in the event, which is designed to promote walking and help keep New Hampshire residents on a healthy path. The KSC Moves program hopes to inspire participants to continue walking as part of a healthy lifestyle. For more information, contact Karen Crawford at 8-2487.

KSC Faculty and Staff gathered on a beautiful day for a campus walk on June 1 (courtesy photo).

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Keene State health, safety, and medical professionals are closely monitoring the outbreak of H1N1 influenza (swine flu) in the U.S. and internationally. Visit the Center for Health and Wellness for the most updated information.

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From Forrest Seymour, Counseling Center: April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and a number of events are planned on campus (events are free and open to all students):

• Sex Signals (Taking a “funny” look at dating, sex, and acquaintance rape on college campuses): Thursday, April 2, 8 p.m., Mabel Brown Room in the Student Center
• Mentors in Violence Prevention open meeting (Come learn about being a peer educator.): Monday, April 13, 7 p.m., Mountain View Room, Student Center
• The Shout Out against Sexual Assault: “NO Is Never Wrong, It Is Your Right!”
Wednesday, April 15, noon, Lantern Room, Student Center
• “Walk A Mile in Her Shoes”: Men’s March to End Rape, Sexual Assault, & Gender Violence, Saturday, April 18, Student Center. Registration 9 a.m.; March 10 a.m.; pre-register here.
• Take Back the Night (March and vigil leaving from the Student Center):
Thursday, April 23, 7:30 p.m.

For more information, please contact Forrest Seymour, 8-2047.

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From Forrest Seymour, Counseling Center: The KSC Sexual Violence Prevention Program, in collaboration with the Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention, is gearing up for the 3rd annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Men’s March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault, & Gender Violence. The walk begins at 10 a.m. in the Student Center Atrium on April 18.

This will be the third year that men (in women’s shoes), followed by women and children, will lead a one-mile walk from Keene State College through downtown Keene to Railroad Square. The event raises community awareness of sexual assault and provides support for the Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention.

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® was created in 2001 by a California Crisis Center as a way for men to show support for the women in their lives who are victims of sexual violence. This event is held at sites throughout the country.

Pre-register online at www.firstgiving.com/MCVP, call 603-352-3844 x 214, or email development@mcvprevention.org. For more information, contact Forrest Seymour at 8-2407 or fseymour@keene.edu.

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From Christine Burke, Health Services: Since our return to campus we have seen a significant number of flu cases at the Center for Health and Wellness. At this point, it seems worthy to review the symptoms and best course of action if you become ill.

Influenza usually starts suddenly and may include the following symptoms:
• Fever (usually high)
• Headache
• Tiredness (can be extreme)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Diarrhea and vomiting (more common among children than adults)

Most healthy people recover from the flu without complications. If you get the flu:
• Stay home,
• Get lots of rest, drink plenty of liquids, and avoid using alcohol and tobacco.
• Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can relieve the symptoms of the flu.
• Remember that serious illness from the flu is more likely in certain groups of people including people 65 and older, pregnant women, people with certain chronic medical conditions and young children.

Emergency warning signs:
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
Seek medical care immediately (call your doctor or go to an emergency room) if you or someone you know is experiencing any of the signs above. When you arrive, tell the reception staff that you think you have the flu. You may be asked to wear a mask and/or sit in a separate area to protect others from getting sick.
(Center for Disease Control website, February 2009)

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From Stuart Kaufman, Sports Information: On Tuesday, February 10, the Keene community will be rooting for the Owls basketball teams and also supporting KSC field hockey player Erin Dallas, a junior from Marlow, N.H. Both women’s and men’s games against rival Plymouth State, scheduled for 5:30 and 7:30 p.m., respectively, will be a benefit to support Dallas’ medical expenses.

Dallas, a two-time All-American, suffered a knee injury during the season and developed a post-surgical infection following ACL knee surgery in December. Since that time, she has been hospitalized and has had multiple operations. In lieu of tickets, fans will be asked for donations, at the minimum of the ticket value, with all proceeds going to Dallas. In addition, the Keene State field hockey team will be sponsoring a 50-50 raffle and the student athletic activities committee (SAAC) will be handing out  “Code Red” T-shirts.

Encouraging all Owl fans to wear red at Tuesday’s hoop double-header, the Owls will be looking to greet the rival Panthers with a sea of red when they take the court at Spaulding Gym. The event is sponsored by the President’s office, the Lloyd P. Young Student Center, the KSC Health and Wellness department, the KSC athletic department, and the Owl men’s and women’s basketball teams.

Courtesy photo: Erin Dallas

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From the Health and Safety Committee: We are sending out the following tips to remind you of the hazards of winter conditions:

• Please notify the Grounds Department (8-2702), Physical Plant (8-2202 ), or Sylvie Rice (8-2879) if you find slippery areas or falling ice from buildings, so that we can remedy the situation as quickly as possible.
• Wear appropriate shoes for the weather.
• Use extra caution around snowplows. The plow driver’s vision is often obstructed by the weather conditions and blind spots, so he/she may not be aware of your presence, especially if you are in a small car.
• Be careful when getting out of your car, especially in the early morning and evening when water tends to freeze up.
• Be sure that on-coming traffic has come to a complete stop before you cross the street — cars and trucks cannot stop as quickly when the roads are slippery.

Many of our accidents are related to slips and falls due to icy conditions, and some of our buildings are prone to ice buildups on the roof. Our grounds crew and UNICCO staff work hard to keep the paths and roads clear and free of hazards, but wintry weather can be difficult, especially given the frequency and nature of the storms that we have been having lately. If you should have an accident or near miss, please fill out an incident report form available at http://www.keene.edu/hr/forms/incident_report.pdf.

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A group working with mindfulness meditation in local public elementary schools has created a developmentally appropriate mindfulness curriculum and completed the first phase of their research. Jon Kabat-Zinn defines mindfulness as “paying attention in a particular way, on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.” This group’s study centered on two questions: Can children learn mindfulness practice in an eight-week, small group format, and if so, is there evidence of enhanced attention and concentration?

The three-year, College/school-counselor collaborative research project is based at Keene State College and supported by New Hampshire School Counselor Association. The collaborative includes professional school counselors and graduate students, a clinical psychologist, and a school counselor educator.

The group has started to share initial findings with other counselors and educators. In September several members presented at the 2008 North Atlantic Regional Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (NARACES) Conference in Portland, Maine. The group presented to KSC faculty on December 1, and at the fall New Hampshire School Counselor Association Southwest Regional Meeting in November. Presenters include Lynn Merlone, Jaffrey Grade School, Jaffrey, N.H.; Susan Theberge, Keene State College; Robin Gregg, Contoocook Valley School District, Peterborough, N.H.; Linda Galanes, Wheelock School, Keene, N.H.; Becky Kohler, Nelson/Harrisville/Marlow N.H. schools; Emily Bullock, Newfane Elementary School, Newfane, Vt.; and Martha Mae Emerson. An article about their work, “ The Practical Effects of Teaching Mindfulness to Children in Schools,” will appear in Professional School Counseling. For more information about the project please contact Susan Theberge, stheberge@keene.edu.

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From Scott Strong (BBB and Biology Club advisor) and Susan Whittemore (Biology Senior Seminar Instructor): As members of the Keene State College community for more than a decade, we had no doubt that the bone marrow registration drive held last week, in support of Dr. Hanna Kolodziejski’s (Biology] battle with leukemia, would be a success. Keene State has a wonderful tradition of rallying behind worthy causes, especially when a member of our KSC family is in need. We are overjoyed to report that tradition stands stronger than ever!

Chris Mulcahy, the National Marrow Donor Program representative, told us from the start that 40 registrants would be considered a successful drive. Members of the Biology Senior Seminar class, the Biology Honor Society (BBB), and Biology Club decided that number wasn’t ambitious enough and proceeded to set their goal at 160 registrants.

On October 30, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., we added 195 individuals to the National Marrow Donor Program. Not only did we break our own goal, but Chris informed us that we more than doubled the number of registrants of any of the college drives he has overseen in the New England region. He was simply overwhelmed.

It is noteworthy that our students made a difference not just by setting a record for the number of registrants, but by the manner in which they recruited participants. Jill Gormley, a junior Biology major, came up with the idea of using Facebook to notify students about the drive. Chris was so impressed with this novel advertising approach that he plans to use it as a case study for the national organization.

Also, we were most fortunate to have Hanna and her husband join us at the beginning of the drive. Although Hanna could only stay for a short time, because she was headed to Dana Farber for her next round of treatment, we are quite certain her spirit was lifted at the sight of the overwhelming and heartfelt response by students, faculty, and staff. It was truly an emotional day for all involved.

Without funding from Andy Robinson, SAC, and a Pepsi Partnership Grant, we would have been unable to run this event. To all the students, faculty, staff and members of the Keene community who supported this event financially or by becoming a registrant, please accept our most sincere gratitude. We may very well have saved someone’s life last Thursday!

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From Forrest Seymour, Counseling Center: KSC students living with mental illness will share their challenges and successes at “The Challenge of Coping with a Mental Illness at College,” a student panel and Diversity Luncheon, at noon on Wednesday, November 5, in the Madison Street Lounge, Student Center.

A free light lunch will be served. This event is hosted by the KSC Diversity Commission and sponsored by the KSC Counseling Center, the Center for Health & Wellness, the Office of Disability Services, the Campus Commission on Multiculturalism and Diversity, the Active Minds Student Organization, the Psi Chi Psychology Honors Society, the Granite State Monarchs Peer Support Organization, and the NH Branch of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. For more information, please contact Forrest at 358-2047.

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From Maria Sibley, Center for Health and Wellness: Please mark your calendar for the Flu Shot Clinic in the Madison Street Lounge on Wednesday, November 12, 12:30 – 3 p.m.

The cost will be $15 for students and $25 for Faculty/Staff (cash and checks accepted). If you have any questions, please call the Center for Health and Wellness at 8-2450.

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From Maria Sibley Center for Health and Wellness: Please mark your calendar for the following Flu Shot Clinics in the Madison Street Lounge:
Monday, October 13 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, November 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The cost will be $15 for students and $25 for Faculty/Staff (cash and checks accepted). If you have any questions, please call the Center for Health and Wellness at 8-2450.

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From Karyn Kaminski, Human Resouces: The 2008 Personnel Benefits and Personal Services Fair will be on Friday, October 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Mabel Brown Room, Student Center.

Along with Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare, Delta Dental, TIAA/CREF, and Fidelity, the fair will be hosting a number of local community service agencies and businesses that have services helpful for personal life planning, personal interest and development, and family. We hope to see you there!

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From Recreational Sports: Enter the Pumpkin 5K Fun Run/Walk on Friday, October 24! T-shirts will be given to the first 100 sign-ups (once they have completed the run). The race begins at 2:30 p.m. The entry deadline is Wednesday, October 22 (entries will be taken up until the day of the race, but later entries cannot be guaranteed a T-shirt). Register at the Rec Center. The event is free and open to all KSC students, faculty, and staff.

Recreational Sports is sponsoring a canned food drive for the Keene Community Kitchen in conjunction with the race. Please bring a canned food item on the day of the race. For more information contact Lynne Andrews at landrews@keene.edu.

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The KSC Health Sciences (Nutrition, Health Promotion and Fitness, and Substance Abuse/Addictions) booth at the Centennial Wellness Fair.

On Sunday, September 28, the College invited the Keene community to celebrate the annual Clarence DeMar Marathon at Keene State College’s Centennial Wellness Fair. Representatives from various College and community resources for health and fitness offered free refreshments and demonstrations as the runners arrived at the marathon finish line.

Courtesy photo

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From Forrest Seymour, Counseling Center: About a dozen KSC students trained to be peer educators in KSC’s annual Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) training over the weekend.

MVP’s motto is “Students Helping Students End Sexual Violence.” MVP has been at KSC for six years. It is part of a national network of MVP programs across the country working with colleges and high schools, professional sports teams, and the U.S. military. At KSC, MVP does 10 to 20 programs per semester, reaching 250 – 500 students. Presentations take place in classes, res halls, and all first-year halls and are offered to all Greek pledges.

MVP uses the “Bystander Approach,” which seeks to empower bystanders to sexual abuse by teaching safe ways for them to intervene in the abusive cycle. For more information, contact Forrest Seymour, 8-2047.

Courtesy photo:
KSC student peer educators at a MVP training session September 29 – 30.

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Keene State College will join mental-health advocates across the country next week to celebrate Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW). The U.S. Congress established MIAW in 1990 to raise awareness, promote early detection and accurate diagnosis, and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.

Monday – Friday, October 6 – 10
Information Tables by Active Minds Student Organization; noon – 3 p.m. in the Student Center Atrium

Tuesday, October 7

• De-Stigmatizing Mental Illness, poster displays by the Wellness Living & Learning Community; 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. in the Student Center Atrium
• Inspiring Hope: Stories of Breakthrough or Resolution while Facing Life’s Challenges, performed by ActingOut; 6:30 p.m. in the Night Owl Café, Student Center

Using Playback Theatre, the ActingOut company will explore issues of mental health, family struggles, school, and peer challenges. The performers will ask audience members for stories from their own lives.

Wednesday, October 8

• The Challenge of Coping with a Mental Illness at College, student panel luncheon; noon, Mountain View Room, Student Center

KSC students living with mental illness share their challenges and successes. Hosted by the KSC Diversity Commission, a light lunch will be served.

• In Our Own Voice, panel and discussion; 7 p.m., Madison Street Lounge, Student Center

Presenters from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the Granite State Monarchs, and the Counseling Center will share their stories of struggle and success as they have lived with mental illness. Refreshments provided by First Course and sponsored by the Monadnock Center for Successful Transitions.

For more information, contact Forrest Seymour, 8-2047.

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From Stuart Kaufman, Sports Information: Walking used to be a major ordeal for Nancy Bleam. A member of the athletic training staff for the past 12 years at Keene State, Bleam readily recalls a time when, unable to breathe, she had to stop three times while walking down Appian Way.

Bleam has no problems walking these days. In fact, she plans to be front and center on Sunday in Middlebury, Vt., for one of the most important walks of her life — the Walk for a Cure — a fundraiser for polycystic kidney disease (PKD).

Bleam will be among thousands of people who will take part in the three-mile walk that will begin simultaneously at noon at 23 sites around the country. Wearing T-shirts that say “survivor or fighter,” participants will begin their route by walking through a field of flowers, bought in honor of or in memory of someone who has died from the disease that destroys working kidney tissue.

Teaching athletic training classes and helping more than 300 student athletes recover and recuperate from injuries on a daily basis, Bleam began experiencing major health issues in 2006. Twenty-five years ago, she was diagnosed with PKD, the same disease that caused the death of her mother, Evelyn Berry Bleam, and has been found in her younger sister, Monica Roney, and nephew, Justin, who live in St. Joseph’s, Michigan.

She had both of her kidneys removed in July 2007, when doctors at Dartmouth-Hitchcock transplanted her cousin Jenny’s left kidney into Bleam. “I went from dying to completely new,” Bleam said. “She’s 10 years younger than me, so I got a good deal. It’s a gift I intend to keep.”

After taking some time off to build up her immune system and her strength, she returned to full-time work in October 2007. Bleam, who calls athletic training her passion, says she literally grew up in a training room. Her father, Don, worked for the Detroit Lions, the Baltimore Bullets, and the University of Michigan before moving back to his hometown and working as the athletic trainer at Adrian High School.

Bleam can now walk as fast as she wants and no longer gets winded or feels pain when she is stretching Keene State athletes. She has no dietary restrictions and, except for few anti-rejection pills and a need to take a flu shot once a year, is back to living as normal a life as can be expected, given her life-changing experience.

Little things are no longer taken for granted. “This means so much to me,” she said about Sunday’s walk. “I’ve never been able to do it. It’s been so long since I’ve been able to breathe and walk.”

Courtesy photo
Nancy Bleam

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From Barbara Preston, President’s Commission for the Promotion of Wellness: The denim worn on Friday, October 3, at Keene State will make a powerful statement for an important cause. As Lee National Denim Day moves into its thirteenth year, the College is gearing up to participate for the fourth time in this grassroots program which has raised more than $70 million for breast cancer research.

Participants make a $5 donation to the Women’s Cancer Programs of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), and in exchange are encouraged to wear denim on October 3. Funds will be used to support a groundbreaking scientific project to detect breast cancer in its earliest stage. They will also help accelerate treatment research and increase patient access to some of the most significant clinical trials in the nation, as well as support grassroots education programs across the country.

KSC offices/departments may register at the official website: http://www.denimday.com or by phoning 1-800-521-5533. KSC community members who would like to participate can give their donation to the staff member who is collecting for their office / department / division. If your office is not officially registered, you are welcome to contribute through any participating office. Donations may be made by cash or by check made out to “Lee National Denim Day.”

The President’s Commission for the Promotion of Wellness will provide informational signs for participating on-campus offices, explaining why we are wearing denim as well as general information on breast cancer. Please let Barbara Preston, 8-2053, know if you will be participating so she can provide you with signage.

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