Us -Too! Brampton General Meeting 
Tuesday, February 14, 2006

“Prostate Cancer is not just a Man’s Disease”

Irene Lange-Mechlen

Irene's talk was attended by around 45 members, spouses and guests who
listened to her relate her personal experiences in dealing with the tragic loss of
her husband from prostate cancer. She described, emotionally at times, the
challenges and trials the couple faced, over the years, as they battled the
cancer through various stages. These profound personal experiences led
to her taking up a significant role in the fight against Prostate Cancer.
Irene is a founding board member of the Prostate Cancer Research
Foundation of Canada and has been helping the fight for this cause.

Irene shared her tragic experience and the lessons that could be learned from it
so others may be better prepared to face such situations. She stressed on the
need for men diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer to document directives
such as a Living Will. She advised women to learn how to deal with financial
and other institutions and understand the applicable laws.

To help the members she had brought along Materials kits containing
useful information for distribution to the members.

Irene urged men (and women) to take up the fight against Prostate Cancer in a
more proactive manner much as women had done for Breast Cancer. Following the
talk the group took a break for refreshments and the session resumed for Questions
and Answers. Irene responded to several questions from the audience and
participated in discussions on a variety of related topics such a 'Living Will' and
the Funding of Research for Prostate cancer.

Irene is very active with the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada
writes a column on their web site, and is a lively advocate with healthcare organizations,
government and the public for prostate cancer awareness and public funding of prostate
cancer research.

She invites anybody with a question "about prostate cancer or how it
affects men and their families" to contact her at:

http://www.prostatecancer.ca/english/living/askirene/index.html
or by telephoning her at (416) 480-5093.

Our thanks to Irene Lange - Mechlen for her frank and touching talk and
open discussion with our group!