Breast Cancer

Jacqui Brown Elsie Nelson's first album is a Grammy winner of sorts -- at least that's what her daughter, son and five grandchildren think. At 78, the soft-spoken, delicately elegant Burbank grandmother set out on a personal journey to record a few of her favorite songs to leave her family as a sort of inheritance. "I don't have any money to leave to my family, so I thought this would just be something I could leave behind to remind them of me after I'm gone," Nelson said.

Chamber luncheon on Thursday HILLSIDE DISTRICT -- The Burbank Chamber of Commerce will present its monthly Burbank Connec- tion Luncheon on Thursday. The program's topic will be the proposed development agreement for the Bob Hope Airport. A networking session begins at 11:30 a.m. and the luncheon starts at noon at The Castaway, 1250 Harvard Rd. The Burbank Recycling Center will sponsor the event. Admission is $22 for members, $27 for nonmembers.

Mark R. Madler Four years ago, when Mary Ann Madden started treatment for breast cancer at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center, she didn't have to go it alone. She could depend on an "outpouring of love" from family and friends in addition to the medical help. On Saturday, the cancer survivor will get a chance to pay everyone back at the American Cancer Society's inaugural Relay for Life fundraiser in Burbank. In the 24-hour fundraiser to raise money for cancer research, cancer survivors and their loved ones will take turns walking around a track at Gross Park.

Strike postpones food drive The Burbank Civic Pride Committee has postponed its annual Make A Difference Day food drive scheduled for Saturday. The food drive was postponed because of picket lines set up at most major grocery stores in Burbank. Volunteers had been scheduled to collect donations in front of Burbank markets. Donations go to the Burbank Family Service Agency, the Burbank Salvation Army, Boys and Girls Club, and the Burbank Temporary Aid Center.

JUDITH L. SMALL Judith L. Small, 71, died Oct. 9, 2003, in Burbank. She was born Jan. 16, 1932, in Rochester, N.Y., and was a 56-year resident of Burbank. She worked in customer service at Nordstrom. Mrs. Small is survived by her husband, Martin; children, Gayle, Korey, Andrew and Diane; and 11 grandchildren. The funeral services were Monday at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 654 Madison Ave., Suite 1209, New York, N.Y. 10021.

Molly Shore Lisa Tabor knows a good route when she sees one. As vice president of production for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, the Burbank resident oversees logistics for walks in eight U.S. cities. She is responsible for designing each course, including the one that starts and ends at Universal CityWalk and will pass through Burbank today and tomorrow. "For me, it's like a big puzzle," Tabor said. "You spend a year putting together all the little pieces, and when the event actually hits, you've got your completed jigsaw puzzle."

Jeff Tully When Sonya Most was diagnosed with breast cancer more than a decade ago, she thought it was the end of her life. However, despite the pain, the fear and the stigma involved with battling the disease, Most has come to the realization her successful struggle to overcome cancer has signified a new beginning. "When I first got the news that I had cancer, it was horrible," said Most, 73, who has lived in Burbank for 27 years. "I really thought I was going to die. "But now, looking back, although I know this might sound kind of strange but there is actually some good that has come out of me getting cancer.

Breast cancer program on KNBC MEDIA DISTRICT WEST -- To bring attention to early detection of breast cancer, KNBC-TV Channel 4 launched a year-round program this month called "Friends 4 Life." News anchors will urge women to do their monthly self-exam on the 4th of each month. They will also encourage viewers to call their girlfriends, mothers, sisters and daughters to remind them to do their exams. The anchors will be joined by the station's medical editor in covering stories on breast-cancer prevention, education and medical breakthroughs.

Chuck Sambar The sight of thousands of men and women of all ages walking for a worthy and noble cause is very impressive and inspiring. More than 300 breast cancer survivors and more than 3,400 family members and friends participated last month in the 3-day breast cancer walk to raise funds for cancer research, treatment and education. It was my privilege to be part of this massive volunteer effort and to serve as a crew member assigned to support the walkers on their 68-mile journey of love and compassion.

Irma Lemus NORTHWEST DISTRICT -- The fight against breast cancer has a face. Actually, it has five faces. Five Luther Burbank Middle School teachers are taking time out of the classroom to participate in the American Cancer Society's fourth annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5k walk/run Sunday at the Rose Bowl. "The Luther Team," as they are known, will be treading the pavement at the Rose Bowl after eight weeks of training, team member Traci Fellman said.