Health Notes Health Notes (December 14, 2005)

THE BLUE DOT . . . Local resident Sue McCollum's experience with cancer led her to create a fund to benefit cancer research and patient care at Stanford Medical Center. The Blue Dot Fund, so named because of the blue marks made on patients about to undergo radiation, was established to honor McCollum's parents, both of whom died from cancer. This season, the fund is raising money through the sales of a package that includes a hand-blown glass ornament; a book, "Moving On"; a CD of the book; and a poem. The package is $95; the blue-speckled ornament alone is $65. For information, visit www.suemccollum.com.

BLOOD DRIVE . . . Menlo Park Boys Scout Troop 109 is hoping people will roll up their sleeves Saturday, Dec. 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Eagle Scouts Holiday Blood Drive. It will be held at the First Baptist Church, 1100 Middle Ave., Menlo Park and is co-sponsored by the American Red Cross. Go to www.BeADonor.com (sponsor code FBCMP) or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to schedule your blood donation.

DRUG SIGN-UPS . . . Got questions about the new Medicare prescription-drug benefit? Avenidas has answers. The nonprofit's information specialists can assist seniors with the enrollment process. In addition, the organization will host an information session on Tuesday, Jan. 17 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., featuring a representative from California's Health Insurance Assistance Program (HICAP). The event is free and located at 450 Bryant St. The Avenidas specialists can be reached at (650) 289-5433.

GOOD WORKS . . . Dr. Lorry Frankel is one of 21 recipients of the CHEST Foundation's Humanitarian Recognition Awards, an international honor given to medical professionals who volunteer to improve the health of communities and people in need. Dr. Frankel's project, The Painted Turtle, is a medical specialty camp for children with life-threatening and chronic illnesses, along with their families. Each year more than 700 children participate in the Lake Hughes, Calif., camp. Frankel is the service chief of Pediatric Intensive Care and an associate professor at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital.

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