Why do I support the American Cancer Society?

Yes, I've heard all the hoo-ha about the American Cancer Society being the "wealthiest non-profit" in the world. But my take is like this:

1) the ACS supports ALL types of cancer....not just breast cancer, or leukemia, or pancreatic cancer, but ALL types. And there are more than 200 different types of cancer. I have had 5 family members die of cancer...all of DIFFERENT types. So when I walk Relay for Life, I celebrate and remember each and every one of them with each and every step.

2) ACS supports the PATIENT. Some cancer organizations only fund research. The ACS has programs that give patients rides to treatment, help patients "look good, feel better" (you may think this program is for women only...not so, it's for men and teens, too), offers Hope Lodge to offset costs for family members to stay near their cancer patient during treatment, and offers education classes for families, caregivers and patients.

3) Relay for Life is the largest public event for people in the fight against cancer. Individuals, teams and volunteers helped raise $371,670 in 2011 towards the fight against cancer. Relay for Life events are held in over 5,000 communities, 21 countries, and have 4 million walkers in the US alone!

4) The ACS has a wealth of prevention education to limit the number of cancer patients worldwide. And, they also make diagnostic screenings affordable for all. They encourage all to eat right, excercise and stay HEALTHY!

The Relay for Life 2013 season is just beginning for Committees and planning in your community. Why not make a difference this year and spend just ONE day/night....walking for a cure. If we all do a little, we can kiss CANCER GOODBYE!

Walking for a cure until I can't walk anymore....
even then, I'll probably still participate in my wheelchair!

Lisa

Find out more at: www.cancer.org

and

Find a Relay event near you: www.relayforlife.org

Here's to A World with Less Cancer and More Birthdays!

Cancer Survivorship

Did you realize that one in three women and one in two men will be diagnosed with some kind of cancer during their lifetime? There have been great advances in medical treatment, and as a result, more people are being cured of their cancers than ever before. As one of my survivor friends describes: "You are a Survivor the moment you hear the words 'you have cancer' and don't drop down dead on the floor." You are immediately a survivor because you are living with the disease - even if not cured.

There are many support groups for survivors and family members. Online check out:

www.mycancercircle.lotsahelpinghands.com/
or
http://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/

Many"specific" cancer sites (like http://www.lls.org/ and http://ww5.komen.org/) have links to support groups especially for those types of cancer patients.

Check with your health care provider, local hospitals, parish, or American Cancer Society chapter for information on local support groups. To the best of my knowledge, these groups are free and open to blood cancer support group and always walk away feeling happy to have learned something new or that I could be of some sort of help to those just entering their treatment.

Being diagnosed with cancer is a very stressful event! No one should have to go through it alone and there is much to be learned from people who have walked ahead of you in their journey.

For more information and helpful links visit: www.cancerkaleidoscope.com

And CONGRATULATIONS to all you survivors out there!

Praying for a cure,
Lisa