The big C. Cancer. I have quite a bit to say about cancer actually because it became a big part of my life 6 years ago next month. I clearly remember the moment when they told me it was cancer that had been making so sick for he previous months. I was so relieved to finally KNOW why I was so sick that I think my doctors thought I was not facing up to facts. I had stage three cancer for sure and they feared that it might have spread to my liver. I went under the knife knowing that I might wake up to hear that it had and my cancer would be fatal. The news was ultimately good though. They removed a large section of my colon and most of my lower lymph nodes but since I was so young they were optimistic that I would be able to fly through chemo and put the cancer chapter behind me. It wasn’t so easy in real life though. I was lucky to have a fantastic support system and I was lucky that I did not need to work to survive and take care of my three kids, one of whom was just a baby. Every day I was so grateful for what I had and the people in my life because every day I sat next to people (in treatment) who didn’t have these things. I saw who folks who had to work 40 hours a week while undergoing chemo or end up jobless and thus without insurance for their care. I saw others who had to leave treatment altogether because they no longer had the money or insurance for it. It made me so angry that only people of means could get the care they needed. You hear certain politicians talking all the time about how everyone has access to healthcare in this country regardless of means. In actuality they mean that everyone has access to emergency healthcare. A chronic disease does not apply. I found out I had cancer and I had options. Many, many others do not. These days I have a lot to say about cancer organizations, what they do, and where the money goes. I have a lot to say about whether or not they are actually looking for a cure or a way to keep the disease atm machine alive and kicking. No matter what side of the fence I am on though I cannot deny that they do try to provide better access for those without means. They try to provide screening for those that cannot afford it and that they have a place to stay while going through their ordeal and that they have rides to get there and back. I sat alongside many people helped by organizations like these. One of these is The American Cancer Society. They turn 100 years old this year and have played a role in nearly every cancer research breakthrough in recent history. What impresses me most though is all that they have done and continue to do to help those with limited means. American Cancer Society Goals
- Continue to ensure lifesaving cancer research gets funded.
- Undertake a historic research study called the Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3) that will help us understand how to prevent cancer and save lives. The goal is to enroll at least 300,000 adults from various racial/ethnic backgrounds from across the US by the end of this year.
- Make sure that people facing cancer have the help they need, like a free place to stay during treatment and a ride to get there.
- Keep fighting for everyone to have access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings, clean air and more.
