ACS CAN Fight Back Express Blog
Tuesday, August 26. 2008
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4 years later...
Today’s route in Oregon began in Salem at the state capitol steps. We heard remarks from ACS CAN volunteers, singers and state representatives. The State Representative had himself been affected with cancer and had been his grandfather’s caregiver. The volunteer who spoke was a prostate cancer survivor and told how his daughter used to wear a shirt saying, “I survived prostate cancer.” Both of these personal accounts are so powerful in showing how that cancer does not just affect the patient but their family and friends. So when one person battles and survives cancer, everyone around them becomes a survivor. What we have seen on this bus trip is not just overwhelming support from survivors but caregivers as well. They have chose to take up the banner and fight back one more time, not just for their loved one but for everyone else. They could easily pack up after their first battle is over, but they choose not to, and that is one of the most admirable things we have seen from our advocates.
We then took a gorgeous drive to Bend, OR and passed the snow capped Mt. Washington and the Three Sisters peaks.
In the late afternoon we held an event at the Bend Medical Clinic. Here we heard one of the most inspirational stories I have heard on this trip. We met Rebecca Duffey who is no stranger herself to cancer advocacy. She is a young woman and is a four time cancer survivor. Rebecca had never smoked a cigarette in her life but had worked in smoky bars for a while. In 2000 she was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Although she had never smoked, her doctors told her that her throat looked like she had been smoking her whole life. Having gone into remission the cancer soon came back. The doctors recommended that she get her throat box removed which would extend her life three months longer. She refused the procedure saying, “If I am going to die within a few months I’m doing it my own way and I will have my voice.” She saw that her biggest strength was her voice and she began to use her voice to fight back. Four years later she is still using her voice and was the inspiration behind and one of the main advocates for smoke free Oregon legislation, which has now become law. I don’t feel the need to elaborate anymore on this moving story, it simply speaks for itself.
Tomorrow our trip through Oregon wraps up Eureka and we then head towards California and to through the Redwood Forest.
We then took a gorgeous drive to Bend, OR and passed the snow capped Mt. Washington and the Three Sisters peaks.
In the late afternoon we held an event at the Bend Medical Clinic. Here we heard one of the most inspirational stories I have heard on this trip. We met Rebecca Duffey who is no stranger herself to cancer advocacy. She is a young woman and is a four time cancer survivor. Rebecca had never smoked a cigarette in her life but had worked in smoky bars for a while. In 2000 she was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Although she had never smoked, her doctors told her that her throat looked like she had been smoking her whole life. Having gone into remission the cancer soon came back. The doctors recommended that she get her throat box removed which would extend her life three months longer. She refused the procedure saying, “If I am going to die within a few months I’m doing it my own way and I will have my voice.” She saw that her biggest strength was her voice and she began to use her voice to fight back. Four years later she is still using her voice and was the inspiration behind and one of the main advocates for smoke free Oregon legislation, which has now become law. I don’t feel the need to elaborate anymore on this moving story, it simply speaks for itself.
Tomorrow our trip through Oregon wraps up Eureka and we then head towards California and to through the Redwood Forest.
Monday, August 25. 2008
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"What was the big deal with cancer?"
Today’s bus route began with the last stop in Washington state. Volunteers and staff held an event at the Vancouver Mall in Vancouver, WA. Washington’s State Lead Ambassador, Brett Hartlaub, shared his own survival story along side a councilwoman from Vancouver city who was a survivor herself. Her story was particularly intriguing as colon cancer has run through her family. What saved her life was early detection of her cancer and with similar detection programs, millions of others can be saved.
We then drove across the river to Portland, Oregon where we held an event right outside the OHSU Cancer Center. We heard from survivors as well including Dr. Hayes-Lattin who was diagnosed with cancer as a young adult. Not only has he led the fight against cancer in his work with cancer patients but he is also an ardent advocate who sees first hand the benefits of cancer research funding as appropriated by Congress. Singer/songwriter Steve Sterrett then performed a few songs for the crowd. Steve was diagnosed with a brain tumor a few years back. While the cancer treatment was debilitating he was able to find refuge in his music and is now using his talents to fight against cancer as a regular performer at Relays for Life and other cancer advocacy events.
Following the Portland stop we followed the Columbia River gorge to The Dalles. This was one of the highlights of my tri p on the Bus thus far. When Lewis and Clarke explored out West they followed the Columbia River to the Pacific Ocean. I can only imagine the awe they must have felt as they paddled down the river. The views were absolutely spectacular beginning with the pine tree laden cliffs towards Portland and slowly becoming the baren, grassy hills towards The Dalles. Heading back west after The Dalles stop was just as breathtaking as we stopped by Mutlinomah Falls.
At The Dalles stop one of the speakers who had been traveling with us the whole day was Eric Jones, the Oregon State Lead Ambassador. Like all of us, his life has been dramatically affected by cancer. Five years ago he lost his wife to cancer. They had both already been cancer advocates and volunteers with ACS CAN but after her death Eric decided to use her memory as a new way to fight back. He told me that his ultimate goal was to get to a point in our fight when his eight grandchildren can ask him, “what was the big deal with cancer.” He so eloquently reminded us all that the United States government was the largest funding source of cancer research and the only way that money can be appropriated out affectively is if we use our power of advocacy to get our elected officials on board.
Right now I am writing this at 11PM on the road to Salem, OR. We will be spending the night there and will be holding an event at the state capitol the next morning.
We then drove across the river to Portland, Oregon where we held an event right outside the OHSU Cancer Center. We heard from survivors as well including Dr. Hayes-Lattin who was diagnosed with cancer as a young adult. Not only has he led the fight against cancer in his work with cancer patients but he is also an ardent advocate who sees first hand the benefits of cancer research funding as appropriated by Congress. Singer/songwriter Steve Sterrett then performed a few songs for the crowd. Steve was diagnosed with a brain tumor a few years back. While the cancer treatment was debilitating he was able to find refuge in his music and is now using his talents to fight against cancer as a regular performer at Relays for Life and other cancer advocacy events.
Following the Portland stop we followed the Columbia River gorge to The Dalles. This was one of the highlights of my tri p on the Bus thus far. When Lewis and Clarke explored out West they followed the Columbia River to the Pacific Ocean. I can only imagine the awe they must have felt as they paddled down the river. The views were absolutely spectacular beginning with the pine tree laden cliffs towards Portland and slowly becoming the baren, grassy hills towards The Dalles. Heading back west after The Dalles stop was just as breathtaking as we stopped by Mutlinomah Falls.
At The Dalles stop one of the speakers who had been traveling with us the whole day was Eric Jones, the Oregon State Lead Ambassador. Like all of us, his life has been dramatically affected by cancer. Five years ago he lost his wife to cancer. They had both already been cancer advocates and volunteers with ACS CAN but after her death Eric decided to use her memory as a new way to fight back. He told me that his ultimate goal was to get to a point in our fight when his eight grandchildren can ask him, “what was the big deal with cancer.” He so eloquently reminded us all that the United States government was the largest funding source of cancer research and the only way that money can be appropriated out affectively is if we use our power of advocacy to get our elected officials on board.
Right now I am writing this at 11PM on the road to Salem, OR. We will be spending the night there and will be holding an event at the state capitol the next morning.
Sunday, August 24. 2008
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Look At What We Did
The Pacific Northwest ushered us in with rain and didn’t want us to forget her reputation for wet weather. But the kind people of Grays Harbor and Longview reminded me that downpours are par for the course and we soldiered on. It’s a true testament to the determination of cancer fighters. Nothing, but nothing, will stand in the way of their mission.
Having lived just outside major metropolitan areas all my life, it never ceases to amaze me how small communities truly exemplify extended family. They take joy in the success of others and they collectively grieve for a loss. They truly know what it means to work as a team toward a common goal.
Today, the good people of Grays Harbor, Washington marveled at their collective accomplishment. On a rainy Sunday afternoon, dozens packed the lobby of the Grays Harbor Community Hospital, to dedicate a new cancer resource center. Survivors, oncology nurses, doctors and loved ones stood together to admire the fruits of their labor, a place where cancer patients can turn so they don’t have to face this disease alone.
One speaker marveled, “Look what we did.” I think the sentiment can be extended to every community that has taken a stand against this disease, who has said, enough is enough. As I get ready to head back to the East Coast, I find myself staring at the thousands upon thousands of signatures on this rolling petition, calling on our elected officials to make cancer a higher national priority. It makes me so proud and I think, look what we are doing.
Having lived just outside major metropolitan areas all my life, it never ceases to amaze me how small communities truly exemplify extended family. They take joy in the success of others and they collectively grieve for a loss. They truly know what it means to work as a team toward a common goal.
Today, the good people of Grays Harbor, Washington marveled at their collective accomplishment. On a rainy Sunday afternoon, dozens packed the lobby of the Grays Harbor Community Hospital, to dedicate a new cancer resource center. Survivors, oncology nurses, doctors and loved ones stood together to admire the fruits of their labor, a place where cancer patients can turn so they don’t have to face this disease alone.
One speaker marveled, “Look what we did.” I think the sentiment can be extended to every community that has taken a stand against this disease, who has said, enough is enough. As I get ready to head back to the East Coast, I find myself staring at the thousands upon thousands of signatures on this rolling petition, calling on our elected officials to make cancer a higher national priority. It makes me so proud and I think, look what we are doing.
Saturday, August 23. 2008
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Tough as Tessie
It’s the disease Americans fear the most. But how would you live your life with the virtual certainty you would some day hear the words, “You have cancer.”? For many, it would be a life of fear and anxiety. But for an amazing 20-year-old from outside Tacoma, it’s her battle cry for change in this country.
After losing her father to cancer at the age of eight and seeing her two sisters diagnosed with the disease at 12 and 13 respectively, Tessie’s family was tested and found to carry a rare gene that only 400 families in the world possess. Told there was an 80% chance she’d hear the same diagnosis as her siblings, Tessie became vigilant. This year, she heard the dreaded words herself.
It’s been said on this bus tour that survivors are warriors. Tessie has earned her stripes and is on a constant mission to raise awareness and make people listen. At a time when many would pull back or reduce their workload, this headstrong young woman is redoubling her efforts, trying open a new cancer resource center in her community in between chemo treatments.
So you may be familiar with the phrase, “tough as nails.” I’m thinking about changing it to “Tough as Tessie.” And if we all just focused a fraction of Tessie’s energy into making cancer a higher national priority, maybe we could force this disease into a permanent retreat.
After losing her father to cancer at the age of eight and seeing her two sisters diagnosed with the disease at 12 and 13 respectively, Tessie’s family was tested and found to carry a rare gene that only 400 families in the world possess. Told there was an 80% chance she’d hear the same diagnosis as her siblings, Tessie became vigilant. This year, she heard the dreaded words herself.
It’s been said on this bus tour that survivors are warriors. Tessie has earned her stripes and is on a constant mission to raise awareness and make people listen. At a time when many would pull back or reduce their workload, this headstrong young woman is redoubling her efforts, trying open a new cancer resource center in her community in between chemo treatments.
So you may be familiar with the phrase, “tough as nails.” I’m thinking about changing it to “Tough as Tessie.” And if we all just focused a fraction of Tessie’s energy into making cancer a higher national priority, maybe we could force this disease into a permanent retreat.
Friday, August 22. 2008
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Needle in a Haystack
For too many cancer patients, the treatment they seek to put them on the road to remission is like finding a needle in a haystack. It’s even more heartbreaking to meet the survivors who think they’ve found the needle, only to have to jump back into another haystack when they face recurrence.
Fortunately today, the needle we were seeking was in plain sight. The Space Needle towered over our event in Seattle, an awesome contrast to the Fight Back Express. If only all the cancer fighting needles were so apparent. I’m hopeful that the bus is paving a road filled with less haystacks.
If you aren’t in the medical profession, most of us think we probably don’t have the power to save lives. But I met a survivor today in Seattle who sees advocacy as a lifesaver. She says she’s sick of hearing about 1500 people dying each day (the equivalent of three 747s crashing with no survivors). She has come to realize the power of engaging her elected officials and the potential they have to increase investment in research, make prevention and early detection commonplace and make access to care a national priority. In short, raising awareness for decision makers and holding them accountable can save lives.
So, get involved…you might just save someone’s life. Find out how at www.acscan.org.
Fortunately today, the needle we were seeking was in plain sight. The Space Needle towered over our event in Seattle, an awesome contrast to the Fight Back Express. If only all the cancer fighting needles were so apparent. I’m hopeful that the bus is paving a road filled with less haystacks.
If you aren’t in the medical profession, most of us think we probably don’t have the power to save lives. But I met a survivor today in Seattle who sees advocacy as a lifesaver. She says she’s sick of hearing about 1500 people dying each day (the equivalent of three 747s crashing with no survivors). She has come to realize the power of engaging her elected officials and the potential they have to increase investment in research, make prevention and early detection commonplace and make access to care a national priority. In short, raising awareness for decision makers and holding them accountable can save lives.
So, get involved…you might just save someone’s life. Find out how at www.acscan.org.
Thursday, August 21. 2008
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An Apple A Day
We are in Washington for the next couple of days, apple capital of the country. It seems only fitting that the red delicious were on hand as the speakers touched on the importance of early detection and prevention at our events today. Nutrition after all is proving to be a player…and the locals even marveled at the quality of the bushel. Thanks for the healthy snack donation! Frank and I will be crunching our way through the rest of the state with the leftovers.
Among the many memorable details I will take with me from this trip, two in particular stuck out today. Fighting back against this disease comes in a variety of actions and emotions. Some are creative. Some are determined. But they are all important to making our voices heard by the people who have the power to affect change.
At our first stop at the Tri-Cities Cancer Center, a woman approached me with a quilt in hand. It looked finished (and beautiful) to me. But, she explained that it’s a work in progress. She had taken several pieces of hand-dyed colored fabric to illustrate the different ribbon colors that represent the various types of cancer and quilted a design to integrate them into one pattern. Her mission with the “Good Wishes Ribbon Quilt,” she told me, is to make it an interactive piece of art by adding pins, dedicating it to people whose lives have been affected by cancer and have it displayed to raise awareness. Calling all pin donors.
At our last stop of day in Yakima, we were wrapping up another successful event when a couple approached. They worried they wouldn’t make it in time. But, we assured them they weren’t too late to sign. Sign the bus they did. The man announced with pride that he is a two-time survivor, as he held his companion up and walked her deliberately to the table with the petitions. The woman apologized for her shaking hand, but insisted she make her mark in support of Access to Care and FDA regulation of tobacco products. Cancer can’t conquer spirit or conviction…I saw conviction triumph today.
Among the many memorable details I will take with me from this trip, two in particular stuck out today. Fighting back against this disease comes in a variety of actions and emotions. Some are creative. Some are determined. But they are all important to making our voices heard by the people who have the power to affect change.
At our first stop at the Tri-Cities Cancer Center, a woman approached me with a quilt in hand. It looked finished (and beautiful) to me. But, she explained that it’s a work in progress. She had taken several pieces of hand-dyed colored fabric to illustrate the different ribbon colors that represent the various types of cancer and quilted a design to integrate them into one pattern. Her mission with the “Good Wishes Ribbon Quilt,” she told me, is to make it an interactive piece of art by adding pins, dedicating it to people whose lives have been affected by cancer and have it displayed to raise awareness. Calling all pin donors.
At our last stop of day in Yakima, we were wrapping up another successful event when a couple approached. They worried they wouldn’t make it in time. But, we assured them they weren’t too late to sign. Sign the bus they did. The man announced with pride that he is a two-time survivor, as he held his companion up and walked her deliberately to the table with the petitions. The woman apologized for her shaking hand, but insisted she make her mark in support of Access to Care and FDA regulation of tobacco products. Cancer can’t conquer spirit or conviction…I saw conviction triumph today.
Wednesday, August 20. 2008
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Three Stops, Three States
Rolling, rolling, rolling. They tell me it’s been a dry summer in Moscow, Idaho. Fifty days, in fact, without rain. But Mother Nature, well, she has a mind of her own. Cue the downpour. Fortunately the fine folks at Gritman Medical Center in Moscow were well prepared and we created our own little tent city. Armed with paper towels in one hand and markers in another, nothing was going to stop several dozens of would-be signers lead by the “Other Frank.” A stage four cancer survivor, Moscow’s Frank was the picture of a new lease on life and inspiration for one of the doctors to shout, “I want to join the movement.”
No time to waste. Frank the original and I had a date with Walla Walla, Washington. Back across the state line to Washington we go. Walla Walla brought out our future cancer fighters. An area high school dance troupe and a group of day-campers turned our bus stop into a dance party. We also got in a quick game of Duck, Duck, Goose. The adults in attendance know our mission isn’t child’s play…and the enthusiastic signing by the kids gives me hope that the future of our movement is well in hand.
Tired yet?! No time for naps, Oregon calls (State #37). Baker City was our final stop of the day and one I won’t soon forget. Every town has a personality and Baker City practically had “Can Do“ branded across its collective chest. Forget the ladder, the cheerleaders made human pyramids to reach the open signing space at the top of the bus. Survivors reminded the crowd that there is hope yet, but our job is far from over. Through the hugs, tears and laughter, I realized…the West Coast doesn’t seem so far away for this East Coast native when we’re all working collectively toward the same goal. It might have been my third state of the day, but the Baker City energy was infectious.
No time to waste. Frank the original and I had a date with Walla Walla, Washington. Back across the state line to Washington we go. Walla Walla brought out our future cancer fighters. An area high school dance troupe and a group of day-campers turned our bus stop into a dance party. We also got in a quick game of Duck, Duck, Goose. The adults in attendance know our mission isn’t child’s play…and the enthusiastic signing by the kids gives me hope that the future of our movement is well in hand.
Tired yet?! No time for naps, Oregon calls (State #37). Baker City was our final stop of the day and one I won’t soon forget. Every town has a personality and Baker City practically had “Can Do“ branded across its collective chest. Forget the ladder, the cheerleaders made human pyramids to reach the open signing space at the top of the bus. Survivors reminded the crowd that there is hope yet, but our job is far from over. Through the hugs, tears and laughter, I realized…the West Coast doesn’t seem so far away for this East Coast native when we’re all working collectively toward the same goal. It might have been my third state of the day, but the Baker City energy was infectious.
Tuesday, August 19. 2008
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Getting Jig-gy With Washington
Good Morning Spokane! The NBC affiliate was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and so were our volunteers today. We arrived promptly at KHQ for our 6:15am live interview to jump-start the day and let all those viewers in television land know about our mission to make cancer a higher national priority for elected officials and their chance to come out and see the bus throughout the day.
Overcast skies and the threat of rain couldn’t dampen our prospects for foot traffic at our mid-day stops in downtown Spokane. Standing outside the Washington Trust bank, my favorite overheard comment of the day was, “Did you rob the bank? Because your bag looks kind of full. Surely you can lighten the load a little bit and donate to make cancer a higher national priority!” Wouldn’t you know it…donations followed.
I’ve worked on the bus from afar, but nothing compares to seeing signers up close and just getting the privilege of being let into their personal motivations for engaging in the fight. We’ve all been touched by this devastating disease and I never tire of getting the personal reminders about why we can’t give up.
The final event of the day at the Veterans Memorial Arena parking lot in Spokane was literally a toe-tapper. Little did I know that I’d get a little slice of Ireland in this northwest part of the country. After a gray day, the clouds parted and the sun came out for an awesome event. More than 50 volunteers gathered to hear an oncology doctor from Deaconness Medical Center and a representative from Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers’ office talk about the critical need for access and tobacco control in this country. To cap the event off, northwest Washington Irish band, An Dochas, complete with dancers doing much more than your basic jig, took the stage. They were there to not only lend their amazing talent, but also to honor the mother of some of the band members who lost her battle four years ago. The spirit of the music moved the audience and it was hard to stand still. Thank goodness I was the one holding the camera!
Off to Idaho for a quick Wednesday morning event, and what a sunset over the rolling hills filled with wheat. Breathtaking…I might just have to do another jig.
Overcast skies and the threat of rain couldn’t dampen our prospects for foot traffic at our mid-day stops in downtown Spokane. Standing outside the Washington Trust bank, my favorite overheard comment of the day was, “Did you rob the bank? Because your bag looks kind of full. Surely you can lighten the load a little bit and donate to make cancer a higher national priority!” Wouldn’t you know it…donations followed.
I’ve worked on the bus from afar, but nothing compares to seeing signers up close and just getting the privilege of being let into their personal motivations for engaging in the fight. We’ve all been touched by this devastating disease and I never tire of getting the personal reminders about why we can’t give up.
The final event of the day at the Veterans Memorial Arena parking lot in Spokane was literally a toe-tapper. Little did I know that I’d get a little slice of Ireland in this northwest part of the country. After a gray day, the clouds parted and the sun came out for an awesome event. More than 50 volunteers gathered to hear an oncology doctor from Deaconness Medical Center and a representative from Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers’ office talk about the critical need for access and tobacco control in this country. To cap the event off, northwest Washington Irish band, An Dochas, complete with dancers doing much more than your basic jig, took the stage. They were there to not only lend their amazing talent, but also to honor the mother of some of the band members who lost her battle four years ago. The spirit of the music moved the audience and it was hard to stand still. Thank goodness I was the one holding the camera!
Off to Idaho for a quick Wednesday morning event, and what a sunset over the rolling hills filled with wheat. Breathtaking…I might just have to do another jig.
Sunday, August 17. 2008
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They Missed the Bus...
It's been months, not to mention thousands of miles, since the Fight Back Express was last in New Jersey, but you wouldn't have known it by today's events. Halfway up a mountain in rural Montana the rolling petition gained the signatures of three vacationing Jersey girls who'd heard about the tour when it passed through their home town, but were unable to make it to their local events. They were ecstatic, not to mention a bit surprised, to find the FBE waiting outside the local grocery store.
Similarly, a couple folks from Billings joined our event in Missoula, only to find the FBE had visited their hometown a few days before while they were out of town. And let's not forget the young lady who drove an hour to sign the bus, only to turn around and find it parked 2 blocks from her house later that day...she hadn't announcements in the paper yet!!!
I guess the lesson learned is that even if you miss the Fight Back Express when it's in your neck of the woods, our 48-state, 40,000 mile journey gives you ample opportunity to catch up with us. Keep checking www.acscan.org/bus for upcoming event dates.
Similarly, a couple folks from Billings joined our event in Missoula, only to find the FBE had visited their hometown a few days before while they were out of town. And let's not forget the young lady who drove an hour to sign the bus, only to turn around and find it parked 2 blocks from her house later that day...she hadn't announcements in the paper yet!!!
I guess the lesson learned is that even if you miss the Fight Back Express when it's in your neck of the woods, our 48-state, 40,000 mile journey gives you ample opportunity to catch up with us. Keep checking www.acscan.org/bus for upcoming event dates.
Friday, August 15. 2008
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Montana-isms
We spent yesterday out on the Rims, under the Big Sky, sippin'on Moose Drool while driving past some slow elk.
If you understood any of that then you must be from Montana.
Our latest escapades have brought the the big ole' bus to the wide open spaces of Montana, specifically the town of Billings. The good folks at Underriner Honda lent us their dealership for a few hours in the afternoon while we had a great event featuring local volunteers, ACS boardmembers and staff, and visitors from the area. Both local television stations, along with the Billings Gazette, came out to cover the event. It was great, despite the best efforts of the rain clouds and wind that showed up near the end.
If you're in the Bozeman, Dillon, Great Falls or Helena areas over the next day and a half, come out and see the bus as it swings through your neighborhood.
If you understood any of that then you must be from Montana.
Our latest escapades have brought the the big ole' bus to the wide open spaces of Montana, specifically the town of Billings. The good folks at Underriner Honda lent us their dealership for a few hours in the afternoon while we had a great event featuring local volunteers, ACS boardmembers and staff, and visitors from the area. Both local television stations, along with the Billings Gazette, came out to cover the event. It was great, despite the best efforts of the rain clouds and wind that showed up near the end.
If you're in the Bozeman, Dillon, Great Falls or Helena areas over the next day and a half, come out and see the bus as it swings through your neighborhood.
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Recent Entries
4 years later...
"What was the big deal with cancer?"
Look At What We Did
Tough as Tessie
Needle in a Haystack
Tuesday, August 26 2008
"What was the big deal with cancer?"
Monday, August 25 2008
Look At What We Did
Sunday, August 24 2008
Tough as Tessie
Saturday, August 23 2008
Needle in a Haystack
Friday, August 22 2008
