The day after Thanksgiving I saw a friend who had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She’s completed four rounds of chemotherapy, lost her hair, and on some days her appetite. She’s thinner and looks a bit frail, but her spirit is as strong as ever. Thankfully, she’s doing great. She has a sparkle in her eye and an unbelievable zest for life that would have killed her cancer if the chemo didn’t!
She was thrilled to learn I’m now working for an organization with a vision: Stop Cancer Before It Starts! She and her husband had no idea that approximately 50% of all cancers and cancer deaths can be prevented by changing personal behaviors; or, that one out of every two men will be diagnosed with cancer in his lifetime and one out of every three women will be diagnosed with cancer in her lifetime.
As I drove home through the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, I thought about my friend and how proper screening led to early detection of a cancer that could have killed her.
I thought about how nearly every life has been touched by cancer. I thought about my father, grandfather and several friends who lost their battles with cancer. I thought about how many people I know who have been diagnosed with cancer – my aunt, numerous friends, even myself – but, fortunately caught it early through proper screening.
And, I thought about the power of charitable giving to save lives through cancer prevention and early detection.
Dr. Daniel Rodriguez
Gifts from individuals, like you, make it possible for the Prevent Cancer Foundation to change the landscape in cancer prevention by funding young investigators who are researching new approaches to cancer prevention and early detection, paving the way for research breakthroughs that are our best hope for a cancer-free future.
Gifts to the Prevent Cancer Foundation also make it possible for our organization to continue as a leader in cancer prevention and early detection through our educational programs and community outreach efforts. Philanthropedia, the premier charitable giving rating site affiliated with GuideStar, recently recognized the Foundation as as one of the top national non-profit cancer organizations making the most significant and positive impact on cancer.
As you consider your charitable giving this season, I hope you will make a commitment to Stop Cancer Before It Starts! You can make a secure gift online, donate stock or transfer funds from your IRA. Click here for more information on ways you can give.
Thank you for including the Prevent Cancer Foundation in your charitable giving.
No Comments