Working on the Cancer Problem

Several months ago, I attended the funeral of a long-time friend of mine who had succumbed to the devastating horrors of breast cancer. It was sad to see such a friendly and optimistic person lose the battle against cancer after successfully beating it back on multiple occasions.

Then, just a few weeks ago, I learned that one of my longest-standing clients and good friends had been diagnosed with stage four cancer and began chemotherapy earlier this month. It was yet another moment in time when cancer was rearing its ugly head and attacking a good person.

One of the things I have learned as I have observed these two friends deal with cancer is that it is something that tends to affect everyone and that it typically brings people together. Chances are most people we know has been affected by cancer either directly or indirectly. Not only is it a dangerous and deadly disease, it is so common that almost every family gets hit by it sooner or later.

 

While it is a negative that so many lives are affected by cancer, it does open the door for great opportunities for those of us who feel compelled to be a part of the effort to fight it. As many of you may know, I have been working hard to grow my own business, Jupiter Promotions, and I have been fortunate enough recently to have added a couple of clients who put fighting cancer at the forefront of their efforts.

In helping work on the media relations for the Oklahoma City Auto Show, I was fortunate enough to get to publicize the efforts of the Metropolitan Auto Dealers Association in raising money for kids affected by cancer through 10 Strong. This local charity, which gives time and resources to helping raise the spirits of kids and families temporarily residing on the 10^th floor (the children’s cancer ward) of OU Children’s Hospital, was chosen as the recipient for money raised during the auto show Gala as well as from the popular Mini-Golf course.

Then, last week I was brought on board to share media relations efforts with Skyline Media while also taking on the role of social media coordinator for the St. Baldrick’s event taking place this Sunday. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation has raised money to fund childhood cancer research since 1999, and the Oklahoma City chapter is now celebrating its 15^th year.

 

In the short time I have been working with this group, I have noticed a high level of enthusiasm and have felt welcome from the first moment I was asked to be a part of this amazing organization. It has been an exciting project to work on and the feedback I have received has been so supportive.

The people affected by cancer never deserve it and it is a painful and routinely lethal disease that doesn’t discriminate who it attacks. But I have learned that survivors and their families and friends only have one perspective when it comes to fighting cancer – they are optimistic and ready to fight. And I am so glad I have had the opportunity to be even just a small part of any effort to potentially eliminate cancer and its effects.

For many of us, we may be fortunate enough to never personally be affected by cancer. For those who have, however, they have my utmost respect and admiration, and I look forward to the day when cancer is a disease of the past and not a concern for the present and future. Everyone deserves that.