Lisa Honig
One-hundred years ago, the word “cancer” was not spoken, and we lost almost all patients to the disease. Physicians sometimes did not tell their patients they had cancer, and patients often did not tell their friends and families if they had been diagnosed. A group of 15 prominent physicians and business leaders in New York City knew they had to raise public awareness about cancer if progress was to be possible. Despite the enormity of their task, these determined trail-blazers started writing articles for popular magazines and professional journals, published a monthly bulletin of cancer information, and recruited physicians throughout the country to help educate the public. It was this group of people and their brave actions in 1913 that started what we know today as the American Cancer Society.
One-hundred years ago, we bravely started the fight of a lifetime. Now it’s time to boldly join together to finish the fight.
As the official sponsor of birthdays, the American Cancer Society knows how important each and every birthday can be. From deadly to treatable, from treatable to preventable: The progress we’ve helped make in the past 100 years is remarkable – we believe more than any other cancer-fighting organization on the planet. On May 22, 2013, we will celebrate our 100th birthday – 100 years of saving lives. We believe our 100th birthday is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate our lifesaving progress, raise additional funds to finish the fight, and demonstrate that cancer’s time is up.
During the last 100 years, we’ve learned that cancer thrives on silence, complacency, and business as usual. Progress comes when we speak out. When we make noise. Because silence won’t finish the fight – action will. Our own 100th birthday is not a time to rest; it’s a
We can’t do this alone. To get loud, we need everyone in every community to join us today. Now is the time to finish the fight. Make some noise by taking action now.
• Make a donation to help save more lives faster.
• Visit cancer.org/fight, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter (@AmericanCancer).
• Get involved in your community:
Be part of cancer’s next research breakthrough by enrolling in our Cancer Prevention Study-3 (www.seeuthere.com/cps3enroll/naplesfl) to be held June 11,12 and 13 at all three Physicians Regional locations (Pine Ridge, Collier Blvd. and Marco Island).
Participate in our Relay For Life® event, attend our Imagination Ball or volunteer to help people with cancer in our community.
Speak up and tell your lawmakers the cancer fight must be a top priority – at home and around the world.
To find out more about the American Cancer Society, please join us at our Marco Island Open House on our 100th Birthday, May 22, 2013, from noon-4:00PM. We will be serving cake and refreshments and will have staff available to answer your questions about any of our programs. We are located at 583 Tallwood St. Suite 101. Please park in the empty lot adjacent to our parking lot.
This is an ongoing series of columns dedicated to informing the Marco Island community about The American Cancer Society, the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service. The Marco Island American Cancer Society office is located at 583 Tallwood, Suite 101 and is open daily from 9AM-5PM. For more information about volunteer opportunities, events and services please contact Lisa Honig at 239-642-8800 ext. 3891.
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