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My brother was 24, a fresh graduate from Texas A&M, living with three close friends in a bachelor pad in Dallas when a friend’s mother, a nurse, pointed out the swollen lymph nodes in his neck, giving him a “Frankenstein” look. A follow-up at the doctor’s office revealed concerning lung nodules on his chest x-ray, and the next year and a half centered around Matt’s treatment for Stage IV Hodgkin lymphoma. It was a long journey, but I’m pleased to share that after a stem cell transplant, he has stayed in remission and is now happily married with two wonderful children in Austin. He overcame the odds.
by Alicia Wanek
Chances are, cancer has affected you in some way—perhaps through a relative, a friend, or even personally. It seems like every week there’s a Facebook update informing about someone’s cancer diagnosis. A cancer diagnosis segments a person’s life into before and after—it’s a daunting term, yet today it symbolizes courage, healing, and hope more than ever.
Cancer is a disease that can impact nearly any body part, but thankfully, there are specialists and organizations available for almost every type. Resources such as referrals, information, support groups, and research studies are plentiful. Locally, the Dallas branch of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) dedicates itself to combatting all blood cancers and enhancing the quality of life for patients and their families.
Their mission resonates personally for me.
Children’s Cancer Fund Gala Chairmen, Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman with young friend, Hayden Ritchie. The event on April 22nd features a children’s fashion show in which pediatric cancer patients and survivors, escorted by celebrities, take center stage. All proceeds support advancing research and treatment programs in pediatric oncology.
If it feels like more individuals are battling cancer and emerging victorious, you’re correct. Consider this: Thirty years ago, half of all children diagnosed with any form of cancer did not survive; today, that survival rate has soared to around 80%. In 1977, the five-year survival rate for leukemia was merely 34%; by 2010, it exceeded 60%. Despite this progress, Libby Kaczmarek, Community Relations Director for LLS, and Brittney Bannon, Development Director for the Children’s Cancer Fund (CCF), remind us that cancer still stands as the leading disease-related cause of death among children in the U.S., claiming over 250 lives globally every day.
This is one of our significant fears as parents, isn’t it? That our children could face a serious illness? Every day, 46 children receive a cancer diagnosis. Brittney remarks, “For the 1 in 5 brave children who lose their fight against cancer, the average age of death is just 8 years.” Sadly, despite these devastating statistics, all pediatric cancers combined receive less than 4% of federal funding for cancer research. The CCF is specifically focused on assisting these young patients. Through its fundraising initiatives, it has raised over $7 million in the past 30 years while collaborating with the Children’s Medical Center (now Children’s Health, where currently 1 in 5 children diagnosed with cancer is treated) and UT Southwestern Medical Center to finance research, a child life specialist role specifically for children dealing with cancer and blood disorders, and programs to explore the long-term repercussions of chemotherapy and radiation on children. The hurdles kids encounter differ from those faced by adults, and pediatric cancer patients in Dallas/Fort Worth are lucky to have the CCF advocating for them.
The aim of organizations supporting cancer patients, including CCF, is survival.
EARLY DETECTION IS CRUCIAL
Often, the primary factor influencing survival is receiving a diagnosis before the illness has advanced significantly. For my brother, it all began with a straightforward in-office chest x-ray. Today, newly diagnosed patients benefit from sophisticated radiographic imaging that can accurately locate and identify the type of cancer they have.
Envision Imaging, with several locations across North Texas, provides state-of-the-art equipment for patients needing a CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, or PET scan. Envision features a more comfortable, open MRI that is bright and offers views on all four sides during the procedure.
Pictured here, young friends check out the spacious MRI at Envision Imaging.
The PET/CT scan, available at Envision’s south Arlington facility, has become a vital resource for radiologists and oncologists in identifying the site and size of tumors. More importantly, it can distinguish between benign and malignant growths. Patients receive an injection of radioactive glucose, which is quickly consumed by cancer cells, causing them to “light up” in radiographic images. Physicians can compare these images over time to assess whether a patient is responding to treatment.
More types of cancers are becoming treatable thanks to research advancements. The groundbreaking research studies today are often visionary, tackling the disease in new—albeit costly—ways. LLS proudly funds researchers like Dr. Carl June and his team in Philadelphia, who have modified the HIV virus so that it no longer causes disease but still has the capability to modify the immune system to attack cancer cells, specifically leukemia. When asked about his efforts to cure cancer, Dr. June notes, “It’s difficult, in fact, to even believe you might genuinely succeed.”
GET INVOLVED IN THE FIGHT
You can contribute by participating in events aimed at making a cancer cure attainable. LLS hosts fundraising activities such as their Team in Training race program, Light the Night walks, the Big D Climb, and the Saint Valentine’s Day fashion show and luncheon to benefit current clinical research initiatives and patient support. Even students can engage by taking part in the Student of the Year program, where top fundraisers have the chance to earn a college scholarship and other enticing rewards.
You can help by attending events that work toward a cancer cure, including the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s annual Big D Climb, where participants, including firefighters, join in to support blood cancer research. Since its inception, the event has raised over $1,000,000.
The 1,658,370 people diagnosed with cancer just last year deserve access to the right treatment—not only what their doctors provide. LLS is committed to supporting everyone impacted by a cancer diagnosis. They are excited about an upcoming blood cancer conference scheduled for September, where top experts will be available for nurses, patients, and their families to explore numerous aspects related to cancer—from financial assistance to wellness and sibling support. This statewide conference will present a singular chance for anyone touched by the disease.
“I could list ten reasons why I admire LLS events, why I’m excited about the research, why I’m motivated by the stories of loss in our LLS community, and why I celebrate the success stories of patients,” says Libby. Listening to her, it’s challenging not to share her enthusiasm for the promising prognosis for the future. After all, giving in to despair is not an option.
FIND OUT ABOUT UPCOMING EVENTS HERE.
