We want to celebrate cancer survivorship by sharing with you these stories of hope. APINCSN’s goal is to help minimize the burden of cancer and improve the quality of life of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders by dispelling myths, reducing disparities and providing hope. Our cancer survivors help promote and support this goal through Videos of Hope - a collection of stories of perseverance, strength, and courage. Listen to our cancer survivors and their caregivers as they share their experiences on learning about their diagnosis and dealing with uncertainty. Listen to their messages as they talk about the importance of programs, services, policy that will help reduce their cancer burden and increase access to screenings, clinical trials, and coverage.
Our hope is that these videos serve as an inspiration to other cancer survivors, including family members, friends, and health professionals who help care for them.
In 2003, Debbie was told that she had breast cancer. She was only 39 years old. Like many Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders going through treatment for the first time, she experienced the lack of survivorship programs in her state which she needed in order to cope. Instead, she found strength through the support and love that she received from her family and friends. Listen to Debbie’s story in her fight against breast cancer and her message of hope to all survivors.
Two years ago Anton was diagnosed with cancer. Like many others, he experienced the ups and downs that came with treatment, as well as the difficulties associated with his health insurance coverage. Despite this adversity, Anton has been able to turn his experiences around by using his story as an impetus to raise awareness and educate others about cancer issues and the value and benefits of health care reform. Listen to Anton’s story and read the personal letter he received from President Barack Obama, admiring him for his initiative, strength and maturity.
In 2001, Lee discovered a lump in her breast. She went to see several doctors and underwent chemotherapy many times, but the size of the lump never decreased. It was only a year later, after joining a clinical study through City of Hope that Lee found out about her true diagnosis. Listen to Lee as she shares her experience of how she found out about her cancer.
“My Heroes” – Original music and lyrics written by Susan M. Shinagawa. Musical arrangement by Scott Smith.
Share your cancer experiences and journey to recovery with us. If you are a cancer survivor, a caregiver for someone with cancer, or know someone who can share or suggest a story, please contact Trish Quema at tquema@apiahf.org and (415) 568-3330. To view other stories, please visit our Youtube page. [2]
Links:
[1] http://www.apiahf.org/sites/default/files/APINCSN_1.jpg
[2] http://www.youtube.com/apiahf
