Senators John Kerry and John McCain Share Stories of Inspiration

[JI7]

(for all the talk we have had of Kerry and McCain, only now do i realize this surviving cancer is one thing they have in common even though it's well known both of them went through it. i'm sure it would have some influence on their relationship)


Senators John Kerry and John McCain Share Stories of Inspiration in Their Battles With Cancer

The Lance Armstrong Foundation Encourages Everyone to Share Their Story to Help People Living With Cancer Live Strong

AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts and Senator John McCain of Arizona, two of the nation's most high profile Senators and cancer survivors, joined the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) in the fight against cancer by posting their personal stories about living with cancer at http://www.livestrong.org .

The postings are part of the LAF's Unity Is Strength campaign to help people living with cancer get the emotional and practical support they need to live strong. The LAF invites people who have been affected by cancer -- as patients, doctors, caregivers or through family and friends -- to share their stories at http://www.livestrong.org . Stories of unity, knowledge and attitude help channel energy, hope, information and inspiration to the more than 10 million people living with cancer.

Just as he was beginning his presidential campaign, Senator Kerry, 61, was diagnosed with prostate cancer. After surgery in 2003, he is now cancer-free. "The Lance Armstrong Foundation believes that while you can get cancer out of your body, the lessons never leave your life," said Senator Kerry. "I know how true this is. My brush with prostate cancer reminded me how lucky I was, and that too many people aren't as lucky. I share my story because I know how important it is to pass experience and practical advice on to others battling cancer."

Senator McCain, 68, is a melanoma survivor, having been diagnosed in 2000. Senator McCain is cancer-free today as well. "Lance Armstrong has been instrumental in demonstrating to people affected by cancer that fighting not just the disease but the fear and isolation is paramount," said Senator McCain. "When people realize they are not alone, they gain the strength to handle the obstacles they face when their lives are affected by cancer. That sense of unity is a powerful tool."

The cancer community has focused its energy on eradicating the disease from people's bodies and it's made remarkable progress. But as more people live with cancer, there is a growing need for support beyond treatment, specifically emotional and practical support, including how to deal with the long-term effects of chemotherapy, the fear of recurrence, and the loss of a job, health insurance or savings. In fact, a 2004 LIVESTRONG(TM) Poll found that 50% of people living with cancer said their non-medical needs are currently unmet by the healthcare system.

"One way to start providing support is to encourage people to continue to share their stories," says LAF founder, cancer survivor and seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong. "The popularity of the wristbands demonstrated that behind every wristband there's a story. I was diagnosed with cancer in 1996. Sharing my story was therapeutic. I applaud Senator Kerry and Senator McCain for having the courage to share their stories, and I encourage others to join the fight against this disease by sharing their experiences too. When people share what they've lived and learned, they help give others the emotional and practical support they need to live beyond a cancer diagnosis."

About the Lance Armstrong Foundation

The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) believes that in your battle with cancer, unity is strength, knowledge is power and attitude is everything. From the moment of diagnosis we provide the practical information and tools you need to live strong. The LAF serves its mission through public health, advocacy, research and education, including the LIVESTRONG(TM) Resource for Cancer Survivors. The LAF was founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong and is located in Austin, Texas. For more information, visit http://www.livestrong.org .

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050808/dam022.html?.v=18

[politicasista]

1. Thanks for posting this

:hi:

[globalvillage]

2. Dana Reeve was diagnosed with lung cancer.

I saw on CNN today. They showed some video of her with Sen Kerry.
She was so inspiring during Chris's battle. Always at his side.
So sad... I hope she beats it, but lung cancer survival is about 15%.
:cry:

[politicasista]

3. I do too.

[sandnsea]

4. shocked

Earlier today I was reading a post about somebody's cousin who lost her teen-age daughter in a car wreck; she'd just lost her only other daughter a few years ago. It is dreadful what some people have to endure in this life.

[globalvillage]

5. Dana

I have to correct my earlier post. Although 15% is an average survival rate, I just heard on KO that stage one survival rate is 75%. Hoping that she caught it early enough.
Some pix of Dana, JK and Chris. Damn, she has great legs!

[Island Blue]

6. I saw the tease for the Dana Reeve story but didn't see the story

That's so sad. Did it say if she was a smoker or not? I saw a story on the news the other day that said more and more NON-SMOKING women are being diagnosed with lung cancer and they aren't really sure why. I hope she beats the odds too!

[globalvillage]

7. She was not.

She was a nightclub singer, though. Lots of second hand. No way to know if that contributed.
Anyway, all my best wishes to her.

And apologies for hijacking this thread,J. Not intended. I'm just tired and pissed off tonight.

[ginnyinWI]

8. "courage" is John Kerry's middle name

I applaud Senator Kerry and Senator McCain for having the courage to share their stories :)

[karynnj]

9. The difference in McCain's and Kerry's perspective

is fascinating. McCain tells his own story dealing with his melanoma and talks about how he didn't think of dying and seems to describe it almost more as an obstacle HE overcame and suggests not giving in.
As people do die of melanoma, he is either in denial or is lying.

Kerry credits health to Teresa, his doctors, luck, and having good health insurance. He then talks of others - who don't have what he has. He also admits that he did think of it as life threatening event, but then talked about using the tine God gave him to help others.

Reading these 2, I really don't get the MSM's love of McCain or coldness to Kerry.