Support for LateToSchool

latetoschool · June 7, 2008, 5:00am

Aibarr, thank you for your post and for letting me know about the donation - congratulations and many thanks to that graduating class. I am thankful - and impressed - that they are aware of such a serious problem, and that they chose this as their priority, vs. other competing priorities. On Monday I will be reaching out to Patient Advocate Foundation to see what we might be able to do together. I am going to see if the five year survivor in Texas will join me on the call.

I have read so many times that most cancer patients who lose the battle don’t die of their disease, but rather they die of things like malnutrition, opportuntistic infections, toxicity issues from chemotherapy drugs, etc. And in many cases, in my opinion, they simply give up. I am convinced that a lot of these issues might be mitigated if some of these people just have some help - quantity and quality of food to eat, for example. Or help keeping their home environments clean. Or even just providing some stress relief by helping offset some of the bills, the co-pays.

I am so shocked and saddened when I hear of matters like a man being fired from his job and losing his insurance while laying in the hospital, or, a widow having to fight with insurance companies while grieving and raising children, or, heavens, I cannot even imagine the loss of a three month old and then having to argue with an insurance company about a muscle biopsy - yikes, can this possibly get any sadder?

To plagiarize a line from Hannibal Lector (either SOTL or the next book, I forget), within reach of my arm, the world will not continue to be this way. I will do everything I can, everything in my power to try to impact this situation.

Thinking about, it struck me that my oncologist and I did NOT spend an hour talking about how we’re going to beat my cancer. We spent an hour discussion politics, and his great, great frustration with the system, and the patients he is prevented from helping, because of financial, insurance, and legal issues.

I don’t want him focused on that; I don’t want it to even have to enter his mind space. I want 100% of his brain power focused on how to treat - and if possible - cure his patients. I am thankful that he has dedicated resources to reseach, so at least he knows how to treat me, and when to change those treatments. It’s not that he is neglecting me or anything, it’s just that I don’t think it’s right that he has to be focused on these things.

Thank you again Epistrophy for the information, it appears that this may give us the avenue to help people that we have been looking for.

CountingDown, I have a weird situation in play too - lab work double pay/over pay and now they’re sending me bills. It’s not worth my time to call them, so, I will wait until they call me…but if they don’t call me it will sit unresolved, and, if they even think of putting any entry on my credit report, it’ll get nasty…I’m with you on another matter too - the last few days, I have learned what it feels like to feel so lousy that you cannot even summon the strength to write an email or make a phone call. Thank heavens for at least being well enough to do these things - my heart breaks for those who cannot…

I am feeling better, the antibiotic was the culprit - managed to actually eat solid food yesterday, for the first time all week. And it helps a great deal to have my daughter here. :)

churchmusicmom · June 7, 2008, 7:49am

I am so glad you are feeling better. Prayers here for a wonderful weekend with your daughter.

And I can’t wait to hear all about your conversation with the patient advocacy group. Fantastic!

epistrophy · June 7, 2008, 8:30am

and two more (mother and daughter)

“Relay For Life attracts thousands of people”

Tracy Haffner is a regular at this event. Walking around the track until the sun broke the horizon the next morning is something she has enjoyed since 2001.

Yet, diagnosed with lung cancer on August 7, 2007, she admits that this year’s Relay For Life is different. Much different.

“Walking the survivor lap was kind of freaky,” said Tracy Haffner, who is more used to walking it with her mother, who herself is a lung cancer survivor. “Walking it for me is just amazing – I mean, I don’t know. It’s kind of an out of body experience. I still can’t believe it really.”

With tents pitched and music blaring, thousands of people on Friday took to the pavement at the Island Grove Regional Park, 14th Avenue and A Street, for the 12th annual Weld County Relay For Life. For the more than 2,700 participating in the 16-hour event, it was a time to remember those lost, celebrate the lives that have been saved and offer comfort to those still battling the disease.

“It’s a community hug,” said Debbie Smith of the American Cancer Society.

Yet, as people in white shirts – relay participants – and purple shirts – cancer survivors – set up their camps along the track, the feeling of a much bigger mission rested up on the complex. The generosity from that “hug” – which helped raise more than $395,000 by 8:30 p.m. – has helped push the Greeley relay to the largest in Colorado, according to Mikaela Sandridge, of the American Cancer Society.

“Greeley itself is still kind of a small town compared to like Fort Collins or Loveland,” Sandridge said. "That’s my feeling of the town, and I think because of the mindset of still being a small town… that probably has something to play with it.

“But it is one big family.”

Indeed, with her daughter standing next to her, Rose Martinez noted the event is a chance to spend time with family and encourage others who are battling cancer. She said she first realized the comforting nature of the event her first year in 2000, shortly after she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She is now cancer free for eight years.

"The first year we did it I felt alone – I thought ‘I’m going to be the only one there with no hair,’ " Martinez said. “And then I got here, and I was amazed, and I didn’t feel so alone.”

“There’s other people out there and you can support each other.”

More than 196 teams – and more than 700 survivors – turned out for the event, which also featured live bands, food and a luminary display. An annual tradition, residents buy the luminaries – paper bags with candles inside – in honor of those lost or still fighting the disease.

About an hour before the luminaries were lit, cancer survivor Haffner stood in the grass as people ate and relaxed as the sun set over the event. With relatives from Arkansas and Montana in attendance – as about 30 other family and friends comprising Team Tracy One and Team Tracy Two at the event – the area felt a little more like a family reunion than a campsite.

“It’s pretty moving to have so many people supporting me,” said Haffner, feeling a little better and ready for the rest of the night.

[Greeley</a> Tribune - News](<a href=“http://www.greeleytrib.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080607/NEWS/153466061&template=printart]Greeley”>http://www.greeleytrib.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080607/NEWS/153466061&template=printart)

epistrophy · June 7, 2008, 12:24pm

Actually (and unfortunately), maybe not too surprising at all - and maybe a sign of what life is like for many folks, even ones who (like you) try to find out everything they can, in the age of internet.

On the one hand, there’s more information more readily available to more people than ever before. But on the other hand, there also tends to be less synthesis, less coherence than ever before.

As a result, folks can wind up knowing all kinds of arcane details while, at the same time, being unaware of things that would seem to be much more fundamental.

In a world like this, where there’s both too much and too little, no wonder there’s such a need for patient advocates!

momof2inca · June 7, 2008, 12:58pm

Thinking of you, LTS, and wishing you a wonderful weekend and a hearty appetite (and the ability to keep the food down). :)

mimk6 · June 7, 2008, 2:03pm

“I don’t want him focused on that; I don’t want it to even have to enter his mind space.”

I once sat in an exam room listening to my orthopedist in the next room yelling in frustration on a phone call with an insurance company. When he came in to see me he apologized and vented for a bit about the system. I know that I have had fights with insurance companies that left me so angry and upset that I could hardly function – it’s not right that the professionals we expect to be focused on us should have to feel that way, especially during working hours.

Threekids · June 7, 2008, 3:16pm

Epistrophy:

Exactly! It’s a double edged sword, the too much and too little. Education is wonderful but at what price?

When I worked in a physician’s office, every time something new came out on the internet, the physicians spent countless hours having to explain to each patient why each particular medication would not be right for each patient who wanted to try it. On the other hand, there were several cases of patients bringing information to the physicians that might not have been tried. In my mother’s case, a gel for arthritis that is less likely to cause ulcers. So far so good.

LTS have a comfortable weekend.

epistrophy · June 7, 2008, 5:47pm

and another

“Cancer survivors rejoice by ringing bell at hospital”

The halls of Christus St. Frances Cabrini Cancer Center rang Friday with a celebration of life at a ceremony honoring of the 21st annual National Cancer Survivors Day.

One after another, cancer survivors sounded their victory over the disease by releasing a rope tied to the clapper of the old St. Frances Cabrini Convent chapel bell, which now sits in the Cancer Center.

“It really makes you feel good because we have been through a lot – everyone in here,” said Darrell Fowlkes, a 6-year survivor.

The battles have been hard fought, but victory is sweet, said Dr. Lawrence P. Menache, medical director of radiation oncology at the cancer center.

“Cancer is not a race or a sprint, it’s a marathon. You go through it with your family and yourself and your caregivers, because we are right there with you,” Menache told those who attended the event.

The bell is a new addition to the center.

Cast in 1948, it had hung in the convent since it opened in 1958. It recently was taken out when the building was torn down to make way for the ongoing hospital expansion, hospital officials said.

Officials said it was placed in the cancer center about three months ago for patients to ring when they completed treatment.

While several patients praised the cancer center staff for helping them make it through difficult times, one survivor has a special place in her heart for the health care workers at the facility.

Joan Wilson was working in 2003 as the head nurse, helping to take care of cancer patients, when she was diagnosed with cancer. It wasn’t long before her role at the facility switched from caregiver to care receiver, she said.

“I would have rather been a nurse than the patient, but I can tell you it’s the best care I could have gotten anywhere,” Wilson said.

Wilson wanted to ring the bell five times, once for every year since she was diagnosed. She stopped short, however, when she realized how loud the old bell is.

“I would have rang it for every year, but I went deaf after two rings,” she said.

**Cancer survivor Crystal Shone was diagnosed with lung cancer on her 42nd birthday, two years ago.

Learning she had cancer on her birthday was prophetic, as well as scary.

She said her father had died of cancer at 42.

Doctors gave her a 30 percent chance to live, but she thanks the cancer center and help from above for being able to ring the bell.

“Everyone needs to know there are miracles, and I’m a miracle,” she said.**

There are more than 1,100 cancer survivors in Central Louisiana, health officials said.

[Cancer</a> survivors rejoice by ringing bell at hospital | thetowntalk.com | The Town Talk](<a href=“http://www.thetowntalk.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080607/NEWS01/806070369/1002]Cancer”>http://www.thetowntalk.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080607/NEWS01/806070369/1002)

latetoschool · June 7, 2008, 10:38pm

Epistrophy, I understand, but, we have been looking for precisely something like this - we being the five year survivor, his wife, and me. We have been frustrated so far because we know we cannot do anything about health care with the current administration.

Then we tried to work through LAF but that was goofy. Then, we tried to give individual people money, but that has been weird, because it’s like stalking people over the internet and offering to pay for things for them. We also tried to arrange transportation for people needed to get to national cancer centers for trials, and we managed to mangle that all up, as well. We have managed to help a couple of people with small amounts of cash but that is all.

Of course, prior to all of this, the five year survivor has tried to start support groups, counsel people in hospice, etc., and hasn’t gotten very far.

So, contributing of our resources through a credible, existing patient advocate service seems like the perfect solution. We don’t have the bandwidth to start from scratch, setting up the 5013C etc.

latetoschool · June 7, 2008, 10:44pm

Momof2inca, thank you, my daughter has been making me eat, and, everything has stayed down, with no chemical assistance, for which I am thankful.

I feel horrible though - we spend about eight hours today shopping, and seeing a movie (don’t anyone waste their money on Strangers, what a weird movie, we were disappointed) - we like shopping because it causes me to walk a lot. My daughter tells me I always feel worse the day immediately following chemotherapy, and then I get better as the days go on.

Mimk6 that is precisely why laws have to change. Never in my life have I felt so horribly sick, and I cannot imagine being this sick and trying to wrestle with insurance and financial issues. I cannot even imagine it. It’s all I can do now to do my work, and get enough nutrition and rest. It takes every last bit of strength I have, mentally and physically. Just cannot imagine having to fight an insurance company too.

ADad · June 7, 2008, 11:32pm

–Dr. Joyce Brothers

epistrophy · June 8, 2008, 10:02am

and another

**"Lung Cancer Survivor Tells Her Story

Patient lives life to the fullest after beating lung cancer"**

In the past 12 years, Laura Farley has gone on 112 trips, gotten remarried, had two major surgeries and beat lung cancer. She doesnt expect to slow down any time soon.

We seniors complain that we go on more doctors appointments than lunch dates, but early detection of lung cancer saves lives, she says. It certainly saved mine. I feel very fortunate.

Laura never smoked a day in her life but kept on top of her health screenings and annual physical exams. About nine years ago, her physician ordered a chest X-ray following a bad allergy attack in which she coughed up blood. A small nodule was detected, which led to a diagnosis of lung cancer.

She had surgery to remove the tumor at St. Francis Regional Cancer Center, a Fox Chase Cancer Center Partner. Joseph Costic, DO, performed a partial lobectomy, a procedure in which a portion of the lung is removed.

I experienced some pain the first week after surgery but havent had a single problem since then, says Laura. She has been living a very full life that has included participating in a clinical trial.

Her firsthand experience with lung cancer has made her a survivor, an optimist and an advocate. If you smoke, quit if you can, and, please, do not smoke around others, especially children, Laura emphasizes.

[Be</a> Well > Cancer > Lung Cancer Survivor Tells Her Story](<a href=“http://www.baldwinpublishing.com/article/siteCode/SFBeWell/catgId/3/articleId/881/]Be”>http://www.baldwinpublishing.com/article/siteCode/SFBeWell/catgId/3/articleId/881/)

ADad · June 8, 2008, 9:41pm

–Wade Boggs

–Wikipedia

epistrophy · June 8, 2008, 10:00pm

and another

[Stars</a> of David: Rock’n’roll’s Jewish … - Google Book Search](<a href=“Stars of David: Rock'n'roll's Jewish Stories - Scott R. Benarde - Google Books”>Stars of David: Rock'n'roll's Jewish Stories - Scott R. Benarde - Google Books)

epistrophy · June 9, 2008, 9:11am

and another

“When Words Fail … Cancer Art Competition Gives Rise to Expression and Hope”

<pre><code>Oncology on Canvas(SM) Announces the 2008 Judging Panel and Extends
Competition Deadline to July 15, 2008
</code></pre>

“You have cancer.” No doubt, these words have inspired fear, but can they also inspire art? According to the American Cancer Society, art can help soothe the soul and lend emotional clarity, which can be helpful when facing a cancer diagnosis. To honor the millions of Americans who have been affected by cancer, Eli Lilly and Company, in partnership with the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS), is proudly offering the 2008 Lilly Oncology on Canvas Expressions of a Cancer Journey Art Competition and Exhibition. This third biennial competition continues to provide people in the U.S. and Puerto Rico with an opportunity to express visually, and in narrative, the many emotions and experiences that define the cancer journey.

<pre><code>"When we first created the Oncology on Canvas program, we wanted to
</code></pre>

provide a platform for people affected by cancer to communicate their
unique as well as shared experiences," said Richard Gaynor, M.D., vice
president, cancer research and global oncology platform leader for Lilly.
“This extraordinary collection of rich and enduring art works is nothing
short of inspiring.”

<pre><code>2008 Competition Judges

As in previous competitions, the independent judging panel is comprised
</code></pre>

of individuals who understand the cancer journey and can appreciate its
artistic expression. Lilly and NCCS are proud to announce the 2008 Lilly
Oncology on Canvas judging panel (in alphabetical order):

<pre><code>– Tom Batiuk, syndicated comic strip creator, Funky Winkerbean (developed
Lisa’s Story; story line focused on a character’s cancer journey)
– Diane Blum, executive director, CancerCare
– Anita Chernewski, art director, Oncology on Canvas
– Cara Glynn, senior editorial director, Oncology News International
– Priscilla Dewey Houghton, non-smoker, lung cancer survivor and advocate
(wife of former Congressman Amo Houghton of New York)
– Corey Langer, M.D., Medical Director of Thoracic Oncology, Hospital of
the University of Pennsylvania
– Mary Lynn Hoffman, program coordinator, Indiana University Simon Cancer
Center, CompleteLife (oncology support program)
– Joel Sartore, award-winning photojournalist, National Geographic
Magazine
– Dan Waeger, NCCS representative and founder, National Collegiate Cancer
Foundation
– Anne Wilson, 2006 U.S. 1st prize winner, Oncology on Canvas

"Oncology on Canvas continues to bring to life the empowering spirit of
</code></pre>

cancer survivors, and NCCS is proud to play a part in this inspiring and
hope driven program," said Ellen Stovall, president and chief executive
officer of NCCS.

<pre><code>The 2008 Lilly Oncology on Canvas judges will select the 24 prize
</code></pre>

winners in the competition. Prizes will consist of money donated directly
to a cancer charity of the winners’ choice: 1st prize - $10,000, 2nd prize

$5,000 and 3rd prize - $2,500. Additionally, the judges will select the
21 winners from each medium and participant category, with the winners each awarded $1,000 for their cancer charities.

<pre><code>"I am honored to have been chosen as a Lilly Oncology on Canvas judge
</code></pre>

this year," said Diane Blum of CancerCare. “This competition gives a voice
to all those affected by cancer, and provides a measure of hope.”

<pre><code>“In the end, Oncology on Canvas is really about life,” said judge Anne
</code></pre>

Wilson, whose photograph “This is Not a Dress Rehearsal” won 1st prize in
the U.S. in 2006. “Despite a lung cancer diagnosis, my late daughter
Katherine lived life to the fullest and strived for greater lung cancer
awareness. My promise to Katherine was that I would continue to advocate
and educate for greater awareness about cancer. This wonderful program has
helped me keep that promise, and has given Katherine, as well as numerous
others, an inspiring legacy.”

<pre><code>Art from the 2006 Lilly Oncology on Canvas collection is currently
</code></pre>

touring the country. To date, the tour has made approximately 250 stops at
cancer centers, hospitals, physician offices and advocacy groups, inspiring
and lending hope in the cancer journey.

[When</a> Words Fail … Cancer Art Competition Gives Rise to Expression and Hope](<a href=“All News Releases and Press Releases from PR Newswire”>All News Releases and Press Releases from PR Newswire)

ADad · June 9, 2008, 10:55pm

–Bill Bradley

epistrophy · June 9, 2008, 11:32pm

more on John Atkinson

“Omahan Atkinson fails to break 100, but wins over the crowd”

John Atkinson might not be able to golf as well as Tiger Woods, but the 39-year-old from Omaha worked Friday’s Golf Digest U.S. Open Challenge audience like a pro.

The amateur didn’t meet the challenge of breaking 100 he shot a 114, 43-over-par but the Golf Digest contest winner was definitely the crowd favorite.

Despite rounding out a famous foursome with quarterback Tony Romo, broadcast journalist Matt Lauer and entertainer Justin Timberlake, Atkinson was the center of attention, drawing cheers for great shots and earning the biggest laugh of the day when he “pulled a Tiger,” looking up from his tee shot after hearing camera clicks on the 14th.

“This day was extremely fun but really grueling,” Atkinson said. “I had a goal and I didn’t reach it, but I sure had a great day.”

Atkinson, who teed off with an 11-handicap, started off strong, shooting bogeys on the first four holes, which was good enough for a tie with Romo (3-handicap) for the lead. On the fourth, he chipped a miracle shot from deep in the fabled rough that landed a mere 20 feet from the pin, drawing cheers and high fives.

There were no miraculous saves on the fifth hole, however, as Atkinson shot 5-over-par.

“The first four holes I shot bogey golf but then the wheels starting coming off on the next hole, then the next hole, and then it all got away,” he said.

After the dust settled on the front nine, Atkinson was 24-over-par and starting to show a little fatigue. Atkinson was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer in 2007. Though chemotherapy has stopped the cancer’s spread, he continues to receive transfusions every three weeks and take daily medication.

Tournament officials noticed he was tiring and offered him a cart on the 10th, but he refused, choosing to muscle it out with the rest of the pack. He did, however, take event staff up on their offer of a quick lunch on the go.

Atkinson also showed pluck on the most difficult hole of the course, the 600-yard 13th, which required a 240-yard shot over a sand bluff canyon. Though he teed off with a Cleveland Halo Hybrid for most of the day, he pulled out a driver for the challenging shot and easily made the distance, though the ball landed in the left rough. He also had some difficulty on the 14th green, sending his first putt beyond the pin after an identical putt by Romo came up short.

He finished strong, however, approaching the 18th hole with a big smile and some last-minute putting advice from professional golfer Greg Norman, who was caddying for Matt Lauer.

At the 15th, Atkinson asked officials if his brother Kevin Atkinson, a Colorado-based golf course architect, could take over for sports psychologist Bob Rotella as his caddie for the final hole.

“They said they could make it happen,” Kevin Atkinson said. “And that’s when I started to tear up. When I grabbed the bag on the 18th, we both broke down.”

After the match, when asked about his brother joining him for last hole, the Omaha golfer became emotional and stopped speaking for a moment.

“Kevin’s been golfing with me all my life,” he said wiping his eyes. “Having him there with me is something I’ll remember my whole life.”

The 60-strong Omaha contingency was not disappointed with San Diego’s famous weather, which provided clear blue skies, a 70-degree afternoon, and hardly any wind to speak of. The infamously tough Torrey Pines course did not disappoint either, providing challenges in the rough and on the greens for all four players.

Atkinson arrived in San Diego last Saturday, and played two nine-hole practice rounds in anticipation of yesterday’s event. He even received a casual call from Timberlake (8-handicap) on Wednesday, asking Atkinson to join him for a quick nine holes.

“I shot a lot better during practice with Justin,” Atkinson said. “The celebrity aspect today made it a lot different. My family, my kids holding up photos, my friends and even the ocean, it was a little distracting, I suppose. But just like life, you have to finish strong.”

Kevin Sladovnik of Omaha, a friend of Atkinson’s since the seventh-grade, said the day was emotional for the cancer survivor’s entourage.

“It’s really something, when you think about what he’s been through, and then to watch him fulfill a lifelong dream,” Sladovnik said. “We wouldn’t have missed this for the world. Making this trip was a no-brainer when we heard he had won the contest.”

Though Atkinson didn’t break 100, Romo and Timberlake did, successfully meeting the challenge made by Tiger Woods that a 10-handicapper couldn’t record a double-digit score.

Romo lead the pack with a jaw-dropping 84, showing that the Cowboys quarterback might just have two-sport pro talent.

“I’d never give up football for golf,” Romo said, “but at night, in bed, I do dream about winning the U.S. Open.”

Timberlake just barely made the cut, shooting a 98. Lauer shot par on the 18th for 100.

The three celebrities were obviously charmed by Atkinson, cheering as loudly for the Bard Peripheral Vascular sales manager as the Cornhusker-heavy gallery.

“John has his priorities in order,” Romo said. “Getting to know someone like John makes you realize that things can happen. We’re not immortal.”

“It’s so important to bring awareness to lung cancer,” said Atkinson, who wore a Lung Cancer Alliance pin on his shirt collar. “Sixteen thousand people die each year from it, and there is no funding. I’m lucky, though, I have the support of my family, my community, and my church.”

Atkinson’s family support was evident, especially from parents Ed and Ann Atkinson of Omaha, who were granted inside-the-ropes access.

“He’s just been dedicated no matter what he’s chosen to do,” Ed Atkinson said. “He had a cancer drive not too long ago and some friends flew in, and they were all saying what a role model and positive person he is.”

As trophies were handed out, Atkinson stood next to his fellow golfers, looked around at the circus, and laughed.

“It’s going to be a dream to play in Omaha,” he said. “I’ll just be another average guy out there playing average golf. It’ll be great.”

[Omaha.com</a> Sports Section](<a href=“http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=1200&u_sid=10352425]Omaha.com”>http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=1200&u_sid=10352425)

SouthJerseyChessMom · June 10, 2008, 7:10am

After the match, when asked about his brother joining him for last hole, the Omaha golfer became emotional and stopped speaking for a moment.

“Kevin’s been golfing with me all my life,” he said wiping his eyes. “Having him there with me is something I’ll remember my whole life.”

Epistrophy- thanks for postiing- beautiful news.

northeastmom · June 10, 2008, 9:15am

My husband and I have a friend who had cancer (he is well today and living a full life). He would have chemo on Thursdays and he would sleep Thursday night through Sunday, to be able to force himself up by Monday morning. He needed to sleep a lot after his chemo. It always made him extremely tired and weak. He did nothing for 3 days after his chemo therapy. He was able to handle 4 day work weeks this way. His employer was wonderful to him, and very understanding and flexible. He still works for the same company today.

epistrophy · June 10, 2008, 9:57am

and another

“Cancer survivors celebrate at Milford Regional”

Smiling triumphantly, people who have battled cancer - and won - celebrated yesterday under a tent pitched outside the new cancer center at Milford Regional Medical Center.

At the hospital’s annual Survivors’ Day, doctors lauded patients for their success and looked ahead to the day cancer is a terminal disease for no one.

“You give us inspiration every single day,” radiation oncologist Dr. Tania Lingos told the crowd of about 200.

“I’m so proud to see you all here - you’re one big family,” said medical oncologist Dr. Mona Kaddis. “One day we’re going to hang up the banner of success and survival and cure.”

Marching in a crazy hat parade to the music of Jerry Seeco & Friends, survivors came from all over - Milford, MetroWest, even Rhode Island - to celebrate their achievements.

“It’s just really nice to be healthy and I owe it to the wonderful new digital equipment that they have over here,” said Robin Batchelder, 47, an artist from Hopkinton who fought back after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

She had reconstructive surgery after opting for a bilateral mastectomy, something she recalls was a tough decision.

But, “I’d rather have my life,” she said.

Batchelder’s mom died of ovarian cancer, and her dad died of prostate cancer.

She’s a survivor, thanks to advances in technology and “just awareness” - things Batchelder said are helping people like her overcome cancer.

Milford’s John Beccia, a former selectman, didn’t let melanoma take his life. He is still undergoing treatment, but was there yesterday to show he is another champion over the disease.

Beccia sees Dr. Michael Constantine for treatment in Milford in the new Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center at Milford Regional.

“We’re very lucky in the town of Milford to have a facility like this,” Beccia said.

The community in January celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the $25 million center, which offers medical oncology, radiation therapy and the chance for patients to participate in Dana-Farber’s world-renowned clinical tests.

Milford Regional CEO Francis Saba held up a green “Beat LA” T-shirt and likened the hospital’s mission to the new Celtics playoff slogan.

Someday saying, “We have beat cancer,” is the hospital’s overall goal, Saba said.

As far as the attendance at Survivors’ Day, “the good news is each year it gets bigger,” said Cheryl Bonasoro, vice president of patient care services.

**Joe Baer from Uxbridge was there yesterday and “happy that I’m here.”

He beat lung cancer and now, “I’m healthy,” he said.**

Survivors also included one couple from Cumberland, R.I., a husband and wife formerly of Uxbridge who have battled back from cancer a combined three times.

“I really thought in three instances one of us wouldn’t be around,” said Don Lavange.

His wife, Pauline, overcame colon cancer with Dr. Constantine’s help after receiving her diagnosis on Sept. 11, 2001.

Don attended Survivors’ Day on Sunday at Landmark Medical Center in Woonsocket, where he spoke about not letting prostate cancer - or throat cancer - get the best of him.

“Every day is a gift,” he said yesterday.

“Every day is a gift,” his wife echoed.

[Cancer</a> survivors celebrate at Milford Regional - Milford, MA - The Milford Daily News](<a href=“http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x858457573/Cancer-survivors-celebrate-at-Milford-Regional]Cancer”>http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x858457573/Cancer-survivors-celebrate-at-Milford-Regional)

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