Keeping Hope Alive in the Battle with Cancer
Fighting Together for Strength, Hope, and Support
Make the Dash Count!
$4.9 Trillion
The US spends $4.9 trillion on healthcare annually. More money than any other nation in the world.
49
While we boast the highest healthcare spend, we are ranked 49th in life expectancy
2 Million
Two million US citizens will be newly diagnosed with cancer this year in the US according the the CDC
St Jude Children's Hospital relies on donations to help children battling cancer. Consider a life changing donation in 2026!
Landmark Interview on Processed Foods and your Health
Professor Andrew Huberman interviews Dr. Robert Lustig on the dangers of processed foods on your health. Dr Lustig shares some eye-opening statistics and overwhelming data on the true impact of food ‘convenience’ in the United States. The data is staggering, and will have you taking a second look at the foods you are using to fuel your body.
Colorectal Cancer is the fastest growing cancer in young adults in the U.S.
There is a verified relationship to processed foods we are consuming.
Who leads the largest fast food chain in the United States of America?
Support Network
Materials, guides, and tools to aid your cancer journey and enhance your knowledge, physical and mental well being.
Nutrition, exercise, healthy tips and information to get you through your cancer treatment and beyond. Focus in as you get information from the experts.
Videos and positive reading to keep hope alive. These are my favorite reads. Help find the strength, support, and hope that is so crucial to stay motivated.
It’s been almost 43 years since Jim Valvano and the ‘Cardiac Pack’ won the NCAA Championship. Who could forget Dereck Whittenburg, Thurl Bailey, Sidney Lowe, and Lorenzo Charles’ Buzzer Beater. That day lives on in the heart’s of NC State Wolfpack fans…and Jimmy V’s legacy will live on with the V Foundation fully engaged in the victory over cancer.
The V Foundation for Cancer Research Boo-Yah Gala & Auction was once again a massive success! The event recorded more than $3 million toward cancer research. The event funds research through the V Foundation’s Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund to advance equity in cancer research.
To date, more than $22 million has been awarded across over 60 grants since the 2015 establishment.
This year, NFL legend Randy Moss made an appearance and spoke about his battle with bile duct cancer as well as Scott’s inspiring him in stepping into a role with ESPN. The network recently released a 30 for 30 episode on Scott entitled ‘Boo-Yah: A Portrait of Stuart Scott.’ Click on the picture for a free excerpt. Also be sure to visit our INSPIRATION page above to look into his book, ‘Every Day I Fight.’ Stuart was one of a kind…always cooler than the other side of the pillow. Boo-yah!
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) recently conducted a clinical trial on a drug produced by Glaxo-SmithKline called Jemperli, in which 42 patients are now showing no signs of cancer 1 to 4 years following the trial usage.
Jemperli, also known as Dostarlimab is an immunotherapy drug with works with the patient’s immune system and allows many to avoid negative life-altering side effects. The drug is used to treat certain recurrent or advanced cancers whose tumors have a genetic makeup of mismatch repair deficient, or microsattelite instability tumors.
Patients are encouraged to speak with their oncologist to inquire if their tumors meet the criteria for treatment with Jemperli. Memorial Sloan Kettering also offers help to cancer patients with cases of any stage, and any kind.
Even in the world of cancer, there exists one variety that many people fear more than any other. It is in this world that one brave soul has been fighting and giving her all for thirty one years. In 1994, Kay Kays was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Even by today’s standards, many view this as a terminal diagnosis, but in the nineties, even less was known. Kay decided that to have a chance, she would move on with surgery to remove the head of her pancreas, and put her trust in her doctors. Kay soon got involved in researching her disease heavily and learned to focus on, and put trust into newly developing research and clinical trials.
Kay remained hopeful, and also ended up being diagnosed with cancer FOUR total times. Ever the warrior, Kay later had the remaining pancreas removed, as well as her spleen, gallbladder, and part of her lung. Through every heart-breaking diagnosis, Kay held onto a single four letter word. Hope.
Today, Kay is the longest survivor of pancreatic cancer and spends her time advocating for pancreatic cancer patients with a program overseen by the US Department of Defense. She also partners with non-profits and encourages patients of all stages and cancer types to look into clinical trials. Kay doesn’t take any days off and continues to be an inspiration to all. If you, or a family member are affected by pancreatic cancer, please visit the Seena Magowitz Foundation.
For those of us who rely on a little wake-up juice in the morning and have learned to crave that sweet olfactory scent of roasted coffee bean piercing the morning air… you can rest easy knowing that a little coffee to put some pep in your step is just fine for your health, and may even help if you are battling cancer.
A recent publishing from the American Institute on Cancer Research shows that coffee contains compounds that block carcinogens, and also promote cancer cell death. This, paired with the large antioxidant content in coffee show that coffee may be an excellent way to start your day. So if you’re looking for a good cup of joe in the morning to get off to the races, feel free to indulge your gustation!
Buffalo Bills' First Hero and cancer Survivor, Jim Kelly.
Long before Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills started tearing things up on the NFL field, there had been a long standing drought in success for the team. But back in the early 90’s, Buffalo dominated teams into submission with a roster loaded with talent, passion, and grit. Then-coach Marv Levy led a murderer’s row of talent including hall of famer Andre Reed, speedster Don Beebe, and the sure-handed James Lofton. The heart of their defense was led by the likes of Bruce Smith (NFL’s #1 in career sacks), all-American Darryl Talley, and Lombardi award winner Cornelius Bennet. They had future Hall of Famer Thurman Thomas ripping up grass, turf, and opponents while being so dominant, that to this day, he is still the only player to have four consecutive seasons of leading the league in total yards from scrimmage.
At the helm was a quarterback who never gave in, who would lead Buffalo to their very first Super Bowl with confidence and poise, Jim Kelly. Jim would go on to do it a total of four times, and in four straight years, a feat that has never been accomplished again. Leading the K-Gun offense on the field, this Bills team exhausted their opponents and championed the best team in the AFC for four consecutive Super Bowl runs. Sadly, the Bills were not to win a ring on any of these trips.
It takes true perseverance and tenacity to dig your heels in season after brutal season in the NFL. Especially when that trophy is so cruelly taken away within just moments of the greatest achievement in your craft. This same determination has been shown time after time by quarterback Jim Kelly, even when not lacing up on the football field.
In 2013, Kelly was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma. Jim eventually would endure multiple recurrences, and now, cancer free, has beaten this disease a total of four times! ‘I may have lost 4 superbowls, but I have kicked cancer’s butt 4 times!’ says Kelly. His post-football road has included so much heartache, having multiple surgeries, losing his son, Hunter in 2005, and multiple cancer diagnoses. Jim says his Four F’s have kept him going….Faith, Family, Friends, and Fans.
Jim has been an inspiration to those of us facing dire situations each day. He advocates for a focus on nutrition, staying active, and surrounding yourself with a support system to fight the disease. See more of Jim’s fighting spirit on the Buffalo Bill’s website: Jim Kelly’s battle with cancer. Fans can also tune into the ESPN special Four Falls of Buffalo. Thanks for the memories, and the inspiration Jim!
With the staggering amounts of cancer diagnoses in the United States and rising numbers in younger adults, it leaves one asking ‘what could I have done to prevent this?’ Several companies have shared these same sentiments, and believe early detection should be the rule, and not the exception.
Galleri (Galleri.com) offers a proactive early detection kit which tests for over 50 types of cancers in a single blood draw. The kit can be ordered online and paid for independently, or you can work with your healthcare provider to see if you are eligible for HSA/FSA benefit.
While your healthcare program typically recommends testing for breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer as we get older, the majority of cancers that lead to death can go undetected simply because testing isn’t recommended….it isn’t the norm. This is far from a perfect system that is not set up to be completely proactive in dealing with all types of cancer.
According to Oregon Health and Science University, some cancers are only detected when late stage symptoms are developed. Dr. Nima Nabavizadeh, a radiation oncologist ascertains that approximately 70% of cancer-related deaths stem from malignancies without standard, recommended screening tests.
In this day and age, it’s crucial to keep our children, friends, and youth educated on the importance of taking proactive steps in staying healthy. Speaking for myself, I did not have the knowledge of such tests prior to my diagnosis. This test may have made an immense difference in the quality of my current life. You’ll never miss anything as much as you miss your health. I implore you to spread the word on proactively testing for cancer. It may save the life of somebody you love! Check galleri.com out today.
If you’ve tuned into movies or television programs meant to depict the struggle of cancer patients, you’ve no doubt been visual witness to therapy sessions with patients from all backgrounds perched on chairs in a circle, sharing coffee and struggles while providing a familial closeness and support to one another.
For many of us who have actually been diagnosed with cancer and searched for this type of group, the realization that they don’t exist in actuality can be a very surreal frustration. These groups are almost romanticized in Hollywood pictures, giving the impression that even in our darkest hours, we are only a group therapy session away from the dialogue and verbal embrace we so eagerly crave through our pain.
With the newly downloadable CancerBuddy app, gone are the feelings of exclusion in a world that can feel extremely isolated. CancerBuddy welcomes all with open arms. Want to get into group therapy? Join an online group and start participating in sessions immediately with others looking for the same. Just want to talk with somebody experiencing the same symptoms? You can do this too. CancerBuddy gives you the freedom and option to participate as much or as little as you are comfortable with. And comfort is one of the most coveted and treasured feelings when you have cancer. You can also share as much or as little as you want with others. Everyone is welcome, but nobody is obligated. Downloading this app will only leave you with one big question….why didn’t you do it sooner? The best part isn’t that it is no cost to you…the best part is the realization that you may not even have to leave your driveway for the answers you seek! There really is nothing else like it. Download CancerBuddy today!
Hopeful Headlines in the Fight Against cancer
We believe in hope, resilience, and community. We value every story and honor each journey. Our mission is to empower those facing cancer with support, resources, and connection. Together, we can create a safe space where everyone can share, learn, and grow.
About
Hello! My name is Dan. When I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, I was told I could expect 12-14 months if things went well. There was a 10% chance to make it.
The moment I heard my diagnosis, It felt like I was sucker-punched by the universe. I had been healthy, active, and all of my bloodwork had been fine. I quickly learned that life can be the most fierce opponent you will face. Through this difficult journey, I’ve learned to be enthusiastic for each small victory and grateful for another day to carve my path. Each day is another chance to pick up the pen and write a new page…..Because you are the author of your own life. And every day is your choice to determine how you live.
It’s tough waking up like David and having to face Goliath every sunrise. There are no referees, and there is no practice. You play your heart out until the whistle blows. Every day is the super bowl.
Through my journey, I have found inspiration, strength, and even inner peace through my struggle. Life became about learning what it is that I was really fighting for. On this site you will find information, resources, successes, memories, and most of all….Hope
Blame No One
Expect Nothing
Do Something
-Bill Parcells-
