November 2006
I just returned from the inaugural LiveSTRONG Summit, hosted by the Lance Armstrong Foundation, in Austin, Texas. It was a gathering of about 800 people – cancer survivors, healthcare professionals and advocates. The speakers were phenomenal and included Lance Armstrong; Senator John Kerry; Elizabeth Edwards and Dr. Antonia Novello, the country’s first female surgeon general.
So what did I learn, one co-worker wanted to know? I learned that the PBCC already does a lot of things right. We are a strong advocacy organization with a strong board, staff and army of volunteers. We are large in our mission and in our thinking, yet small and manageable in our staff and in our budget. I was proud to be there representing Pennsylvania’s breast cancer survivors.
I also learned that, although it may sound cliché, one person truly can make a difference. In fact, all it takes is one to have an idea, to lead the charge, to talk to a senator, to drive a friend to treatment.
Throughout the weekend of the summit, the subject that consistently got the most applause and hoots and hollers was that of healthcare or insurance reform in this country. Indeed it is a national crisis. As one of the speakers said, “The scriptures don’t say ‘heal the sick…only if they have the money to pay for it’”.
I urge you to just be present. Be aware of what is going on in your own cancer community, in your life and in the lives of your friends and family. Be the onewho makes the difference.
Heather Hibshman
Executive Director
