Supportive communities make a difference

The Commonwealth Cancer Association sent a representative to attend the Lance Armstrong Foundation’s second LIVESTRONG summit held between July 24 and July 27 in Columbus, Ohio. This year’s theme focused on how communities that unite and demonstrate support make a difference in the lives of cancer survivors and their families.

Maggie C. Camacho, a breast cancer survivor of four years, said she was honored to represent the CNMI at the summit. Meeting cancer survivors from across the nation and hearing their stories inspired her to be more active at home.

“Nearly all of us have a loved one, friend, colleague or family member who has faced cancer. I feel that we need to engage our community more,” said Camacho.

She said the community can strengthen its role and make a difference to CNMI survivors by helping existing local efforts to expand cancer-awareness events and increase survivor and care-giver support activities.

Camacho added while the summit also focused on cancer as a national issue, we are fortunate that we can easily speak to our legislators and governor. It is up to all of us, not just cancer survivors, to make it a community concern.

The LIVESTRONG Summit took place at Ohio State University ‘s Columbus campus; assembling cancer advocates, health care experts and elected officials from around the nation.

Featured speakers include Lance Armstrong, Surgeon General Vice Admiral Dr. Richard Carmona; Dr. Harold Freeman, president and founder of the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention in Harlem and Senior Advisor to the Director of the National Cancer Institute; Stefanie Spielman, three-time breast cancer survivor, founder of the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research; and All-Pro NFL linebacker Chris Spielman.

The Commonwealth Cancer Association is the local cancer support organization for the Northern Mariana Islands. Established in 2003 under the umbrella of the CHC Volunteer Association, the CCA strives to increase cancer awareness and education, provides patient support and services and serves as the liaison for cancer matters in the Commonwealth and the region.

For inquiries, contact Joanne Ogo, CCA Program Coordinator. She can be reached at 682-0050 or emailed at cancercontrol@pticom.com. [B][I](PR)[/I][/B]