NCCS Survivorship Newsletter - October 2009
NCCS Welcomes Thomas P. Sellers as its President & CEO NCCS announced this week that it has chosen Thomas P. Sellers of Brookline, Mass. to become its next President & CEO, effective October 19, 2009. A cancer survivor and former caregiver, Mr. Sellers brings his personal experience as well as professional background in the cancer community to the organization. Keep an eye out for the November issue of SurvivorSpeak, which will feature a profile on Mr. Sellers. Read more >> ___________________________________	Cancer Advocate Spotlight: Jo-Ellen De Luca A seven-year rectal cancer survivor, Jo-Ellen De Luca has been a self-advocate before the term even existed. Read more >> Toolbox Module Highlight: Standing Up for Your Rights Cancer survivors often find that self-advocacy and personal empowerment make it possible to meet their needs for information, intervention, and support. Speaking up for what you need when faced with a cancer diagnosis, and knowing how to communicate those needs to family, friends, and caregivers, are the first steps in self-advocacy. The “Standing Up for Your Rights” program focuses on teaching you to actively do something in your own best interest. Listen now >>
Save the Date: National TV Special, “Kaleidoscope” to Air on Thanksgiving Kaleidoscope, a holiday entertainment variety special, combines the beauty of skating, the excitement of song, and the brave message of survivorship to raise awareness of the key issues surrounding women and cancer. The show addresses issues surrounding women and cancer through an extraordinary collaboration with 10 advocacy partners, including NCCS. The show includes the return to the ice of legendary figure skaters Scott Hamilton and Dorothy Hamill, and a performance by fellow cancer survivor Olivia Newton-John. Learn more or buy tickets >> ___________________________________
Speak Up! Speak Out! Support CCCIA! As the debate over healthcare reform progresses, we’ve seen promising signs of a commitment to cancer care planning. We now have 44 cosponsors for H.R. 1844, the Comprehensive Cancer Care Improvement Act. Senator Max Baucus included a provision for a cancer care planning demonstration project in the bill considered by the Finance Committee. A final committee vote on that bill will occur soon, and the measure will then be considered by the full Senate. Let's keep the momentum going and get everyone in Congress to support the CCCIA, which calls for better coordination of care and improved communication between patients and their healthcare teams before, during, and after treatment. We need a show of support from members of the House to ensure that the CCCIA moves forward and keep care planning in the healthcare reform proposals. Call or write your representative now >> ___________________________________
Want to Get Involved? Here are Three Easy Things You Can Do Right Now Honor someone’s cancer journey by creating a cancerversary page that shares their story. Order FREE copies of the Cancer Survival Toolbox® or any of our other free publications. Give them to someone you know who needs help navigating their cancer journey, or bring them to a community group, hospital, or cancer center near you. Educate yourself or someone you know about how the legislative process works. How does a bill become a law? How do legislative visits work? This basic information will prepare you to take action if you haven’t already.

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NCCS advocates for quality cancer care for all Americans and provides tools that empower people affected by cancer to advocate for themselves.