I spent Monday and Tuesday taking part in the NJ Summit on Cancer Survivorship- Moving From Dialogue to Action. Previously held survivor forums during the Annual Retreats on Cancer Research in NJ lead to the development of this Summit. It was a diverse group in attendance- oncologists,radiologists, surgeons, nurses, social workers , advocates and survivors. Our goal was to develop an action plan addressing the key issues facing NJ cancer survivors. Breakout groups developed statewide action plans in the areas of healthcare delivery, psychosocial care, research, education and advocacy.
I attended breakout sessions on advocacy , psychosocial issues and eliminating cancer survivorship disparities. The motivation was high even if the task at first seemed daunting.
I remember how great it felt coming home from the first Lance Armstrong Survivors Summit in Austin , Tx in 2006 with a plan. I felt that way again over the past two days. I helped to provide the survivors voice in discussions with some of the best cancer care providers in NJ. And we did our job and developed plans to make more resources available and to improve the care of cancer survivors in NJ better. It doesn't get much better than that.
Judy Rowland PhD , Director of the Office of Cancer Survivorship , NCI,NIH spoke the line "It Takes a Champion " an number of times during her keynote speech on Tuesday. From my perspective , I was in the midst of some of the best Champions for Cancer survivorship and we will make that difference.
Thanks to everyone who made this Summit possible.
LiveSTRONG
Dee
Every Day is a Blessing !
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