|
|
|
|
Life After Cancer Program
A Project of Cook Children’s Medical Center andthe Lance Armstrong Foundation
Jeffrey C. Murray, M.D. Medical Director, Life After Cancer Program One of the greatest success stories in modern medicine in the last 30 years has been the dramatic improvement in the ability to cure children and adolescents with cancer. Nearly 70% will be cured using modern day chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. Despite this tremendous progress, many of these children are left with significant handicaps, both physical and emotional, resulting from their ‘successful’ cancer therapy. The burgeoning specialty of ‘cancer survivorship’ aims to address the needs of this special population. Lance Armstrong, testicular cancer survivor and winner of the 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 Tours de France cycling race represents the epitome of survivorship: becoming a better person than he was before cancer. This is the hope for all children and teens with cancer. The Hematology & Oncology Center at Cook Children’s Medical Center, Fort Worth, Texas and the Lance Armstrong Foundation have partnered to create a world-class cancer survivor program called the Life After Cancer Program (LACP). The LACP provides comprehensive medical and psychological care services to the survivor of childhood and adolescent cancer: physical examination; neuropsychologic assessment and intervention; educational and vocational counseling; and general reintegration into ‘after-cancer life’. The LACP is excited about the potential for local community interest and investment into this exciting program. In many ways, for most children, it’s not if they will be cured, but with what quality of outcome they will be cured. As Lance Armstrong has so bravely stated, “I am a survivor, not a victim”. So, too, we all hope, will every child and teen who traverses the cancer journey say: ‘I am a survivor’
Kiwanis Club Supports the Life After Cancer Program The Kiwanis Club of Fort Worth Southwest, Inc. has owned and operated the Cowtown Classic Bike Ride for many years. The purpose of Kiwanis International is “Serving the Children of the World.” Since 2002, the Cowtown Classic Bike Ride has benefited Cook Children’s Medical Center’s Life After Cancer Program and has presented checks totaling $27,000.00 to the program. The ride also benefits other Kiwanis children’s projects including the Iodine Deficiency Disorder project, a worldwide program of Kiwanis International. With the ride in its 17th year, we will again be benefiting Cook Children's Medical Center's Life After Cancer Program. The Kiwanis Club of Fort Worth Southwest, Inc would like to thank the many sponsors, supporters, and riders for the success of our rides and the support of the Life After Cancer Program and Kiwanis children’s projects.
|
|
|
