Cancer Fighters Thrive is a quarterly print and online magazine bringing readers practical, innovative and inspirational information about cancer treatment and survivorship.
Issue link: http://cancerfightersthrive.epubxp.com/i/507057
6 C A NCER FIGH T ER S THRI V E | sUMMER 20 15 C A NCERFIGHTER S THRI V E .COM LINDSAY REHM, RN Nurse Educator Cancer Treatment Centers of America ® Tulsa, Oklahoma INSPIRATION Lighting the Night LINDSAY REHM AND RHONDA BYERS both know frsthand the impact of a blood cancer diagnosis. Rhonda was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2008, as a senior in college, and underwent treatment; Lindsay's aunt passed away afer a leukemia diagnosis as a teen- ager. Both women have been inspired by their intimate knowledge of the dev- astation a diagnosis can bring to com- mit their time to the Leukemia & Lym- phoma Society (LLS), which strives to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Rhonda and Lindsay are espe- cially committed to the Light the Night® event, an LLS fundraising campaign that results in a nighttime walk in hun- dreds of communities across the United States and millions of dollars raised for blood cancer research and support. Here, Rhonda (RB) and Lindsay (LR) share more about their work with LLS. Lindsay Rehm and Rhonda Byers Why did you want to become an advocate? RB: During my treatment for lym- phoma, I saw a fyer for Light the RHONDA BYERS Education Coordinator Cancer Treatment Centers of America ® Tulsa, Oklahoma Night. We had just moved to Oklaho- ma the year before I was diagnosed, and other than my parents and broth- er I didn't have a large community of support. But through attending the event, I realized that there was a com- munity of people who knew what my family and I had been through and wanted to help us succeed. Light the Night and the Leukemia & Lympho- ma Society provided that community for my family. LR: I grew up hearing about leuke- mia and how my aunt had been part of a research study because there were so few treatment options. When I started working in oncology, I was shocked that people were still dying from this disease almost 35 years later. When I heard about the Leuke- mia & Lymphoma Society's mission, I started volunteering. What inspires you in your commitment to making a diference? RB: Te community that is built at Light the Night is one that inspires hope throughout the year. I was given the gif of community by attending, and I want to make sure that there is always that place of community for blood cancer patients. LR: Clinically, I love that LLS really focuses on patients, and the research they support is showing promise in many other tumor types. Personally, I am inspired by the people. Light the Night is about celebrating blood cancer survivors and remembering those who lost their battle. It is an annual remind- er that we still have work to do! What message would you like to deliver to others facing a cancer diagnosis? RB: As long as you have courage and hope, you can make a diference in your life and in the lives of those around you. A favorite quote is one I like to share: "Courage doesn't always roar. Some- times courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day, saying, 'I will try again tomorrow.'" [Mary Anne Radmacher] LR: Reach out for support. Tere are a lot of organizations that want to help you, not only with your diagno- sis but with all aspects of your cancer journey. Photo by Miller Photography