Advocacy

As a cancer survivor, you have faced many serious life challenges. Your success in conquering them might make you feel powerful, hopeful, determined and eager to help other cancer patients.

As one advocate wrote, "Returning to a pre-cancer normal is unlikely, but young survivors can learn to create a new sense of normalcy that incorporates their experience with childhood cancer." (Jones, 2003)

For many cancer survivors, the 'new normal' includes advocating on behalf of cancer patients and survivors. When you share your experience with professionals, politicians and the general public, you raise awareness about childhood cancer and advance causes related to it. As an advocate, you have the potential to effect individual, institutional and social change. Craig Lustig, national cancer advocate and vice president of Children's Cause for Cancer Advocacy, explains his reason for being an advocate: "The words of my cancer journey have instructed, supported and strengthened me. It is a privilege to share these lessons with others and use my experience to aid the next person in the cancer journey."

Advocacy ideas and tips are listed below:

• Talk to friends and family about your cancer experience.
• Start or join a support group in your community or hospital.
• Contact your local children's hospital about becoming an advocate for a newly diagnosed child.
• Join committees to change or influence current hospital policies.
• Talk to a local civic group about your experience.
• Raise funds for a charity that supports childhood cancer issues-or make a donation. (For example, The National Children's Cancer Society helps childhood cancer patients and their families through a variety of programs.)
• Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper regarding current health legislation.
• Attend a young adult survivors' camp.
• Become a counselor at a camp for children with cancer.
• Volunteer at a local nonprofit.
• Know your elected government officials and contact them about state and federal laws that impact the childhood cancer and survivorship communities.

Whatever kind of advocacy you choose to pursue, you will be making a difference in your life and the lives of other survivors. Nationally recognized patient advocate and attorney Grace Monaco tells survivors: "Come out from the shadows, put the past in perspective, seize the future. Do not merely survive, but LIVE to the fullest." (Monaco, 2003)