Lisa's Summer of Celebration to Benefit the American Cancer Society

Visit the team page of Team Singapore
Ms. Lisa M Burke Goal: $3,000.00 Achieved: $3,475.00 Make a gift to support Ms. Lisa M Burke

Help me Celebrate my Re-Birthday!

More than two years into my cancer journey, I am able to not only (finally) acknowledge my battle but celebrate it!

The Importance of Early Detection & Research Dollars

My journey *IS* the story of early detection and research dollars that led to ground-breaking surgical treatments. Without either, my journey would have been significantly more difficult.


For 3 months, we chased "abnormal" results that never quite popped up as cancerous until that very last biopsy. But those early "abnormal" results were the *only* thing that pushed my doctor and me to keep after it. So, early detection is KEY!

How important is it to fund research to work toward a cure and alternate treatments? Well, when the first oncologist said, "12-inch incision, 6 weeks to get back up on your feet," as he described the 'traditional' surgical treatment, I balked. True to form, I didn't take that as my answer. I went into project mode. Yes, I Googled and researched -- and tore up the chat and phone lines.


I knew that I had found my answer in an alternate surgical treatment offered by an oncologist in The Hill, and when the National Cancer Institute confirmed my instincts, I suddenly gained the confidence I needed to battle the disease. Dr. Boggess was one of only 4 oncologists in the country at the time that was regularly performing the groundbreaking DaVinci-assisted laparoscopic surgery that is changing the way women's cancer is being treated. In the words of NCI, "If you can go to him, you should probably check it out."


Thanks to Dr. Boggess and his leading-edge surgery, I was back up on my feet the day after my surgery and back at work 2 1/2 weeks after my surgery date. I was incredibly lucky to have found Dr. Boggess and his wonderful practice, and I will be forever grateful for his talent and compassion.


Today, my fabulous oncologist not only continues to the lead the way in leveraging cutting-edge technology to treat cancer, but he literally travels the globe teaching oncologists in other countries how to perform this surgery. Yeah, he is absolutely one of my most favorite people on this earth. Takes my breath away, really.

Paying it Forward in a Big Way . . . .

The two-year anniversary of my first clean pathology results is 28 Sept 2008, and I am celebrating by raising money for the American Cancer Society so that they may continue their efforts to spread the word about early detection and fund research to work toward a cure.


It's my turn to pay it forward, and I'll be doing it in style during my Summer of Fun, where I will hit the road and celebrate anyone and everyone that has battled the disease.


Thank you all for your support not only now but at every step throughout my cancer journey. Proudly surviving and cancer-free.....

This year, hundreds of thousands of people will hear the words "You have cancer," and there's a good chance that some of them will be people we know and love. I have chosen to fight back against this disease and help make a difference by supporting the American Cancer Society’s mission to eliminate cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.

Today, there is more hope than ever for people facing cancer. However, there is much work to be done. I hope you will support me in my effort by joining my team or making a donation to help me reach my goal.

 

Visit the Cook Fans Conquering Cancer Home Page

If you think this page contains objectionable content, please inform the system administrator. Please do not use this link to submit general questions or request other assistance. If you require assistance, please visit our contact page.