Each year on February 4th, The Union of International Cancer Control (UICC) partners with organizations across the world to celebrate World Cancer Day. With a global reach and an audience far and wide, this day is the leading initiative to raise awareness, improve educational outreach efforts, and encourage collective action to work towards a cancer-free world. During World Cancer Day, the UICC encourages everyone to share the driving passion behind why they are dedicated to ending cancer.
We asked the PSI team to share their stories – what’s their personal experience with cancer? What inspires them to work towards a cancer-free world? As a team truly committed to the mantra of “Every Patient Counts,” we knew responses would flow. We knew that our PSI team was, and is, deeply connected to the industry we work in. The responses we got were humbling and heart-warming:
“World Cancer Day is very important to me as I remember my dear friend, Adam Krief, of blessed memory. He fought and subsequently lost a battle against Primary Myelofibrosis at the tender age of 33. In the process, he inspired thousands to join the Global Bone Marrow Registry – which has led to over 180 matches and 20 transplants. May his memory continue to be a blessing!” – Jeremie Braun, California, USA.
“My mum lost the battle to breast cancer after fighting it for seven years. Having witnessed the pain that she endured with the disease and treatment, I do not wish that upon anyone else. Until a cure is found, I will continue to be an advocate for cancer research and education on preventative actions.” – Justine Lee, Sydney, Australia.
“I lost a very dear friend to cancer three years ago. She was such a fighter, and I saw the pain she had to endure every day for two years. Unfortunately, she lost the battle, but she is remembered for the courage and strength she had. I need to be part of any Cancer awareness campaign — supporting the Fighters, admiring the survivors, honoring and remembering the taken and to those that are still fighting never give up hope!” – Odenda Joubert, Pretoria, South Africa.
“My dad was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer when he was 54 and fought like a trooper taking part in two clinical trials which brought his PSA levels down significantly extending his life expectancy. Sadly the disease took hold, and he didn’t make his 60th Birthday. Being a witness to the pain and suffering that no one should go through, I am a huge supporter in the fight against the dreaded C word! “– Hayley Greenaway, Oxford, United Kingdom.
“To me, World Cancer Day is a day to celebrate cancer research and help increase awareness for cancer screenings. Through early screenings, my guardian is winning his decade’s long fight with testicular cancer, along with many of my aunts and uncles. Early and frequent screenings save lives, so know the signs and get screened! “– Joseph Mullen, North Carolina, USA.
At PSI, we’re proud to be part of the battle against cancer. But it’s on all of us to learn more, get involved, and do our parts to further education and research. Learn more about World Cancer Day. Together, we’ll end this disease.
“Cancer took my best friend of 32 years. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about her and wish for one more hug. I am in this fight and will continue to be until no one else has to endure the heartache of losing their best friend. Love & miss you, Mom.” – Chris Budny, RTP, NC, USA
“My best friend and hero passed away last year after two bouts with breast cancer. My Mom was determined to beat this disease and in her honor, I will continue her fight against cancer until we can find a cure.” – David Cass, Boston, MA, USA
“My mother passed away from breast cancer nine years ago. She remains my rock even now. In the back of my mind, I always hear her voice urging me onward. She was my best friend and I lost her too soon. So in her honor, I will always strive to make a difference in the fight against cancer.” – Susan Griffith, RTP, NC, USA
“Just a few weeks after her 50th birthday, my mom was diagnosed with an advanced form of ovarian cancer. The news came as a huge shock – but cancer doesn’t discriminate. Cancer doesn’t care how old you are, how active you are, or who you are. She’s a fighter, but not everyone has the opportunity to fight. It’s on all of us to raise awareness, advocate, and push research ahead. And until there’s a cure, we can’t slow down.” – Kayt Leonard, Raleigh, NC, USA
“After the loss of my dear old dad to colorectal cancer two years ago, I have been struck by the number of stories I hear about the increasing number of younger people being affected by the disease. I am determined to do my bit, to support the development of effective treatments so that we can stop the suffering of patients and their families and friends.” – Helen Nelson, Oxford, United Kingdom
“Dr. Phillip M. Carter is a professor of Linguistics and a powerhouse of social justice in Florida. He is also a cancer survivor and a light for anyone who has the honor of knowing him. I do the work I do know thing that the quality of people’s lives are made better because of who he is and the work he does. This would not have been possible if he had not survived testicular cancer. ” – Kelly Spaulding, RTP, NC, USA
“My daughter Ireland was diagnosed with a brain tumor at 14 months. She was lucky as the tumor was very rare, and benign. Since this time, I have had many family members and friends who were not so lucky and lost their life far too early. Cancer doesn’t stop in the midst of a pandemic! I’m thankful to work at PSI, they are committed to oncology research and live the motto #everypatientcounts especially in oncology trials.” – Brenda Reese, CA, USA
“My best friend and hero passed away last year after two bouts with breast cancer. My Mom was determined to beat this disease and in her honor, I will continue her fight against cancer until we can find a cure.” – David Cass, Boston, MA, USA
“I am proud to be part of the fight against cancer. This terrible villain has caused so much heartache to my family. It has attacked family members of all ages. For those loved ones I’ve lost and to those loved ones still fighting a good fight, I am honored to belong to a group that is dedicated to finding a cure. My two cousins and a friend are currently in remission due to the progress we have made.” –Nicole Legler, Tampa, FL, USA
“Back in 2008 I had an excruciating headache and ended up going to the ER to receive a spinal tap and CAT scan. The ER Doc told me that my spinal fluid was clear and he couldn’t see anything remarkable on the scan. Luckily, my dear friend was a neurologist and insisted I have an MRI. I soon came to find out that I have a brain tumor called an acoustic neuroma and it wasn’t small. I ended up receiving radiation from a wonderful technology called Cyberknife and the tumor is slowly collapsing. I am thankful every day for the research and brilliant minds that work every day to find an answer and as such, I have had many more years with my two sons.” – Carrie Gable, San Diego, CA, USA
At PSI, we’re proud to be part of the battle against cancer. But it’s on all of us to learn more, get involved, and do our parts to further education and research. Learn more about World Cancer Day. Together, we’ll end this disease.
When Andrea Cracraft joined PSI in 2013 as Director, Clinical Operations, North America, there were only a handful of clinical operations team members in the region. Together with a dedicated team, she and colleagues worked tirelessly creating systems and processes to ensure the growth of an efficient department and has since witnessed its incredible growth to well over two hundred team members.
