Oncologists are a special breed of physician who enter a patient’s life during one of the most distressing and often traumatic life experiences: a cancer diagnosis. That’s just the start of the journey, which can last many years and involve great successes and disappointments. This unique relationship gives oncologists a passion for serving people with cancer and ensuring access to the highest quality care.
Through the voices and stories of oncologists, ASCO’s I Live to Conquer Cancer™ initiative conveys the commitment and dedication of cancer care providers who work every day to conquer cancer by researching new cures or by providing care directly to patients in communities around the globe.
In a new video, Gladys Rodriguez, MD, an oncologist at the START Center for Cancer Care in San Antonio, Texas, explains how her upbringing in Puerto Rico—where resources were limited—led her to be a passionate advocate for addressing health-care disparities. Now, she works to ensure that her patients have access to financial help, transportation, and other assistance so they can get the treatment they need.
Gladys Rodriguez, MD
Stephanie Graff, MD, FACP
Stephanie Graff, MD, FACP, a breast medical oncologist at Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at HCA Midwest in Overland Park, Kansas, shares a story about an unforgettable patient who was diagnosed with cancer just after giving birth. This moving story underscores Dr. Graff’s enduring commitment to listening to all patients, understanding their values, and making it her mission to fulfill their goals.
I Live to Conquer Cancer™ builds on ASCO’s continued advocacy activities in support of improving patient access to cancer care, transforming the cancer care delivery system, and increasing research funding for the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute—all with the ultimate goal of ensuring every patient with cancer has access to the necessary care, including the next generation of cures.
ASCO is inviting the entire cancer community to support I Live to Conquer Cancer™ by watching and sharing videos featuring their colleagues, as well as by:
- Using the ACT Network to ask Congress to make it possible for every patient to access high-quality cancer care
- Answering the question, “Why do I live to conquer cancer?” on Twitter using the hashtag #LiveToConquerCancer
- Filming a short video or writing a short blog post answering the question, “Why do I live to conquer cancer?”
Many of the stories shared with ASCO will be posted on ASCO.org, published in ASCO Connection, and shared on social media. To share your story or see more videos and stories, visit asco.org/live-to-conquer-cancer. New videos and stories will be added later this fall.
Stay up-to-date on all cancer policy issues at asco.org/ascoinaction. ■
© 2019. American Society of Clinical Oncology. All rights reserved.
