In July we began celebrating the fifty years since Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin were the first humans to step onto the moon. It was a small step from the Lunar Module, but a giant step for further space exploration.
The thousands of men and women who contributed to this event are to be congratulated on their devotion, expertise, and time. It was not an easy task.
Many small steps have been made in the last few years with ovarian cancer. Immunotherapy, PARP inhibitors, and target therapy are new advances in the treatment of this cancer that is the 5th leading cause of death in women. Immunotherapy is being studied in many clinical trials. I refer you to https://blog.dana-farber.org/insight/2017/09/immunotherapy-and-ovarian-cancer-an-update/ for updated information.
As an ovarian cancer survivor for the past eleven years, I am thrilled to see giant leaps for women with ovarian cancer. The many years of small steps are coming up with advancements that are extending or saving lives. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/treating.html. The dedication of researchers and physicians and those who have participated in clinical trials are heroes and heroines. Thank you.
I recommend watching this video of hope Our Way Forward https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVt3TbHvEME
Another example of small steps leading to change has been the acceptance of all people no matter their race, religion, political beliefs, or sexual identities. A collection of poems by Forrest Stepnowski called Journey to Rainbow’s End brings enlightenment to a topic that has divided families and nations. I encourage you to buy it at Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CZ9GWCM/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 The small steps by him and thousands of others is bringing us to a giant step forward.
“Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future and renders the present inaccessible.” –Maya Angelou
I welcome your comments. Perhaps share your memory of July 20, 1969; your experience or knowledge about cancer; and your thoughts about bias or acceptance in society. Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. Karen Ingalls
KAREN INGALLS, AUTHOR, BLOGGER & SURVIVOR 
Oh my goodness, I just saw your blog and I am humbled by your words. Thank you for your kind words. I am a cancer survivor as well. Many blessings to you my friend.
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Forrest, I am over a month late in replying for which I am sorry. My prayers for you to remain in good health. Thank you for visiting and commenting.
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What a wonderful post, Karen. I was eighteen in 1969 and knew there was a big event but didn’t get to watch it on TV, so relied on word-of-mouth. What a monumental event! It’s so good to know that medicine continues to make strides in the fight against cancer and I love that Forrest has contributed toward ending social prejudices through his work!
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Thank you, Jan for your comment. I am glad that you were old enough to remember the moon landing. It was a night I will never forget.
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Hi, Karen. I enjoyed this post. So many wonderful changes have happened in the last 50 years, and I’m so excited to see what happens in the next 50!
Thank you for sharing Forrest’s book. He’s amazing and has overcome so much!
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Rhani, new inventions, historical events, and medical breakthroughs are occurring at a rapid pace, which is exciting and overwhelming. Thank you for stopping by.
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Yes Karen, we have made leaps and bounds in our understanding of that we don’t understand.
I think greater strides will be made when we take a good look at how we process and grow our food supply.
There were conspiracy theories about the moon landing which really surprised me. A lot of people never believed it happened.
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Hi, Karen! I’m so happy they’ve made some progress on treating Ovarian Cancer. Thank you for the information, video, and book recommendation. Fabulous post, my friend! ❤ xo
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Thank you, Vashti. I appreciate your comment and hope that society’s small steps keep moving us forward.
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I love to hear about those steps forward in ovarian cancer, Karen. Nice to see Forrester’s book here and I agree it is a collection that propels society forward
The walk on the moon was on my 7th birthday. A moment I will never forget.
Great post, Karen:)
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You were seven! I was 28! It is great that we had lived through that experience and remember it. Happy belated birthday.
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