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 