All of us have been touched by cancer in some way, and if we haven’t, we, or someone we know and love will be diagnosed. Young, old, newborn babies. No one is exempt. So far this year, five of my friends have been diagnosed or have a recurrence of the cancer they were diagnosed with over ten years ago. Cancer is an epidemic with no boundaries and no rules. It robs us of our lives in cruel and relentless ways, and we’ve accepted it as a terrifying fact of life. Aside from adopting healthier lifestyle habits—that may or may not prevent it—we’re helpless to do anything else. Or are we?
What if there were revolutionary treatment protocols for your granddaughter so she could survive her childhood cancer and grow up and have a family of her own? For your best friend, your husband, or for you? Significant, mind-blowing advances in cancer treatment are already here for thousands of cancer patients, but what if I told you a cure for cancer in our lifetime may not be as farfetched as it sounds?
Would you help make it a reality?
This coming Friday, August 15, at 8/7pm CST, is the ninth, biennial, televised Stand Up to Cancer (SU2C) fundraiser, and this year it’s in Nashville. I’m a supporter of SU2C, and August 15 holds a special significance for me. On that day, 21 years ago, I heard the words, “You have breast cancer,” and it changed my life forever.
I’ve been familiar with SU2C since 2008, when they contacted me and asked if I would help them promote their first multi-television network fundraiser. At the time, I had the Top Breast Cancer Blog, Breast Cancer Sisterhood, where I got to know the top cancer organizations, and which ones were the real deals and which ones were not.
Since then, SU2C has continued to make cancer breakthroughs, and they’ve changed the paradigms of cutting-edge cancer research in bold and dramatic ways.
Sherry Lansing, Photograph by Jennifer Denton for 1010ParkPlace
In 2015, I visited with Sherry Lansing in her Los Angeles office. Sherry is one of the eight visionary women in media who co-founded SU2C. Often referred to as the most powerful woman in Hollywood, she was President of 20th Century Fox, and Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures. Sherry Lansing has made it her full time job to raise money for SU2C. Her personable and tireless efforts have changed the culture of cancer research and brought new, accelerated and collaborative ways of thinking to the world’s top research scientists. She has my unending admiration.
Do you or someone you know have breast, lung, colorectal, pancreatic, adult soft tissue sarcoma, melanoma, blood cancers, or childhood cancers? Because of SU2C, there is new hope for you and your loved ones.
That day in her office, Sherry told me about SU2C’s “Dream Teams,” researchers in different fields, who traditionally kept their work secret from one another but were coming together to work on the same cancer problems with the goal to deliver new and better treatments in a timelier manner, and they have. Over the years, here are just a few of the things SU2C has accomplished:
• Received FDA approval for more effective breast cancer and pancreatic cancer drugs
• Early-stage detection solution for pancreatic cancer
• Therapeutic cancer vaccines with positive results in clinical trials; personalized vaccines for melanoma and lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers can treat cancer, strengthen patients’ immune systems, and reduce recurrence.
• Immunotherapy treatment that reduced the risk of relapse by 43% for two of the most common types of soft tissue sarcoma in adults
• SU2C Catalyst Research Team’s clinical trial eliminated or shrunk melanoma tumors in 70% of patients. Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the U.S.
• Catalyst grants for a rare disease associated with blood cancers, and combinational targeting of oncogene-driven childhood cancer
• Improving Triple Negative breast cancer patient outcome with a personalized PARP inhibitor-based combination therapy, and collaborative progress in innovative pancreatic cancer treatment and advanced rectal cancer
• Innovative and advanced AI and machine learning tools in cancer research, diagnosis, and treatment
This year, Stand Up to Cancer is emphasizing their “strong conviction that funding early-stage detection is essential to defeating cancer” and they “believe it is achievable to reduce cancer deaths by 25% in five years and 50% in ten years.”
In 1987, my first husband, Philip Ray, was one of the first cancer patients to receive the experimental treatment that is now known as immunotherapy. Philip’s doctor was the revered Dr. Steve Rosenberg at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland. I’ve been the cancer caregiver, the cancer patient, and part of the cancer community, and there isn’t another research organization I would intrust my tax deductible dollars to because I know how much Stand Up to Cancer has changed the face of cancer research.
Whether it’s today, tomorrow, August 15, the date of this year’s SU2C fundraiser, or after, I pray you’ll donate a little, or a lot, in honor of someone you know who’s had cancer. Even if it’s $20, I promise you, it will be one of the best things you’ll do all year.
Here is SU2C’s 2024 Annual Report, containing the different ways you can give and the answers to frequently asked questions such as: Is my donation secure; is it tax deductible; will I get a receipt; how do you get 10 bonus American Airlines AAdvantage miles for every dollar you give on a donation of $25 or more, even how you can donate real estate if that’s something you’d like to consider. Yes, that’s philanthropy, and you can be a philanthropist who makes a difference with your money.
Mark your calendars! Friday, August 15, at 8/7 Central time, to watch the Stand Up to Cancer Telecast on any of the major networks, and PLEASE JOIN ME AND DONATE!
38 thoughts on “A CURE FOR CANCER IN OUR LIFETIME?”
Godspeed your health Brenda.
Who doesn’t stop for good health information?
Discovered, https://substack.com/@amidwesterndoctor , and in awe of the depth, quality, and precision of his medical writing.
More, he has brought forth effective medicines the FDA banned in the 1960’s. One, DMSO, is readily available again.
If you don’t know it. It is worth your time, and in your best interest to read about it on his Substack.
It cures some cancers, and other cancers is amazing adjuvunct helping with pain and more.
DMSO not only for cancer !
Hi Tara,
Great to see you here, again. Thanks for the info. Hope all is well with you this hot brutal summer. xoxox, Brenda
Thank you for keeping us abreast with cancer updates, Brenda
Waiting for the cure is getting to me/us
Been wondering if AI might make a dent
If we focused more on actionable areas of this disease?
This is what I came up with for Rwanda, but it’s scalable and replicable
https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/28470/news/health/rwanda-turns-to-whatsapp-chatbot-to-bolster-fight-against-breast-cancer. Philippa
Hi Philippa!
Love hearing from you! We first met at a breast cancer conference in Houston maybe 15 years ago or more, and you’re still passionately working to lower the deaths from breast cancer in Rwanda. You’re amazing! I remember many of the problems you explained to me about trying to educate the people there about breast cancer and its symptoms: the regional languages differences; people often have to walk a long distance to find a clinic or seek any kind of medical help; there may be only one cellphone in a village, and one of the biggest problems is women with breast cancer are ostracized so they don’t seek help if they find a lump in their breast. So many cultural problems to overcome. I admire your resilience and determination to make a difference. Sending you much love, Brenda
I’m in, thanks for the awareness Brenda.
Thank you, Carol! xoxox, Brenda
Thanks for the run down about Stand Up to Cancer Brenda. I had no idea they’d done such groundbreaking work.
Hi George,
Thanks for reading and I hope you take a look at SU2C’s website and their annual report. I believe they lead all the other cancer organizations with their collaborative research model which has cut through the clutter and competition of researchers and brought them to work together. So smart! I hope you will donate to help them further enable their work. Best, Brenda
Philanthropy is a term I associate with people who have lots of money but I don’t have children so I could leave SU2C my house when I die. Interesting idea Brenda.
Yes, that’s right, Darla. There are lots of Baby Boomers who don’t have any heirs, and making SU2C our beneficiary is such a smart and selfless thing we can do to make a huge contribution to ending this modern plague. Whether we have a modest home or a massive place with lots of acreage, I hope everyone will think about leaving it to SU2C. One of the reasons I admire them so is their smart use of money. It doesn’t go to big administrative salaries and overhead, which a number of nonprofits have succumbed to over the years. I wouldn’t be so passionate about SU2C if I didn’t know a lot about them. Thank you, Darla! xoxox, Brenda
Love your blog Brenda because I never know what you’re going to write about. It’s always been interesting. I read your book Maya Blue. Twice! Please tell me someone’s going to make a movie out of it!!
Awe… Thank you, Lucy. I appreciate your kind words about Maya Blue, and I’m flattered you’ve read it twice. We’ll see what the future holds, but I like your idea. xoxox, Brenda
I agree with Lucy about a movie Brenda! Oh my gosh! A life like no other. I knew you’re a strong lady with a big heart but what you’ve been through makes me love you even more. Not everyone has your strength but you inspire me to think I can be more like you although I don’t know how I would handle the terrifying things you have gotten through in your life. Big hugs to you!
Thank you, Jan. We’re all stronger than we think we are, and often, we don’t know what we’ll do until we’re tested. The will to survive is front and center in our DNA, so don’t count yourself short. Here’s hoping you’re not tested in terrible and trying ways, but please believe in yourself if that day comes. I have faith in you. xoxox, Brenda
Brenda, My sister gave me your book and I couldn’t put it down. Finished it in two days then my husband read it. I loved it so much I had to find out more about you. My sister and I carry the breast cancer gene. She had breast cancer and Im afraid I’ll have it too so the information about Stand up to Cancer makes me hopeful for the future. Blessings to you.
Blessings to you as well, Donna. I’m happy you enjoyed Maya Blue. Thanks for letting me know! About the gene you and your sister carry… Now that you know this, you have an advantage. There’s power in this knowledge, and you may already know there are proactive steps you can take to prevent breast cancer.
I didn’t learn I was BRCA2+ until after I was diagnosed with breast cancer. BRCA2+ meant I was also more likely to get ovarian cancer. Many women with this gene, especially if they’re past child bearing age, opt for a prophylactic hysterectomy. Fortunately, I’d already had a complete hysterectomy because of terrible bleeding with fibroids, but I did have both breasts removed, followed by reconstruction. And since the gene means I could also have melanoma and pancreatic cancer, I’m extremely vigilant with my labs and checkups every year and about exercise, and what I eat and drink.
I hope the breast cancer gene doesn’t make you live in fear, but that it spurs you on to make smart choices to avoid being diagnosed with cancer. Wishing you all good things, Donna! I hope you’ll stop by and say hello, again. xoxox, Brenda
I’m fired up Brenda, and I’m going to donate right now! Thank you for bringing this to us.
To the Murphy Family: You’ve made my day!!! Thank you! Big hugs and God bless, Brenda
I talked with my husband about Stand Up 2 Cancer and showed him your blog. You write about knowing which cancer groups are the real deals. You’re the real deal. I’ve followed you for years and feel like I know you and I trust you, so we’re going to donate. Thank you Brenda for always reaching out in different ways. Someday I hope to meet you. I loved your book! You’re an amazing person. Xo, Barb
Okay, now I’m crying, Barb…. Oh, my! Thank you! I’ve always felt a responsibility with my blogs to write only about things I know firsthand and believe in. Sometimes I wonder who’s reading what I write and put out into the universe, but your note makes me realize that what I’m doing has merit, and I couldn’t be more grateful for you, Barb, and everyone who reads my blog. I hope to meet you as well. Sending you lots of love, Brenda
I stand with you Brenda and all of the other cancer survivors. Can’t imagine my granddaughters going through this horror! Yes to big cancer advances! I’m in!
Yes!! Together, we can make a huge difference, Robin. Bless you! Brenda
Hopefully our medical communities and research programs will survive this political hellscape so that we can build upon the work we have begun here in the US to treat and eradicate many diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s. I suspect other countries will now take the lead with much of the upcoming research in the next few years.
Stacia, I have faith in our country and it’s citizens and organizations of merit like Stand Up to Cancer. No one can gear up for a fight like the U.S., and cancer may be the biggest enemy we’ve every come up against. We must all do our part in whatever ways we can. Hang in there, Stacia, and believe that America will preserver. xoxox, Brenda
I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in April 2025. Met with my oncologist/ surgeon. Wonderful doctor.
I signed up for a clinical trial that would last for over 2 years and would cover the cost of tests and surgery. One week before surgery, I was told the clinical trials were cancelled so I scrambled to make sure Medicare and a supplemental policy I had would cover the expenses.
Turned out my insurance covered all but $260.00
Two and 1/2 months later, I feel healthy again and I have decided to participate in the trial at my cost. I feel the collective information will help other women make educated decisions about their health care. I was devastated that cancer research was cut by the government. So much for taxpayer’s wishes, hopes and dreams.
My surgery was DaVinci robotic laparoscopic hysterectomy. My surgeon told me I chose the right procedure for me. I am currently having cataract surgery before Congress cuts additional benefits. Next is a dermatologist !
Thank you for sharing your experience. I also recommend YouTube videos which were very helpful.
Marcia, You’ve been through a lot since April, and it sounds as though you’ve made decisions that are right for you. I’m impressed that you’re thinking about the women who will come after you, and participating in this clinical trial to help them and yourself as well. Your diagnosis and getting a grasp on everything involved is still relatively fresh, and I bow to your strength and resolve. I’ve been there.
As part of my healing, I came to understand my mental and emotional attitude and health makes a HUGE difference in how well we’ll do in the future. In addition to talking to God, one of the best things that kept me positive and focused was guided meditation. Belleruth Naperstek, the founder of guided meditation, is well respected, and I listened to her audios every day, sometimes more than once a day because they helped me believe I would survive my breast cancer, and I did. If you’re interested, here’s a link to some of her audios you can download onto your devices. https://www.hayhouse.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=belleruth+naperstek
I hope to hear from you, again. Sending you healing light and love, Brenda
I’ve been aware of this organization’s telethons but until now it’s never clicked. Maybe I wasn’t interested or ready to take it in but you’ve presented it in a way that makes me take notice. I’ll watch the telethon next week.
Thank you, Billie Rae. I know what you mean about digesting information when we’re ready to hear it. I’ll be watching with you. xoxox, Brenda
Thank you Brenda. I donated once before but they fell off my radar. When I think of television fundraisers I think of Jerry Lewis’s telethon when I was a kid. It’s on my calendar.
That’s wonderful, Jeanne, that you’re going to watch. I’ll be doing the same thing. So much thought and effort and the stories about people who’ve been helped by SU2C go into the fundraiser, and I wind up in tears more than once. Yes, I remember Jerry Lewis and his terrific efforts to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy. I think he raised our collective consciousness about MD. Thank you! Brenda
I had breast cancer two years ago and it’s been hard for me to get on with my life without fearing it will come back. I’m angry about how it’s changed my body and that having a recurrence is always there someplace in my mind. The cancer center had a program I attended because I wanted help to move past these feelings and resume my life. It helped some but not enough. Did you have these feelings? What did you do? I didn’t not want to go through what life I have left like this.
Marie, I know exactly how you’re feeling, and it takes a concious effort, like you did by going to the cancer center’s program, to move past these feelings. I attended a similar event and just knowing I wasn’t the only one who felt this way was therapeutic. I also learned the phrase, “my new normal,” and I learned to shape my new normal into something positive and not let it keep me in a place of fear and anger.
My new normal was to make sure my diet and lifestyle changes would minimize my risk of recurrence. My new normal also made me more aware that my mental and emotional wellbeing had an influence on my immune system, so I implemented prayer, guided meditation, humor, and positive thinking into keeping me from slipping into worry and depression, and it worked. I know there is always the chance my cancer might come back, but if I stay connected to worry and fear, it’s not doing my immune system any good, and I’m not seizing the life that’s right in front of me. My new normal made me want to seize life by the handfuls and make the most of it.
Here’s a link to some of my favorite guided imagery meditation audios by the well-respected Belleruth Naperstek. I love the sound of her voice, and I sometimes listened to them several times a day. Whenever I was feeling down or overwhelmed, and they made a big difference in the way I thought about whether my cancer would come back or not. I hope you’ll consider downloading them onto your devices and making them a regular part of your day. They worked wonders for me. https://www.hayhouse.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=belleruth+naperstek
You’ve got this, Marie! Just get started, and know you have to keep moving forward. There are wonderous things waiting out there for you. Go find them! xoxox, Brenda
Stand Up to Cancer. I’ll be there! Thank you Brenda. You’re the one we can always count on. I loved your book so much. I see why surviving has always been with you in everything you’ve done. I’m not so much that way but do my best. Thanks.
I’m glad you’re going to watch SU2C’s fundraiser, Nanette. Thank you for letting me know you liked Maya Blue. I don’t know you, so I don’t know what your life’s been like, and the things life’s put in your path, but I believe when things get tough, we’re more of a survivor than we thought we were. Surviving’s built into our DNA along with breathing.
Live each day with joy. Keep singing; keep laughing; keep trying, and pull from each moment those things you want to remember. Savor them! Cherish them! Do them deliberately and intentionally and never take them for granted. xoxox, Brenda
Hi there
You should be called the Iron Lady for all your strength and courage thru the years.
Your husband paved the way with being one of the 1st patients for immunotherapy. As a result my husband has been able to access this the last 1 1/2 years for his stage 4 lung cancer – the therapy will continue until December.
That is unfortunate you didn’t receive the card I sent to the book store – I marked on the envelope – to hold for you.
The Italian Centre is in Vancouver, BC. We even have an area of town called Little Italy.
Rosemarie, Even though the bookstore didn’t tell me about your card… they may have been unsure what to do with it… I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your sending it to me. You’re one in a million, and you and your kind thoughtfulness mean a lot to me. I probably would have spent the evening at that book signing, getting a bit choked up about your card like I did the two women who drove five hours from North of Dallas to be at one of my San Antonio events and then drove back the next morning. Amazing! All of you, my special readers, have made me feel so loved and appreciated. Thank you.
I’m grateful my late husband, Philip, played a role in making immune therapy a reality so all these years later, your husband could receive it. I hope he continues to do well. Thank you for telling me. Once again, I’m feeling grateful and a bit overwhelmed. Thank you, Rosemarie. Love, Brenda
Brenda I watched the SU2C fundraiser and it reconfirmed what you said so I made a donation. Thank you for telling us about good them.
Thank you, Margaret! Blessings to you. xoxox, Brenda