Cancer Health

In 1995, Sam Donaldson was diagnosed with melanoma when a tumor was discovered in a lymph node in his groin.Donaldson blogged during last year’s Blog for Hopeevent, where celebrities and public figures shared insights and personal stories of how cancer has affected theirlives. Donaldson, a veteran investigative journalist, currently appears on the Sunday morning television talk show,This Week with David Brinkley. Donaldson blogged about joining the cancer club. As he pointed out, no one volunteers tojoin the cancer club but you are automatically enrolled if you are diagnosed with cancer. Once a member, there isimportant work to be done by the members.

"We work to obtain more money for research into the causes,prevention and cures for cancer and for the alleviation of suffering from cancer. But there is something else thatthose of us in the club can do." It is perhaps the most important task of being a member of the cancer club.Donaldson explains it by sharing his personal experience. Donaldson, who reports news, became news with his cancerdiagnosis. Shortly after, a senator he did not know very well, called and said to Donaldson, "I read that you havemelanoma. Let me tell you, six years ago I had a number of melanoma lesions removed and I’m just fine today. You will betoo."

Donaldson said that was one of the most important telephone calls he ever received — one he hasnever forgotten. When I was in the hospital recovering from cancer surgery, a nurse came into my room and shared herseven-year cancer survivorship story. She was there to let me know there was hope — that I would be fine. It was theturning point in my recovery, and it is the moment I will never forget. As cancer survivors, we have important work todo. Reaching out to the newly-diagnosed is one of the most important tasks because it brings hope. Hope can be the mostpowerful healing tool of all.