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Home > Archive > Apr 17, 2008

Inching Closer to the Cure
By Cami Cox
Staff Writer
When Santa Clara resident Doug Wells was treated for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma last year, the drug that led to his cancer’s remission was discovered though research conducted by the American Cancer Society.
Wells, a St. George resident, serves as the local community relationship manager for the American Cancer Society and has been a Relay For Life volunteer for almost 20 years – nearly the entire length of time the ACS fundraiser has had a presence in St. George. Wells' wife also works locally as an oncology nurse, and both have been diligent advocates in the fight against cancer for many years, so when Wells received his cancer diagnosis, it came as a surprise.
“I'm a staff person (for the American Cancer Society). I thought that would be insurance against getting cancer, but it wasn't,” he joked.
Local 2008 Relay For Life chair Ruth Ann Adams, a nurse residing in Washington, is also a cancer survivor, having been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004. Like Wells, Adams had spent many years advocating for the American Cancer Society prior to her diagnosis, and she even spent a great deal of time educating women about breast cancer prevention and early detection, so when the news came of her diagnosis, it was quite ironic.
“I was a 64-year-old woman who shaved my head, got tattooed and went on drugs!” Adams joked of her treatment.
Like Wells, Adams successfully beat her cancer and is now back full swing in the crusade to find a cure for the disease. Thanks to ongoing research conducted by the American Cancer Society, the survival rate for those diagnosed with cancer increases all the time, she said.
“Sixty-five percent survival is better odds than driving on Bluff Street!” Adams quipped.
The American Cancer Society's ongoing quest to successfully treat and someday cure cancer is partially government-funded, but the organization relies greatly on public contributions to its efforts, such as those raised by Relay For Life events throughout the country. This year's St. George Relay For Life will take place April 25-26 in the Dixie State College Hansen Stadium.
The Relay For Life is a 24-hour event, and participating teams of walkers and runners circle the Hansen Stadium track in shifts throughout the event, symbolizing that cancer never sleeps and neither should efforts to find a cure. Participants in the Relay For Life raise money for the event, which is used to aid in the cancer-fighting efforts of the American Cancer Society.
A nationwide theme for this year's Relay For Life is to celebrate, remember and, most importantly, fight back, Adams said. She and Wells will both be present at this year's Relay to add their efforts to the fight against cancer and to remember survivors, their caregivers and those who have passed away from the disease.
“Cancer used to be a death notice, but now at 65 percent survivorship, it's something we survive,” Wells said.
Both Wells and Adams attribute their successful battles with cancer, at least in part, to the American Cancer Society – Wells, because the medication used in his treatment was the direct result of ACS research, and Adams, because her cancer was detected early, thanks to yearly mammograms advocated by the ACS.
Both Wells and Adams said that regular cancer screenings, such as mammography and colonoscopy screenings, are crucial when it comes to early detection and successful treatment of cancer. Abstaining from smoking is also a critical factor in cancer prevention, they said.
“We talk about cancers that we really shouldn't have to face, except with rare circumstances,” Wells said.
These would include colon cancer, breast cancer and, in most cases, lung cancer, he said.
In striving to find a cure for all types of cancer, Wells, Adams and others continue to advocate and raise funds for the American Cancer Society each year, to help provide better treatments for cancer victims and inch closer and closer to an eventual cure.
“The attitude of 'This is something we will beat' is becoming more and more prevalent,” Wells said.
This year's Relay for Life will take place April 25-26 at the Dixie State College Hansen Stadium, 500 S. 700 East in St. George. To donate online or for more information, visit www.stgeorgerfl.org or call Ruth Ann Adams at 674-1005.
For more information about the American Cancer Society, including research, statistics and cancer prevention information, visit www.cancer.org.

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