Shapiro+Raj’s Post

📚 Today marks a significant milestone, one of those days that are always remembered! Launch day of the inspirational book "Perspectives On Cancer: Stories of Healing, Hope & Resilience," and I am a featured author! Perspectives On Cancer matter. We learn from them. We relate to them. They help us heal. This sentiment holds true not only for cancer but for any adversity life throws our way.   Within the pages of this book, you'll discover the powerful stories of 15 individuals; cancer patients, survivors, and supporters. But this collection is more than just about cancer; it's a testament to the indomitable human spirit's capacity for healing, hope, and resilience.   While none of us wishes for cancer or the struggles it brings, these stories bind us together, creating a profound sense of connection and understanding. Tim Sohn Kalli Ortega Kristen Brothers Bridget Juliano Christy Snodgrass Kristine Scheer, SHRM-SCP Ellyn Winters-Robinson APR Tina Martel Shannon Lee-Sin, Assoc. AIA Russ Hedge Tessa Pratt Kiyoko CzechJulianne Bender (Graver)Paoola SefairErica Neubert Campbell Erica Evans Holly Tyler Rick Tyler Chris Maliszewski Chuck DeSmith Vino Cherian Kezhal Dashti Cynthia Hohenberger Pinaki Saha Amy Darling Amanda R. Ferraro Amanda Agate Delco, M.A. Amy Jo Steinbruecker   #PerspectivesOnCancer #showingup #BookLaunch #healing #hope #resilience #cancerpatients #cancersurvivors #cancersupporters #vulnerability #storytelling, #mentalhealth #cancerawareness

Check out "The Case for Decentralizing Cancer Care: The Rural Oncology Home" in the most recent NEJM Catalyst, outlining "a community-based, team-oriented framework that incorporates medical specialists and emphasizes supportive services...Lakewood Health System Rural Oncology Home model can potentially create a more equitable system of cancer care delivery." Polaris works with health systems, care teams & payers struggling to address inequities in rural care, particularly cancer care, and we're excited to leverage the findings of this innovative model in our work. #RuralHealth #OncologyMedicalHome #SupportiveCare

Let's talk about how we raise awareness. Recent events made me think: good cause, but bad method. The aim was to talk about cervical cancer, but it ended up being about Poonam Pandey fake death. Google shows more searches for them, not the cancer. Lesson? Before trying bold ideas, ask for feedback. Testing on a small group could help keep things on track. What do you think? Comment below #poonampandey #pr #prstunt

🌟 Championing Cancer Survivorship: Empowering Wellness Beyond Diagnosis 🌟 I’ve been inspired by the incredible stories of individuals like Alique Topalian, PhD, MPH, and the deep, meaningful conversations I’ve shared with Veronika Panagiotou, PhD. Their work underscores a crucial truth: Asking the right questions and truly listening to the answers is vital in the journey of cancer survivorship. While I haven’t faced cancer personally, I’m deeply committed to creating supportive communities for cancer survivors, particularly in wellness, lifestyle, and healthy living after cancer. This path is far from simple—wellness after cancer is a unique journey for everyone. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my work is helping individuals and communities sift through the overwhelming amount of information out there. Every day, I find myself in the role of a myth-buster, cutting through the noise to focus on what truly matters. I hear your questions: ❓ Why do I still feel so tired years after my diagnosis? Will it ever get better? ❓ Can I eat soy? Should I eat plants only? ❓ Are the foods I’m eating increasing my risk of cancer recurrence? ❓ Do I have to go to the gym to exercise? What if I completely dislike to exercise? ❓ What if I can’t afford those expensive supplements? ❓ And really, a BMI under 25? Those weight loss medications seem like my only option! These are real concerns, and they deserve real answers. Let’s continue to explore, ask, and listen—together. A huge shout out to Stupid Cancer for always raising awareness for these needs!

Such a powerful message.

Help Someone Courageous – $20? If our insights, and our body of work, have been helpful to you, please consider donating $20 to what I’m going to share next – and help Rick and our healthcare system reform. Please, please, please. Rick Sapio’s Courage  No one I know recently has shown more courage than fellow EOer, BOGer, GOTer, serial entrepreneur, and dear friend Rick Sapio. Bravely dealing with stage 4 inoperable pancreatic cancer, he’s alive over a year later because he’s challenged traditional healthcare which only wants to feed him chemo at $98k/month (which would have killed him by the 4th month) with zero interest in learning how he’s “miraculously” remained alive 3x longer without it. Experimental Treatments A devoted father of four, each day is a race against time, and securing the critical care and experimental treatments he needs is essential for his survival. In a devastating twist, Rick’s wife, Melissa, has also been diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer. Now, both parents are fighting for their lives, leaving their children, ages 10, 12, 14, and 16, facing an uncertain future. Breaking the Bank – $20 Like most entrepreneurs, Rick’s wealth is tied up in his businesses – and he’s not able to put in a full day’s work. He’ll be OK financially in the long run, but the stress of the medical bills which insurance won’t cover, is breaking his back and bank in the short run. If each of you would please donate $20, we can provide a huge relief to Rick and his family. Finding a Cure The non-profit Riordan Clinic, of which I’m Vice Chair, has saved others from stage 4 pancreatic cancer. I’m helping pay for Rick’s treatments at our clinic – and he’s part of our “N-of-1” study finding more ways to survive these deadly cancers. We need your help to find a cure and to support Rick’s life-saving treatments. Your support can make all the difference, offering hope and a chance for the Sapio family to continue their journey together. Please share their story and help us ensure a future filled with love and laughter for this incredible family. Learn more, Please donate and Join Team Rick: https://lnkd.in/dSGefdUS RickNeedsACure.com #TeamRick #BigAsk #FindACure #PancreaticCancer

What Has Your Loved One's Cancer Done for You? When someone you love is diagnosed with cancer, it shifts your entire perspective. It’s a harsh reminder of life’s unpredictability but it also brings unexpected lessons and moments of clarity. For me, my loved one’s cancer taught me: 💡 Perspective: The things I once worried about seemed trivial in comparison to the fight for life. 💡 Gratitude: I began to appreciate the small, everyday moments we often take for granted. 💡 Strength: I witnessed a level of courage and resilience that I didn’t know existed, not just in them, but in myself and our family. 💡 Connection: Cancer brought us closer While cancer is a painful and life-changing experience, it also reshapes us, making us more compassionate, more present and more aware of what truly matters. Has a loved one's cancer changed you in unexpected ways? Let’s share and support one another through these challenges. #CancerAwareness #Resilience #Family

How ethical is this method of spreading awareness?? Let me tell you what happened- 2nd February- An official message from Poonam Pandeys Instagram account was released - " Poonam Pandey died from Cervical Cancer" News then spread like fire, and everyone was talking about it. 3rd Feb - She came on Instagram with a video - that I "faked" my death to spread awareness about cervical cancer. So the question is - Is this method ethical? Is it ok to fake your death like this for any purpose whatsoever? Is it the right method to spread awareness about such a serious issue? Won't this motivate people to start using this method and spread havoc? I agree, people started talking about cervical cancer. But again, was this right, to fake your death? What message are you sending to people? What is your opinion? #poonampandey #cervicalcancer

🚬LUNG CANCER in NEVER SMOKERS is in the TOP 20 causes of DEATH in the UNITED STATES!!!! ☠️ I’m so sorry to hear that Ms Wojcicki has died. Yes lung cancer sucks and she didn’t smoke. Thank you for amplifying this. Hopefully, I can add a little perspective. 🫁 Anyone with lungs can get cancer! 🫁 Here is a rank list of causes of death in United States from a talk I gave this year. In this list I split up deaths from heart disease (#1) and cancer (#2) to be more granular. I then made lung cancer (#5) its own category then subtracted deaths from lung cancer in never cigarette users (#19) and made that into it’s own category too. 1. Ischemic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease) - 365,000 deaths ♥️ 2. Unintentional Injuries - 224,000 deaths 3. Stroke (Cerebrovascular Diseases) - 162,000 deaths 🧠 4. Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases - 152,000 deaths 5. Lung Cancer - 125,000 deaths 6. Alzheimer’s Disease - 119,000 deaths 7. Diabetes - 102,000 deaths 8. Chronic Liver Disease and Cirrhosis - 56,000 deaths 9. Colorectal Cancer - 52,000 deaths 10. Kidney Disease - 52,000 deaths 11. Pancreatic Cancer - 49,000 deaths 12. Suicide - 48,000 deaths 13. Breast Cancer - 43,000 deaths 14. Hypertensive Heart Disease - 45,000 deaths 15. Septicemia - 36,000 deaths 16. Prostate Cancer - 34,000 deaths 17. Arrhythmias (including Sudden Cardiac Arrest) - 25,000 deaths 18. Liver and Intrahepatic Bile Duct Cancer - 30,000 deaths 19. Lung Cancer in Never-Smokers - 20,000 deaths 20. Bladder Cancer - 17,000 deaths 21. Cardiomyopathy - 17,000 deaths 22. Esophageal Cancer - 16,000 deaths 23. Ovarian Cancer - 14,000 deaths 24. Valvular Heart Disease - 21,000 deaths 25. Pulmonary Heart Disease (Pulmonary Embolism and other Pulmonary Conditions) - 10,000 deaths 26. Congenital Heart Disease - 9,000 deaths 27. Endocarditis - 4,000 deaths 28. Myocarditis - 3,000 deaths 🚭🚭🚭🚭🚭🚭🚭🚭 Some things we can all do: 1. If you do smoke stop 🚭 2. Encourage your loved ones to stop. 3. Prevent kids from smoking cigarettes by educating about dangers and avoiding gateways to cigarettes (flavored pouches, vapes, cigarillos and cigars) 4. If you are at risk get a low dose CT 5. Don’t judge others. That is path to nowhere. 6. Create awareness in politicians and to fund research. 7. Tax the 💩 out of tobacco. Hopefully, this creates some awareness and minimizes stigma. #lungcancer #screening #smoking #tobacco #LCSM

Cancer can be an isolating and challenging journey, but the support of friends can make a world of difference. The American Cancer Society's article "How to Be a Friend to Someone with Cancer" offers invaluable guidance for those looking to provide meaningful support to a loved one facing cancer. This comprehensive guide covers everything from maintaining communication and making thoughtful visits to offering practical help and choosing appropriate gifts. With research showing that cancer survivors with strong emotional support tend to adjust better and report a higher quality of life, learning how to be there for a friend with cancer is more important than ever. Whether you're unsure of what to say or how to help, this article provides actionable advice to help you navigate this sensitive situation with compassion and care. https://buff.ly/3LKRK4j #CancerSupport # FriendshipMatters #CaringForLovedOnes #CancerAwareness #EmotionalSupport