I will be speaking at the Cleveland walk in September and also at the Twin Cities walk in October. I know of one OCF member who will be joining me in St Paul. If anyone else lives anywhere near these walks please let me know so we can meet up.

Attending any of the walks helps to spread awareness. If you arent up to walking its ok, you dont have to walk to attend. I know I cant walk more than 1 mile or that is all I can do for the day. Bring along some friends and have a great time. There is no better feeling than meeting other OC patients and caregivers! The first walk I went to I kept crying out of relief to be among others who really understood how awful OC is. Coming face to face with other survivors helps show solidarity and helps to promote the site. It brings awareness to the general public who unfortunately most do not know what oral cancer or its risk factors are.

If OCF has helped you at all, please take a few hours out of one day to give back by attending a walk. It really does make a difference!

Please contact me if anyone from OCF is able to join me in Cleveland or St Paul.

Christine
SCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44
2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07
-65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr
Clear PET 1/08
4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I
surg 4/16/08 clr marg
215 HBO dives
3/09 teeth out, trismus
7/2/09 recur, Stg IV
8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy
3wks medicly inducd coma
2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit
PICC line IV antibx 8 mo
10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg
OC 3x in 3 years
very happy to be alive smile