I would love to assist in getting the word out!!! How do I get started? I have some ideas I would love to pursue. Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.

Hello Froggiegirl

Go to the "Forum" called "Activism".

In the general board there is a topic titled "How to get the most out of this forum'.

I just noticed that you have no E-mail or private messaging set up.

These are options you would use if you want to get into activism. These are not required by any means.

I just wanted you to know that you have them "disabled" at this time.
Read the "How to....and it will instruct you if you so desire.

Click this link below and read "Activisim":

http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi

There is anbundance of info on activism in all the topics when you first log on.

Petey

Hi Froggie,

Welcome to the OCF and it's great to hear that you want to get involved in activism. I assume when you refer to getting the word out, you mean about "early detection".

One thing that I can suggest that you do is to obtain some OCF brochures. You can get them by emailing Brian and asking for them. Another thing you can do is get some brochures from the manufacturer of the VELscope examination light. Take these brochures to all the local dentists that you can find in your area and get them turned on to how important it is for them to be doing oral cancer screenings.

It is amazing to me how many of my colleagues do not do these routine screenings in their office.

You may also want to contact one of our members, Sharlee, who has had some wonderful ideas including setting up a booth at one of the local fairs in her area. Sharlee, has become a great activist and never ceases to amaze me and others with her enthusiasm and her tiredless efforts to "get the word out". You can find her posts in almost all of the forums.

As far as fundraising is concerned, there is an annual walk in New York City which you can read about in the Events section of the main part of the website. However, since this event is in the spring and OCF can always use money, you can fund raise any time. If you would like to get copies of the letter that I use to raise money, send me an email. It can be modified very easily to fund raise at any time.

Jerry

I actually have been on this board for about 2 months. I had epidermoid carcinoma and had part of my palate surgically removed. I too had a visit with my doctor and oral surgeon inwhich xrays and an exam were performed but I noticed the tumor two months later.

I am in Lakewood CA. and quite a few of my friends knew nothing about this type of cancer until I told them, many of whom smoke and unfortunately still smoke.

I'm on myspace and have posted some articles on there as well as made mention of it on my signature blocks on my email.

I will definately straighten out my email here so I may get some.

This site is so important and I'm so surprised that I was not told of this website by my head and neck surgeon at UCLA...so i will do it myself.

Thank you for your response.

donna