Spread the word about planned cancer program

Editor: We recently attended an event that gave us information about a much needed new program and campaign in Lodi. It I s called “Catch It Early” and it’s a campaign to build a state-of-the-art cancer detection and early treatment program at Adventist Health Lodi Memorial Hospital.

The program’s goal is to develop a comprehensive cancer detection and treatment program. They would like to purchase state-of-theart equipment for the most accurate diagnoses. They also intend to convene a cancer panel of specialists that will meet with patients within two weeks of detection of cancer to design a personalized treatment plan. Then they will implement a patient navigator program to guide patients from diagnosis through treatment and cure.

An early diagnosis could have such a positive effect on the outcome of the treatment, and to have someone guiding you through the process would be such a relief.

In my opinion, one of the best parts of this program is that the patient doesn’t have to leave the area to get treatment. I have had many friends and relatives who have had to go to other areas for cancer treatment. It’s bad enough having cancer but having to contend with traffic and the time it takes to make it to appointments out of town is even worse. It’s also very stressful at a time when stress is the last thing one needs. To be able to receive such comprehensive, organized, thorough services right here in Lodi would be wonderful and so much easier on the patient.

Each part of this program is badly needed in Lodi and they are trying to raise $500,000 to implement it. There is such a need for something like this that I encourage everyone who can to donate toward this cause. You can learn more at www.lmhfoundation.org/cat chitearly. LAURIE TINKEY Lodi