Where to Give on World Cancer Day

Today is my first World Cancer Day as an official 'Survivor' of this disease. As one of the newest members of the elite club that no one really wants to belong to, I've come to realize that this "cancer" word is all too familiar in the lives of millions of people all around the world. I've been hard pressed to find someone who has not been affected by cancer in some way and the numbers speak for themselves. One in two men and one in three women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.

For better or for worse, this crisis is a double-edged sword that is simultaneously turning lives upside down, yet also fostering small miracles every day. And it is those positive strides that keep us moving forward, taking risks, standing up and living strong.

Over this past year, my eyes have been pleasantly opened to how incredible this global cancer kinship  is. Once you're in this community, it's a village that renews itself through the strength of numbers, the commitment of overcoming challenge, and the will to give back and make a difference in the lives of others.

The Olive Garden's motto is: "Once you're here, you're family." I would much rather to be on the Olive Garden's mailing list but since I'm here, I'll let you know what World Cancer Day means to me. I see it as trying to make sure someone else does not have to go through the same crap I went through.

To begin the change, we need to know the facts.

•Very few people around the world know that cancer kills more people than HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis combined.

•Nationally, 1.5 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in 2010.

•Incredibly, nearly 70,000 Young Adults between 15-40 are diagnosed with cancer each year. 10,000 will not survive.

The last is a very important statistic for me, because I fall into this category. Unlike every other age group, there has been no improvement in the 5-year survival of young adults since in 30 years. That means many young adults have the same chance of getting cancer and dying from it as they did in the 1970's. Plus, young adults are the most likely patients to be under or uninsured and, the ones who are insured still face an onslaught of financial challenges. This is not OK.

Every time I step foot into the waiting room for chemotherapy treatment, the thing that punches me in the stomach every single time is that it's always full. Always. And we sit like strangers, yet are so connected by this horrible situation. I remember when my mom and I saw a woman break down as she watched her 4-year-old child be whisked away by a nurse. My mom walked over to this complete stranger and sat down. She said: "That's my son over there. He has cancer too. It's going to be okay." They comforted each other and shared that moment. The personal touch. The warmth of another human being.

My girlfriend (and fellow Survivor) Jenna, who lost her mom to breast cancer 5-years ago after a 13-year battle, was instantly thrust back into this community all over again. I'm sure Jenna thought she had paid her dues with cancer and given all that she could with her mother. But cancer doesn't care if you have suffered before. Without question, she switched up her life plans to care for me and has been by my side for needle prick, blood drop, X-ray, fallen hair, and sleepless night.

Statistics can numb us to what the real issues are. But these are not just faceless numbers. They are your friends, family, co-workers, and teammates. Mothers lose their job because of cancer. Fathers don't have the energy to come home and cook for their 3 small kids because of cancer. Doctors and nurses have to see their patients suffer because of cancer. This is what people go through. This is the face of cancer that the world needs to learn about.

At Tonic, we are here to not only to raise awareness and erase stigma but also to raise money for cancer research. Just one dollar invested in cancer prevention means ten are saved in treatment. Now is the time to invest in the fight against cancer.

So, before you go to bed tonight, please take a minute to look at some of my favorite organizations that have supported me and are making a real difference in the lives of others and contemplate making a contribution.

Stand Up To Cancer - www.standup2cancer.org

The Livestrong Foundation - www.livestrong.org

I'm Too Young For This - www.i2y.com

Imerman Angels - www.imermanangels.org

Cycle For Survival - www.cycleforsurvival.com

Lymphoma Research Foundation - www.lymphoma.org

Crossing The Finish Line - www.crossingthefinishline.org

Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation - www.dslrf.org

Photo by TaylorMiles via Flickr