CML ??aaire - LiveSTRONG Summit - What is it??

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

A listmate emailed to ask what was the difference between the

LiveSTRONG Summit and Challenge. A very good question, and one I

didn't think to answer when asking for your participation with the

CML Questionnaire.

Here's how I replied:

You know that is a great question and one, I must admit, that I

haven't thought of. You know how you get so engrossed in something

that you go right past the basics. As I've said in previous posts, I

can't do this effectively without everyone's help and you will

definitely see a whole new meaning and importance to that when you

read the differences below.

The LS Challenge is somewhat like the ACS Relay for Life, or LLS

Light the Night Programs. Participants raise funds by either riding

in the bike race, or walking/running in the " walkathon " portion.

Some people participate individually, while others as a team.

The Summit is a whole different animal. The application process is

long and they evaluate the things you are doing in your community.

From these applications, delegates are selected from around the globe

to come together to learn, brainstorm, and plan methods of advocacy

and lobbying their government to make cancer a national priority. We

check in on Thursday, July 24th and then meet with Senator

McCain to hear, discuss, and ask questions about his plan for cancer

awareness if elected in November. We will also be hearing from the

Surgeon General's office on their current and proposed actions, and

hear from several " cancer institutes " on breaking news in the

treatment of certain cancers. (Honestly, I would love for someone to

discuss the major change in the treatment of CML over the past 10

years. It is certainly something that has been revolutionary.)

Delegates will also attend training to gain advocacy skills,

effectively producing grass roots awareness campaigns, and effective

fund raising. Of course, the session topics can be used to further

the LAF's causes, however, their primary objective is to equip small,

grass roots organizations to effectively spearhead their own

initiatives, bringing awareness to their own unique cancer causes.

It is really kind of surprising how open they are to share

the " secrets of their success " all with the intent of helping other

organizations grow and better advocate for their own initiatives.

I've talked with others who say " drop what you're doing a join us " .

If any of you have questions, or want to discuss it further, please

email me.

Thanks,

Greg