Happy New Year!

Good Morning!

I hope everyone had a great Christmas. Since the Holiday season is coming to a close its time to re-focus our energy into Relay once again. I basically allowed Relay to take a back seat during December, because it's always such a busy time for me. My New Year's resolution (one of many) is to work even harder and smarter this year to make it our most successful Relay yet!

I wanted to share a story with all of you about the American Cancer Society. I have a friend who has been touched by ACS in more ways than one, and I just wanted to share with you a little about the organization we support through Relay.

In the 3 years I have been working on Relay, I have never had the occasion to call the American Cancer society, until this year.

I am pretty internet savvy and when my grandmother and grandfather were diagnosed, I did a lot of research on www.cancer.org I can navigate that site like it's nuthin'. I found out a TON of information, facts and statistics. I gave my dad specific questions to ask at my grandpa's Dr. Appointments and follow-ups. But I have always been a little intimidated about speaking to a live person on the subject of cancer. I felt under-informed and clueless about what to even ask. So I didn't.

I have recently called just to get general information and to order pamphlets about cancer and ACS for our team. I found out that everyone at the call center is AMAZING! I don't know how they hire such helpful, nice and patient people to work there….it's unbelievable, and a few companies I know could take a page out of the ACS hiring book to improve their customer service…….

Just last week I was talking to a friend, her father has been a cancer survivor for several years, but is still recovering from all that his body went through during treatment with surgery and radiation. Long story short, he recently had the remainder of his teeth removed. His gums and teeth were too damaged to keep his teeth healthy and although the doctors tried, there was no way to preserve his teeth.

His medical insurance has paid for the tooth removal, but is not willing to pay for replacements in the form of dentures. As unbelievable as it sounds, teeth apparently are not important enough to cover through insurance.

Her family has struggled just to cover his other medical expenses and cannot afford the cost of replacing his teeth. They were unable to locate a dentist that would even make payment arrangements in their area.

So I called ACS. I didn't know exactly what I wanted from them, or how they could help. But I figured if anyone knew what her family should do it would be the people at ACS.

I spoke to the most helpful, patient woman, named Claire. And although I had no idea what I wanted from her, she was able to make sense of my ramblings and gave me the contact information for a clinic near my friends family that not only make payment arrangements but operates on a sliding scale. Even though insurance may not think teeth are important this clinic does.

It may seem like a small feat, but it certainly isn't for the family who will be helped. Or the man with new teeth. Thank you ACS.

Do you know someone who is a cancer survivor who made need help? Do you know someone who is a caregiver who might just need someone to talk to? Do you just want information about how to best help the cancer survivors and caregivers that you know?

Please don't hesitate to call. Sometimes, they know how to help without you even knowing what to ask for.

It's time for resolutions, maybe it's time to help the people in your life. Pass this number on to your friends and family.

1·800·ACS·2345

www.cancer.org