Terri Francis of the South Atlantic Division his incorporated the new Fight Back Ceremony in her Relays. We thank Terri for taking a few minutes out of her schedule during this busy time of year to talk about her ceremonies.

Q. Why do you feel it was important for your events to include a Fight Back Ceremony?

A. The Fight Back ceremony is a way for the volunteers to keep engaged year round in the fight against cancer. They need to understand that by pledging to help fight this disease, they are saving lives.

Q. Did your ceremonies include a special Fight Back speaker? How did you go about selecting this person and how did you know they would be good at inspiring people?

A. We chose someone who had lost someone to cancer. Keith and Lea have been such great volunteers and speak at a lot of events for the American Cancer Society. They personally understand what having someone to help fight this disease is all about.

Q. Tell us about your Fight Back Ceremony.

A. We had two speakers who spoke about being tired, then spoke about the flags and what they represented. Everyone then was invited to take a flag and take a lap because these would be the people represented here next year as newly diagnosed patients. They talked about how the volunteers could make a difference and asked them to sign the pledge cards and banner. Also they asked that when they left the Relay to remember it’s about a community that takes up the fight - then added lots of music and purple pom poms !!!!! We made it feel like a pep rally. Sounds silly but when you’re tired, it works.

 

Q Were your participants motivated to take action and make a pledge to Fight Back?

A. Yes - a little tired but definitely more than willing to Fight Back and help save a life! I also spoke about the how many of the volunteers may never see the effect of who they touch, but how I am so grateful because someone took up the fight and that is why my son is here today. His Doctor became his researcher with ACS grant money.

 

Q. What do you feel is the most powerful part of the Fight Back Ceremony?

A. Using the flags as a visual and making everyone aware that this represented a person in their community. At one of my events there was severe wind and of course rain. All my banners had blown down except the Remember one and it hung over all the flags in the field. That was a very chilling moment. The speaker then reminded the crowd that we did not want this to be in memory, but rather make that difference so these would be in honor bags next year at our event. It was awesome to see everyone come forward and sign the pledge cards and banner.

 

Q. When was the FB ceremony held during your Relay?

 

A. We had our Fight Back Ceremony at the end, however I'm not sure that it should be the last thing before everyone leaves, some people are very tired (can't image why). I would rather see the ceremony after the luminaries before everyone gets too tired and pump everyone back up to help push through the night and go home knowing from that moment on...They Can Make a Difference! I will also be doing a Fight Back Ceremony at my kick off next year and my follow up this year.

Q. Overall, what is the buzz about Fight Back?

A. The people that participated loved it and felt empowered. Everyone was talking…even the young kids.

 

 

 

I CAN celebrate survivorship. June 1st is National Cancer Survivor's Day so this month is the perfect opportunity to celebrate survivors by FIGHTING BACK through Advocacy.

I CAN take action on legislative campaigns that will help improve the lives of cancer patients.

 

I CAN participate in the FIGHT BACK Express activities. Find out when the FIGHT BACK EXPRESS is in a town near you, purchase miles to keep the bus rolling, or read the blog and see pictures of events.

I CAN join the Cancer Survivors Network! Whether I am a survivor going through active treatment, a long-term survivor, or someone who has ever supported someone through the cancer journey, I can be a part of this vibrant Web-based support community by visiting www.acscsn.org.

I can use the I Can Cope online classes as a resource to help answer questions about diagnosis, treatment, and coping with the daily challenges cancer can bring.

 

I can connect myself or someone I know to the American Cancer Society Clinical Trials Matching Service.

I can use the online worksheet for cancer prevention and early detection and get the facts about cancer prevention and detection for myself or a loved one. I can remember to share this with the men in my life this month to mark Father’s Day.

I can share my story this June in honor of National Cancer Survivors Day. Sharing my story can inspire and provide hope to others facing cancer.