World Cancer Day

by Angela Woon, Communications Specialist and Relay for Lifer

This is a significant year for me.

Twenty years ago one early January morning, my mom came to my room to tell me I did not have to go to school that day because, “Daddy is gone.”

My father had passed away from cancer.

Just a couple of weeks ago, I heard “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty on the radio and it gave me goosebumps. I remember listening to it on my Walkman in 1989. I remember it because I had just lied to my dad that morning. We had asked him to point to the letter “A” and he proudly pointed to “C.” And I told him through fake smiles and “wows” that he was correct. My father was an intelligent man, having studied law in the U.K., and had excelled at what he did.

Deep inside, I was crushed.

My daddy was a well-built, stocky man but by the time cancer had taken its toll, he was skin and bones, had lost his speech and was bed-ridden. My mom, even with her small 5’2” frame, could easily rotate his frail body several times a day so he would not get more bed sores. I do not like the term “vegetable” but that’s essentially what he had become.

This all happened in my home country of Malaysia. And now, 20 years later, I am here in San Francisco sharing this story with you. I wanted to write this for three reasons. It is a tribute to my dad on the 20th anniversary of his passing. I also wanted to write this to honor the strength of my mom and siblings who have come a long way since then. And last but not least, I wanted to write this to remind you that February 4th is World Cancer Day.

Malaysia and the United States are thousands of miles apart. But cancer knows no boundaries. I know of so many in the Bay Area who have survived cancer, are fighting cancer and remember those who unfortunately, have passed away because of it. Cancer is the leading cause of death around the world, regardless of country. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 84 million will die of the disease between 2005 and 2015 without intervention. As I understand all too well, cancer not only affects the patient but their family, friends and loved ones around them.

Each year on February 4, WHO supports International Union Against Cancer to promote ways to ease the global burden of cancer. Preventing cancer and raising quality of life for cancer patients are recurring themes. This year’s theme, “Cancer can be prevented too,” focuses on simple measures to prevent cancer such as:

  * No tobacco use;

  * A healthy diet and regular exercise;

  * Limited alcohol use; and

* Protection against cancer-causing infections.

Working at Blood Centers of the Pacific, I’ve come to understand and appreciate the role of our special blood donors who help cancer patients fight their battle by donating platelets. This special component helps stop bleeding and is used in large quantities by leukemia and other cancer patients. We need more special blood donors like these!

On this significant day and thereafter, please join the fight against cancer and donate platelets. World Cancer Day is a perfect time to start. Thank you donors.

Spotlight’s On: Megan Forrest

an interview with Megan Forrest, Community Service Representative at the Shasta Blood Center

BCP has many departments and hundreds of employees. Do you know the function of each department? Or the role of many of our staff members? Each month, we’ll spotlight a staff member or department. Last month we interviewed Peter Kite, Technical Operations Support Supervisor. This month, meet Megan Forrest!

What’s your job title? And what do you do?
I am the Community Service Representative for BCP’s Shasta Blood Center (SBC). I set up, organize and run all of the mobile blood drives for our center in Redding. A very important aspect of my job is building lasting relationships with blood drive coordinators and donors. I am responsible for keeping up with the demands of our scheduled blood drives and continually booking new ones. Our pursuit for new locations and donors is never complete. 

Describe your typical day at SBC
My typical day is filled with a variety of tasks. Daily I have a list of responsibilities that can include any of the following: contacting coordinators for upcoming blood drives, calling potential sites for meetings, working with the local media, managing relationships with sponsors, collaborating with high school and college students, approving flyers/mailings/promotions/emails/thank yous, confirming logistics, working closely with our Director Ellie Delgado, management and staff. Let’s just say there is never a dull moment!

What do you like best/most about your job?
Everything! My position with BCP, more than any other I’ve held, is so fulfilling. I really don’t mind getting up every morning. The aspect I like the best or most is my close relationship with all of the wonderful people. I am responsible for building lasting relationships with co-workers, coordinators, sponsors and donors all in the honor of saving someone’s life. It is simply amazing.

What are the challenges?
There are always challenges that present themselves. The biggest being logistics and education. It can be difficult at times to coordinate our mobile blood drives in regards to who, what, where, when and how. In the end though we always seem to make it work. Also challenging is the lack of knowledge the general population has about blood donation. Education is key in recruiting new blood donors whether it be clearing up misconceptions or just relaying the need for blood. These challenges can present issues but can be managed.

Anything else to add?
I love my job, my co-workers and the wonderful people out there saving lives!