Medpedia

Jul 30, 09 12:55PM | 0 comments

Many people who look at cancer in the face become like the proverbial phoenix rising  – reborn anew to live! JP Gallagher is one of those individuals who did not sit by and let cancer dictate his life.

In October of 2007 JP was diagnosed with gastric (stomach) cancer. It is a cancer rarely seen in younger people. At 37 JP was facing the battle of his life. Community is a big term for a cancer patient since countless survivors tend to come together to combat their various forms of the disease. However, for JP, there was not a large community of  gastric cancer patients. Unfortunately, gastric cancer is relatively obscure and treatment plans, survival rates, success stories and support networks were not readily available for him.

n104859701546_6765Almost a year after his diagnosis, realizing a major gap in the community and an opportunity to make a positive change, JP teamed up with  Dr. James Ford (his oncologist at Stanford University) and created the Gastric Cancer Fund. Through education, support, research and advocacy, the fund is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by gastric cancer and working with leading researchers to find a cure to this disease. They have also  joined with The V Foundation for Cancer Research, creating a powerful relationship for both organizations to achieve their common goal of fighting cancer.

Visit the Gastric Cancer Fund and learn more about JP and his story, help spread the word, and perhaps share your own story.

Sidenote: JP is married to a childhood friend of mine, Cindy Grogan Gallagher. They have two beautiful children!


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  • (Comment from original source - JP) on Sep 24, 09 11:02PM

    Sally,

    Thanks for the support! Trying to learn from experts like you! Slowly but surely, we’re making progress.

    Be well!

    JP

  • (Comment from original source - Beth L. Gainer) on Oct 13, 09 11:52AM

    Hi Kairol,

    I loved this posting!! After my treatment for breast cancer was “done,” I found it difficult to go back to a life of normalcy, whatever “normal” meant. Your advice on getting back into the swing of things is great.

    Going through treatments was very tough, but I had a regimented schedule. Life after cancer has been tougher, although the first year was the hardest.

    Anyway, kudos to a fellow blogger whose voice needs to be heard.

  • (Comment from original source - Megan Fulton) on Oct 16, 09 07:30AM

    Hi Sally! I love your blog and would love to talk to you about your story!

  • (Comment from original source - Wendy) on Dec 15, 09 08:47PM

    Hello,

    I’d like to introduce you to three amazing women – Julie, Michelle and Glenda – all cancer survivors. They have “Chosen to Smile” as they have dealt with life’s struggles. Now they have written an amazing book called “Choosing to Smile” that will be published in early 2010. In preparation they have launched a Facebook page and invite you to join the worldwide “Choosing to Smile” movement.

    You are invited to http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=146031228952&ref=nf

    Wendy McClelland
    Publicist for Choosing to Smile
    wmcclelland@shaw.ca

  • (Comment from original source - Oxildexcellob) on Jan 02, 10 03:19PM

    I highly enjoyed reading this post, keep up posting such interesting stuff.

  • (Comment from original source - Jenny Smith) on Jan 26, 10 06:55AM

    Hi there all, I had a mamogram which showed nothing but
    I had grade 3 breast Cancer, had the test the day before Christmas and went away on holiday thinking I was a dead girl walking and this would be my last holiday. That was 2 years ago now. I read your stories thank you for sharing, it gives hope to all, thought I had it bad but you made me see we are not alone. I had grade 3 breast cancer went through the Chemo badly collapsing twice then the op and rad. The treatments nearly killed me and I am still in pain all the time two years down the line. But in all the thick of it I visited a web site called http://www.healthwise-global.com read their stories and bought a CD which helped me every day that I listened to it. From time to time I still take it out when I feel low and it helps. I done the walk for life and will be doing it again this year. My way of saying thank you for still being here
    Thanks you for sharing your story visit the web site see my story there
    Jenny

  • (Comment from original source - jenny) on Jan 26, 10 07:00AM

    I agree, a loss is a loss. One person is a unit of a whole. Ask the mother that hold the son or daughter she has just lost to Cancer what is worst.

    All life lost is tragic

    I lost my beloved mother to Cancer and my daughter almost lost me her mother to Cancer

  • (Comment from original source - jenny) on Jan 29, 10 02:41AM

    sorry guys left out the important bit http://www.healthwise-global. com do vist there help out there if you know where to look

  • (Comment from original source - JBBC) on Mar 24, 10 05:37AM

    Hi Sally, looking forward to new and exciting things from you :-)

  • (Comment from original source - Sheet Plastic :) on Oct 26, 10 03:46AM

    breast cancer is of course easy to diagnose early and very easy to treat if you catch it early~~-

  • (Comment from original source - Lori) on Dec 18, 10 03:57PM

    I would love to hear the follow-up to the success of this movement!

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