Tomma Hargraves C2 Awards Winner
I have received information and materials from AstraZeneca. The opinions stated are my own. This is a sponsored post.
In conversations about my cancer journey, I often reference silver linings. I was honored to interact with Tomma Hargraves and learn about the important work she is doing on behalf of cancer patients. Tomma is an inspiring trail blazer who survived stage 3 lung cancer 15 years ago. Meeting her was a silver lining and a gift for so many reasons! I can’t wait to share her story with you in just a few minutes!
We all know a cancer diagnosis is shocking, devastating and comes with many unanswered questions. As a 15-year survivor of pancreatic cancer and most recently endometrial cancer, I have devoted the last decade to advocacy, research funding, personalized coaching, and informing others about the importance of educating yourself around the steps to take for improved survival outcomes.
In today’s environment it is more important than ever to let cancer patients know they are not alone. There is much hope, and it is vital they are aware of the many resources available. One of the biggest lessons for me during my arduous journey was about the gift of vulnerability and asking for help.
I am grateful to AstraZeneca’s Cancer Community Awards, created in partnership with Scientific American Custom Media, for highlighting the unsung heroes who are making impactful changes in their communities on behalf of cancer care. The 2021 Cancer Community Awards (or C2 Awards), recognized stakeholders in five distinct areas who are driving change via best practices and are making a difference in cancer communities.
I had the honor of interviewing Tomma Hargraves, the winner of the Catalyst for Change Award from AstraZeneca.
When coaching, I push my patients to use their voice, be proactive and never take no for an answer. Tomma’s story is the perfect example of self-empowerment, not backing down and taking control of one’s healthcare decisions from start to finish. A small lump on her neck prompted her to see her doctor which led to a diagnosis of Stage 3b non-small cell lung cancer. Toxic treatments followed and she enrolled in a clinical trial. Her cancer reoccurred several years later and fortunately was easily treated with additional chemotherapy and radiosurgery. That was 15 years ago and Tomma is now living an active life devoted to bringing change to the underserved through lung cancer advocacy.
Those who reside in metropolitan areas benefit from access to a variety of advanced treatments and the best in medical care.
For those residing in less populous settings, these benefits are not readily available and require some patients and families to relocate, commute or in the worst scenario, give up treatment all together.
I believe that passion persuades. Tomma recognized the hardships many endure and wanted to make a difference for those living in outlying communities where a commute is often required. She created a gas program where a $50 gas card allows patients coming from rural areas to access comprehensive cancer centers. As one patient said, “such a small thing made a big difference.” Small things that we don’t think about or might take for granted, are so meaningful to others and can make a big difference in their cancer journey. This can make a difference between life and death.
Today, Tomma is not only surviving but thriving and making a difference in the lives of so many. As a 15-year survivor, Tomma recognizes the importance of research and the incremental research scientists are making daily.
I hope you will read about the C2 Awards which can’t help but inspire and motivate others to get involved in fostering change in their community. The finalists’ and winners’ work has impacted patients’ survival outcomes for the better. We need to support a broader conversation on the importance of creating impactful community changes across our society. Thanks to AstraZeneca’s annual C2 Awards, I am thrilled to be recognizing those who are working together, getting involved and letting patients know they are not alone.
Thank you Tomma Hargraves!
Take the best that exists and make it better. If it doesn’t exist, create it.
Read more about this vital program and how you can bring this to life with your involvement! https://bit.ly/3DN7QVk