Donating to Medical Research

The last while I’ve been coming across stories on the internet about new medicines being approved as well as some that are on the verge of approval by the Federal Drug Administration.

One of them is now in the clinical trial stage and is expected to become available soon for people who have Parkinson’s Disease.

Another drug that has made it through all the stages and is now being distributed is for breast cancer.

Then there’s a brand new medicine that helps those diagnosed with lung cancer. According to ads I’ve seen about this drug, it is helping lung cancer patients live longer.

News reports are available to be read concerning other strides that have been made in the development of cutting edge technology, treatments, and medicines. Which tells me that although there are articles claiming donations made for research for diseases such as Parkinson’s, cancer, and more never make it to the research labs but are instead eaten up by salaries and administration expenses, just the opposite is true.

Being a two-time cancer survivor, I know that so far, a drug I’m taking for women whose breast cancer has metastasized to the bones is working to clear my body of this wicked disease. And my doctors have said that should the two chemotherapy drugs I take every day for some reason cease working, there are other medicines they can prescribe for me. This statement alone does bring me comfort and reaffirms my belief that ongoing research is helping in the fight against breast cancer.

The knowledge that there are new medicines and treatments available to treat extremely serious diseases not only brings comfort and ease to the patients, but to their families and friends as well. Hearing that a person with cancer is in remission really is wonderful news. It lifts a person’s spirits and brings them relief. As one patient told me, “I feel like I can breathe again.”

So when you have second thoughts about donating to medical research, stop for a moment and think of the people whose lives can be made easier and the quality of their life improved and hopefully extended because of your generosity.

In a side note, a recent visit to my doctors in Billings showed my recovery from the hip replacement surgery is moving along nicely. I’ve been released from physical therapy although I continue to do specific exercises every day to increase the strength in my leg and my mobility. Since I no longer have to see a physical therapist, I am once more able to drive my car. And the orthopedic surgeon has said he will see me again in three months. I appreciate every one who has kept me in their thoughts and prayers and walked beside me in this journey.