May is Bladder Cancer Awareness Month around the world – join us in shining a light on this disease that impacts more than 500,000 people globally.
According to statistics recently released by the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition bladder cancer has become the 10th most common cancer globally.
Stay tuned this month for bladder cancer awareness as we shine our lights into the darkness and with it, spread not just awareness of bladder cancer but messages of inspiration and hope. You are not alone!
In the coming weeks, we will endeavour to:
- Shine a light on national landmarks across Canada, including Niagara Falls on May 1st! (A combined effort with our friends, BCAN, in the US).
- Shine a light on what bladder cancer is and how it’s diagnosed
- Continue to share stories of bladder cancer patients, survivors and caregivers – people like you!
- Launch our 2020 walk season, with a new format designed to keep our community safe and healthy during COVID-19 – stay tuned for the launch of the walk website mid-May – more details to come.
- Collaborate with our friends at the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition to spread their message of bladder cancer around the world.
To kick off our month of activities, please watch the following video welcome from BCC Board Chair and bladder cancer survivor, Ferg Devins:
Says Ferg, “This is a time for those of us in the bladder cancer community to help shine a light on this disease. Please be sure to jump into a conversation with us online using #bladdercanceraware, and amongst yourselves, as we draw attention and raise awareness about the fight against bladder cancer!”
We are still collecting stories for our BCC Connection Challenge. During Bladder Cancer Awareness Month, please consider sending us a photo of yourself at info@bladdercancercanada.org, sharing your connection with bladder cancer and how you are practicing self-care during COVID-19.
Last month, we received the following story from bladder cancer patient Alan!
“My name is Alan Waterman and my relationship with BCC is that I was diagnosed in March 2017. I’m currently in BCG Immunotherapy maintenance, one last round to go in the fall. Yahoo! I love BCC webinars and seminars.“
“Something that I am finding very helpful to my well-being as we self-isolate/social distance during COVID-19 is humour! Constantly look for fun and human connections, even if it’s cheering with neighbours across the road as you beat pots and pans at 7pm each night. My photo shows my Hawaiian tribal mask for grocery store runs – always gets looks and grins!”
As always, we are available to support you by phone and encourage you to contact us at 1-866-674-8889 should you wish to speak with one of our One2One support volunteers.
You may also reach out to us by email at info@bladdercancercanada.org or check out our website for more information.
Thank you for always being with us – this month and every month. We are grateful for you.
