My sister called me earlier this week and asked if I was busy on Sat night. There was a movie on the Lifetime channel called Living Proof. She wanted to watch it but didn't want to do so alone.
This movie is about a Dr. Dennis Slamon, who is an oncologist and researcher, who developed the drug herceptin. Herceptin is a relatively new offering to some breast cancer patients. It is a drug my sister was on during her ordeal. When told it was an option for her.....my mom was very skeptical because of newness of the drug. (I think she feels much better now after watching the movie.)
Well this movie follows Dr. Slamons efforts to get this drug on the market. It is an amazing story.....my eyes were opened to all of the red tape and bullshit that exists in our health care system.
As I sat beside my sister....there were many tears.....and many emotions. And so many frustrating feelings as well.
But the end of the movie was incredible........Dr. Slamon had told the drug company that this drug could save thousands of lives...enough lives to fill a stadium in four years. After a long, tough battle the drug was approved.
Dr. Slamon was a runner and the end of the movie has him running into a stadium.....and slowly the stadium fills up with women who he has helped.... women whose lives were made longer...women whose lives were saved.......as I watched the stadium fill, I knew that my sister was one of those women. Tears rolled down my face and hers as well. I just grabbed her and hugged her. I said I think tonight I will say a prayer of thanks for Dr. Slamon.....she said maybe we should send him a Christmas card. I think I will....and send a letter of thanks as well.
If you get the lifetime channel where you live, they are replaying the movie tonight. It is on at 8 PM eastern standard time. It is worth the watch if you have been touched by cancer of any kind. Even if you haven't yet......isn't it just a matter of time?
These researchers...the ones who truly care need a lot of money. This movie inspired me to double my efforts in raising money for the American Cancer society.
This is just an FYI.....if you can watch.....WATCH. The movie will touch you!
