Frances is a five-time cancer survivor. Her first cancer was diagnosed in 1978 when a tumor was found on her arm. The cancer on her arm was initially ignored by her physician, but a veterinarian friend insisted that she be seen that day. She had surgery done immediately; she credits this intervention with saving her life.
I have personally fought cancer over the course of nearly fifty years. Due to the advances in research, I am still here today.
Breast and thyroid cancer diagnoses followed. The last diagnosis was made in 2023, but due to previous surgery and the location of the cancer, she was told that additional surgery was not an option.
Through her work with ACS CAN, Frances had learned more about clinical trials, and she knew of a trial that could possibly help her. She brought this up with her physician, and she was able to enter the trial.
Today, Frances is still in that clinical trial, and it is helping keep her cancer at bay.
If it weren’t for inclusion in the trial, she wouldn’t be able to afford the cost of her medication. Throughout her nearly fifty-year journey of fighting cancer, Frances has seen the advances in cancer research; she continues to use her voice to advocate for greater investment.