ACS CAN Fight Back Express Blog
Friday, July 18. 2008
Gas Cans & Automatic Sprinklers
Ah, day 6.
Today we visited three more amazing Michigan towns; Midland, Gaylord and Big Rapids.
I get off the bus in Midland and immediately I am stopped by a sweet 4 year old girl with a huge red gas can, asking if she could have some of my money to keep the big bus going. How could I not give her my only dollar? I turn around and notice there are 4 other gas cans roaming (close to the ground) around the parking lot asking everyone else to give their change, dollars, anything to keep the bus on the road. Because after all, "the bus needs gas to keep driving," one of them said to me.
After an ACS CAN fundraiser breakfast, new ACS CAN membership recruitment and gas can fundraising, this stop has to be one of the top in the state for new ACS CAN funds!
We then headed north, way north, to take part in the Gaylord Alpine Festival. On the grounds of a local church, just off the road from all of the carnival rides, we set up the text, Electronic Picture A Cure stands, podium and away we went. The Mayor of Gaylord spoke to a cheering crowd and nearly everyone who walked past the bus on their way to popcorn and cotton candy, signed the bus.
And while copying the "Relay" fashion, during our ACS CAN Member's presentation, after informing the crowd why access to care is such a huge issue, electronic sprinklers popped out of the ground and everyone ran in soaking wet horror.
Not to worry! The bus is stocked with EVERYTHING, paper towels included. After drying off and blocking the sprinklers she took the stage and urged everyone to sign our petitions, do EPicture A Cure and SIGN UP to become an ACS CAN member. Of course, they listened.
Today we visited three more amazing Michigan towns; Midland, Gaylord and Big Rapids.
I get off the bus in Midland and immediately I am stopped by a sweet 4 year old girl with a huge red gas can, asking if she could have some of my money to keep the big bus going. How could I not give her my only dollar? I turn around and notice there are 4 other gas cans roaming (close to the ground) around the parking lot asking everyone else to give their change, dollars, anything to keep the bus on the road. Because after all, "the bus needs gas to keep driving," one of them said to me.
After an ACS CAN fundraiser breakfast, new ACS CAN membership recruitment and gas can fundraising, this stop has to be one of the top in the state for new ACS CAN funds!
We then headed north, way north, to take part in the Gaylord Alpine Festival. On the grounds of a local church, just off the road from all of the carnival rides, we set up the text, Electronic Picture A Cure stands, podium and away we went. The Mayor of Gaylord spoke to a cheering crowd and nearly everyone who walked past the bus on their way to popcorn and cotton candy, signed the bus.
And while copying the "Relay" fashion, during our ACS CAN Member's presentation, after informing the crowd why access to care is such a huge issue, electronic sprinklers popped out of the ground and everyone ran in soaking wet horror.
Not to worry! The bus is stocked with EVERYTHING, paper towels included. After drying off and blocking the sprinklers she took the stage and urged everyone to sign our petitions, do EPicture A Cure and SIGN UP to become an ACS CAN member. Of course, they listened.
Wednesday, July 16. 2008
Marshall, Michigan - bringing out volunteers by the busload!
Early this morning we crossed the Michigan/Indiana border to begin our journey through the Great Lakes State. Stop one: Marshall, Michigan.
Marshall is a beautiful historic town full of restored victorian homes, a booming main street, great restaurants, but most imporantly, dedicated volunteers.
We set up the bus, podium, microphone, tent and computers when a yellow schoolbus came right beside us and of stream of local hospital employees began pouring out. Over the hour and during our presentation and bus signing, the local hospital bussed in staff and patients just to sign the bus. It was an amazing sight. Our new ACS CAN volunteers told us how they had been waiting for this bus for weeks and they were so excited it came to their hometown.
It was hard to leave that stop but onward we went to Lansing, Michigan's capitol city. Local staff held this event at the Sparrow Hospital Medical Arts Building downtown. Two doctors spoke to the crowd about the importance of access to care and as I looked around, smiles were on the faces of our audience and heads were nodding in agreement. ACS CAN is obviously doing something right!
Finally we reached Brighton and their local cancer center. ACS CAN Members spoke along with a 6 month lung cancer survivor who joked with the crowd about her hairless head - and never having a bad hair day thanks to her new collection of "cute" wigs - and an energetic 3 year old survivor danced in the crowed and cheered louder than anyone before he jumped on the bus and pretended to be the driver (well, with a cookie hanging out of his mouth...and he couldn't quite reach the pedals)
Staff work for the Society and the CAncer Action Network because they believe in the mission. I wish every one of them could ride on the ACS CAN Fight Back Express for one day and meet the amazing volunteers and survivors that I have met these past three days.
I miss my dad every day, who I lost to cancer when I was just 18, but meeting survivors gives me hope that one day no other family will have to live through the same thing.
Dad - this is all for you!
Love,
Your Tough Cookie
- Kerry Roberts
Marshall is a beautiful historic town full of restored victorian homes, a booming main street, great restaurants, but most imporantly, dedicated volunteers.
We set up the bus, podium, microphone, tent and computers when a yellow schoolbus came right beside us and of stream of local hospital employees began pouring out. Over the hour and during our presentation and bus signing, the local hospital bussed in staff and patients just to sign the bus. It was an amazing sight. Our new ACS CAN volunteers told us how they had been waiting for this bus for weeks and they were so excited it came to their hometown.
It was hard to leave that stop but onward we went to Lansing, Michigan's capitol city. Local staff held this event at the Sparrow Hospital Medical Arts Building downtown. Two doctors spoke to the crowd about the importance of access to care and as I looked around, smiles were on the faces of our audience and heads were nodding in agreement. ACS CAN is obviously doing something right!
Finally we reached Brighton and their local cancer center. ACS CAN Members spoke along with a 6 month lung cancer survivor who joked with the crowd about her hairless head - and never having a bad hair day thanks to her new collection of "cute" wigs - and an energetic 3 year old survivor danced in the crowed and cheered louder than anyone before he jumped on the bus and pretended to be the driver (well, with a cookie hanging out of his mouth...and he couldn't quite reach the pedals)
Staff work for the Society and the CAncer Action Network because they believe in the mission. I wish every one of them could ride on the ACS CAN Fight Back Express for one day and meet the amazing volunteers and survivors that I have met these past three days.
I miss my dad every day, who I lost to cancer when I was just 18, but meeting survivors gives me hope that one day no other family will have to live through the same thing.
Dad - this is all for you!
Love,
Your Tough Cookie
- Kerry Roberts
Monday, July 14. 2008
Great times in the Great Lakes!
Day two of my week-long-stint on the ACS CAN Fight Back Express. Can any stop in Indiana disappoint? I'm thinking not. We started the day at the downtown convention center in Indianapolis. They were having a kids day and HUNDREDS of little kids, I mean little...hardly out of diapers, toddled over to the bus with big grins and sharpies in hand and drew their 'signatures' all over the bus (the lower half of the bus.)
After laughing for about an hour with their parents and day-care providers we were off to our next site: Monument Circle downtown.
We got there right at lunch hour and the circle was swarming with business people running about, going to lunch appointments, getting some exercise or grabbing a quick bite before their next meeting. This event, however, stopped people in their tracks. Eleven, that's right, eleven ACS Funded Researchers celebrated with us and welcomed the Fight Back Express to downtown Indy.
There were fantastic speakers and the setting couldn't have been more perfect. To see pictures, look for the Indianapolis folder on our Get Photos link!
Our final stop of the day was the small town of Greensburg. The bus parked right at their county fair and we were joined by the Mayor who proclaimed July 14th as American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Fight Back Express Day!
Well over 100 people signed the bus, took pictures and joined our petition asking for FDA regulation of tobacco products. After our event was over, we had some time to see the fair, which was complete with goats, pigs, cows, and chickens to be judged and carnival rides galore. But most importantly, Greensburg couldn't have been more excited to see the ACS CAN Fight Back Express.
Until tomorrow night,
- Kerry Roberts
After laughing for about an hour with their parents and day-care providers we were off to our next site: Monument Circle downtown.
We got there right at lunch hour and the circle was swarming with business people running about, going to lunch appointments, getting some exercise or grabbing a quick bite before their next meeting. This event, however, stopped people in their tracks. Eleven, that's right, eleven ACS Funded Researchers celebrated with us and welcomed the Fight Back Express to downtown Indy.
There were fantastic speakers and the setting couldn't have been more perfect. To see pictures, look for the Indianapolis folder on our Get Photos link!
Our final stop of the day was the small town of Greensburg. The bus parked right at their county fair and we were joined by the Mayor who proclaimed July 14th as American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Fight Back Express Day!
Well over 100 people signed the bus, took pictures and joined our petition asking for FDA regulation of tobacco products. After our event was over, we had some time to see the fair, which was complete with goats, pigs, cows, and chickens to be judged and carnival rides galore. But most importantly, Greensburg couldn't have been more excited to see the ACS CAN Fight Back Express.
Until tomorrow night,
- Kerry Roberts
Sunday, July 13. 2008
Indiana Begins!
It was a really early morning, flying in from DC, being delayed in Memphis, but I finally arrived in Evansville, Indiana, ready for some Fight Back Express action. What an amazing suprise.
Wonderful volunteers and three great events - pulled off without a hitch.
We had our first event in Evansville, at 1 Main Street, outside of the Old National Bank. With over twenty volunteers there, Congressman Ellsworth spoke to a cheering crowd of ACS CAN volunteers and members.
After getting all packed up again, we headed to the highlight event of my day - Vincennes. We drove up to volunteers running up to the bus, waving their hands and smiles so big on their faces I thought they might burst. Little kids were cheering and sticky-faced from the ACS CAN Watermelon and Rootbeer Float fundraiser that happened just before.
A lovely 15 year old cancer survivor spoke and inspired over 20 people in the audience to become new ACS CAN members and we took more and more pictures as the event went on.
The sun began to set and we drove to our final stop of the day; Terre Haute Regional Hospital. We were greeted with Zumba dancers, loud music, Relay For Life Fight Back banners posted everywhere and volunteers hosting games and booths to that made the hospital parking lot look like a carnival.
I couldn't be more exhausted.
Well done Indiana - if the rest of the State hosts events like today, I can only imagine what is to come.
- Kerry Roberts
Wonderful volunteers and three great events - pulled off without a hitch.
We had our first event in Evansville, at 1 Main Street, outside of the Old National Bank. With over twenty volunteers there, Congressman Ellsworth spoke to a cheering crowd of ACS CAN volunteers and members.
After getting all packed up again, we headed to the highlight event of my day - Vincennes. We drove up to volunteers running up to the bus, waving their hands and smiles so big on their faces I thought they might burst. Little kids were cheering and sticky-faced from the ACS CAN Watermelon and Rootbeer Float fundraiser that happened just before.
A lovely 15 year old cancer survivor spoke and inspired over 20 people in the audience to become new ACS CAN members and we took more and more pictures as the event went on.
The sun began to set and we drove to our final stop of the day; Terre Haute Regional Hospital. We were greeted with Zumba dancers, loud music, Relay For Life Fight Back banners posted everywhere and volunteers hosting games and booths to that made the hospital parking lot look like a carnival.
I couldn't be more exhausted.
Well done Indiana - if the rest of the State hosts events like today, I can only imagine what is to come.
- Kerry Roberts
Friday, July 11. 2008
Remembering Oxford
So, it has been a few days, but publishing memories/from some of our past events helps us share the experience and highlight a few of our friends. Here is an event summary submitted by Cathy C, who rode the bus through Alabama and much of the south:
Lead Volunteer Warren Stiegman arranged a grand entrance for the Fight Back Express. We were not only escorted into Oxford Lake Park by the County Sheriff, but also by the sheriff department's bagpipes and an armed tank! Volunteers and children lined the entrance to the park and cheered as the bus pulled into the parking lot. One news crew even had their camera guy up in a cherry picker in the midst of the crowd to get an aerial view!
After the bus parked, Warren greated everyone, recognized the elected officials who were present and introduced the Mayor of Oxford, Leon Smith. Mayor Smith welcomed everyone to Oxford and stressed the importance of the event. Warren introduced cancer survivor, Jerry Leake, who talked about his experience and the importance of ACS, cancer research and talking to our elected officials.
Warren then asked all the cancer surviors and caregivers to come up front. The crowd applauded and the two bagpipers played Amazing Grace. Chokes me up just rembering it. It was truly touching.
Martial artist and motivational speaker, Chuck Torreulla lightened the mood but chopping a board in half with his hand explaining that's exactly what we need to do, fight back against cancer. The crowd then rushed to sign the bus where people had to stand in line and wait their turn. Once everyone had signed the bus and we had everything packed up, the sheriff's dept turned on the siren and escorted us right out of town. We won't forget Oxford for a long time.
Lead Volunteer Warren Stiegman arranged a grand entrance for the Fight Back Express. We were not only escorted into Oxford Lake Park by the County Sheriff, but also by the sheriff department's bagpipes and an armed tank! Volunteers and children lined the entrance to the park and cheered as the bus pulled into the parking lot. One news crew even had their camera guy up in a cherry picker in the midst of the crowd to get an aerial view!
After the bus parked, Warren greated everyone, recognized the elected officials who were present and introduced the Mayor of Oxford, Leon Smith. Mayor Smith welcomed everyone to Oxford and stressed the importance of the event. Warren introduced cancer survivor, Jerry Leake, who talked about his experience and the importance of ACS, cancer research and talking to our elected officials.
Warren then asked all the cancer surviors and caregivers to come up front. The crowd applauded and the two bagpipers played Amazing Grace. Chokes me up just rembering it. It was truly touching.
Martial artist and motivational speaker, Chuck Torreulla lightened the mood but chopping a board in half with his hand explaining that's exactly what we need to do, fight back against cancer. The crowd then rushed to sign the bus where people had to stand in line and wait their turn. Once everyone had signed the bus and we had everything packed up, the sheriff's dept turned on the siren and escorted us right out of town. We won't forget Oxford for a long time.
Calhoun County, AL
Calhoun County Alabama took no chances in making sure area residents had a chance for their voice to be heard at their local ACS CAN Fight Back Express Event as the bus arrived in style with an escort of an M133 armored personnel carrier and an escort from the local Sherriff's office!
Around 200 local volunteers, area cancer survivors and ACS supporters lined the parking lot and rallied as the ACS CAN Fight Back Express reached it's destination at Oxford Lake Park. The crowd was welcomed by  Warren Stiegman, a local ACS CAN member who organized the event, welcomed everyone to the event which was held in the City of Oxford (which just so happens to be the first city to pass a smoke free ordinance in the county).
Area officials were recognized and encouraged to continue to make legislation concerning cancer research, education, advocacy and patient services a top priority. Barbara Boyd, a local house representative attended and was thanked for co-sponsoring this year's Smoke Free Alabama bill. Congressman Mike Rogers was also on-hand and was thanked for signing the Congressional Cancer Promise.
Jerry Leake, an area cancer survivor, spoke and discussed his battle with cancer and the importance of funding for cancer research. All cancer survivors were recognized and bagpipers from the local Sherriff's office played Amazing Grace in honor of all Cancer Surivivor's present and in memory of those no longer with us. Then, area ACS Volunteer (and Karate Expert) Chuck Torruella (our own version of a "Fight Back Express") literally "kicked-off" the signing of the bus and rallied area participants to do their part by  signing the bus, joining ACS CAN, letting their local representatives know that they want more emphasis on Cancer research and support of patient services, and to get involved locally!
Around 200 local volunteers, area cancer survivors and ACS supporters lined the parking lot and rallied as the ACS CAN Fight Back Express reached it's destination at Oxford Lake Park. The crowd was welcomed by  Warren Stiegman, a local ACS CAN member who organized the event, welcomed everyone to the event which was held in the City of Oxford (which just so happens to be the first city to pass a smoke free ordinance in the county).
Area officials were recognized and encouraged to continue to make legislation concerning cancer research, education, advocacy and patient services a top priority. Barbara Boyd, a local house representative attended and was thanked for co-sponsoring this year's Smoke Free Alabama bill. Congressman Mike Rogers was also on-hand and was thanked for signing the Congressional Cancer Promise.
Jerry Leake, an area cancer survivor, spoke and discussed his battle with cancer and the importance of funding for cancer research. All cancer survivors were recognized and bagpipers from the local Sherriff's office played Amazing Grace in honor of all Cancer Surivivor's present and in memory of those no longer with us. Then, area ACS Volunteer (and Karate Expert) Chuck Torruella (our own version of a "Fight Back Express") literally "kicked-off" the signing of the bus and rallied area participants to do their part by  signing the bus, joining ACS CAN, letting their local representatives know that they want more emphasis on Cancer research and support of patient services, and to get involved locally!
Wednesday, July 9. 2008
Johnson City
We just wrapped up the event in Johnson City, Tennessee and it was, by far, the coolest morning yet this week (who knew it was so hot in the middle of the summer?). The event was held at the Doubletree Hotel where they took very good care of us with coffee, soda and cookies as well as setting up tables and a podium for us. Thanks Doubletree!!
The event was kicked off by event volunteer chair, Gary Bayne who welcomed and encouraged everyone to sign the bus. Nancy Gilley, the local ACT Lead Volunteer talked about the importance of joining ACS CAN. Karen Mabe, cancer survivor, caregiver and volunteer introduced the elected officials present and other cancer survivors who shared their stories and advocated for more funding for cancer research and access to care for all. Gary closed the event by encouraging everyone to take the opportunity to talk to the legislators who were present and to be sure to sign the bus.
Bruce Shawver, aka. Abraham Lincoln, signed the bus and posed for photos with those present. Frank, our beloved bus driver, even let Abe sit in the driver's seat of the bus!
We are off to Knoxville!
The event was kicked off by event volunteer chair, Gary Bayne who welcomed and encouraged everyone to sign the bus. Nancy Gilley, the local ACT Lead Volunteer talked about the importance of joining ACS CAN. Karen Mabe, cancer survivor, caregiver and volunteer introduced the elected officials present and other cancer survivors who shared their stories and advocated for more funding for cancer research and access to care for all. Gary closed the event by encouraging everyone to take the opportunity to talk to the legislators who were present and to be sure to sign the bus.
Bruce Shawver, aka. Abraham Lincoln, signed the bus and posed for photos with those present. Frank, our beloved bus driver, even let Abe sit in the driver's seat of the bus!
We are off to Knoxville!
Tuesday, July 8. 2008
Speak Loudly and carry a "Baton Rouge"
Clear blue skies and Scottish bagpipes greeted the ACS CAN Fight Back Express with open arms as it made its second stop through Louisiana. Volunteers, staff and local politicians gathered in the shadow of the state capitol on Monday afternoon to demand that lawmakers make fighting cancer a major legislative priority in the weeks and years to come.
Local volunteer and former American Cancer Society board member, Sue Catchings, congratulated our state lawmakers on passing legislation to create the Colorectal Cancer Screening Project which will bring quality affordable health care to citizens of the state. She also remarked that our lawmakers can and must do more.
"It is up to the citizens of this country -- nearly everyone of which as been touched by cancer -- to do more," Catchings stated.
Former State Representative and newly elected Congressman Don Cazayoux vowed to transition his fight against cancer from the Pelican state to Capitol Hill. "We must continue to enact policies at a local and federal level to fight cancer and improve the quality of life for our citizens, " said Cazayoux.
State Senator Yvonne Dorsey shared a touching story of her loss of her mother to breast cancer. Senator Dorsey spoke about the importance of early detection and prevention, as well as her efforts to pass the Louisiana Smokefree Air Law.
"Due to your efforts and your passion, workers and citizens across the state can enjoy smokefree air and a healthier work environment," Dorsey said.
A call to action was led to urge support for the FDA legislation, which will be voted on the House floor later this month. As the festivities wrapped up in the Red Stick, participants walked way emboldened and empowered to continue making cancer a priority.
Local volunteer and former American Cancer Society board member, Sue Catchings, congratulated our state lawmakers on passing legislation to create the Colorectal Cancer Screening Project which will bring quality affordable health care to citizens of the state. She also remarked that our lawmakers can and must do more.
"It is up to the citizens of this country -- nearly everyone of which as been touched by cancer -- to do more," Catchings stated.
Former State Representative and newly elected Congressman Don Cazayoux vowed to transition his fight against cancer from the Pelican state to Capitol Hill. "We must continue to enact policies at a local and federal level to fight cancer and improve the quality of life for our citizens, " said Cazayoux.
State Senator Yvonne Dorsey shared a touching story of her loss of her mother to breast cancer. Senator Dorsey spoke about the importance of early detection and prevention, as well as her efforts to pass the Louisiana Smokefree Air Law.
"Due to your efforts and your passion, workers and citizens across the state can enjoy smokefree air and a healthier work environment," Dorsey said.
A call to action was led to urge support for the FDA legislation, which will be voted on the House floor later this month. As the festivities wrapped up in the Red Stick, participants walked way emboldened and empowered to continue making cancer a priority.
Monday, July 7. 2008
In the News
Rolling through the south has resulted in some pretty cool media coverage for the ACS CAN Fight Back Express. Here is a sampling from our Tennessee stops:
Fight Back Express comes to Jackson
Fight Back Express to visit Pringles Park on Saturday
Fight Back Express comes to Jackson
Fight Back Express to visit Pringles Park on Saturday
Thursday, July 3. 2008
Catching Up
You've re-opened your browser a thousand times, the refresh button is practically worn out and you've spent countless hours staring at your RSS reader, all in the hopes of seeing the next ACS CAN Fight Back Express blog entry and hearing all the minute details from the latest bus events. Now that's DEDICATION!!!
....okay, truth be told, it's summer and you're not running to your computer every five minutes to read blog updates, and you have no idea what an RSS feed is. Furthermore, the bus has been off the road for a day or so getting it's monthly checkup, so there hasn't been much to report. But that's okay, deep down inside we know you're still interested and that you want to hear about all the great people and fantastic places the Fight Back Express has visited thus far.
So, now's your chance to catch up on all the action you may have missed. Take a few moments to visit the pictures section, or click the "Next Page" link at the bottom of this page to read through past entries.
And never fear, we'll be back with new entries shortly.
....okay, truth be told, it's summer and you're not running to your computer every five minutes to read blog updates, and you have no idea what an RSS feed is. Furthermore, the bus has been off the road for a day or so getting it's monthly checkup, so there hasn't been much to report. But that's okay, deep down inside we know you're still interested and that you want to hear about all the great people and fantastic places the Fight Back Express has visited thus far.
So, now's your chance to catch up on all the action you may have missed. Take a few moments to visit the pictures section, or click the "Next Page" link at the bottom of this page to read through past entries.
And never fear, we'll be back with new entries shortly.
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Recent Entries
Gas Cans & Automatic Sprinklers
Marshall, Michigan - bringing out volunteers by the busload!
Great times in the Great Lakes!
Indiana Begins!
Remembering Oxford
Friday, July 18 2008
Marshall, Michigan - bringing out volunteers by the busload!
Wednesday, July 16 2008
Great times in the Great Lakes!
Monday, July 14 2008
Indiana Begins!
Sunday, July 13 2008
Remembering Oxford
Friday, July 11 2008
