December 2009
Sarcoma Community Updates
An ESUN Resource
Editor's Note: "Sarcoma Community Updates" is a new regular column in ESUN. Here we will publish letters, stories and announcements that focus on sarcoma advocacy and support. We welcome your contributions.
New Book to Benefit the Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative
by Mary Sorens
Scott Alcott, a Ewing's sarcoma survivor, published I'm Not Lance! this month. In a surprising announcement, he pledged to donate all of the book's proceeds to the Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative. When we heard this exciting news, we set out to learn more about Scott's journey and his new book.
At the age of 40, Scott was diagnosed with an unusual case of Ewing's sarcoma. He explained: "Ewing's normally hits younger people of course, but mine was strange for 3 other reasons: there was no bone involvement (soft tissue only); the tumor was in the deep tissue of my face (head and neck Ewing's is rare); and the tumor had none of the known gene translocations."
Mary: Why did you write I'm Not Lance! ?
Scott: "People kept sending me Lance Armstrong's book for inspiration, and I found it hard to relate to. Lance's endurance, discipline, and competitive spirit is legendary and hard to emulate; I wanted to write a book for regular people."
Mary: So...is this a book about your cancer journey?
Scott: "I'm Not Lance! is not an autobiography. It has many moments of controversy and sometimes blunt assessments. I've dared to say what patients, supporters, and doctors actually think, with an eye on raising understanding and better dynamics between these wonderful and caring people."
Mary: What do you hope readers will gain from the book?
Scott: "I hope this book can make others feel better understood, supported and tooled for the fight. I'm Not Lance! is for patients and their supporters; it gives a tour of the practical, social, and psychological challenges facing all members in our community and tips for how to manage those challenges."
Mary: Why did you choose to give the book's proceeds to the Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative?
Scott: "When I was scared, overwhelmed and confused, I found an amazing group of people supporting each other at the e-sarc Yahoo user group. Bruce Shriver, Mimi Olsson, and scores of others welcomed me in and helped me until I was able to begin helping others. Liddy and her family seem to infect others with positive values and that impressed me."
Scott Alcott's book, I'm Not Lance!, is available in paperback and digital download and will soon be listed on Amazon.com.
"Team Bob" Competes in the Inaugural Las Vegas Rock and Roll Half Marathon
The "Team Bob" challenge effort, took place on Sunday, Dec 6th. Seven people raced in the Inaugural Las Vegas Rock and Roll Half Marathon (13.1 miles). The race course was done up in grand Vegas style. There were running "Elvi", fireworks, run through weddings, skydivers... even caged white Bengal tigers at the start line.
Team Bob wore Team Sarcoma shirts and "Sarcoma Knows No Borders" wristbands all over town. During the race, a team member was approached by a girl named Kim. Her 29 year old boyfriend was recently diagnosed with a sarcoma in his foot. She tearfully confided their devastation and bewilderment as to what to do next. She was thrilled to find someone else who had heard of sarcoma.
The Team had a terrific experience to aid a deserving charity.
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