Greater Horn Oncology Symposium- 2016 here we come!

Radiating Hope has a vision to transform the way cancer is treated in underserved areas of the world. "We're building a cancer center in East Africa because we believe that dignity and hope aren't western commodities reserved for the global elite; they are human rights that should be made available to all." - inspirational words from Dr. Larry Daugherty, M.D.   

Our dedicated prayer flags arrived at the top of Kilimanjaro on a perfect windy day- the threads unraveled from the flags representing hope, strength and well-being in honor of cancer patients. We are excited that the pledges in honor of these great people also allowed the opportunity to 'pass along a cure' to those who might never have had cancer treatments otherwise. Radiating Hope was able to raise several thousands of dollars for the proposed cancer center in Moshi, Tanzania through the fundraising climb and dedicated prayer flags!! 

At the summit of Kilimanjaro we had a ribbon cutting for the cancer center which marked the commencement of the Greater Horn Oncology Symposium (GHOS), presented by RadiatingHope.  The Symposium was held on March 24-25 in Moshi, Tanzania in partnership with the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center (KCMC).  The GHOS is a multidisciplinary oncology symposium dedicated to increasing awareness of cancer care in the Greater Horn of Africa. It is a forum for the exchange of ideas to advance cancer care in this region. By bringing together physicians and oncology industry members from abroad, as well as local physicians and politicians, we hope to encourage collaboration on developing local cancer care. Funds raised during this symposium support the establishment of a cancer center with radiation treatment capability at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center (KCMC) which would serve Moshi and its environs. All presenters, attendees, and volunteers are helping to advance cancer care in the Greater Horn of Africa! We sincerely thank all of the presenters who have funded their trips to make this symposium a reality! -Mira M. Shah, MD

Our symposium exceeded our expectations. We were able to hear from some of the luminaries in the Radiation Oncology field, as well as learn from the local medical and governmental leaders on the future of cancer treatment in Tanzania. We are now planning our next symposium, a 3-day event for 2016 to coincide with our next fundraising climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Global Health Catalyst Summit

Radiating Hope was asked to speak at the Global Health Catalyst Cancer Summit @ Harvard Medical School. This summit is one of the hardest to get to and one we have been climbing for the last 5 years. Nathan Tonlaar MD, project director of our Ghana effort, represented Radiating Hope, presenting the role of radiation oncology in developing countries. The objective of the summit was to provide a forum for discussion, development and adoption of tangible actions that can be taken as well as innovative approaches to catalyze high impact international collaborations in cancer Care Research and Education with Africa in Radiation Oncology, Cancer prevention and Advocacy.  We were in good company with participants from Harvard Catalyst affiliated institutions, Boston Area Universities, University of Massachusetts, John Hopkins University, Duke University, The University of Pennsylvania, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic, Fred Chase Hutchinson cancer center, United Nations (International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) PACT), University of Tanzania. Pretty amazing event!! 

Race to the Farm

Ride to the Farm is a 'bike a thon' which will raise money to advance cancer care in developing countries. The ride will take place on May 30th, 2015. Location, time, distance, and cost on the registration page.  Register today! 

Radiating Hope 5k Race at ACRO

Radiating Hope  has hosted a 5K  race at the American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO) annual meeting for the last 5 years. The race has been a huge success, raising thousands to support cancer care in developing countries.  Several participants have run in honor of cancer patients, carrying Radiating Hope Tibetan prayers flags in their honor

Location: This event will take place at the  Arlington, VA, starting from the Hyatt, site of the ACRO annual meeting.

Cost: $35.00, includes a t-shirt if registered by May 1st, 2015 

Sign up!

Climbing for Cancer- Varian: One of the largest radiation oncology equipment manufacturers, Varian, supports RadiatingHope with their 'Partners in Giving' program in which they match their employees donations to RadiatingHope. Varian has three employees who will be climbing Kilimanjaro in March 2014 in an effort to support RadiatingHope, cancer patients, and a future hospital in Tanzania! 

Varian climbers with RadHope board member, Dr. Arno Mundt

Megan-  I am very passionate about cancer care! I hold a place in my heart for the survivors and the patients struggling to get through treatments one day at a time.  My sister-in-law who is my age, was diagnosed 2 years ago with breast cancer.  She endured chemotherapy and radiation, only to have it reoccur within the same year.   She endured round two of treatments and just recently finished.  She was given a second chance and will get to see her daughter grow up be there for her family.  Not everyone is given a chance to even fight cancer.  Life is about something bigger and I think everyone should be offered a chance to battle cancer.  I am honored to be joining Radiating Hope to help bring a chance at beating cancer to a community where one does not exist yet. 

 Beth-28 years ago I was just finishing x-ray school, I found out that my childhood friend, Tracy was diagnosed with a brain tumor, that could not be treated with surgery but with radiation therapy.
At that moment, I knew if I could help just 1 person not have the fear of cancer as a death sentence, I could make a difference. I chose to make my career as a Radiation Therapist.
Tracy was treated with radiation therapy, she had a lot of side effects due to drugs to help keep swelling down, she did pretty well after treatment for awhile.
She never made it to her 16th birthday, She never learned how to drive a car, get her high school diploma, or have her first boy crush.
This is a memory that drives me everyday to do what I can for cancer patients, and this is why I am compelled to climb Kilimanjaro; to help the people of Tanzania have a chance at cancer!
Every step I take preparing, working out and climbing Kilimanjaro my thoughts are with cancer patients struggling with cancer and the survivors that have met cancer and beat it!

 

Mt Kilimanjaro, the rooftop of Africa!

Karim-I am truly humbled for the opportunity to participate in the efforts of Radiating Hope.  I am so thankful and grateful now that I am building relationships with the Radiating Hope organization in order to fully realize the creation of an open-source online JRCERT (Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology) accredited Radiation Therapy School which will support the efforts of Radiating Hope’s ongoing mission of building Cancer Centers in the developing world.  My goal resonates with Varian’s vision of saving lives as well as supports Varian’s Access to Care initiate.  I am happy to donate my time & my talent to strengthen civil society while servicing humanity with my Radiation Oncology knowledge as well as my abilities as an Educator.
Naomi- Hello,I’m Naomi Moreno. For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a desire to work with non-profit organizations. A co-worker suggested I partner with Radiating Hope. I looked into the organization and appreciated their efforts in bringing cancer care to undeveloped countries. (Radiating Hope is currently bringing cancer awareness to Moshi, Tanzania in Africa.) I wasn’t quite ready to join their group until coincidentally, I stumbled upon an unexpected news article.
 I took a trip to Spain, and woke up to the African newspaper at my front door. The cover story was about an uninformed African woman who had bumps protruding from her breast; she had NO clue that it was cancer. This article quickly made me realize that the residents of Africa need our help to raise cancer awareness. I felt an immediate desire to join Radiating Hope and their Tanzania Project. I’m very excited to be part of this collaborative team. I’m even more excited to make a long lasting difference in Tanzanina!