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Alana Shea Boyd
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MS 19 - Elevating the Lung Cancer Voice: Raising Awareness and Creating Community (ID 541)
- Event: WCLC 2017
- Type: Mini Symposium
- Track: Patient Advocacy
- Presentations: 1
- Moderators:Toshiyuki Sawa, A.C. Škufca Smrdel
- Coordinates: 10/17/2017, 15:45 - 17:30, Room 315
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MS 19.04 - Shine a Light on Lung Cancer: The Evolution (ID 7735)
16:45 - 17:05 | Presenting Author(s): Alana Shea Boyd
- Abstract
- Presentation
Abstract:
Background/History A lung cancer diagnosis can be devastating to both the patient and their loved ones. Often times, lung cancer patients and caregivers report feeling isolated and hopeless. In 2004, there were very few events across the United States which connected the lung cancer community. One advocate, whose husband was fighting lung cancer, sought to change that and held the very first Shine a Light event in November 2004 in Santa Rosa, CA. Little did they know, this local event would turn into a movement. In 2006, a few advocates in Boston held a similar Shine a Light on Lung Cancer Vigil—a “rally” for lung cancer on the steps of the Massachusetts state house, to honor and remember those who have been touched by the disease and to raise awareness during Lung Cancer Awareness Month (LCAM). In 2008, they were determined to grow this event and offer local communities an opportunity to connect with others impacted by this disease and Lung Cancer Alliance was there to help them achieve their vision. Purpose Shine a Light on Lung Cancer’s primary purpose was and continues to be raising awareness about lung cancer and connecting the community. The events are always free to attend and free to host as we want to eliminate any barriers to participation. Shine a Lights began as “vigils”, and have always incorporated a moment of silence and the literal act of shining a light—whether that be a glow stick, flashlight, candle, or illumination of a room or building—to remember those we’ve lost to this disease. In 2014, Lung Cancer Alliance decided to drop the word “vigil” from the program title, as vigils often connote a feeling of sadness or mourning, and the purpose of Shine a Lights were to provide hope, support and inspiration to all those impacted. Each Shine a Light program still incorporates a moment of silence and shining of lights, however, we focus that moment to celebrate the survivors in attendance, while also remembering those who have passed away from this disease. This signature element of Shine a Lights can often be emotional and is typically the culminating activity of the event. Shine a Lights are also a great platform for local media attention. In an effort to leverage this attention, from 2008 through 2015, we encouraged organizers to host their event on the official Shine a Light date (voted on by past organizers and ultimately chosen by LCA). However, due to lack of national coverage and confusion from potential organizers on the official date, in 2016, we stopped choosing an official national date. Impact The impact of our Shine a Light on Lung Cancer program has far exceeded our initial expectations. The initiative continues to grow and evolve year after year and we continually adapt and improve the program based on feedback from organizers and attendees. When Shine a Light began, events were typically organized by individuals in communities who wanted to do something during Lung Cancer Awareness Month. They incorporated survivors, caregivers, physicians and local notable members of their communities (i.e. news reporters, local politicians, and entertainers) into their programs, to educate attendees about lung cancer and inspire action with a unifying national call to action. In 2013, Lilly Oncology came on board as a national title sponsor and their sales force began to spread the word about these unique events to their customers—healthcare providers. Shine a Lights are a great way for nurse navigators to celebrate their patients during Lung Cancer Awareness Month and highlight their programs and services—particularly on the heels of Breast Cancer Awareness Month—and especially with our “event in a box”. Organizers complete a very simple online LOA which contains all of their event information, after which they receive access to our online resources (i.e. template flyers, programs, sponsor logos, media outreach instructions, and more). In October, each organizer will receive their Shine a Light “kit” in the mail, which contains bracelets, flashlights, a poster and educational materials for their attendees. Although we had had a handful of Shine a Lights taking place in healthcare facilities before 2013, with Lilly’s involvement, the numbers grew. Simultaneously, we noticed Shine a Lights which were hosted by individuals were becoming more unique and personalized to their local community (i.e. paint and sip parties, yoga classes, and backyard barbecues). Because of this natural distinction, we evolved the program in 2016 to include Shine a Light, traditional events hosted by a healthcare facility during LCAM, and Shine a Light Your Way, unique awareness and fundraising events hosted by individuals in their local communities throughout the year. Due to this split, our traditional Shine a Light numbers saw a slight dip in 2016 as they no longer included events being hosted by individuals, but we anticipate continued growth in 2017 as the program evolves. Future Goals In 2016, 166 Shine a Light events were held in 38 states. Our goal for 2017 is to reach 200+ events in all 50 states and Washington, DC. We are also looking to make an even bigger global impact in 2018. The first international Shine a Light was held in partnership with the Australian Lung Foundation in 2011 and we have had seven unique countries host at least one Shine a Light since then. We hope to expand our national reach while bringing this unique program to many more worldwide, and continue connecting the lung cancer community—offering hope and inspiration, letting those who are impacted know they are not alone.
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