The tour last week at OHSU was scheduled for former NFL linebacker, Chris Draft, and I was lucky enough to tag along.
Chris, Jamie, and me
Chris Draft is committed to Changing the Face of lung cancer. In 2011 he lost his wife, Keasha, to lung cancer; a year after her diagnosis, a month after their wedding. Keasha Draft was an athletic 38-year old, non-smoker who’s shortness of breath lead to the lung cancer diagnosis; something many of us can relate to. On their wedding day they initiated Team Draft; Chris has been committed to the cause ever since.
Those of us with lung cancer are fortunate to have Chris on our side. From what I saw in action, he wants the highest level of care given to all patients, regardless of facility where care is given (academic center or community oncology). He was bold enough to ask Doctors if he could video tape their statements so he could pass them along to the other facilities he plans to visit. It had a “look what they are doing – now you too need to be doing that” feel. I liked it. Oh, and Chris has been to 56 Lung Cancer Centers since Dec 2011. Yup, that committed!
Camera does add 10-lbs. Apparently all in your neck!
Chris, a former NFL player with connections to the NBA, utilizes his resources to increase awareness of lung cancer. He was the name needed to draw media at the tour. One more check in the lung cancer awareness column! Chris, Jamie (my friend), and I were captured on TV.
Want to see what else Chris Draft is doing for lung cancer? Check out Team Draft.
(One thing I’d like to add about the photo on the right. The interviewer asked, “You’re a lung cancer survivor?” For my response, I borrowed a phrase from blogger Linnea Duff and said, “No. I’m surviving lung cancer.”)
Aquarius vs. Cancer 
Why do all the “cool” people get cancer?
Seems like it, huh?
Kimmy, great photos and it sounds like a wonderful opportunity. I am sorry for his loss but kudos to Chris Draft for turning his personal tragedy into a mission to bring much needed awareness to lung cancer. Also—is it possible to post a link to your interview?
Linnea
ps: thanks for the shout out!
pss: I like big necks!
Linnea,
You are correct, lots of kudos to Chris Draft! And your blog…it’s been a significant part of my “moving through this” process. Kudos to you too!
I’m working on tracking down the video. Different clips were used at three different time slots. Perhaps that is what is making it difficult for me to find.
Chris is a special person and was lucky to have you and Jamie along for support! Glad to see you are surviving T.V. too! Happy Sunday! Mark H.
I like your perspective, Mark. 🙂
Surviving TV watching is no easy task. I often watch and think to myself, “and I get cancer?” …You and L might know a thing or two about that.
Sorry about your neck! It’s my fault… A standard definition 4:3 image played back on a 16:9 screen often produces “bloat neck”, my bad!
Tips for the future to avoid bloat neck include: conducting the interview horizontally, wearing a scarf with vertical lines, and NOT obtaining screenshots from the dimwitted. : )
I appreciate the picture 100%! Thanks Daryl.
What a great opportunity for a number of committed and wonderful people to share experience and inspiration. I did not so notice the neck as your signature sideways glance that says you know something good or are going to say something clever and smart. And, Linnea’s “saying” was likely one thing flying around in your head at the time. Nicely played.
I also want the link to the clip when and if you find it. Happy rainy Monday.
It really was a wonderful opportunity for all of us. I felt very fortunate to be included. I’m not finding the clip. Maybe I’ll get another try another day. 🙂
The rain is really getting to me. My first winter not working. I’m finding it kind of tough to stay active.