My Nonprofit Reviews

When I lost one of my best friends to Esophageal Cancer, it seemed so unfair. He was one of those rare guys who took good care of his health. He was a runner. He was rail thin. Except for the occasional glass of Merlot, he didn't drink. He didn't smoke. Although he was a creative chef, he avoided sugar and fat. Yet, his chronic heartburn had burned the tissue lining his throat, eventually evolving into cancer. Who would have thought something as commonplace as heartburn could lead to cancer?

The Esophageal Cancer Action Network (ECAN) was created shortly after the death of my friend with the goal of spreading the word that heartburn can cause cancer. Since its creation, ECAN has gotten Esophageal Cancer as one of the cancers being investigated under the genome research project. More than two dozen states have passed resolutions recognizing April as Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month. ECAN produced the first-ever Patient Guide designed to provide information to EC patients and their families as they struggle with this deadly diagnosis. In short, ECAN is making a real difference in the lives of those afflicted with a terrible disease. It deserves our support.