My Nonprofit Reviews
ramshead
Review for American Bladder Cancer Society Inc, Dalton, MA, USA
At the age of 53. Perfectly healthy in every way and ready to charge into "the best years of life!" I was diagnosed with cancer during a routine Physical. I was devastated, to say the least. I knew nothing about bladder cancer, had not been a smoker, and had NO history of cancer in the family. The Dr. wanted to move quickly and I had 2 robotic surgeries within 6 weeks of diagnosis. I soon found out I was going to have Major Surgery in 6 days after the last minor one. My wife and I were thrown for the proverbial loop! To say the least! I began a search of Cancer web sites and narrowed it down to the ABCS site. I soon found out that many people like me had suffered from this little known but major cancer. I asked questions and found many survivors who offered advice and consolation. They allowed my wife and I to face the future with something less than dread. Since I have recovered form my surgeries, I felt I needed to return some of that help. I have become an advocate for positive thinking and never giving up when faced with this disease. I cannot help but think that every day another victim of this disease stumbles on this site, looking for help. Cynthia is a one woman bladder cancer encyclopedia. She needs all the support we can muster for her. Don't believe it? Log on and read a few stories. She and this site have SAVED Lives!
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Once you have cancer.... You are changed. You either deal with the reality or let it eat you up. This group of selfless individuals give freely of their time and knowledge. I am able to deal with this disease without it tearing me up because of them.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Shout its praises from the mountaintop! Bladder cancer is still not a "pretty" cancer. Therefore it doesn't get much press. But this little group is THE place for answers and Hope. The American Bladder Cancer Society needs to be on every Dr. list.
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Their main focus is dealing with personal issues and real solutions. They do not mince words. They push the patient to get the best care and they are unafraid to tell a patient that they need to look elsewhere for a better Dr.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
I have never personally met anyone. I know how they feel and am constantly aware of their knowledge and their willingness to share it.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Save More lives! Many people die from bladder cancer because they either, don't get care immediately, or they don't know what to do. If this site was publicised more, they would live longer and better lives
Ways to make it better...
I knew about it earlier. My wife went through hell because she just didn't know enough about what was going on.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
This is not a pretty cancer.... Hence it has no movie stars doing fundraisers. It is also a "Survivable" cancer if found early enough. The Challenge is to get the word out!
One thing I'd also say is that...
This is truly a success story of what one woman, on a mission, and really pissed off, can do. Cynthia saw a void in this cancer's information arena, and filled it singlehandedly
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
Thank you so much for the very kind words. I am the Cynthia mentioned above and I just wanted to comment that the ABLCS exists because of the work of many dedicated people not just myself. The forum posts are done by survivors and the people who care about them not by volunteers of the ABLCS. The most common advice our forum users give to each other is to seek a second opinion following a new diagnose. Our forum community networks, shares support, experiences and vent; however we do not allow posts to contain the name of a doctor if there is a negative comment. Thank you again
