Prestigious Award for Tony C

Tony, congrats.

Wow,
Thank you all. Some very, very kind words here. While I was seeing the posts since Jim posted the information, I wanted to respond with what it means. But I have taken three days off of work to work on a teleconference panel on the prostate cancer research grants from the DoD and the ethics required my fullest commitment to that panel. So no posting elsewhere.

First what I received is a nomination and election to ASCO as a Affiliated Heath Professional. What it means is I am a Patient Advocate for two major institutional organizations ~ ASCO and SWOG. As I said to them ~ professional? where's the professional monies? There is none. My nominators were Evan Yu from the University of Washington, Mark Garzotto from the University of Oregon Health and Sciences Center, and Nicholas Vogelzang, my own physician from the Comprehensive Cancer Center of Nevada. To them I am grateful, not just for the role in this great Society, but for their continued mentorship and friendship. There are other physicians that are also working with me doing clinical trials research that have also played a role in developing me to be able to work at that level.

My first order of business at ASCO, I am a full colleague and I have voting capabilities on board members that is due today. Moving ahead, I also have full access to all slide decks, libraries, training videos, webinars, and can serve on committees. Some of these things I previously had restricted access to but that has been lifted.

It all started in my urologists office with a diagnosis that changed my life. Then I came here and really began to understand the life of a prostate cancer survivor, a life that I would have to live. Then it migrated to being a student to all of you. Some of you may agree with things I have to say and some of you may not agree. But that's the way it is among these great researchers and oncologists so it makes perfect sense that if they don't all agree about things, then we should not expect to either.

This role does not affect anything really, I am just Tony. I make mistakes, and I work to learn and be open to learning at all times. I just now have a membership ID card in my wallet and a nice certificate on the wall.

I dedicate this to all of you, the survivors and care givers of a hideous disease. Ethics are a very important thing to me and an oath taken is all about it. I have to state disclosures and I have none to state as I have never been paid to do work in this field. This will change when we adjourn tomorrow. The federal government will issue a small 1k check to me for consulting this past month. If you calculate the hours on it, I might have done better at McDonalds. But at least I know that the work produces better results than a Quarter pounder with cheese.

As far as COI's? There are none, and there never were any.

Thank you again,

Peace and Love to you all.

Tony

Wow, congratulations Tony. How cool is that? This is a well deserved honor.

You're obviously unaware of the curative power of a Quarter Pounder with cheese, but we'll save that for another thread!

Jazzman I think the Quarter pounder with cheese will assure a need for this great physicians Society for years to come.

I want to add that if I do not take advantage of the tools I've been granted here then I am a fool. The recognition is great but what I do with it forward is what is important. I believe at all times I must remain a volunteer. These professionals recognize that and will return it in kind. That's valuable to have in my pocket. I can make a living doing what I do as an engineer and in management and be happy that I am lucky to be a telecommunications professional first. Heck I think I'm lucky to be alive after this diagnosis. I view my best abilities as I see you folks here ~ powerful computer users. I mean just look at this website. It's nothing without folks using their computers to seek help, to share experiences, to mentor others that need it.

I know so many here that can qualify for these opportunities and I think I'd like to rally them for this cause.

Be aware I may try to do so.

Tony

 Congratulations.

Tony, this is so amazing. And well deserved. Congratulations.

Rock on Tony and Congratulations for being honored in  such an awesome way.

I miss you here in the forum as I used to follow you around especially when my hubby had Prostate Cancer.  Keep on doing what makes you happy and volunteering is truly your special  niche.

Kindly,

Kitt

 

Tony,

What a fantastic honor! Thanks for all you`ve done for the cause.

1snake

You are the poster child on how this disease may have made you into a better man.

Paul

Hi Tony,

Congratulations! Keep up the good work!

All the best,

Joe.

Tony, I'm playing some catch-up here, but really want to congratulate you on this well deserved accomplishment. You bring a tremendous amount value to this site, and all that you do for PC, Thank You!