Hope is the belief that a positive outcome lies ahead. For many cancer patients, hope can be difficult to find, let alone hold onto. As a person embarks on their fight against cancer, he or she may hope for different things at different times. When diagnosed with cancer, one probably hopes that their treatment is successful and that their cancer will go into remission. When patients endure countless doctor’s office visits and chemotherapy treatments, they may hope for the strength needed to carry on.
In the United States, an estimated 1.7 million new cancer cases are diagnosed annually. With an increasing number of cancer patients each year, pharmacists can play a vital role in the lives of both patients and family members. Through explaining how the medications work, reviewing what side effects might occur, reinforcing how the medications are to be taken, and explaining to patients what their insurance covers, pharmacists are involved in much of the patient care process. Most importantly, pharmacists are in a great position to provide positivity, support, and genuine care to all patients. Through our care for patients, we can help patients find hope.
This past Friday, April 13, 2018, students and faculty from the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy participated in Relay for Life, where we came alongside our community in raising funds for the American Cancer Society. Through the support of our students, faculty, friends, and family, the college was able to raise nearly $2,500 for cancer research. We would like to thank our team captains Matthew Berry and Caroline Gordon for their leadership and organization as our college vastly exceed our fundraising goal. Finally, we would like to thank a few of our faculty members — Dr. Bookstaver, Dr. Sutton, Dr. Pittman, and Dr. Norris — for their support and impact on this event.
Hope is living with courage and confidence, not fear. Don’t lose hope. When the sun goes down, the stars come out.
Penny Boldrey, cancer survivor