CR Magazine launched at the AACR Annual Meeting

AACR 97th Annual Meeting

At a festive reception on Friday, March 31st in the Reagan Building in Washington D.C. CR: A Magazine About People and Progress in Cancer was launched by the American Association for Cancer Research to provide a consumer-friendly magazine for cancer survivors, advocates, doctors, and scientists, working together.  The premier issue of the magazine featured a double cover spread of 16 cancer survivors from 6 year old Mark Criscito to George Ann Garrison who is 71.  Their survival stories are a highlight of the first issue.

Two colorectal cancer patients, Ray Beckler and Kate Murphy, are among the cover “stars.”

Articles in the first issue of CR include The Pathway to Better Care, a review of how clinical trials improve patient outcomes written by deputy editor Jessica Gorman and an essay Loaded Language written by CR Editor Gwen Darien and advocate Musa Mayer.  There are profiles of very special survivors and advocates, and a supportive essay for caregivers in addition to information about current cancer research.

The editorial staff, part of the AACR Survivor and Advocates Program, writes:

CR magazine’s mission is to strengthen collaborations and communications among cancer survivors, patient advocates, physicians and scientists, with the goal of accelerating the prevention and cure of cancer.

CR will provide a forum for sharing essential, evidence-based information and perspectives on cancer research advocacy and survivorship.

Some personal reflections on the CR magazine launch party —

What a marvelous time we had at the launch.  All of the survivors on the cover were invited to come to Washington to be part of the evening.  It was great to see friends that I made on that busy and laugh-filled day in New York when our pictures were taken.  It was a bit startling to come into the room and see my picture on a tall, almost life-sized poster. Survivor pictures were everywhere.

When we were introduced as a group, the cameras and camera phones started clicking again.  Once again I had little Mark Criscito snuggled under my hand.  (look for Mark and me on the cover) Seeing Mark again was a highlight of the evening.  He was there with his family,who sought me out so Mark could give me a hug and proudly sign my copy of CR.

Both Mark and I — the little boy and the slightly-more-than-middle-aged lady— are cancer-free today  This disease, for all its pain and sorrow, can be beaten!