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One Man's Journey: Bobby Smith Proves That One Man Can Make A
Difference
Bobby Smith
is Executive Vice President of
“Susie’s Cause,”
a grass roots organization dedicated to finding a cure for colon
cancer. Black Men In America.com's Gary Johnson caught up with
Bobby for this exclusive interview.
BMIA.com:
What prompted you to get involved with the Colon Cancer foundation?
Bobby Smith:
I grew up with Susan and was very close to her older sister and her
family and I have a great amount of respect for David, her father, the
Foundation President. When I researched and learned that the disease
was the second leading cancer killer of men and women and yet 90%
preventable, I knew I had to make it happen.
BMIA.com:
What were you doing before you got involved with Susie’s Cause?
Bobby Smith:
For the last 10 years I have been President of an international
marketing company and doing consulting.
BMIA.com:
Can you give us a few facts about black men and colon cancer?
Bobby Smith:
There is a particularly high incidence of Colorectal Cancer in the Black
community. In fact, mortality rates for African Americans are the
highest out of any racial or ethnic group with Colorectal Cancer –
NCI’s SEER Cancer Statistics Review and NCHS public use data file for
the Total U.S.).
BMIA.com:
Tell us about Susie’s Cause?
Bobby Smith:
Grass roots focused on stopping this disease 90% preventable and helping
the patients and families battling it.
BMIA.com:
Who were some of the people who inspired you?
Bobby Smith:
Susan/Mike Milken Many of the patients and family members I speak with
each day.
BMIA.com:
I believe that one person can make a difference in the lives of others.
Do you feel that you are making a difference?
Bobby Smith:
Absolutely! Every day across all lines of race and gender we are
educating people on screening and early detection. Through our media
and various partnerships, like this one, we are reaching millions of
people every month. Through our website, #1 in the world in our
industry we are providing valuable information, guidance and support for
those in need.
BMIA.com:
Have you noticed a difference in how the black community reacts when it
comes to getting folks out to the doctor to get consistent medical
treatment?
Bobby Smith:
Yes, my personal experience from my black coleagues is that that black
women pride themselves on their strength and might not seek treatment
immediately and that black men are less inclined to want to visit their
primary care physician much less a GI doctor or colorectal surgeon for a
colonoscopy.
BMIA.com:
You’re a very passionate white guy who is very active in educating the
black community about the risks of colon cancer. Has the fact that you
are white and male been an obstacle in connecting with people?
Bobby Smith:
Absolutely not. The black leaders, like you, that I have spoken with
have not only embraced the message, but more important acted upon it
immediately. Perhaps they even appreciate the very fact that we would
be so focused on the black population. And I got a lot of soul!
BMIA.com:
What’s the biggest challenge that you face in educating people about
colon cancer?
Bobby Smith:
The myths:
That it is a man's disease. It is an equal
killer of men and women.
The prep for the colonoscopy. It is one
evening of cleaning out your system. We've all had the flu. If they
cannot afford the colonoscopy there are other very advanced tests to
detect colon cancer and even genetic testing available.
The test itself. It's 20 minutes. No pain.
You will wake up typically asking when it will begin.
Most common symptoms. No symptoms at all!
It can strike down younger people 10% of the
time.
·
Weight loss
·
Fatigue
·
Rectal bleeding
·
Diarreah
·
Difficulty going to the
bathroom
·
Stomach cramping
BMIA.com:
How do you measure success?
Bobby Smith:
One person at a time. How do you measure a life. Or the pain, the loss
of love and guidance to children and grandchildren that 90% of the time
should not have happened. There are enough bad things out there that
cannot be prevented.
BMIA.com:
It seems that you work around the clock for the foundation. What have
you learned since being involved with the Susie’s Cause?
Bobby Smith:
That great work truly can be blessed.
BMIA.com:
What’s the biggest health issue concerning black men today?
Bobby Smith:
I believe in some aspects the same issues that face all men today.
Diet - too many traps and bad patterns. Exercise - There is
no substitute. Pace - not taking the time to chill and
appreciate the good moments in each day.
There are some myths out there. My brilliant
primary care physician told me many years ago that a great deal of
exposure to disease is the fat around the waistline. Many men fool
themselves that because they can still run up and down a court or do
whatever they do that they are cool. That because they have no fat on
their legs or arms it's OK. Or the best one, that their gut is solid as
a rock.
BMIA.com:
How can family members help men get tested?
Bobby Smith:
Whatever it takes. There are ways to get to a man do what you want-
ladies! And children, guilt works!
BMIA.com:
What advice do you have for people to maintain good health?
Bobby Smith:
We lose the weight, exercise, chill out a bit and we do away with most
of the most common diseases. Not only that but when we feel better, our
clothes fit better. We are more proud and confident in ourselves. We
sleep better; therefore, we have more energy. Our work improves, we
become better spouses, lovers, parents, and even friends. We even set
an example for our children, co-workers, and members of our church and
community. The greatest joy might even be the sense of accomplishment;
because if you can do this, you can do anything. The price is so small
and the rewards are so great, and the journey is exhilarating.
Colorectal Cancer
Within The African American Community
“The heart is the only major organ that
cancer can not attack”—Susan Cohan Kasdas
“Where No One Has Gone Before”
Susie’s Cause
Works to Understand and Battle The Greater Incidence Of Colorectal
Cancer Within The African American Community
“Susie’s Cause”
Executive Vice President, Bobby Smith, is honored to begin a long-term
partnership with Black Men In America.com. “When I met with Gary
Johnson, Founder and Publisher of the company I knew that we had an
incredible opportunity to partner in the Foundation's on-going works
against Colorectal Cancer.”
There is a particularly high incidence of
Colorectal Cancer in the Black community. In fact, mortality rates for
African Americans are the highest out of any racial or ethnic group (out
of 100,000 African American Men approximately 34.3% on average are
diagnosed per year, out of 100,000 African American Women approximately
24.5% on average are diagnosed per year with Colorectal Cancer – NCI’s
SEER Cancer Statistics Review and NCHS public use data file for the
Total U.S.). It is important, therefore, for the Foundation to
connect with professional associations or organizations that could make
an impact through education; thereby preventing the occurrence of this
disease.
“Black Men In America.com is exactly
the type of group that can make a difference,” says Mr. Smith. “I thank
Mr. Johnson for making it possible for me to speak about the
Foundation’s work.” Susie’s Cause
also looks forward to forging a growing partnership with Gary and his
organization to expand its educational programs for this demographic
since the need is so great. “We need to teach about early screening,
lifestyle and dietary changes, and try to provide assistance where there
may be a financial and emotional need.”
Learn About Susie’s Cause
Susie’s Story:
A short time ago, Susan Cohan Kasdas
succumbed to a two-year battle with Colon Cancer. Susan was forty-two
years old and left behind two beautiful children, a loving family and
countless adoring friends. She dreamed of starting a foundation to
educate adults of all ages about the dangers of Colon Cancer. She did
not want any other families to experience the pain that hers had
endured.
Susan did not live long enough to fulfill her
dream, but in recognition of her courage, dignity, and her strong
vision, the Susan Cohan Kasdas
Foundation, Inc. (Susie’s Cause)
was born and began development of its outreach programs in November
2004.
The Colon Cancer Reality:
Last year alone, over 56,000 people died of
Colorectal Cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer related
deaths of men and women in our society. The numbers are devastatingly
sad and are partially due to the lack of comfort about discussing the
disease and target organ, the large bowel. The encouraging truth is
that this disease is over 90% curable when detected and treated early.
Susie’s Cause
At Work:
Susie’s Cause
is a national grass roots organization headquartered in Baltimore that
is rapidly expanding and establishing itself as the voice of Colon
Cancer nationally and internationally. The Foundation is
striving to eliminate Colon Cancer as a life threatening disease through
the development and the dissemination of educational programs focused on
prevention, early screening and detection, and aggressive therapeutic
intervention. “This has been a rewarding journey for our Foundation and
we are already making a difference in the lives of many”, says Smith.
Our Programs:
In 2005,
Susie’s Cause
has launched two programs. “SAVE OUR
PARENTS”, educates and stimulates high school and college students to
promote early cancer screening amongst their adult families:
“This interactive educational program is a
mini medical school specifically designed for high school students,”
says David E. Stein, MD, the Foundation’s Director of Education. “The
focus of the program is to provide students a thorough understanding of
all aspects of Colorectal Cancer and empower them to educate their
parents on the benefits of Colorectal Cancer screening.”
First, the Foundation educates the teachers
through a “Teach the Teachers Program”. They provide the teachers with
literature about Colon Cancer; depending on the scenario they may also
provide a small lecture. Then the teachers of the classes participating,
typically Senior High and College Students, perform a preliminary lesson
on Colon Cancer and the importance of screening with their students.
The program is very hands-on. The students
that are selected to participate in Save our Parents are provided
with a talk on Colon Cancer and screening from a local
Gastroenterologist or Colorectal Surgeon. The students then have the
opportunity to utilize state-of-the-art equipment and perform cutting
edge procedures in the classroom through our ongoing partnership with
Olympus. “It’s pretty amazing, the kids actually perform colonoscopies
on fabricated colons, using the same equipment I use at the hospital,”
said Dr. Michael Page of the Iowa Clinic during the launch of the
program in Des Moines, Iowa this fall.
“Our hope is that as the kids learn about
the procedure and its importance it will de-stigmatize the concept of
colonoscopy and Colorectal Cancer screening”, says Smith. Every student
is given take-home literature to discuss with their parents and a
questionnaire to bring back to the school so the Foundation can quantify
whom they are reaching and the impact of the program overall. “The
result, we hope, is that each child will make an emotional contract with
their Moms and Dads, Aunts and Uncles, Grandparents, other family
members and friends to go and have a screening/colonoscopy,” says Smith.
Most inspiring is making a difference not
only in the suburban areas, but in the inner cities themselves e.g.
Baltimore, South Florida, Philadelphia, Columbia, and Puerto Rico, much
of which have a higher population of African Americans or mixed ethnic
groups. Those are the families in need of being educated, so they can
get screened early and prevent the disease. The Foundation is making a
difference in these communities, and has been asked to return to many of
the schools.
Our “SHARING, CARING and SURVIVING
SYMPOSIUM”, provides an on-going support system for patients and
families that are battling Colon Cancer. The “SYMPOSIUM” will be brought
city to city providing education and comfort via teams of leading
medical professionals, institutions and therapists.
There is much excitement about reaching the
masses through the Foundation’s media sponsor COMCAST who has partnered
with them nationally and on local levels to support and to introduce
their visionary and life altering programs.
Susie’s Cause
and its programs have been featured via TV spots on CNN Headline News,
and have attracted local media attention in many markets as well.
Future Endeavors:
“Susie’s Cause has accomplished so very much
in their first year, reaching many through their programs, media
coverage, and industry leading web site. They have built an impressive
Board of Directors. In their commitment to battle the occurrence of
Colon Cancer in 2006, they will be expanding their existing programs
even further, while creating new venues to reach the masses.” We are
excited to be a vital part of that expansion says Mr. Johnson.
Our projects will include:
v
“Companies That Care About Colon
Cancer” will provide cost effective solutions for employees to undergo
early screening.
v
Create a Primary Care Physician
Colorectal Cancer Workshop – In depth education will be provided to the
Primary Care Physician on the importance of early screening as
prevention.
v
Grow the “Save Our Parents” Program
with the assistance of professionals/organizations like yourselves, who
will help them reach out to schools and colleges all over the country
and assist them in making contacts.
v
Expand the “Save Our Parents” program
with an element that focus’s on using the Internet e.g. E-mail
Campaigns, Instant Messaging to reach more family and friends; perhaps
create incentives for doing this.
v
Build a contact base of Volunteers,
Professionals etc to launch
Susie’s Cause chapters nationwide.
v
Nominate Doctors, medical offices,
surgical centers, and hospitals to participate on our board, provide
opportunities for research, and support our programs.
v
Expand our “Sharing Caring, and
Surviving Colon Cancer Symposium” to provide a support network
nationally and eventually internationally.
A very important goal, says Smith, “Is to be
opportunistic and align ourselves with strong leaders like Mr. Johnson,
those who care about this cause or have been touched by it, that will
help us in our journey to battle the disease. This goes beyond the
professionals in the field, it reaches into the community and to our
children; we must educate to eliminate Colorectal Cancer.”
In order to reach the next level and
continue to bring this program into neighborhoods across the Country we
need your help. Please visit our website for donations to ensure that
we reach our goals. For more information about bringing our programs to
your company or your city please email me at
bobby@coloncancerfoundation.org.
We are always in search of committed individuals of varied backgrounds
and expertise to assist us in our Foundation’s works, programs, and
chapters.
Please visit our web site at:
www.coloncancerfoundation.org.
We would like to extend a special thank you
to Bobby Smith, Executive Vice President, of
Susie's Cause.
Susie’s Cause
is a national grass-roots organization
headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, that is rapidly expanding and
establishing itself as the voice of Colon Cancer nationally and
internationally. The Foundation is striving to eliminate Colon
Cancer as a life threatening disease through the development and the
dissemination of educational programs focused on prevention, early
screening and detection, and aggressive therapeutic intervention.
An Interview with Dr. Marilyn Hughes Gaston
and Dr. Gayle K. Porter authors of the book
Prime Time: The African American Woman’s
Complete Guide to Midlife Health and Wellness
This is the first time that this web site has
featured a book that has garnered such widespread praise and acclaim as
Prime Time: The African American
Woman’s Complete Guide to Midlife Health and Wellness.
Drs. Marilyn Hughes Gaston, M.D and Dr. Gayle
K. Porter, Psy.D., have written one of the most comprehensive books on
black women’s health. This book is well written, well researched and
flat out inspiring. When it comes to finding a literature about the
health and wellness of black women, this is “One Book” on black women’s
health issues.
The resources and charts throughout the 500
plus pages are invaluable. The key to this book is that it is “user
friendly,” and addresses the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of
women. I believe the utility of this book will save lives.
As a man, I found the book very informative
and gave it to my wife to read. She read it and purchased additional
copies of the book and gave them to her friends as a gift. They read
the book and gave it to their friends as a gift. Folks, this is a great
book. I’m telling you, I am more knowledgeable and hopefully more
sensitive about women’s health issues as a result of reading this book.
Dr. Maryiln H. Gaston
is a former Assistant Surgeon General of the United States who is
internationally recognized for her work in combating sickle cell
disease. As a primary care pediatrician with a subspecialty in
ambulatory pediatrics, she has devoted her career to serving the
underserved.
Dr. Gayle K. Porter
is a licensed clinical psychologist. She is currently a Principal
Research Analyst and a Senior Mental Health Advisor for the Technical
Assistance Partnership (TAP) of The American Institutes for Research.
Dr. Porter has served on the faculties of Johns Hopkins’ Child and
Adolescent Psychiatry Department and Howard University .
Both doctors have a lifelong commitment to
black women’s health and wellness and happily agreed to be interviewed
for this web site. We hope that after reading this interview you will
be inspired to purchase their book and read it. You should then share
what you’ve learned with the important people in your life.
For more on these two fabulous ladies and
their work, read our interview with them below:
Interview with Dr. Marilyn Hughes Gaston and
Dr. Gayle K. Porter authors of the book
Prime Time: The African American Woman’s
Complete Guide to Midlife Health and Wellness
BMIA.com:
How did you two meet and what motivated you to write a book like this?
Drs. Gaston and Porter:
We have been friends for 25 years and met
initially around our shared interest in sickle cell disease. We were
motivated to write the book because of our mutual interest and concern
about the physical and emotional health of African American women. We
both have been outraged with the disparities we have watched over the
years (Dr. Gaston as a physician and Dr. Porter as a clinical
psychologist) and decided to write the book to assist women make
important lifestyle changes to save their own lives. We knew that we
needed a revolution to change the status of our health.
BMIA.com:
How long did it take you to write the book?
Drs. Gaston and Porter:
It took us 4 years to research, hold focus
groups, conduct surveys, and write the book.
BMIA.com:
Who were some of the people who inspired you?
Drs. Gaston and Porter:
The people who inspired us were first and
foremost the women in our personal lives, our mothers, and extended
family members, friends and then the women with whom we came in contact
over the years as we lectured and held workshops - especially the women
we interviewed in the focus groups before we wrote the book.
BMIA.com:
How much of your personal life is reflected in your work?
Drs. Gaston and Porter:
A great deal of our personal life is reflected
in our work. Our personal health stories are included throughout the
book and also our personalities are reflected in it - our spirituality,
our humor, our love for people (see the women's stories) and our belief
that we can change these statistics and eliminate the disparities.
BMIA.com:
How does it feel to see your book getting such great reviews?
Drs. Gaston and Porter:
It feels great to receive the reviews -
especially the recent ESSENCE recognition. However, we feel even better
when the women themselves tell us how the book has changed their lives.
e.g. "This book has given me an epiphany", "This book is my Bible", "I
have two books on my nightstand - The Bible and Prime Time." We feel
very privileged and blessed by God to have the opportunity to make such
a difference in the lives of our sisters.
BMIA.com:
Did you make a conscious decision to give the book a “spiritual flavor”
or is that just my interpretation?
Drs. Gaston and Porter:
We made a conscious decision to have a
"spiritual flavor" because we know that wellness and wholeness exists
when physical health, emotional health and spiritual health are
integrated. Please visit our website: primetimesister.com to see our
logo which speaks to this fact. The data are accumulating which
document that spiritual wellness is a very important part of our
over-all health. The importance of prayer and its impact on our health
should be unquestioned at this point. The data show that living a
spiritual life decreases deaths by at least 30% and maybe the percentage
is greater.
We hope all readers understand the importance of spiritual health from
the book and begin to focus on this aspect of their lives.
BMIA.com:
Why did you focus a lot of attention on the mental health perspective,
especially the spiritual side?
Drs. Gaston and Porter:
We focused on the mental health perspective
for the following and above reasons. The mind-body connection is too
powerful to be ignored. Stress, Depression, Anxiety all can cause and
are caused by clear physical and chronic diseases - heart disease,
hypertension, diabetes, cancer, stroke, and on and on.
BMIA
