Steve Twiss was at the Relay for Life in June when he got the call.
The Central City, Neb., attorney had just lit candles for his godfather, who died earlier this year, and two uncles. He also had lit candles for two friends and his father-in-law — all cancer survivors.
“I told him he could light a candle for me,” said Jan Twiss, Ph.D., an associate professor of nursing at the UNMC College of Nursing.
As a researcher who has studied the effects of exercise intervention and bone loss on breast cancer survivors, Dr. Twiss was familiar with the American Cancer Society. But, it wasn’t until after her own breast cancer diagnosis this past June that she discovered the full range of resources available through the organization.
“You never ever are prepared to hear those words,” Dr. Twiss said. “It changes your life in a big way and you have to make decisions quite rapidly.”
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Jan Twiss, Ph.D., displays some of the books the American Cancer Society provided that helped her cope with breast cancer. |
“It is a wonderful organization to support those with cancer,” Dr. Twiss said. “I had no idea what kinds of resources they had available for the public. It was an eye-opening experience.”
The resources went well beyond research dollars and Web sites with information, Dr. Twiss said. They had free hats and wigs for cancer patients, gas mileage stipends for those traveling more than 50 miles for treatment and cancer literature that addressed most every question. They also had storybooks for children that explained cancer — exactly what Dr. Twiss wanted after her 8-year-old granddaughter asked: “Grammy, do you have cancer?”
“The books were wonderful resources to help them understand what it meant to have breast cancer,” Dr. Twiss said. “I was beginning to lose my hair, so we talked about how Grammy was wishing for hair for Christmas and what color it would be.”
Her 6-year-old grandson was curious about her wig and both children initiated a hat parade.
Dr. Twiss also supports the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Nebraska Affiliate, which provides services to the women of Nebraska. UNMC also was among the recipients of last year’s proceeds.
“Susan G. Komen for the Cure exists to end breast cancer forever and the funds raised helps the next generation of women, including my daughter, Heather, and granddaughter, Morgan,” Dr. Twiss said.
Dr. Twiss said she was honored when several of her students made a contribution in her name and two College of Nursing staff members walked for her in the recent (Oct. 5) Relay for Life.
“The money that Koman has provided for research grants and all the American Cancer Society has done for me has been wonderful. It’s money well given,” Dr. Twiss said. “You can’t put a cost on what I get from these two organizations.”
Dr. Twiss already plans to participate in next year’s Relay for Life. “I hope to walk next year and most definitely, I’m going to be a survivor. I’m most determined about that.”