Immersion - A Kingdom Paradigm Shift Towards Healthcare

As we examine the faces and voices of cancer survivorship, we see many disparities-disparities in age, ethnicity, literacy and socioeconomic status. Consider this compelling statistic: approximately 77% of all cancers are now diagnosed in people age 55 and older. Too many of those diagnosed are culturally and economically undeserved-both uninsured and under insured. The 2000 Census figures indicate that there are 35 million Americans aged 65 or older, a 12% increase. It is projected that by 2030, one in five people will be age 65 or older. Our aging population is significant because cancer occurrence increases with age.

Childhood Cancer Survivors

At the other end of the scale, while childhood cancers are rare, the number of childhood cancer survivors is increasing a NCI reports that the number of childhood cancer survivors now exceeds 300,000. "Research is revealing that your survivors, depending on their disease and its treatment, may be left with serious problems with reproduction, osteoporosis, heart functioning ans second cancers."

Who are Advocates

We are all cancer advocates - ourselves, our families, friends, health care professionals, and caregivers. In fact this represents all illness categories. it is anyone taking the necessary steps to play an active role as an informed, communicative decision maker about treatment and quality of life after a cancer diagnosis. It is anyone reading and using the suggestions that "Immersion" offers. It is anyone advocating on behalf of themselves, or others, at the personal, community, state or national level. We are part of a growing constituency of people living with, through and beyond cancer.

Many excellent cancer organizations play a role in advocating for individuals with cancer. Many of them also fund research, provide professional and patient education, and/or offer support services. These organizations are principally governed by physicians and professional caregivers and have a very important voice in the cancer community and without.

The origins of "Immersion" are different and at the same time, similar to many of the patient advocacy organizations that provide information, support and advocacy on public issues for specific types of cancer, such as breast, prostate, ovarian, lung, colorectal, leukemia an lymphoma. Most organizations that deal with specific cancers were founded by individuals (and/or their caregivers) who were diagnosed with these specific types of cancer. However, "Immersion" was founded by a combination of the above and individuals who share a strong conviction to serving humanity (Kingdom).

We are building a network of relationships. While it involves prayer, counsel, visits and assistance, it is centered on bringing God's hope to patients and their caregivers, family and friends. This requires an understanding of the impact of cancer, how people react to it and how God has called His people to respond. Above all, it requires us to have within ourselves and unfeigned hope that we can take to those in need.

When it comes cancer care and support (e.g. systems, groups etc.) services this requires unique insights, both into the disease and into God's Word.

The executive director put it like this " In difficult times and trying times, God's answer is often a gift of hope."

Hope is God's plan for each of us. But cancer can bring fear, and it test everyone affected by it. The need for someone to bring them news of hope has never been greater than it is today.

Your voice matters, share a testimony of encouragement, or strength, faith, love or courage. It will inspire others to press towards their mark.

#1Millionsurvivalstories #iSurvived2020