On Monday, June 17th, Frank Kalman, founder and executive director of the Kids Cancer Research Foundation (KCRF), provided Rotary Santa Maria South with a touching presentation about the organization and the family struggles with pediatric cancer which inspired it. A result of years of dealing with the medical bureaucracy surrounding cancer diagnosis and treatment led Kalman to found an organization to help fund pediatric research and assist other families in navigating the medical and social services systems so critical to the pediatric patient.

 

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KCRF targets neuroblastoma, the pediatric cancer from which his daughter has survived four relapses, with the hope that research and treatment options supported will help with other cancers, as well. Kalman shared some startling statistics about pediatric cancer: that only 2% of cancer research funding goes to pediatric cancer, that normal treatment options for pediatric cancer patients has not changed since the 1970s, and that pediatric patients diagnosed with cancer have only a 30% chance of survival. Kalman urged club members challenged by cancer in their families to visit cancer family blogs, as well as the KCRF website for tips and support. He also suggested that the most important "first actions" when faced with a cancer diagnosis of any kind is to: get an early firm diagnosis by obtaining a second or even third opinion by respected specialists, then follow that up by seeking treatment designed by the "best in class" specialists from the major cancer center dealing in that particular type of cancer, coordinating that treatment with one's local physician.