When we walk this world as a pilgrim we are in search of answers. Sometimes the questions are those of an inner nature, emotional or spiritual. Other times the questions are very pragmatic, especially when facing a life-altering diagnosis. The questions that rise to the surface are related to research, treatment options and new frontiers.
It’s important to know about the researchers who are working on your particular health issue. Become familiar with their names and talk about them. It’s important to increase their name recognition because that brings attention to the work their doing and down the road can result in increased funding for research.
There are some great men like Dr. Judah Folkman who prefer to be quiet heroes. They don’t like to be in the spotlight and deflect the attention from individual attention to repositioning himself as part of a collaborative. His work in cancer research is heralded as ground breaking and the foundation upon which much of today’s research is based and yet his humanity always shined through.
In a recent Newsweek article, following Folkman’s recent death the article referred to his tenacity when facing scientific skepticism. They go on to share the fun other scientists had with his ideas, almost in a mocking fashion. But the tides would turn and researchers would come to understand not only the plausibility of his work, but the realization that his work could and would be the epicenter of treatment coming down the pike.
The article shares a great quote from Folkman about the asking questions to get ahead. He said, “You have to think ahead, Science goes where you imagine it.” So give the researchers working on your behalf the honor they’re due. You can always find out about the work by logging on to the associations and organizations that support your health issue. Become a pilgrim and find your own soap box. The result down the road can be great findings that can improve your health and the quality of your life.
Pilgrim Pathway/Surviving Strong 