Fighting Cancer, One Step at a Time
In Houston, Texas, Lynce Lucas stands as a symbol of resilience and hope. Diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2017, a type of blood cancer that disproportionately affects Black Americans, Lynce's journey began with a sudden loss of mobility—a stark reminder of the disease's impact on her body.
Cancer's Disproportionate Impact on the Black Community
Cancer strikes the Black community with alarming severity. Multiple myeloma is not only more common but also deadlier in Black Americans compared to other ethnic groups. The disparities extend further:
- Black women face a higher mortality rate from breast cancer.
- Black individuals are often diagnosed with late-stage colorectal and lung cancer, drastically reducing their chances of survival.
Turning Battle into Mission
Despite these grim statistics, Lynce has transformed her battle into a mission. She has endured:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Stem cell transplant
Her journey has been arduous, yet it has granted her a new perspective on life.
"Living with cancer gives you a heightened awareness of life." — Lynce Lucas
Advocacy and Impact
Lynce's advocacy work is making a tangible difference. She:
- Volunteers to support others with blood cancer.
- Serves on the Pfizer Multiple Myeloma Patient Steering Committee, ensuring Pfizer's efforts are informed by those living with the disease.
Lynce's insights and enthusiasm have made her an invaluable member of the committee.
"I find as I give back, I get more in return." — Lynce Lucas
Systemic Support and Community Involvement
Lynce's story underscores the need for systemic support and community involvement in addressing health disparities. Pfizer is taking steps to promote health equity through partnerships with advocacy organizations.
Partnership with HealthTree for Multiple Myeloma
- HealthTree Coaches, experienced patients and caregivers, provide personalized support, education, and guidance.
- HealthTree University empowers patients with knowledge to promote better outcomes.
Beyond Statistics: Real People, Real Stories
Cancer affects real people, not just statistics. Lynce's journey is a powerful reminder of this. In addition to community support efforts, Pfizer has partnered with the American Cancer Society to include the American Cancer Society CancerRisk360 assessment on PfizerForAll.com. This tool helps individuals understand their cancer risk factors and take proactive steps to manage their health.