Why I Joined a Clinical Trial

At the very first mention of my cancer diagnosis, all I could think of was “How do I beat this…what’s my best course of action?” A clinical trial was the answer. I had never heard of Multiple Myeloma, so I wasn’t real confident that there would be a trial for me to join. I was so relieved when there was. How could one not benefit from constant monitoring and undergoing extra testing? I have done extremely well and have had no setbacks. I don’t know if I would be in the same spot if it weren’t for the trial. I am so thankful for the doctors and researchers that work tirelessly toward a cure.

I participated in a clinical trial because I want to help pave the way in research for others to have the opportunity to live comfortably, proudly and happily.  Our cancer does not define us -we CAN control our lives.  This research helped me and I know that it will help many others out there gain strength and relief.

After seeing what my own family went through with cancer, I’m blessed to have the opportunity to make other people’s lives better. I’m a lifelong blood donor too, so I’m always looking for ways to give of myself to help others.

We chose to participate in a clinical trial to give our daughter the best chance of survival and to help find better treatment options for future kids diagnosed with neuroblastoma. ~ Makenna Lai's Mother

I enrolled in the trial, in part, because I wanted to be able to tell my future patients that, when given the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial, I did so. If I was fortunate enough to survive my malignancy, I felt that my personal involvement in a clinical trial strengthened my endorsement of clinical trial participation for my future patients. Patients should know that the focus of cancer-related investigation extends beyond traditional cancer-related endpoints and into the control of cancer- and treatment-related symptoms.

I participated to hopefully help others with the research and to prolong my life.

I was the first patient who Dr. Abraham enrolled on the NSABP B-31 clinical trial (chemo vs chemo + Trastuzumab in HER-2 positive breast cancer). I am grateful to him for presenting me with the opportunity to join the study 20 years ago in March 2001 and that I had the courage to participate, as I continue to do well to this day. This clinical trial ended up changing the landscape of treatment for future patients with breast cancer.

I give back so no one else has to suffer.

I volunteer because my grandmother died of cancer… I want to help.

There are many ways we can create a legacy for our family. There are even fewer opportunities to create a legacy for humanity. Participating in clinical trials gives us a chance to do both.

I was lucky enough to participate in a clinical trial, and I would definitely do it again. It’s the reason I’m standing here today.

When I was diagnosed at age 45 with breast cancer, I chose to participate in a trial (178 miles away) because I wanted to be part of something bigger – something beyond myself.  I am grateful for the volunteers that came before me and I am honored to have played a part in moving research forward.