Vince Papale Comes to Geisinger for Colon Cancer Awareness Month

Vince  Papale, whose life story came to the big screen in the movie Invincible by Walt Disney Pictures, kicked off Colon Cancer Awareness Month this past weekend at Geisinger Medical Center. Papale was diagnosed with Stage 1 colon cancer 10 years ago and is now advocate for early screening.

Around 4 years ago, I was involved in the Central Susquehanna Colon Cancer Task Force.  Our group was involved in advocacy and tried to promote one project per year toward advocacy and awareness of colon cancer screening.  Bringing Papale to the Central Susquehanna Valley was on the drawing board for our group, but sponsorship was at a minimum.   However, a phone call to me this past fall by the American Cancer Society indicated that there was interest in the project again.  I gave ACS the information on contacting Papale and along with the Geisinger Medical Center, the project came to be this past weekend.

Papale, who spoke for an hour, was able to incorporate his life story and how it relates to cancer survival.  Papale spoke about his fathers hauling "bootleg coal" from Mount Carmel in the 1930's and also mentioned local Super Bowl champion, Henry Hynoski twice in his speech.

A touching moment came when Papale talked about his mother who suffered from mental illness and treatment in that field was light years away from what it is now.  Papale when talking about his mother and father and two coaches in his life, spoke clearly from his heart.  From observing the interaction with his wife Janet, she is his rock.

After the talk and ensuing panel discussion, both Vince and Janet Papale were able to sign their book, Be Invincible for the crowd.  While waiting in line, a woman told me that her 13-year old son lost his colon a day before due to ulcerative colitis.  She said the Papale's visited and spent time with him in the Janet Weis Children's Hospital.  Although I had an idea a few years ago which took the help of others to get done, I still have a smile on my face. 

It is the one boy lying in hospital bed that a man and woman like Vince and Janet Papale could inspire to dream and give hope to...........Be Invincible!!!!!!!!!

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month.  Colon Cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer but one of the most curable with early detection.  Getting tested is the key.  If you have a family history of the disease or are approaching your 50th birthday please talk to your family doctor.

My friend Erika from Snyder County once again graces the cover of the Colondar. 

On Saturday, March 3rd, colon cancer survivor Vince Papale will be speaking at Geisinger.

Geisinger in the News

Geisinger Health Systems have made the headlines in our area recently.  They have to pay 1.3 million back into Medicare for overcharging.

The next day, the health system thought it was a good idea to give 5 million to 10000 employees as a bonus.

There was a great article about the charges by Geisinger for a baby delivery by News-Item reporter Julie Nicolov in her "Don't Get Me Started" column, but it seems the scrubbers were at work.  The article appeared on July 22, 2011.  Geisinger seems to want her first born as payment.

I am not against anyone receiving a bonus at all. However, with revenue being collected from insurance and Medicare, one just has to wonder where the system is going?

Healthcare for All

Last week healthcare nonprofit provider Geisinger and healthcare insurer Highmark did their best to scare the living crap out of their customers.  There has been an ongoing dispute of reimbursement rates between the two.

Your doctor is at Geisinger, but your insurance company won't cover it.  Imagine the parents who had children with chronic conditions.

An editorial by the Daily-Item summed it up best.  When two corporations battle, the customer is the loser.