What is
sPECial?
Sarcoma and PEComa Investigation and Action Leadership is committed to research, education, advocacy, and support for those diagnosed with sarcoma cancer.
sPECial Forces Heroes
Recognized here are heroes who have been exceptional human beings, exceeded expectations, solved problems and demonstrated behavior, not just words - above and beyond! We appreciate you all so much! Nominations for heroes can be emailed to Ashley Laub.
FEBRUARY 2009
Phyllis Domm, our founder, mother, grandmother, sister, friend and colleague. For being an inspiration to many, dedicating your life to serving others, teaching us the value of a positive attitude, and celebrating joy every step of the way. You will always be our "number one human being". You were a mentor to many, a friend to all. We will miss you deeply.
DECEMBER 2008
Carol Askew, wife, mother and web creator extraordinaire.
Carol is the magician - creative and pragmatic - who has made our web site happen and
led many other decisions for the Fund. From Utah she even does house calls visiting
Ashley and little Devin to make our magic happen!
http://carolaskew.blogspot.com
Bruce Jensen, branding guru and communicator, who has taught me so much, voluntarily has reviewed and changed many of our documents to give the Fund a distinctive and special tone. We're honored he could fit us in.
Diana Price, Managing Editor of Women and Cancer, eagerly accepted my rough ideas for an article and quickly edited to create our new article: "Managing a Rare Cancer Diagnosis" By Phyllis A. Domm, with Ashley and Chris Laub. You can also read the PDF version on our site. She is one of the best concept and technical editors I've ever worked with. Great people and great potatoes come from Idaho!
Barry Savill from Cape Cod, MA is retired from Federal Service, with wonderful research and writing skills. Barry researches new web sites and links for our potential outreach efforts. He's always on call and we appreciate his quick wit and great investigation skills.
NOVEMBER 2008
Jeff Chandler from Stuart Florida, a friend who "just does it". This week, Jeff marshalled a crew to power wash my house, windows, patio, restore my landscaping. Jeff, with his continuous good will and spirit saves me from my "sink holes" just as he filled in the sea wall sink holes.
Malcolm Itkin from Rhode Island, a new friend who after an electronic introduction, sent me a daily support E mail . I hope I can be worthy of returning the favor. We will meet in Boston at a meeting as fellow travelers. Cheers back at you!
Adrian Norton from BC/BS Florida who courageously, patiently, tactfully negotiated claim issues demonstrating the incredible skill of getting to the heart of the matter and resolving. Lady, you rock!
Marc Probst from Salt Lake City Utah, a longtime friend, colleague, former Floridian. When hearing my news Marc instantly picked up the phone, listened and jumped in. Marc is a brilliant Chief Information Officer and a more brilliant human being. He quickly provided referral to an excellent web designer who will be working on The sPECial Fund web site! Marc, thank you for proving that everyone on the planet is two phone calls away especially if a knowledgeable, willing first person calls you!
OCTOBER 2008
David Franklin from BC/BS Florida---thank you for expediently responding and jumping in to solve my insurance-related questions.
Marlanea Drane from Dana Farber Boston-thank you for being so accountable and helping me with the necessary connection for potential clinical trials.
Bob Slagle from Pittsburgh---for just jumping in and making useful and wonderful contacts for me at UPCI and empathetically/selflessly doing so for an introduced "stranger". You walk the talk!!!!!
Ashley Laub from Salt Lake City---for typing my proposals and exceeding expectations in the perfection of your timing, getting this done before you gave birth Monday night to my handsome new grandson.