The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance would like to take a moment to thank Debra Cantalupo Cook, the Advocate of the Month for August. Debra has been incredibly active and visible in our Facebook community and continues to help spread the message of the MCA, while lending her support and knowledge to others affected by cancer. Below is an interview with Debra about how Mesothelioma affected her way of life and why she continues to spread the message of MCA.
MCA: Has cancer affected you in some way? If so, in what way? Tell us about your experience.
Debra Cantalupo Cook:I was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2004. I am one of the lucky ones to survive the fight and have been cancer free for 8 years now. My mother, however, was not as lucky as I was-- she was diagnosed with mesothelioma on June 16th, 2008 and died on October 27th, 2008.
MCA: What was your motivation to become a MCA advocate for the month?
Debra Cantalupo Cook:My motivation to become an Advocate of the Month to the MCA is to help others so they know that they are not alone in this fight.
MCA: If you could say one thing to the world about cancer, or mesothelioma specifically, what would it be?
Debra Cantalupo Cook:The one thing I have to say to the world about cancer is "I HATE IT"!
MCA: Is there anything else you would like to say to the MCA community?
Debra Cantalupo Cook:I miss my mom terribly and I hope that everyone who has been affected by this disease understands how heartbreaking it was to see her suffer and die so quickly.