Imagine a world where hope and reality merge. We live in that world right now, as more and more people experience cancer diagnosis and therapy, then go on with the joys of life.
Today, 10 million cancer survivors in the United States bear testimony to this new reality of cancer—a disease that, for many, has become a survivable, chronic condition, sometimes even a curable one.
Better detection techniques and medical advancements through sophisticated research have dramatically boosted the number of men and women living with, and well beyond, their cancer diagnoses and treatments. Survival rates are rising each year for many cancers, including breast, colon, leukemia and lymphoma, prostate, and other cancers.
Behind the improving survivorship numbers are many people who play important roles in this fight—active patients fully engaged as important members of their health care teams, heroic loved ones supporting and strengthening patients, and dedicated advocates who push for better cancer awareness, promote prevention efforts, and spearhead funding drives to accelerate research discoveries and advances in treatment.
Legendary singer Patti LaBelle is one of the most dynamic advocates on behalf of cancer patients and their families. This Grammy-winning, knock-your-socks-off performer has brought her trademark energy, five-octave vocals, and dazzling fashion style to rhythm and blues, soul, pop, and now gospel music for more than four decades. She has also portrayed memorable characters in film, television, and on stage. She brings an equal amount of energy to help focus meaningful attention on efforts to fight cancer.
Building Cause for Hope
LaBelle, who exudes vibrancy and a youthful glow at 62, has been working for many years to help change the face of cancer. With research developments bringing more effective therapies, the “big picture” is getting better and better. Today, the overall risk of cancer mortality is declining in the United States for people of all races and both sexes.
Hope and reality are no longer separate concepts on the cancer journey. They often converge, making life after cancer now attainable for so many.
That’s the goal LaBelle aims for as an advocate for programs to help cancer patients and increase research. To that end, she steps beyond the usual brief celebrity appearance, giving her time and heartfelt message in numerous media campaigns and at special fund-raising events. Among the organizations benefiting from her charitable work are the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Race for the Cure, the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania, and the G&P Foundation for Cancer Research. There’s even a research laboratory named for her at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
“I do so much for cancer research because I should, because I can, and because I want to, not to get a pat on the back or anything. This is what you have to do,” LaBelle says earnestly, expressing the simple philosophy and commitment that drive her efforts.
“You wake up—just take it as a blessing every day and then go help somebody,” she adds. “If you’re healthy, go help somebody.”
Spreading the Message
LaBelle’s fans know that the woman who once wore a winged, metallic spacesuit onstage rarely does anything in a small way. When she takes on a challenge, she radiates her feelings directly from her heart.
That’s why she also uses her own concerts as an opportunity to talk directly with her audiences about cancer awareness, the importance of regular screenings and healthful living, and the urgent need for greater research funding. “It’s more important to recognize the cure is so necessary than recognizing Patti Labelle or her shoes,” she says, with characteristic warmth. “It’s not about my (designer) pumps; it’s about a cure.”
Her personal approach has proved to be highly effective in fostering cancer education. What’s more, she has encouraged people who may have been fearful of screenings to take steps toward getting the tests that are so important. The numbers show her success: After LaBelle spoke in a public-service television commercial for National Minority Cancer Awareness Week, the number of calls from African-Americans to the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service office in California jumped from 9 percent to 26 percent.
“I know that we have to raise awareness among everyone, and especially African-Americans, because we don’t go to the doctor as often as we should and don’t always know when we are ill,” she says. “It’s very important to me to help make everyone more aware and more proactive about their health.”
Reaching Beyond the Personal
Like many advocates, LaBelle’s personal story energizes her active role in the fight against cancer. Her three sisters were diagnosed—with breast, colon, and brain cancer, respectively—and their experiences inspire her dedication to the cause.
Today, due to the work of many advocates like her, there have been detection and treatment strides in all three cancers that affected her sisters. Yet she recognizes that there is more to be done. “They were big for a cure,” says LaBelle. “Now I’m fighting for it. I’m fighting for everyone.”
She has pledged all proceeds from her latest album, “The Gospel According to Patti LaBelle,” to go to cancer research in honor of her longtime musical director, Budd Ellison, who had prostate cancer. It was a long-shared dream between the two to produce a gospel recording and he worked on it with her. Other artists, including Wynonna Judd, CeCe Winans, and Yolanda Adams, took part as well. “They all did it because they wanted to help me help people with cancer,” she says.
Recently, LaBelle also portrayed a sassy and inspirational breast cancer patient in the uplifting Lifetime movie, “Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy,” a role which won her an outstanding actress nomination from the NAACP Image Awards. She played the character as a reflection of her sisters’ strong spirits, personal dignity, and zest for life.
In addition to promoting better awareness of cancer and advocating for more research, LaBelle has also become well-known for her support of other causes, including diabetes and HIV/AIDS. From her longtime love of cooking (she regularly prepares delicious foods in hotel rooms while on tour), she’s also written a bestselling cookbook, Patti LaBelle’s Lite Cuisine, that focuses on healthy recipes. (Try Patti`s own favorite healthy recipe for “Chicken with Black-Eyed Peas and Rice.”)
With a heart that responds to the needs she sees all around, LaBelle generously uses her visibility to help make a difference. She has long been a spirited, caring, and committed advocate for everyone on the cancer journey.
As this remarkable woman looks ahead, she sees herself continuing to bring attention and support to cancer research and other efforts to keep cancer survivorship growing and eventually make more cures achievable.
“I have wonderful memories of everybody who gave me joy,” she says. “I’m still feeling the joy, so I’m going to continue to be the messenger for my sisters and my friends.”
Hear more from Patti on her web video.