An Outstanding Initiative of Honor and Remembrance

Steven Eric Finkelstein, MD

I recently had the opportunity to be involved in something truly special.

With more than 70,000 people in attendance, and potentially millions more watching on television, the 45th Annual Battlefrog Fiesta Bowl, held on Jan. 1, 2016, in Glendale, Arizona, filled the University of Phoenix Stadium with not only Ohio State and Notre Dame fans, but also with cancer survivors and people whose lives have been touched by cancer.

To honor those cancer survivors, as well as patients and caregivers—and to continue raising awareness of the importance of knowledge and education in cancer care—I had the privilege of being deeply involved with the CURE Media Group (sister publication of Contemporary Radiation Oncology) as its team blanketed the field with a 40’x40’ cancer care stadium flag prior to the national anthem that kicked off the event.

Additionally, all fans in attendance were asked to write the name of a loved one affected by cancer on a CURE placard before standing and displaying these cards as they participated in a moment of silence to honor and remember those individuals.

“With millions of people suffering daily from some type of cancer, ongoing education and research continue to be vital in improving patient outcomes, while increasing the control and confidence that cancer patients and caregivers feel throughout their cancer experience,” said Michael Hennessy Jr., president of CURE Media Group. “This initiative, in which we honor cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers at the University of Phoenix stadium, will further increase awareness that knowledge is strength in cancer care, while giving the audience an opportunity to sign up for CURE magazine, which provides the latest information in cancer updates, research and education.”

As a cancer expert and Fiesta Bowl Committee member, I think this was an outstanding initiative to honor those affected by cancer and educate fans on the importance of early diagnosis and education to improve patient outcomes in cancer care. I was truly honored to join CURE magazine on the field to unveil the stadium flag alongside cancer survivors, including prostate cancer survivor Don Meyers, my patient and one of the Fiesta Bowl founders, as well as my own father, prostate cancer survivor Howard Finkelstein.

Furthering the mission exemplified by this heartening experience, we present this, the latest issue of Contemporary Radiation Oncology, which features three peer-reviewed research articles on the cutting edge of current radiation oncology practice.