American Cancer "Society Spotlight" on API Heritage Month

Uplifting and good to be Appreciated from American Cancer Society when I open my email this morning and learn the news, I find it most fitting in this month of MAY...May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month – a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States.

Growing up in San Gabriel Valley, I do realize discrimination towards all minority groups happen every day. However, the fear of the coronavirus is manifesting as racism against people who are of Chinese or East Asian descent after the virus was first identified in the United States in January. Asian Americans across the country are being shunned, shamed, and verbally or physically assaulted as fear over the coronavirus spreads. The impact of the pandemic from a bias/discrimination perspective on Asian American Communities has intensify and hate crimes has been increase during the spread of COVID-19. As many scientists, experts and governments around the world coming together to solve this pandemic crises, we all have to remain clam and hopeful. Because we are in it together and this is a global matter.

"we need to slow the speed of the virus...given a space to work together across political and geographical divides" said epidemiologist Larry Brilliant,"we need to be the best version of ourselves."

I like to share this blogger comments "Crisis is like stage lighting, throwing the best and worst parts of humanity into sharp contrast. Whether it reveals heroes or villains is up to us.
Make no mistake — this fight is not just against a virus. It’s also a fight for life — the one we knew, and the one we don’t know yet, the one that’s to take shape. And we all need to join this fight." By Frank Shyong Columnist at LA Times.

I am remain hopeful of the world we live in, this is our home and it's our responsibilities.

When "I" replace with "WE" Even Illness Become Wellness!

I also believe good things meant to share, honor to be part of American Cancer Society "Spotlight", together we fight against cancer and bring hope.

“ I didn’t want another day to go by without acknowledging the great work you are all leading as we commemorate Asian Pacific Heritage Month this May! A few days ago internally, American Cancer Society shared this highlight nationally to our staff and I wanted to share with you today. There is great work – some truly inspiring vision – you are leading that is underway even now, despite all the challenges we are facing. This has been undoubtedly a challenging time to advance our mission, and you are providing multiple innovative paths forward. We are so grateful to you all!

Warm regards From Our

LA Central Coast Area Board Chair – Brandon

Our Area Relay Lead (& Board) – Sheri

Your West Region Community Development SVP – Stephanie

Your LA Central Coast Team – Dan, Sharon, Deb, Kelly, and Graham"

The Los Angeles Central Coast Board and Staff at American Cancer Society determined in 2019 that Health Equity is our top mission lens and Diversity & Inclusion is a top growth strategy.

How does your work with ACS or ACS CAN touch the AAPI community/How do you envision your work touching the AAPI community in the future?

*We are focusing on Asian American cancer education related to Incidence Facts, Disproportional Impacts, Wellness & Care approaches

*Nov 2019 we facilitated a volunteer-led Asian American Cancer Symposium; plans in place for Sept 2020; partnership is growing including Global Federation of Chinese Business Women– Greater Los Angeles Chapter as a major partner

*ongoing Chinese South Relay For Life that hosts in SoCal and Northern CA a Youth MultiMedia Contest around ACS priorities

*Love Notes Around The World️ (delivering cards to cancer patients in hospitals, launched by Vivian Chan, cancer survivor in 2012, won that year Innovation Award from ACS California Statewide and Reginal Level and RE-launch in May 2020).

Why do you feel working with the AAPI community is important to ACS and ACS CAN?

Total alignment with Cancer Control priorities; increasing ACS partnership in community and institutionally for locally relevant impacts.

What is one takeaway that you learned recently about working with the AAPI community?

ACS has been very welcomed into new partnerships due to high trust in ACS and our mission. Locally, we are steadily growing new leadership, fundraising, and improved mission relevancy through work with AAPI community️.

Join us and be part of the Love Notes’ Influencers to positively impact our world.

A Cancer Free World to celebrate more birthday.