Robert Lowe,A very special Lung Cancer Survivor,
I have just received a phone call from Robert's daughter-in-law,Sarah, who passed on to me news I really did'nt want to hear,my dear friend and inspiration, Robert passed away this morning just after 10am.Robert's recent surgery to remove cancerous tumours from his stomach and throat,was completely successful,he died cancer free,his passing was due entirely to an infection he picked up post surgery,with his weakened state, his body was unable to overcome this infection.Robert celebrated surviving both SCLC and NSCLC for twenty years,which represents such an inspiration to many thousands of Lung Cancer survivors not only here in the UK,but world wide.Robert dedicated his entire survivorship as a lung cancer advocate,he was tireless in giving encouragement and support to lung cancer survivors,he co-founded the Stobhill Lung Cancer Support Group,with a lung cancer nurse Penny Downer,which remains today a successful testimony of his advocacy for lung cancer causes.Robert also set up and maintained a vibrant Stobhill Lung Cancer Survivors website,he was proud to acknowledge the many thousands of "Hits" his site attracted.Robert was also a keen advocate for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation,whose aims matched Robert's in the raising of awareness of lung cancer issues.Robert recognised Lung Cancer being a Cinderella disease,despite it having a mortality rate greater than the combined total of deaths due to Breast,Prostate and Bowel Cancers,it receives only 4% of research funding and public donations.Robert also fought against the stigma that is attached to Lung Cancer by the general publics perception that lung cancer only effects long term smokers,as he would say,anyone with lungs can get lung cancer. Roberts work will continue to be an inspiration to many survivors,families,carers and friends,goodnight Robert,you did us all proud.