Fall 2006: Dianne Lamb

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With the myriad of foundations, charities, causes, and fundraisers today, finding a cause that stays close to home can be challenging. Eighteen-year breast cancer survivor Dianne Lamb, a resident of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, has stepped up to the helm as the 2006–2007 annual campaign chair for The Foundation. Having a personal, all-too-close experience with the needs of cancer patients, Dianne is eager to continue what has become her second career as cancer patient advocate and supporter. She charges others to join her campaign to benefit The Foundation’s Patient Resource Center.

Diagnosed in 1988 with breast cancer and having undergone a mastectomy and chemotherapy, Dianne received the stunning news seven years later that her cancer had recurred with 11 tumor metastases to the liver and ovaries and throughout the abdomen. At that time, high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant was the cutting-edge treatment protocol, a treatment Dianne endured but at no small price, either physically or emotionally. Battling her insurance company to cover the cost for that life-saving treatment, and winning, Dianne and Nancy Davenport-Ennis (CEO and founder of the National Patient Advocate Foundation) next lobbied on Capitol Hill to have legislation approved that covered such treatment for breast cancer patients statewide. With the success of that effort, Dianne made the difficult decision to leave behind her 22-year-long 7th grade science teaching post to pursue a pro bono calling with the National Patient Advocate Foundation (NPAF) in Newport News, Virginia, and in Washington, D.C. There she served on the executive board of directors for ten years, testified, and served as a patient advocate, as well as serving for ten years as the director of advocates for the State of Tennessee.

She now finds The Foundation a perfect segue back into the cancer advocacy world, a world for which Dianne has natural passion. Her battles have been overwhelming and sobering, but with all of the “experience” she can readily say ‘yes’ to The Foundation’s goals. “I want to head up a campaign that embraces involvement from the communities across Tennessee and encourages supporters of all ages,” says Dianne. “This includes church classes, scout groups, fraternities, sororities…you name it, anyone can help raise funds.”

“We are thrilled to have Dianne lead our annual campaign efforts,” said Adele Dorris, director of development and outreach. “Her experience as a cancer patient and advocate is sure to inspire involvement in our efforts to help those who are in a fight against cancer.” If you are interested in being part of The Foundation’s annual campaign, please contact Dianne at diannelamb@comcast.net for suggestions and ideas.