by Dr. Fitzroy Dawkins, MD
There's no doubt that medicine has made incredible strides in treating, and even curing, cancers. But there's a portion of the population that's missing out on these medical advances--African Americans. Dr. Fitzoy Dawkins wants to change that. He wants African Americans to fully embrace all that research and medicine has to offer, so they can fight and cure their cancers instead of succumbing to them.
There are many reasons why African Americans shy away from the medical industrial complex: Tuskegee, Henrietta Lacks, fear, denial, not wanting to be a "guinea pig." But so much has changed in medical protocols over the past fifty years that these fears are no longer valid. And yet, African American cancer patients have essentially side-lined themselves from finding a cure.
Fighting for Survival is Dr. Dawkins' his love letter to African American cancer patients, his plea for them to fully participate in all possible healing opportunities, so they can conquer cancer.
Editorial Reviews
Dr. Dawkins has written a book that offers hope in the midst of despair. It's a book about overcoming the odds. It reveals a better future for African Americans through the promise of clinical trials."
-Reverend Samuel Bryan, ACPE Certified Educator Advent Health System
"The book our culture needed! . . . A pointed reminder of our obligation to not only remember the painful lessons of Tuskegee, but to also actively participate in clinical research ensuring that future breakthroughs include representation from minority communities."
-William Garrett, Sr., MBA, SVP, Global Clinical Operations & Head, US Business Operations at Ascentage Pharma
"Dr. Fitzroy Dawkins has done an extraordinary job of capturing and contextualizing the complex and contradictory relationship African Americans have with the practice of American medicine. He provides a path to better cancer outcomes for African Americans by pointing out that while it's important to remember your history, it's critical not to become a captive of it.
-Mike Jones, two-time cancer survivor, award-winning columnist for the St. Louis American
"As an African American Clinical Pastoral Educator, I have been privileged to serve in major healthcare systems, providing spiritual care for patients, as well as educating students for healthcare chaplaincy. Through my years of ministry in this context, I am fully aware of the emotional roller coaster of fear, guilt, suffering, and denial that many patients experience. Dr. Dawkins has written a book that offers hope in the midst of despair. It's a book about overcoming the odds. It reveals a better future for African Americans through the promise of clinical trials. Read it! Discuss it! Be blessed by it!"
-Reverend Samuel Bryan, ACPE Certified Educator Advent Health System
"The book our culture needed! A powerful and clear-eyed look at healthcare and clinical trial research in communities of color. An absolute must read! A pointed reminder of our obligation to not only remember the painful lessons of Tuskegee but to also actively participate in clinical research, ensuring that future breakthroughs include representation from minority communities."
-William Garrett, Sr., MBA, SVP, Global Clinical Operations & Head, US Business Operations at Ascentage Pharma
"Dr. Fitzroy Dawkins skillfully writes of the historical challenges people of color have endured when dealing with the healthcare system, while connecting the reader's attention to its present-day opportunities. I highly recommend this book."
-D'Brickashaw Ferguson, NFL Alumni, Future Healthcare Professional