Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Class of 1978 Grad offering hope to cancer patients

ERIE, PA – The one key element for cancer patients is hope. Plymouth High School grad Mark Neidig is working hard to give patients that hope.

As head of the Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation his organization is providing hope for a less damaging treatment for all kinds of cancer. The revolutionary non-invasive radio wave machine – invented by the group’s founder John Kanzius – is offering hope to many for a better and more effective way to treat the disease.

Recently the treatment made headlines with successful early tests on small animals. Researchers have been able to treat pancreatic and liver cancers very successfully with no damaging effects or toxicities to the surrounding cells. They’ve been able to show control of the cancers without producing illness, side effects or damage to the animals. Three new manuscripts were recently published validating the work.

“That’s a big thing for us right now,” said Neidig of the published studies. “In order to move to the next phase of study you have to have validated research published in reputable scientific and medical journals. The exciting news is that we have killed pancreatic cancer cells in tests.”

It’s been a busy time for Neidig and the Kanzius Foundation as they spread the word about the success of the revolutionary treatment. A grant from Pepsi of $250,000 has allowed for the campaign to ramp up and take the fight to Capital Hill.

Neidig recently had a chance to spread the word about the machine to Congress.

“We were able to talk to Congressional aides and Legislative assistants,” said Neidig. “We spoke to the Democratic caucus and several national foundations leading the fight for the a cure such as the American Cancer Society and Cure Search. We’re planting seeds.”

Neidig was also able to talk to Tom Ridge, the former Governor of Pennsylvania who was also the first Homeland Security Chief. Ridge was impressed enough to give the group a little help.

“He is going to connect us with several national awareness groups that his company works with,” said Neidig. “He is a very gracious man. He’s come to know millions of people in his work and support in that circle can really make a difference.”

Support at home makes a difference for Neidig as well. Wife Debbie shares his passion for the work he's doing. Debbie is a graduate of Lewistown High School in Pennsylvania. The couple met in college.

“She is there every step of the way and there is no way I could do any of this without her support,” he said.

“I lost a sister in law to breast cancer. I've seen what this disease does to people and families and that is where I get my passion for what I do,” said Neidig. “Being able to offer hope to those people is the greatest reward I can think of.”
 

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