
by Dr. Bill E. Cham, Ph.D.
$24.95 - 132 pages, hardcover
Sometime ago, in the 1990s, there was a knock on my door. “Come in,” I said. The door opened slowly, an elderly couple entered. The male had a veil covering his face and hat on his head. The lady said, “Sorry doctor but can we see you for a moment”? I agreed and both sat down. The lady said, “We saw you and some patients you treated for skin cancer on TV several weeks ago. In particular we were impressed by the segment which showed how your treatment saved the nose of the patient who had skin cancer. We are here to encourage you and support your work. I would like to show you why we are so interested in helping you and others. This is my husband.” She then asked him to remove his veil and hat. I could not believe my eyes. His head was disfigured. He had no nose, both ears were gone, one eye was half closed, there were large indented areas with transplanted skin on his head and half his chin was gone. I felt so sorry for the man. Choked, I attempted to say, “How did this happen?” “It is all skin cancer,” the man said. “Over the years I have had skin cancers that were treated by radiotherapy and surgery and this is the end result. I have been mutilated.” He was quick to point out that he did not blame the radiotherapist or surgeon for his afflictions, but he felt it was time that a better treatment was made available for the general public. “The lady you treated as shown on the TV would have probably ended up like me in several years time. Although it is too late for me, I want to help other people by not having to go through what I am going through. One of my latest treated skin cancers has now traveled through my body and cannot be treated. So, we are here to stimulate you to continue your work and to congratulate you on your achievements.” I felt so humble and grateful. This showed unselfishness, and compassion beyond expression. The conversation ended soon after. Several weeks later I had a telephone call from the lady who informed me that her husband had passed away. I have never forgotten this experience and this, amongst other events, has inspired me to ensure that my attention was directed to continue my tireless quest for a better treatment for skin cancers.