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VA Research Currents archive
Posted July 16, 2013
(Summer 2013 VA Research Currents)
Veteran Sam Collins of Kansas City, Mo., is seen at the Vietnam War Memorial. The adjacent photo shows a sample of his
photography, which he sells as part of his fund-raising efforts in support of medical research. (Photos courtesy of Sam Collins)
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Sam Collins has been through surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy to treat his prostate cancer. As of now, his high PSA scores show the cancer is still in his system. He has girded himself to continue the battle he has waged since 2005, when his cancer was first diagnosed.
Collins says he still may take part in a clinical trial if a promising experimental treatment comes along. Meanwhile, he has learned to cope psychologically with what he terms an "incurable cancer."
His mission now, he says, is to "try to help other Veterans." As part of the cause, he has become a fierce supporter of medical research—particularly within VA.
"I tell people VA is a diamond in the rough. I see research as the foundation of the medical world. It's where we create the tools to give to the doctors to help us."
Among other fund-raising activities, Collins sells his photos at local events and gives all the proceeds to the nonprofit foundation that helps support research at his local Kansas City (Mo.) VA Medical Center.
He realizes he himself might not benefit, but that doesn't stop his efforts.
"VA research does help Veterans, but more important, whatever VA discovers will eventually become part of medical practice in general. It might help our own children and grandchildren."