Stories of Hope

Below is a radio segment that aired October 19, 2005 about an FSU med student who goes the distance in support of his father's fight against cancer.

Here is another radio segment entitled "FSU Med Student Rides for Hope" , this one aired May 26, 2006. (click to listen)

• FSU Med Student Rides for Hope

A radio interview that aired the morning of June 1, 2006 on 1270 AM WFLA.(click to listen)

• 1270 AM WFLA radio segment

Hope has wheels

Father's cancer spurs son to organize Ride for Hope

by Marina Brown
May 29, 2006

Jason Farrah, a 29-year-old recent Florida State University medical-school graduate, is not naive. He's seen plenty of sickness. He's seen what the diagnosis of cancer can do to patients and to their families. And he knows what it feels like when a loved one is told, "There's no hope."

Two-and-a-half years ago, Jason's father, 69-year-old Lou Farrah, a Tallahassee resident since 1990, was told that his colon cancer was inoperable and that it was time for hospice. Jason and his family, like many stunned relatives, mutely accepted the terminal prognosis and began to prepare for the worst.

"Not having hope is the worst thing imaginable,” said Jason. “We thought we'd have only three months to say goodbye. The cancer had metastasized. Our family was devastated."

And then, during an emergency-room visit to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, everything changed.

Hope walked in the door in the person of Dr. Jeffrey Crooms, a physician who saw things differently. Crooms proposed surgery and chemotherapy. He made no promises, but he thought Lou Farrah had a chance.

"And that's all we wanted," says the Jason. "Just a chance for a little hope."

One year later - following removal of Lou Farrah's tumor and two kinds of chemotherapy - a scan revealed no evidence of disease.

"For the time being anyway, the cancer is not discernible," said Jason, who will begin a residency in orthopedic surgery at Wake Forest University this fall. There is hope that it won't come back.

On June 3, Jason, his brother, Jeff, and cancer survivor Lou Farrah all will don bicycle jerseys to inaugurate the first Capital City Ride For Hope. As a living example of the family's belief that those with cancer diagnoses should be offered "not unrealistic expectations but realistic alternatives," the brothers, the Capital City Cyclists and the Gulf Winds Track Club will kick off a ride to raise money for the Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center.

The last two years, the brothers have ridden in Lance Armstrong's Ride for Roses in Austin, Texas, as a tribute to their father. The Armstrong event also raises money for cancer research and treatment.

"I remember seeing my father weep when a rider with a placard saying, 'Cancer Survivor' would cross the finish line. I guess that's when we realized how meaningful this could be."

Working with the Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare Foundation and Tallahassee Memorial's Cancer Care Center, the family hopes to collect money not only to support ongoing treatment and research programs, but also to help with its outpatient expansion as well.

"One woman I met was having to take her husband once a week all the way to Gainesville for treatment," says Jason Farrah.

"You can imagine what that was like for both of them. That's why whatever we can do to make the most sophisticated treatment available here in Tallahassee is important."

At present, TMH conducts ongoing clinical research trials, provides advanced treatment in radiation oncology including Intensity Modulated Radiation and high-dose brachytherapy. The oncology program has an outpatient program serving 15 to 25 patients a day and offers outreach efforts aimed at screening and counseling cancer patients.

"We want the Ride for Hope to be fun," says Farrah. "Folks shouldn't worry about distances, being too young or too old - or too out of shape!"

There will be a "SAG" wagon - offering a motorized ride home for those too tired to bike on. And there will be free health screenings, a "fun ride" and other activities for children. Musical entertainment will be by Thunderpony and the Mountain Cloggers, and Farrah promises "lots and lots of food." The Tallahassee Police department will put on a Bike Rodeo and have a helmet giveaway for youngsters.

But for Jason, Jeff, mother Jenny, and especially for Lou Farrah, there will be one other highlight of the benefit ride: the presentation of the Hero of Hope Award. Personifying the positive spirit of realistic hope, the 2006 award will go to Dr. Jeffrey Crooms, the doctor who wasn't willing to let Lou Farrah's diagnosis stop him from seeking a treatment alternative.

“We're forever grateful he gave us the hope for Dad's future. It was all we really needed.”

Stork Bites

One son's efforts benefit whole community

By Blythe Newsome
May 23, 2006

I look at my children every night when I tuck them in bed and find myself thinking about what they will be when they grow up. Not just what will they choose as careers, but what kind of people will they be? Will they make a difference in the world; will they work to make the world and their community a better place? Am I giving them roots to keep them grounded while still letting them spread their wings so they can one day fly into this big world? Am I instilling in them the importance of family?

Periodically in your life you meet those people who really are making a difference. I have a friend, Jason, who is doing just that. His father, Lou, has cancer. In order to receive some of the treatment he needed, he had to go to a medical facility out of town. Lou is one of those great people who always elicit a smile from you.

All of us have been affected by cancer, either fighting it ourselves or watching a loved one struggle with it. Jason heard his father's diagnosis and decided to do something not just for his dad, but for the community.

The first Capital City Ride for Hope, which will support cancer patients in this region by providing money to benefit the Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center, takes place on June 3. The money raised will open the way for a broader range of clinical trials, specialized treatments, and advanced research and technology. But the best part is that it will keep patients close to home and their loved ones.

Capital City Ride for Hope is a bike ride and an event for the whole family, with children's activities, music, food, and lots more fun.

I find myself watching Jason take on this big task and am amazed and touched by the love he has for his dad. Jason is graduating from Florida State University's medical school. But in the midst of his studies and the stress of medical school, he took on this mammoth task of planning a ride to honor this wonderful man.