Jamie Lober Named American Cancer Society – South Palm Beach Chapter PR Chairman for Relay for Life

Ever since enrolling at Indiana University – Bloomington in 2003, Jamie Lober has proven to be a decent, trustworthy and respected leader in community health.  Having served as President of RAISE, standing for Raising Awareness in Sexual Encounters, and being a spokesman for World AIDS Day were just two experiences that she rated highly.  “I chalk up my most formative years to my university in terms of personal growth, political leaning, interest in building healthier communities and obviously relationships,” said Lober.  Lober speaks of countless hours she spent studying, promoting health initiatives and organizing health fairs with the hope of becoming a leading voice for the cause and tells that she holds her new title as the American Cancer Society – South Palm Beach Chapter Public Relations Chairman for Relay for Life in high regard.  “Being a spokesman for a cause that is most personal to me has been unexpected but I started at the bottom of the map listening to others speak and taking notes and sometimes that bottom is the best place to start because there is nowhere to go but up,” said Lober.  

Lober’s relationship with Relay for Life dates back to her high school years.  “I was on the American Cancer Society’s Board at my school and remember organizing and executing the event vividly but when you have a family member affected by this devastating disease, you see things in a whole new light,” said Lober.  Lober lists what she calls classic symptoms of paraganglioma, a rare neuroendocrine cancer, and pleas that anyone with high blood pressure, sweating, headache, flushing or heart palpitations ask their doctor to check for the disease.  “High blood pressure is the most common symptom of paraganglioma but in ten percent of patients it may be normal, so you should know to get tested but recognize  that just because you have high blood pressure does not mean that you have this disease,” said Lober.  She tells of the confidence she has placed in the National Institutes of Health and her father’s local healthcare team reiterating that she is on board with the American Cancer Society for the long haul and that when she is sworn in to the U.S. Senate that her father will be there to see it.  “I have dealt with more issues than a magazine stand since relocating to South Florida but I would not cancel my subscription for anything because there is always going to be somebody who is going through something worse,” said Lober.

Lober speaks of the longstanding history of Relay for Life.  “It has actually been around since the month and year I was born,” said Lober.  This would be May of 1985.  “A doctor named Gordy Klatt ran and walked around a track in Tacoma, Washington for twenty-four hours straight to raise twenty-seven thousand dollars for the American Cancer Society and a year later, he was joined by 340 supporters,” said Lober.  Relay for Life has since become a worldwide phenomenon raising more than four billion to fight cancer.  “Cancer is the nation’s biggest health concern so we all need to join together and fight it,” said Lober.  There are several facets to the event.  “There is celebrating where people celebrate what they have overcome during the survivors’ lap; there is remembering during the luminaria ceremony where we honor those who are fighting and think of those we have lost; and there is fighting back where people are inspired to take action against these horrible diseases and make the unwavering commitment that I have,” said Lober.  Lober reinforces the importance of helping people get well, stay well and fight back.  “I believe that no other cancer-fighting organization has such a comprehensive and honorable mission, so that is why I am here,” said Lober.

While she continues to tirelessly advocate for individual liberty, smaller government, traditional values and a strong national defense, Lober has placed eliminating cancer as a public health threat at the front of her to do’s.  You may not always like what she has to say but she is candid, up front and as the slogan of her small business says, she is considered the #1 source for wellness information.  “I do not like everything that facing this disease as a family has taught me but I have learned a lot about the importance of having faith and keeping the right company,” said Lober.  Lober tells that for the most part her friends from college have stood with her through thick and thin and that along with her parents, they have been her greatest blessing.  “I have learned that sometimes you have to give up on people and that you have to trust that everyone on your journey was meant to be there for some reason but not everyone is meant to stay,” said Lober.  She speaks fondly of influences throughout her life and even takes a recent breakup that she does not mind publicizing in stride.  “I do not regret a single thing in my life but I have found that sometimes you have to forgive and forget, just forgive someone for hurting you and try to forget they exist,” said Lober.  Lober names the Republican Party as the collective group that has made the biggest impression of her.  “Most in this party with a purpose have been so supportive and like second family to me; I do not know where I would be without having made this connection,” said Lober.  

Provided that January is cervical cancer awareness month, it was natural to want clarity on the controversy regarding whether or not the American Cancer Society is in favor of vaccinating against HPV.  “In the majority of cases cervical cancer can be prevented without the vaccine,” said Lober skirting the issue at first.  She went on to say that the American Cancer Society advocates getting the HPV vaccine.  “We want to deliver unbiased, reliable information on this topic and it comes down to having a frank discussion with your gynecologist, following screening guidelines like getting regular Pap smears and HPV tests and asking questions to be sure that no healthcare provider is out of the vaccine,” said Lober.  

Health organizations maintain different opinions but the American Cancer Society recommends the HPV vaccine for individuals between ages nineteen and twenty-six.  “We feel there is not enough evidence to prove that everyone who falls in this group needs the vaccine so that is why you should talk to your gynecologist about risk of previous HPV exposure and potential benefit you may get from the vaccine,” said Lober.  That being said, a lot of folks may have missed the boat.  “To actually work as it should, one of the HPV vaccines needs to be given before engaging in any sexual contact and it is given in a series of three doses over six months,” said Lober.  Apparently boys can get the vaccine too.  “The FDA approved Gardasil to protect guys from anal pre-cancer and cancer and genital warts but it is not known yet as to whether or not the vaccine can prevent guys from passing HPV to their partners which would in turn reduce cervical cancer,” said Lober.

The Pap test seems to be the most effective defense against cervical cancer.  “With or without the HPV test, I want to emphasize that the Pap test absolutely can find cell changes on the cervix early before they turn cancerous and they can be treated,” said Lober.  If you are a girl or woman who has been vaccinated, you still need the Pap test.  “Basically the vaccine only prevents certain strains of HPV that can cause cervical cancer so you will want to get the Pap test done at the schedule indicated by your gynecologist,” said Lober.  Aside from her clear command of all things cancer, it is noticeable and stands out that Lober’s true passion is women’s health.  “I do not think it was a coincidence that I was born in May which is women’s health month but when an opportunity knocks on my door, I am going to take it and that is why I am talking about cancer at the moment,” said Lober.  

As to whether it has been an enjoyable experience, Lober explains that she feels she has been handed the gavel to teach people to be healthy and get educated as they go through the cancer journey until there are cures and that she thinks her path crossed for a reason.  “Someone has to do this job and I refuse to live in a community where there is a seat open to talk about something as critical as cancer education and the chair is empty,” said Lober.  In the areas of prevention, awareness, research and treatment, there will always be room for improvement and the Public Relations Chairman is going to see that nobody gives up.  “I know you have to be open to new things and to collaboration but that is all fine given that as long as everything is just the way I want it, I am totally flexible,” said Lober.  

Her newfound role as Public Relations Chairman for Relay for Life is one that she spent many years preparing for and she takes it on with grace.  “I made promises starting in 2003 to the members of organizations I ran because I had good intentions and as I built my knowledge, reputation and character over the years, I am thankful I have been able to keep them,” said Lober.  While it is clear that she is a huge asset with a great deal of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to bring to the table, Lober said that she entered her role in the organization with little expectation.  “Not knowing anything about the local Leadership or culture of the organization I expected very little and that way I can say I have not been let down,” said Lober.  She stresses that as long as she keeps learning, having fun and making a difference, she will be satisfied.  “I always try to keep my heels, head and standards high or at least my head and standards and so far, I must say things are working out,” said Lober.