Founding the Caring Ambassadors Program, Inc. and Establishing the Lung Cancer Program

A life-changing illness ushers in much more than the symptoms of a disease.  Challenges and potential opportunities are concomitant travelers.  New perspectives, values, and inspiration can emerge if they are welcomed and fostered.  An unexpected illness and a stroke of inspiration gave rise to the Caring Ambassadors Program.

In 1993, Ken Giddes was diagnosed with lung cancer.  After an extensive period of treatment, Ken’s cancer appeared to be in remission.  As Ken reflected on his experience, he pondered how to use his experience to benefit others.  Armed with a strong belief in the power of people helping people, Ken and his employer, Jim Possehl of Republic Financial Corporation (RFC), conceived the idea of establishing a program to help people struggling with life-threatening illnesses obtain the support, help, and information they need.  In 1997, Ken and his employer turned their inspiration into reality.

The Caring Ambassadors Program (CAP) was founded with the simultaneous establishment of its first disease-specific program, the Caring Ambassadors Lung Cancer Program (CAP Lung Cancer).

Ken spent the last years of his life working as a Lung Cancer Caring Ambassador.  In January 2001, Ken Giddes passed away.  However, the work Ken believed in and passionately dedicated himself to is ongoing.

Visit www.lungcancercap.org

Establishing the Hepatitis C Program

In 1999, opportunity again came knocking.  Another employee of Republic Financial Corporation, Randy Dietrich, was diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C.  At that time, hepatitis C research and treatment were in their infancy.  Standard western therapy was successful in less than 28% of those treated.

Modeled after the lung cancer program, the Caring Ambassadors Hepatitis C Program (CAP Hepatitis C) was founded in April 1999.  The program was founded to research hepatitis C treatment options and raise public awareness about hepatitis C.

Visit HepCChallenge.org