Marty Griffin Show Hour 03 061626

Michael Bartley in for Marty Griffin. You know, I've been hearing over the years about an organization that is a very, it's a very, it's a quietly powerful organization. They don't call attention to themselves. They don't want a lot of credit. I've admired them from afar and people keep telling me, you know what? Get them on the show. And I'm glad to do so. If you or a loved one are diagnosed with cancer, that's scary as hell. That is so incredibly scary. And I got to tell you, let me give you these numbers. More than 25% of people diagnosed with cancer. go into an almost immediate depression. It's triggered by a combination of the heavy emotional burden of a diagnosis, the stress of the illness, the biological changes caused by treatments like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, all that type stuff. Well, there's an organization called Cancer Bridges. that I want to profile here today because of the work they do. They're just phenomenal. And joining me right now is their executive director, Stephanie Serrani. Stephanie, I'm so glad you had the time to talk with us today. Thank you so much and thank you for the kind words. Absolutely. Tell us what you do. Absolutely. Cancer Bridges provides free programs and services to anyone that's been impacted by a cancer diagnosis. So you mentioned not just the diagnosed, but friends and family, and we support anyone impacted. So whether someone who diagnosed themselves, they're a friend, family member, a caregiver, someone who has lost, someone that they love to cancer, or even those in survivorship, we offer just under 200 free programs and services a month. to meet any of their psychosocial needs that come along with that cancer diagnosis. And these are people that need your help in Pittsburgh in surrounding areas. What's the foot's the footprint here? That's right. So the concentration of our members are here in Southwestern PA because we are physically located in the strip district, but because we also offer a lot of our programming virtually, we can actually serve all of Pennsylvania. So right now we have members from about 40 different counties in the state of PA, but very concentrated right here where we're speaking from today. And you know, it's interesting that people think that, you know, if someone's diagnosed with... cancer, no matter what the cancer that, you know, their family rallies and their family does rally. And they have advocacy and their families and friends. But, you know, there are a lot of people who don't have family, who don't have friends who are scared as hell. And if they come to you, what can they expect?

Absolutely. We have members from really all walks of life. And as you said, we serve any diagnosis as well as any stage of cancer or experience. And so the different programs that we offer really need a couple of different pillars of need. So we have emotional support, social support, physical wellness support, and education. And so through those pillars, we offer things like free one-on-one counseling with licensed clinical social workers and medical professionals. We also have support groups. We actually have under, just under 30 support groups that we offer here monthly or twice per month that are diagnosis or experience specifics and we sort of have something for everyone in that category. We do a lot of education, different topics that our members want to hear about, that we can bring in medical experts or experts in different topics that can speak to them about those needs and, you know, work through their questions and make sure that they're supporting them in that way. We have physical wellness programming, so we offer things like yoga, Zumba. We have a one-on-one program that individuals can meet with a cancer exercise specialist or a specialized program that we offer as Happy Feet, that's a specialized program for different aspects of the health and wellness journey. And then we also have our... social support, which is a lot of different programs that we offer in the building, to bring people together, celebrate with each other, have emotions with each other, learn new skills. So we offer things like art workshops, large gatherings of people that come together and celebrate. We had an event last week that we had local magician, the Trebossack at who did a magic show for our members. So we offer a lot of different programming to meet different needs. And then we also replicate our adult programming that meet those pillars. for families and children who have been impacted by cancer. So we have a childbirth specialist on staff that can work with children and families at their education or therapeutic level and need so that they can get the support that they need in the moment that the diagnosis is there for the child themselves or for someone important to them within their family or friend structure. Stephanie Serrani is Executive Director of Cancer Bridges. What's the most challenging, what are the most challenging cases? I would suspect You tell me, but I would think if someone's diagnosed with a specific cancer that has a low survival rate, I mean, like, let's say pancreatic cancer, which the survival rate, I guess, is improving, but... You know, we used to say, you know, when I would hear of someone I knew was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, I'm like, wow, they really, or even melanoma or something like that, there has to be a significant emotional component here that people just think, oh, wow, this is so devastating. I don't know what to do. Mm-hmm. Well, at Cancer Bridges, so we're very lucky, especially here in Pittsburgh, we have incredible medical facilities and hospitals that work on that medical piece. And like you said, there's been so many advancements. But really at Cancer Bridges, our goal is to meet our members wherever they are. So to your point, we have some folks that come in that might have an incredible support system within their family and they're just maybe looking to connect with others who have a, have.

cancer or have experienced cancer in some way and they want to feel that connection and community. And then we have others that come to us in that really dark place, in that place of grief or anticipatory grief or, you know, maybe have a devastating diagnosis in that moment. And so we make sure our program staff will connect with them and figure out maybe where is the best place for them to start. So that may be through one-on-one counseling so they can work through some of those initial. you know, feelings and things that they have, or a support group where they can be surrounded not just with others who may have a similar experience or similar prognosis, but also folks who have maybe a really positive story or opportunity to give them some hope through their story. So you happen to mention pancreatic cancer specifically. We have a member of Cancer Bridges who has been, he's not 13 years out from his initial diagnosis. And that's very hopeful. for other members to hear those stories and have that community to lead on and understand that there's all kinds of variations of that diagnosis. You're right. I think, you know, there may be things that you've heard in the past or maybe you, even just the word cancer may feel like that's, you know, so devastating. How would you ever move past that? And you don't have to move out. It's scary because it's so scary. Yeah. That's right. And we don't encourage moving past anything here. We want everybody to feel the emotions that they feel and have the experiences that they have. But we want to generate the opportunity to be around others who understand and who can work with them, you know, as their friend, as their support group. Whatever that looks like, whether it be in an art class or in a support group or the one-on-one counseling with our social workers, we want to make sure that we're sort of meeting every. every need that they have beyond medical. So go to the hospital for medical, come to cancer bridges for everything else. That's what I always say. Stephanie, for people who are listening to you and us right now who need your help right now, what do they do? What do they do? Well, they can certainly pick up the phone and call us at any time. 412-338-1919. Or if you want to learn more about everything that Cancer Bridges has to offer, you can visit our website. You can also become a member on our website, and that's cancerbridges.org. Cancerabridges.org. Stephanie, Serrani, I've admired your organization for some time, and I'm glad we had this conversation. You help a lot of people, and you will continue to do so. Nice job. Thank you and thanks for highlighting us today. We appreciate you so much. Absolutely. Appreciate that indeed. I love, I love, you know, there are such great non-profits. She's right about our medical community. Our hospitals, our medical community is phenomenal. The best in the world. But there are a lot of nonprofits that I like to highlight and give you information about because, you know, nonprofits don't have the money to be marketed and to buy commercials to make sure you absolutely know who they are. But Cancer Bridges is one of those that can truly help you. And it was a privilege to have her on. Okay.

Back to the phones and some of our harder subjects when I get back. Michael Bartley, KDKA. Okay, welcome back. 86639-110-20. 866-39-110-20. Yeah, I love our nonprofits. I really do. Anyway, I want to get to this New York Times editorial today, but you guys want to talk about these skill games. I knew it. Ed and Cannonsburg. Hi, Ed. Hi, Ed. How are you doing, Michael? I'm okay. How are you? Well, I'm pretty good. Hey, I am extremely. knowledgeable about this area. But before we get into the skill games, let me just say one thing. When the casinos came to town, I think they each had to pay a $50 million license and see if I'm not mistaken. I think that sounds right, yeah. And it was supposed to be no other competition. Shortly after that, the Pennsylvania lotteries start putting ticket machines in every place nook and cranny they could put into. They started with their keynote videos. They started with their racing videos. And then they went to online betting. So you tell me who screwed who there. Wow. Yeah. That's one thing. That's one thing. Yeah. The second thing is they've been trying to legalize these games since the 70s. Because I used to go to meetings with an organization called AMA and so by their amusement. And it never happened. Meanwhile, West Virginia, you know, they've been legal for a long time. I didn't know that. I didn't know that. So they were legal way, way, way, way, way before Pennsylvania is always last. Yeah, yeah, exactly. But the bad thing about this is the bars and the fraternal clubs that you mentioned, they're not to suffer. I'm sorry, would you say they're going to suffer? Is that what you said? They're going to suffer monetarily because, you know, they count on that cash flow, keep the doors open because they're not keeping it open with drinking anymore with the DUIs and this and that. People are afraid to drink. So they are definitely going to suffer. And may I also add. Her machine in this area, I know anyways, you have to pay a local tax on each machine yearly. And the police go around and look at all the bars and clubs and everything and they send you a list of how many machines you got and how much money you owe them. And it must be paid by the vending company. And some of these machines are $1,500 a piece. So people saying that they're not making any money, the state's not making or the locals aren't making any money off of these machines just simply don't know what they're talking about. You know, Ed, you make a really good point. I don't...

I don't go to bars anymore, but whenever I'm like for a function or something, and I go to a bar, and especially those clubs, like, you know, the soldiers or the VFW or the American Legion, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, I don't know that people in there because they're, I don't know that people. drink at places like any like they used to i i don't know and and i guess those skill games do draw people in there almost like it's your little private closed door casino right i mean i don't know it's almost it's you're you have me thinking about uh thinking about um the bookies years ago who were the most generous guys in any neighborhood they were the they were the guy they were so nice and so generous and they didn't do they didn't know i mean i guess maybe if someone owed the money they may have done something but they but that was kind of a it was kind of a harmless thing i think writing numbers right Absolutely. And here's the thing that our LCB is done, the Gestapo of Pennsylvania. These clubs, you know, they all have daily books, weekly books. You sign your name. You sign the book. You sign the book. You sign the book, they say. You sign the book. These clubs don't benefit anything from those books. All the money has to be paid out to the winner. So that, they're not doing anything. All that is is drawing people in to have a drink and sign a book. Also, they have the strip tickets with the like the three, tab pool, five tab pool. They have to donate that money to charity. They can't keep that money neither. So you tell me what's going to make up the revenue they're getting from these games. Amazing. Amazing. Ed, how do you know so much about this? What did you say you did some organization years ago to get them legalized? I've worked for companies that have this for 40 years. Wow. Wow. Were you surprised? So I take it you were kind of surprised by the state Supreme Court's decision yesterday saying that these are slot machines. Was I surprised? No. But what I am surprised about is our state legislators aren't doing something and making these things legitimate so everybody can benefit. Well, we're going to see what they do with it. And I suspect people like you and a lot of folks will have, I think would have their say and would be lobbying their representatives and state senators either way. Am I right? I would hope so. I would hope the clubs, organizations, bars, everybody are doing that right now, now that the Supreme Court handed down this decision. But, I mean, who knows, people don't get involved until it affects them and then right at time it's too late. Yeah, yeah. Hey, Ed, what a great call. Thanks a lot. You know what I'm laughing inside? You know why? People don't have a damn clue what we're talking about signing the book.

Let me just explain. I know. People are saying they're like, what? Wait. So these clubs, these clubs with their, you know, glass block windows and you have to buzz to get in. And it's VFWs and the American Legions. And they, you say, let me sign the book to the bartender if you remember. And you pay a dollar. And it's every member has a number. And if they pick your number that night and you signed the book, you win the jackpot of that. Exactly. Am I stating that correctly? Yeah, you're 100% way. They probably think we're talking about signing the Bible. I know. What the hell? Sign the book. What the hell are you talking about? Ed, what a pleasure. You're a good guy. I appreciate it. Thanks a lot. All right, take care. I love old-fashioned Pittsburgh. I can't help it. I don't know. I can't help it. But, yeah, signing the book, that's making me laugh. I remember as a kid, and my dad was a commander of one of those clubs, and we'd be coming home for somebody goes, all right, you stay in the car. I have to run in and sign the book. Oh, my God. All right, Pat Septak has news. 866, 39, 110, 20. I want to get to this New York Times thing. You guys keep distracting me about these skill games. I'll be back.

The United States is emerging weaker, militarily, diplomatically, and economically, and will pay strategic costs for years to come. The details of the deal are unclear, but the announced framework suggests that Mr. Trump has won few of the terms he insisted that he would. It is a humiliating come-down for him and the nation he leads. Since the war began, he has said the United States would achieve total and complete victory and that Iran must agree to unconditional surrender. He suggested that regime change would occur. He said that Iran would be permitted no enrichment of uranium and that the United States will, working with Iran, dig up and remove all the deeply buried near-bomb-grade nuclear material. that it already holds none of this appears to be true Iran's hardline government remains in place. The specifics of the nuclear agreement will apparently be negotiated over the next two months. But the terms seem likely to resemble those of a 2015 deal that President Barack Obama negotiated and that Mr. Trump canceled in 2018. He described the Obama agreement as the quote unquote worst deal ever. and said it put Iran on a, quote, a route to a nuclear weapon. He criticized it for failing to force Iran to stop supporting terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah and for loosening economic sanctions. Yet his destructive war seems likely to leave him with a similar deal. His biggest achievement in the ceasefire framework is the expected reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping traffic, which will eventually reduce prices of energy and other goods. That, of course, is merely a reversion to the pre-war status quo. Iran closed the strait in retaliation to damage the global economy and increased political pressure on the United States. The move worked, and Iran's leaders now understand that they hold a powerful economic weapon. On balance, Iran emerges the strategic winner of the four-month war. It did suffer a substantial loss and losses, including much of its Navy, Air Force, military, industrial capacity, and political leadership, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader who was killed on the war's first day. With the war ending, however, Iran's leadership can begin rebuilding.

We lay out these facts. I'm jumping around. We lay out these facts with no pleasure. Iran has been and remains a force for all that represents its own people, political dissidents, women, LGBTQ people and religious minorities. It is a world leader in torture and executions, and it has financed terrorism in its region and far beyond. Iran's leaders have impoverished a country where per capita income was above the global average as recently as the 1970s. For his sins, he has now agreed to a peace framework, President Trump has, understands is a defeat for him. It is a setback for America as well. Wow. Wow. Can you imagine Trump told about this one? New York Times editor. This is this is just the tip of the iceberg on the reaction. Look, let's be honest. Let's be open. Let's be fair. We got to wait and see what happens. We do. We got to wait and see. But. One thing I praised, I gave Trump credit for in the beginning was if he can move out those hateful, hateful people in that regime, murderers, torturing their own people, their own people responsible.

for having a theocracy. And that's what happens when you have a theocracy. Complete rule. Complete trying to get people to be exactly who you are. Of course, that's an unnatural deal. God made us all different. And Trump kept saying to the people of Iran, and I was for this. I was, I liked his words a lot. Take your country back. Take your country back. And I thought he's going to get in there and shake it up. But if there's no regime change, I don't know how we could call it a success. We've got to wait and see, I guess. And it's going to take months and months and months and months. But there's no, there doesn't seem to be that. That hominy, whatever the hell, isn't his son the one taking over? And it's going to be the same torture, oppression, as it always was. Always. And related to, you know, verifying nuclear weapons, we had that before. So I don't know. I don't know. But I wanted to share that with you because... People on the Hill are talking about it today. And I think people around the world are talking about this editorial today. And this is going to be the first of many. You can trust that. It's going to be the first of many. All right, 86639-110-20. 866-39-110-20. Michael Bartley, in for Marty. I'll be right back.

Okay, welcome back. You know what? I tell you, I have a lot of fun. A lot of fun. Jostling with people I disagree with politically. You know, never make it personal. But I'll tell you something. The great satisfaction truly is with people like Stephanie Serrani who just texted me. I had her on about an hour ago. And she just texted me, the executive director of cancer bridges. And she said, since our conversation on AM 1020, KDCA, 100.1 FM, she had several people call people who were in distress, people who were worried, people who were scared about their cancer diagnosis. And those folks need help. And Cancer Bridges does it. It's cancerbridges.org. You know, I don't know if this is still a thing, but 20 years ago, I remember my mother's generation, and I'm not advocating anything here. I'm just saying people have their own personal things, but several of those, they were older ladies at the time, but I knew them to, to, you know declare that they were not going to do chemotherapy and they were not going to get treatment and they just wanted a quality of life for whatever time they had left but they didn't want to be sick the whole time so they just waited out and you know died peacefully all that type stuff however doesn't matter they had anxiety depression all of that and listen it's personal it's it's a personal thing but you can never ever be afraid to reach out to talk to get help especially you know people that have close families and you know always i'll always be grateful to be from a big really close family And we're not the type that fight with each other and all that garbage. But if something ever happened, I knew that they, you know, there's an old Irish saying that you always hang your hat with your family. But some people don't have that as it relates to the fear, the distress and despair of being diagnosed with cancer. And they're looking around and feeling alone. You're never alone. Don't ever feel alone. That was the whole message there an hour ago from cancer bridges. You're not alone. Don't, don't feel alone. Reach out. Find strength to, to reach out. All right? And cancerbridges.org, she reminded me to give the website address again because of the reaction from that interview. This is what we do best. And as far as I'm concerned, you know, we fight and go and have a good time going on about politics and the economy and gas prices.

Biden was an old goat. Trump was an old goat. And, uh, you're a stupid liberal and you're a stupid conservative and, you know, the left is, you know, the radical left and the radical right and snowflakes all. But at the end of the day, it's, it's stories like that. Cancer bridges that. that we celebrate. Boy, that just made me feel good. Texted me that several people already reached out and truly appreciated Stephanie Serani's interview on the air. Because don't ever, don't, don't, don't do it alone. Get out there and do it. You know, I'll tell you, one thing, you know, breast cancer and women, they come together like you can't believe and help people after they've beaten it and they help people diagnosed because they know what they're up against. God love them. God love them. Come together and love. Do it. All right. 86639-110-20. Michael Bartley, I'll be back after news.