Rudy and Beverly Bess established the Hope Light Project in July 2005 to help people recognize cancer symptoms, take early action and save lives. 

Since the age of 36, Beverly has been battling cancer and winning.  She had three types of cancer, i.e., two types of breast cancer in 1983 and 1996 and more recently ovarian cancer in 2003.  It became obvious from Bev’s personal experiences in fighting cancer and from her discussions with other cancer victims that not enough attention was afforded to communicating early awareness of cancer symptoms.  (More. . . )

In 2009, Bev had another bout with breast cancer which was her fourth cancer since 1983.  Again, she was treated and feels that repeated wins against cancer has led to a greater strength to fight the deadly disease and help others in their fight.  (More. . . )

With early awareness of cancer symptoms vs causes, self-exams and screening tests, cancer could be detected while it remains in the organ of origin.  If immediate action is taken at the first sign of cancer to seek medical help, cancer can be treated before it spreads to adjacent tissues, lymph nodes and to other organs.   

The Hope Light Project focuses on communicating the importance of early cancer awareness and detection within the "Alpha Zone" as depicted in the following illustration. 

Click Click on above to view/print a  larger image in PDF format.

The key to fighting cancer in the "Alpha Zone" is to be able to recognize cancer symptoms at the first sign, take ownership of your body and take action immediately to contact a physician upon suspecting the presence of cancer.  

With advanced knowledge of cancer symptoms, individuals will be able to better recognize signals the body is beginning to transmit that may indicate the presence of cancer.  This is a critical time to listen and to take action. 

Individuals have a tendency to ignore the need of obtaining information about cancer until it affects them personally or until it strikes a family member or friend.  Some individuals unknowingly treat cancer symptoms by using over the counter drugs and will not seek medical attention until minor discomforts become unbearable painful problems.  By then, the cancer could have progressed to an advanced stage with little or no hope for a cure.

Screening tests can detect the presence of cancer before symptoms occur and, in some cases, before the formation of a tumor that could result in a cancer cure. 

Self-exams can detect the presence of a tumor in some cases before it spreads from the organ of origin to adjacent tissue or another organ that could also result in a cancer cure. 

Regular checkups with a medical professional are extremely important in early detection of cancer.

According to the Harvard Center for Cancer Prevention; "Fifty percent of all cancer is preventable."  Practicing cancer prevention is much easier and more effective than cancer treatment.