BY MARCI A. LANDSMANN
Staff Writer

Imagine a future where you can pinpoint the type of cancer you might get and actually stop it before you find a lump.

This future of cancer prevention was heralded in at the Fox Chase Cancer Center with the groundbreaking of a new five level 120,000 square foot Prevention Pavilion- the first of its kind in the nation.

"This will be the first research program in the nation to concentrate on a comprehensive approach to cancer prevention," said Fox Chase president Dr. Robert C. Young. "By integrating existing and new programs in molecular genetics, genetic epidemiology, risk assessment, behavioral medicine, chemoprevention and bioinformatics, we will have the scientific building blocks to help reach what may be the ultimate goal in cancer care."

After days of rain, hundreds of people whose live have been affected by cancer gathered in Fox Chase's sunny courtyard to celebrate the groundbreaking and a new beginning. Board members welcomed television star Robert Urich, who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called synovial cell sarcoma two years ago and is now in remission.

"I came here for two reasons," Urich said. "What better way to reach more potential 'Love Boat' viewers and I came here to be a part of what is a one of kind facility. Not once in the whole time I went to a doctor did anyone talk to me about diet or changes in behavior. Ten years ago, my doctors would have sent me home to die."

Urich has made it his mission to tell his story, making various appearances through out the nation. Recent developments in science saved him, so he plans to advocate for more change.

Urich thanked science, the love of his family, and the power of God for the fact that he is healed. He considers himself cancer-free, hesitating to use the word 'remission,' because of its open-endedness. He stated there was a 98 percent chance that he will never see this cancer again.

Currently, two-thirds or $25 million of the required $38 million for the pavilion, has been raised or pledged from corporate, foundation, and individual gifts.

These gifts reinforce a belief in Fox Chase Cancer Center's pioneering innovation that are already standing on the edge or preventive measures.

William J. Avery, chairman and chief executive officer of Crown Cork and Seal Company, Inc. and a board member, leads the fund-raising campaign entitled "Prevention: The Cancer Answer for the Next Generation."

He pointed out that Fox Chase Cancer Center has already raised twice as much funding as they did two years ago in another campaign drive.

The Kresge Foundation of Troy gave a 1.5 million grant to aid in the construction. The grant requires the Center to raise another 4. 5 million in new gifts and grants for the Prevention Pavilion over the next 16 months.

"This $1.5 million grant to Fox Chase is the largest not only in Philadelphia, but in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania," said A. J. Gabriele, who is on the board of directors. "The Kresge Foundation believes in Fox Chase."

Kathie Reed-McKain, head of volunteers, told stories about the advocacy of many volunteers who have fought cancer and won.

"Prevention is a powerful word," Reed McKain said. "It enables survivors and volunteers to get involved in new ways."

Reed-McKain is looking towards a new era where her daughter will be able to live cancer-free. She and Fox Chase Cancer Center believe prevention is reality.

Twenty children from the Fox Chase Cancer Center's Creative Beginnings day care came equipped with "FCCC" yellow hard hats, shovels and buckets, and yellow shirts with the words "Groundbreaking Crew" imprinted on their backs. These children sang "A Whole New World," from the popular Disney movie "Aladdin."

"When I was growing up, we were all haunted by the fear of polio. It intruded on the hearts and minds of an entire generation of Americans," said Young. "But science finally resolved that problem, not with better Iron Lungs or more specialized medical personnel skilled in the care of paralyzed patients, but through a vaccine which prevented the disease before it ever developed."

Young looked at the small children, equipped to break ground with their shovels and buckets, and shared the same that same hope: to make cancer a part of history.

"As Thomas Jefferson said, 'I believe in the dreams of the future rather than rejoicing in the history of the past.'" said Young. "With your help this dream is becoming a reality."

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