Where do I start... and will I be able to stop talking?

For the handful of you who have had the opportunity to talk with me since I have returned from the American Cancer Society Conference in Reno... let me apologize again for getting up on my soap-box and preaching the need for awareness and support of cancer research. :) For the rest of you...here is the watered-down version of my excitement, motivation, and determination to make a difference.

First of all, let me say that on this 5th Anniversary of the September 11th attacks on our country, I have not forgotten. I fly a flag in my yard everyday and proudly support the brave men and women who keep us safe. What does this have to do with cancer? Let me give you some facts to help put things in perspective. We all know that troops are dying everyday to defend our freedom overseas. Some may think the cause is worthy, others may not, but I think we all agree that too many of them have died. As of 9:23 this morning, 2,666 American troops have died while fighting this war on terrorism. During the same period of time, approximately 2,737,500 Americans have died of cancer. That’s right, 1,500 Americans die from cancer everyday. If this country can spend billions of dollars fighting a war in Iraq, why is the federal government cutting funding for cancer related causes? Think about it folks. More Americans have died in the past two days from cancer than have died in the ENTIRE war on terrorism. If that doesn’t give you goose bumps and make you want to make some changes, I don’t know what will.

Take a moment and remember the attacks of September 11th, 2001, but I also encourage you to remember that there is something else out there that is “terrorizing” people around the world. Only funding will provide medical researchers with the ability to fight this thing. I learned this weekend that cancer diagnoses dropped this year for the first time in our history. The research is making a difference and that is what it’s all about! I heard an inspirational speaker on Saturday morning and I am going to quote him. He said, "Although cancer had a small decline this year... think about a woman in labor. When she gets close and the baby is almost there, does she stop? No. What does everyone say? PUSH! The cure we are looking for could be right around the corner." Now is the time for us to PUSH a little harder. Push while we have momentum.

On 9-14 (Thursday night) at 6pm, we will be forming the committee for this year’s Relay for Life. The meeting will be held at the American Legion in Stanwood and it is open to anyone who wants to participate. I encourage all of you to come and listen, or sign up to volunteer. We will be brainstorming ideas, assigning groups of people to different committees, and answering any questions related to the American Cancer Society. Please take the time to plan ahead and be a part of something that is important.

I look forward to seeing everyone there-
Amy