Shaken, but not beaten
I was pretty pleased with the news that the cancer death rate dropped for the second consecutive year (with 2004 being the latest year reported). Nice to think that we may be finally turning a corner on this fight.
And then I dug a little deeper into the story.
Another 1.4 million people will be diagnosed with cancer this year. Another half a million will die. And that’s only here in the US.
Federal funding for cancer research and prevention was cut last year for the first time in 35 years. Our president has continued to block funding for scientific advances in stem cell research and has wasted over $300 million per day in a useless war.
All this in the year that we lost Ben and so many other beautiful kids. We cannot become complacent with the progress that has been made. We cannot sit by and wait for a cure. Please support one of these amazing organizations:
Prayers For Maria - A new foundation focusing on funding research of pediatric diffuse pontine glioma.
Lance Armstrong Foundation - I’m pretty impressed with the work Lance is doing to make cancer a national priority.
Make-A-Wish Foundation - What more can I ever say about how wonderful Ben’s wish was?
And, most importantly, start planning on voting for candidates that support scientific advancement and addressing the many health care needs of this country.
You have listed some very nice foundations. I just wanted to let you know about some more of the foundations that are out there. If you go to jjsmiracle.com, he has a tab with all the foundations out there (or at least the ones he knows about). Please also read today post (1/19) from Jim about all the foundations.
Please know that I think of you and your family often, we pray for families that have lost a loved one to this monster every night. I know we have never talked but we share a common bond, my son Matthew is also fighting for his life right now because of this tumor. I followed Ben’s journey and continue to check in on your guys. I am so glad to see the photos of Maddie and Lily.
God Bless.
Rich (Matthew’s Dad)
You write the article is the most attractive.