Cancer is one of the most feared diseases that we, as humans, face.
All of us have friends, family members and neighbors who have been touched by this disease.
Cancer’s various forms strike indiscriminately, regardless of age.
Some 1,437,180 new cancer cases were diagnosed in 2008, according to the American Cancer Society’s web site. Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the U.S., exceeded
only by heart disease. In the U.S., cancer accounts for 1 of every 4 deaths.
Efforts nationwide at combating the disease have focused on research, prevention and cure. There have been successes.
The 5-year relative survival rate for all cancers diagnosed between 1996 and 2003 is 66%, up from 50% in 1975-1977. The improvement in survival reflects progress in diagnosing certain cancers at an earlier stage and improvements in treatment.
There continue to be positive outcomes, and stories of hope.
Prayers, fundraisers, and positive attitudes all can make a difference.
In many states and communities, events such as the “Relay for Life,” offers support and encouragement for those who have been affected and serves, like it does here, as an important fundraiser for the ACS.
Communities also get behind various activities such as dinners, dances, benefits and auctions to raise money.
That was the case this past weekend when Rolla hosted the annual cancer gala to help raise money to combat the disease.
Approximately 255 people attended the 24th annual fundraiser hosted by the Phelps County unit of the ACS’s gala committee.
The 2009 effort brought in more than $37,000, upping the local effort to over a half million dollars.
Proceeds from the fundraiser are spent on patient services, research, education and advocacy.
The ACS has also constructed Hope Lodges, offering free lodging for cancer patients and their families near a treatment center in both Kansas City and St. Louis.
Educational efforts have grown to include youth about the dangers of skin cancer.
The fun-filled gala also raises money as well in the form of sponsorships, with businesses and individuals contributing.
Began as a memorial fundraiser, the event continues to grow. It has evolved to a celebration of life, of success, of progress, and hope.
We join with the committee and all those who contributed, volunteered, and took part in looking forward to the day when this disease and its impact will be a distant memory.
(Floyd Jernigan is publisher of the Rolla Daily News)
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Cancer is one of the most feared diseases that we, as humans, face.
All of us have friends, family members and neighbors who have been touched by this disease.
Cancer’s various forms strike indiscriminately, regardless of age.
Some 1,437,180 new cancer cases were diagnosed in 2008, according to the American Cancer Society’s web site. Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the U.S., exceeded
only by heart disease. In the U.S., cancer accounts for 1 of every 4 deaths.
Efforts nationwide at combating the disease have focused on research, prevention and cure. There have been successes.
The 5-year relative survival rate for all cancers diagnosed between 1996 and 2003 is 66%, up from 50% in 1975-1977. The improvement in survival reflects progress in diagnosing certain cancers at an earlier stage and improvements in treatment.
There continue to be positive outcomes, and stories of hope.
Prayers, fundraisers, and positive attitudes all can make a difference.
In many states and communities, events such as the “Relay for Life,” offers support and encouragement for those who have been affected and serves, like it does here, as an important fundraiser for the ACS.
Communities also get behind various activities such as dinners, dances, benefits and auctions to raise money.
That was the case this past weekend when Rolla hosted the annual cancer gala to help raise money to combat the disease.
Approximately 255 people attended the 24th annual fundraiser hosted by the Phelps County unit of the ACS’s gala committee.
The 2009 effort brought in more than $37,000, upping the local effort to over a half million dollars.
Proceeds from the fundraiser are spent on patient services, research, education and advocacy.
The ACS has also constructed Hope Lodges, offering free lodging for cancer patients and their families near a treatment center in both Kansas City and St. Louis.
Educational efforts have grown to include youth about the dangers of skin cancer.
The fun-filled gala also raises money as well in the form of sponsorships, with businesses and individuals contributing.
Began as a memorial fundraiser, the event continues to grow. It has evolved to a celebration of life, of success, of progress, and hope.
We join with the committee and all those who contributed, volunteered, and took part in looking forward to the day when this disease and its impact will be a distant memory.
(Floyd Jernigan is publisher of the Rolla Daily News)
