Many ways to fight cancer

April is Cancer Awareness month.
Last week the sorority Beta Sigma Phi sold daffodils in Fort Frances for the last time. Shortly daffodil pins will go on sale throughout the community for persons to make donations to the Canadian Cancer Society. The money is well used.
When the sign went up to buy the daffodils, I didn’t hesitate. It was an insignificant amount of money that might make a difference. Local support of the Cancer Society has helped hundreds in the district.
Last year when the Riverside Foundation was out campaigning for funding for a new digital mammography machine, my family donated to the cause as they had done for the CAT Scan machine. Both are helping to make life better for families in the district.
Almost every month in the year has a focus on a different cancer. Every cancer has its own colored ribbon. Each deserves the same recognition and awareness.
There is probably no family in the district that has not been touched by cancer in some form. My father died from cancer, as did his sister. My father’s mother died of cancer.
At one time, the c-word was equivalent to a death sentence. Today there is lots of good news about cancer and surviving. The five-year survival rates for both men and women have increased for 13 of the most common cancers.
It is a good story that bears retelling. It is a good story in that those gains in survival have come through research and improved treatment. Survival has increased through earlier detection.
And through support for the Cancer Society by buying daffodils, or the Relay for Life, or Run for the Cure, or Movember, we get to step forward to help future patients survive their cancers.
Last week in the Fort Frances Times, Heather Latter wrote the story of the “Snow White and the Survivors” team who are raising funds for the Relay for life that will take place on June 21. The team has set a goal of raising $10,000 to be donated at Relay for Life. One Gnome began its travel at the Times office and the other at Gillon’s Insurance. At both businesses, the staffs stepped up and donated far more than the minimum to move the Gnome along.
Other teams will also form for the Relay for Life in June. Each has a personal connection to cancer. As they walk around the track, they will reminisce about loved ones, or those currently going through treatment. Tears will be shed. Laughter will erupt as funny stories are told. It will happen in Rainy River, Fort Frances and wherever the Relay for Life takes place in Canada.
And participants either supporting teams, or being on a team will all feel a little better for helping.

–Jim Cumming,
Publisher