Relay For Life in Essex-Middle River

How intimate are YOU with cancer?  Have you lost a loved one to cancer or a dear friend?Almost everyone has been touched by cancer, either through their own personal battle or with someone they love.  Have you ever heard those words, "It's cancer"? 

What form of cancer?  Breast cancer? Prostate cancer? Colon, liver, kidney, lung, pancreatic, skin cancer?  How about brain cancer? Leukemia?  There are so many forms of cancer today and I often wonder statistically, the odds of every person developing  some form of cancer before the age of 50. 

For some, the odds aren't favorable.  On September 11, 2008 at age 47, my husband Brian was diagnosed with AML, Acute Myeloid Leukemia.  My husband was/is a mechanic who works with brake cleaners, gas and diesel fuel and there are studies today suggesting that alcoholism and leukemia are genetically linked as are the chemicals used by mechanics a connection.

Because cancer plays such a dominant role in the lives of so many today, I am participating in the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life because I want to make a meaningful difference in the fight against cancer. I want to give hope to those newly diagnosed with cancer, hope in knowing that for every dollar we collect puts us one step closer to finding a CURE for all cancers.

LEUKEMIA is a blood cancer that you simply cannot "cut out."  Hospitalization and chemotherapy begin immediately and can continue for a year or more.  Life stops.  No work, no hobbies, no shopping, no cooking, no driving, nothing . . . you are in the hospital, deathly ill and in control of absolutely nothing.

 You cannot go to Social Security to file for disability until you're out of the hospital and you could be on the cancer ward for a month that inital visit.  How do you pay your mortgage? Unless you have liquid assets, you don't.

Ladies, if your husband is the primary caregiver in your home here is something for you to think (or worry) about.  Can you provide for yourself and your children should you or your spouse suffer a health crisis such as CANCER?  Do you have HEALTH INSURANCE?  Do your part in being prepared and your part starts with being financially responsible in the home and by making the American Cancer Society a priority.   

I strongly believe that your HEALTH INSURANCE determines the quality of care you receive. CareFirst Blue Choice = the very best care while Medical Assistance = questionable care.  You cannot depend on the government for any form of assistance.

Every day, the American Cancer Society is helping us stay well by preventing cancer or finding it at its earliest, most treatable stages. They assist families in finding the best resources to help their friend or loved one deal with a diagnosis and their journey to get well. The American Cancer Society is also rallying communities (like ours!) through events like Relay For Life, to fight back and find cures for this disease.

Please join my team or make a donation to help the American Cancer Society create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. Together, we can help make sure that cancer never steals another year of anyone's life!  http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY11SA?px=21559006&pg=personal&fr_id=33569

A happy ending . . . My husband is in REMISSION and all went well  because we had excellent health insurance, long term disability insurance, and the best physicans available at the best hospital in this state, the University of Maryland Medical Center.  The American Cancer Society and the www.lls.org were extremely helpful.  Are you prepared? 

Please contact me at kellytingler@comcast.net with any questions you may have about subject included in this blog.

Life is a blessing.  Don't take one second of it for granted.

Kelly Tingler

Secretary, Essex-Middle River Civic Council (Some information pulled from my personal Relay For Life page)