2007-06-14

Our State Lobby Day was wonderful.  The weather was fantastic, sunny with beautiful fluffy clouds.  It was the largest Lobby Day yet for Michigan.  We were to talk with our lawmakers about the HB 4163 and SB 109 which would make Michigan Smokefree including bars and restaurants.  We also were talking about restoring and increasing funding for the Healthy Michigan Fund, which helps with some early detection and treatment programs.

I am happy to report that the majority of the Michigan Senators and Representives supported both these "asks".  Let's just hope that they carry through with their votes.  We can only follow through and watch how they vote on these important subjects.

It was fun to catch up with Relay For Lifers and passionate volunteers for the American Cancer Society who I met while in Washington, D.C.  It is wonderful to network with others who are passionate about RFL and ACS.  It is great to get wonderful ideas on games and Mission Delivery ideas.  The "Wall of Memories" is a fantastic way to pay tribute to those who have lost their battle to cancer and I am hoping to incorporate this in our Relay next year.  I think that we can expand and have a "Wall of HOPE" which could celebrate those who have survived and/or are currently undergoing treatment.

We have also had the Otsego County (MI), Relay For Life on June 2nd and 3rd..  It was a resounding success.  Our Chairperson, Rebecca Townsend, did an awesome job in organizing things.  We had a county goal of $99,000 and I am proud to say that as of  yesterday our reported total was $106,000.  Now that may not seem like much to some communities, but we have had one of our largest employers close in the past year and another that will be closed by the end of the year.  So the fact that we exceeded our goal is fantastic!

Because there have been more people than I can believe who have been newly diagnosed in the last few months, I continue to be passionate about the mission of the American Cancer Society. We can make a difference by using strength of numbers, raising our voices and working as a team to raise money and awareness.  By making sure that we are advocates for our own healthcare and living the American Cancer Society's guidelines for screenings and early detection programs.

HOPE can bring a CURE.