Cancer and what you can do about it

I hate cancer.

I hate the word cancer. I hate what it is.

I hate the fact that there probably isn't a family in the United States that hasn't been touched by cancer in one way or another.

Cancer is a thief. Cancer is a robber. Cancer is a destroyer. Cancer is a killer. Cancer is a stealer.

Cancer steals your loved ones and someday may steal you.

Cancer has left a scar on my face, but that's nothing.

Cancer took my mother at age 56. She should have been able to grow old and grey and watch her son lose his hair.

But cancer stole her.

There are people on this earth, though, who are trying to kill the killer. Some of those people are scientists funded by the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation.

On November 9, 2008 this foundation will be hosting Go Vertical Chicago, a stair climb at Sears Tower, as a way of raising money and awareness in the fight against cancer.

I will be doing this stair climb, all 186 pounds of me. Yes, I will be hauling my fat butt up 103 flights of stairs. That's 2,109 steps. That's a lot of steps. It may take me awhile. I may still be climbing by this time next year.

But it will be worth it because I intend to raise some money in the effort to kill the killer. And to raise money, I need the help of anyone who may read this blog on occasion, if you can spare it. I know these are tough times, but if you can part with even a few dollars, I would appreciate it greatly.

If you can and you want to donate with a credit card, or you just want to see some more information, you can visit my personal Go Vertical web page just by clicking right here. When you get there you can read more info about the climb and the foundation and click on Go Donate to donate by credit card.

If you just wish to pledge now and pay later by cash or check or credit card, or if you prefer to send cash or a check directly to me, contact me at my personal e-mail, which can be found in my profile at the upper right hand corner of this page in the "About Me" section. It doesn't matter how much you give, even if it's only a dollar, it will help. And it will be appreciated.