Daily Skiff

Media Credit: sxc.hu [Click to enlarge]

In 2009 about 565,000 Americans are expected to die of cancer, or more than 1,500 people per day, according to the American Cancer Society. Cancer is the second most common disease causing death in the U.S., topped only by heart disease. A report from International Agency for Research on Cancer found that in 2007 approximately 12 million people worldwide died from cancer, which would amount to 20,000 deaths each day. Those are some staggering numbers.

Cancer hits home with many people. Unfortunately, most of us have either a friend or a relative who has had cancer. Those of us who have never had the disease can only guess what emotions they experience and what their diagnosis or condition will be like.

To combat this disease that seemingly "never sleeps," the American Cancer Society has been helping by offering support to cancer victims, information, as well as funded research to "kill" the disease.

So my question to you now is what would you do to help cure cancer? Would you come out and have fun, eat barbecue or hunt Easter eggs for a cure? That is what our Fort Worth community's Relay for Life is asking of you when it hosts the 25th annual race at Farrington Field tonight. Money raised at the event will help to fund research, give support to cancer victims and lobby the government for new laws and regulations to help current or future cancer victims.

The night will be packed with cancer survivors, caretakers, as well as TCU students. TCU currently has 20 teams signed up for Relay for Life. It's a great cause to get involved in, and a way to help ACS continue its mission of "eliminating cancer as a major health problem." Cancer will not go away without our help, and we as a community should show our support and make at least a minimal effort to achieve its mission.

Vlora Bojku is a junior business major from Colleyville.

Article Tools