No Stomach for Cancer

UPDATE: the resolution has passed the Senate. There is no need to contact your senators - unless you want to thank them for their support.

Sometimes a national issue is personal. Sometimes a personal issue becomes national. This issue is really both.

You may remember Tyler, La Petite's friend, the young man who passed away from stomach cancer. This young man, college student, an athlete in his prime, was diagnosed in a late stage of cancer -- too late to treat successfully. Thanks to his friends and family, he passed peacefully, surrounded by an ocean of caring.

Tyler's mother would like to spread the word about stomach cancer through an initiative sponsored by Wisconsin's Senator Russ Feingold. Senator Feingold would like to declare November, 2010 Stomach Cancer Awareness Month. A public awareness campaign will educate people about this aggressive and sometimes hereditary cancer, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and treatment.

November is an ideal month for this awareness campaign because of Thanksgiving Day, a holiday that emphasizes family and food. Family health histories are important - no, essential. The U.S. Surgeon General would like to declare Thanksgiving Day National Family History Day to emphasize the need for this knowledge. Thanksgiving, with its emphasis on harvest, food, and nourishment, can be very difficult for stomach cancer patients. Spreading awareness of this illness will help build compassion while increasing knowledge.

Russ Feingold, co-sponsor of Stomach Cancer Awareness Month, is a senator from my fair state of Wisconsin. I'm proud that he introduced this resolution and helped it pass.

Awareness is only the beginning, but it is a strong beginning. Please help spread the word - in Tyler's memory, and to prevent others from suffering. Let's make sure our nation has No Stomach for Cancer.

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