In the summer issue’s cover story, the statements made by
John Overstreet, executive director of the Indoor Tanning Association,
don’t surprise me, but they do anger me. I take particular exception
to the comment regarding the issue of teens tanning. Mr. Overstreet
says it’s not “some huge problem looming out there...mostly
because there are not that many people involved.” How many teen
or young adult melanoma diagnoses do we need before we consider this
to be a huge problem? When once-a-month use of a tanning bed increases
your risk of developing melanoma by 150 percent it shouldn’t
matter if there are only three teenagers on the planet using a sunbed.
My teenagers have argued in favor of tanning and they quote misinformation
they’ve heard and read. I rebut with the study-based data from
the experts who put my child’s health over their pocketbooks
and choose to err on the side of caution.
Patricia Kimber
Marquette, Mich.
I have just read your summer 2005 issue, my second so far as a new
reader. As a cancer patient, I am finding CURE exceptionally helpful.
I was diagnosed with stage 4 gastric cancer in May 2004. CURE has filled
a very important gap in my battle with cancer. Prior to discovering
CURE, virtually all the information I found aimed at the lay audience
was not helpful. It typically lacked the depth and substance of your
reporting and analysis. I found most information for cancer patients
generally too basic to be helpful, usually leaving me with more questions
than answers. CURE educates and teaches beyond anything else I’ve
found. I thank you for that.
Charles S. Smith
Fairport, N.Y.
I would like to thank CURE for the Washington, D.C., “Focus
on Advocacy” symposium. The sessions gave the most useful medical
information to the layman, regarding many different aspects of the
treatment of cancer. Time spent mingling with the attendees allowed
many of us to understand we are all moving forward on similar pathways
with our fellow travelers. This personally gave me strength. One
of the breakout sessions centered on coping for couples, and this
session made me feel that my life partner of 30 years and I have
the same hopes, fears and aspirations as the other couples, and we
are taking the “right” steps as we go through our journey.
Fred Darr, MD
Retired Medical Director
American National Red Cross
The CURE forum in Washington, D.C. was awesome! I thoroughly enjoyed
all the lectures and informational breakout sessions. I also got
so much from my visit to Capitol Hill! I feel like I’ve found
a new passion for lobbying and hope to stay involved with cancer
advocacy. This trip has given me a confidence that I don’t
often feel, and I thank you for giving me this wonderful opportunity.
All of us cancer survivors are so fortunate to have CURE as a resource.
You are making a huge impact on this world. I hope you realize all
the good you’ve helped create.
Leslie Sinclair
Laguna Hills, Calif.
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