I received in my inbox today.. this note from Oak Bank.

In Memory of Jodi Lou Rickert
June 9, 1971 - April 28,2008 

"Oak Bank was proud to sponsor the 1st Annual 5 mile/8K Walk/Run to Benefit the Jodi Lou Lung Cancer Fund on June 7th, 2008.  With over 340 registered, and over $20,000 raised, the Creating Hope UW Fundraising Campaign will match these funds dollar for dollar.  The proceeds benefit the University of Wisconsin Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center which promotes research and getting the drugs from research to the bedside."

While we don't typically air or publish press releases, I wanted to share the following for a few reasons:  first, because lung cancer, the most deadly form of cancer, is something we need to talk more about.  Second, because it continues to claim the lives of too many women like Jodi each day.

Lung cancer remains a topic few want to talk about.  Experts in the field say all too often, that is because those affected feel blamed for bringing the disease upon themselves.  Many, when they hear this, often find it hard to believe.  But if you stop a moment and think of the first question you might ask when someone says, I have lung cancer, what would it be? 

While smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer, it is by no means the only.  Current smokers make up only a small portion of those currently being diagnosed.  Former smokers and never smokers make up a majority of those on the frontlines of this disease.  And, sadly, they are usually diagnosed late stage because no one considers them at risk, the symptoms often mimic other conditions and there is no good means of early detection.  And funding for research to find a better way remains slim, at best.   

This needs to change.  And I applaud and thank Oak Bank for their support of the Creating Hope campaign at the Carbone Cancer Center to raise funds to support lung cancer research.  Bittersweet, because I wish we were further in being able to successfully treat those with this disease, along with so many other cancers where care and treatment options need advancement.  Thank you as well, to the family of Jodi Lou for taking up the fight and sharing her, and your story. 

I would be remiss if I did not give a sincere thank you to so many others in our community, that have also realized the importance of funding lung cancer research.  But like with all cancers, we can not get there fast enough.  A lesson, unfortunately, too many of us have learned.