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Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Breast cancer threatens more than humans

The past two Octobers, the NewsPress has honored breast cancer victims and survivors with a daily series sharing their stories, their struggles, their obstacles and their triumphs.
Several months ago I learned that breast cancer does not prey only on humans.
My Welsh Corgi Scampi was diagnosed with breast cancer last fall. After surgery she was cancer free for the rest of 2010. But with 2011 came more cancer.
On June 25, the cancer won. Scampi went outside and scurried beneath the porch my husband built to ease her outdoor adventuring when the existing doorstep proved too much of a challenge. And there, she drew her last breath.
As much as I have mourned the passing of my loving Corgi, I also have resolved to spread the message. Spay your puppies. Our veterinarian says early spaying drastically reduces the chances of female dogs developing breast cancer.
I didn’t know.
And now she is gone at an age she should be curled up beside my chair.
We urge people to have their pets spayed and neutered to reduce the number of animals that suffer from neglect, abuse and homelessness.
And now I know spaying puppies can also reduce the number of premature deaths to breast cancer.
Do your friend a favor.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Goodbye, Betty Ford

America is saying goodbye to one of the strongest women - no, one of the strongest people - ever to occupy the White House.
Betty Ford was a first lady who shared her strength, her family, her weaknesses and her humor with her country.
Women too young to remember Betty Ford need only look around at the strong women influencing today's world and see her legacy.
Betty Ford was a feminist, a women's rights advocate and a symbol of strength. And she was willing to share with the world when challenges tested that strength.
She faced substance addiction and the Betty Ford clinic became a well-known center that served those whose
own addictions previously had been kept hidden.
When Betty Ford developed breast cancer, she let the world know. And she survived, empowering women everywhere.
Our world is a little less right now, it seems, with Betty Ford's death.
But our world is so much more because she was in it.