Monday is treatment number three already. One and two have been, for the lack of a better term, a piece of cake! I have run into a number of people that, based on their reaction, are stunned I’m in the midst of chemo. Not sure what to say? We still have a long road ahead of us, but so far….so good.
The next thing I have to say might be a little controversial, but here goes anyway. I have tried to avoid topics such as this, but this one has been bothering me for quite some time. Remember, it’s my blog, I started this and continue it to share what I’m thinking, and what I am going through. Please read the following, agree, disagree…if nothing else just think about it for a minute.
On May 30, 2007, President Bush announced his proposal to double America’s initial commitment and provide an additional $30 billion to combat global HIV/AIDS over the next five years.
$30 Billion dollars! What about Americans dealing with cancer, cancer of all kinds?
In 1997 1.4M Americans were diagnosed with cancer. This was in addition to the millions who were already living with the disease, including yours truly.
The total proposed 2009 budget for the National Cancer Institute is just over $6 Billion and our government leaders send an equal amount, every year, for the next five years overseas.
That is all I have to say, I’m not going to present an argument of AIDS vs. Cancer, etc. I just wanted to present this one little position and ask you to think about it.
NCI may be the biggest, but it is not the only recipient of federal dollars for cancer research. NIH also spends a chunk. Congress allocates money to specific cancers such as prostate and breast cancer through the DOD and CDC.
That’s not to say the government shouldn’t put more into cancer research.
Even though the NCI has had its budget increased since 2001, that increase came from the Clinton administration.
Bush’s 2007 budget took $40 million away from the NCI, and spent it in 3 hours in Iraq.
Everyone is somehow touched by cancer – either themselves, a relative, a friend, etc. Sometimes it seems as if there is some kind of purposeful reason behind this – something to do with money made.
Just my opinion.
Wishing you well David,
Your Florida Friends