THE CNMI American Cancer Society’s 4th Relay For Life fund-raising event is just around the corner.
As a member of the CNMI-American Cancer Society, coordinator of the CNMI Breast and Cervical Screening Program and as a cancer survivor, I am a strong supporter of ACS and its fund-raising events.
A question I am frequently asked is: “Just how much money goes to the national ACS, and how much do we get to keep here?” When I reply that the bulk of the funds raised goes to the national ACS, people are either agreeable, disagreeable, angry, or downright rude, because everyone has worked so hard to raise those funds locally, and we get to keep so little, seemingly!
However, while it may appear to be so little, there are several things we ought to consider. The greater portion of the National American Cancer Society’ funds, goes toward research on cancer-–probable causes, possible cures. Research is not something that can be accomplished in a few days, weeks, or months. Research takes years. It involves time, scientists, and equipment, none of which comes cheap or free. ACS constantly provides the public with educational material, training, and the latest scientific information, to mention but a few of the benefits, we receive from them. There are books and other literature, tapes, Web sites, and 1-800 numbers for cancer information, counseling, or simply to talk to someone else who has the same problem. There are also administrative costs to run the program nationwide.
As a cancer survivor, I appreciate and respect all of the research that has been and is currently being done on cancer. While my cancer may only be in remission, I might very well not be here today if not for all the research that has been done on cancer. Therefore, I would like to invite the public to support the Relay For Life event. Even if you are unable to contribute materially, then contribute physically—please come walk, talk, laugh, cry, sing and pray with us, at this very special event. We would all surely appreciate it!
CHRISTINE P. KAPILEO
San Jose, Saipan
