Good New for Coosa County and Cancer

A New Fighter against the Big “C”

By: Dr. Jeff Fuller

It is something that will scare the living daylights out of an individual, a family, and a community.  It will deplete everything one has-their health, their emotions, their finances, and their life.  It is more than a word, it is a living, breathing fear that sucks the very life out of a person, leaving them hopelessly in despair.

Cancer is a tough situation.  The American Cancer Society reports that there has been a decline in cancer related deaths since the peak in the early 1990’s.  With that said, recovery is hopeful.  Cancer is not the death sentence which at one time it was; better medicine, better care, better outcomes, and better attitudes weigh into this equation.

The National Cancer Institute reports the common cancer types includes cancers that are diagnosed with the greatest frequency in the United States, excluding non-melanoma skin cancers: Bladder Cancer; Breast Cancer; Colon and Rectal Cancer; Endometrial Cancer; Kidney (Renal Cell) Cancer; Leukemia; Lung Cancer; Melanoma; Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma; Pancreatic Cancer; Prostate Cancer; Thyroid Cancer.  This is a list comprised from cancer incidence and mortality statistics reported by the American Cancer Society and other resources used to create the list.  The NCI wrote, “To qualify as a common cancer for the list, the estimated annual incidence for 2013 had to be 40,000 cases or more.”

Most common type of cancer on the above mentioned list is prostate cancer.  It was expected that there would be more than 238,000 new cases in the United States in 2013. The next most common cancers, as predicted, are breast cancer and lung cancer.

For years the American Cancer Society has contended in the fight for better research and better health for cancer patients.  Coosa County has faithfully over the years done their part in raising money for the research.  You, Coosa County have sent more than $500,000 to aid the American Cancer Society in their work, and for this you are to be applauded.  Additionally, because of the hard work and the persistence to see something done for those who know and love, we have been awarded the prestigious Top 20 Per Capita Event in Alabama, which means we raised more funds per capita than others in our region.

Yet, there is still more that can be done.  While all monies raised have gone to research and healthcare development, we have seen many within the county who have suffered because they have not been able to meet pressing needs.  Transportation, financial assistance, immediate care, and support have not been available to far too many. 

For this reason, a new army has come forward to fight against the Big “C.”  This organization is right here in Coosa County and is being organized and spearheaded by Judge Terry and Dianne Mitchell, along with many others.

COACH is Cancer Outreach and Community Hope organized for the purpose of providing community and financial support for the people of Coosa County, that are impacted by cancer as they navigate the periods of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.  It is our intent that this organization will continue to give a portion of monies raised to cancer research through the American Cancer Society, but to keep the bulk of the money in Coosa County for the use of meeting the immediate need of those who are suffering through cancer.  

COACH is here!  It is here to continue to celebrate and applaud through the yearly county events those who won battles in the war on cancer!  It is here to raise money for research and for assistance those of our own families who are struggling because of cancer!  It is here to serve as a support network for finding the appropriate care both emotional and physically for not only the cancer patient, but the family as well!  COACH is truly an answer to prayer!

I encourage you to watch the paper for more information about the events and activities which are coming to draw the community of warriors together in this fight.  Read the testimonies from people around the county who are a part of the COACH family.  Check out the website at www.coachcoosa.org, like them on Facebook, or feel free to call on Dianne, Terry, or myself.    

Most importantly avail yourself to be a part of this great work as we help others, because that is what being a part of the faith is about.  Jesus said that we are to lay down our life for others. (John 15:13)  He taught that we are to be actively helping and aiding others. (Matthew 25:40)  His greatest commandment was and is today, that we are to “Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35 HCSB)

I look forward to standing with you as we use a new tool to fight the fight!

Until next time...

Mindful of ISSUES during the upcoming elections

Focus on the Issues

By: Dr. Jeff Fuller

Individuals are coming out of the woodwork as we have recently completed the qualifying process and now are headed toward June and finally in November.  Yes, my friend, it is an election year with a number of seats up for grabs, across the state and within the counties in which we live.

Many have tossed their hat into the ring for a place in the public eye.  Over the next few months we will see some we have never met come through our little county asking us to support them in their bid to share in the power by serving in some office.  There are several running for Congressional District 6, a few running for Senate District 30, some state office candidates and others on the local level.

It is a pleasure to meet, greet, talk with, and get a feel of real candidates for political office.  Through my years, before and since registering to vote, I have had the honor of getting to know some fine folks who have sought to serve the citizens of this state.  As an elementary student I was thrust into the political process by stomping through the community for a sheriff in his run for election after serving out his appointment by the Governor.  Through the years I have enjoyed many other opportunities to support and stand with candidates, with the largest majority of them winning the seat and going on to become great servants of the people, both on the local and state level and in Washington.

There is one very important thing I have learned through the years; something I think would be important for all of us to learn.  This lesson is simple and so very elementary that I truly believe you will be amazed at the answer.  Are you ready?  Here it is…DEAL WITH THE ISSUES!

What are the issues in Washington, in State government, in County government?  Do you want to send someone to serve for you who has no opinion on the issues?  Are we really so driven by the Hollywood image that we want someone who looks good or is rich to serve us, not considering the issues?  We must focus our attention on the issues.

Issues are more important than the way one looks, talks, or handles themselves in the public eye.  Issues are what we have been debating for the last few years and many who are bidding for public office are going to need to have support of the people.  So, make them talk about the issues and answer the questions regarding those issues, one way or another, so we will know what to expect when they are elected.

Over the most recent time period we have seen issues such as the Family Marriage Act, Immigration, Health Care Reform, Abortion, financial accountability and other on the national level; Business and Industry, Common Core, rights extending to domestic partners, along with many others on the state level.  Then within the county we have seen the issue of pay for county employees, quality education, recruitment of business and industry, use of natural resources for recreational purposes, and so much more.  These are real issues, demanding real answers, and we need candidates who will step up and do something to solve these problems.

Gambling has been a common answer which has been singled out by many individuals who have attempted to say that it would solve our problems.  I do not have to tell you where I stand on that issue.  What I do hope you will do is find out where your candidate stands on that issue and if he opposes it-completely and unashamedly-then help him get elected.

Recently, we were told that marriage was not as it is defined in the Holy Bible-between a man and a woman.  We were told that now it is acceptable for same sex individuals to have a ceremony for a Domestic Partnership, and be eligible for benefits within the workplace.  To drive that point home, there is a move to make Alabama a state that recognizes Domestic Partnerships, thus allowing an individual to gain financially from his deceased partner’s estate.  Where does your candidate stand on this issue?

Health Care Reform is a troubling issue and is taking a great deal from those who are in desperate need of medical care.  I know of individuals who have seen major increases to their premium; others who have been canceled by their insurance provider.  Alabama has stood firm in saying they would not stand for “big government” telling them to accept this plan.  Where does your candidate stand?

Common Core is an educational initiative which has been forced on Alabamians.  We were not asked our opinions or given any time to study this.  No, the State Board of Education approved this foolish way of running education without any input from parents or teachers.  Instead out kids are being driven into a socialistic style of learning that is totally foreign to anyone.  Where does your candidate stand on this issue?

While I could go on and on about the issues, let me stop and say that the two greatest things you can do is be involved and pray.  Prepare now to go to the polls and vote your convictions, but make sure the person you vote for has spoken regarding the issues.  Secondly, and most important of the two is to pray.  Pray for those who are in office now.  It was Paul who said:

 

“First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4 HCSB)

 

May we see Godly people rise up and bring America back to her roots.

Until next time…

January Frustrating Flurries

Frustrating Flurries

By: Dr. Jeff Fuller

 

A few weeks ago we went to bed with the weather forecasters saying there would be flurries of snow in our little corner of the world.  In that moment of time we were expecting to see snow accumulations to the south of us and a sight dusting in our area.  Snow in south Alabama?

Snow in south Alabama is laughable.  We might see snow of any significance in Central Alabama once every ten or more years, then in north Alabama we will hear about it every so often, but snow in south Alabama is wrong.  Really, can one imagine snow in Daphne, Mobile, Troy, or Dothan?  Yes, there will be flurries from time to time in Auburn, Montgomery, or Demopolis and only a dusting.

The news said that the focus would b along a line from Demopolis, across to Clinton County, Coosa County and east.  It was an imaginary line looking like a rattlesnake crawling along the floor of the woods of Coosa County.  It sent kids to bed dreaming of a winter wonderland, the Governor calling the special election off, and all of the adults praying nothing would come of it the next day.  Oh, and Coosa County Schools were scheduled to dismiss at noon.

At the Fuller house we prepared for school.  Savannah and I headed out to the truck for the drive to school, but once I stepped out of the garage I sent her back into the house, because it was sleeting.  Standing in front of our two vehicles, the sleet was falling hard and steady, covering the cars and the concrete drive and parking lot.  I had a sinking feeling…

Leaving Savannah with her mother I left the house and did not return until around 2:00 that afternoon.  I found a great deal of individuals who were frustrated by the flurries. These were individuals who found themselves off the road, or being caught in an accident, or unable to climb a hill covered in snow and ice.  Others were stranded, unable to find a way to places like Albertville, Alabama or Birmingham, or Atlanta, or Kentucky.  But it was supposed to be just a dusting; a few flurries!

A week later, we were facing another round of potential weather to the north of us.  Predictions were made, alerts were issued, and everyone thought we might be in for another situation like the week before.   In our area it was too warm for anything to stick but snow was reported in Rockford and Hanover.  School let out at 2:30 as a precaution, because sleet was forming to the northwest in places like Tuscaloosa, and east in Alexander City. 

Someone said one time, about living in the south, “If you don’t like the weather, wait an hour and it will change.”  There is a great deal of truth to that statement.  You may find it raining and sixty degrees in the morning on the drive to work and then by middle of the afternoon there will be temperatures in the upper thirty’s with a shivering chill in the wind.

Yet, times like we have lived in the past two weeks, we become much more frustrated over the weather.  It is hard to predict and sometimes even harder to understand.

Frustrated, there were many who ran out to the store for the items most Alabamians go for at the time of snow or ice being in the forecast.  A run to Wal-Mart, Dollar General, or “The Pig” is made to retrieve the two most important of all items needful for sustaining potential winter weather-bread and milk.  If you have ever found yourself in any store the day after a winter storm warning, you will find the shelves empty in the bread aisle.

I heard there was a new deal some grocery stores were offering in the south, which might not be a bad deal after all.  A store in the Birmingham area was selling snow shovels.  Snow shovels?  Another was offering a ten percent discount on a sled, with the purchase of two loaves of bread and a gallon of milk.  Still another was offering a combination deal: two gallons of milk, one loaf of white bread, one loaf of wheat bread, and a carton of eggs.

      All of this, as I drove along the snow covered roads of the county, made me think of God.  I was thinking that us worrying about snow or ice was not what God desired.  He told us not to worry, but we are southerners and that is a trait we are awfully good developing.  Yet, I was thinking what was written in the book of Job, “For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength.” (Job 37:6 KJV)

He sends the rain, snow, sleet, ice in His time.  We may have those who attempt to make predictions but in the end, it is God who does as He wills and for His purposes.  Again, it is written in the book of Job:

“However, if I were you, I would appeal to God and would present my case to Him. He does great and unsearchable things, wonders without number. He gives rain to the earth and sends water to the fields. He sets the lowly on high, and mourners are lifted to safety. He frustrates the schemes of the crafty so that they achieve no success. He traps the wise in their craftiness so that the plans of the deceptive are quickly brought to an end. They encounter darkness by day, and they grope at noon as if it were night. He saves the needy from their sharp words and from the clutches of the powerful. So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts its mouth. See how happy the man is God corrects; so do not reject the discipline of the Almighty. For He crushes but also binds up; He strikes, but His hands also heal. He will rescue you from six calamities; no harm will touch you in seven. In famine He will redeem you from death, and in battle, from the power of the sword.” (Job 5:8-20 HCSB)

            Remember those words the next time you hear about undesirable weather threatening your little corner of the world.

            If you will excuse me, I need to run and find that flyer about the bread and milk combo deal, because I just saw James Spann and he said we were heading into some very strange weather indeed in the next few weeks.  And of course, the ground hog saw his shadow.

            Until next time…