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...