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There is Something Good in 2020

This has been quite a year, on that we can all agree. It’s hard to turn off the news and social media, yet we really should. Highlights of covid-deaths, racial inequalities, mask-wearing arguments and back-to-school discussions are stressing everyone to the max. At these levels of controversy and stress, it’s no wonder that humanity isn’t exactly showing its best side.

Alice Morse Earle is credited with the saying “Every day may not be good, but there’s something good in every day.”

When you don’t see the good, then be the good that people need to see. I’ve chosen Fxck Cancer as my charity for 2020 and I still need your help. I’m doing my best to support this organization through one strange, challenging year. Here’s why your support means more now than ever.

Cancer screenings and diagnoses were likely delayed during the shelter-in-place orders in most states. Concerned about the covid-crisis, people may not have been paying attention to their own health or were unable to get to doctors for screenings. Cancer stops for no one and nothing, not even the coronavirus.

August is Summer Sun Safety Month, World Cancer Support Month, and August 1^st was World Lung Cancer Day. Prevention is the best weapon in the fight against cancer and early detection is critical for a positive outcome.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United states and melanoma is the leading cause of cancer death for women aged 25-30. Smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer, even second-hand smoke. While 80% of lung cancer deaths are attributed to smoking, living with a smoker can increase cancer risk by 20-30%. Read more about the signs and symptoms of melanoma and lung cancer in links I’ve provided. While you are at it, read the other pages highlighting information about other common forms of cancer, especially if you have a genetic predisposition for a certain cancer.  

Regular screenings, vaccines and preventative health measures, such as living an active, healthy lifestyle, can go a long way to reducing the risk for developing cancer. But nothing is ever that easy or so perfect. It can’t be said often enough, early detection is critical. Take advantage of this information and make your health a priority.

Not every day in 2020 has been good, but I strive to find the good or be the good when possible. Supporting this charity has motivated me in so many ways, especially as my key races were cancelled and during our strict shelter-in-place order in the spring. Please go to my personal Fxck Cancer fundraising page and donate what you can, when you can, to this incredible organization. If you are struggling to find the good, this is one way that you can be the good. Your donation will help so many people fighting for their lives during a particularly difficult year. Thank you for your support!