Vera

Does anybody here remember Vera Lynn? Remember how she said that we would meet again…some sunny day?

I’ve written before about who I consider to be a hero. I’d like to introduce you to another.

Meet Linda:

 

I don’t consider Linda a hero because she has breast cancer. That makes her a victim of a disease. I don’t consider Linda a hero because she is a survivor of breast cancer. That makes her a survivor. I consider Linda a hero because she has shown the courage to make a stand on an issue. She had the courage to not only make the above video, but to publish it for the world to see. That makes her a hero in my book.

The recent activities of the Susan G. Komen foundation have sparked a “fire in the belly” of many around the nation. Because of this, some interesting statistics have shown up.

For instance, did you know the Komen foundation only allocates a small percentage of what they receive in donations to actual breast cancer research? Small percentage, as in 24% of a yearly budget as shown here (head’s up! This link is a PDF page). And only 7% on breast cancer treatment!

Not only do they not spend money researching a way to cure breast cancer, the foundation “for the cure” also does not support stem cell research. Thereby cutting off an entire arena of possibilities for a cure.

Turns out establishing a foundation “for the cure” of breast cancer is a pretty lucrative business.

What were to happen if a cure for breast cancer was actually found? How much money would be “lost” and how many people would be out of high-paying jobs? Do you really believe a foundation that has trademarked and sued over “for the cure” is seriously looking for a cure?

They’re looking for something but a cure sure isn’t it.

Vera. Vera! What has become of you? Does anybody else in here feel the way I do?