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June 16, 2008

Message on bus: ‘What if it were you?’

The red, white and blue bus pulled into the parking lot at Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center just as the sun was rising over the Great Smoky Mountains. Volunteers and area residents gathered to sign the bus and add their voice to thousands of others across the United States during the six-month to highlight the crucial role elected officials play in supporting laws and policies that help people fight cancer.

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Fight Back Express bus began its national tour in Ohio in early May and will travel across the 48 continental states through Election Day, Nov. 4.

At the stop in Haywood County, one of only two in Western North Carolina, bus organizers met survivors, caregivers, children, doctors and nurses who have been touched by one way or another by cancer. All have another thing in common too — they are joining the Cancer Action Network to fight back against the disease.

Amanda Robinson, a four-year breast cancer survivor from Canton, shared her story of survival, and shared why she has become an advocate with the Cancer Action Network. Robinson not only invited attendees to sign the bus, but also encouraged them to take time to read what others have written and think about what this all means.

One person wrote five simple words — “What if it were you?”

“Our elected officials need to see that message and think what if it is them or their family? Would they hesitate to appropriate the money needed to fight this disease, or would they hesitate to find a way to provide adequate and affordable health care? We need to keep fighting, and using our voices to show those in Washington and Raleigh that it is us, and they need to join us in this fight because together we can defeat cancer," Robinson said.

One person wrote, “Remember to get checked.” Others signed the bus in memory of or in honor of family members and friends.

Through the bus tour, the Cancer Action Network is working to make cancer a higher national priority by educating the public, lawmakers, candidates and the media about the importance of the government’s role in defeating cancer.

Kim Demick, an employee for Haywood Regional Medical Center’s food and nutrition department and a breast cancer survivor, signs the Fight Back Express bus Saturday morning at Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center.

Amanda Robinson, a four-year breast cancer survivor from Canton, shared her story of survival during the Fight Back Express stop at Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center Saturday morning.

Melanie Newsome , an employee in HRMC’s lab and a breast cancer survivor; and Johnny Rogers, an employee at Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center and also a cancer survivor, sign the Fight Back Express bus.

The staff of Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center — Susie Bryson, Director Scotty Setser and Kathy Keogh — welcomed the Fight Back Express bus Saturday.

Kathy Laxton, an employee in Haywood Regional Medical Center’s food and nutrition department, signs the Fight Back Express bus.

Bill Lane, a retired director of HRMC’s lab, signs the bus. Lane is being treated for Prostate cancer now.