Many of us have raced for the cure for cancer. Now, a remarkable man has initiated a similarly healthy approach, paddling, to raise money to find the cause. And, not just for breast cancer.
Rich Pagen, a conservation biologist, has combined his love for friends with his love of nature. Inspired by friends that developed cancer far too young, and fueled by his knowledge, he "jumped in the water." In September, he paddled the waters of the boundary waters canoe area, to raise money to study the environmental causes of cancer. If you do not read another word today, make it his website. For those who were shocked by the sinking of the ship Explorer in Antarctica last week, this came as an even greater shock to Rich, who in addition to his many other endeavors, instructed many about sea mammals and conservation aboard this ship.
Can you imagine the world if we find the elusive cures? Eutopia? Oh - but a cure still implies cancer was present, and too many of us know what that experience is like for our loved ones or ourselves.
Now, imagine a world where we know the causes. A world where we hear about the causes so we can act accordingly. A world where searching for the causes is considered important - even though it does not cater to any shareholders best interests. A world where the two-thirds of cancers caused by the environment and the world around us, simply do not exist.
Impossible? A century ago we scoffed at those that thought humans could get off the ground. As each new discovery brought us closer to flying, each penny donated, will bring us closer to that ideal. The only thing lacking is enough people like Rich Pagen, and enough resources to pull it off. Our thanks and praises to Rich, whom I am honored to have finally had the opportunity to meet in person this past week. The generous use of his time and resources will most likely benefit many - who may never hear his name.
Rich will be taking donations until December 8th at his website. After that time, donations can be directed to the University of Pittsburg Cancer Institute, Center for Environmental Oncology (Director Devra Davis). For those still looking for the perfect Christmas gift, consider the beautiful jewelry depicting the beauty in nature created by Rich's special someone.
Further information on the environment and cancer, including what we can do today to lower our risk, is available at Avoiding Cancer One Day At A Time.
Rich Pagen, a conservation biologist, has combined his love for friends with his love of nature. Inspired by friends that developed cancer far too young, and fueled by his knowledge, he "jumped in the water." In September, he paddled the waters of the boundary waters canoe area, to raise money to study the environmental causes of cancer. If you do not read another word today, make it his website. For those who were shocked by the sinking of the ship Explorer in Antarctica last week, this came as an even greater shock to Rich, who in addition to his many other endeavors, instructed many about sea mammals and conservation aboard this ship.
Can you imagine the world if we find the elusive cures? Eutopia? Oh - but a cure still implies cancer was present, and too many of us know what that experience is like for our loved ones or ourselves.
Now, imagine a world where we know the causes. A world where we hear about the causes so we can act accordingly. A world where searching for the causes is considered important - even though it does not cater to any shareholders best interests. A world where the two-thirds of cancers caused by the environment and the world around us, simply do not exist.
Impossible? A century ago we scoffed at those that thought humans could get off the ground. As each new discovery brought us closer to flying, each penny donated, will bring us closer to that ideal. The only thing lacking is enough people like Rich Pagen, and enough resources to pull it off. Our thanks and praises to Rich, whom I am honored to have finally had the opportunity to meet in person this past week. The generous use of his time and resources will most likely benefit many - who may never hear his name.
Rich will be taking donations until December 8th at his website. After that time, donations can be directed to the University of Pittsburg Cancer Institute, Center for Environmental Oncology (Director Devra Davis). For those still looking for the perfect Christmas gift, consider the beautiful jewelry depicting the beauty in nature created by Rich's special someone.
Further information on the environment and cancer, including what we can do today to lower our risk, is available at Avoiding Cancer One Day At A Time.
