OVER

the past two years, our family has twice endured the loss of a loved one to cancer, including a matriarch of our family. Today, we find ourselves in the middle of another fight, one that has us standing strong behind our mother. As difficult and unfair as it seems to us, we do realize that we're not alone. In 2005, the American Cancer Society estimates, 1,372,910 new cases of cancer were diagnosed and 570,280 people lost their lives. For those of you who have dealt with cancer close up, you know first hand the quiet desperation of those fighting for life.

Despite all of our societal advancements, we still don’t have a cure for cancer. The good news is that survival rates have climbed to 64% because people are much more educated about the disease today and know that early detection is critical to survival. The American Cancer Society should be given much of the credit along with the many other organizations that work hard every day to bring cancer awareness to the forefront.

If you or a loved one is in the midst of a fight against cancer, or you just want to learn more, we encourage you to look to the American Cancer Society for information and support. They have great people and have a wonderful website (http://www.cancer.org/) that is full of helpful information to allow you to make informed decisions about cancer.

A JOB FAR FROM DONE

As great as the American Cancer Society is today, their work is nowhere near complete. To continue their great work, they need our time, our money, or both. We encourage you to get involved as a volunteer in your community. Volunteered time is as valuable as money.

The Carrington family motto is “Spero Meliora,” which means, “We hope for better things.” Every day, we hope for new technology, better support programs, and ultimately a cure for cancer. You can join us in that hope, by joining us in the fight.