The Dreaded "C" Word
Kirk Paul Lafler
A Data Scientist, Consultant, Educator, Developer, Programmer, and problem solver who transforms organizations and people with intelligent data-driven solutions and analytics.
Yesterday, I received the news about two dear friends, Steve and Annely, who are in the fight of their lives with the dreaded “C” word – CANCER. Saddened, I wondered, how and why is cancer affecting and disrupting the lives of these two beautiful people. Then I realized the horrible truth that cancer affects the lives of not only Steve and Annely, but the lives of millions around the globe.
Cancer works without boundaries – it strikes whoever and whenever it wants; it doesn’t work in the shadows – it destroys and takes in broad daylight. It shows no bias – its ugly self affects the lives of mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandchildren, cousins, friends, neighbors, and countless others. It strikes regardless of race, gender, age, political affiliation, or economic class. Cancer attacks the very fabric of society, people in their prime, family members, loved ones, the young, and the old. I’m so angry at cancer for the pain and suffering it has exacted on loved ones I know and people everywhere. I hope and pray that in our lifetime we will finally be able to say “good riddance” to this dreaded disease. If you, or someone close to you, knows someone who has this dreaded disease show them you care. We all need to stand strong with those affected and against this terrible disease. Let’s do everything we can to eradicate Cancer from the face of the earth.
Clinical Application Developer/Scientific Programmer/Neuroscientist
8 年Kirk, I share your sentiments in every way. My personal list is just too long. It robbed even my all-time idols Richard Feynman, Francis Crick, and Steve Jobs. Let's hope the government would pump more money into the research establishments. The ultimate cure would come from PURE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH.
Business Analytics Manager at PNC
8 年Kirk, I'm sorry to hear about your friends and I hope they receive excellent care. 12 year ago, I was shocked to learn that cancer kills 1500 Americans every day. Today, the count is over 1600 a day. If Cancer were a terrorist raiding our homes, we would all march on Washington to demand protection. We would vote to pay for new weapons to stop the threat. But instead, the National Cancer Institute's budget has been reduced by over 3% every year since 2010, according to their website. I agree that we should all be angry and willing to spend more on research to stop the terrorism of Cancer.