Hurrican Dolly

Hurricane Dolly is something you will hear about for days in the media. Just like Hurricane Katrina. Yes hurricanes are a way of life for those of us that live in the Gulf Coast and yes they can be devastating no doubt about it. When Hurricane Katrina blew through I was hunkered down in my home and we thankfully saw only a minor thunderstorm. The biggest disaster was the traffic pile up on I10 about a mile from my house. Due to the media frenzy and lack of planning many people panicked and tried to rush out of town. Unfortunately they didn’t get any further than I did sitting at home.
When the storm passed and the final count was taken somewhere around four thousand people died. Many more homes and businesses were destroyed. There was an enormous outpouring of relief to the victims of this storm.
I am in no means diminishing the pain or grief of those affected ,by what I am about to say, I am only offering a perspective I think needs hearing.
I had the unique perspective of watching this all from the Television in my 15 year old sons Hospital room at MD Anderson Hospital. Yes at the time he was being treated for Osteosarcoma a rare childhood bone cancer. He and a floor full of children in a hospital full of people all with cancer.
So hurricanes come and go and leave a path of destruction no doubt about it. But I couldn’t help but wonder as I sat and watch the children suffering all around me. Where is the human cry for help for these children who were suffering before the Hurricane and will be either suffering or dead by the time this story passes?
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in America. Second only to Heart disease. In 2005 559,312 people died from cancer according to the National Center for Health Statistics. All the Hurricanes that come and go this season and the next 10 will never take that many lives. But I guess its exciting news watching stuff get blown away. Not near as exciting as a bald headed 12 year old girl dyeing from cancer.
Maybe we should print a story and title it Hurricane Cancer half a million dead. Did you hear me? Death toll for 2005 559,312 people died. More than any Hurricane, any terrorist attack, any war, does anybody hear me!!!! Maybe if we called it Hurricane Cancer society would wake up and realize it doesn’t matter who you are or where you live this Hurricane is coming, it’s a category 5,and we are all sleeping!!! Wake up America and help find a cure before you’re the next victim of Hurricane Cancer