The internet has been buzzing, my email has been flooded
with articles, news stations across the nation are all talking about former
President Jimmy Carter and his cancer diagnosis. Melanoma. Jimmy Carter has
metastatic melanoma. I was saddened, along with many people, to learn that his
cancer has spread to his liver and his brain.
Mr. Carter plans on receiving a relatively newly approved
drug, Keytruda, as well undergoing targeted brain radiation. He is 90
years old. There are far more options available in treating melanoma than there
were when Jillian was diagnosed.
I am selfishly hopeful that the knowledge and awareness
generated with President Carters melanoma diagnosis will open many doors. I
would love for melanoma to become a household word so that parents and our
children are educated about the disease and how to prevent it. That tanning beds
will be a thing of the past. That our young people realize that melanoma in not
just an old person’s disease, and that it can happen to anyone, at any time.
So beautiful friend of Jillian’s who is laying on the beach
right now? Family members who love that tanning bed? Listen and hopefully
you’ll learn.
Because no matter what a person’s age, melanoma really
doesn’t care. It is a heinous disease, and it shatters lives where ever it
takes residence. I’ll be picking up pieces for the remainder of my days.
And I really don’t want that to happen to you.
My thoughts and prayers go out to President Carter, his
caregivers, family and friends.
Peace~
