LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

From the issue of July 5, 2007.

More funding needed for cancer research
To the editor:
   
In the past 20 years we’ve seen enormous progress in research and discovery of new treatments for blood-related cancers; particularly in childhood leukemia and some adult blood cancers.
   Despite this progress, however, the prognosis for many blood cancers remains bleak, with hundreds of thousands of patients facing unnecessary suffering and death.
   But our enormous progress is being undermined and could soon be reversed due to inadequate federal funding when we need commitment and conviction the most. Over the last four years federal funding for cancer research has been flat or declined as research has become more expensive. Reduced support for cancer research could lead to delays in the development of new screenings and treatments that could help detect cancer early and save lives. Some research groups have already terminated lifesaving clinical trials.
   As a cancer survivor with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, (CLL) the most common adult leukemia and a Leukemia & Lymphoma Society volunteer, I don’t understand how anyone would think our country can afford to curb its investment in blood cancer research. Currently there is no cure for CLL.
   I am on watch and wait which means I don’t require treatment yet. Doctors do not want to put stable patients like me through the rigors of treatment with all the side effects. Research is being done to find newer treatment options and hopefully some day a cure for this type of cancer.
   Leaders in Congress say they are committed to funding the fight against cancer, but so far they have given it a lower priority than hundreds of other programs. The House of Representatives proposed a 1.5 percent increase for the National Cancer Institute, the nation’s premier cancer research institution, far less than the average 6.4 percent increase for other health and education programs. With the increased costs associated with medical research, that does not even keep pace with last year, let alone the declining budgets of the last few years.
   I urge Rep. Mike Ferguson and Sens. Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez to support residents here in New Jersey living with blood-related cancer and those who will be diagnosed with the disease by committing to increase funding for cancer research at a minimum at the rate of medical inflation.
   Simply put: The greater our investment, the more lives we will save.
Jeannette E. Brown

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society volunteer

Brookside Lane

Patients thanked for clinic support
To the editor:
   
On May 19th, the Family Chiropractic Clinic of Hillsborough had a Patient Appreciation Day to commemorate their 22 years in practice. They donated treatments in exchange for food for our food bank. They donated:
   • Consultation and complete examination, including chiropractic, spinal, postural, scoliosis examination and more of any new patients, x-rays of new patients and treatment of our current patients.
   • Chair massages and Reiki were donated by Kathy Krupinski. Ping Li donated Reiki.
   • Dr. Chris Berju, Chiropractor, Jin Shin Jyutsu, practioner, and Jin Shin Jyutsu, Self-Help Instructor donated a Jin Shin Jyutsu Self-Help Class.
   • Dr. Chris Berju, also donated HeartMath Biofeedback Stress Reduction Sessions.
   This added up to well over $15,000 worth of services delivered on that day. A large turnout of their patients brought in over 60 bags of food for the food bank. Some patients that were not coming in that day dropped off more food during the week. Drs. Ronald and Christine Berju would like to thank our massage therapist Kathy Krupinski and Pin Li for donating their time and effort. Drs. Ronald and Christine Berju would like to thank all our patients and friends of our patients who were so generous to bring in so much food, which will go to help others in our community.
Christine Berju, D.C.

Hillsborough

Realtors’ ID event a valuable service
To the editor:
   
On June 16, I took my three grandchildren to the Child Identification Program sponsored by Weichert Realtors Hillsborough/Montgomery office and the Grand Lodge of New Jersey Free & Accepted Masons.
   The program included finger printing, height and weight, video photo, dental imprint and a DNA sample. This information was put on a disc and given back to me while there. And it only took 20 minutes, beginning to end.
   I hope more parents take advantage of this complimentary and important program the next time it is offered. Weichert and the Grand Lodge of New Jersey F&AM should be congratulated on this valuable community service.
Joyce Dwojeski

Somerset

Priest’s words provided comfort
To the editor:
   
Thank you Father Sean Broderick of Mary Mother of God, Hillsborough.
   Thank you so much for your gentle soft spoken words at my father’s service upon his passing. I want to thank you for coming to my house for his last rights.
   I could feel the love and the warmth you passed to Alfred C. Matthews upon his passing. You truly are an angel sent down from the dear Lord. May God Bless You.
Jody Blair

Hillsborough