John Kerry takes fight against cancer personally

[globalvillage]

By Bella English, Globe Staff | August 2, 2006

As he prepares to bicycle 111 miles Saturday to raise money for cancer, Senator John Kerry reflected this week on his own battle with the disease, saying prostate cancer changed his life profoundly -- from his relationships with friends, family, and constituents to his political battles for better health care for poor people.

``It doesn't scare me as much as cancer just pisses me off," said Kerry, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer during his presidential primary campaign in 2002. ``Too many incredible people weren't as lucky as I was, some because they had a cancer we can't yet cure, and others because they didn't get screening or care in time or couldn't afford great health care. Every American should have the same health care that senators and congressmen get."

Though his doctors consider him cured of the early-stage cancer -- his prostate was removed in February 2003 -- Kerry gets regular checkups. His last one, 12 days ago, was clean.

more...

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/living/articles/2006/08/02/john_kerry_takes_fight_against_cancer_personally/?page=1

[WildEyedLiberal]

1. I know exactly how he feels - wow

It pisses me off that most of the decisions I make in life have to take my bum heart into account. It pisses me off that I have to worry about doing something that makes enough money for me to afford health insurance instead of doing something I love. It pisses me off that millions of people have died of similar problems because they weren't treated in time. It pisses me off that health care isn't a fucking GIVEN in this country.

I know exactly how he feels.

[wisteria]

3. If you don't mind me asking, why does a young girl like yourself

have to alter your life because of a heart problem.Were you born with this problem? I understand if you don't want to talk about it.

[WildEyedLiberal]

4. This post explains it all

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/WildEyedLiberal/11

I'm more or less fine, all things considered. It pisses me off that some people aren't as lucky as me and can't afford the level of care I've had. It pisses me off that ensuring the health and life of people in this country ISN'T a priority for EVERYONE. "Pro-life family values" my ASS - the Repukes could give less than a shit about LIFE.

[wisteria]

5. Thanks, I glad you are doing fine now. And, I agree with you, Repubs

aren't really "Pro-life". They don't care about others health issues and have no compassion until, it hits them, them they understand the need. Unfortunately, too many of them still don't understand the need.
And, as a mother of a daughter who also had to endure many trips to specialists and several stays in children's hospitals, I agree that you just don't know how lucky you are until you see some of the medical situations others find themselves in. These types of experiences stay with you forever.

[wisteria]

2. That is a very nice article.

I will certainly donate and I would like to try and guess the time-even though I know very little about this timing stuff- I just ride my bike.
You know, he is right, cancer pisses you off. It sneaks up on you and can overtake your life. You fight it off and you think you have it licked then it reappears in another place.
My father and my uncle are both going through cancer treatments now. My father's form of cancer is suppose to have a very high survival rate- but I still worry that he may not be strong enough to withstand the "cure". My uncle, has had lung cancer, from working with asbestos, before it was know to cause such harm. He beat the lung cancer only to be diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor six months later. Again, he has to endure the treatments and the surgery. This is a lot to expect from a 75 year old body. His latest check-up reveals the surgery appeared to have gotten all the tumor, but he still is going through the radiation and chemo. All of this has left him so depressed, he won't even talk to anyone- including my mother who is very concerned about him and lives on pins and needles waiting for the "bad news".
So, yeah, Senator Kerry is right when he says, cancer pisses you off.

[blm]

6. GD - GD - GD - wanna bet there are plenty of DUers who feel the same?

.

[ProSense]

7. That's an awesome article!

He sounds like me when I'm ranting about some injustice. The sincerity in his words are very touching! I love this man!

[ginnyinWI]

8. I hope the weather isn't too hot on Saturday

Forcast for Boston is 85 degrees.

http://weather.allrefer.com/weather-script/weather.php?config=&forecast=zandh&place=boston&state=ma&zipcode=02101&country=us&maxdays=7&daysonly=2

[globalvillage]

9. Well, at least it won't rain.

He's got a pretty aggressive time to make if I'm going to win that jersey.
Kick ass, Senator!!!!!!

[karynnj]

10. It's interesting that he gave such a personal interview

to the Boston Globe. I wonder if that is to avoid the 2003 Globe rudeness on him not telling them (before he told his family) about the cancer.

It's interesting that he is speaking about sending the bike thing to everyone. In a way, it's the first time when he's sent something out that is not to advance the Democratic party. The cancer charity seems really good - but the secondary thing is that the Senator may bring in substantial money here. It would clearly indicate personal popularity as there are ways to donate without sponsoring Kerry. It seems higher profile this year - maybe because it, the Iowa Bike event, the U of I conference and of course Faneuil Hall all address health care, with a lot said about cancer.

[babylonsister]

11. gv, did you post this in GD? I think this interview is terrific and

could humanize him in the minds of the naysayers, though I need no such proof. I think cancer has touched just about everyone, so many would be able to relate.

[globalvillage]

12. I didn't.

It was a post-and-run before work yesterday.
I think I'll start a Pan-Mass thread in GD and include this interview.

[globalvillage]

13. I did.

Posted both his e-mail and this article in GD.

And I'm gonna win that jersey.

:-)

[Island Blue]

14. No you're not. I am.

:)

[Democrafty]

15. Now, now, ladies.

There are five jerseys. :)

[Island Blue]

16. Right you are. Problem solved!

:woohoo:

[globalvillage]

17. We'll have to wear them together!

We'll match!

[Island Blue]

18. I've set a very ambitious pace for the Senator,

so you may be wearing yours solo GV.

[globalvillage]

19. So did I.

But I told him in the note with my donation that my guess was very aggressive and that he'd have to push it for me to win a jersey.
I'm sure he'll consider that as he rides 111 miles in the heat.
LOL.

[WildEyedLiberal]

20. As long as you take into account that I'm winning one too

And he'd better beat his previous time, or else I won't win. Come on JK, do it for me!!

[demdiva]

21. This was a really nice article

[globalvillage]

22. Did anyone go to this?

Do we have any news on the Senator's ride? Should I expect a call soon about my shirt?
I see he raised over $50,000. Awesome.

[Island Blue]

23. He raised over $50,000?

Wow! It's a shame that no one likes John Kerry. It's tragic really. (Too lazy to add the sarcasm smilie.) I'll let you guys know when I get a call telling me I've won a jersey.

[wisteria]

24. How about that 50.000. n/t

[ProSense]

25. Awesome! n/t

[rox63]

29. I heard on NECN

that JK had a time of about 5hrs, 45 mins. I just looked through some of the video on their web site, but I couldn't find the bit where they talked to Kerry.

[Island Blue]

30. Damn that's fast!

I'm off by about an hour and 15 minutes. I guessed 6 hrs, 30 min and a few random seconds. 5:45 is amazing. I bow in his general direction.

[rox63]

32. I have no confirmation of that time

I only heard it from the anchor-guy. If you want to sift through NECN's video on the PMC, and see if you can find it, be my guest.

http://www.boston.com/news/necn/

[globalvillage]

33. I guessed 6:26:13

Wow. 5:45 is incredible. I guess I wasn't close.
:-(

[ohtransplant]

34. I had 5 hrs, 58 min.

Glad to see he raised a good sum.

[TayTay]

35. I sa a brief mention of this on the local news

But Sen. Kerry was not singled out as a participant. This is a huge race and a lot of people have amazing stores to tell about friends and family members who have suffered through cancer and that this awful illness has motivated them to take action.

Congratulations to everyone who ran. This is a tremendous and deeply moving (in many ways, LOL!) event.

[Democrafty]

26. Pic from today:

Army of cyclists!

[ProSense]

27. Nice! Thanks for posting.

I want more!

[Democrafty]

31. That's all I could find!

I'm hoping they're'll be some action shots eventually, though.

[Island Blue]

28. Now THAT'S the jersey I want to win!

Great photo - thanks for posting!

[whometense]

36. From today's Boston Globe gossip column:

http://www.boston.com/ae/celebrity/articles/2006/08/07/gone_baby_gone_wraps_shooting/

...John Kerry sent an e-mail Thursday to some 3 million people asking for support of his ride in the Pan-Mass Challenge, and by yesterday the senator had raised more than $50,000. He finished his 111-mile ride on Saturday in 5 hours and 47 minutes.

Nice work, everybody!!!

[Luftmensch067]

37. I just have to say...

...that my guess was 5:47:45!!!

I have no idea if I'll be receiving a jersey, but wow!

That is a pretty impressive time! :-)

[blm]

38. WOW..... that's impressive... you probably win the jersey.

.

[ProSense]

39. Wow!

That's an impressive guess! Nice snip from the BG.

[globalvillage]

40. Holy cow.

That's a pretty great guess.

[Luftmensch067]

41. I was sure it was way off!

I guessed under six hours to show my belief in his improvement since 2003 and picked the 7 at the end of 40 purely out of numerical superstition. That's why I was so amazed when I heard the figure!

I've now convinced myself that either my guess didn't really register or there were 50 other people who guessed the same time. :-)

Still, I'll let you know if I hear anything!