CREST makes move

To the Editor:

On behalf of the CREST board of directors and staff, we would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the administration and staff at the Lakeview Methodist Health Care Center for housing our CREST office in their facility for the past 15 years. They were always willing to help with any issues that came up and made our stay there a very enjoyable one.

The CREST offices have moved to their new location at 820 Winnebago Ave., Suite 2, in Fairmont. We invite you to stop by and pay us a visit.

Rob Stauter,

CREST executive director

Fairmont

Help in cancer fight

To the Editor:

October is Breast Cancer and Liver Cancer Awareness Month. About 252,710 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in 2017. About 40,610 women will die from breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the second-most common newly diagnosed cancer and second-leading cause of cancer death among women in the U.S. Breast cancer occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get breast cancer too.

Any breast lump or change needs to be checked by a health care provider to determine whether it’s benign or cancer and whether it might impact your future cancer risk.

Researchers around the world are working to find better ways to prevent, detect and treat breast cancer, and to improve the quality of life of patients and survivors. The American Cancer Society is funding groundbreaking breast cancer research, providing information and support 24/7, and providing access to mammograms for women who need them. 

Liver cancer incidence has more than tripled since 1980. However, rates in young adults have recently begun to decline. Liver cancer death rates have increased by almost 3 percent per year since 2000.

Liver cancer is seen more often in men than in women.

Because there are only a few effective ways to prevent or treat liver cancer at this time, there is always a great deal of research going on in the area of liver cancer. Scientists are looking for causes and ways to prevent liver cancer, and doctors are working to improve treatments.

The most effective way to reduce the worldwide burden of liver cancer is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Some scientists believe that vaccinations and improved treatments for hepatitis could prevent about half of liver cancer cases worldwide. Researchers are studying ways to prevent or treat hepatitis infections before they cause liver cancers. Research into developing a vaccine to prevent hepatitis C is ongoing. Progress is also being made in treating chronic hepatitis.

Whether you are living with cancer or living after cancer or have questions and concerns about life as a survivor, you can find information on the American Cancer Society website, www.cancer.org or by calling (800) 227-2345. There is also a live chat available on the website.

The money raised by Relay for Life goes to the American Cancer Society. Join Relay for Life. Every step you take when you relay is personal and together we are helping to save lives from cancer. (Information is from American Cancer Society).

Marsha Williams

Martin County Relay for Life

leadership team

Welcome

Disappointed by cut

To the Editor:

I was very disappointed to learn that Martin County commissioners have voted to eliminate all funding they provide to the Martin County Preservation Association. The MCPA operates two very prominent buildings within our community, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places — Red Rock Center for the Arts and the Chubb House.

In fact, Red Rock Center for the Arts is owned by the county, but completely maintained by the MCPA and the people of the community.

Although county funding has decreased through the years, the MCPA was always able to count on its support, even if the amount was just enough to cover the majority of the annual insurance premium. To large organizations, a $4,050 budget cut may not sound like a lot, but to the MCPA it makes a BIG difference.

The MCPA operates on a very conservative budget in which every single dollar matters. We are good to our patrons and to our community. We offer unique, world class performances; art education opportunities; and visual arts experiences for the enjoyment of the community at a very affordable price, and often at no cost. We provide a place for area artists, art enthusiasts and everyday ordinary people to share and commemorate their talents and interest. The arts strengthen communities, bring people together, along with bringing people to our city. These things happen because of the support we receive from our county, local businesses and individuals.

We are very careful about which and what we ask for, always trying to our patrons needs before our own. Grants fund the arts, but it’s the people of the community that help us keep our doors open so we can continue to provide these wonderful opportunities. In these dire times, I ask that you please remember the MCPA in your financial giving not only for the day-to-day operations but lasting supports for the arts, as we continue to grow the endowment fund. Your support is always greatly appreciated.

Sonja Fortune,

executive director

Red Rock Center for the Arts

Fairmonts