Column: A Happy Medium, by Erin Murtaugh

I hate cancer. Cancer is an unfair disease that takes the lives of way too many people, way too soon. It sometimes even strikes without warning.

Last week, two of my fellow figure skaters lost their daddy.

Doug Herr fought a hard battle with cancer to the end. His two daughters, Mackenzie and Addison, also have a little brother, Nathan. Their mom is Brenda Herr. Although I wasn’t around Doug that often, I know he cared so much about his children and wanted the world for them.

A benefit for the family is planned for Nov. 22 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Wedgewood Cove Golf Club. There will be a silent auction, live auction, bake sale and more. Please mark this event on your calendar to attend and show your support for the Herrs.

No child should have to grow up without one of their parents. No child should have to lose a parent to cancer.

Right before school started, two students at Albert Lea High School, Chloe and Karina Stripe, lost their dad, James, to cancer. Those girls, along with their brother are inspiration to me. Not only have they lost their dad, but their mom, Tina, has battled cancer.

On Wednesday, Albert Lea High School had an event called On Wednesdays Wear Pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Students and staff were encouraged to wear pink to school and buy a pink ribbon to wear for $1, if possible. I was amazed when a student shared with me that we had sold out of pink ribbons within about 15 minutes. The money we raised will be donated to Susan G. Komen, the largest breast cancer organization in the United States.

There are many people affected by cancer. Do you know someone with cancer? Do you know someone who has lost their battle to cancer?

Stand up, show your support and fight back against cancer. Attend the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, hold fundraisers for cancer foundations, support local families by going to and donating to benefits.

If money is a factor, simply show support by using kind words or cooking a meal for someone affected by cancer. Cancer is an evil disease and we need to stand up to it, one show of support at a time.

 

Albert Lea resident Erin Murtaugh is a senior at Albert Lea High School.