Cancer, the great equalizer and savior.

It was extremely sad to hear that Tony Snow and Elizabeth Edwards are battling metastatic cancer. These battles are tough, painful, mentally exhausting and the percentage of survivors is quite low. Out of the ashes of such devastating news came increased interest/coverage of the fight for a cure for cancer and the importance of living each day to the fullest (the best survival tactic we know).

When prominent journalist Peter Jennings went public with his diagnosis of lung cancer and subsequent death, millions of people made a huge effort to stop smoking and were successful in quitting. Even though Mr. Jennings ultimately died of lung cancer, he helped millions extend their lives. I suspect that Mrs. Edwards and Mr. Snow will give millions hope,comfort and increased survivial as they have been quite public about their fight with this disease.