It is truly sad and disappointing to dwell on the negative and hope to gain recognition and position by criticizing, running down, calling for the defeat of an opponent rather then presenting ideas, abilities to improve, make a situation better by what one has to offer that is helpful and positive.

The same type of expressions are in many daily letters to the editor, not just about about politics but also about the local scandal and how those in charge handled it. One should have to walk a mile in the shoes of those they freely criticize. I truly believe that then, with knowledge and enlightenment, they would sing a different tune.

Can not anyone gain an office or chairmanship by simply offering the best of himself or herself, without relying on criticism of an opponent?

Here is a new approach, one of a truly revealing and positive nature, one of hope, awareness, openness. I am currently 94 years of age. I have survived lung cancer. It was in my right lung beginning six years ago. The doctor here who handled me for sore throat and infection never once suggested it could be cancer, even though an X-ray showed a lump.

Johns Hopkins doctors knew that a right-side lobe had to be removed. I had lung cancer. Surgery was successful. Two years later, it reappeared in my left lung. Hopkins' surgical team turned me down. Computer-savvy, I found the Mayo Clinic; a surgeon there readily agreed to remove it.

That, too, was successful. Last year a large, cancerous tumor appeared close to my aorta. Mayo told me to obtain palliative and hospice care. No one would help me fight this cancer. Not the American Cancer Society, either. Then BAM! I found the the National Lung Partnership; it offered me help. It recommended two choices: an oncologist at Hershey Medical Center or an oncologist at the Perelman Center at the University of Pennsylvania. I chose Penn and partnered with a wonderful, confident doctor.

Fully educated, experienced, very involved, having traveled to conferences on cancer, he has confidence in me and my willingness to undergo whatever I must to defeat my cancer. I experienced radiation, chemotherapy. As of Jan. 10, it is completely gone, as revealed on the full body PET scan.

Naturally, I am extremely interested in bringing awareness to our State College and surrounding communities. Did you know that lung cancer claims more lives each year than breast, prostate and colon cancers combined? There is deafening silence concerning lung cancer. Why? Current research funding is unacceptable!

The National Lung Partnership is the ONLY lung-cancer advocacy organization founded by physicians and researchers working together with survivors and advocates to decrease deaths due to lung cancer. They actually help patients live longer and better through research, awareness and advocacy. This year it will be 10 years since it began.

You, dear reader, and your friends can help us find a cure for lung cancer. We shall have a "Free to Breathe " event this year right here in State College. I ask your concern and help. Feel free to reach me at (814) 234-4462 or e-mail myersds1@gmail.com.

Thank you in advance.