Battling cancer

To the Times: On April 17, 2018, I traveled from Yeadon to the Capitol in Harrisburg to represent cancer patients and survivors. I called on our state lawmakers to make reducing the toll of tobacco on Pennsylvania a priority. I was honored to be joined by many fellow American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network volunteers from across the state.

I visited the offices of Rep. Joanna McClinton and Sen. Anthony Williams, and made it clear that Pennsylvania’s Legislature needs to put politics aside on behalf of all those Pennsylvanians who will hear the words, “You have cancer” this year, and all those who will ultimately die from the disease. Since so many cancer deaths are related to tobacco use, I asked our lawmakers to protect all Pennsylvania workers from the dangers of secondhand smoke by including electronic cigarettes in Pennsylvania’s Clean Indoor Air Act and removing current exemptions, and to maintain funding for tobacco control programs designed to prevent kids from starting tobacco use and help adults quit.

Along with my fellow volunteers, I let our lawmakers know that residents across the state are counting on them to take a stand against cancer by supporting what works to prevent it. It’s time to end this devastating disease as we know it.

Yvonne McLean Florence, Yeadon, PA