Support Me, Support Research

As we get older, more and more of us have our lives touched by some sort of disease whether it's heart disease, cancer, Aids, or any of the millions of diseases that are out there. As things seem to get worse, it's very important not to focus on the diseases themselves, but on prevention and research for cures. That's why I'd like you to support research for whatever pleases you or has affected you the most.

My choice this time is to support the Alberta Cancer Foundation in their ongoing quest in the field of cancer research. I'm going to do this by having my friends, family and co-workers pledge money for me to get my head shaved!

Several times in my life I've been touched by the effects of cancer research. Years ago there was often not much that could be done once someone had been diagnosed with cancer, but more improvements are being made in both the areas of treatments and early discovery. Of recent note is the development of a vaccine for HPV, certain virii (viruses?) that have been linked to 70% of the cases of Cervical Cancer. Without your research funding, who knows when this would have been brought to market?

Another interesting development are the first non-toxic tumor eliminating tests in mice. This technique is incredible in that it doesn't use chemicals, but rather nanotechnology and lasers! Basically, tiny, microscopic lenses are created and injected into the bloodstream. They gather in the tumor and then a specific frequency of infrared light is shone through the skin via a laser so that it can be focused on a specific area. Just like burning an ant through a magnifying glass, the lenses fry the cancerous cells. Where did I hear about this? Interestingly enough, Michael Dell, of Dell Computers, had Naomi Halas at CES this year. Michael has been a large supporter of research, and Naomi and her team use Dell computers in all their work. Coincidence???

Now I understand that some of you do not have the time or money to support research - but there is another way. Have a look at the World Community Grid! I'm assuming that most of you reading this have computers that are not busy for some portion of the day. The World Community Grid has a program that can be installed as a screen saver and when your computer is not busy doing things for you it can be used to help with various types of research. Right now they are doing research on cancer drugs, HIV medications, muscular dystrophy research and the human genome folding project. By using the spare cycles on your computer and everyone else that is running it, it act's like a giant super computer and processes things at an incredible rate. It's said that in two years that have done the equivalent of 60,000 years of computing power!

Now for those who wish to support my in my quest, please email me and make arrangements to have a cheque payable to The Alberta Cancer Foundation in my hands by Friday, March 23^rd. Then, come on down to Crosstown Chrysler Jeep Dodge on Saturday, March 24^th at Noon to watch Peanutgnome get his head shaved.