RE: Money spent on fireworks
Dear Editor:
When reading the [4-26-12] Observer, I noticed on the front page an article describing the 4th of July and Founders’ Days celebrations. I was surprised to read about the high cost of these events and feel the money could have been donated to the disabled veterans. Because of the bad economy, a donation like this would make more sense than to blow it in the air, and it would look great for Deerfield Beach.
Hans R. Paetzold
Deerfield Beach
RE: Cove CrimeWatch mtg.
Dear Editor:
I read with some dismay the comments in the 4-26-12 Letter to the Editor concerning The Cove Crime Watch meeting [on April 19].
First, the 911 router can immediately put one through to the appropriate dispatch, which she did. The homeowner is an ideal person to call 911 because they can advise dispatch of points of ingress and egress from the home, the presence of any pets, and any unique characteristics of the home.
Second, we can cure stupidity through education and awareness. It is not only our right, but our responsibility to question our leaders and law enforcement when the facts demand that we do so. Any crime in our neighborhood affects us as a community, and the right to discuss and air our grievances is sacrosanct. It is ironic that the only lack of civility occurred afterwards on the pages of the community newspaper.
Lastly, we all appreciate the time and energy that BSO puts into protecting us. However, public discourse is NOT about taking everything one hears at face value. I am confident that BSO can handle themselves in the face of criticism and that they want the system to run better. The writer of the Letter to the Editor does not know all the facts and should be more judicious before labeling good, honest and intelligent citizens with invectives such as “rude,” “stupid” and “childish.” None of those words nor any of their ilk were uttered at the meeting. That’s the sort of dialogue we just don’t need and which brings down this community.
Helen Leen Miranda
Deerfield Beach
Bladder Cancer
Dear Editor:
Bladder cancer is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, yet most people know nothing about it. This lack of public awareness leaves many bladder cancer survivors feeling isolated and alone, and is the main reason why there is so little support for research on bladder cancer and the lack of advancement in treatment over the past 20 years.
Last year, over 70,000 people in the United States were diagnosed with bladder cancer and over 14,000 people died from it.
Bladder cancer has a recurrence rate of 50-80 percent and, because it requires life-long surveillance, is the most expensive cancer to treat on a per patient basis.
It is estimated that $2.9 billion is spent in the U.S. each year on the treatment of bladder cancer.
May 5 is National Bladder Cancer Awareness Day. We hope everyone can join us on Las Olas Boulevard to walk and raise awareness of this deadly disease. Proceeds raised will go toward funds for bladder cancer research and education.
As the daughter of a cancer survivor, I want to be sure that everyone knows to go see a doctor if they notice blood in their urine or have urinary urgency or frequency. I also want to be sure that no one has to go through their bladder cancer journey alone.
The Bladder Cancer Awareness Day walk will, with help from the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (www.bcan. org), raise awareness of this under-recognized disease and help improve research into more effective treatment and find a cure for bladder cancer.
For further details, contact us at 954-612-0097 or 954- 687-0097.
Sarah M. Bogdan
Deerfield Beach
Editor’s note: Also, locally in Deerfield Beach this weekend, the annual Relay for Life raises funds for American Cancer Society.
