BRINGING ABOUT AN AWARENESS OF LUNG CANCER

To the Editor:

Editor’s note: This is an open letter to Rutgers University Dean of Research and Scholarships submitted for publication by Leader Newspapers.

In this day and age of technology and scientific advances it is sometimes hard to understand how lung cancer and specifically its root causes can be such an enigma. Most of us have heard the stories of Peter Jennings, and most recently, the unfortunate diagnosis of Christopher Reeve’s wife, Dana. Here is a firsthand look into a tale you may have never heard, but at the same time may be all too familiar to some.

August 10, 2005

Dear Marjorie W. Munson,

Dean for Research and Scholarships
302A College Hall, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901
email: mwmunson@rci.rutgers.edu

“Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States today. The disease will claim the lives of 163,510 Americans this year alone. More people will die this year from lung cancer than from breast, colon, prostate and ovarian cancer combined. Lung cancer will also kill three times as many men as prostate cancer this year. Lung cancer will claim nearly twice as many women as breast cancer this year. Over 50 percent of new lung cancer cases will be diagnosed at a very late stage — Stage IIIB or IV — and only 5 percent of those people will live for at least 5 years.” These statistics like many others can seem numbing and impersonal for some, but for my family and I, this simply can never be the case.

On April 2, 2005, my mother Fotini Syndetos (Tina) was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer. As you can imagine it came as a major shock to all who loved her, especially when you consider that she was a lifelong non-smoker. This is as you may or may not know a popular misconception amongst people and too many times lung cancer victims like my mother are merely discounted as simply being blind to the effects of smoking. For her and many like her this is simply not the case. The realities of the causes are just as unyielding, unpredictable and unidentifiable as this terrible and debilitating disease. Possible causes include breathing chemical fumes, damaging mold, second-hand smoke and many others make not knowing the exact cause of her illness an even more difficult proposition to come to terms with. The answer seems obvious to most. Increased research and a greater awareness of this horrible affliction should have led to the earlier detection essential to her continued survival. It is my goal to spread this word so that my mother’s death will not have been in vein, and I hope you choose to join me.

Fotini Syndetos passed away June 11, 2005, merely 10 weeks after being diagnosed with lung cancer at the age of only 59 years and on the verge of enjoying her retirement together with her six grandchildren. The lives of her immediate family, as well as the numerous people who loved her, have changed forever due to this maddening disease. Our only comfort is ironically also its most damaging effect. Witnessing the hordes of people who loved and depended on her allowed us to put in perspective what she meant to so many while seeing how her absence affects those same people is at the same time quite painful.

My beloved mother, Fotini Syndetos was employed as a custodian at Rutgers University for over 24 years. She always seemed to look forward to her days of work at the Cook/Douglas campus. After coming to the United States as a Greek immigrant in 1969, her responsibilities at Rutgers afforded her an avenue to practice her newfound language and in doing so meet and care for what I can only describe as her eventual extended family. In performing her faithful daily duties, Fotini would often times converse with both students and professors and over time effectively came to both love her job and the people she came to know and care for. And the feeling was very often likewise. Evidence of this can be found in her private life and often times many miles from the campus. I personally witnessed a remarkable amount of students, as well as faculty, both recognize and acknowledge her as a friend outside of their educational environment. In a world where more often than not it is easier to gloss over a person like “Tina,” I personally found it absolutely remarkable that people did exactly the opposite by often times going out of their way to share a moment with her. It was often very rewarding to witness all types of people reciprocating the caring and love she displayed to those she felt responsible for.

Even though she never attended nor completed a collegiate level education, it is clear to everyone who knew her intimately that she embodied all the intangible qualities desired in one of Rutgers graduates. For this reason, as well the quality of her overall person, I believe a scholarship funded by Rutgers University would be a viable legacy for her as well as a reminder that awareness and education are the only solution for this terrible disease. I know she would be extremely honored to have a scholarship in her name for the cause of Lung Cancer Awareness and Research. In today’s world, it sometimes seems that only the rich and famous get name recognition. It would be a victory for Tina, and for us all, if for just once, years of hard physical labor and personal character strength is justly rewarded. It could just turn out to be the first step of many toward an improved quality and quantity of life through education and awareness, and it could very well one day serve to save someone you or I love. It only takes a moment to send an email or a contribution to Rutgers’ scholarship office in the name of Fotini Syndetos. The same small moment that I would trade anything away, to briefly share with the most special person I have ever known.

Special thanks for the above quoted statistics referenced from the good folks at lungcanceralliance.org.

Maria Syndetos Comiskey
Bridgewater

KIDS AND STREET GANGS

To the Editor:

Worried about your kids being involved with street gangs? Who isn’t? Street gangs rely on the impressionable youth to maintain their numbers. Quite frankly, street gangs wouldn’t exist without a constant recruitment including your child! Whether your child is 6 or 16, the time is now to invest quality time to help your child build a positive outlook. Here are some proven strategies that can prevent street gang involvement.

• Be a good listener. Children must believe it is okay to express the feelings such as love, anger, joy and fear. Believe in your child.

• Demand personal responsibility. Teach your children to be responsible for their actions. Start small by giving your child household responsibilities. The lesson here is for the child to learn from experience – whether the task is done correctly or not. As your child grows, set firm limits and consequences for acting otherwise. Do not rescue your child from the consequences of their decisions. Teach them right from wrong. Demand accountability.

• Teach problem solving. Teach your children to solve problems by thinking about multiple solutions and the consequences for each.

• See through their eyes. Children need to make some decision-making powers within the household. Talking about which TV program to watch or Internet site to access is a good start. This builds their confidence when you acknowledge correct decisions.

• Say NO. Children are never too young to learn that negative behavior has consequences. In time, your child will be able to make appropriate choices that meet with your approval.

• Express your love. Children need to sense that they “belong.” Show your children they are valued. Part of belonging includes family time together. Never talk down to your children.

• Be involved. In their education, their dress, their music, know their friends and friends’ parents, teach them how to avoid peer pressure.

• Instill values. Moral, ethical, the respect for property, the value of life, and conflict resolution without violence. Provide a positive structure to your child’s life.

• Educate yourself. Learn the telltale signs – change in wardrobe, late nights, hand signs, poor school grades, tattoos, possessing unexplained money, different vocabulary, etc.

Carmine Fernandez
911 Crime Watch Alert
Lyndhurst

A GREAT DAY WAS HAD BY ALL

To the Editor:

The North Arlington Seniors enjoyed their annual picnic always sponsored by the mayor and council. Tables with colorful tablecloths, centerpieces of pineapples and balloons carried out the Hawaiian theme. Crispy chicken, three kinds of salads and a choice of turkey or ham and cheese sandwiches with a choice of water or soda was served, along with watermelon and assorted cookies. A DJ kept the party lively with music of the ‘50s and ‘60s, along with live dancing.

Our heartfelt thanks to Cathy Keogan, coordinator; the department of public works for its diligence in keeping the facilities clean; and the North Arlington Woman’s Club volunteers who prepared the watermelons and served the food. And a special thanks to the North Arlington Senior Harmony Club whose members assisted the Woman’s Club. Despite the heat, it was “A Great Day.”

Mary Coleman
North Arlington