New legislation aids cancer patients

Bloomington resident Arletha Dabney doesn't like the term cancer survivor and plans to make her view known tomorrow at the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life Celebration at the Indiana Statehouse.\n"I'm not a survivor," Dabney said. "I'm a conqueror."\nShe'll be joined by 300 other expected volunteers willing to brave the icy roads and freezing temperatures for the opportunity to discuss cancer-related issues with their elected representatives, tomorrow at the Indianapolis Convention Center. \nPatricia Richards, the society's Indiana government relations manager, said two bills will be the top priority this year. \nA school nutrition bill, passed out of committee last Wednesday, would require Indiana elementary schools to make sure half of the choices offered in school vending machines and school lunch lines be healthy. It would also mandate thirty minutes of physical activity be a part of every school day for elementary school students. \n"A third of all cancers are caused by poor nutrition and lack of activity," said Sharla Cretors-Daniel, a communications specialist at the society. \nA cancer registry bill would extend the cancer registration requirements already in place by requiring outpatient clinics to report to the registry. It would also allow the State Department of Health to record non-malignant tumors in the registry.\nThe American Cancer Society hopes improved data collection will allow cancer prevention agencies to better target high-risk populations within the state. \n"The bill will help us track the progress of the programs we have across the state," said Cretors-Daniel. \nFor volunteers, the day will begin with a light lunch at noon, followed by educational sessions to brief them on both bills. At 5 p.m., the volunteers will discuss the bills over dinner with their state legislators. Dinner will be followed by a luminaria ceremony to honor those who have passed away from cancer.\nBloomington's state representative, Peggy Welch, who is also an oncology nurse at Bloomington Hospital, said she planned to attend the dinner.\nWelch is co-author of the school nutrition bill and said eliminating obesity is key to the fight against cancer. \n"I'm really excited about being able to be involved in the event," Welch said. "We've really got to start with kids and change their habits." \nAccording to the Democratic Party Senate Office, Bloomington's state senator, Vi Simpson, also plans to attend tomorrow's dinner. Vi Simpson was not available for comment.\nDabney said she became involved in the American Cancer Society after a close friend became sick. A year later, she learned she had breast cancer.\n"It was a lot easier because I was already involved in the American Cancer Society," she said.\nDabney had friends and family members who've also beaten cancer sign her white sweatshirt with purple fabric paint. On the back of the shirt, Dabney wrote a single word, "Conquerors." \nDabney said she hopes to spread the word about the resources the society offers, such as its informational Web site. \n"God didn't save me just for me," Dabney said. "So whatever I can do I'm going to do." \nFor more information on tomorrow's event contact the American Cancer Society Bloomington office at 336-8423.