I've been thinking the last several days again about how lung cancer really does not have one central charity or foundation or research arm that could give it the base it needs to develop funding, education, research, treatment and finally cures. I know there are a number of different organizations that do lung cancer but none of them are real national powerhouses JUST for lung cancer. This comes through in a number of ways beginning with the small amount of funding for research into lung cancer, all the way up to what is the color of lung cancer if one were to have a ribbon pin made (hint: it's pearl grey--how bland) Frankly we need a ribbon czar to just show up and say this is what color it is going to be. I favor purple, but apparently that color's already been claimed by prostate cancer. See what I mean? There are already major roadblocks in place toward developing a compelling narrative complete with symbols. I'd even be happy with electric green if we could just get going on it!!
My idea is to co-opt April 19 away from the WACO and Tim McVeigh nuts and make that National Lung Cancer Awareness day. That would be the day where, among other things, we'd all wear our (gag) pearl grey armbands. I'd like some snappy slogan on mine. I've come up with two: "Lung cancer: Not just for smokers anymore" and "I Got Lung Cancer. Ask me how." As you can see, I like snark. I'm open to other suggestions as well.
At any rate, I would put on my (ugh) pearl grey armband with a snarky saying and then do a ceremonial parade outside my work office, which is a 48 story building in downtown Seattle. I'd walk really slow past the line up of smokers gathered outside the entrance way to indulge in their 'filthy' habit. And then I would stroll past again. Slowly (if I could endure the smoke),so they could catch a glimpse of my armband. Most probably wouldn't flinch, but I just want one to make eye contact and then edge away, so perhaps I could ask, "What do you think about this?" And maybe engage in a bit of one way conversation on my part (which given the status of my voice is a real fantasy). But us girls can dream.
Anyway, would love to hear your ideas for slogans to put on my armband. Maybe I could get some others to wear them too.
Happy Hump Day.
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2 comments:
I like both of these. Especially "I've got lung cancer, ask me how", as it gives people permission to talk about it. There's also "Lung Cancer! Coming Soon to a non-smoker near you" - though it's a bit long.
I like them all! Another possibility: "It's not easy being grey"?
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