As many of you know, Christine has worked with others besides OCF, Tobacco Free America, the CDC etc. to raise awareness of the dangers of tobacco. Not everyone is as willing to be the focal point of a cause. When I started going on TV to talk about my oral cancer, which lead to interview questions about my sex life, I can't say that Ingrid was excited about it, but it was a necessary thing to do. But I might add that those that do allow themselves to be the "poster person for a cause" are part of changing the world as we know it, each in their own small way. They create the awareness that allows people to view things in their true perspective, which in turn allows them to make good life decisions.

When a member of OCF's core staff undertakes these projects, it also reflects well on the oral cancer cause, and even the foundation itself. OUR DISEASE, so often overshadowed by lung cancers and heart disease - the big cancer killers linked to tobacco, finally gets visibility and is on the map. That visibility trickles down many small streams, to individuals who change their choices for their own health, to getting oral cancer research projects noticed and funded, to the earlier detection of the disease, to even a small non profit, getting noticed.

For those of you willing to stand up, I encourage you to apply to be part of this new effort, the ripples of your effort will touch many things and people.