For all that science has learned about cancer, there is still so much more to understand. When the human genome project was launched, it promised hope for a deeper understanding of the causes of cancer, the identification of those individuals who are genetically predisposed to certain cancers, etc. While the endeavor of identifying gene strands and DNA sequences which are linked to certain cancers was a worthy effort, it demonstrated that the manifestation  of cancer in an individual is a much more complex issue. For example, in a set of identical twins—who have the same DNA sequences in their genes—why would one twin get cancer while the other remains cancer free? The answer lies in the burgeoning study of epigenetics—where nature meets nurture, environment, and human behavior. Epigenetics is a riddle which will engage scientists for years to come.

In the mean time, this young girl, her family, and all those who are fighting cancer need human kindness, empathy and prayers as they struggle against this disease. The American Cancer Society, the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and other charities which promote research for cures need funds. The ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ are immaterial to those who already have the diagnosis….They need help and HOPE.

It has long been said that the dead can visit the living during dreams…It would be nice if the late, great Ann Richards could give the likes of Governor Perry nightly lectures while he sleeps!

Amen Denise!

I am glad he had the courage to come out. ‘Coming out’ would be a non-issue, if we all had acceptance and the same civil rights. This is no "gay agenda". We just want equal rights as tax-paying Americans. I’ve read comments saying we want to "..teach gay sex in the classrooms…"—this is so wrong. Most of us try to live quiet and respectable lives. I wish some of you would read the excellent book "A Place at the Table", which is an even and sound expression of what most Americans who happen to be homosexual want: nothing radical, or shocking…just equal rights under the constitution. I have written exhaustively on this site about how I can lose my job in my home state of Alabama, for no other reason than the fact that I am a lesbian. I keep a low profile, I am an excellent employee, and I feel—to the very depth of my being—that this is unfair. I am (as the rest of gay America) tired of being afraid, constantly disrespected, and of being treated as a second-class citizen. This is why people like Stiers need to come out. So the rest of us can see who we are…So you can’t pretend we do not exist. We are here, and we are your coworkers, your neighbors, and even your own friends and family. I wish everyone would ask themself this question: "Is it possible that I have a gay friend or family member who would be afraid for me to know this about them?". I can tell you I have old friends, coworkers, and even relatives I would never reveal my identity to because I know I would be rejected. Instead I put up with negative comments on a daily basis, I put up with some people’s attempts to "fix me up" with a "nice man", and I remain silent about my partner of 4 years and my home life.  Some nosey heterosexuals are always curious though…and some of the posters here have the nerve to say we "flaunt" ourselves or "want to rub everyone’s nose in our ‘lifestyle’". I wish—just for one day you had to walk in my shoes!