Vice Mayor Simeon Brier.
By Vice Mayor Simeon Brier
As Parkland residents, caring for others is in our DNA – it’s who we are.
We are a community of parents, grandparents, uncles/aunts, coaches, and mentors. And despite our busy schedules and work lives, when one of us falls down, we all come together to pick them up. We let others know we care, providing the assurance of support and love at a time when they need it the most.
And when you’re struggling, especially with your health, talking about it is often the last thing you want to do. No one really wants to talk about colorectal cancer, and most of us don’t associate the month of March with this malignancy. But in fact, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States for men and women, combined. And it’s treatable if caught in time.
According to Fight Colorectal Cancer, an organization that seeks to find a cure for this disease, it is often viewed as affecting only older adults. However, that is not the case, and over the past four decades, rates of colorectal cancer have steadily increased among younger individuals. It is now one of the leading causes of cancer death among men under 50. And, while the statistics stand on their own, I also have personal experience with this very situation – I was only 45 years old when I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
With early screening, proper treatment, and divine intervention, I was able to beat the diagnosis. In fact, I’m nearing five years cancer-free. And because March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness month, I want to encourage residents to consider their screening options as well.
I think back on the wealth of support from friends, family, and community members, and I reflect on how grateful I was, and still am, to know that people not only cared, but also went out of their way to show it. They came to pick me up when I was down, prayed for me, and were so vital in getting me through tough times.
This March, remember to take care of yourselves and others. Even if you are in your 40s, it might be a good time to ask your doctor about colorectal cancer screening. I took the step to get screened in 2020 because someone who loved me encouraged me to do so.
If you have questions or comments you would like to share, please feel free to contact me. I can be reached via e-mail at sbrier@cityofparkland.org. I encourage you to visit the City’s website, cityofparkland.org and click on the social media icon that you prefer, to ensure that you stay informed on events and helpful information.
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