Current Events Blog #7

This article was about beating cancer. It told about how cancer affects different sexes and ages. The big question was our we beating cancer. Many new advances were explained and it reported the results of new treatments. It didn't only tell about the positives though, the negatives were also talked about.

This article could connect to what were reading in class because we just finished our Utopian literature groups. In the Utopian books, there is not much sickness mentioned. This is probably because in Utopian society, there is not many problems. Cancer is currently one of the most common illnesses. It is becoming a more common occurrence.

I think that its awesome that they are coming up with news way to cure cancer but its terrible that it is becoming a bigger problem. This event could affect my future because I want to become a surgeon. Also I have many family members that have fought cancer, some who have survived and some who have died. If there is a cure, it could help future generations.

The authors use of language helps him to explain his opinion and thoughts. He is a doctor and he said that the new developments make more of his cases successes. He is happy to say that "Today nearly 80% of the
patients I see will be successfully treated." He thinks that age is a major factor of cancer cases and stated that "as we are all living longer more of us will develop cancer at some point in our lives." The fact we are living longer is good but it does make sense that in turn more people will end up with cancer.

"general cancer awareness bear." Photograph. deviantART. deviantArt, 19 Jan. 2012. Web. 18 April 2014. <http://my-clay-critters.deviantart.com/art/general-cancer-awareness-bear-280386410>.

Johnson, Peter. "Hard Evidence." Pg. 1-2. Web. 21 April 2014. <http://kellygallagher.org/resources/AoW%201314_30%20Cancer%20Fight.pdf>.

Current Events Blog #6

The article I read was about a little boy who is suffering from cancer for the fourth time. He is in critical condition and there is not much out there that can help him. One thing that his family has found is a new medicine that has not yet been verified by the FDA. The family of the little boy and his doctors have requested to use this medicine to try to save the little boy but all efforts are pointless. The company has no interest in letting the drug be used to help anybody that is sick. They have their reasons but many disagree with their decision. The company has received many letters and emails from people trying to pressure them to make the medicine available for the little boy but they still won't comply. Many can not believe that this company will not let the little boy receive the medicine because of selfish reasons.

This event connect to me because the medicine is located in North Carolina, which is where I live. Another reason is because I want to work in the medical field in the future. At school we are talking about Utopian societies. Not making medicine available to the public seems like something that would occur in those times. Also I am taking a business class. I see why providing this medicine could harm the company that is trying to create the medicine but to me there is still no reason that this child should be refused.

I think that its terrible that this company is refusing to allow this boy to use this medicine. Its is the only thing that his doctors and family can think of to help him. It makes me want to cry to think about this because I don't think any child should die this young and he has been through too much already. He is innocent and his loss would be greatly felt. If this medicine saved this boy, the positives would far out weigh the negatives. I hope that this company changes its mind and allows the boy to receive the medicine. I hope that this family has all the support they need because they are going through a tough time right now.

The writer uses quotes to help better understand both sides of the problem. The father of the little boy said, "This is just beyond belief to me." The CEO of the company that owns the medicine said, "There are no words to express our compassion for this young boy and his family and what they're going through." He feels for the child but he cares more about his company. It makes you see where the company is coming from but I think most still are on the side of the child. She shows both sides equally and that makes it even more obvious which side is right.

"Tablets pills medicine medical waste". Photograph. Wikipedia Commons. Wikipedia Commons, 9 Dec. 2009. Web. 24 Mar. 2014. <http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tablets_pills_medicine_medical_waste.jpg>. 

Cohen, Elizabeth. "Company denies drug to dying child". CNN Health. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., 11 Mar. 2014. Web. 24 Mar. 2014. <http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/10/health/cohen-josh/>.