Cover Your Butt

By Marilia Sardinha

I recently had a chance to attend the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s Fight Back Express Bus tour when it pulled into Maine’s State Capitol. I was excited, since things like this rarely happen in my area and with it only being 20 minutes away, I had to go. I couldn’t miss the opportunity to help spread the word about colorectal cancer and talk about Cover Your Butt.

The Maine Attorney General spoke as well as aides for both of our Senators and our Congressman. A local oncologist was also there supporting the effort.

I met and gave thanks to the bus driver. He is the only one driving this bus all over 48 states. As I shook his hand I felt the tears in my eyes, the emotion of gratitude for the difference he is making for so many people. I told him I was a cancer survivor; he smiled and said “You are very welcome.”

Still feeling emotional I went towards the bus and was amazed at what I saw. Thousands of messages of hope, names of missed loved ones, promises of never giving up the fight for a cure and even some messages of anger. There was barely any room left to sign. I had to take whatever little space I had though, even if I had to climb a ladder to reach.

It made me so happy to see how many allies I have in this fight. I am so proud to be an advocate and know that with each passing day our voices are heard a little louder.