“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever does.” These words by American anthropologist Margaret Mead certainly ring true.
There was story in the news this week about a pediatric cancer researcher in Washington State who was tired of seeing the residual and life-altering side affects of cancer surgeries on children. He helped develop a new molecule that is made up of two parts – one a protein that searches out cancer cells and one that “paints” them with fluorescent dye.
This molecule could go right to the infected area and show surgeons exactly what to remove. Makes sense.
However, the project was funded by a grant and those behind the grant told this doctor they thought his work was too “speculative” and he might not be able to accomplish his goal before the grant ran out.
He argued that he thought that was the idea of research – investigate cutting-edge ideas that may someday make a big difference.
Fear not. Families of patients and others involved with the work got together. They held bake sales and benefit golf tournaments raising $8 million to help fund the effort.
Now, the molecule is close to being tested on human subjects.
We don’t have to look that far to see examples of the folks living up to Mead’s assertion.
Saturday, the Bikers of Central Kansas held a benefit motorcycle ride to raise money for the veterans memorial at Golden Belt Memorial Park. We are in the midst of its annual United Way campaign and by all accounts doing well. In a few weeks, there will be the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Area residents banded together to save Camp Hope. Plans are already in the works for the 2014 Relay for Life of Barton County.
The list goes on and on.
There are several small groups of thoughtful, committed citizens here. We may not change the world, but we are ready and willing to change our small portion of it.
Dale Hogg