Letter to the Editor - Nona McLendon

Dear Editor,

This is my first letter to the editor. I am in my seventies and I am sure some will think of me as an old prude. I am personally offended by the new “I LOVE BOOBIES CRAZE”. Someone has come up with an idea to make money and it is a mockery against a very serious illness. Last week I attended a ballgame and sat next to about four teenage boys who were all wearing bracelets declaring the slogan. I can tell you for a near certainty that all were wearing the bracelets because of the dual meaning, and that not one of them were raising money for cancer research. I thought that was bad enough but then I spotted some first graders wearing the bracelets. The only thought I had was that these children are learning disrespect for the female body at a very early age. This past week I saw “BRAS FOR BOOBIES”. One appeared to be decorated with a bird nest on one cup and bird eggs on the other. Many breast cancer victims cannot even wear bras or endured painful reconstructive surgery.

I have taken a poll of women in their thirties, forties and fifties. Every one said they find it offensive. All the patients I have known have faced their illness with grace and dignity and it is sad to see this new approach. My mind started to wander and I suspected it would be a matter of time before male testicular cancer became a target. I did not have to wait long. The next day I saw it displayed in a crude, rude and vulgar manner and it also had a double meaning. I will not put that in my letter but be on the lookout for it. A few years ago I participated in a Relay for Life. At dark the lights in the stadium were turned off and the luminaries’ were lit. It was one of the most touching and meaningful services I have attended. There were many tears as the names of cancer victims were read aloud.

I think that this fad has gotten completely out of hand. If awareness is the motive for this, I suggest that you take a trip to M.D. Anderson. Find a patient, hold their hand and pray with them. You will leave with a different perspective.

If you should have a friend or loved one who has cancer now or will in the future, I have some suggestions.

Pray every day. There is power in prayer.

Make short visits or phone calls. Send as many cards as you like.

Go to the supermarket and cook a meal.

Wash a washer of clothes.

Go to the public library or church library and get books for them to read.

Call the cancer research committee to find out what you can do to raise money for research or victims.

Please DO NOT tell them you love their “boobies” or any other body part.

Nona McLendon