Bringing PET scans to Sudbury should be a priority - Sam Bruno

How much can we take? Especially lately, when it seems that the whole world is in turmoil and, for some, it may feel as if it all starts here, in Sudbury. Strikes, hostile work tactics, possible elections, war casualties, possible flu epidemic, financial chaos and more.

Without a doubt I have never seen such a tough year. Through it all we have been a resilient community. One which we should all be proud of — mostly.

Often the importance of things get repositioned and priorities are based on other factors. Take the strike (at Vale Inco) for instance. (There is) so much union-busting, so much history, emotion, lost wages. This may be number one on our list of importance.

Election time anyone? Not sure on that one. Some days yes some days we rethink and say “not yet."

How about Positron Emissions Tomography (PET scans)? Do we have room to think about that one? Yes, if we cram it in somewhere and get to it when we can. Today would be a good day to get to it.

Here’s a quick summary about PET scans:

This is for us (not your family pet). Our provincial Liberals have finally approved its funding, but we who live in the northeast must travel far to access this crucial cancer scan. Too far when you are very ill.

All northern mayors, MPs and most MPPs are on board. They are collaborating and working at getting the ministry of health to rethink its announcement, trying to overturn the ministry’s decision of not funding one close to home (which deprives us of fair and equal access to this life-saving tool) and trying to have one placed at the Northeastern Cancer Centre here in Sudbury.

With nearly 7,000 cancer deaths, annually in Ontario, we finally have an opportunity to cut that number down dramatically.

With nearly 7,000 cancer deaths, annually in Ontario, we finally have an opportunity to cut that number down dramatically. All of us are susceptible to this disease — your children included. We can save hundreds of lives in Ontario this year alone. For that reason this should be No. 1 on our list.

How can you help? Easy enough, call your MPP and ask him to publicly support PETs for Subury. Ask him to get on board and help save lives. Hold him accountable to that.
After all, we can always vote differently at election time.

Sam Bruno is a Sudbury resident who is living with cancer.