by Ken Grimes, City of Orange BeachBright sunshine along the sugar white sands of the Alabama Gulf Coast is one of the magnets attracting people to enjoy the feel of the powder, the splash of the surf and to “catch a few rays”. But when working daily in the hot sun’s rays like many beach attendants, construction laborers or even boat captains, this exposure on the skin can become deadly if not protected. The American Cancer Society understands the risks of skin cancer in areas such as this coastal resort community and recently conducted a skin cancer screening of the charter boat captains and mates of the Orange Beach Fishing Association. ACS is striving to be more active in community projects like this and the screening for the OBFA was a perfect fit for Orange Beach as thirty four captains and mates voluntarily stopped for the service. Thanks to the support and medical expertise of Dr. William Hixson and Dr. Steven Kinsey who devoted their time for this particular effort, their local outreach may save lives in the future as seven of the fishermen were referred for further examination. “We felt that the charter fishermen and crews have long hours of exposure to the sun and we felt that they could benefit from this type screening and process due to their time constraints during the peak season. Ultimately these captains were advised on how to protect themselves from future damage as related to skin exposure. As a charter-boat captain myself, I understand the consequences of the many hours of exposure to the sun on the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico” adds Iris Ethridge, Vice President and Board Member of the American Cancer Society for Baldwin County. She knows about the risks and takes it seriously after many years running the vessel into the gulf with the bright sun shining down all day and her passion to help others understand how to prevent damage is obvious. Laurie Gruenloh, President of the ACS for Baldwin County noted “this screening with the OBFA is a great first step along the Alabama Gulf Coast in further reaching the many residents and visitors, while teaching preventative measures to fight cancer.”
People across the country are gaining knowledge about the terrible disease known as cancer, yet through efforts like this screening the public is becoming more aware of signs for early detection and prevention. Added to the outreach efforts like the Relay For Life Walk in cities across the nation which will be held on Friday, April 25 beginning around 6pm at the Orange Beach Sportsplex, people are fighting and surviving with the help of their friends, neighbors and family members. The City of Orange Beach City Council just passed a Resolution declaring to “Paint the Town Purple” during the month of April in the fight against cancer as residents and businesses alike will join with public facilities in hanging purple ribbons, bows and flags as an awareness outreach. Janice Rayborn, Chairman for 2008 of the Gulf Coast Relay was on hand to accept the resolution for Mayor Pete Blalock and she stressed “for everyone to show their purple, put up a bow on their door and join the fight against cancer this month culminating with the Relay For Life event which is open to the public.” Rayborn expressed her sincere appreciation to the City of Orange Beach employees and leadership who as she said “give more than 100% to the Relay effort and totally commit to help make it a huge success each year.” To find out more about the efforts and resources of the American Cancer Society or Relay For Life log onto www.cancer.org today and take advantage of the knowledge already available to you.
Photo: ACS Screening for Orange Beach Fishing Association Captains and mates was coordinated by (LtoR) Carolyn Marston, Bobbi Walker, Dr. William Hixson, Iris Ethridge, Laurie Gruenloh, Dr. Steven Kinsey and held at the Orange Beach Adult Activity Center recently (photo Ken Grimes, Jr.)
