Times are tough, but I hope we’re coming out of the Great Recession and that folks are beginning to be able to breathe again. I know a thing or two about tough times. The past couple of years have been character builders for me and my family. What a horribly bad time for Jill and me to be partners in a small publishing business! Then there’s that cancer thing — the thing I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. Actually, cancer is my worst enemy. So, I guess I would wish cancer on my worst enemy. Cancer, I hope you get cancer!

So, let’s talk about cancer. Take a look around you. Cancer is everywhere. It is as simple as that. It is partially a function of my age, but also of the time in which we live. Every gathering, every party, almost every conversation is partially taken up with a discussion of who has been recently diagnosed with, died from or licked cancer. Our cancer centers are full of sad patients and their sad caregivers. What can we possibly do to turn this death ship around?

One thing that we can all do is support organizations like the American Cancer Society. The ACS is a massive support machine for people like me and others who are living with cancer. I have been chosen as this year’s honoree for the American Cancer Society Crystal Ball. The ball, which is presented by the Columbus Regional Healthcare System’s John B. Amos Cancer Center, takes place on Saturday, March 19 at the RiverMill Event Center.

It is going to be a hell of a party! Drinks, dinner, dancing and a great silent auction, and the evening will be topped off with a Fire and Ice after party, catering to a younger professional set. I set a goal early on in the process to make this year’s Crystal Ball the biggest one yet, but the economy has made the fund-raising a challenge.

Please look at your budgets and find a way to help us fight this disease. Your sponsorships, table reservations, silent auction purchases and contributions will go a long way to keep the help and information flowing to families who need the support of the ACS. Check out http://www.acscrystalball.org, the website for this year’s event and plan on coming out on March 19 to celebrate a successful fund-raising campaign.