Editor:

I've just read the article in your paper "The high cost of cancer" by Cornelia Naylor (Times, Nov. 13). I found it to be very thought provoking and well written.

It showed how our system has deep problems when it allows people like Bev MacGregor to be forced to endure not only physical pain but also emotional and financial pain. I gained insight into the plight that this disease can cause.

Here is a single parent who has worked and paid into a system that has let her down in her time of need. Rich or poor, cancer is indiscriminate. Readers should stop to think "Am I able to withstand such a situation?"

We have just gone through a month of corporations, sports figures, politicians and people from all walks of life wearing pink. Pink is recognized as the symbol in the fight of this disease. Our federal representative, Mark Strahl, has chosen to pay lip service to this. As a voter, I'm appalled.

His lack of support for Mac-Gregor proves that he is more interested in pushing the corporate pipeline agenda than serving the people whom he represents. It's very sad. One would think that watching his father go through a similar battle, he would be a little more compassionate and understanding. One would hope that as a humanitarian and a political figure, he would have taken up the fight for her and not just paid lip service. After all, as a community, isn't this what we would expect of him?

The famous line of "What goes around, comes around" comes to mind when thinking of Mr. Strahl for the next election.

As for MacGregor, I say, "Keep your head up and think positive thoughts." The system may have failed you, but your family, friends and community won't. You are an inspiration for all of us and a lightning rod for us to correct this unjust system.

In closing, I say "Bravo" to the Chilliwack Times for printing this article.

Ron Dunn Chilliwack