Hein, left, and Hansen
KINGSTON — The Commissioner of the New York State Department of Health, Dr. Howard Zucker, visited Kingston Wednesday to deliver a proclamation from the governor’s office, declaring a statewide brain cancer awareness day for May 27, “Gray Day.”
“Anyone can get it,” Dr. Zucker warned. “It’s a terrifying diagnosis and nobody wants to hear it; it affects so many people,” he said. “Treatments for cancer are advancing, but preventing cancer is ideal.”
Zucker was joined by Ulster County Executive Michael Hein, Ulster County Health Commissioner Dr. Carol Smith, Health Alliance President David Scarpino, and other officials.
May 27 memorializes the memory of brain cancer victim Gary Lichtenstein, who died in 2003. His father Mario started a research and support foundation called Voices Against Brain Cancer, which was recognized in the proclamation.
James “J.J.” Hansen, formerly one of Hein’s top staffers, was diagnosed last year with grade 4 glioblastoma multiform (GBM), a particularly aggressive and deadly malignancy. Doctors told him he was inoperable, with just four months to live.
Hansen’s ongoing battle has succeeded, allowing him to volunteer last month as director of advocacy and public policy for Voices Against Brain Cancer. He says the group was instrumental to his survival outcome. He also runs an Internet journal called You Can’t Hurt Steel.
“Through great medical service, changing our lives, and the grace of God, I’m here, I’m talking to you, and I’m doing quite well,” Hansen said. “We’re still fighting against brain cancer. Unfortunately for some, that’s not the case,” he noted.
Awareness is the first step to a cure, Hein agreed.
“I’ll be setting up an advisory commission, that will help shape the public policy on cancer prevention and awareness, to make sure that Ulster County continues to lead the way in getting it right,” Hein said.
The proclamation ceremony was held at the St. Mary’s campus of the HealthAlliance in Kingston.
