Sunday, March 25, 2007

Profiles In Courage: John and Elizabeth Edwards Face Cancer Again

First, we’ve all got to give a nod to John and Elizabeth Edwards who announced this weekend that Elizabeth’s cancer has returned and that, regardless, John Edwards campaign for President will go forward. Both of them are the “real thing.” Their courage and grace in the difficult circumstance they find themselves in are inspiring. Who among us would deal with such a negative circumstance in such a courageous and positive way? Which of the other Presidential candidate couples would have the character to redefine their condition from, “getting ready to die” to “getting ready to live with a dread disease?” The Edwards’ decision to move forward with the Presidential campaign is an inspiration to cancer victims and survivors. As Elizabeth said on “60 Minutes,” “We refuse to let cancer rule our lives.” Further, John Edwards has said, “Not a single person should vote for me out of sympathy. That would be a mistake, because the vote for President is so important to the future of our country.” When asked whether there was any circumstance that would cause him to drop-out of the race, Senator Edwards was crystal clear: “No. Whatever happens we will be in the race until the end.” These two people are great Americans. Their candor and emotional courage is an example for all of us. To quote the Washington Post, speaking about the Edwards press conference in which they announced Elizabeth’s condition:

“Not once did the shadow of fear cross her face. Elizabeth Edwards stood before the nation, a graceful fighter steeled for personal tragedy again. The cancer is back and in her bones, a lung and possibly elsewhere. The news seemed worse than bad. Yet Edwards conveyed no hint of being hobbled by an incurable cancer. Self-pity was nowhere on the scene.” See, Washington Post.

When asked about the suggestion some have made that the continuing campaign is an act of supreme denial about her cancer, Mrs. Edwards looked momentarily struck. Then, with her husband looking on somewhat tensely, she hurled back: “Absolutely! I am not giving it anything. If it expects to be the boss of me it’s gonna have to earn that.” See, NY Times.

And here I thought they didn’t make people like this anymore!

Admiring the Edwards, I remain

Savant