1. Clearly define the platform issue to which you are sincerely committed and for which you will be an activist during your year of service.

• In October 1995, I was rudely awakened to the vulnerability of the human body when my father was diagnosed with colon cancer. Although surgery removed the diseased portion of his colon, the cancer had invaded his liver. He died less than a year later. I would like to spare other families this heartache by educating them about the risk factors and symptoms of colon cancer. I will also encourage all those I speak with to get tested. Colon cancer is preventable through regular testing and more than 90 percent of colorectal cancers can be cured when caught in their earliest stages. This year 156,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colon cancer and 57,000 will die from the disease. That's more than will die this year from breast cancer or AIDS.

2. What, if any, are your most significant accomplishments to date in regard to your platform issue?

• Over the past two years, I have worked to educate myself about this disease so that I could speak to the community about it. I have researched this disease and consulted with physicians at Roswell Park Cancer Institute where my Father was a patient. I have been attending health fairs to distribute information about colon cancer and have been a guest speakers for various community organizations including the Rotary Clubs, 20/30 clubs and church groups. I have also distributed fecal occult blood test kits provided to me by the Roswell Park Cancer Institute. This spring I have also begun organizing Western New York's first Colon Cancer Survivor's Support Group.

3. What do you wish to accomplish during your year of service as an activist for your platform?

• My goal is two-fold. First, I plan to continue to raise awareness about colon cancer by speaking out about my father's battle with this disease and thereby encourage others to be pro-active about their healthcare. Second, I want to help bring this issue into the national consciousness. Many people are uncomfortable discussing the boldily functions associated with colon cancer and using the terms necessary to describe this disease. But the embarassment and silence has allowed this disease to become one of the worst killers in our country. I want to CONFRONT COLON CANCER by spreading awareness and by giving the people of our state and our nation a greater comfort level with the terminology that can save their lives and the lives of their loved ones.