A Survivor's Review of the LIVESTRONG Presidential Cancer Forum: Democratic Candidates

On John Edwards

I'm convinced once again, this time by a man whose wife, Elizabeth, is battling breast cancer for a second time. I can't help but feel a connection. I believe Edwards' commitment to this war is more than political spin. The man is living with cancer, after all. He surely has some special insight.

Edwards and his wife are not so unlike the rest of us grappling with the financial side effects of cancer. They have money, yes, and good insurance too, but they still receive statements and bills and most of the time, says Edwards, they can't make any sense of them. What's covered? What's not covered? Who knows, he says, because the entire current healthcare system is set up to deny benefits and coverage. The insurance industry beats us down until we don't ask for anything anymore-I agree as I sit next to my own folder titled, "Breast cancer bills." I pay my portion and file the papers away. No questions asked. It's too tiring. I need my energy for healing.

What's a president to do about such a rotten system? Edwards will set up a universal healthcare program if elected as Commander in Chief. Right now, we're on our own. With this plan, everyone is covered and a consumer protection organization advocates for us. Electronic records also make Edwards' to-do list. So does nixing tax cuts for those making more than $200,000, increasing funding for smoking cessation programs, and confronting drug companies.

I like what Edwards has to say. As with all candidates, though, I'm not sure how his program will be funded. I know what the candidates say. I just can't picture it happening.

On Bill Richardson

Richardson knows how he'll get the funds. Once he stops the war in Iraq, he'll divert the $500 billion we're spending there to domestic issues, like cancer. He'll force pharmaceutical companies to negotiate on the cost of drugs. He'll mandate a constitutional amendment to balance the budget. He may even make Congress salary increases contingent upon demonstrated deficit progress.

Richardson wants a cancer czar. He wants a budget more like the one given to NASA-$18 billion-and he wants to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients. He did it in his state of New Mexico when 100 people asked him to consider a medical marijuana law. He backed the bill, it passed, and now it's law. Impressive. This man may not be the next President of the United States, but he knows how to make change happen.

Why is cancer often forgotten? Why is it not on the front page of every newspaper, Armstrong asked Richardson. Because it's not sexy, he replied. People are dying-and it's not on the radar. Something tells me this man, if given the right tools and the right opportunities, could get this disease on the radar.

On Dennis Kucinich

Kucinich approached the topic of cancer from a lifestyle perspective. This, I like. After giving up all meat and dairy a decade ago, Kucinich lost 25 pounds, doesn't need as much sleep, has more energy and clarity, and experiences fewer health problems. Four months ago, I changed my diet-I gave up sweets and soda, ditched all high-sugar and high-fat foods, and dramatically increased my intake of fruits and vegetables, and exercise. I've lost 14 pounds and feel healthier than ever.