... continued from page 7 [From the Director]
We all have our heroes as children and they grow as we do. As a high school senior, my English teacher assigned the class the task of writing an essay about our hero; I chose my dad who worked two eight-hour jobs yet still found time for fun and love for his family. This was the only essay I ever received an A on.
My heroes have increased over my lifetime as yours have, I am sure. My husband, Joseph, was my hero—such a brave, strong--but kind and gentle man--facing life and death with courage and faith. Other heroes of mine are Dr. Bill Field who many of you know as a leading epidemiologist in lung cancer devoting his career to the education and awareness of the danger of radon exposure. Gail Orcutt, a friend, a retired teacher, who spent her retirement years striving for radon testing and awareness in schools through her constant communication with legislators and community groups, is also my hero. Sadly, Gail died of radon-related lung cancer May 19, 2020. I have many other heroes in the lung cancer community, but none greater that Jacquelyn Nixon, a lung cancer survivor, a dear friend, and the publisher of this magazine. Jackie devotes her life to shedding light on the danger of radon exposure—a true hero.
There are many other heroes of mine in organizations like Lung Cancer Action Network, Lung Cancer Connection, American Lung Association, Respiratory Health Association, National Radon Action Plan Committee Members, American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists, and American Society of Home Inspectors. These are people who are passionate about helping to save lives and prevent lung cancer.
Gloria Linnertz, President, 2021
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