No laughing matter
I am outraged by the Bliss cartoon, which showed brain surgeons commenting on the shape of clouds passing overhead (In-Box, Feb. 24). I do not believe that anyone would find a “grade four glioblastoma multiforme” to be a laughing matter.
It is a disease that affects all ages, all ethnic groups and both sexes, anyone at any time. There is no known cause and no known cure. Each year more than 200,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with a primary or metastatic brain tumor. Primary brain tumors comprise approximately 41,000 of these diagnoses. How is this funny?
My 33-year-old daughter was diagnosed with a grade four glioblastoma multiforme three months after she was married. The first time we heard those words we searched the Internet to find out few patients make it one year. She lived 22 months, passing away at age 35. How is this funny?
We want and need awareness, but not this kind!
Linda Magiera, president / Lori Arquilla Andersen Foundation for Brain Cancer Awareness
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Pie picks
In response to Rick Kogan’s request for readers to nominate their favorite places for pie (Sidewalks, Feb. 24), I offer a very special place in our Chicago neighborhood: the Austrian Bakery at 2523 N. Clark St.
I’ve even sent their Apfelstrudel to friends in other cities, who are eager to visit Chicago for these and other culinary treasures.
I spent a year in Vienna, and I can assure you that the bakery’s goods are a solid translation of that culture to Chicago.
James L. Zychowicz / Chicago
For more readers’ favorite pie places or to add your own, go to chicagotribune.com/pie
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Write us
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