March 21, 2008 12:29 am
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• Thank you for your dedication
I would like to thank Dr. Derry Crosby of South Georgia Orthopedic for his dedication on relieving me of the pain in my lower legs, especially my left leg.
For many years I have not been able to walk for long periods at a time. My legs would give out.
I was referred to Dr. Derry Crosby. He examined me and took some X-rays and put me on medication. I went back for a follow-up weeks later and the pain had subsided some but was still there. Dr. Crosby suggested a myelogram on my back as an outpatient. That was done and again I went back for a follow-up. He then suggested an MRI, but because of other issues I have, I couldn’t have the MRI, instead I was X-rayed.
He felt that he could give me an injection in my lower back for the pain in my legs and had me to go to the hospital for this procedure. It was done and with the medication he prescribed for me, three days later, the leg pain was gone.
I want to thank him for his diligence and relieving me of the lower leg pain. I can now go to the grocery store without my legs giving out thanks to Dr. Crosby.
Georgia Corbett
Valdosta
• People vs. Wilcox-Bowers
Your coverage of the Keller Wilcox case by reporter Malynda Dorsey Fulton has been very thorough and timely. Circumstances surrounding his latest attempt to shorten his life sentence made it essential that public citizens know the facts. That wasn’t done in 2004 when Wilcox maintained his innocence and was denied parole. Morven and Barney area citizens sent 308 petition signatures. Help came from Adel, Hahira, Quitman, Nashville, and Valdosta. Over 1,500 known signatures were presented with at least an amount equal gathered by other efforts in Valdosta and the area of Middle Georgia where Hellen Griffin Hanks’ daughters live.
Attorney Michael Bowers trumpeted Wilcox’s innocence and his $100,000 fee in 2004. He has been understandably silent this time around. Any lawyer who can slide in a late and blatantly self-serving, non-factual confession to meet the Parole Board’s standard for remorse has gall and clout. Moving an inmate from 2011 to May 2008 to December 2007 for consideration indicated favoritism by the board. What about the friends and family of the victim? What about the inmates who are up for parole whose family will have to wait longer?
There is no question in the minds of area residents contacted by over 30 volunteers as to whether Wilcox is where he should remain. Opposition to his release overwhelmed the Office of Victim Services in Atlanta. Even though she didn’t know Hahira and Barney from Halifax, one worker told me this was a record for most signatures for any case they had ever seen. Personal letters from loved ones of Hellen and her family, e-mails, faxes, and phone calls provided icing on the cake.
Regardless of the board’s decision, others have spoken loud and clear. Hellen’s life was lived so well that she achieved remarkable perpetuity after death. It is way too late for any human effort to undo the harm done to many people who knew and loved her, but there is hope that impartial justice will be served by the Parole Board’s decision.
Kevin Sumner
Barney
• Colon cancer awareness month
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness month. Colon cancer remains the third leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women in the United States with about 50,000 deaths expected this year.
The American Cancer Society urges people to have this simple test. They have free literature/information about colon cancer testing. You can call the American Cancer Society or visit www.cancer.org.
The American Cancer Society and the Pearlman Cancer Center sponsor several screenings on different kinds of cancer or you can ask your doctor.
We are making progress in the war against colon cancer due to early detection and improved treatment. Colon cancer test allows the doctor to find and remove polyps before they become cancerous, thereby preventing cancer. A colonoscopy is a simple procedure. Testing saves lives.
Colon cancer is one of the two cancers (the other is cervical cancer) that can be prevented through regular screening tests. It’s sad to say but many people still are not getting the test for colon cancer that could save their life. Only four out of 10 are getting the recommended test. Many deaths could be avoided by getting this simple test.
I speak as a colon cancer survivor. If I had not had a colonoscopy and found cancer at an early stage, I would not be here today urging everyone over 50 to get checked.
This is why I serve on the American Cancer Board, work very hard for the Relay for Life and do all I can to encourage people to have whatever tests they need to prevent and fight cancer to save lives.
Nina King
Valdosta
• Quick action saves homes
On March 11, around 4:15 p.m., I was driving down Deborah Drive to my residence. I noticed some smoke beside the road in front of another residence. I parked my car and went inside to get a container of water. When I walked back outside, the smoke had blazed up in the dry leaves. My neighbor Robert Shy had rushed out with a container and got water out of the ditch and began pouring it on the fire. Had he not took quick action a home could have burned down and may have caused other damages to adjacent homes.
This was a very kind, quick act from a caring neighbor that is noteworthy. One question remains is was this caused by a cigarette butt or someone deliberate act?
L C Hughes
Valdosta
• No one has all the power
I’m sure American citizens know it if they just think about it. We have a republic, not a democracy nor a dictatorship. Our three branches of government are each charged with their own constitutional duties, and no one has all of the power. In front of enthusiastic crowds of supporters, presidential candidates tend to get carried away by their high regard for themselves and to promise many more things than they can possibly deliver on their own. Congress and the courts, remember, are vital parts of the process. It has been reported that the performance ratings of Congress by the people asked about it, are very low. Congress, and especially the House of Representatives is where citizens find their voice. Therefore, wouldn’t it really be wiser not to get so distracted by the frenzy surrounding the nomination of a particular person for president that we forget to concentrate on selecting, supporting and electing well-qualified, responsible and responsive persons to be our representatives in the Congress?
Bob Flumerfelt
Valdosta
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