Most families in this country have lost a loved one to cancer, and while each experience is different, most share some characteristics, especially if the loved one undergoes chemotherapy.

In my family, my mother and father both died of lung cancer. My mother smoked for almost 50 years, but gave it up when she was diagnosed. My father never could quit and was sneaking cigarettes until a few days before his death.

Both made decisions early on that they would go out fighting and would subject themselves to any treatment available, no matter the dramatic nature of the side effects.

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I must respond to the Your Turn guest column written so eloquently by state Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini regarding the use of medical marijuana ("Too Many Problems With Medical Marijuana Use," News Transcript, Jan. 28). She begins by citing the evidence that marijuana is the most used illegal drug in America. She cites statistic after statistic of how harmful and dangerous this drug is to our youth. What she fails to mention is the fact that at least three presidents, including our newly elected one, has admitted to using marijuana and other drugs during their oat-sowing days.

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Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug in America. According to a national survey performed by the Department of Health and Human Services, nearly 95 million Americans over the age of 21 have tried marijuana at least once. In addition to this alarming statistic, of the 7.1 million Americans suffering from illegal drug dependence or abuse, 60 percent abuse marijuana. These facts alone show that our country is currently struggling to control this substance and make it very clear that policies must be initiated that will further restrict access to this drug vs. granting permission to obtain the substance.

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MANALAPAN -- Trinity Financial, Sports and Entertainment Management Company and the Manalapan Englishtown Educational Foundation will sponsor the Manalapan Police Department's "Basketball Extravaganza" on March 17 to support the Manalapan Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) programs.

New York Jets legend Joe Klecko and former New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts running back Keith Elias, both members of Trinity's corporate advisory board, will be on hand for autographs and pictures.

To be held at the Manalapan Englishtown Middle School, Millhurst Road, from 5:30-8 p.m., the event will feature a benefit basketball game pitting the Manalapan teachers against the Manalapan police. From 5:30-7:30 p.m., Klecko and Elias will be signing 8 x 10 photos for a donation of $20 (one of each player; package of two), as well as additional items at an additional cost. All proceeds from the night's events will go to the Manalapan DARE program.

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FREEHOLD -- Being plucked from your home can be a scary matter, especially if you're a small child.

Children must be removed from homes where there is drug abuse, parental neglect, domestic problems or physical abuse. With that in mind, Freehold High School seniors Jessica Small, Alissa Goetz, Inna Basanskaya and Sarah Kallish are addressing that matter with the cooperation of the Freehold Borough police.

"When the police remove a child from a home during a DYFS (Division of Youth and Family Services) complaint, the child leaves with only the clothing he or she is wearing," said Nick Tabor, National Honor Society adviser. "The students prepared backpacks with personal items like shampoo, soap and washcloths so the child [who has to leave on the spur of the moment] has the necessities he needs."

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FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP -- George Long Jr. wants everyone in the community to know there are good kids in the school district, children who stay out of trouble, who don't drink, take drugs or smoke.

In addition, there are high school students who take time out of their busy lives to mentor junior high students, and junior high students who are smart enough to know that they do not know everything.

"There are kids doing positive things," Long said, adding, "these kids are student leaders and peer leaders who are active in their schools."

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MANALAPAN - Students in the Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District are hearing the message to make good choices that will last a lifetime.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program has now seen 10 DARE graduating classes at the Pine Brook School, Pease Road.

Students, teachers, administrators and officers from the Manalapan Police Department recently celebrated the completion of a 15-week DARE curriculum.

Manalapan Police Chief Stuart Brown noted this was the first time pupils had the 15-week DARE program and said police and school administrators were looking forward to seeing how it works.

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