CHARLESTON — Presidential hopeful John Edwards will be making a stop in the Mountain State this week for a private fundraiser.
The Democratic candidate announced last week that his wife Elizabeth’s breast cancer had returned, but the couple would continue their run at the White House.
It’s a decision many cancer survivors and research advocates are applauding.
“I was glad to hear he wants to stay in the race because it does bring cancer to the political forefront,” said Kevin Tephabock, regional director for the American Cancer Society. “It’s something that over 550,000 people die each year because of cancer and it’s definitely something that should be at the political forefront.”
Some wonder whether Elizabeth Edwards’ very public battle with cancer will cause health care issues to become a bigger piece of the Presidential puzzle.
“If he were to become elected, I think it might do that because First Ladies often take on some (cause) and that would perhaps be the natural thing for her to deal with,” said Chuck Smith, a professor at West Virginia State University.
Smith said he thinks the shock of Elizabeth’s recurrence will wear off and the candidates will soon get back to campaigning on other major issues.
In the meantime, though, no one can deny the spotlight is on the Edwardses early on.
“I think it helped just refocus interest on him and I thought the news conference was very well done and inspiring in some points and that couldn’t have hurt,” said Smith.
From the standpoint of those fighting for a cure, Elizabeth Edwards could become one of their biggest crusaders.
“I think it says a lot as far as a survivor that life does go on and you continue to fight,” said Tephabock.
It’s not yet clear whether Elizabeth Edwards will be joining her husband for Thursday evening’s fundraising event at the Marriott in Charleston.
