Angela Bartlett has never needed to remind her husband, Rick, of 30 years to go to the doctor for annual checkups. As a Coast Guard veteran and avid road cyclist, taking care of his health has always been a priority. When Rick had a blood test and his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels came back abnormal (a sign of possible prostate cancer), he knew he should be concerned. Rick’s urologist recommended a new biopsy method – and he is so glad he did. This new biopsy found a cancerous tumor that likely would have been missed by the standard biopsy approach that has difficulty sampling all areas of the prostate. Angela and Rick are grateful for this new biopsy and they feel lucky to be together and healthy.

Angela was there for moral support as Rick came to terms with the “unknowns” of a cancer diagnosis and supported his decision to undergo a radical prostatectomy. Rick’s surgery was a success and he recently celebrated being four years cancer-free by biking more than 1,900 miles down the Pacific Coast Highway from Canada to Mexico. Along with his urologist, he also started a support group for other men coping with prostate cancer, an effort he is passionate about. Rick and Angela enjoy going to restaurants, watching movies, enjoying their dog and spending time with their three children and two grandchildren. The two have always valued their time together, but Rick’s diagnosis reminded them of how special and precious their time together is.

Angela is sharing her story with other women to build awareness of the importance of reminding the men in their lives to undergo regular prostate cancer screenings and the availability of a new, better prostate biopsy option.

The 45th Annual PACE Reception & Breakfast is happening March 3rd and 4th in Annapolis Maryland. PACE is an important part of making Maryland’s political leadership aware of the needs and the specific requests of Allegany and Garrett Counties. This effort is vital when it comes time for Senate or House Committee to decide which program to fund or which project to include in the budget. The Reception and Breakfast provide our Delegation with a strong show of local support for issues they are pressing in Annapolis, and the results have proven to be impressive.

Positive Attitudes Change Everything

PharmaCare Network is having prescription drug take back days in March:

March 3rd 2pm-6pm @ PharmaCare of Frostburg
March 16th Noon-3p @ PharmaCare Bedford Road

Dr. Tom Striplin President Eastern West Virginia Community and  Technical College discusses funding from the US Department of Education and gives an update on what's happening at EWCTC.

Homer Hickam, the New York Times #1 bestselling author and NASA engineer best known for his book Rocket Boys talks about his latest book Don't Blow Yourself Up

Nicole Whetzel Allegany County Habitat for Humanity Board Member discusses the upcoming Fall Fling

Staci Love, store manager at UScellular talks about the recent sponsorship awarded to Cumberland Raiders Hockey Team from the Community Connections program

Skylar Dice Vice President and General Manager of Rocky Gap Casino Resort discusses the upcoming vaccination clinic they will be holding