Cancer - Treatment. I finished treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation) in 2002. The doctors are following me closely but say I'm NED (or showing No Evidence of Disease). I had three columns about that experience published in the Austin American-Statesman. Those are on this web site under "Surviving Cancer."

Cancer - Work Against. The Austin Breast Cancer Resource Center asked me to work on their benefit Oct. 6, 2002. My title was Honorary Chair, but I don't know how to do anything in an "honorary" way so as usual I jumped in with both feet to work and guide the benefit. Molly Ivins (who has recently finished treatment) agreed to join me as a speaker. The event sold-out 5 days before the event, and people who were willing to contribute had to be turned away (a painful reality). We cleared $120,000 (or 50% more than last year and in a bad economy). I'm pleased that the money will allow the Center to continue its very important work. I also spoke at several breast cancer-related conferences.

Politics. I traveled a great deal campaigning for good candidates. Max Baucus, incumbent U.S. Senator from Montana with a l00% pro-choice voting record, was one of the few I worked for who won. I really grieve for the great incumbents and candidates who lost!

Teaching. I continue to enjoy teaching at The University of Texas - Austin. I was promoted from Adjunct Associate Professor to Adjunct Professor.

Roe v. Wade. The challenges are escalating and the work continues. The 30th anniversary is Jan. 22. A national CBS crew was here yesterday to film; they thought the piece would run on Jan. 22 on the CBS Early Show. Thalia Assuras (the CBS Saturday evening anchor) did the interview. Texas Monthly's February issue (out late January) will have it's major article on Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, but it will also have smaller articles on 6 women, and I am one of them. I'm in the midst of interviews with various reporters. I'll be in New York this coming week for several Planned Parenthood events and the lunch of Gloria Feldt's new book, "Behind Every Choice is a Story." The following week I'll be in Oregon and Minnesota for Planned Parenthood and NARAL events.

And I had my ballet debut with Ballet Austin. Each December the Ballet performs the "Nutcracker" and invites various celebrities to perform the role of Mother Ginger. I nixed the "required" hat in favor of a white cowboy hat. Fun.

Speaking. I had an active year last year and will again this year. One of the most unusual events last year was speaking for a section of Microsoft in Seattle - and being followed by Richard Simmons. He had more glitter; but I had more substance! The National Association of Campus Activities has invited me to showcase this year at its February Nashville convention; invitations to speak at a variety of universities are likely to follow.

2003. I'm happy to leave 2002 behind and start over - once again! I hope that 2003 is off to a good start for you and that it will include health, happiness and "enough". I like the saying that proclaims a person to be "rich" if they have enough!