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Hogan Calls On Marylanders To Help All Cancer Patients

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- In his continuing battle against non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Governor Larry Hogan reaches out to Marylanders to consider cancer patients statewide.

Pat Warren has more on the response to the governor's request.

Since his treatment began last month, Hogan has remained upbeat. He attributes a lot to the outpouring of support he's received from supporters in and out of state. And calls for introspection in this Facebook posting: "I can't help but think of the thousands of other families fighting this same battle, who may not have the benefit of kind words and encouragement such as I have received."

Coard Simpler can relate to the come-out-nowhere shock of a cancer diagnosis who was diagnosed in 2000 in the course of a routine physical.

Simpler can also relate to the importance of support.

As Hogan writes, "I humbly ask that those who support me also remember the thousands of others facing seemingly insurmountable odds, who are just as deserving of our love and support."

"I've always said listen, reach out, send a note, call, take them to lunch," Simpler says.

Now in remission from a rare form of leukemia, Coard has participated in 4 clinical trials.

"I think of the people who have been diagnosed that are either single moms with kids, people that are out of work, people that are elderly and have other compromising issues that prevent them from getting around or getting out and walking," he says. "If you know someone who has a health issue reach out, and if you don't know what to say, say hello."

Coard's motto: every day is a gift. Hogan's reminder: cancer does not discriminate.

Hogan is wrapping up his second round of chemo.

The governor was up and at work in the hospital today.

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