National Prostrate Cancer Awareness Month, September 2009

Photo: Commissioner Frank Avila presents MWRDGC Resolution to Doctor William J. Catalona for National Prostrate Cancer Awareness Month.

September was National Prostrate Cancer Awareness Month. In the last decade, significant progress has been made in the fight against prostrate cancer. Despite this progress, more work still needs to be done to find better ways to prevent, detect and control this disease. Among men, prostrate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in America and the second leading cause of cancer deaths.

I know personally how this disease can affect you and those around you. Last year, I was diagnosed with Prostrate Cancer and had "nerve-sparing" radical prostatectomy surgery. The surgery was successful. I was lucky I caught the cancer early and was able to seek out treatment for the disease.

There is a great need to continue to raise awareness and increase knowledge about this disease by supporting prostrate cancer research. I also want to urge all men, especially those over the age of 40, to talk to their doctors about their risk of prostrate cancer and, if appropriate, get screened for the disease.

I was honored to sponsor a MWRDGC resolution for Prostrate Cancer Awareness Month that was presented in the September 17th MWRDGC Board Meeting. In the resolution, I also honored Doctor William J. Catalona, Medical Director of the Urological Research Foundation. Dr. Catalona leads one of America's premier teams of physicians and scientists in the endeavor to treat and find a cure for prostrate cancer.

I applaud the dedication of researchers and doctors such as Dr. Catalona and the Urological Research Foundation, and all who are working to increase knowledge of prostrate cancer so that lives can be saved.

New Commissioner

I want to welcome a new Commissioner to the MWRDGC Board. Last week, Gov. Pat Quinn appointed Mariyana Spyropoulos to the seat left vacant in Janury by Commissioner Patricia Young. I look forward to working with newly appointed Commissioner Spyropoulos.

New legislation to protect water quality

Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation that asks state officials to take proactive steps toward combating the threat of trace amounts of pharmaceuticals and other hazardous chemicals detected in our waterways. The law requires the Illinois EPA to establish programs to educate the public on the proper disposal of household hazardous waste and to provide places to dispose of household hazardous waste. Read about it here.

Board Meeting Notice

A friendly reminder that there is a MWRDGC Board Meeting at 10:00am on Thursday, August 6, 2009. The Board Meetings are held in the Board Room at 100 East Erie Street, Chicago. All members of the public are welcome to attend. Click here for Board Meeting details and agenda.

Board Meeting Schedule 2009

August 6

September 3

September 17

October 1

October 15

November 5

November 19

December 1 (Annual Meeting)

December 3

December 17

Meeting with Mexican Dignitaries

I met with Mexican Dignitaries from the State of Zacatecas on Friday, July 17, 2009 to discuss water environment issues and to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to share advancing technology.

As a Commissioner at the MWRDGC, I deal primarily with treating wastewater and protecting the quality of our water here in the greater Chicago area. I recognize, however, that the quality of water here affects the quality of water everywhere in North America and even the world. That's why it's important to work together on a local and global level to protect our resources. I was truly honored to meet with these Mexican Dignitaries to discuss global environemnt issues and to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with them.

From Left to Right: Diputado (similar to a United States State rep. or Senator) Rafael Candelas Salinas, Commissioner Frank Avila, Diputado Federal (similar to a Federal Congressperson) Carlos Alberto Puente Salas, and Presidente Municipal (Mayor) Alfredo Bueno.

Besides visiting and touring the MWRDGC, our guests also visited the other government agency that deals with water on the top side -- the Chicago Water Department. We were lucky enough to go on a tour of the Jardine Water Filtration Plant with them. Above is our tour guide, Diane Cardella, explaining the history of water filtration in Chicago. (Just to remind everyone, the MWRDGC is a separate government agency from the City of Chicago Water Department. The MWRDGC does not deal with what comes out of your faucets, but what you flush down your toilets and drains.)

Here we are at the Jardine Plant looking at the water that has been pulled in from the water cribs in Lake Michigan.

And here is the final product!

Watch my new PSA!

Have you ever wondered what happens after you flush the toilet? Where does all that "stuff" go? Watch my new PSA to find out. Smart, little Iris and I explain the wastewater treatment process and what you can do to help the process and protect the water environment. Click here to watch!

What's in our Water?

As I've expressed before, pharmaceuticals in our waterways is an issue that should not be ignored and needs more research. Check out this article in the Tribune about drugs in our water.