It’s easy to get depressed by doom-and-gloom economic news — if we allow it to happen. On the other hand, before you do, consider Hood River native Josh Dommer.
    The 26-year-old doesn’t have time to fret over the economy or stress out about dwindling 401K or savings accounts. Unemployment? Not an issue — at the moment. Dommer is too busy trying to stay alive.

The stock market took another hit while Dommer was dropping 40 pounds in a two-week period this winter. A few more companies cut back their employee insurance benefits while Dommer lay in bed, watching cancer-fighting drugs drain into his body. Dommer doesn’t have a 401K plan nor health insurance, so that grim news isn’t a big deal to him anyway.

What is important to Dommer is how he can best battle the testicular cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes in his upper body. Dommer (whose story can be found on Page A1 of this edition) was like many young men living in the Gorge, consumed by hiking, skateboarding, snowboarding and other physical activities.

Dommer’s a fighter, which is probably one reason the first round of chemotherapy has improved his condition. But there are many more fights ahead — fights where he could use some help in his corner.

An account has been set up at Columbia River Bank in Dommer’s name and donation jars have been placed at checkout stands in Safeway and other area stores. There will be a silent auction 4 p.m. Sunday, March 1, at the Elks Lodge 1507, 304 Cascade Ave.

Cancer may rob Dommer of his strength, but it also can inspire others to act; the disease can be a rallying cry that can strengthen a community. It also can help us remember what’s most important — if we allow it to happen.