Oral cancer survivor speaks at Partnership event

Gruen Von Behrens, on a dare, took his first pinch of chewing tobacco while on an overnight camping trip with friends when he was just 13 years old.

Von Behrens, just 17, noticed a pin-size sore on his tongue but didn't tell his mom as he was afraid she might find out he was using chewing tobacco. That tiny little pin-size bump became very sore and grew into cancer.

Von Behrens, will be speaking at the Carson Valley United Methodist Church 6 p.m. today. His talk is sponsored by the Partnership of Community Resources through grants from the Fund for a Healthy Nevada and the Substance Abuse Prevention & Treatment Agency. For information, 782-8611.