Merry Lunsford was an active 45-year-old single mother living a typical life with her four girls when she received news that forced her into an immediate fight. Doctors told her she had breast cancer.

With incredible bravery, Merry opened her life to MPB’s cameras for perhaps the most compelling Southern Remedy segment we’ve ever produced. In many cases, a cancer diagnosis causes patients to turn inward, often keeping the battle to themselves until outward physical signs reveal themselves.

But Merry, in telling her story, freely shares her courageous medical struggle in the hopes of helping others. She is a remarkable woman with an amazing personality. Viewers don’t come away feeling sorry for Merry because she doesn’t come across as feeling sorry for herself. She is one who has girded herself for battle and victory over cancer.

So has Katrina Myricks, who poignantly talks about her successful bout defeating breast cancer and the range of emotions the diagnosis inevitably caused. There are many real life moments in Katrina’s story. There is the time when she decided to start a campaign to buy more fashionable wigs to replace the ones available to cancer victims. Southern Remedy’s “A Plan to Survive” is provocative, insightful and emotional. MPB could not be more grateful for Merry and Katrina for their courage.

It is difficult to segue from a subject as complicated and devastating as cancer. But in July, our viewers will find the intellectual content from Southern Remedy and other shows continues to make MPB and PBS an attractive alternative from programming that neither excites nor enlightens.

Here are just some of our plans:

• Marshall Ramsey’s Conversations has an impressive array of guests, including Emily Gatlin, book reviewer and rock and roll authority; Alysia Burton Steele, author of “Delta Jewels,” an incredible book that rekindles memories of strong grandmothers; and Paul Thorn, a Tupelo musician who has found a strong following as he continues to elevate his songwriting and performing skills.
• For 35 years, PBS has broadcast A Capitol Fourth, where hundreds of thousands will gather to celebrate the music that makes this country great on its 240^th birthday. On this Independence Day, our troops will be deservedly honored by some of our nation’s best performers.
• PBS will also bring coverage of the Republican and Democratic National Conventions. With the delegate vote counted and the frontrunners about the go head-to-head, PBS journalists and experts will bring coverage of the major speeches and insightful analysis into your home.

July presents a full slate of programs, from the sensitive to the patriotic. We strive daily to make you proud. And, as always, we thank you for supporting programming that matters.