Howdy folks
I have only been with the list for about 10 months so perhaps that is why  I
find that I'm really confussed with this post. - is this from Alan Bonander
or from John Cottingham....and who is David Boots.  Was there an earlier
post that I missed??  Can someone please explain this to me??
Thanks for your help.
Kelly in Calgary
----- Original Message -----
From: John Cottingham
<[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, December 28, 2000 6:13 AM
Subject: Voices From the Past: Alan Bonander


> Subject: David Boots
>
> TO: David
>
> I needed that.  There is nothing like a sobering minute.  I give a lot of
> credit to those who do not have a care partner.  Doing everything yourself
> and not having someone there when needed, both physically and emotionally
> is difficult.  There has always been a need for strong support of our
single
> members in the PD community.
>
> As to the incident on the front porch, don't think of it as peeing on
> oneself, think of it as "Whissing on the World".  I don't know anyone with
> PD or a carepartner who didn't at some point want to "Whiss on the World".
>
> There are three centers in the US that I can recall performing fetal
tissue
> transplants.  They are U. of Colorado (Dr. Curt Freed), Good Samaritan
> Hospital (Dr. Jacqus) and somewhere in MA where they are doing the pig
> fetal tissue transplants.  Outside of the US, there is Cuba, Sweden and
China.
>  Obviously fetal tissue transplant, pallidotomy and medications will not
> give you a new mid-brain.  They can buy some time.
>
> I have this dream that something will happen by the end of this decade.
Two
> years ago, I had doubts anything could happen this soon.  Today, the
> scientific knowledge is growing exponentially.  I have great hope now that
> science will break the code by 2000.  In the mean time decisions will need
> to be made on how to buy time.
>
> One of the best ways to buy time is to be active.  This means to get
> exercise, get out in the public and be a part of life.  Looking inward for
> strength is like peeing on oneself.  Looking outward and being a part of
> life is like "Whissing on the World".  It gives purpose to life.
>
> One of the problems of being 37 with a chronic illness is that all your
> friends are building their lives, advancing careers, and the last thing
> that is on their mind is the possibility of chronic illness.  They are the
> ones who will often say "When things get really tough, give me a call."
They
> have ecome "bad weather" friends.  It is a sad observation on society.
You
> need to make new friends, which means becoming a part of different groups.
> This is not easy and requires a lot of effort on your part.  Everyone I
> know who has done this, has found it very rewarding.
>
> Suggestions on where to look depends on your likes and dislikes.  Music is
> a wonderful part of your life.  You may find playing in a blue grass band
is
> too taxing.  How about using your music leading singing at support group
> meetings?  There are many places you can use this talent to make people
> smile, clap their hands, stomp their feet and make their heart young.  In
> our phone call I asked you to start a support group for young people in
Santa
> Rosa.  This you agreed to.
>
> It really pays once in a while to wear your heart on your sleeve.  This
> email support group really responded to your tears.  There are people who
> care about you, David.  Thanks for crying out, for now the healing can
> start.  I really enjoyed our phone call.
>
> I have known David since about the day he was diagnosed with PD.  David
can
> express emotion, something the males in this world need to learn.  He has
> fought ADA with his employer, be participated in the Washington Forum
> recently on the Udall Bill.  I think the assistant in Sen Feinstein's
> office will never forget David.
>
> Hang in there David, we care and are there for you.  Thanks for waking us
> all up to the emotions of PD.  I needed it and I am sure others did also.
We
> will keep in touch.
>
>
> Regards,
> Alan Bonander
> [log in to unmask]
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> John Cottingham
>