GINA,         you could always come here "paradise" is allot warmer.  And
the beach is closer ( what's the beach) haven't seen it in weeks.  life in
paradise... take care
Lisa
-----Original Message-----
From: Gina Cass <[log in to unmask]>
To: Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Tuesday, September 15, 1998 4:12 AM
Subject: SORTA - but not all PD related it's your choice to read or not.


>Dear Lisa:  Sure pull up a concrete spot next to me.  I don't smoke (quit 5
>years ago), but I have some Caffeine Free Diet Coke in my cooler, help
>yourself.  There's bottled water (better late then never), Snapple, and
some
>assorted Juices.  I didn't dress to up or to down.  Don't want to  appear
>destitute (although the thought crossed my mind), but really want to give
the
>appearance of some thought processes going on.  I can't wear dark colors,
darn
>this PD crud in my hair.  It peels out not in tiny little flakes but big
>pieces. So, If you could Lisa remind me now and then to brush my shoulders
>off.  Oh good, you brought a heavier coat.  It isn't cold now but it does
get
>cold.  We can't stand next to that building, cops said.  To many
respectable
>people come out during breaks, they don't want us bothering them.  So, I do
>want I'm told.  But, they come over here sometimes to get to their cars.
They
>even drop money in the cup.  Sometimes, they ask me things like what's the
>money for.  RX bills, dentist bills, doctor bills, canes, certain foods,
cabs,
>gas money for friends (see I can't drive anymore) and I thank you for your
>contribution to the health and welfare of me.
>So, I just stand here, oh I have a little folding stool that I use.  I have
>one for you to Lisa.  It is really nice to have someone here with me.  It
gets
>so lonely.  About 3:00 AM I pick up my things and go back to my room.  Oh
>wait, there's Buddy.  Here he comes, isn't he great.  (There stands a dog.
I
>think its a dog, tail wagging, tongue lapping at Gina's face as she hands
him
>a scrap.)  He comes here every night, feels like my protector.  Lays down
and
>walks me home at 3:00 AM.  I call him Buddy, cause we all need a buddy.
Here,
>have a sandwich.  A Peanut Butter and Jelly they don't need to much
>refrigeration, and pretty darn good.  Here Buddy, he gets one also.  He
earns
>his keep.  I have this darn PD and my family just can't handle it.  No
>insurance, not enough money for everything, and the government doesn't
really
>care so I come down here.  I spend time reading until the lights give out.
>Eyesight is so messed up from meds (when I can afford them) so I don't see
too
>well.  The meds are so expensive and keep changing.  Can't the meds if I
don't
>see a doctor, but I can't afford the doctor so sometimes no meds.  Say,
isn't
>that like "Catch 22"?
>I do remember some money that was to be given for research Lisa of
Parkinson's
>Disease.  But people tried and tried to get them (politicians) to release
the
>funds from the "Udall Bill" I think.  But they kept promising and saying
they
>would and didn't.  The money just stayed where it was.  No one ever
benefited
>from it.  You know Lisa if that money had been given over, they
(scientists,
>doctors) might have found a cure and you and I wouldn't be on this curb on
>this windy night.  Wait, I'll light the sterno can to keep us a little
warm.
>Oh did you see that, we were talking and that couple dropped a $5.00 in the
>cup.  I am going to give you half of everything you know.  It's just nice
to
>have the company.  It's so hard for "normies" to understand and be with us.
I
>guess some may believe they can catch PD, some just can't handle the
movements
>we make or don't make.  Freaks them out so to speak.  Here, have some hot
>chocolate, cookies, little cheese, pie.  I get this stuff free because I
line
>up and don't have much.  I did have a family though.  A good family that
loved
>me, but just couldn't continue with the PD.   Now, Buddy stays with me and
I
>talk to him, stroke his fur, he even lets me give him a bath now and again.
>You really have to go Lisa.  Yeah, I see that car, oh you have a family.
>That's nice.  Anytime come see us.  Buddy and I will be here.  Hey, I
wonder
>what ever happened  to the "Udall Bill" money?  Any ideas? Read anything
about
>it?  OK, just thought I'd ask and you did get your half didn't you?  Bye
Lisa.
>Take care.  I hope your teeth get better and you find a dentist with a
heart
>to work with you.  To bad they are not listed in the phone book.
>TTFN
>Gina
>Lisa, I'll be the one on the corner will all Teddy Bears in a cart of two
>maybe more.
>Thanks
>