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SJS-OnTheNet <[log in to unmask]> writes >I came across a posting >in which the above-mentioned person offers (if I've read it correctly; please >forgive me if I've misunderstood) to donate $100 to the "Parkson Action >Network" (sic) IF anyone on this Listserv can solve three riddles -- i.e., >attach to three given quotations to the correct names of the speakers. > >I must say that while I feel that donating money to the cause of finding a >cure or effective palliatives for Parkinson's is certainly important and >welcome, I take offense at what appears to me to be an insensitivity >conveyed by the above-mentioned posting vis-a-vis (a) the feelings of >persons afflicted with PD, (b) the feelings of their care-givers, and >(c) the desperate need for funds & other support for research into >controlling and eliminating this terrible affliction. Perhaps SJS (?) has not considered that this is a List run by PWPs (and their caregivers) for PWPs (& CGs) and that some of us (the majority?) feel the need to make light of our condition. >Although, in the "real world", the motivating-force behind the providing >of resources to conquer PD may originate either with, among other things, >a compassionate heart, a desire to reap heightened professional recognition, >or, in some of the corporate world, a desire to maximize financial profit, >I personally believe that an offer of "help" (even *assuming* that the offer >is geniune) in any form should NOT be contorted into a "GAME" -- and a >"teasing" form of game, at that. You (SJS) may not have thought, either, that Dale Severance, in common with many (most?) of us, probably gives, gives again, and continues to give, but in money and efforts. Don't take the fun out of life just because PD is one of the issues! Dale is ADDING to the general pot, not threatening to make a "GAME" out of withholding funds. >This form of "game", it seems to me, is akin to a doctor standing at a >patient's bedside and telling the patient (who may be suffering terribly, >both physiologically and emotionally), "If you can just solve these three >riddles, I'll give you some medication that may help you feel better". Were Dale a professional person, I would agree. Being one of "us" perhaps a certain lightening-up is in order - no? >On top of that, it seems to me that to make the donation of support >CONTINGENT on sufferers solving a set of whimsical riddles DEMEANS the >seriousness and deep importance -- > > (a) of the urgent need to conquer this disease, > > (b) of the need to provide solace and support for care-givers and those >who have PD, and > > (c) of the need to effectively persuade all those persons and >organizations (Congress included!) who can possibly help in the >eradication of PD that this NOT a flippant issue, and is NOT to be >lightly dismissed or "put on the back burner", and that the war to >conquer PD MUST be attended to in all haste and diligence and WON. >However, may I suggest that if someone has a TRUE desire to help fight >this battle to end PD, and wishes TRULY to contribute funds or resources >toward that goal, then please just CONTRIBUTE it -- and perhaps feel the >grandeur of spirit that doing it THAT WAY can bring to the heart and soul. Like I said - lighten up: if we are too serious about our "terrible disease" no one will want to listen to us, and we will find ourselves ostracised by the very people we want to influence. As a frequent fund- raiser (and giver) I can assure you I win more friends and converts to our cause by a light-hearted approach than I ever will with earnestness or the desire to gain "grandeur of spirit". >-- SJS (caregiver) I sign myself with my full name below. Your message would not have stung me quite so much, had you not hidden behind initials. -- Jeremy Browne - [log in to unmask] Shaking Hands BBS - +44 (0)1252 626233 - Fidonet 2:252/160