Media Coverage

DailyRecord.com
Feb 12, 2008

5 years of speaking for those with physical, mental challenges

"Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives." For years I heard these words spoken by actor Macdonald Carey at the beginning of the soap opera "Days of Our Lives." I never gave them much thought until recently. It was five years ago yesterday, Feb. 11, 2003, that this column, Sharing & Caring, was first published.

Though the format of the printed word has certainly changed, my purpose for writing this column has not. I am trying to adjust to being only on the Web page, but it is not all that exciting. Obviously some of my readers feel that way too because they have told me so.

Two ladies from my church informed me they only bought the paper for my column and the obituaries. Others, who are very computer literate, still enjoy a paper copy with their morning coffee. They informed me they don't carry their computers everywhere.

Yes, I heard about cost and all the other bottom line items. I also know from the vast experience of writing about an issue that makes people uncomfortable, disability issues are not considered profitable.

Sharing & Caring has grown through these five years, and so have I. I have interviewed some marvelous people who I never would have met except for this column. Former Attorney General Janet Reno; Betty Gallo, widow of Rep. Dean Gallo; and Dr. Richard Bruno, director of the Post-Polio Institute and International Centre for Post-Polio Education and Research.

I've attended wonderful and informative programs: the Arts Access Program at the Matheny School and Hospital; the 2004 National Convention of Americans with Disabilities; the women's forum sponsored in part by The Women with Disabilities Health Care Task Force; and the New York Metro Abilities Expo.

It has been a joy to work with nonprofit groups like Community Hope Inc., NewBridge Services and DAWN cil (center for independent living) that do so much assist the challenged community.

Readers have led me to research concerning many types of diseases and challenges. I wrote about Acardi Syndrome, autism, mental illness, prostate cancer, breast cancer, dialysis, multiple sclerosis, Sturge-Weber Syndrome, skin cancer and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), just to name a few. I visited support groups, attended fundraisers and looked into different therapies. Everywhere I went, I met people who are deeply involved and firmly believing in making the world a better place for those with physical and mental challenges.

I still have issues that never seem to change. Illegal parking in handicapped parking places, the inertia of the disabled in voting, budget cuts in government for the poor and disabled, and smoking concerns in outside eating areas. Things are not going to change if we don't keep pushing.

I've enjoyed sharing some of my life with you. The trips, surgery, my physical challenges and the birth of our first grandchild brought a response from you readers I never expected.

The sands of time are shifting, and none of us know what tomorrow may bring. I hope I am still Sharing & Caring with all of you.