Health Care For All
Going through Mike’s stuff
I drove out to Cary today to help James go through the last of Mike’s stuff. He’s still struggling, and it’s not easy for him to do this. But being there and seeing things in his handwriting, looking at the photos he took, just touching his things — it was comforting.
I didn’t bring a whole lot home, but it was good to see James and know he is coping. James was Mike’s best friend and the two of them helped each other through a lot of bad stuff. I told James he was adopted just after Mike died and Danny told him he’d never get rid of us. And he won’t.
I had an early dinner with Janet, and we talked about the rally in August. Very exciting.
Patient Pals & Family Friends
Life o' Mike has a new peer support program for people newly diagnosed with chronic or serious illness or with a new disability and their caregivers.
Patient Pals are people who have experience with various illnesses and disabilities, who can help someone newly diagnosed or with a new disability work through the fear, frustration, confusion and grief often experienced in the first few months.
Family Friends are there to help caregivers and other family members grow into their new role.
People with new illness or disability fare better when they have a role model -- someone who can help them negotiate their new path in life.
We need volunteers, who are asked to donate a minimum of one hour a week. Training is free and includes information on active listening, ways to help and when to know more help is needed.
And of course, we need funding.
To learn more, call Leslie Boyd at 828-243-6712 or e-mail lifeomike@gmail.com.
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