Dreary days
More rain, ice and snow. We haven’t had four consecutive dry days in weeks and my yard is a mud pit. It’s hard to keep up one’s energy.
But things are taking off, and we’re looking for ways to raise money for Life o’ Mike. Word is spreading, and I frequently run into people I don’t know who know what we’re doing with Patient Pals & Family Friends.
I’m off to Washington Wednesday and Thursday to attend an activists’ convention, network and meet with Sen. Kay Hagan’s staff. I have appointments to meet people who can refer volunteers and Pals to our program, and I’m hoping to be able to do some work with the homeless population, some of whom have asked what they can do to help.
The VA hospital here has asked if they can work with us on addiction — pairing up people who have been in recovery for awhile with those who are new in recovery. I know 12-step groups are the best at this, but sometimes people want help from another place too, and since that was the work to which Mike had devoted his life, I’m eager to get involved.
I’m meeting with someone from the Mission diabetes program to see if we can help there.
So, even on this dreary weekend, I have plenty to feel good about.
Patient Pals & Family Friends
Life o' Mike has a peer support program for people with one or more serious or chronic medical issues or disabilities.
We aim to reduce isolation and fear among people who have conditions, including psychiatric illness, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, mild dementia or other cognitive disorder or disability, thereby reducing depression and complications as people learn to improve self-management of their medical conditions.
Patient Pals help alleviate feelings of isolation and frustration. They can help people develop a list of questions to ask the doctor and then accompany the person to the doctor to make sure all the questions are answered, taking notes to be sure the person understands the doctor’s answers.
Our trained volunteers also accompany their “Pals” to art exhibits, movies and walks outdoors, meet for coffee, call to check in and more.
Our Pals have experienced weight loss, improvement in diabetes, HIV, psoriasis, depression and more, just because they have someone who cares about them. Some relationships develop into longer-term friendships; other Pals move on to more independent lives.
Family Friends are there to help caregivers and other family members grow into their new role.
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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