The Walk (Chicago to DC) is done but the Journey has just begun. What is most important in this healthcare reform debate, indeed what holds the key to our democracy, is the voice of the people. The Walk, in addition to making a statement about the urgent need for healthcare provided a unique opportunity to gather real stories from real people along the way. I met with hundreds of people: with insurance, without insurance, Democrats, Republications, liberals, conservatives, indigent, middle-class, wealthy—the full spectrum of Americans along a route that took me through six 'Swing' states.
The stories are interspersed in this blog but for easier access they have also been placed in the 'sidebar' to the right. These include written dispatches as well as videos which can also be found on the Walk's YouTube channel. I continue to upload these stories so visit here often for updates.
I am deeply obliged to those who have shared with me their heartrending stores, otherwise private. They opened up to me out of both a desire that these stories would be heard and out of a frustration that among the raging cacophany of corporate interests they, their voices, were not being heard. Out of this obligation, privilege really, I encourage you to read/view these stories and share them with your friends and, most importantly, with your lawmakers, local and national.
The voice of the people must be heard.
Dear Dr. Gurel, many thanks for your passion to reform our health care system. We stand beside you and would be delighted to work with you. Please note that we are working with a group of physicians (through the U.S.) that have started organizing the "Million Med March" in Washington D.C. on October 1, 2009 on the mall in front of the Smithsonian Castle starting at 12 noon. Please let us know if you would like to make contact with this group of physicians. I know they would welcome your ideas and suggestions. Many thanks.
ReplyDeleteMost kindest regards,
Josephine (www.LeapforPatientSafety.org)
jccicchi@yahoo.com
646-244-5509
Dear Dr Gurel. I appreciate your eeffort may the Lord bless you with health, strength, and his wisdom to continue this Journey. I appreciate you.
ReplyDeleteIvett Jackson/Author... The Journey
http://www.ivettjackson.com
An amazing story:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUeDurM2peg&feature=channel_page
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxDQZOK_Isc&feature=channel
I was molested, impregnated, and aborted, by my stepfather at age 13 and did not know it. I blocked out the horrific; traumatizing ordeal I endured by the hands of the one who should have cared for me. My stepfather was a MONSTER. I found a deep well in the recesses of my mind and hid the trauma, never to be remembered again. Or, so I thought. It took me a period of 35-40 long years to fully remember the agonizing ordeal, bit by bit. Finally, I have overcome this nightmare and am now an author of my first book The Journey, an inspirational autobiography that will inspire and strengthen many people. I patented a medical device, healed after having breast cancer, survived 31 years of an abusive marriage, and escaped a deadly car crash. I am now pursuing acting and modeling. My most recent dramatic credit includes, The USA Network hit series Burn Notice. I modeled for the Bethesda Health City Breast Cancer Awareness Life is Sweet Fashion Show and was honored in the Palm Beach Post Notables. I have been a caregiver for 35 years and was a driver for your neighbor Mrs. Beatrice Mayer who wrote, I w
ish you a large spread and great opportunity with your book The Journey; Your story is compelling. Barbara Walters emailed me: May I suggest you send a book to Oprah. My readers write: Get to Oprah for your Voice. This story MUST be heard. It will inspire /strengthen and help other. I REFUSE to allow my pass to hold me bound. I recovered and am fulfilling my God given destiny; I am a VICTOR.I so proud to say, Senator Chris Smith, Congratulates me on my book The Journey. He announced it to the audiance, and let them know that he promote authors, and where my book can be purchase. I am so humbled, and at the same proud of how far God has inabled me to come.