Thursday, June 22, 2006

Porch Light

Have you ever thought about yourself getting old? Chances are if you are under 30, the thought has either never come up, or has been quickly dismissed as an impossiblity. We sometimes have glimpses of our own mortality, but never of fading vitality. We do not want to consider what life will be like when we are too old to drive. When we are on 15 medications and 3 of them need refills, and medicare won't pay for them until the first of the month, and we have to choose to buy groceries and hope our blood pressure doesn't go too high before the first.

Sound far-fetched? Or like something only "poor" people struggle with? WRONG. You'd be shocked at how many of your neighbors, people on your street, deal with this issue daily. It's true. It's what I see in my job. People who worked hard all their lives, and now can't afford pain medication. It could be you in 40 years.

And if it were you, would you want to try to call up a person in the government to get assistance? Do you think that would be an easy process? Or how about just calling your doctor? He's always available, and has all the time in the world, right? Or how about your kids? Are you going to want to ask your children for money? No? Well, what then?

So, am I making a dent? Do you see what I'm aiming at?

It's the need for people who will collaborate with medicare and with you to provide services, and to make up for the lack. It starts locally. And, thank God, it has started here. A local doctor (who I am privileged to know and to work with) has started an organization with just such a purpose.
And you know what?
It is helping.
So can you.

11 comments:

chumly said...

Thank God for AARP! I though I was to young to join. 53 but finally I gave in. There is help out there.

Lu said...

It really sucks that people can not get the help they need. Truly does. And I am glad to see someone give a flying leap.

Kim said...

Thanks Sarah!!

Tammy said...

Amen for you doing this! There is a couple in our church that is going through such a situation...and they are such wonderful people and so giving, yet they may lose their home because of medical bills and medications. God bless you for taking a stand!

missquiss said...

You might be one of the best people I know. Honestly.

Just this Girl said...

this is awesome

and i say this shortly after i lie crippled on my couch talking to angie about my intense back and chest pain that almost scared me right into the ER.

getting old?? honey, i'm already there...

Anonymous said...

Such a wonderful organization....we need more like this. You are awesome SArah!!!

angieoh! said...

You are such a beautiful person. Keep fighting the good fight. Don't give up. YOu make a difference.

Goody said...

You are making a dent. A shining light in a dark place, beloved one.

jill said...

You are such a good person Sarah. Even though I don't know you I can just tell.

Jada's Gigi said...

Thank you for posting this Sarah