Good morning, Leroy. Monday can't come soon enough for you! Why don't you start compiling a list of things that could be modified to help sick/handicapped people. It's easy to forget, once it no longer applies. Who's to say that some things on "Leroy's List" won't be incorporated into to remodeling or new structure. Gotta start somewhere when trying to make a difference and you have the floor right now!

Sent by Susan | 7:58 AM ET | 04-10-2008

Good morning Leroy,

Although I do not use a walker, wheelchair or such to get around, I cannot help but notice waiting rooms and access for disabled individuals. Who in the world assisted the doctors and hospital boards to furnish their lobbies and waiting rooms. Did they honestly think everyone who has to sit and wait, wants to sit in low, uncomfortable seating that they can't get out of? And then to get out, it is a major struggle and almost an embarrassment? Maybe they choose that style for the staffs enjoyment... Here have a good laugh while we watch the patient get up. Chairs that are of normal height with arms, so much more practical. May Not look as pretty but if means patient/client (Hate that term), who cares.

Not everyone disabled uses a wheelchair, and you are so right about the placement of buttons or press pads to open accessible doors. You would think, hospitals and doctors office space would be much more practical. Anyone ever wonder why the designated disabled bathroom stall is the last one and furthest from the door? I have, the narrow passage/aisle to get to it, then steer a wheelchair in turn it. Wouldn't it make sense to have pull bars in all public restroom stalls?

Oops sorry, got on a soap box this morning. Maybe I need more coffee?

Sent by Sue Chap | 8:02 AM ET | 04-10-2008

Thank you for pointing out the many things that we all take for granted every day, Leroy. I hope you realize the huge gift you are giving to the rest of us who need to have our eyes opened. My best to you.

Sent by Renay | 8:10 AM ET | 04-10-2008

I lead a girl scout troop of 9 and 10 year old girls. In it we have a very sweet girl who is very handicapped after multiple brain tumors (can walk with a walker over limited distance, limited movement of one hand, but 100% ok mentally). Every time we plan anything for the troop we have to rethink to make something (either for everyone or just her) that she can also do. It has been the most eye-opening experience. The hardest part is making sure the other girls remember C. needs extra help or extra time - that she can't just run when they do.

Her mother, who deals with this every day, takes it all in stride and I have never heard her complain once about how so much this impacts their lives. She thinks of every day with her daughter as a gift. "I never thought she would live this long." She has said (not to me).

She is very inspiring to me - and so is her Mom. Between her Mom and stepdad there are 6 kids under 12 in the family, plus 2 dogs! It is amazing to watch how calm and happy they are.

Hang in there, Leroy - you may be inspiring people more than you know. I highly doubt C or her Mom know that we are inspired by her.

Sent by Liz L. | 8:14 AM ET | 04-10-2008

Terrific post!! You brought the issue of being disabled in today's world out for everyone to think about, not just the disabled. Intellectually, I knew all of this but emotionally, you touched a nerve. I'll not take for granted all of life's numerous accommodations that the disabled must cope with each day. You helped me "walk a mile" in your shoes. Thank you.

Prayers for you and Laurie.

Sent by Al Cato | 8:16 AM ET | 04-10-2008

Dear Leroy-
Thank you for this post. I am the mother of a special needs child and I am often disappointed with the way things are made, without consideration to the "other" population of people that are not considered "normal." And I don't think it's asking too much to make chairs more comfortable for patients in the hospital or the buttons to the automated door more accessible, and in my case, the playground more accommodating for my daughter. It hurts my heart to say this but cancer seems to be part of the norm these days and as a society we need to not only work to prevent and cure it but to accommodate it as well.

I read your blog daily. You are always in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for sharing with us!

Sent by Alison | 8:17 AM ET | 04-10-2008

What you said is so very true.
It would do us all good to remember this.
Probably really interesting to know how many people in this "normal" world, find it convenient.
Prayers, Blessings and May The Grace Of God Be With You.
Wanda Amorose

Sent by Wanda Amorose | 8:28 AM ET | 04-10-2008

Good morning Leroy! Once again you have hit the nail on the head of a problem not given much concern to. We have a friend who has lost both his legs to Diabetes,is partially blind, and yet has been an independent resident here of all this apartment community for some nine years now with his Mom, who suffered from Alzeimers. He maintained a home for both of them until she recently died. He now finds that he cannot keep up with expenses because of the loss of his Mom's SS imput. He has BIG problems trying to find affordable living space that will accomadate him and his chair! Not easy!
You brings our attention to all that is needed in our Health Facilities. Good for you and we shall all be more conscious of it and try to back you up also. Oh, it won't be long till your last radiation, PTL!
Want them to allow you to regain your strength and see some progress.

Sent by J C R | 8:34 AM ET | 04-10-2008

Hi Leroy,

You are bringing back so very many memories. I (thank G-d) have not had cancer, but I have had three (3) hip surgeries. What I was totally unaware of in the Spring of 2001 I saw as horrendous in the Fall of 2001 - the low toilets, the rugs that a walker or foot could easily trip on - low couches. And you are right - doctors offices and hospital are really NOT created for well people and people who are the fittest - it would be nice to think ahead for those who are disabled or handicapped - whether temporarily or as a way of life - or even just older!!! Take care and G-d bless you - and as I tell you, THANK G-D YOU CAN COMPLAIN AND SEE THE PROBLEMS!! Love to you and to Laurie

Jan

Sent by Janice Goldberg White | 9:30 AM ET | 04-10-2008

I remember being on crutches and railing against the world of the two-legged. With my hands otherwise engaged and my stepping ability limited, I had to learn alternate ways of doing just about everything. It was a long 4 months. I do think that this world should be designed with a little more common courtesy.

Sent by Alycia Keating | 9:41 AM ET | 04-10-2008

Leroy,
Your post was wonderful today. A gentle reminder to be more thoughtful of those needing a little boost. Thanks

Sent by Teresa in WV | 10:01 AM ET | 04-10-2008

Wow, great post today...we can press one for English? but we can't accommodate our own? There is something wrong here....
Thank you for making me see things in a different perspective today...

Sent by Laurie Hirth | 10:03 AM ET | 04-10-2008

Be thankful for ADA, if not for this act we would have nothing. But it needs to be enhanced. We see what voluntary gets us,nothing.NPR should do a show on this.Leroy, keep talking we need your voice.May Gods grace shine on you.

Sent by Hal | 10:38 AM ET | 04-10-2008

Being in cancer world has made me realize what other people may be dealing with physically and mentally. I understand your frustration with things, I myself have thought the same thing about seating, etc. right down to the hospital snack bar needing to carry foods cancer patients could tolerate during chemo--smoothies, milkshakes, jello. I did make the suggestions and it worked!
Thank you for sharing another great insight we all need to be aware of!

Sent by Leslie | 10:39 AM ET | 04-10-2008

Good Morning Leroy, Laurie and All,

Leroy, An eye opening post today. You are right about our environment. It is designed for looks but not function. And this is true in so many different areas: packaging that arthritic hands can't open, medication labels that are written in print so small that older eyes can't read it even with glasses, and knobs and dials so complicated on appliances that it takes a certified genius to figure out how to turn the darn machine on! We need to rethink the design of our environment on many different levels!

Laurie, Maybe you and Leroy could launch a: "Keep it simple and make it function," campaign.

To All, As we all travel with Leroy and Laurie along this path in Cancer World, we all face our challenges in an unknown future. We are hopeful that we will find relief from the trials of this disease. I'm trying to do my part too as I have entered a clinical trial for the drug Aflibercept. I had my first infusion yesterday and so far the only side effect is a mild headache. What lies ahead, I don't know. But just maybe this will be at least part of the "Magic Bullet" that we are all searching for! God Bless!!

Eileen Pruyne
Charlotte, NC

Sent by Eileen Pruyne | 10:52 AM ET | 04-10-2008

How true Leroy. When my father was sick, it was very painful to think about how "the world" slowly became a place that was "inhospitable" to this man who once thrived in it. I remember how jealous I felt of the people who weren't dealing with the daily crisis of sickness. Your courage (the definition which you eloquently provided a few days back) will continue to get you through this, Leroy. Thank you for what you continue to do.

Sent by Adrian P | 10:52 AM ET | 04-10-2008

Hi Leroy
I just finished your latest comments. I agree with you that the real world has no idea what the hadicapped needs are. I had polio as a youth and besides being treated for multiple myeloma which is a cancer of the plasma cells, I have been dealing with Post Polio Syndrome. This is a condition of the weakening of the motor neurons causing a weakining of my legs. Consequently I have a very difficult time rising from a chair with no arms. As a matter of fact I have to use my arms to get out of the chair. If the chair is too low and the back is too high, forget it I'm stuck.
I have written a suggestion to the Justice Dept., Disability Rights Section
requesting them to review the need to require restaurants to have chairs with arms for any one who requests the need for one. This would be an easy and inexpensive fix if they even had a few of the plastic lawn type chairs available.
I believe we need to make any business, doctors offices, stores etc aware of our needs. If we have a special need then there are many others that have the same need.
I look forward to your comments and observations. May you have more strength and less pain today, tomorrow and in the future.

Sent by Bob Savana | 10:56 AM ET | 04-10-2008

"Our own"?? We are all people, Ms. Hirth. Remember that.

And may the people looking at style & budgets when designing facilities remember that as well.

Sent by keri | 10:56 AM ET | 04-10-2008

Leroy..you're so right.I have been in a wheelchair for 6 years due to a brain tumor.It has been an eye-opening journey! During a cross-country car trip I was amazed at the difference in what passes for "handicapped accessible"...especially in bathrooms. I also have weakness on my lsft side, so if the grab bar is on the left side, I need help. Since the 'family bathroom 'is a fairly new concept, we had to use gas station restrooms so my husband could go in with me, and we all know what those are like! Some motels have a wider door to the room and that qualifies for accessible. Never mind a grab bar, a roll in shower,or shower chair, room under the sink to roll. I even get frustrated at Costco because they stack the books so high. There are just so many situations that we encounter on a daily basis that you never think about until you're faced with it. And then there are the people who use someone else's handicapped parking tag and don't need it!!!!
Thank you , Leroy for writing about this. I only wish more people were aware of the struggles we deal with daily.

Sent by Martha | 10:59 AM ET | 04-10-2008

Wow - so true. Thanks for writing about the injustice of a world not accomodating to people with disabilities. They have enough to deal with ;it seems so completely unfair.

I recall taking my father to a medical appointment. Getting in and out of a car was enough of a big deal, harrowing for him and his sensibilities - and for us and our emotional state as caregivers. Parkinson's had remodeled his body and moving any part of it was a huge challenge.

When, after a good ten minutes he and we finally got him out and untangled, we sighed and I know we all thought: "now we can just go sit down and comfortably wait for his appointment."

We finally went in, exhausted, to sit down and the chairs were so low that he couldn't sit down . After finally getting him sat, when the receptionist called his name neither he nor we could get him up and out without a major struggle. And some people were openly staring at him - I don't mean looking, I mean wide eyed staring. He looked terrible and was drooling, and a quick glance might remind people that he was however, a human, and therefore under the scary-looking surface felt normal human emotions like embarrassment, pride, etc.

I went home and cried upstairs in my room for my father. And for my husband and myself too.

A well planned office where people wait for appoitments might have at least a couple of chairs that are higher, easier to get into. It doesn't seem too much to ask.

There are lots more examples. It seems businesses think they are doing alot when they have a ramp put next to their front door.

Thank you for continuing to post though you feel like cr-- . Its a major gift you provide us with each day.

Sent by Nancy Oliveri | 11:30 AM ET | 04-10-2008

A friend of mine certifies facilities as being accessible to the handicapped. He reviews architect's drawings, plans, blue prints, etc. When he makes a site visit, the architects and engineers are always stunned when he arrives in his wheelchair. For them, being disabled is all theoretical, and he makes it very real.

Sent by Dianne (DC) | 11:34 AM ET | 04-10-2008

When I broke my shoulder, I was shocked by how difficult everything became, and by how many people did not bother to help when I was in need of assistance. I think that many of us are guilty of not being aware enough of the practical problems that you have encountered through weakness and pain. Leroy, I will try to be more proactive and understanding in future- no-one should suffer and struggle in this way.

Sent by Tina from Alton IL | 11:34 AM ET | 04-10-2008

Leroy THE~WORLD IS FOR YOU, but you are just letting your mind take over. I now it is hard but you can beat everything, just hang in there to your faith, which I think its a bit weak...You talk about the disabled people and have you ever looked at them realy close and see how happy they are, that is because God have given them the gift to accept and the serenity to deal with it; the same ones you arwe missing. I am a 3 different types of cancer survivor my body aches, I have neuropathy it hurts, now i have arthritis and it hura, i have a Backewrs cyst on my right leg and Oh Brother those that hurt like hell, but I deal with it, and most important my prayers never stop. Prayers to me it is not knealing down or going to church, synagogue, or any place that a priest, reverend or Rabbi wants me to go; it is just me sitting or standing or even in the bathroom just relaxing and thinking of the greater power and just talking how I would love to ease whatever ails me, and believe it or not he does it. The 2 cancer left me without my left lung but I breath ok, no shortness of air, esxcept when I do a long salsa dance, but i try it anyway to see how i extend that lung to the way I used to be..my legs dont work as I want them to be but every time i put a bit more so they get used to the way i used to be. I will not give up..now the only problem I HAVE is my weight cancers and chemos in most people make them skinny but i do not know how well i took care of myself that i gained weight and now no diet is working maybe causwe i dont have the patience for it so I am trying to se if i could have the gastroby pass either in Cuba (where I was born) or in some other country where it is more economical, but I want to be skinny, and let mew tell you I am NOTa young chic I am 58 and counting..so my sincerely request for you it is never to give up....fight it with all you have and hang in to your faith...love ileana

Sent by Ileana Arriola | 11:56 AM ET | 04-10-2008

To JCR

I think your friend is entitled to some, if not all of his mom's ss. Next of kin usually receive at least half. He may be entitled to more since he is disabled. Have him check it out.

Leroy,

Like others, my consciousness was raised a bit after reading your blog this morning. My pet peeve is that people who aren't handicapped park in handicapped places. I usually put notes on their windshields!

Blessings.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 11:58 AM ET | 04-10-2008

I am a lung cancer survivor since 1991. Today I had an MRI of my knee and had to stay still on the table for 20 minutes. I hought of youo and how hard it must be to have back pain and go through your radiation. To pass the time I prayed the Rosary and I offered it up for you. You are very brave.God Bless.

Sent by Anne | 12:09 PM ET | 04-10-2008

Dear Leroy,
Someone once quoted "Pain is a lesson waiting to be learned"..............I think I get it now!

Feel better dear friend. As always, prayers to all.

Sent by Sasha | 12:29 PM ET | 04-10-2008

Even pretty-much able-bodied folks have trouble these days with "modern" office buildings. I've struggled with doors that are too heavy for me to open without difficulty, fancy tile lobby flooring that is dangerously slippery on rainy days, sloping sidewalk panels that make walking in the snow an adventure, restroom stalls that only large enough for Barbie dolls, restroom paper towel dispensers designed by the old Candid Camera crew, and water fountains that should come with an instruction manual.

My point: There should be a branch of civil or environmental engineering that is able to look at these hazards and correct them.

BTW, I love your blog, Leroy! Even your gripes are a joy.

Sent by Tina Lewis | 1:12 PM ET | 04-10-2008

Amen, Leroy! I never realized how difficult it is for the disabled until I became one. I get frustrated trying to make it through super markets using the motorized cart --- annoyed that the stock personnel and customers don't consider ME trying to navigate through the obstacles. And then I realize that, as you say, the normal world is not meant to take on this consideration; and that, indeed, I am lucky to have a motorized cart to use.

Sent by Marilyn Trujillo | 1:27 PM ET | 04-10-2008

It is truly amazing to me that hospitals and doctor's offices, of all places, can be so difficult to navigate for the less-than-perfectly-abled. The walk to the parking garage at UNC hospitals is looong, and I have often thought how difficult it must be for so many of their patients. They are in the midst of constructing a brand new cancer hospital here - maybe I'll write to someone and point them to today's post.
Maybe it's not too late to order new furniture!

Sent by Gretchen Hoag | 2:49 PM ET | 04-10-2008

Wonderful post today, Leroy ... thanks for helping others to think about these things just a bit. When my husband finally came home from the hospital, he was in a wheelchair and I learned so much about how difficult ordinary things can be for the disabled - inaccessible bathrooms, small aisleways, no curb cuts, and don't get me started about handicapped parking spots. We had to use a van with a side ramp and I could rarely find a spot - so I had no other choice than to park in front of the door to get him out (and deal with honks from many too impatient to just go around me), leave him sitting there, find a parking spot and run back to get him inside. I've been amazed to hear healthy co-workers admit they regularly use handicapped placards to get a "good parking spot" (placards they received for a disabled parent, etc.) When I tried to explain that takes a space away from someone who really needs it, I often hear "I was only there for a few minutes". Sigh. Walk a mile in our shoes.

I do hope you soon feel better.

Sent by Dianne in Nevada | 3:00 PM ET | 04-10-2008

Leroy, I always have wondered what exactly qualifiess you for one of those Blue Placards. Seems that all you have to do is fill out a form and have a Doctor sign it. Are you really unable to walk an extra few feet? Some people look far healthier than me, but I'm not worried about it. I worry about looking worse than I feel, that would be very bad. I hope I don't look that bad, but how can I judge. Cancer just doesn't give you a break, no quarter, seems so unfair. I don't like knowing where all the accessible bathrooms are located. This is information I would rather not have. Thoughts, Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 3:09 PM ET | 04-10-2008

It is a good thing for all of us to remember that we are all only temporarily able bodied. Whether it is pregnancy, an injury or illness, old age or two wiggling toddlers, we will all fall prey to mobility challenges at some point. I agree that we need to plan places better and look out for each other more. I love that you continue to think about broader concerns even as you have to focus on your own struggle. It is a good sign that you can. It is also therapeutic to think broadly with interest and concern. Good on you. I read your blog (and wish you and your wife well) everyday.

Your unmet friend,
Paula

Sent by Paula Fallon | 3:15 PM ET | 04-10-2008

Leroy, I live in Florida and every 6 parking places - or so it seems - in front of every store are for handicapped. It has always made me mad.

I hope God forgives me. I'm telling you so you will forvgive me, too. One day soon I will need them, but I really don't care about that part. Honest. I'm just so darn sorry. Joanne

Sent by Joanne Wilkerson-Burke | 3:19 PM ET | 04-10-2008

Hi Leroy,
Is there some planner, designer, patient relations guru who can take up the waiting room comfort cause for people of different sizes and disabilities? Really there's a need for better accommodations for people in pain. And all bathrooms in hospitals, clinics and doctors offices should be wheelchair accessible. While waiting for her doctor's appointment, I had to lower my mother on to a low toilet without railings in a tight bathroom. Thank goodness she's a tiny person and I knew how to support her. My best to you.

Sent by Paulette | 5:23 PM ET | 04-10-2008

I agree with you! As things are replaced, they should be replaced with the impaired in mind. My mom faced the same things when she was in a walker, though that wasn't all of the time. Even when she used a cane, someone sometimes had to hold the door open for her, and so on.

Design companies should employ or consult with people or companies that make sure the physically impaired are properly served.

Sent by Scott S. | 6:19 PM ET | 04-10-2008

Hang in there Leroy, and thanks for reminding the world that we can all use a little help now and then...some more than others. Thanks for speaking out on behalf of everyone with a disability. That is one of cancer's lessons...learning compassion. I am sorry you are having a rough time - you are in my prayers.

Sent by Beth | 7:05 PM ET | 04-10-2008

Hi, Leroy,
I'm still stuck on yesterday's post. I am sorry you continue to experience so much pain. I hope your doctors read this blog and do something about it; refer you to a good pain doctor, or something, anything. It is frightening to think that there is pain that cannot be relieved. I hope and pray every day that you are feeling better soon.

Sent by Cee | 7:40 PM ET | 04-10-2008

I haven't heard from you in a while, and frankly, not hearing made me feel better as I thought you were getting better. I just saw your recent posts and the damn radiation. When I went through it last year it was a pain in the ass. But after a while you come back to reality. When the treatments were over and I was feeling better I had my 65th birthday. All I could think was,"what happened to 63 and 64? The stuff is not great for your short term memory. Oh well, memory is highly over rated. Your writing is very important to a lot of people, and your recovering health. Hang in there man!

Sent by Alec Lambie | 8:02 PM ET | 04-10-2008

Leroy, I had a temporary need to use a wheelchair for several months. It taught me many things, but most of all to stop and offer assistance...pushing someone inside a building, down a long hall way, holding a door, returning a 'borrowed' chair inside the building for the caregiver...even if the the response is 'no thanks' at least I made the effort. If everyone that reads this blog would just take the few seconds required to offer assistance, the difference they can make as an idividual is so important. Talk about giving a gift to yourself!
lac

Sent by Lou Ann Caywood | 10:22 PM ET | 04-10-2008

Leroy, so often, the topics you toss out generate great responses. Today was no exception, however, I find myself wanting more info.

There have been times Ive wanted to extend help to a stranger that may be having similar difficulties but I hesitate for fear they will feel that Ive overstepped.

I would appreciate knowing if a helping hand would be welcome or seen as an insult in some way. I would hate to cause any additional pain.

I too feel that you???ve opened my eyes. Surely another Ted Koppel special would go a long way toward educating the masses.

Wishing you and Laurie a happy Friday!

Rhonda H

Sent by Rhonda Howard | 10:44 PM ET | 04-10-2008

Leroy,
Man did you hit the mark today!! My husband has developed extreme shortness of breath preventing him from walking more than a couple of steps without being completely winded. They think this is due to damage to his lungs from radiation. In order to get to the bottom of this,of course, it's a round of new doctors and tests. The pulmonologist happens to be in an office where access is gained by going up 6 steps into a split foyer building and down 6 more or up 6 more. No elevator or ramp in sight. Like you, I realize the world cannot accomodate everyone but some things are so glaringly obvious. I agree that you should be making the "Leroys List" because you have the ears of the world. You could be the next "Frigidare". Keep plugging and think how wonderful Monday is going to be. To Laurie..hang in there.

Sent by kathie | 10:51 PM ET | 04-10-2008

Leroy,
Your post should be printed and mass mailed to hospitals and schools all over the country. You always hit the nail on the head.
Thanks for reminding us how hard some people are working just to do "normal" things. I used to think people would be offended if I offered help then I become good friends w/a guy w/cerebral palsy. He said he is never offended when offered help. He'll take it if he needs it but would never ask. So from him I learned it's better to offer and receive a no thank you than to not offer at all. You reminded me again what a difference it makes when people reach out and help w/what the normal world sees as "simple things."
Jennifer

Sent by Jennifer in CA | 11:38 PM ET | 04-10-2008

Leroy, good post.

Sent by dorothy in oregon | 1:07 AM ET | 04-11-2008

I noticed a note from Gretchen Hoag who goes to UNC hospital. I am intimately familiar with the l-o-n-g walk from the UNC parking garage to the hospital. Six months + familiar. There is a tram but it can be cold for the weary in February when we started going for treatments.
My hubbie was so proud when I did not have to let him out at the front door and then go park the car. He was able to make that walk under his own steam. In the beginning of our treatments at UNC, I had to rent an SUV in which my husband could sit comfortably for a four hour drive to the hospital. Later on, he bought a Honda Element because he could no longer drive (or sit) in his FOX with manual steering. He could just slide in and out of that Honda.
I still have the fork and spoon he used when the numbness in his hands got to the point that he could not hold regular utensils... We made do. And if I had him back, I would cut up his meat for him again. But he is out of pain and and riding his bike every day in the after life and that is ok too.

Sent by Deborah of Asheville, NC | 4:35 PM ET | 04-11-2008

"I guess it would be asking too much, and would certainly be too expensive to make the world right for everyone with health problems. That's just not practical."

I just want to let you know that it is **not** asking for too much, and it is more practical than we realize. The only way to instill change in the way other people think is to constantly remind us of our needs. While there are some changes that may not accommodate everybody, there are many changes that would be easy to make and would make a world of a difference for people with various disabilities.

Thank you for writing about your experiences. Keeping you in my prayers!

Sent by Deborah | 11:22 PM ET | 04-15-2008

Your blog is an inspiration to me as well as others, but I'd like to ask you to stretch a bit more and use your voice and influence to help make some changes in the "special needs" world. Most humans operate at less than full capacity at some point in our lives, but only in the last few years in trying to help my elderly mother have I realized how blatantly ridiculous are some of our architecture and furniture designs for public places. Ironically, medical facilities are some of the worse. When did design become the focus? Yes, pleasant surroundings are uplifting, but I don't think patrons' needs should be sacrificed or have secondary focus. Something as basic as a chair an elderly or disabled person can manage, especially in a medical office should be a given as should doors designed for wheelchairs. One hospital outpatient center we visited had only a large revolving entryway. There were single doors to either side that said "handicapped usage", but guess what, they were locked. It was late in the day, but even so, not one person came to my aid (63 yrs.) trying to maneuver my (86) yr-old mom's wheelchair out of the building-- even though the revolving door came to a stop twice. Bathrooms! Incredibly insufficient. The bathroom we had to use for a urine sample was doubling as a supply cabinet and was none too clean. I requested a toilet seat cover since there was an empty dispenser on the wall, only to be told that there were no seat covers available, and none had been stocked in the two years the aid had been employed by the facility. Criminal! This while trying to assist my mother who was in extreme pain from her sciatic nerve. My current situation has made me more aware of these problems, but with our aging population, it seems now is the time to cultivate changes so people can remain more independent. You have the voice as well as friends in visible fields, so I'm hoping you'll lead us towards some reform. I greatly admire you for so openly shareing your journey. All of our lives are touched by someone fighting cancer, and your war inspires me.

Sent by Diane Lucas | 3:07 PM ET | 04-23-2008