Learn to care for others
November 27th, 2006 by Yvonne
When doing research on treatment options for neck tumors, I came across this speech made by Tara Turley-Dean at the 1998 Jeans for Genes dinner & auction.
It’s a strong, impactful speech for an 11-year-old NF1 patient. At a tender age, she needs to worry about tumors in her neck and spine. Yet, she’s able to come forth and help raise awareness, as well as money for NF research.
It’s been quite some time since I put myself out there, to help raise awareness while meeting my own medical needs. A handful NF patients in Malaysia have contacted me to let me know they’re NF patients as well. I wouldn’t say “support” because most of the time, it’s about, “I also have NF”. But after some more e-mail correspondence, they dissappear.
I could have done much more for them. I could have volunteered to pay them a visit. I could have raised funds for research and better medical care for everyone. If only I don’t have to raise money for myself.
An anonymous person suggested I write a book on how I managed to raise quarter of a million in such a short time. I find the idea appaling because heck, it’s not about the money. It’s about passion, dream, something not of worldly desires. It’s about putting your goals and passion above money. Like Tara, at that age, I bet she knows nothing about PR or manipulation. Yet people donate to her cause, because she believes in a dream undefined by money.
Unfortunately, not everyone will understand what I’m trying to say. I’ve heard some adults proudly proclaiming themselves to LOVE MONEY above all else. But it is always hardest to part with things you love dearly. (I’m not referring to my fundraising so please don’t assume)
Actually, what I’m doing to help myself is not uncommon in some countries. In our own country, we have selfless volunteers and caregivers, who are doing much more to help others. Abroad, NF patients go public to raise funds for research. So what do most ill and less fortunate people in this country lack? It baffles me.
Maybe it’s the urgent need to take care of ourselves, that we’re left with little room to breathe and care for others. But isn’t that applicable for everyone else, irregardless of health condition and country of origin?
Ah, it’s time I see beyond meeting my own needs as well.
Posted in Health, In My Humble Opinion |
November 29th, 2006 at 9:49 am
I’m fully agreed! and of cause i do find except raising funds we should show more concern and cared towards them! in this kinda realistic world we need some loves from not only family and friends but if can from those not really known us but can showed some care that will be wonderful! but hard to wish it’ll happen..
November 29th, 2006 at 10:54 am
Yvonne, I guess I will take this opportunity to share with your blog readers about the brief article about you in “Her World” magazine - December 2006 Issue. Yi Hwa and Loshini from Her World have been really kind for publishing a small write up about Yvonnne under the “Women Now” section (page 42). I think Loshini did a great write up about Yvonne because her focus was not only about Yvonne’s courage to fight the disease, but she also highlighted on how Yvonne’s testimonial could help to motivate people out there that nothing is impossible, even when you are unfortunate to be born to be disabled (though i don’t fancy the word ‘disabled’ - because these special people are still ABLE to do almost everything - event beyond what the rest of the world could do!)
Do check out Yvonne’s book being recommended by Yi Hwa under the “Read This!” Section in the same magazine too!
Hey Yvonne, I agree that your next book should be about how you managed to raise a quarter of million.
December 1st, 2006 at 5:08 pm
Hi Yvonne,
I’m sorry that what i’m about to ask has nothing to do with the posting. But i need to know…
What do I do when i have so much hate in me? I want to get even, but i can’t. I’m stuck. And i’ve so much hate in me…
Sorry again if it’s inappropriate… sigh…
December 1st, 2006 at 6:43 pm
Hi Linzey,
Have you tried meditation? It need not be a religious exercise. Meditation is good for a person’s spiritual wellbeing. I got this book about Heart Rhythm Meditation. Haven’t started but the idea of this method sounds good.
http://www.amazon.com/Living-Heart-Rhythm-Meditation-Clarity/dp/0609803131/sr=1-1/qid=1164969017/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-1914774-7014406?ie=UTF8&s=books
You’ll be amazed by the power of our subconscious mind.
December 1st, 2006 at 7:34 pm
Thanks Yvonne =)
December 7th, 2006 at 11:52 pm
I have never at all doubt Yvonne’s ability in reaching out to help herself or even help others out there by getting her stories published..
In fact, not many of us out there who are courageous enough to live up our dreams…we might be born without any abnormalities…but then, how many of us would call ourselves ‘courages’ to do what we wish and want to do??? Not many right??
Instead, I would say courageous people like Yvonne are one of the fews with the ‘Just-do-it’ attitude…(it’s a compliment, Yvonne)…
I may have not met Yvonne in person yet (but fingers crossed, I shall make an effort to get her stories published in our Malay publication)..but from the bottom of my heart, I know Yvonne’s strength and confidence exceeded most of us… Keep it up!! U did a good job for yourself by telling the world that being an NF patient doesn’t mean u should stop ‘running’, stop sharing or even stop ‘breathing in’ the great things in life…remember..this is just the beginning as the best is yet to be…
With Love,
Li Shian
February 20th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
Hi!
Wow, it isn’t often that someone, a stranger no less, mentions me in their blog. I think that 1998 was probably only about the 2nd or 3rd speech I had given. I remember how nice it was to give those speeches and spread awearness. I know what you mean about wanting to raise awarness but you get caught up with your own thing. I became less involved in my NF community during my teenage years (having to have 2 more spinal correct surgeries and 2 other minor surgeries, add the usual teenage stuff and my youth acting, there wasn’t much time for much else). It was last Fall that the BCNF chapter asked me to give an updated speech. Being as I am now 20 and ‘out of the forest’ the wanted me to give a speech at their symposum to show parents that have newly dignost children that it isn’t all bad and people with NF can still live a relatively normal life; you just have to grow into it and learn to adapt to it.
Over the years I have recieved many complaiments like the one you gave me, and I really do appreciate them. I don’t consider myself brave though (like some family members consider me). That might sound odd. For me, someone who is brave is someone who makes the choice to do something, such as a fireman saving lives. I didn’t choice to have those surgeries, but I knew they were necessary. I don’t know what that makes me….sorry I tend to babble when I get on to this topic.
Anyway, my boyfriend was googling names and my name comes up a few times on the search engine, and he told me about this one, so I thought I would check it out. I think what you are doing is great, so I just wanted to say: keep up the great work!