Greetings and Salutations!   July, 2008

"There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique."   Martha Graham, an American Dancer  

I hope this finds you in high spirits and good health!  This has been a unusual Summer so far!  The flooding affected the entire Midwest and thereby, most of the country.   We are all linked together, so if one part is affected, we all are affected in some way.   It will be a long process to recover from the tornado and flood damage in Iowa, maybe years.

The damage is not only physical, but mental, economical, emotional and spiritual.   Basic economics implies that food prices will rise, clothing prices will rise, energy costs will soar, etc.  Being aware of this does not change the fact that it will happen.

We experience this type of devastation daily, in  the lives of our patients.  A Head and Neck Cancer diagnosis or sudden and permanent hearing loss are just a few of the life changing episodes in our patient's lives.  They will spend years, perhaps a lifetime, adjusting and trying to recover from the diagnosis and treatments.

I, in no way minimize any person touched by the recent weather events in the Midwest.  They have truly been affected and our hearts go out to them.   Many of us have put our feelings into action with sandbagging, helping clear debris, donating food and money, delivering water and food to other workers.

The least we can do for anyone is to keep them close in our thoughts.  If any of our members has been affected by these recent events, we need to know, in order to help them physically and professionally.  Please contact the HRC if we can be of help in any way.

Seasons of the Heart

Don't think it strange, this trial you bear, this mood of darker hue,

For the joys you knew just yesterday will soon return to you.

Nature has her changing seasons, so, too, the heart of man;

The key to getting through it, though, lies right there in your hand..

Stretch forth that hand to someone else,  yes pass the key to them;

For in helping someone else, that's where your joy will stem,

And that one you've helped to find the sun now holds the precious key,

And someone else locked in darkness is soon to be set free!  

 Denise DeWald, poet

Check the other contact buttons on this site for more information of upcoming events.    

I am so proud of our chapter and what each member brings to this chapter.  My hope is for our knowledge to be shared amongst us for the betterment of our patients.

Sincerely,

Karlene Fuller, President of HRC of  SOHN