In Honor of Mr. Roland Shanks and the Others Who Testified At the Press Conference

Mr. Shanks testified, or rather tried to testify, at the Press Conference in Anchorage on Monday hosted by Organizers for America. I am ashamed to say that I did mistake him for a woman. I apologize for my error from the bottom of my heart. The ring of rabble rousers prevented me from either seeing him or hearing exactly what he had to say. It was for this reason that I felt compelled to confront "the big oaf." I never got a chance to talk with any of those who gave testimonials. Mr. Shank sent this letter, and I would like to post it here on his behalf.

Hi I'm the person Jeannette idenified in her post as the women with an oxygen bottle on her shoulder. I'm actually a man, I thought after the chemotherapy took my ponytail I wouldn't have that problem anymore, but I guess it didn't help. I don't blame her things were a little confusing out there. I was diagnosised with Lung Cancer 3 and a half years ago, and have been dealing with the health care industry in Anchorage since. I also want to set the record straight on a couple of other nonfacts that were getting thrown around by some of our noisy friends. I don't work for a union, I work for a small nonprofit, we provide technical assistance to communities on environmental issues. Nobody paid me to be there, in fact I took annual leave, so there would be no question of who I was representing. I was representing me, myself and I and that is all. I do also do volunteer work on Health Care Reform with the Alaska Chapter of the American Cancer Society, but I was not representing them yesterday, just me, myself and I. Nobody wrote my speech for me, in fact anybody who bothered to notice would have seen I didn't have any prepared comments. My friends in the Native community have taught me that if you have something important to said just open your mouth and let your heart speak the truth, and that is what I was doing yesterday. Yes, we met with Senator Begich and Senator Murkowski's staff. We called and ask for an appointment and they scheduled a time. I'm sure that anybody who wants to meet could go through the same process. I can assure you I have no special connection to Senator Murkowski's office, and I didn't make the appointments the Democratically based Organizing for America did. I became involved in this debate because I've seen the problem with the system from close up and I want to do what I can do to make it better for the people who will have to deal with this issue in the future. I don't really expect to get much benefit from the reforms, most will probably take effect after my cancer and I have finished our dance, but I want the next generation to have it better. I want cancer patients in the future to be able to concentrate on fighting their illness and not fighting the system and the insurance companies. I suspect that most of the people who are happy with their insurance have never tried to use it for any serious illness. Among the people at meet at cancer events I most hear horror stories. I really appreciate all the effort you put into making Alaska a better place to live, Thank You.
> Roland Shanks
> For as long as space exists
> And sentient beings endure,
> May I too remain,
> To dispel the misery of the world

Mr. Shanks, you and the others who spoke deserved better than what you received at that press conference. Would that I could have done more to quell the noise from the tea baggers who selfishly tried to drown you out. I am so sorry I could not, and I am sorry that I didn't get the chance to speak to you. You will be heard, and what you have done will help the next generation. Your dance is one we all would rather avoid, but ultimately some, like my father, must face.

I cannot adequately express my gratitude to the hospice people who helped my father, my brothers and I deal with our dad's journey from life to death. The night before my father died, when his pain was greatest, and I felt so terribly useless, I was able to call a call a hospice nurse. She helped me cope, and her guidance eased my father's pain. My father had the resource and support system to plan for his death. He was a pharmacist, and understood what he would face in the end. He was lucky. I cannot possibly imagine anyone having to face cancer alone fighting with the insurance company for every procedure and possible drug. Thank you, Mr.Shanks, for sending this letter. I will do my best to spread this letter and its message to as many folk as will listen.