Advocacy Super Hero

Here's one thing The Other does not know.  I have the most wonderful
advocate out there. Someone willing to go to bat for me. Someone who is
there for me and will beat down anyone who gets in her way.

That someone is my mother-in-law. She's fierce, fearless, and willing to fight
for me. And she's one savvy lady. She's always reading up on the latest medical
advances, sometimes to our chagrin. For years, we have chided her - "Why are you
saving all of this stuff?" But...

While I sat in Penn yesterday during the Great Platelet Fiasco*, still in a state of shock
and trying to curl into a fetal ball to make it all go away, she came armed with
those articles she's cut out over the years, with important facts highlighted.
Lists of things that need covered. Things to be discussed. Things to Get Done.

I wish everyone going through a difficult time had a Charlotte at their backs.

Pity the fool who goes up against her!

* The Great Platelet Fiasco - there is a platelet shortage out there, folks! I needed
two infusions  yesterday. Had to wait until the Red Cross truck came for infusion
number one. And infusion number two just could not be found. There are few platelets
in Philadelphia right now. The plan is that today I'll go to the Valley Forge Penn Center, where
my platelets have been pre-ordered by my doc and will not be given to anyone else.

People have asked me what they can do to help - and here's something - if you are
healthy, and have the time, contact your local Red Cross to give blood or platelets.
This is a slow time of year for them but it's never a slow time for the demand.

Thank you!