part of my letter to NBC

[Guest guest]

I understand you have received many letters regarding your recent episode

making reference to an ER patient in need of pain meds as a result of

suffering from Pancreatitis.  I, and my 10 year old son, belong to

Pancreatitis Association International.  My son was diagnosed as a 7 year old

first grader.  I was diagnosed just over a year ago at the age of 39.

  I would like to just make one statement for your contemplation.  While I

understand the " harmless " intent to place a character in your TV series to

seek out large doses of pain-killers....I hardly understand the unbelievable

callous in which your writers (or whomever) decided the pain associated with

Pancreatitis is something EVER found humorous by its sufferers.  My son has

begged me to " let him die " because his pain gets so severe.  I have also

prayed for the same release from this hell on earth.  And yet, every

time.....I repeat - EVERY TIME, either of us must go to the hospital ER, we

are separated from our son and asked if he (or I) have been hitting the

liquor cabinet.  (We are not drinkers.)

   Respect is the only thing we can ask for.  We have already been told by

specialist there is no cure in our future.  Some of us have even been told to

prepare our children's burial arrangements.  Please tell me where the humor

in this disease is now.

Respectfully,

Donna J. Womack

[Guest guest]

Donna

You letter was so much softer and sweeter than mine to NBC Hopefully they

will get they idea. Maybe, just maybe we will be give our primetime spot to

properly educate the world on this dreadfull disease our members face.

Patty Hurst

Bangor, ME

Maine State Rep

PAI