Offers to Help Received / Infor: re: Telephone Service

January 29, 2004

Good Morning,

I wanted to post a quick note to let you all know how much I appreciate all

of the offers to help with the Telephone Support Network. I had appointments

yesterday, and one this morning, so I haven't been able to tell you thank you.

I will get back with the persons who sent me emails later today. I didn't

want much time to go by, though, before I let you know that I did receive them

and appreciate it so much.

I have received questions from several persons asking about reimbursement for

the long distance phone calls they would be making. That is certainly an

excellent question. Particularly since many of these calls will be connecting

someone who has been living alone, even if in the midst of family; there is

usually intense loneliness. This may be the first time someone has been able to

validate their feelings and fears. As you can imagine, 'the flood gates have

opened,' so to speak. I usually set a timer, just to help me manage my time.

My point, if I haven't forgotten it myself, is that unless you have unlimited

long distance on your,. phone at home, it would probably not be the most

financially feasible activity that you could volunteer for. Most cell phone

plans

offer unlimited long distance after 9 PM and all weekend.

The PAI does have a toll free number which allows anyone seeking information

to call free of charge. It is similar to calling collect, as the PAI is billed

for the call. This service has been donated b y Gay, FL State

Representative for the last 5 years. To keep the toll free bill to a minimum, I

try

and take their number and call them back on the PAI office phone, which has

unlimited outgoing long distance 24/7. This has been wonderful and is part of

the

PAI's new small business phone plan. When A call comes in it calls the

staff's cell phones, another office, and even sends out an email to their

computers.

Anyway, I will get back to the individuals who sent me an email. Have a good

day, talk to you tonight.

Karyn E. , RN

Executive Director, PAI

Pancreatitis Association International

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