Cross Post Begging

[Guest guest]

I am cross posting this becuase this is important to all of us. Please

everyone take a little time to write a brief letter expressing your

support. If you would like a general form letter due to time

constraints let me know I will create one for you.

All letters should be sent to .

Tina

Lap DS, Dr. Gagner, 07/03/2001

Goal: Lose 90% of Excess Weight

*******************************

* Starting Weight = 267 *

* " Ideal " Weight = 135 *

* =========================== *

* Total Excess Weight = 132 *

* 90% x Excess Weight = 118 *

* Goal Weight = 265-118 = 145 *

* =========================== *

* Total Needed to Lose = 118 *

* Loss To Date = 46 *

* =========================== *

* Remainder to Goal = 72 *

*******************************

Date: Fri, 14 Sep 2001 11:46:57 -0400

Subject: Begging.

I am resorting to begging. I have worked all this year to try to get a

bill introduced. I haven't asked for people to do anything but write

letters and send me information. Now I am asking for some action.

People have told me they are willing to help. Some have said that they

would do anything to get legislation passed that would mandate

coverage of morbid obesity legislation. Some have said they would

testify or do something when asked.

Well I am asking a third time. I know this week is different than any

other week but it is crunch time for this bill. I have 5 people saying

they will try to get to Columbus. A total of six of us out of how

many? That is pitiful. A few have offered to write letters for me to

take down -- they may not live in Ohio but they have offered to show

their support by letters. So maybe 10 have responded. 10 out of of how

many? That is ridiculous. For those of you fighting for insurance to

cover this, for those who have had surgery, for those that want it,

this bill is for everyone. Yes it is in the state of Ohio but I am

also working with people in other states. If thisbill does not

passmany people will be denied surgery. So I am begging now.

If you can be in Columbus -- or want to be in Columbus Ohio on Tuesday

September 18th at 1030 am (show up early or late) at the StateHouse

Senate Annex Second Floor press room in a show of support for this

legislation. If you don't care enough to be bothered, then I don't

know why I should be bothered. If you don't care enough to write a

letter in support of legislation, I don't know why I should be

bothered. Yes I am upset rightnow> This week has been hell for all of

us. I will admit that. I have friends in both NY and DC (those in DC

worked at the Pentagon). I am not willing to give up the fight for

this legislation though. But now I really can't do it myself. I am

going to be there. I have been making phone calls all day long to

different places (media, BTC and other places) announcing this press

conference. I have posted on the lists a few times. I am not

trying to bug you however I csan not make a show of support by myself.

For those who have said they will try to be there and to those who

have sent me letters (or will send me them by Sunday to take with me)

I thank you. For the rest of you, I really need to wonder. EVen if you

do not live in Ohio,write me a letter to take that expresses what this

surgery has done for you.

Include your name and address. If you live in OHio and can come to the

Statehouse let me know that. If you can't come write me a letter to

takewith me. Let your family and friends know and have them contact me

with questions. CALL YOUR SURGEONS OFFICE AND LET THEM KNOW ABOUT THE

PRESS CONFERENCE ON TUESDAY. LET YOUR SUPPORT GROUP KNOW> ASK THEM TO

COME TO COLUMBUS. Send this information about the press conference on

to any other group you are that deals with WLS. Post it to the other

WLS groups and on obesityhelp.com. We need to make a stand. I have

heard so many people say that they have been ignored by insurance

companies. This is a chance to make your voice heard by JUST SHOWING

UP! There is strength in numbers and if we want this legislation to

pass then we need that strength. So damnit, now isthe time for you to

get involved to change your life and the lives of others. I can not do

it anymore by myself. Without others helping and doing then this is

going to fail. So plan on being in COlumbus Ohio or at least

sending me an email to take with me. And you that don't live in Ohio

send mean email of support to take with me. Okay? This is a chance to

make a change.

Rasley

mailto:drasley@...

BTC, Columbus, 10/7/98

Lost over 90% of excess and maintaining

Gained a beautiful daughter on 8/9/00