Upcoming HCV march on Washinton, DC

[Dude]

Just received this and wanted to share:


Hepatitis C Movement for Awareness, (HMA), is holding it's
second annual HCV March on DC on May 23, 2003.  HMA is a
national grassroots organization that was started by people who
live with HCV on a daily basis. We are asking you, other
organizations, support groups, and it's members, to join with us
in this effort to spread Awareness of this potentially life
threatening and debilitating virus.

In addition to the march, we have other events and activities
scheduled on May 22 through May 24. These events will include
a candlelight vigil, a Saturday brunch and other activities. Visit
our Website  http://hcvets.com/forum_public/hma/disc.htm for the
most up-to-date information. If you have any questions, or need
more information, please email HMAwareness@aol.com.

Help us spread Awareness, Join us on May 23rd. We will not be
ignored any longer!

Warm Regards,
Shari Foster (Mojofoster@aol.com)
New York Regional Coordinator HMA

[Diane Horsey]

Dear Jorge:

I just wanted you to know that I attended the HCV march on Washington on May 23rd, thanks to your posting of this march.  It was a very inspiring experience for me.  There were about 100 of us that marched in the pouring rain, but I think we did have an impact on all who saw us march.

Being that I have never participated in anything "grassroots" in my life, I was profoundly impressed by the people I met and all the volunteering these people do, many of whom have hepatitis C themselves.  After going home and reflecting about all that I saw, I have this week sent out letters to my Federal Senators and plan to write the governor, state senators and Federal and state House representatives and delegates.

Actually on that same day, May 23, Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and Edward Kennedy filed The Hepatitis C Epidemic Control and Prevention Act (S-1143), which is the first federal response to the hepatitis C epidemic.  That is what I wrote the senators about - to support this act.  Maybe this will be the beginning for some federal funding for education, testing, and research for hepatitis C.

I again want to thank you for doing a posting about the march.  I never would have gone to the march if I had not seen your e-mail.  Thanks again.

Your friend,

Diane

[Dude]

Thank you, Diane, so much! Just to know that you went is inspiring. I wanted so much to go, but you can imagine how many of us are doing financially in the aftermath of this illness, not to mention lacking energy to just get up and move as freely as we would like to.

I'm happy to just be able to keep my house, and am blessed that I still have it after not working for so long. All my needs are met according to His riches in glory... one of my favorite scriptures... keeps my faith really strong.

Thank you for becoming so active politically in this. If we ALL would do just a little to make contact with our state reps and senators I think we'd make some incredible progress in furthering our efforts to gain from research, and awareness of this vile disease. So little is known, so much needs to be done. You're wonderful for taking the steps you have, Diane. Please, please, please keep it up. And all of us can benefit by following your good example.

God bless you abundantly, my good friend.

[Dude]

Here's a link to a web page where you can read all about the new Hep C Bill filed May 23:

http://www.hepcan.org/

Thanks again, Diane Horsey!