All fired up! Reality check needed!

I subscribe to several sites that provide all sorts of information for those of us living with vasculitis diseases and PH. What is wonderful about these sites are the people, who encourage each other, provide much needed information about doctors in our field of health care, post the latest in research concerning our illnesses, etc. and not the least, a friendly place to go when you need a pick me up.

Here is an actual message we received on our Wegener's board.

Hi, I have an employe who was just diagnosed with wagener's disease. He has worked for the company for over 30 yrs. I am going to hold his job for him even though he has been out for over 2 months. I just talked to him and he told me he may be out for the next 18 months for treatment. I am ok with that. The vice president of the corporation is threatening to take away his insurance for him not being there at work. Can he do that? Does anybody know what the time limit is for coverage? He is a good employee and I want to keep him and when he get's better have him there. What kind of fight am I in for with the corporation? I appreciate any advise.Thanks Frank

Here's my response. Isn't it enough to get you all fired up on Frank's and his 30 year employee's behalf ? As you know, it could be anyone of us.

Hi Frank,
In this day and age of companies, etc., there are very few employers willing to help out an ill person. I commend and applaud you for being so kind. Your loyal employee will do so much better knowing you are there supporting him the best that you can. This can make a world of difference to him. His illness is enough to cope with, let alone figuring out insurance and how to pay. This illness can rob you of life as you knew it.

May I also say that your boss, who sounds pretty harsh needs a reality check. Please advise him/her to spend at least a week on this site reading about the effects of Wegener's . He will see that WG wreaks havoc with your whole body and is life threatening. If you would like, I would be happy to speak to this vice president in a nice way to make him/her understand what this is all about. Perhaps, he will then realize what WG is all about. Also, if he was in this man's position and needed help, wouldn't he want someone to reassure him that he had insurance? Believe me when I say that this disease comes out of left field and it is hard to diagnose.

Frank, if you think I can help with your VP about WG, please let me know. Give me his/her phone number and I'll call. Or for that matter, he can call me. Also, I can tell that you are a compassionate individual, who has a heart of gold. In my book, you're the best. Please give our regards to your employee and tell him to please come here for any and all help. We are all in the same boat, paddling the same way.....

Best to you, Frank.
Marge

May you find compassionate souls like Frank in your life that will go the extra distance to take on the less than compassionate ones.