Yes, all of us ... have been touched by a disease of one kind or many. Whether it be a family member, a friend, a co-worker, or someone famous. As a retired firefighter, I have seen many co-workers past due to cancer and/or heart disease, which are the most common causes of firefighter deaths. Those two diseases are the most common in the World, but there are many others like A.L.S. (Lou Gehrig disease), MD (Muscular Dystrophy), Diabetes, Leukemia, and other variances of Cancer.
I am no doctor, and no longer a first responder, but I know one thing, I hate them all. Personally, I watched both of my parents slowly pass due to different forms of Cancer. It was not only painful for them, but for my family. I too was hit with cancer a couple times, but was lucky, and blessed, to catch it early.
Whether we get a disease through your line of work, or family genes, or your way of life, or just a freak of nature, we should all support the affected parties, both the patient and the family. And, they should be honored for their time on this earth.
Recently there has been great success in finding many promising drugs that either slow or reduce your risk of getting these diseases. But the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) really slows the release of these promising drugs to the public because of testing for safety. I get that, but if you're dying anyway, shouldn't the FDA allow those dying folks to try the drugs to see if it helps? Months or even weeks of extended living is cherished by them and their families. I hate to use the term "Human Guinea Pig", but more like "Human Trial Patient". If I am in that spot, I would do it, and I believe most people in that situation would too. Life is precious, and to get precious extra time with family members and with yourself is a gift and chance worth taking. I believe it is every humans right to beat or at least extend their life, no matter how little, when fighting a deadly disease. And when the time comes at the end, we should cherish their lives and honor them with others. You are more than welcome to comment on this. Maybe it is time for us to call our representatives and ask them to put pressure on the FDA to let dying people take that chance.
A friend of mine recently lost her husband to Cancer. I can not imagine how much hurt, pain and grief she is going through, and I cry with her and know she can only be strong through her family and friends. The one saving grace is he is at rest now without suffering. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Linda. Take care.
My belief is we ALL have basic human rights. To live free (but obey the laws), access to a job, food, shelter, to a loyal mate, to our own belief in religion, to be loved by some or many, good medical care, a government that is for all people's rights, and to be honored when your time comes. Many cultures have dedicated days they honor the dead. They tell stories, they break bread close to the deceased's grave, they clean the headstone and dust off the leaves.
We all say, "He/she was too young to die." Yes they were. Let's push for more research, more federal funding, quicker trails for promising drugs and easier access to those drugs. Maybe then we can live longer and healthier with family and friends ... and the grumpy neighbor who lives across the street. Take care all.
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