John

In November 2007, I had the pleasure of caring for a very special person. John is a 33 y.o male who has faced a lifetime of tragedy and, despite this, is one patient I will never forget. His full story can be found here: http://johnsvoice.net.

In a nutshell, at 17 John was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer. Several years later, the cancer had spread to his lungs. When he was 22, John was found to be in remission. That year, he went to a party with friends. Knowing he was too drunk to drive, he handed his car keys to a friend. That friend was twice the legal limit and wrapped the car around a tree. The friend ran and John is now a quadrapalegic. Rather than wallowing in his misfortune and lost opportunities, John has become a motivational speaker for teenagers and adults alike.

He has been a patient in the hospital since before Thanksgiving and I have never heard him complain, until now. Blatan bitch session, ahead.......
Some small minded nurse stood outside his room today and referred to him as a drug seeking addict. This gentleman has genuine pain for which he recieves pain medicines twice a day. I walked into his room this afternoon and he asked me to close the door. Once I did, he burst into tears and told me what had happened. All that he has worked for and achieved was diminished by some idiots comments. He didn't complain but he needed a familiar ear to listen to him, as well as a person who would be able to act on his behalf. He has lost so much already and now feels his reputaion has been tarnished by the comments of an ignoramous. Tomorrow he is being transferred to a physical rehab facility that will be his new home. His apartment has been condemmed and he can no longer live on his own.

Please visit his website, maybe by spreading his message, he will feel better when he sees how many new people have visited and been affected by his tale.......