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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (June 10, 1992)
June 1 0 ,1992...The Portland O bserver-P age 5 Congratulations Laronda Morrison A Sickle Cell Patient Speaks Out BY MARCIA TAYLOR Executive Director, PSCAF Laronda was accepted into medi cal school at Creighton University, Omaha Nebraska for their fall term. She graduated with honors from Spelman College, Atlanta Ga. in May of 91 with a BA degree in Pre-Med & Biology. She also took advantage of summer programs for future doctors • such as the Case Western Reserve Uni versity in Cleveland, Ohio and the Post • Baccalaureate program in Omaha, Ne braska. Laronda would like all the youth to know that their grades are very impor tant and they should try to study hard to get A’s & B ’s. This counts a lot if you plan to go to college and want a schol arship. Laronda is a member of Mallory Ave. Church of Christ. She loves music and either directing the choir or sing ing. She is the daughter of James and Fannie Morrison and has one brother Daryn K. ONA Turns Back Challenge The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) decisively turned back a chal lenge to its continue representation of Registered Nurses at St. Charles Medi cal Center in Bend by a vote of 184 to 111 on May 28. ONA, representing over 9000 Registered Nurses in Or egon, has represented the 381 nurse bargaining unit for more than 12 years. In March, AFSCME, and AFL-CIO union representing various classifica tions of public employees, filed a peti tion with the National Labor Relations Board attempting to replace ONA. “De spite the large scale AFSCME effort, which included bringing in out-of-state ■professional organizers, the RN bar gaining unit saw through their empty promises and inflated claims and chose to reaffirm professionalism,” said Sue Henry, RN bargaining unit chair. “Hon est unions concentrate organizing the uno rg an ized in th eir sp ecialties. AFSCME was rejected because it sought to replace an effective organization that had superior expertise in representing nurses,” said Kenneth M. Fitzsimon, ONA Director of Labor Relations. ON A now begins contract negotiations for a successor agreement at St. Charles set to expire July 1, 1992. “One aspect of the raid was to postpone the start of negotiations by two months,” Fitzsimon explained. Elder Abuse: Warning Signs And Prevention. In learning about various diseases, we sometimes over look wisdom and knowledge the patients have gained through their suffering. This month I have chosen to share an article written by a Houston client by the name of J. Hoxi Jones entitled “Personal Perspec tive. Some 32 years ago, suffering fi-Qm intense pain and fever, my panic stricken parents took me to the doctor who ad mitted me to the hospital, a terrifying place for a four year old. Alone in such cold and unfamiliar surroundings, I came to know what is referred to as a “crisis,” an episode of excruciating pain that occurs periodically. It was then that I was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Ane mia, an inherited blood disorder that affects one in four hundred African- Americans. I was too young to understand my ailment. I remember my playmate’s parents speaking in hushed voices, say ing that there was something wrong with my heart. Not much was known about the affects of Sickle Cell Anemia back then, but I do remember not being able to run as hard as other children; I tired very easily. My mother, an R.N., always cautioned me aboutgoing swim ming and getting a chill. I wasn’t very athletic, and I always came in last for the 600 yard dash. I never got the hang of climbing ropes or even softball. I was often picked last for team sports. While Sickle Cell may have ham pered my physical ability during my formative years, I am pleased to report that it had no affect on my capacity to learn. My parents insisted that I study and excel in the academic arena. Out side the classroom, I took flute and organ lessons, and joined the band and orchestra. I had a voracious appetite for books. I would stay up long hours into the night with a flashlight under the blanket, reading. I belonged to the Brownies and later the Girl Scouts. I was a cheerleader in high school. I really didn’t see myself as being that much different from normal children. My parents expected the same things of me as they did of my brother and sister; there were no special consid erations. Thankfully, they were not very protective. I never felt pampered; I had household chores. I received the same discipline. Being allowed the freedom and latitude to grow up normally, I discovered my limits. I challenged myself and learned just how far I could go in essence, 1 became aware of my physical limitations. It took me a while to accept the fact that I would not be remembered for my athletic prowess, but it never slopped my from trying. I discovered I could do just about anything within reason—I even attempted know skiing.: It also took me a while to stop denying Sickle Cell pain. 1 used to attribute the pain to sleeping on your arm wrong, banging my leg against a piece of furniture, or even arthritis, which I don’t have. I wanted .o be normal, so denying that SickleGelJ was a factor in the pain, worked neatly. Hospitalizations became less fre quent as I grew older. The last lime was in college, 1975, the year I graduated. Fortunately for me, I was afH ow ard University where there is a major Sickle Cell Center. During that time, a portion of my lung was irreparable damaged. Joining a support group alter mov ing to Houston, realized some pretty basic th ings: I was not alone in how felt and there were common experiences among us. I was able to define more clearly what was happening to me. I found that some of the aches 1 had, they had. I had the misconception that a crisis usually manifested itself in the joints. I l was a relief to find out that the paralyzing pain I felt in my stomach was experienced by others. We openly discussed our fears about blood transfu sions, a common treatment during hos pitalization. Gratification came from sharing helpful techniques like getting a hot bath and taking pain relievers at the first sign of crisis, lying very still beneath a m ound of covers, and drinking plenty of fluids. Sharing was therapeutic, acceptance was uncondi tional, and lasting friendships were formed. ' . 1 have made some though personal decisions as a result of having Sickle Cell that have affected the course of my life: I have decided not to have chil dren; because 1) I am scared of pregnancy and the complications; and 2) I don’t want to have children with Sickle Cell Trait. I am engaged now, but for a very long time I didn’t enter tain the idea of marriage. I didn’t want to be burden. I questioned how long I would live and the quality of lifc;.but as the adagegocs, tomorrow is promised to no one. At the moment, I am fine. Aside from lung damage and the possibility of going blind due to a crisis in the eye, 1 am all right. I truly feel the mind power plays a significant role in the manage ment of disease. I try to adhere to a healthy diet (although it doesn’t always work), and I exercise. These arc things I can control, and I know I have a better chance if I am in optimum condition. I am fortunate, too, have a supportive family, friends, and co-workers. My doctors and I have an under standing; we’re partners and we teach each other. I believe in preventative medicine; I take care of myself. 1 am acutely aware of the telltale warning signs of crisis-thc twinge in the joint, the pain in the back, the lethargic feel ing in my legs. There have been time when I have awakening in the morning to go to work and have been rendered helpless by crisis pain washing over me in waves. All I can do is try and hold on to my sanity. The medication only dulls the debilitating pain; it never ceases completely. It is like being right on the edge, trying to maintain a balance. Wherever it strikes-in my back, stom ach, legs or chest, the pain has to be handled with kid gloves, no sudden movement or jarring motion. Sleep is escape, so I try to sleep. Drinking fluids becomes critical; I don’t want to be come dehydrated. I will try everything in an effort to stay out the hospital, but there are times when a trip to the emer gency room is inevitable. In houston it is not bad, but I have heard horror stories of friends going to hospitals where no one has ever heard of Sickle Cell. I didn’t die at 2 0 .1 have learned to not take every thing my doctors say as gospel, and I refuse to let Sickle Cell Set arbitrary boundaries for me. I love to travel, so I do, but 1 consult with my doctors prior to departure. I have gotten sick a couple of times, but I am not deterred. The future is full.of hope,. Sickle Cell centers and support groups exist in many cities. There are poster children and fund raising events. Worldwide research goes on daily and there will be a breakthrough, but in the meantime, I am not putting anything on hold. I am very vocal about Sickle Cell, I have 41. I am a survivor and in spite of everything, I am looking forward to the rest of my life! Those interested in the Poster Child events and Support Group meetings should contact the Portland Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation at 249-1366. C ity C o m m issioner G retchen Kafoury will join Rey Ramsey, Director of Oregon Housing and Community Services, and representatives from U.S. Bank on the Mayor’s Forum, Wednes day, June 10th at 8:30 a.m. to announce the completion of a financing package for the Dominion Capital properties. The financing arrangements, a first for a community de velopment project in Port land, will consist of a partnership be tween the City of Portland, the State of Oregon and U.S. Bank. A state-tax credit will be combined with a private line of credit totalling S12.5 million from U.S. Bank. The City will provide a five-year guarantee of the loan using it Commu nity Development Block Grant re sources. This package will allow Port land Community Reinvestment Initia tives, Inc. (PCRI), the non-profit that is assuming the Dominion Capital inven tory, to acquire and rehabilitate 352 properties in North and Northeast Port land. This public-private partnership will replace the federal funding that the city had previously arranged for the project. “I’m very excited that this has all come together,” Commissioner Kafoury said. “Along with having a tremendous im pact on Northeast Portland, this financ ing arrangement could be a model for future community development projects. The families who invested in their com munities will keep their homes, and the rental properties will be rehabilitated and run by a responsible community- based company. Best of all, we will be using all private money to do it.” The Mayor’s Forum is held every Wednes day in the Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall at 8:30 a.m. “ Free Mammogram Screenings’ On June 1,1992 the Breast Cancer Task Force announce 200 no cost screening mammograms will be made available to women age 40 and over living in North and Northeast Portland, since the announcement was first made a few weeks ago, only 30 women have responded. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. Through mammography abnormalities such as a lump, or other tissue changes, can be identified before they can be felt by a woman or her physician. In fact, mammography can detect breast cancer when it is in its earliest, most treatable stage-two years before a lump can be felt. Very often mammograms are not covered by in surance companies, for those with no insurance they can cost between $60- $130. Who is eligible: Women age 40 and over, residents of North and North east Portland, and low income and have no insurance. Exclusions: Women with no previous breast surgery (im plants, biopsies, breast reductions, lumpectomy for breast cancer) will be accepted. Women with no dominant breast mass (lump) or bloody nipple discharge will be accepted. Women who have not had a mammogram within 11 months of May 1st are eligible. Pregnant or nursing women will not be accepted. Eligible women should call the American Cancer Society (ACS) at 295-6422 and ask for the Cancer Re sponse Operator to be scheduled for this very important diagnostic test. TERRY’S PHARMACY S e rv in g Y ou S in c e 1 9 8 0 New or Transfer Prescriptions I I Portland Observer encourages our readers to write letterato the editor in response to any. articles we publish. ■ ■■■:■ - ’• . yfri Q 00 SAFEWAY O p en M on. - F ri. 9 :0 0 a m - 6 :0 0 p m • S a t. 9 :0 0 a m - 5 :0 0 p m 1 7 1 9 N E 1 6 th A v e n u e Ad Prices Good June 10 through June 16,1992 At Safeway. Juicy Fryer Hindquarters Approximate 10-Pound Bag. During the summer, there's nothing like a family barbecue with plenty of plump, juicy fryer hindquarters on the grill. Enjoy the great savings, too! Citizen Involvement Committee Lb. 29 Fresh Peaches Northwest Cherries Look In The This Week Magazine for your Safeway Shopping Guide for a complete list of specials on sale this week at Safeway! I I S a y you saw it in the Portland Observer it Better for Less Elder abuse can occur when frus tration and resentment build. But help and information arc available. Join us for a free seminar: Elder Abuse, Warn ing Signs And Prevention. The seminar features Dr Holly Ramsey-Klawsnik, a specialist in the field of elder abuse and a panel of community resource special ist. Tuesday, June 16,8:30 a.m. to noon at Providence Medical Center, 4805 NE Glisan, Amphitheater, lower level B. Call to register or for special needs 796-5269 or TDD 796-5393. The Multnomah County Citizen Involvement Committee will host a press conference on Monday, June 8th, at 10:00 a.m. at 2115 SE Morrison (Multnomah County’s Morrison Street Building), first floor conference room. Citizens who initiated the Citizens Convention, which was adopted on the May 19th ballot, will discuss the pre liminary steps for establishing the Con vention Steering Committee. Citizens who participate in the Citi zens Convention will have a direct roll in shaping the function and structure ol government in Multnomah County. Kafoury Announces Financing Package Sweet 4 Juicy, add to salads. First ot the season, a tasty treat. Lb. 58C Lb.88C The Fastest Way To Send Money....Available In All Safeway stores in Oregon & S.W. Washington.
