Dad Turns 81 Today - an Empowered Patient Ahead of His Time

When I am asked how it is I got started in patient advocacy and empowerment work, I give two reasons. First, I tell my misdiagnosis story. Then I explain that the misdiagnosis story would likely never have taken the twists and turns it did had it not been for the example set by my dad.

Why? A number of reasons, really, some of which are quite pertinent to the very reasons you are reading this blog.

First, Dad taught me how to respectfully, but persistently, ask the questions I know are important to be asked. It's actually a matter of respect -- both giving and commanding. By asking the tough questions and respectfully listening to the answers, one can get the information he wants and command respect at the same time, from anyone -- healthcare professionals, your auto mechanic, or the cashier at the market.

Next, Dad taught me never to give up. He, too, has been diagnosed with cancer -- in 1986. Unlike my story, he really did have cancer, making him a (going on) 22 year survivor. His due diligence in getting the information he needs continues to amaze me. From figuring out by using the Internet that he had been given the wrong instructions for taking a drug (which made him sick until he corrected it), to unearthing information about antioxidants long before they were discussed in the mainstream, to subscribing to a number of health publications, he continues to collaborate and partner effectively with his doctors, but makes his own decisions.

Internet searches? Dad's been using computers for 25 years, and has used the Internet since the late 1980s. He can run rings around most of us when it comes to finding the information he wants. How many 81 year olds do you know who have that capability?

And, he doesn't do all this for just himself. My mother is a victim (make that -- our entire family is a victim) of Alzheimer's disease. Mom has battled it for almost 10 years, but remains healthier than most with many fewer years of decline. Dad gets the credit for much of that, because he has never given up on her and continues seeking out information to support her. A good example was some information Dad found several years ago about a new dementia drug developed and sold in Europe, but not the US. After conferring with Mom's doctor, and learning that it would be available in the US in another 10 months, Dad went ahead and found a source for the drug in Canada, ordered it, and Mom began taking it fully 10 months before she might have. It was certainly a plus for her quality of life.

I share all this with you as a way to thank Dad for being such a good role model for me -- and helping me to help you, my readers. I'm proud of him and I'm proud to be his daughter. And I hope to be back next year, right here on this blog, wishing him a good day for his 82nd.

Happy Birthday, Dad! With love from your eldest....