Happy New Year 2007!

Happy New Year! When I write a Jan’s Corner, I try to write about what’s on my mind in my PC life. My most overwhelming thought right now is that of incredible gratitude to the people who are working so hard for PC Project and PC research. I wish I could somehow convey to all of those with PC the things that go on behind the scenes at PC Project. Most people see only this website. I’m not sure many people have a clue about the hours, costs and sacrifices that are made by really just a few individuals who have dedicated their lives to finding a successful therapeutic for PC. It amazes me how much they care and I am thankful beyond what any words in this Corner can express.

PC Project’s mission statement is “To find a cure for PC.” Knowing that, I am even MORE grateful for all the optional things PC Project has done to bless my life and the lives of my two children who have PC, such as:

A booklet just for patients
Access to consultations with a highly qualified medical doctor
An informative website with a patient message board
Brochures to give to teachers and health professionals
Free genetic testing
Periodic emails and newsletters for me as a patient, and of course
Patient Support Meetings both in Europe and North America.

I have only mentioned a few of the extra things PC Project provides for me, but those things have changed my life forever and the lives of my children. We are all better educated (and we’ve educated those around us), we know better how to cope both physical and emotionally, and we don’t feel so alone in the world.

None of those extra things are needed in order to find a cure for PC. They are all provided for by by just a few PC Project volunteers apart from the funds that go directly to research. Beyond the cost of these 'extras,' is the time spent in making and answering phone calls, writing emails and letters, designing and executing every brochure, newsletter, blood kit packet, planning the patient meetings and so on. It’s all a labor of love to help make the lives of PCers better while a valid treatment is being developed.

I feel so grateful for all the extra things done on my behalf as a PC patient. In addition, I’ve not even touched on the time, time, time and enormous costs involved in the research process. There are people involved there who have truly given us their hearts. In return, I start the year 2007 in giving them all my own thankful heart!