This is an emergency appeal for donations to Dr. Jones' Legal Defense Fund.
Remember, this is the fund that will enable Dr. Jones to protect himself against the CT medical board's attempts to revoke his medical license.
Since Dr. Jones is so beloved by the Lyme community, I'm trying to figure out why contributions are not pouring in.
( I know the financial situation of Lyme patients is not good. But with other legal defense funds in the past, there have been enough of us to compensate for that.)
SO I'm thinking there are some specific problems and misconceptions:
MISCONCEPTION 1: There is no need to contact other Lyme patients since they already know about the problem.
REALITY: Every day I find people who are learning about this emergency for the first time. So please start actively spreading the word. Lyme patients often have to hear things a few times before we get it.
------------------------------------------------------ MISCONCEPTION 2: Other people with more money have been contributing to the fund..
REALITY: I'm here to tell you that not nearly enough have done so, so it's up to us.
------------------------------------------------------ MISCONCEPTION 3: Fundraisers are planned that should take care of the problem.
REALITY: I know that some people have run fundraisers and will continue to run them. These are wonderful!! But fundraisers bring in only a few hundred or, at most, a few thousand dollars. They alone can't bring in nearly enough to solve the problem. So don't wait for those. Donate now. --------------------------------------------------- MISCONCEPTION 4: Not that much is at stake. Dr. Jones cannot lose his license. After all, both Dr.Jemsek and Dr. Burrascano had medical board hearings and are still practicing.
REALITY: Please understand that these were both GOOD conclusions to hearings when compared to what happens in the majority of cases in states like NC, NY and CT where the law does not require a high level of proof to revoke a doctor's license.
A guilty verdict in Dr. Jones' case could well mean his license is revoked.
MISCONCEPTION 5: Most of us will not be affected if Dr. Jones loses his license.
REALITY: The ripple effect of Dr. Jones losing his case will be that fewer and fewer doctors will be willing to risk their licenses to treat Chronic Lyme disease. We have trouble finding doctors now as it is.
Plus, if you have children, there will be no one there to treat them if they get Lyme.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: 1) Please give whatever you can today.
2) Please get the word out to all Lyme patients you know that Dr. Jones is in need of these contributions immediately.
3) Please write to friends and family asking them to contribute. I know this isn't easy to do, but MUCH is at stake here.
A SAMPLE LETTER TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY MIGHT BE - Dear ------ I know you've been aware of my family's fight with chronic Lyme disease.
I hate to have to ask you for additional help, but there is a very serious problem that threatens both my own family and all Lyme patients present and future.
Dr. Charles Ray Jones, the pediatrician who has devoted his whole life to saving kids with Lyme disease, has been brought up on charges before the CT state medical board. For all intents and purposes, he is the only pediatrician in the country treating chronic Lyme disease.
(If Dr. Jones has helped your child, please describe that here.)
As you might be aware, medical politics has been such that doctors across the country who treat chronic Lyme disease have been targeted for attempts to revoke their medical licenses.
If Dr. Jones loses his license, most doctors will get the message and be too afraid to treat chronic Lyme disease. This would be disastrous.
Again, I would not be asking for your help here if I didn't think this was an emergency Please give whatever you can to the Charles Ray Jones Defense Fund.
HOW TO CONTRIBUTE:
1) Checks can be mailed to:
The Dr. Charles Ray Jones Legal Defense Fund" C/O George Heath, III (CPA) 26 Fairlawn Drive Wallingford, CT 06492
Please make your checks out to the "Charles Ray Jones Legal Defense Fund" and be sure to write "GIFT" in the memo section of the check.
Thanks so much to all of you, Ellen
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
up!!!
Posted by suki444 (Member # 4261) on :
Have made a donation.
You can donate through paypal, it's easy to do,
BW Emma
Posted by dontlikeliver (Member # 4749) on :
up
Posted by sizzled (Member # 1357) on :
This is sad.
He is/was the most beloved LLMDs and treats children.
Thought he had a HUGE following.
Maybe people just ... can't.
Sign of the times?
Just thinking of the 'message' to future ,possible LLMDs...
Sorry I sound so down...I am.
Posted by sizzled (Member # 1357) on :
Just got a 'Thank-you note' from Dr. Jones for the FIRST donation...which was in December!!!!!
Yikes...Just letting others know that they may be getting their 'Thank-you notes' a little later and not to think he doesn't care!
I may be down but I can move this thread UP! Posted by Mo (Member # 2863) on :
I understand to a degree, but show me a Lyme patient who isn't in debt. I don't know any. We're going to be in trouble if we look at it that way.
I'm not speaking to you Vision - but to all of us.
This community needs to realize that this fight embodies everything we stand for.
If we loose our LLMD's, there will be little hope for making it better for the future. Shapiro and the others will use this to boost the government, Yale, and insurance companies' position -- not to treat chronic Lyme. Make no mistake, it's no accident that two of the finest LLMD's are under the gun when we have a federal bill and chronic research center in the works. LLMD's loosing liscence to practice puts a big blot on Lyme treatment in general.
If we experience the impact of loosing Jones, not only will those great strides be weakened - but enourmous financial and other obstacles could well befall patients in many areas - work, disability, schools, medical care - it seems to me the potential resultant hardships are far greater than the money each of us should be donating now to support this legal team in defending Doctor Jones agaunst this kind of persecution.
Please remember as well, Doctor Jones has spent all these years treating thousands of children regardless of their financial situations, and regardless of the risk to himself that he has known full well all along.
We must all dig very deep right now. It's far beyond necessary to all of us.
Mo
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I'm in debt too...sending my check [however small] ASAP!
Posted by lymedesign (Member # 8791) on :
Well, I dolikeliver because I appreciate your efforts to bring more attention to Dr. Jones' case. There just aren't enough people even responding to these posts. It is really disheartening to see such a lack of support or interest.
Everyone seems to think that "someone else" will send in money, "Someone else" has more money than I, "Someone else" will take the initiative to write to their friends and relatives and ask for donations. Use the suggested letter in the above post from "don't" and send emails or letters. Please do this today without delay. It is for the LIVES of children.
Posted by JillF (Member # 5553) on :
I think what it comes down to with alot of ppl is that 'they' aren't be affected.
It's very sad.
You would think that with all the patients he has had over the years, this wouldn't be such a problem. At least that's my opinion.
Posted by Andie333 (Member # 7370) on :
Thanks to everyone who's been bumping this up to the top. I just made a donation via paypal, and it couldn't have been easier.
If it hadn't been for my LLMD, I can't even imagine where I'd be right now.
These docs are all heroes in my book!
Andie
Posted by dontlikeliver (Member # 4749) on :
I do hope that people do care because donating now is like paying up your insurance for the future. Don't pay, no cover later is more likely.
It is possible though that more people than we see responding to these threads are donating, they just aren't announcing it.
I made a donation months ago as well, but I never said anything on Lymenet at the time, so it could be others might be doing the same. Let's hope that's what's happening.
DLL
Posted by sizzled (Member # 1357) on :
Thank-you, visionoftruth, for being up front and honest about why people might not want/can't donate.
These are the times that try men's/women's/children's lives...
I can't imagine how it feels for him to ask publicly for donations. Humiliating? Humbling to have to ask the very people he would never turn away from....knowing their needs.
I have gotten the impression he would never have asked if it wasn't a dire need of his.....so he can prevail and then go back to work to help ...children....to help..our future.
Posted by Ann-OH (Member # 2020) on :
UP! Helping this good doctor may be the most important thing we do to support decent treatment for Lyme - for adults as well as children - !!!
Posted by 5dana8 (Member # 7935) on :
I sent my donation in but am worried for him. I heard he is needing $50,000 to keep his defense fund intact till the end of the hearings.
Lets kick it in high gear people!
Posted by JillF (Member # 5553) on :
The sad thing is that those who don't feel that it is important to donate towards Dr J's legal fees and/or that this doesn't/won't affect them personally are so very wrong.
Posted by Elizabeth in MN (Member # 8466) on :
I'm a one of the people with not enough $$ for my own treatment, AND I agree I can't afford not to donate.
Thanks to all of you who keep bumping this to the top.
Warmly, Elizabeth
Posted by sizzled (Member # 1357) on :
^
Posted by FightFireWithWater (Member # 5781) on :
We have some very charismatic "Pied Pipers" on Lymenet who would be ideal to approach celebrities and well-to-do former patients about contributing to Dr. Jones' fund. You know who you are, or if you don't we can toss you a few hints.
We need your gifts. We need them now.
If you think the solution lies outside the Lyme boards and lists, please talk to the people who could put you in touch with likely major donors. So you see, you are not off the hook!
In the meantime, the rest of us will keep trying as we can. Few if any of us are not financially strapped because of what this illness has cost us directly or indirectly.
[ 05. July 2006, 07:47 PM: Message edited by: FightFireWithWater ]
Posted by lymedesign (Member # 8791) on :
A couple of inspiring quotes:
No one has ever become poor by Giving.---Anne Frank
Real generousity towards the future lies in Giving ALL to the Present.---Albert Camus
Posted by Mo (Member # 2863) on :
You know, in addition to celebs and the like --
(and AFTER giving as much as we can individually right away)
I'm sure most all of us know or are related to, or even aquainted with folks much more well off than we are. Even if you know of someone you don't personally know ..
Doctor Jones' story (The Lyme Times Article is great, or the info on the defense fund site) - his story is so compelling -
..moreover, the children's plight is so very compelling - it makes it a very appropriate context in which to ask folks with money to contribute.
Considering the truth and weight of this story.. I can't imagine anyone NOT helping - and certainly noone with a heart would mind being asked under these circumstances.
Honestly, many people with expendable income actually love contributing to good causes.
The money is out there folks. We just have to work to generate it.
I think it's best to speak to someone in person -if possible - and have a good little packet of info to give them - and when they understand the issue - simply ask how much they can give.
Mo
[ 06. July 2006, 12:43 AM: Message edited by: Mo ]
Posted by FightFireWithWater (Member # 5781) on :
The classic textbooks on fundraising agree with Mo that most of the time should be directed towards prospective donors who could be expected to give medium-large donations. The problem for us in e-land is access. Those who live in highly endemic area could no doubt get some leads by going to the community council meetings, school board meetings, etc and asking around especially for families who have had Lyme disease. Getting leads from doctors would be problematic for privacy reasons. Find out who gives to good causes in your area from your neighborhood paper. (Hint: People who raise money for other causes don't usually like to share their lists for obvious reasons)
Posted by FightFireWithWater (Member # 5781) on :
Consider grandparents. All of their dreams for their families could go up in smoke with this disease left inadequately treated.
Posted by FightFireWithWater (Member # 5781) on :
Yes, the packet of info is essential. Don't go out of the house without some.
Posted by FightFireWithWater (Member # 5781) on :
Mo, you have summed it up well:
"The money is out there folks."
Why do so many of us think we have more important things to do than "George" does?
We have to work, and work smart, and ask questions when things don't seem to be progressing the way we would expect.
Posted by Mo (Member # 2863) on :
I'm beginning to feel there is no reason we cannot do this so long as we do not let doubt creep in, regardless of how much the dollar amount is that we have to send off immediately, individually. Do that first asap.
There's more in addition to that which we have access to to keep it going through the summer.
I haven't heard of a cause this important in a long time. Think of these children. This is so compelling and important that I believe it is simply a matter of communication in order to raise funds.
I have limited donation abilities, and am maxing them out, but I have learned it doesn't have to stop there. I have learned and felt more than enough to be able to generate addtional funds by communicating.
Start talking, folks.
Communicating clearly on the issue is a win-win situation regardless. For folks who have the ability to donate (freinds, family, church, groups, well-off individuals you may or may not know..) - you just need to inform them, and then ask for a commitment. You'll get it.
Any Lymenet member is capable of informing folks of the need.
Fundraising 101 - don't forget to actually ask for the commitment.
Like Ghandi always said about injustices:
"MAKE IT PUBLIC"
Call on the higher spirits right away (powers, God, ect) for guidance, and then act.
Whenever you are facing an obstacle such as this - do not look at it as hopeless... or as though it is "happening to us (you)" - look at it as though you CHOSE it to happen.
Accept, then act.
Go to: Groups, families, individuals - this topic is hot at this time, nationally. Keep the momentum going.
You'd be amazed what comes through when you do that.
We have the ability and the children are counting on US. They have been able to come far and wide (if possible) to Doc J for so long, but now -- we each, truly, are the only ones who can help them.
Mo
[ 06. July 2006, 01:59 AM: Message edited by: Mo ]
Posted by seibertneurolyme (Member # 6416) on :
Does anyone know if it would be possible to put a meter on the board similar to what was done for the last LymeNet fundraiser?
If people knew how much had been contributed and how much more was needed they might be more motivated to help.
Bea Seibert
Posted by sizzled (Member # 1357) on :
I agree with Bea. Is it possible to have a graph or other indicator of how much we have to raise?
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Posted by sizzled (Member # 1357) on :
^^^^^^^^
Posted by sizzled (Member # 1357) on :
?
Posted by Mo (Member # 2863) on :
UP FOR FUNDRAISING!
Posted by FightFireWithWater (Member # 5781) on :
The $50,000 needed for Dr. Jones' fund is very, very achievable as long as we don't mistakenly think that we are in Disneyland and all we have to do is wish upon a star. We have to be the heroes rather than just the victims in our own stories! But what is magical is that sometimes just starting with the simplest act can lead us to success. I have a story to tell all of you in that regard.
I, too, think a thermometer/rain gauge with regular updates would really help us focus.
[ 07. July 2006, 10:02 PM: Message edited by: FightFireWithWater ]
Posted by Mo (Member # 2863) on :
Inform everyone you know about the Jones case and the children suffering from this horrible disease -
and ASK for a contribution to the defence fund.
Make a list and go through it one by one as you can. Have email and/or hard copy package with the pertinant info on this case. Give it to them. Speak to them personally and ask for the commitment.
IMO, this is nothing to be shy or feel awkward about - if the policeman's benevolent association or PBS can raise the money they do annually, there is no reason we cannot do so for a cause this critical. The money is out there, and I truly cannot imagine a cause more worthy than these children who face chronic disability. I cannot imagine a much greater danger to our society and the strides made in Lyme activism than the work of an LLMD like Jones being wiped off the map.
Every one of you is needed to get involved.
Mo
Posted by sizzled (Member # 1357) on :
I am pondering why people might NOT want to contribute.
Hope...we need some measure of hope. I am sure people are donating SOMETHING. I know I am trying and also would like to know how things are going...
Is this request unreasonable?
Even Lymenet has updates for it's own fundraising.
Okay....off my soap box! Posted by dontlikeliver (Member # 4749) on :
Let's try to keep this on the front page
Posted by Mo (Member # 2863) on :
With the need being to raise $50,000 in a short time, please continue to brainstorm on asking others to donate.
-- large groups and well-off folks should be a target.
We must all act as major fundraisers in aquiring significant support for Doc J. Heck, what better reason to campaign for funds have we ever seen? The outcome of this case will effect us all. Let's make it for the greater good.
Please check the sticky threads at the top of Medical for discussion on this - and lend any ideas you may have.
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