Hey Guys, As promised here is the info you need for the hearing:
1. Address- 1203 Front Street. This is very easy to find. Parking should be ok but if you can carpool to board office it would not be a bad idea. There are many adjacent buildings and I am hoping we will be able to park there as well.This is a very easy place to get to. You can google the NC Medical Board office and get more specifics. 2. We cannot all get in the courtroom. This is just the way it is. This does not mean you are not important to this. Each of you has no idea how valuable it is to have you there. I think we will have close to 200 people when it is over and that will make an awesome statement. 3. There will be green armbands and name tags available for you to wear. This is so we know each other and can identify people.These will be handed out at the hearing. It does not matter what hotel you are in. The NCLDF will not be going to any hotels to hand out info. It will be done the morning of the hearing . 4. We would like you at the medical board office at 7:00 AM so that we can get ready and organized. 5. We are not carrying signs and not wearing outrageous clothing. THIS IS NOT THE PLACE FOR IT. I have been specifically directed to tell you that we should wear professional clothing. We will have plenty of opportunity to speak with the media and tell them the truth behind what is going on. And this information makes a more powerful statement coming from a group of thoughtful concerned citizens. 6. I would recommend lawn chairs and umbrellas for those caught outside. Pack some water and some snacks. There are restaurants close by and gas stations. 7. Things change ON A DAILY BASIS SO PLEASE STAY TUNED.
Addition by ConnieMc - I plan to bring a cooler of bottled water on ice for those outside. Also, a few extra chairs. I really want to see the hearing itself, so if I am one of the chosen to go in, I will hand off my car keys to someone so they will have access to all this.
Can anyone think of anything else?
It will be hot in Raleigh those days, mid 80s at least, so dress accordingly. Bring whatever you need to stay cool, just in case. I, myself, do not handle the heat well due to Lyme, etc. and if I am outside may need to take breaks at the hotel. If others need breaks from the heat, let me know and I will try to help. I am staying at the Residence Inn.
Let's roll!
Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
Hi Connie,
Do you know if they will be setting up other rooms with monitors of the hearing for those who can't be in the main room?
Thanks, Melanie
Posted by ConnieMc (Member # 191) on :
All I know is what's in the above post from Beth. I have not heard from anyone that there will be extra rooms with monitors. I get the impression that some of us might not get to attend or even know what's going on inside.
Surely it is not typical for the medical board to deal with such a large group. I also have no idea if they have been warned of this, although I would suspect they have been.
Sorry I do not know more.
Posted by sizzled (Member # 1357) on :
Up!
Posted by FightFireWithWater (Member # 5781) on :
An overflow audience speaks volumes! The more overflowing the better. If you can't get in to hear what is going on, take advantage of the opportunity to rest a bit or chat with some fellow patients.
For those who live within a day's trip of Raleigh, North Carolina, and drive, I urge you to grab a supply of your meds, your sunblock, sun hat, water, blanket, some food, a map, directions for the hearing, one "I-mean-business" outfit, and your credit card and come for the last day. There will no doubt be some attendees who have to leave early. It would be great to have fresh batch of people replacing them or even better swelling the ranks.
[ 12. June 2006, 07:20 PM: Message edited by: FightFireWithWater ]
Posted by Spotted pony (Member # 4963) on :
I must say, I'm a tad disappointed.
I'm taking two of my vacation days from work, and traveling 5 hours to be there.
While I think it's great to have lots of people there, I wasn't planning on going to just sit on the sidewalk.
~~ A disappointed Spotted pony.
Posted by FightFireWithWater (Member # 5781) on :
Spotted Pony,
Thanks for using two of your vacation days to come to the hearing. That ***is*** a sacrifice!
I would be willing to bet that there is someone inside the hearings who would be content to change places with you and sit outside the hearing room. Some Lyme patients find it uncomfortable to have to sit in one place for a long time. Please nab someone who comes out during a break, and request that s/he ask around for you. I think that there is a win-win solution here.
Posted by Soleilpie (Member # 8481) on :
Oh man, now I'm having second thoughts about going. It's only because it's a lot of money spent only to be stuck sitting outdoors. hmmm
Posted by Soleilpie (Member # 8481) on :
I went ahead and cancelled our hotel reservations. I was bringing my 12 year old nephew along and I really didn't want to have him sitting out in the heat. Sorry guys! I REALLY wanted to attend. I flew out to Maryland from Florida to drive down with my sister and nephew. I'm so disappointed I realize that the overflow will speak volumes and I hope others can still attend. We're not even Lyme patients and so it would probably best for lyme patients to be sitting inside the board meeting. We were going to attend to support Dr. Jemsek on behalf of my mother (the patient). Keep us posted on what happens!
Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
I'm so sorry that you won't be able to make it Soleilpie...but I certainly do understnad why.
My flight leaves bright and early and my tickets are non-refundable.
BUT, I think that even if I could back out now...I wouldn't.
Doc J has been an amazing physician...and this is the least I can do to thank him for restoring my quality of life.
He and his excellent staff never gave up on me- even when at times, I was ready to give up myself.
So, while conditions may not be ideal the next few days...I sure have come through worse times- all thanks to the good doc.
I hope to see many old friends there and also hope to see a few new ones too
Melanie
Posted by FightFireWithWater (Member # 5781) on :
It is incomprehensible to me that there should be a question of patients having to stay outside. Surely a room can be/has been found for the overflow. North Carolina hospitality is famous! Please give us an update on this.
Posted by Lymied (Member # 6704) on :
Hi All -
I will be there with you tomorrow...gotta get to bed.
ConnieMC, I don't know how I will recognize you but hope to get to meet you.
There is a member of the organization I am with TIC*NC (Tick Borne Infections Council of N.C.) that has contacted the Medical Board and asked whether they are able to accomodate all of us for this hearing...She let them know that she was not happy about it considering it is a "Public Hearing".
She also contacted ABC and NBC I believe it was and there will be reporters there so if you are on the lawn you will have a great presence and may have an opportunity to talk to the media.
See you all tomorrow...Sorry SoleilPie, that you are not able to attend but it is completely understandable. You will be there in Spirit.
Lymied
Posted by Lymied (Member # 6704) on :
The last weather forecast I heard said it will be rainy and 77 degrees...remnants of the tropical depression rolling through...bring rain coats and umbrellas...
Posted by ConnieMc (Member # 191) on :
Lymied, we are headed out the door now. Bring those reporters on!
I am tall, have on a green outfit, short hair. With Robi.
C U there.
Connie
quote:Originally posted by Lymied: Hi All -
I will be there with you tomorrow...gotta get to bed.
ConnieMC, I don't know how I will recognize you but hope to get to meet you.
There is a member of the organization I am with TIC*NC (Tick Borne Infections Council of N.C.) that has contacted the Medical Board and asked whether they are able to accomodate all of us for this hearing...She let them know that she was not happy about it considering it is a "Public Hearing".
She also contacted ABC and NBC I believe it was and there will be reporters there so if you are on the lawn you will have a great presence and may have an opportunity to talk to the media.
See you all tomorrow...Sorry SoleilPie, that you are not able to attend but it is completely understandable. You will be there in Spirit.
Lymied
Posted by lymesux (Member # 6248) on :
Thanks guys for the updates - so wish I could be there - all i can say is all this support has got to help!!
Sending mine from here - this man so deserves it. Good luck to any of you if you have to be in the rain today.
Posted by Bill ATL (Member # 7817) on :
Connie/Anyone attending...
Can we get updates when you have them? (Daily maybe?)
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
I realize that the overflow will speak volumes and I hope others can still attend. We're not even Lyme patients and so it would probably best for lyme patients to be sitting inside the board meeting. We were going to attend to support Dr. Jemsek on behalf of my mother (the patient). ![[Smile]](smile.gif)