posted
So...my wife sent info on Lyme awarness month to our local paper and they asked about doing a personal story on the our family. I have mixed emotions about that. It would hopefully do great things by the exposure and open eyes to people in our area as well as help someone who is searching for answers. My concerns are how the article is written given the controversy surrounding treatment and any affects it would have on my family. My wife has been diagnosed since Nov 09 and my son (10yr old) just got diagnosed this month. Am I being too critical?
Posts: 52 | From Illinois | Registered: Nov 2009
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- No, you are not being too critical for what is printed in that paper can change the quality of medical care that your family gets for the rest of your time in your location.
Your insurance coverage could also be affected.
And, in many cases, newspaper, radio or TV segments on lyme patients has set off a string of criticism nearly accusing patients of being wimps or making it all up. So, you are correct to have some concern.
If it sets off a fire, most local doctors may be angered and there will be replies in the paper. Some may become aware but - mostly the importance is in educating the public in ways the doctors have not (yet) been educated.
In a very cordial tone, request, as a condition of the interview, "editorial review" of the final draft so that you can see that your quotes have been adequately interpreted or placed along with the information materials.
Ask who else will be interviewed if it's to be a full article - or is it a feature just on your family's been affected with added information (from the sources your wife sent) either written into the article or as a "sidebar" to accompany the article.
If you have a local doctor in mind, supply that name but only after first talking with that doctor for permission. Many have to fly under the radar to be able to treat. If it becomes public, they may have to stop treating you and could loose their license (depending upon the atmosphere in your state).
Know, though, the reporter will probably contact the head of the county or state medical board for a quote and that usually trumps anything else said. However, if this is primarily a feature on your family, they may not pull for other places for interviews.
Not many reporters will let those interviewed actually review the article before print but some will. Also, know that an editor can change things just before print. Sometimes, stuff will be cut, usually from the bottom.
It's best to offer quotes from others in high places, links, etc. While personal quotes will illuminate your own experience, anytime you state a fact, use an expert's quote to do so, providing the footnote to the article or book.
Once you find out who is writing the article (in general, it is best not to call it a story as "story" tends more toward fiction - with lyme it can have a subtle influence), you can research past articles from this writer to see their style and capabilities.
Ultimately, proceed from your heart. Use wisdom in order to protect your reputation and access to medical care (at least for non-lyme matters).
Don't spew anger or resentment by you can, of course, convey the message that this is very serious indeed and that people face huge obstacles in treatment. Offer hints to help.
You can say "find someone who is informed about the ILADS research"
Don't say "no doctor here treats lyme" (even if true) but, rather explain that you "had to travel to ____ to find a doctor who was well educated and experienced in lyme and tick-borne infections . . . ."
If you mention a local doctor's name, get permission first. Also know that the report should interview anyone you mention to get a rounded picture. Sadly, for reporters uneducated about lyme, this poses a huge risk to accuracy.
If I were you, I'd also get a DVM, a vet, on board. Get the number of dogs affected. There are better stats for that.
Somewhere, I mentioned speaking from the heart. Get centered. Get your heart in the right place and the words and intent will all work together to help others. That is what this is all about. Helping others. What does the average reader need to know about lyme? How can what your family has experienced help them?
Of course, be aware of the realities and possible reverberations - still, connect with your heart and you should be able to feel good about sharing.
Or, if you decide not to - just share generic details and leave your family out of it. It can be written without your family being the focus. Do what is best. Your decision should rest well within your heart in the light of day as well as in the wee hours of the morning. It should feel right. Same for your wife and your child. Everyone needs to be on board. Hope you get smooth sailing.
Sorry my thoughts are out of synch. If you actually write the whole article yourself, keeping in my the pyramid style to allow for cutting from the bottom - or make two or three versions - you may have more control.
I used to supply finished articles all the time and overwhelmed reporters were thrilled. See next post.
Good luck. -
[ 05-19-2010, 07:02 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- How To Get An Article In Your Local Paper
This is your chance to get the word out. Lyme Disease
Awareness Month. I have written an article you can use or there are suggestions and templates for writing your own. If you need help, let me know. Let's see how many articles we can get into small town papers across America in the next few weeks. Visit the CALDA website at:
Making a display is also fun and there are instructions on the CALDA website as well as downloadable graphics. You can buy display boards - foam or cardboard - at your local office supply store.
This might be a good project for a teenager, if you have one lying around. See if your library, school, vet or clinic would like one and get to work!
posted
I strongly agree with Keebler. Use your heart, but be very careful. I like the idea of using quotes from reputable sources...you can even print them out to give to the reporter.
Our family was photographed and profiled on nearly a whole page of newsprint after my young husband died of pancreatic cancer. The theme was the hospice care we received at home so doctors and nurses were also interviewed.
It was a very caring and loving article which I cherish. I had just had a C section, was caring for a newborn and two young sons so I gave no thought at all to newspapers. I lucked out I guess because the article was well received.
As for Lyme disease, I have mixed feelings. I had been a community leader before becoming ill. I don't know how I feel about people knowing about my lyme disease and how it might affect me later when I am well again.
I did run into one lady recently who remembered me coming into her store with my husband when I was still in my wheelchair. She was obviously delighted to see me walking and looking so much better. She congratulated me several times.
So maybe that's the answer...to show progress. People always want a happy ending.
Very few showed up to help me during our cancer ordeal (my current husband who was my late husband's colleague and close friend helped me often). But after the article came out, things were getting back to "normal" and people came out of the woodwork.
I had survived the ordeal so people were not afraid. I think they fear something so terrible and cannot deal with it. And they are ignorant of what is involved and cannot relate.
Reporters always want the human interest story. But I would be prepared to supply as much printed information as you can. Try to be upbeat and enthusiastic about your treatment, while at the same time be certain that the crushing impact of lyme disease on a family is understood.
And I agree that you must get your doctor's permission to use his/her name. I like the idea of getting input from a local vet! Good thinking, Keebler!
-------------------- DOCTOR: "I don't think you are sick." PATIENT: "We are all entitled to our opinions. I don't think you are a doctor." Posts: 697 | From Northern California | Registered: Jul 2009
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