For those of us with a specialty in the research and/or treatment of leprosy, we must open our minds and accept the fact that not all-good ideas come as a result of having a college degree.
Y is for yes - as in yes we can make a difference in this ever-changing world. Yes we possess the ability to think and do for ourselves. Yes we can explore and discover together... Yes as a team we can challenge and change.
W is for Win. Failure is not an option once we start the process of partnership. Winning means that the only loser will be the HD bacillus and not anyone affected by the HD
bacillus. W is to win through writing, learn how to write about your struggles...your victories...your ideas. You have lived the research - now you can write about it. The written word can never be taken back and usually results in a response that can lead to change.
I is for Initiative as in express some initiative in suggesting ways to make changes in the manner leprosy has been discussed in the past. I have yet to meet a person who can read minds. So the spoken word must be initiated.
L is for labeling and language. Stop trying to label or be labeled, as in Hansonite, patient or PAL . It appears that HD is the only disease where once treated as a patient -then always a patient. The more severe the disability, the more frequently one is referred to a patient. Pal in the U.S. is used to either refer to a buddy - a friend who belongs to a small group of buddies, separate from others. It can also be used in a belittling way as in "Hey you, stupid." I personally do not wish to be a pal, but rather a friend to all, a colleague, an equal on the basis of being a human being.
We must learn the language of all cultures. Learn the language of those visited by HD who value simple things such as respect and dignity. Learn the language of the medical scientists who very effectively communicate with tables, graphs, discoveries and trends.
L is for Love - love the work you do and teach others your skills. Not everyone can use a microscope, but then only a few of us can voice the personal impact of organisms in their bodies that can only be seen under the microscope.
"My will" then means...you me us.
Without the will to form partnerships, the year 2000 shall be the start of a very gloomy new century in the world of leprosy.
