Friday, July 03, 2009
free to a good home
It's not the kind of thing I'd want to advertise on Craigslist or Kijiji.
I can't set it out on my front lawn and hope someone takes it away.
I doubt the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy would want it as part of their drive to collect use goods for re-sale.
But I have a perfectly good prosthesis, worn only a handful of times that I'm sure someone could use, even if it was wrong for me (and I have replaced it with another one I don't seem to be wearing much).
The government covers about two thirds of the cost of a new prosthesis. That balance must be prohibitive for many who don't have private insurance to take care of the rest.
How do I find someone who can use it though?
Maybe someone at Breast Cancer Action would know.
Of course, I could always use my prosthesis to make art, the way Jacqueline did.
I think my inclinations might be a little more violent, though.
Thoughts?
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11 comments:
I would donate it to your local cancer center. That's what I did with my unused wig.
BTW, just finished your book. I loved it. I wish I could have all my favorite blogs in such a handy format. It's such a pain to bring my laptop into the bathtub and that's where I prefer to do all my pleasure reads. ;-) I'll be writing a review in a day or two.
I love the idea of making art out of it... it amuses me greatly.
But it does seem just not right if people could use it.
I'm not quite sure what to make of the art. Although I am quite intrigued by it.
I hope they find a good home!
i actually own a print of the one with the Buddha and the pin cushion. i see it as a juxtaposition of this thing that is heavy with symbolism and every day objects.
Hi! I read this entry and then sent it to the other directors at Breast Cancer Action. I just joined so I don't have the experience they do. Here are some of the answers I have got so far:
"I know someone who did a project a few years ago taking them to developing countries. I'll try and find out if she knows of any organization which does this on a regular basis. I don't have any of the silicone ones (I knit my own) so I've never had to worry about this issue. I can see it as a problem in countries where they couldn't possibly buy them themselves."
"Peg took my prosthesis to Mongolia when she went on a teaching project and gave it to a woman there. It wasn't part of an organization who does this. Peg just knew somebody who knew somebody. I have a friend in Chelsea who is in need of a prothesis. She doesn't have an insurance plan (the government pays a portion) and the one she is wearing is taped together and in a terrible state. I'll be in touch once I've contacted my friend. Sizing might be an issue but I'll let you know."
It looks like there no coordinated program for this sort of thing, unlike the used wigs they have. Maybe that's something we can work on!
Oregon may soon join the ranks of the 38 or so other states that have something called "drug repositories" that have the same concept in mind: what do you do with something that is still perfectly good (i.e., expensive prescription drugs) and that you don't want to throw away.
Maybe you can create an online "prosthesis repository" in which a group of committed individuals can pair up useful but unwanted prostheses with someone who has no insurance or is low income? Hmmmm ...
I posted about it on my blog to help you spread the word . . .
Thanks to you all! The prosthesis may have found a new home via online connections. I will keep you posted.
I also heard back from the social worker at the Civic and she says:
"the local chapter of our Canadian Cancer Society will accept breast prostheses much like they do with donated wigs.
Bring or mail prosthesis to main reception of :
Canadian Cancer Society
1745 Woodward Drive
Ottawa, ON
K2C 0P9
613-723-1744 "
Special invitation to all breast cancer bloggers. This month the Being Cancer Book Club is reading “The Adventures of Cancer Bitch” by S. L. Wisenberg, “witty and relentless, surprising and honest. Wisenberg has walked through the Valley of Cancer and she is willing to tell all; this is a cornucopia of breast cancer information as well as a very smart, funny read from an excellent writer."—Audrey Niffenegger, author, The Time Traveler’s Wife.
Book discussions are in Mondays’ posts. Take care, Dennis
Wow! Thanks Julia! When I write the update post, I will blog about the cancer society, too.
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