Day 3 Hunger strike in OKC

Today was a tiresome day because I had to exist on kid speed. We first went to the bank, toting my sign to deposit a 15.00 rebate check. Then off to the post office and the big Sam's club. Many samples to be had for anyone without my moral conviction and agenda, like the two little one's that shadowed me all day.

We had to plan dinners and snacks and some ahead planning for Thanksgiving and those two birthdays. We managed to get around the store, so crowded while I kept getting hit in the back of my scooter with shopping carts.

We got our milk, socks, snacks and returned home noticing gas is almost as high as milk! Later we searched for boots but my energy ran low and again we went home. Kids, Warren and his hired worker ate and I sat and enjoyed the last of my chicken broth.

In the kitchen in a pot, my next batch of brew was making everyone hungry but for dinner instead we had zitti and roasted chicken which is my favorite. For dessert I made a cake with sliced almonds. While family and the worker, Tim, who was asked to stay for dinner, ate the delicious cake, I enjoyed my cup of Earl Grey.

I have not hit Ketosis which means I am using the stored stuff without harming myself.

Kids finally stopped asking me to eat what they are not willing or interested in eating like the olives before dinner they sampled on the hour'derv tray. They were my guinea pigs for next saturday's movie snacks. Less olives mom, please!

Oddly enough, I have energy if I go slow, I am not drained and I am not bitchy yet but know it will be there. I returned to reading my Budhism for Dummies seeking inspiration.

Photos are posted on my flickr account: www.flickr.com/photos/clipedwingangel/
My photographer Lia refused to take a photo of me dancing to the song, "dancing with myself" which brought back many funny memories. Her only request was "mom, go in the house, people might see you and you are embarrassing me". Dont hesistate to ask me to do the dance in front of her next time you see me!

Reggie

Hunger for Health Care -Day two

So the first day was not smooth but it was not as painful as I thought it would be.

Adrian Campbell, in Michigan, clearly has a worse day, screaming at and called a liberal whore while being pelting her with eggs had to be devastatingly demoralizing.

Donna Smith, also in her first day, long and taxing but not as ugly and emotionally painful as Adrian and I.

Today, I went to Integris Canadian to discuss harrassing collections on the outstanding thousands of dollars owed them by NY Workers COmpensation for treatment they rendered to me. It was ugly! Finally I had to remind them, I have terminal lung disease, not exactly the type of person you want to piss off and clearly, being on Social Security Disability there is nothing of mine you can come take, so just get with the "F^CK~NG PROGRAM"! Send the bills to them CERTIFIED MAIL, stop calling me, and send copies to my attorney for an upcomming hearing. In case she forgot, I reminded her, I've got nothing to loose, dont bother talking down to me, use it for Workers Compensation, they have the money you want.

Then I had a form notarized at the bank. Carrying my hunger strike sign!

Then off to 3 different DHS locations, none of which would allow me to stand anywhere including the breezeway/easement, public access or ditch outside their property.

I came home, had my chicken broth to quiet my stomach. First liquids today were 1/2 cup of coffee to stop the angry banging in my head requiring caffeine. I can hold until dinner time when I will finish my chicken broth.

Every sign I see is about food, every commercial, every radio ad. I know that Adrian, Donna I will continue to be strong and our will power and determination and your prayers will take us into tomorrow.

Monday, I will go to Mary Fallin's office at lunch time, I have an apppointment. I will send it to you with details over the weekend. Tuesday, I sent in a reservation to hold a press conference at the Capital's Blue Room. It will be day 6 and also the day Sicko is Released. I would like to invite a few people over who havent seen the movie to view it.

After Tueday's press conference I will return to visit the office of Frank Lucas in YUKON!

The statement his office gave me includes the line:
"I do not support provisions in HR 976 that expand government control of health insurance, undermine private insurance and do not put poor children first."

It follows by saying: I am hopeful that my colleagues adn I can now work together to enact resposible SCHIP reform that provides health insurance to the children who need it.

The guidelines for this bill are for "families who are earning up to 200% of the Federal Poeverty Level (FPL) or families earning $41,300. Our combined family income did not meet the $41,000 level so I am still qualified under this bill if it passes so my children can have medicaid.

Reggie

PS: I can tell I have diminished brain function today. Send us some virtual hugs by smiling!

Hunger Strike OKC Sicko

Chicken Soup for the Hunger Striker
Day 1 in OKC:
Hunger strike started at Joy Menonite Church in OKC on Lincoln
OETA (PBS) covered it
I had about 5 supporters there
We prayed for stregth and courage during the hunger strike for the striking women.
We prayed for the children and we prayed for the elected officials to be enlightened with the needs of our children.

I stayed at the location for about 2 hrs, them moved to Frank Lucas office in Yukon.
Obtained literature that is disturbing on his position against SCHIP.
Stood in front of his office with my sign for a little over an 1 hr and returned home to go to the grocery store and prepare a dinner for my family we could share.

This is my recipe. Serve it to them with Garlic bread or sourdough.
Much love,
In prayer,
Reggie

See photos, watch the progress:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/clipedwingangel/

use a stock pot that holds about 5qts

1 Qt Chicken Stock
1 QT water
1 can chicken breast
1 bullion cube Chicken (Wylers)

1 cup carrots (either the baby carrots or chopped)
1 can corn
3/4 cup chopped leeks
1/2 cup sliced squash
1/2 cub sliced zuccini
1/2 onion chopped

1-2 cups chopped potatoes
(I used 2 cups of small red potatoes)

1 pinch of dill weed
1 pinch lemon pepper
1 pinch parsley

simmer for 1 hr

put broth through strainer or skim liquid off top
drink 2-3 cups, let your family enjoy the other good veggies

good for the soul
good for the heart
good for our children

Reggie Cervantes
WTC Survivor Rescue Worker

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
~ MLK

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Hunger Strike OKC Sicko

HUNGER FOR HEALTH CARE:
Mothers from Michael Moore’s movie SiCKO
plan hunger strike to push for children’s health care

(Oklahoma City, OK) – Three mothers who appeared in Michael Moore’s film “SiCKO” will begin a hunger strike for health care on November 1 unless Congress passes acceptable State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) legislation and it is signed by President Bush.

Donna Smith of Colorado, Reggie Cervantes of Oklahoma and Adrian Campbell of Michigan all had their stories featured in “SiCKO” this summer, and they all continue to fight for health care reform in spite of their own personal struggles to access affordable health care for themselves and their families.

“If we cannot protect our children, then who are we? And if we are not willing to suffer and even to die to protect those we brought into this world, then what does motherhood really mean?” Smith, mother of six and grandmother of 13, wonders.

Beginning Thursday, November 1st, all three will spend each day fasting and visiting local offices of representatives, state capitols, hospitals and other locations to make their point.

Cervantes, mother of two, is a 9/11 rescue worker made ill by her exposure to toxins at ground zero. “My fellow responders continue to become terminally ill and many don’t have access to health care. Their children should not suffer because the parents don’t have sufficient income or access to benefits through employment,” Cervantes stated.

They are tired of waiting as some members of Congress and President Bush continue to ignore the wishes of the American people. The mothers are committed to seeing Congress pass appropriately funded SCHIP legislation.

Campbell, who is the mother of a four-year-old, added, “It is for our kids, our grandchildren, and for every single American who has been denied. My hunger is for you.”

Smith, Cervantes and Campbell, said they can no longer be complicit in President Bush’s failure to provide health care access to kids who really need it. They stress that the strikes will end only when their representatives are fully behind SCHIP or are themselves physically unable to fight.
Other American SiCKOs, including 9/11 first responder John Graham, of New Jersey will also join in the strike by fasting periodically in solidarity with the SiCKO mothers.

For more information please visit the Americans for Universal Health Care website:

http://www.apuhc.com/