Hi to all,

I received an angry letter from a group member whom I won't
embarrass by naming. It seems he objected to the language I used in
my last posting, stating, that I should start referring to "people
who have Hep C as human beings" and not "individuals with Hepatitis
C". He also implied that before I can help I must seperate
my "clinical evaluation from my human need", and "then and only then
come calling". Whew!

First of all I am sorry if I have offended anyone. Yes, I may
use "clinical" or professional language at times. It is ridiculous
to think that because I am a helping professional I am not driven by
the "human need" to help. To the offended man: Please do not
criticize my attempt to become involved because of semantics.

While I do not have Hep C, I am also a consumer. I have been an HIV
positive "individual", "human being", consumer, person, man, etc.,
for over 20 years. At times it has been a struggle, but this is not
the forum for that. I have also served HIV positive "individuals"
like myself professionally. Sometimes the seperation is not
completely clear.

I thought I should clarify that before there were any other
misunderstandings.

Peace. -Mark