Reflection 24: You'll never walk alone

When you walk through a storm

Hold your head up high

And don't be afraid of the dark

At the end of a storm

There's a golden sky

And the sweet silver song of a lark

Walk on through the wind

Walk on through the rain

Though your dreams be tossed and blown*

*Songwriters: Oscar Hammerstein II / Richard Rodgers 

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 In the early morning of August 20th, many of the world's population were both surprised and saddened to learn of the passing of Jerry Lewis in Las Vegas Nevada. For so many years (1966 -- 2010) he was the main cheerleader for the Multiple Dystrophy Association (MDA) Labor Day Telethon. During those 44 years, the Telethon raised the staggering $2 billion for 'Jerry's kids.' 

 Jerry's signature song for the Telethon was You'll never walk alone. Thinking about that song and fetching the lyrics from the Internet, I could not help but reflect on the CancerCare MB team that each and every person who gets cancer automatically receives. 

 I learned early on that it is important to get to know my team. With myself at the centre, all are focused on one thing, helping me in getting well. The doctors and nurses and health care workers such as Nursing Assistants come immediately to mind. But what about the Lab Technicians that look at biopsies to determine whether or not it is cancer, and the extent? What about the caretakers who that make sure the wards are clean...24/7! Have you noticed how clean the entire HSC is? 

 I recall an episode of my favourite television program M*A*S*H whereby the unit receives a request for two doctors (Winchester and Hunnicutt) to write an article for a celebrated medical journal concerning a procedure that they performed. The problem is that Charles wants all the credit and B.J. Is unyielding. They argue and almost come to blows. A lot of energy gets spent but nothing substantive gets written. That is until the Commanding Officer suggests to them that the contribution to the success goes far beyond the two of them and their huge egos. What about the medics at the Aid Station? How about the pilot of the helicopter? The people in triage? The medical staff who bear the stretchers? The two doctors rightly concluded that it was a team effort (Season 8 Episode 14.)

 My health care team (and yours) is made up of many people. They all greet you with a smile and a "hello." Get to know them. Ask questions. 

 Recently I met for the second or perhaps the third or fourth time an Individual who is also undergoing treatment for cancer. We met while waiting for our scheduled appointments. I say for the second time because we both knew almost instantly that we knew each other in another dimension...somewhere...sometime. We consider each other as team members. You may be surprised and delighted if you just say "Hi. How are you doing?" to a member of your Team, the person beside you in the Waiting Room.

***

Walk on, walk on

With hope in your heart

And you'll never walk alone

You'll never walk alone

Walk on, walk on

With hope in your heart

And you'll never walk alone

You'll never walk alone*

*Songwriters: Oscar Hammerstein II / Richard Rodgers