<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>Lynda</b></i>
For one, everyone knows what cancer & MD is, not many people even know what CF is. They've probably heard the name but don't know exactly what it is.
We are excited to get some recognition of CF. As someone else mentioned on another thread, when we hear of or talk to others w/CF some of us feel like they're family, etc.
I always like to know when someone w/CF is going to be on a show, etc. If you could care less, then don't watch it.</end quote></div>
Well I wouldn't watch it anyway because I don't watch much TV, especially network TV. I guess i'm different than most. I generally feel on my own with this disease, and kind of prefer it that way (helps me focus upon my care like it's me against the world). If I were watching channel 12 (which I wouldn't be, but just for arguments sake) and had a remote in my hand, and someone said "A contestant with CF is on the price is right", I wouldnt change to watch it. I guess from being an early poster child for CF, being involved in countless summer camps, and being close with all the CF patients in the west florida area all through growing up and into adulthood, I don't have any interest in "seeing what another CF looks like" anymore. But I agree with you guys on the awareness part for the public. The thing is though, people will put about as much stock in it as those late night feed the children ads while they are eating a big bag of cheetos.
"Hey jim, ya see this chick contestant on the right?"
"Yeah mary"?
"They say she has some lung disease...Something about roses"
"Oh?"
(forgets what he was talking about while he stuffs his face with more cheetos)
"Man I hope that hot chick on the right wins. And I hope that real hot model holding the #17 briefcase slips on stage and I get to see her boob"
Sadly that's how the average american processes the world around them, with very slight interest and empathy outside their own circle of comfort. To be honest, if we weren't suffering from it, I doub't we would care more than just slight conversation on the issue and saying "Wow, that sucks...Man can ya believe Gary at work and what he did...(goes off on tangent about work and 100% forgets about CF)"
But as I said, even if the exposure will mostly fall on deaf idiotic ears, it's better than zero exposure. Still couldn't find the desire to watch though.