Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!yale!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!34!Kraig.Cummings
From: Kraig.Cummings@f34.n129.z1.fidonet.org (Kraig Cummings)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: INTRODUCTION
Message-ID: <12918@bunker.UUCP>
Date: 18 Jul 90 20:58:28 GMT
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Index Number: 9311

Hi there, my name is Kraig Cummings and I was severely disabled
during the Vietnam War.  As a disabled vet (VA rates me as 100%
permanently and totally disabled) I want to let everyone know that
one's disability/ability is  very much a state of mind.  I was once
almost given up for dead, was told I would never walk afain nor
ever be able to lead a productive, fulfilling life by physicians.
So much for their judgement!

Not only have I coped very successfully with my "disabilities", I
have managed to get into the mainstream of life and earn enough
money to retire VERY comfortably at the tender age of 47.

I do not say this to brag but rather to inform others that
regardless of your physical status YOU can still determine the
course of your life.  None of us do this alone.  We have
help/support mechanisms and coping techniques.

I am willing to share with anyone on this echo my experiences and
listen/respond to problems, concerns, questions.  My experiences
may or may not be of value to you but I'm a very invebtive guy
whjen it comes to solving problems dealing with one's inability to
do things the way most people do (coping in a non-disabled world).
Obviously I'm no typist!

If there is a concern that I might help you with (e.g., dealing
with the VA; getting back into a social life; improving/regaining
your self esteem) drop me a note and , together we will see what we
can work out.

I am NOT  the answer to anyone's prayers but I have walked in a few
peoples shoes and may be of help.

Darop me a line, what do you have top lose?  Like I said I'm not a
typist!

Kee[p up the fight,

Kraig
 # Origin: Atlanta Medical Forum -- (404) 351-9757  (8:7301/204)

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