The WHO has now declared the Covid 19 virus a pandemic. The US is under a state of emergency. Brilliance will be required to control this new threat. Enter Dr. Ian Lipkin from Columbia U., Director of Infection and Immunology. Studies are being performed with Dr. Lipkin’s involvement using blood plasma antibodies from patients who have recovered from Covid 19. This could be a very fast way of rescuing people since there is no cure. Dr. Lipkin, a renowned virologist is suggesting that one person’s strength and recovery can be infused to aid another. Its quite a concept. As with cancer- new therapy is all about immune system so this process would enhance those who are without defense and most vulnerable.
If you or a loved one has had cancer or any major life threatening event or disease, however, pandemic panic is a yawn. Examples are small pox or TB, H1N1 flu, Spanish flu, HIV/Aids. Are you frightened by any of these? No. They have been managed and even if these diseases had deadly consequences, somehow the world has survived. The concept of injecting someone else’s immunity into another is a novel thought. We certainly would not inject HIV or TB but it’s a new world and there is a new hope.
Let us tap into other’s strength to find calm in this storm. Endemic to cancer patients is bravery. They’ve met that demon and have overcome. This week I met Gerry. After reviewing her scans with a large lung cancer, she lifted her chin, looked me in the eye and said, “Bring it on Doc!” No wimps here. People facing down the dragon cannot be intimidated. What are they going to do, worry about toilet paper? Ridiculous.
This invisible virus cannot defeat you. No pandemic will frighten you or destroy what you have achieved. If you have a loved one who passed from cancer remember how strong you both were and fearless.
Endemic to those battling cancer or a chronic disease or injury is a strength that lifts the rest of us. We look to you for peace and calm. We honor your fight and refuse to give into fear and panic because that would be an insult to you. We haven’t faced your fear so we may think this new chaos has merit. You teach us. We owe a debt of gratitude to you for demonstrating how fierce the human spirit is. We are not going to fall apart because there is a threat. We are going to arm ourselves and take this on- head on. We owe it to you not to shrink and be bullied by an infection. We would be shamed in front of your power.
As with the plasma infusion, your strength can infuse us with hope for recovery from suffering. There were times you leaned on us. Times we lifted your spirit, loved your heart, took your hand and guided. Now it is your turn. We look to you to guide us and to believe in ourselves the way that you do- everyday. Thank you. Your inspiration will keep us safe.