Dr. John Lerma Weblog

To Oprah:

Feb 1, 2008
Although there are many issues and areas where a large amount of money could do the most good, for me there is no second guessing or thought that would have to go into deciding where best to put your proverbial “money where your mouth is”. There are indeed two very specific areas where I think it could do the most good. I only wish I could be one of the ten who could have this opportunity.

First and foremost, I would give money to Hospice organization. Having lost two very dear loved ones to the ugly disease of cancer, I can'’t begin to say how grateful I am that Hospice has been there, not only for my family, but for countless others. What Hospice does to help alleviate the heartache and pain that the survivors experience, and more so what they do for the unending number of patients they care for is far beyond the call of duty. The caregivers who work for Hospice have the most difficult job of any that I can think of, and yet their caring and nurturing nature can not be matched. They make the transition of life to death much more bearable for the individuals who need that service. I would want to insure that facilities that have cared for my loved ones have everything they need by providing them with a contribution that would certainly go a very long way.

Second, to my local homeless shelter. Here in Lancaster, Pa. we have a facility called the ‘”’Water Street Rescue Mission”'’. This non-profit organization relies solely on contributions and volunteers. Just recently they have gratefully had the opportunity to add to the long list of needs they meet, dental service for the homeless. However there is a very long way to go, they still need to add more space to an already overcrowded facility. They are in desperate need of more living space, housing, medical care, clothing, food, and all of the applicable necessities to help the homeless get off the streets and out of the cold. It simply breaks my heart to hear or read that yet another homeless individual or family has no place to go or that they are sleeping under bridges or in card board boxes to try and stay warm, and worse that another individual has been found frozen or starved to death. This is absurd at best. Why I ask?, in this great United States do we have such poverty? It is just unacceptable that we should have anyone starving, or homeless, or with no place to keep children safe from the elements of weather. There should never be a single soul who should have to look into a trash can to find something to eat!

Ask me Oprah, what I would do with a bundle of cash, better yet, pick me for your endeavor and I'’ll show just exactly what I would do!

…and finally, Thank you Oprah, for all you do and all you give back to the vast array of projects you are involved with. You are indeed an Angel

Into The Light II will be out next spring

Into The Light will be translated into 5 languages (Italian, Greek, Portuguese, Japanese and Spanish) and available in those countries Winter 08/Spring 09.

Dr Lerma”””’’s new book “Into the Light” is doing well on the bestsellers list especially after his appearance on Coast to Coast with George Noory.
He received many wonderful emails from listeners touched and inspired by the stories from his book. Dr Lerma is a wonderful speaker whose compassion flows from his voice when recounting the experiences of his many terminally ill patients.
Posted on SQUIDWHO

Please feel free to share experiences you had!

I was on coast to coast last Sunday March 2nd, 2008 and have received hundreds of emails with stories and questions…

Thank You for the kind comments and the support!

You can still listen to this interview on YouTube
or the Coast to Coast homepage.