A brush with celebrity!

Today was just an ordinary day at work... we were all having fun and relaxing since it's Friday. I'd heard that Montel Williams was going to be at Group Health, which is right across the street from us, but I'd forgotten all about it. Well, a guy came into our facility and started handing out pamphlets to everyone and telling us Montel would be speaking about prescription assistance at 1015 hrs. So, our Administrator told all of us we could go over if we wanted. Of course I went! I wanted to see him in person, but mostly I wanted to hear about the prescription assistance I've seen him speak about on TV. I've got to tell you, he's an amazing person with an incredible mission! Not only is he a celebrity face for a good cause, but he's also down to earth and completely human. He mentioned how much pain he was in with his multiple sclerosis, but that does not stop him from fighting for every American's right to have access to prescription medications. He stood out there in the heat with the rest of us, and he delivered a very powerful speech.

Now, the icing on the cake is that he was willing to autograph items for all of us in attendance. I got my autograph from him on my day planner/calendar, on which he wrote, "To Rhiannon, Montel Williams", and then he talked with me for a minute. It was great! I told him I had some friends and family that couldn't be there today but that they can benefit from his cause. He seemed to care about individual needs, not just the entire cause!

So, my friend and co-worker Kari was there waiting to get an autograph, so I hung around with her until she finished. Then he said he'd take a few pictures with us, so we jumped on the opportunity! Now, as aging as this is, our Activities Director, Sara, brought over a Polaroid camera (the digital camera was stolen some time back), and she left it with us. So, voila! We had instant pictures with Montel Williams. He didn't hesitate in the least, which was cool of him! So, I proudly display my picture of myself and Montel to all who will look at it! :) It's not that he's famous and I'm star-struck. It's that he's someone who's using his name and face to make a difference in our fine country. And what's not to admire and respect about that? :)

If you would like to check out your eligibility for this program, there is a short, 10-question questionnaire on their website, www.pparx.org, that you can fill out. You can also call their hotline at 1-888-4PPA-NOW to get more information. Oh, and the great part is, those of you who make too much to qualify for state help, but don't make enough to pay for insurance, are exactly the type that qualify. So don't sit there and blow it off thinking you won't qualify. I know of a LOT of people within my circle who would qualify. So what are you waiting for? Spread the word and check out the site!