22 Comments
User's avatar
M. E. Fry's avatar

You're absolutely right, we deserve better, and people are going to die because of RFK Jr.'s incompetence. We do need to speak out about these grifters heading government agencies. Thank you for writing this, and other, pieces.

Expand full comment
Broadwaybabyto's avatar

You’re welcome, and thank you for reading!

Expand full comment
Cathy Dunn's avatar

I’m very sorry for the loss of your mom. Thank you for sharing what must have been incredibly difficult to articulate in such heartfelt detail. The loss of our mother especially at a younger age is one of life’s most devastating experiences. I lost mine to terminal cancer when she was 58 yo and my sister the exact same cancer passing at the same age of 58. I’m 66 now and witnessing the assault on our healthcare -as a retired nurse- this is beyond comprehension. I have such anger and frustration that for someone like me who was on top of all the medical issues prior to this year, I find myself so utterly overwhelmed and tapped out I can’t bring myself to watch the news, hear their sickening voices and know of their selfish beyond inept agendas. We deserve progress not a loss of 50 yrs of research.

You write beautifully. It reads effortlessly. Like poetry. This piece hit hard but I was so in sync with every word. From the bottom of my heart I send you a sisterhood hug and thank you, for your voice and all you do.

Your mom would be and IS so very proud of you. 💕🤍

Expand full comment
Broadwaybabyto's avatar

Thank you so much for your kind words Cathy, they genuinely brought a tear to my eye.

I’m so sorry that we both share this pain and rage, but I’m also glad we aren’t alone.

There are many wonderful people out there who will keep fighting for progress. I sincerely hope the damage this administration are doing is as short lived as possible so that future generations can be spared the pain and loss we went through.

Expand full comment
Lucinda's avatar

That was a tough read. My stepmum was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer yesterday. I wish the vaccine was closer.

Expand full comment
Broadwaybabyto's avatar

I’m so sorry to hear that Lucinda. I’m sending you (and her!) all my love and healing vibes.

I linked to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at the end, I definitely recommend checking them out if you haven’t already. They have excellent resources and support.

Expand full comment
Lucinda's avatar

Thank you, that’s kind of you. She’s also not masking in hospital and refused my offer of a HEPA purifier so I’m also freaking out about that. My dad is my carer as well as hers.

I’ll check out those resources, thanks xx

Expand full comment
Christopher Noyes's avatar

So sorry for your loss my mother died from several cancers that were caught rather late and not diagnosed well

Expand full comment
Broadwaybabyto's avatar

I’m so sorry for your loss as well Christopher. And that her cancers were found too late.

Expand full comment
Bob's avatar

That was very poignant and moving

One thing that is apparent from your writing is that your mother certainly instilled the fighter instinct in you and we know that you are going to continue fighting for just causes, few of which are as important as this one

As always, Bob

Expand full comment
Broadwaybabyto's avatar

She definitely did! She always said I would be someone who would make noise in the world… and that’s what I’m trying to do!

Expand full comment
Christopher Noyes's avatar

Steve Jobs Apple’s founder died of it as well.

Expand full comment
Broadwaybabyto's avatar

Yes indeed. Though it’s important to note he had the type that has a better survival rate (which is rare). I think he refused treatment and pursued a more holistic approach if I recall correctly?

Expand full comment
Steve Foman's avatar

I lost my dad to pancreatic cancer when he was 35 years old. I was 5 months from my 12th birthday. He was diagnosed in late October and passed in early February. I remember him going into the hospital around Christmas time and coming home in early January. He was so gaunt, his clothes hung on him. I have lived in fear of this disease ever since then. The fact that one misguided arrogant man can stop all research into potential ways to make this disease manageable makes me sick. We can only hope that when a more reasonable administration takes charge and this man is unceremoniously removed from his position that mRNA research will once again be funded.

Expand full comment
Jan Sheringham's avatar

From a retired Family Physician Down Under, I share your pain, frustration and anger that this deranged individual had been granted control over a health system he despises at all levels, just not the dysfunctional illness care component, and who hasn’t the skills, knowledge or expertise to manage himself or his family safely, let alone a nation! The whole world will suffer, many have already died from the loss of USAID too, and the removal of funding for global initiatives like GAVI will have repercussions at home as well as on those who would have been recipients of their programs.

For the sake of all those put at risk by the de-funding of mRNA research, I can only offer my supporting thoughts, and donations to my local research agencies. This work MUST continue. Please donate and advocate wherever and whenever you can.

Expand full comment
Jane Harrison's avatar

I’m so sorry to read about your devastating loss, thank you for sharing this part of your story and the important message it contains. 🙏

Expand full comment
The Rainbow Zee's avatar

I am crying. For you. For those I've lost to cancer. For my chosen sister who has been battling breast cancer for two years and may have a secondary cancer. Forthee sweet 10yo in our community who battled cancer for 3 years and died before her 11th birthday.

I am so fxcking angry and heartbroken.

Expand full comment
William's avatar

Thank you for sharing so openly and the work you do to spread knowledge and advice to others. I'm sure your mother would be very proud.

Expand full comment
Melissa Redman's avatar

We all know that T**** hates"experts".He has well proven it by appointing the worst crackpots money can buy.

Meanwhile,people will needlessly become disabled and many will die,so the morbidly wealthy can have their desired Utopia.

I am so thoroughly sick and tired of these idiots.

Expand full comment
Jan Hempstead, RN's avatar

As a nurse, mom and now, chronically ill patient, your story saddened and incensed me. I have watched the devastation of pancreatic cancer and I am so very sorry you had to experience that. I am equally irate that this NON-MEDICAL person is making these life-altering decisions for all of us. JFK Jr. has no medical degree, yet is calling the shots on clinical decisions that will affect us all. Thank you for speaking loud and cleat.

Expand full comment
Vexaniel Palasty's avatar

I think Donald J. should put heroin junkies in charge of everything. I mean what could go wrong? He pit a farmer in charge of the new Gestapo, a former part time captain, in charge of defense, why not a crack pot addict in charge of health? Excuse me while I take a huge Trump!

Expand full comment