JUNE 14.2008* Q-NOTES 15
PERSPECTIVE^
Guest
Commentary
My life on the T Lisf
The following was submitted by a Q-Notes
reader who wishes to remain anonymous due to
the sensitive nature of the information he shares.
At the beginning of December 2006,1
was in perfect health. Looking forward to
Christmas and the New Year, I was working
hard, playing hard and hanging out with
friends and a boyfriend. By the end of the
month I was sick, in the hospital and facing
a possible liver transplant — all the result
of contracting Hepatitis B.
The first mistake I made was not being
aware of all the health issues associated
with being a gay man. The second mistake,
not asking enough questions at the doc
tor’s office.
So let me ask you, “Mr. & Miss Reader,”
how much do you know about Hepatitis B?
Have you ever discussed the disease with your
doctor? Did you know that Hepatitis B is the
ninth leading cause of death in the U.S.? Did
you know that there is a vaccine?
Neither did I.
My doctor never mentioned the disease or
the vaccine, and I even have a gay doctor. I
suspect the majority of you are like me, happi
ly unaware of this disease and the havoc it can
cause in your life.
So, for
the past five
months I
have been
trying to
recover.
Because
Hepatitis B
can cause
major liver
damage, that
might never repair itself, I was initially placed
on the liver transplant list.
Imagine living every day for months
waiting on the call from the transplant
center and wondering what is taking so
long and wondering if you will survive
until you receive the transplant. Imagine
wishing for a liver but terrified of the sur
gery and the aftermath. It’s hard to pray for
an organ knowing someone will die in
order to supply it.
Luckily or by a miracle (I choose to believe
miracle), my health has continued to improve
and I have been taken off of the liver trans
plant list. My doctor says he has never seen
anything like my recovery and that I have
defied all of the odds.
I write this to bring awareness to the LGBT
community. After I contracted Hepititis B, I
became aware of all the friends that have
never been vaccinated. I encourage you to talk
to your doctor and get vaccinated. While
you’re at it, go to www.donatelifenc.org and
become an organ.donor. Currently, there are
over 3,000 people in North Carolina waiting
on a donor.
Finally, I could not have survived that last
five months without my family, friends and
boyfriend. Their support has been a true
blessing, ft
— Have something to say? Write a letter to
the editor or guest commentary and submit
it to editor@q-notes.com.
Industry Day 2008
July 23, 2008
Government Contracting
This Symposium will introduce you to Government contracting with emphasis on the federal government. Topics
include types of contracts, qualifying bids for competitive advantages, support organizations, and recent changes in the
contracting environment. The course helps with preparing for and responding to service contract requests for proposals
(RFPs) and with strategies for improving the quality of proposals and winning bids. We compare applications for grants
and proposals for contracts and conclude with a workshop for students on there proposals or applications. ;
Taught by Robbie E. Watlington - Program Manager HLC Consulting
Perfect Proposal Prepartation i .
Already in business with basic registration accomplished and preparing your next bid/proposal from either local, kate
and federal sources? Learn the information needed to successfully prepare the government proposal and in a framework
that can be adapted to paticular needs and all skill levels. Talte advantage of contracting to grow your business.
How To Become A GSA Contractor
“GSA Schedules Program - The Course Describes”
• Various featuers of the GSA Schedules Program; • How to submit an offer;
• The evaluation and contract award process; • How to successfully market supplies and services; and
• Sources of information related to Schedule contract administration.
Small Business Recources
The Government is a strong advocate of minority and special audiences. Wliether you’re looking for information on
programs and services in support of women entrepreneurs, veteran’s business development. Native Americans, spccid
minority programs including HUBZone, Small Disadvantaged Business Certification and 8(a) business development,
you’ll find it here. The future of America’s small businesses and international trade depends on you. . i i „
Topics Include:
• Veterans; • Women Entrepreneurs;
• Young Entrepreneurs; • International Trade;
• Guide to the 8(a) Business Development Program; and
• Small Disadvantaged Business Program (SDB).
Native Americans;
Size Standards;
Opportunity Gaps;
SBA Partner Topics;
All of the topics will be discussed in great detail and each participant will be issued a workbook that lists all topics.
We will conclude the workshop with a questions and answer session and one-on-one with a class instructor will be
available as well.
This is an eight-hour session begining at 8:00 am and lasting untill 5:00 pm with a one-hour lunch provided by HLC
Consulting with two thirty-minute breaks in between classes.
The cost for the entire day, including lunch, is $899.00 and we will accept company checks with a completed .
registration package up to two weeks prior to July 23, 2008.
Class size is limited, so early registration is suggested.
We encourage persons with disabilities to participate in our programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type
of accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Robbie Watlington at
(919) 682-2651 in advance of your participation or visit.
To Registen
On-Line Registration http://horizonlogisticsconsulting.com/RegistrationForm.aspx
Please contact ILtymond Robertson or Robbie Watlington at 919-682-2651.
We will be hosting Industry Day 2008 on July 23, 2008 at: The Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, Durham, N.C.