Ram Dass agrees to be interviewed

Yes, you read that correctly.. I asked him if he would do an interview for my Stroke Recovery DVD and he agreed. You get nothing of what you don't try for, so I decided to write to him. He is the spiritual leader for my generation and the author of "Be Here Now". He had a stroke in 1997 and was the subject of the PBS documentray "Fierce Grace". I am currently reading his book "Still Here: Embracing Aging, Changing, and Dying" to prepare for that interview. I feel he will add a lot to my Stroke Recovery DVD!

For more information on Ram Dass go here RamDass.org
Click it, it's a hyperlink.

To purchase "Still Here" go here Still Here
Click it, it's a hyperlink.

For more information on "Fierce Grace" go here Fierce Grace
Click it, it's a hyperlink.

To purchase "Fierce Grace" go here Fierce Grace
Click it, it's a hyperlink.

Here's a search of all his work Ram Dass
Click it, it's a hyperlink.

To see a clip from "Fierce Grace" go here Fierce Grace clip
Click it, it's a hyperlink.



Here's my letter to him.

Ram Dass,

I am a video producer who, after having a hemorrhagic stroke on April 4, 2008, discovered the gap that exists in stroke recovery once you leave the rehab hospital. So, I decided to try to bridge some of this gap by creating a DVD on stroke recovery. TriState Stroke Association is going to apply for a grant from the Centers for Disease Control to pay for the video production. If that does not come through, I will figure out how to raise the money or pay for it myself.

Shortly after my stroke, my daughter bought me a copy of "Fierce Grace" and I first watched it while I was still in a rehab hospital. I have watched it several more times since then and found a lot of wisdom and truth in it. I would like to interview you for this project, if you are willing. I would like to talk about the importance of attitude in stroke recovery, some of your experiences, and about making sense out of some of the things that happen to us in life. I'm sure there are other areas of conversation that would come up in the interview. I am also more than open to any ideas you might have.

I know you are a busy person, but I also know that you have been impacted by stroke and probably would like to impart some wisdom to others on a stroke recovery journey similar to yours and mine. Proceeds from the video would support stroke recovery and prevention. I've attached my proposal (and pasted in this email), a quote on attitude, and a few pictures that tell the story of my recovery. I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,
Ralph Preston


Here is his reply.

Yes, I am interested in interviewing for your DVD.
Namaste,
Ram Dass

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor declines an interview

For more information on Dr. Jill bolte Taylor and "My Stroke of Insight"
Dr. Jill bolte Taylor and "My Stroke of Insight"
Click it, it's a hyperlink.


To purchase "My Stroke of Insight" hardcover go here My Stroke of Insight - hardcover
Click it, it's a hyperlink.

To purchase "My Stroke of Insight" paperback go here My Stroke of Insight - paperback
Click it, it's a hyperlink.





Help me to convince her by posting your comments here.


My letter to her.

Dr. Jill,

I am a video producer who had a stroke 14 months ago tomorrow. I am producing a DVD on Stroke Recovery to help bridge the gap that exists when you get out the rehab hospital and have to manage your own recovery. I made quite the recovery due to my attitude and the hard work I was able to do because I maintained a good attitude. Rather than explain it all here you can go to my blog and read about it, My idea is there in detail, too.

www.strokedvd.blogspot.com

What I would like to know is would you be willing to do an interview with me for the DVD. I would ask you questions about attitude, perseverance, what you did when you were down, what you did to keep from getting down, etc. I feel that attitude is key to any recovery.

I would also reread your book and come up with some other questions. By the way, my wife, who is a writer herself, also read it and said you are a very good writer. I would work with you in any way you desire. I would come to you or meet you somewhere in your travels. It would take between half an hour and an hour, depending on how much time you could spare. I could submit questions in advance. You can tell me your conditions.

Everyone I have spoken to at rehab hospitals, neurological units, and stroke centers loves my idea. I am working through Tri-State Stroke Association, because they offered to write a grant. We are trying to get the Centers for Disease Control to fund it. If that is the case, the DVD will be given away (or sold for duplication and shipping costs only). In any case, I am not looking to profit from this or off of you. I want to help as many people as I can through the stroke recovery process. There would be an appearance fee that we will be paying. You can donate it to your favorite organization, foundation, or charity, if you don't want it yourself.

I know you are a busy person. I think you have a lot to contribute. I think it would benefit those in stroke recovery to hear your thoughts. You know how important that can be when you are recovering. Ram Dass has agreed to an interview. "Fierce Grace" and "My Stroke of Insight" were big influences on me and helped me. That is why I am asking you. I have asked Chuck Swindoll, but not heard anything. I have lived by his Attitude quote. I am also going to ask Dr, Wayne Dyer, who is a friend of Ram Dass and lives near him in Hawaii. I intend to ask Lance Armstrong, who did not have a stroke but knows a thing or two about attitude and recovery. When I saw Bob Woodruff on ABC last night I thought he might also be a great interview. He has journeyed far. Feel free to suggest anyone else you might know. So, there you have it.

Regards,
Ralph Preston


Her reply from Dr. Katherine Domingo

Hello Mr. Preston --

Thanks for your message and sharing your story and idea. Dr. Taylor is certainly cheering you on with anything that may be of help and value to stroke survivors. At this point, her schedule is very busy and she is not in the position to accept this wonderful offer. However, she does wish for great success and is grateful for the work you are doing to help stroke survivors--and congratulates you on your own recovery and rehabilitation!

Thanks again,
Kat
Dr. Katherine Domingo

"Please take responsibility for the energy you bring into this space." ~ Jill Bolte Taylor

North Carolina Senior Games

Since I was the only one in my age group that showed up to bicycle, I won 3 gold medals at the Macon County Senior Games and qualified for the 2009 North Carolina Senior Games. I will ride my bike in them to draw attention to stroke awareness. They are Sunday Spetember 27, 2009 in Raleigh.

North Carolina Stroke Association's Cycle for Life

I am going to participate in the North Carolina Stroke Association's Cycle for Life event on Saturday, October 3, 2009, at the Hanover Park Vineyard, Yadkinville, NC. I am one of the "letter writers" for the North Carolina Stroke Association for this event. Here is the letter I'm sending out to family, friends, and business associates. If you want to help out, you can too. Just send a check to North Carolina Stroke Association at P.O. Box 571002, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157-1002, and put my name in the memo line. You can also come out and cycle or enjoy a day at the winery, have lunch, and do a 1-mile walk around the grounds.


Dear...

I would like to thank all of my family and friends who have supported me in my journey these last 15 months. The outpouring of love and support I have received means a lot to me, as did the cards, phone calls, emails, discussions, and hugs. I thank you all.

Most of you know about my stroke, my recovery, and my mission to help others through the recovery process. One good way to do that is through stroke prevention. If you don’t have a stroke, you don’t have to recover from it. Stroke prevention is exactly what The North Carolina Stroke Association does through their community grant programs.

In talking with people since I had my stroke, I’ve realized how prevalent stroke is. Everyone I talk to knows someone whose life has been affected by stroke. I’m sure you do, too. It not only changes the lives of the affected individuals, but families as well.

I’ve worked hard to regain my abilities. I was able to get back on my bike and ride 10 months after my stroke. Because I can, I’m going to ride my bike to help others. So, on Saturday, October 3, 2009, I’m going to participate in The North Carolina Stroke Association’s 6th Annual “Cycle for Life 2009” bike tour to raise awareness and money for their stroke-prevention efforts. Here’s where you come in. I’m asking for your financial support as I ride.

Many of you know how much I loved running and cycling prior to the stroke. It will be my great pleasure to show that it is possible to make physical progress through perseverance. I will be one of only four riders who have experienced a stroke.

With your support, we can save thousands of lives by preventing stroke. Please help me to make this a reality. You may make your check payable to The North Carolina Stroke Association and mail it in the self-addressed envelope. Your contribution supports The North Carolina Stroke Association’s Grant Program. In 2008, this program awarded $40,000 in grants to rural hospitals to implement stroke-prevention programs. It is a 501(c)3, so your contribution is fully tax-deductible.

I hope you are able to help this worthy cause. And, if you want to enjoy a beautiful autumn day at a North Carolina winery, come on out to Hanover Park Vineyard and cheer on the riders.

Sincerely,

Ralph Preston


P.S. If you want to find out more about Cycle for Life 2009, visit North Carolina Stroke Association Click it, it's a hyperlink. Or, Cycle for Life 2008

On-line registration will be avaliable July 1st
Cycle for Life...2009 bike tour registration brochure
Cycle for Life...2009 Team registration form
Cue sheets and Maps for: 65 mile course, 40 Mile course, 24 Mile course, 7.5 Mile course

Speech to Life Care Centers of America

Monday, June 1, 2009, I spoke to a group of Life Care Centers of America rehab hospital directors in Cleveland, TN. I was honored to be asked. I have to say they are the warmest most genuine group of people I have met lately. I suspect it is part of their corporate culture. Here is my speech, without the ad libs and live demonstrations.

By the way, I recently discovered you can click on the pictures here for a larger view. I took the pictures, unless otherwise noted.



My name is Ralph Preston. I am a videographer and still photographer. I live over the mountains in Franklin, NC. These are pictures I took there.