Is hope a form of denial or a sign of optimism?

CHARITY

WEEK ONE:

After deciding to commit myself to provide a free dental care for Crisis charity this Christmas I have decided to take it a step further and to approach my professional colleagues regarding this in a hope to raise awarness, receive a verbal support, a word of experience and possibly some financial support for Crisis as well.

 

I should really call this "I have been feeling like a piece of sh*t".

 

Well, myself I feel pretty good but after posting a link about my charity stunt to a forum of 1200 local dental hygienists, and believe me, it was read by many, a big fat zero of response reached back to me. 

I am not even talking about financial support here, I am talking about as little as a verbal support from my professional peers.

 

This has led me to doubting myself and my small plan of action. Even those who do what I do, don't give a toss? I felt really down but then I begun to question whether it is me or them who should feel down about themselves?

 

I am actually heading to the first line of fire myself, am contacting many people about what I am going to do in hope to raise awareness and money. All they have to do is click and add as little as 50p to the account, from the comfort of their home or office.

 

Things got going, though, with a rather optimistic email from Lucka and Garth. Despite living away from the UK, they would like to contribute to my cause. Thank you!! The first little light at the end of a dark tunnel. This has reset my flat enthusiasm and I have created and printed small posters yesterday to be placed at our reception and in the waiting room at work. 

 

They were up for only 1/2 an hour before the first words of support landed on my ears from a lady whose friend did general nursing for Crisis (with a warning to take my oldest uniform, plenty of tea tree oil to dab in my mask and to have a good shower after, in case I can not wrap myself in a bin liner head to toe).

The verbal support that floated from my patients for the rest of the day was totally overwhelming. My receptionist once again proved to be a multitasking Goddess and managed (in between taking the payments and organising book for 4 busy surgeries) to promote my cause to people.

 

Still no money in the collection tin (partly because we did not have the change to break people's notes - must get this sorted) or the web account. People were, however, writing down the link and taking small notes with all the info. 

 

Fingers crossed things will get rolling. 3 of my work places are happy for me place small posters and collection tins on their premises so we shall see how things turn up.

 

WEEK TWO:

...and the rusty wheels at the hygiene forum are still stuck. My post is being pushed down, read and ignored by many.

I am glad to know that 156 UK hygienists have read my post about volunteering so far. Perhaps it will show to them that the hygienists from abroad, which they fear so much for possibly taking over the local job market (this has been discussed many times on the forum) are actually not only a professional competition, but a pretty much a competition on every- including the human - level.

 

On the other hand I have received an overwhelming verbal support from my patients at Battersea. People are passing on comments such as:

"It is incredible what you are doing."

"They are lucky to have you there."

"Those people will be so lucky to have you treating them."

"Well done, I am so proud of you."

"Ah, you are brave! How can I help?"

 

The collection tin is starting to rattle and what's more - some people actually put notes in. 

 

One of my receptionists donated online and so did a recently retired patient of mine. A couple of friends called me to to confirm that they will be contributing at the end of November.

 

Both Bedfont Green and Fulham have agreed on having small posters and collection tins placed at the reception. I only work a day in each of them so I do not expect much as I am a little "behind the scene". However - Denise, my practice manager, did a very kind gesture and suggested to cancel Secret Santa and appealed to the whole team to contribute to my cause instead. And it looks like the team have agreed! This could seriously help to reach the target.

 

My parents seem to believe in the cause as well but (just like some of my patients) want to be sure that I will not put my health at risk. There is always a risk, every day, in my job. Sharp steel and blood. Some people my choose not to reveal their full medical history and what looks like "no risk" on the paper can be a massive risk in reality.

And for this reason in a medical environment EVERYONE is treated as a high risk patient. Accidents do happen and if unlucky, some may have life long health consequences. However, I do believe that being sensible, cautious and protected (just as I am in my paid job) will be effective enough.