PEOPLE POWER... Never underestimate it. Im forever signing petitions that call for change in order to help less fortunate, disadvantaged or forgotten people/communities/countries etc. Nothing makes me happier than recieving the follow up emails claiming victory. Here is one i recieved today. Sarah -- Its being called a clear win for people power. Just a fortnight ago Nicole Perko had been waiting months longer than recommended for stomach cancer surgery; other cancer patients were becoming inoperable due to the excessive waiting times. But now, after more than 77,000 people added their names to the change.org petition started by Sam McCauley, mum-of-five Nicole Perko will get the surgery she urgently needs -- and the NSW government is stepping in to fix cancer surgery waiting times. Its a remarkable story. Sam, an 18-year-old from Dubbo who had never met Nicole, heard about her situation via social media. He knew something needed to be done. So he started a change.org petition demanding the Health Minister step in to save Nicole and the 40 others on the waiting list. It was a phenomenon. Within hours, tens of thousands of people were signing on and sharing it with friends. High profile celebrities like Russell Crowe, Jen Hawkins and David Campbell were all adding their support -- and national media began picking up the story. The people powered effort to save Nicole was featured on A Current Affair, the Today Show, ABC News, in the Sydney Morning Herald and Daily Telegraph, 2GB and 2UE radio and many more. It forced NSW Premier Barry OFarrell and the Health Minister to respond -- stepping in to ensure Nicole and the 40 others on the waiting list get the life-saving treatment they need by opening six extra surgery places, while committing to finding a longer-term solution. This is a story of how people power can make a difference. Helping save Nicoles life. Potentially many others lives too. And it all started with the simple action of one person starting a petition; only winning because people like you signed in their thousands. Read more and share this incredible people-power story with friends and family -- and check out this mornings Today Show that featured Nicole live on-air with her doctor talking about the petition here. Thanks for being a part of the change.org community. Its days like this where it seems all worthwhile taking action on something you care about. All the best, Nathan, Karen, Owen, Tony and the Change.org team.
Posted on: Tue, 22 Oct 2013 09:13:58 +0000
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