On Tuesday I called Jeremy a member of Senator Clinton's Delegate outreach staff. I discussed their invitation for me to see Senator Clinton. I asked if I would I have a chance to speak to Senator Clinton? He said "Oh yes, that is why we asked you to come. We plan on setting aside some time for you to speak with her."

I told him it was short notice. I told him I was one of the lucky ones that has good job and did not know if I could make it.

I thought that there would be a chance I would get to speak with her. I also believed there was a good chance they would be behind schedule or a number of other reasons I might not. It might just turn out to be a round trip to Boca without a chance to speak with her.

After speaking with my sister and reflecting on my role as a cancer patient advocate and a delegate I decided it was worth the chance. I was not disappointed.

I went to work on Wednesday and after a morning meeting I sent Jeremy an email stating that I was leaving now and I would be on site in about 2 hours. As I was approaching Century Village the location for "Hillary’s Solutions for America" rally, my phone rang. It was Jeremy, he said he was glad I was coming and gave me further instructions to contact Will once I got to the site. I called Will and he said "I’ll be right out to get you."

Will found me in line and escorted me directly to the front of the very long line, through security and to a front row seat. He said that after her speech I would have the opportunity to speak with her.

There was real excitement in the air, lots of people holding up various signs, for Hillary, and that our votes need to be counted in Denver. As I waited there on the front row, I reviewed the policy papers Jeremy sent me a week earlier "Hillary Clinton's’ Plan to Fight Cancer."

Will came from behind the curtain and asked me "would you like to speak with her before she speaks to the crowd." I said "of course"

He took me behind the curtain where I was introduced to State Senator Ted Douche, and a local Clinton Delegate and a few others. We all spoke for a few minutes and I took the opportunity to tell Senator Douche that I had worked on Tony Sasso’s campaign and that I was working a grass root effort to get an access to clinical trial law passed in Florida. (never miss an opportunity to advocate, that’s my motto)

A few minutes later senator Douche received a message on his Blackberry and stated "They’re here." Will started moving me toward the doorway, he wanted me to be first to speak with her.

A few minutes later in came the entourage, first a few members of staff, then the secret service. Just like in the movies, they came in cased the location, took their positions with their eyes continually scanning the area. I don’t think these guys blink.

A few more came in, one guy came in pretty unkempt, must have been from the continual campaigning. Then in walked Chelsea, I said "Hi Chelsea" and she smiled and said "Hi." My heart went WOW; this is really going to happen. A few more came in and after a few more minutes in walked Senator Clinton. She approached me and I was prepared.

As Will began to introduce me I stepped over his introduction (sorry Will) and began my pitch. After my introduction as an Edwards delegate I said "Senator I am very concerned and troubled with the state of funding at the NIH and NCI" She replied enthusiastically "me too."

I continued telling her that I had read her policy papers on cancer and we were in total concert. I told her in my opinion that we needed to accomplish two of her policies and the rest would fall in line. Those two are 1) Doubling funding at the NIH and NCI, and 2) insuring access to clinical trials.

We continued our discussion for a good 5 minutes, discussing things like how our brightest scientists are either not entering or leaving the cancer research field. I said we need to get these things on the party’s platform and she agreed. I closed with a thank you for all you do for this country. Will escorted me back to my front row seat.

She spoke to the crowd of how "you did nothing wrong, you did not break a single rule" and "when the will of the electorate is known it should prevail." It was VERY well received. I must admit, since my primary vote was tabulated when Senator Edwards suspended his campaign, I did not realize how the Obama and Clinton supporters feel. They feel shafted again. I heard that message loud and clear and I will support it with whomever whenever I get a chance.

The most exciting thing, after her speech she came around for pictures and autographs. As she came close, I pulled from my back pocket my copy of her policy papers. "Hillary Clinton’s Plan to Fight Cancer." I handed it to her and asked for her autograph, as she read what I had handed her I said "Senator we must get this on the party’s platform. I want to work with you on this in Denver." She replied "We really do" and looked to her chief of staff and said get Barry in touch with Myra of our policy staff.

Myra did call me the next day. She kept asking me "If you have any questions" I replied "I want to know what I can do and what we are going to do together in Denver"

That is where it stands.

I pray for the patient’s and the families and for the future families. I pray that things will be different. I pray that they will be different for them soon.

You probably are wondering, are you ready to commit? The answer is no, I can not discuss commitment until I know for certain that my vote will be counted in Denver.

Peace out , peace soon , check it out!

Look to my previous post to read Senator Clinton's plan, it is exactly what we need, and you may be surprised that these things are not already in place. THEY NEED TO BE, review it and start advocating!