Posted 5/5/2009 5:11 PM (GMT -7)
My note -
Dear Corporate Kodak Commercial team,
I just viewed your recent commercial "mom-a-thon.com" intended to humor mother's for this upcoming holiday; and was astounded to see the' important misdiagnosis statement' at the bottom of your advertisement, citing Lyme disease in a jovial manner. Was Florence Henderson, your celebrity spokesperson for this commercial and national honorary chair of Speaking of Women's Health and co-host of Lifetime's "Speaking of Women's Health" television show that airs on Lifetime TV, aware that a disease that afflicts immeasurable numbers of women was to be included in her commercial?
To those who have suffered from the real mis-diagnosis of Lyme disease across nation, and who are fighting for their lives b/c of political warfare and a medical miscogeny much like that of the syphillis era, this message is very offensive.
As word spreads amongst those who suffer, that Kodak chose to include Lyme disease in a line up of other totally unrelated syndromes, you will most likely be deluged with communications and perhaps suffer the adverse affects of poor advertising. This was quite honestly produced in poor taste.
It also suggests that those who created and approved the written content of this commercial thinking this would add to the humor, have not experienced long term suffering of a particular disease.
With a pandemic, deadly bacterial disease such as Burgderfori Borrelia (Lyme) and it's co-infections (Mycoplasma, Erlicheosis, Babesia, Bartonella, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, etc); years of dedicated work by top researchers and highly skilled physicians, molecular and forensic scientists and educated legislators to bring answers for a cure, for which there is not for late stage diagnosis, it was sad and disturbing to see it frivolously used as an example amongst common and unrelated syndromes. The mis-diagnosis statement should have never been used for any of the plagues, quite frankly. It pokes fun and is condescending to those who have suffered in ways that your staff/team indicate a lack of respect for.
As a consumer, I respectfully request an amended change to remove Lyme disease from this commercial. I respectfully ask that a form letter not be used in reply to my personal correspondence to you; please a personal reply. I also respectfully request that this communication be forwarded up line to your President and acknowledgment of having done so.
I can be reached at the email address included with this correspondence. My daughter nearly died of Lyme disease. We have met, educated, served and grieved with thousands of families across this nation who are suffering. B/c of our personal incurable battle, we now serve as volunteer, national Lyme disease educators/advocates.
Your commercial minimizes the reality of thousands and thousands of families who are suffering. Our role is to help bring integrity, truth and shed light on factual science and the emergent need for a cure. We would appreciate Kodak's cooperation in supporting and unifying in this effort. You may read our daughter's story at www.stylebyheatherrose.com. Hers represents one of hundreds of thousands. Please note that a majority of the photos posted were taken by Kodak cameras. With all due respect, food for thought.
Perhaps Kodak would consider sponsoring a foundation to help families whose insurance does not cover their medical costs due to the political conflicts of interest, to help them provide care for their loved ones; or perhaps Kodak would aid in helping us further the education of Lyme disease as well as promoting the legislation that is intended to move Research and Development forward for a gold standard test and new proven treatment protocols that would help bring about the cure. http://www.cwork.com/ Perhaps Kodak would consider ways to help us bring much needed education to primary care physicians through our preceptor ship training programs.
Kodak was founded by Eastman in New York. New York is ranked #1 endemic for Lyme disease. Are you reading my letter from a New York (or perhaps New Jersey also endemic for Lyme) office?
Eastman Kodak's Mission Statement says: "At Kodak, we believe that by doing well by shareholders also means doing right by customers, employees, neighbors, and suppliers. With that in mind, Kodak operates its facilities, and designs and markets its products and services , not only to increase shareholder value, but also to promote development of the individual, the well being of the community, and respect for the environment."
Your corporation's Values & Mission statement goes on to say: "All of us at Kodak work from a set of core values, and we're proud to say that our resulting personal conduct allows for an environment that is free from inappropriate pressures and diversions. We show respect for the dignity of the individual. And in the process, we value and champion our human differences. This helps us maintain the diversity of our workforce. We uphold uncompromising integrity. We demonstrate honest, ethical behavior in all transactions, placing the success of our business and its people ahead of any personal gain."
It would seem as though your mission has been compromised.
Most respectfully.......