Fwd: Note from Amanda Zappia

[jasaffin@xxxxxxxxxx]

>From: Amanda Zappia <azappia@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>Bcc:
>Subject: Note from Amanda Zappia
>Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2000 09:27:09 +1100
>Organization: Australia Burma Council
>X-Mailer: Microsoft Internet E-mail/MAPI - 8.0.0.4211
>Encoding: 57 TEXT
>
>Dear all,
>
>As you are probably aware by now, my father has another primary cancer. 
> This time it is Mesothilioma which is a particularly vicious decease which 
>has a prognosis of three to twelve months.  He was operated on the 5th 
>January to remove a large tumour but the decease has already spread 
>further.  Once again he has embarked on a regime of therapy which includes 
>nutritional care, Chinese herbal medicine and meditation.  The conservative 
>medical world sends these patients home to die without any hope of recovery 
>but Dad has faith that he can, once again, cure himself with the help of 
>the East.
>
>Most of you know how close I am to my father and how much support he has 
>given our movement.  He now needs my emotional support and hands on 
>assistance.  I am brewing the herbs, sitting with him till he sleeps at 
>night and working with conservatives and alternate doctors to try and find 
>safe ways to relieve his pain and nausea.  Also helping to run his office. 
> It might sound excessive, but it is a full time job.
>
>I have waited for his instant recovery so that I could get back into this 
>office and get on with my work for Burma but this it seems is not going to 
>happen in the near future.  For this reason I have made the very difficult 
>decision that I am unable to work for the movement for the time being.  I 
>have consulted with Prime Minister, NCGUB, Dr Sein Win, Dr Thaung Htun, 
>Burma UN Service Office and Maung Maung, General Secretary of the FTUB, all 
>being my key employers.  Rather than resignation their preference is 
>extended leave for up to twelve months.  I have agreed to that.
>
>Please do not think that this decision has been made lightly or easily.  I 
>am devoted to the democratic movement of Burma and the many wonderful 
>people with whom I work, however, I simply have no option.  At a personal 
>level I am here if I can help with advice or contacts, nationally or 
>internationally.
>
>The Australia Burma Council will need to hold a special meeting with the 
>Burma Office in Sydney and in consultation with the NCGUB / FTUB to decide 
>who will be my contact point for the purpose of referral and action.  This 
>will require some organisation but as soon as possible you will be informed 
>of who will be taking over the various aspects of the work of this office.
>
>Your understanding in this matter is sought.
>
>Could someone please send this message to the net as I have not re 
>subscribed to Burma net1 since returning from New York.
>
>My love to each and every one of you.
>
>Amanda Zappia
>
>Working on behalf of the:
>National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB)
>Federation of Trade Unions, Burma (FTUB)
>Australia Burma Council (ABC)
>
>PO Box 2024, Queanbeyan, NSW 2620
>Tel: (612) 6297 7734	Fax: (612) 6297 7773
>