Vonda's Vlog

I ask people I'm interviewing about the life of Yogiraj Charles Bates three questions:

1. What's a favorite memory you have of Yogiraj?

2. Before Yogiraj died in 2012, did you know that medical errors contribute to harm and death? 

3. At your next medical appointment, whether you are a clinician, patient, or care supporter, can you imagine saying something like this (in your own words):

I'm committed to uniting with you to make this medical care safe. Please let me know what I can do to help us prioritize safety.

Here are several links to give you ideas on how to ensure that prioritizing the safe delivery of medical care impacts patients, clinicians, and the loved ones of everyone. 

https://patientsafetymovement.org/patient-safety-events/uniteforsafecare-virtual-event/

https://donate.patientsafetymovement.org/team/306416

These long walks of 5-8 miles each day have an added benefit of igniting new ideas. Today, I imagined engaging writers and actors on popular hospital and clinic television shows to host the upcoming Unite For Safe Care virtual event. It would be a great PSA from entertainers about the importance of understanding the 'real-life' issues related to delivering, receiving, and supporting safe medical care. Does anyone know these influencers? Shoot me an email if you do, please. [email protected]

Also, there are now over 460 people walking to #uniteforsafecare. Check out this Washington Post article published today.  

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/07/29/pandemic-hasnt-slowed-patient-safety-advocates-quest-walk-every-mlb-ballpark/

Inspired by Dr. David Mayer, who is walking across the United States to every professional baseball field, I took an 11-mile walk through Minneapolis. Did you know there are over 40 miles of connected parkways from Minneapolis to St. Paul, MN? This is just one reason I love this city. The people are my primary reason! I am looking forward to introducing several to you.

While I'm on this leg of the Zigzag For Zero, I'll be conducting several interviews, including family members who will speak to their experiences with Yogiraj. Stay tuned. 

Want to make my miles count for safe care? Your pledge would mean a lot!

https://pledge.charitymiles.org/pages/a8b8c713-dd45-4354-a67f-0792dc1725b7

What I proclaimed as rain coming was in fact the Sahara dust cloud sweeping through Oklahoma; many are calling it Godzilla. Sometimes what we know to be true - just isn't. Sometimes something so massively impactful is hidden in plain sight and we innocently deny it. At 10th Dot, we attribute this tendency to our Big Bad Wolf, who is also our greatest teacher.

On July 1st, I'll launch an eleven-week Zoom series discussing Yogiraj's second book, Pigs Eat Wolves; Going into partnership with your dark side. In these times of angst for so many, it can be helpful to clearly identify our Big Bad Wolf. Our wolf helps us WAIIT, ask Where Am I In This? WAIIT helps identify underlying agendas, which can complicate things while we are navigating life's challenges.

Want to meet your Big Bad Wolf? Want to learn to love yourself unconditionally? Join me for eleven calls to explore your dark side. There is no fee for the weekly zoom calls. Register here.

The online training has 35 lessons and can be purchased here.

Most of this recording is the sky glow and chattering critters at dusk. If a pause is in order, you may wish to skip past my two minutes of reflection.

I've zigzagged from Colorado to Oklahoma. Here, from the room my parents dedicated to Yogiraj, it occurs to me that in these dramatic times people are rising up to fix what WE know has effective solutions. By WE, I mean millions of people banding for a globe that seeks every person's sacred right to be safe from oppression.

I've been wowed by the swift progress being made to address systemic racism these last few weeks. And I recognize that it's because people have been brainstorming and testing solutions for decades. Organized dismantling of norms that should never have been formed is difficult work, whether it is taking place for a city, a school, a precinct, a hospital, or otherwise. This is a time of fixing what we know has solutions. 

Today, I added another interview to the Zigzag For Zero YouTube channel. Ken Thai addresses the role pharmacists have in delivering safe medical care. If you have ever filled a prescription, this is relevant to you and your safety. Take a look. 

Want to form a WE. Take a look at our online program, We Can Relate. 

Today, I returned to the red rocks of Sedona (AZ) and reflected upon the trip Yogiraj and I took there several years ago. It was sooooooo good. 

Traveling solo is great, but I admit to a degree of extra caution without beloved Yogiraj by my side. In both scenarios though, it's interesting to consider an actual verses perceived danger. 

Today, Dr. David Mayer and several of us who walked with him for all or part of 129 miles to every training ballpark around Pheonix, crossed home plate at Sloan Park, home of the Cubs. Check out this TV news coverage. You'll see me waving by. 

Like millions of people, I wake up, daystream, go to sleep, and nightdream about creating systemic change so that all life may thrive. The beloved Yogiraj Charles Bates did so too. And, he helped train hundreds of people to do so effectively.

As his wife, I had the honor of watching his dedication and skill every day for years. His family and loved ones also reaped the fruits of his passion that heralded lives and love with wisdom and competence. I ask for his guidance from beyond every day and am never disappointed. My last miles for this walk are dedicated to Yogiraj and our 'WE' (we cared for and named our relationship as an entity called WE), which continues to serve a world that benefits all with equity. If you want the skills of a master here are two online programs he created that may serve you. We Can Relate and Pigs Eat Wolves: Going into partnership with your dark side. 

Walking several miles to raise awareness about medical safety is helping me process the latest evidence of systemic racism - the excruciating death of Mr. George Floyd. I've been looking for models that have created systems that are safe for all. If you have some to point to, please pass them along. 

People are going to extraordinary lengths to ensure that everyone who delivers, receives and supports medical care can do so safely. I joined Dr. David Mayer, his wife Cathy, and two more safety awareness advocates (Lisa and Barbara) for a walk from the American Family Fields to Peoria stadiums in Pheonix, AZ. Dave and several others are walking 125 miles over ten days, raising donations and awareness to support everyone influencing and influenced by medical care. My pals Marty and Tracy are walking in Chicago and on Peletrons. I could go on!

May every person's mile lead us closer to zero preventable medical harm - which helps absolutely everyone!

Do you walk, bike or run? You can make your miles matter for medical safety here. 

Check out the press about Dave's Epic Walk