Greg Hasberry

Special to the Enquirer
For me, the majority of what is perceived as manhood is based on many things the world views as masculine: images in magazines and on social media, athletic prowess, even money and financial status.
Just like many, I was caught up in some of the same circumstances for a large majority of my life until I met a woman by the name of Joanna Hawkins. She was the social worker assigned to me and truly made an impact on my life.

I bounced between four different dialysis units here locally before I finally settled into my final place of treatment one year before my transplant.
Throughout our time of getting to know each other, she became a client of mine in fitness – but even more so, she became my guardian angel.

If you ask her about it, she would quickly dismiss it as “It’s my job.”

While continuing my normal dialysis treatments, something that was vital was keeping my body chemistry, organs and blood pressure in the best possible position. I needed a certain prescription that was an astronomical cost. The supply that was needed was $10,000 for three months at the discounted health insurance plan cost.

Bearing a heavy financial burden at the time, I proceeded to the pharmacy with so much anxiety and stress that walking was unbearable. I was hardly able to move one foot in front of the other.

At the checkout counter, the pharmacist explained to me that I qualified for a government program and the calcium binders were free. I broke down at that moment.

If you’ve never experienced what it feels like to have an elephant removed from your shoulders – it’s an amazing feeling.

It took me no time to realize that it was Joanna who went to bat for me. I quickly realized the true importance and impact people can make in your life and the need to be in your friends’ and influencers’ “corner.”

I never took that moment for granted and now try and give back in any way that I can.

Bill Anderson wrote :
“I plowed the fields, and I planted the seed; I worked my hands to the bone
But the ground laid barren till He sent the sunshine, for I can do nothing alone
I raised the corn, and I rode to the mill with the best crop I ever had grown
But the wheel wouldn’t grind till He stirred the waters, for I can do nothing alone.”