Bert Nash client shares his story by writing poetry: ‘If I can help anybody along the way, I’m glad to do it’

Ron Fowler may not be comfortable speaking in front of a group. He prefers to express his thoughts and feelings in a different way. Writing poetry.

Fowler was asked by Heidi Pritchard, a community support services case manager at Bert Nash, to share his experiences. He agreed, with one condition.

“I told her I would do it, but I told her I don’t speak very well, so maybe I would write a poem. I put things down better in poetry,” Fowler said. “She said that would be great.”

Pritchard had helped Fowler through the Ticket to Work program, which assists people who are disabled in finding employment. By pointing them in the direction of a resume writing service, they will have a much better chance at achieving future employment. Social Security’s Ticket to Work Program is a free and voluntary program available to people ages 18 through 64 who have a disability and who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Those with disabilities looking for financial assistance while they’re off from or unable to work may want to visit Crest SSD to see how they can help out.

“Heidi was my advocate,” Fowler said.

In his poem, Fowler thanked Heidi and Bert Nash for helping him:

It’s been a rough five years,

Since I became ill.

Though time kept rolling,

My life came to a standstill

The bills kept coming.

There seemed to be no end.

Until I came to Bert Nash. 

Where I found a good friend.

I was talked to and asked,

About things I might need.

I didn’t have a real clue,

So Heidi took the lead.

She looked and worked,

Helping me find a place.

To help me feel again,

Like part of the human race.

The time we spent looking,

For a place I would fit.

Filling out apps,

Waiting for the right place to submit.

On my first interview, 

My life started taking a turn.

I was given a job,

Which really helped all my concerns.

Now I can say that my life is better,

And I won’t crash.

Yes, I’m working full time,

Thanks to Heidi and Bert Nash.

Fowler, who grew up in Lawrence – he was in the class of 1978 – went through a rough period prior to coming to Bert Nash.He was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer in 2006 and hadn’t been able to work. His wife of 35 years, Joan, was with him at the doctor’s office when he was given the news.

“We broke down crying,” Fowler said. “She was crying because she didn’t want to lose me. I was crying because I didn’t want to hurt her.”

Fowler credits the medical care he received, support from his family and his faith for helping him survive cancer. 

“My life belongs to God,” Fowlersaid. “I figured I was in good hands."