Several days ago, I received a message from both of our lawyers, Bob Boyle and Brett Grote, informing me that the latest lab test came in from discovery requests. And they told me that the Hepatitis C infection level is at zero. And as of today, I’m Hep C-free.
This is in part due to some fine lawyering by Brett and Bob who, remember, filed suit while I was in the throes of a diabetic coma, unconscious, and thus unable to file for myself.
But it’s also due to you, the people, brothers and sisters who supported our efforts, who contributed to this fight with money, time, protests, and cramming courtrooms on our behalf, who sent cards, who prayed, who loved deeply.
I can’t thank you all individually, but if you hear my voice or read my words, know that I am thinking of you, and I’m thanking you for showing once again the power of the people. This battle ain’t over, for the state’s cruelest gift is my recent diagnosis of cirrhosis of the liver.
With your love, we shall prevail again. I thank you all: our noble doctors, Cory Weinstein, who told us what to look for; and Joseph Harris, who gave me my first diagnosis and who became the star of the court by making the mysteries of Hep C understandable to all; an internist working up in Harlem, Dr. Harris, found few thrills better than telling his many Hep C patients that they’re cured.
This struggle ain’t just for me, y’all. Because of your efforts, thousands of Pennsylvania prisoners now have hope of healing from the ravages of Hepatitis C. Let us march on ‘til victory is a-won, so goes the old Negro spiritual, the black national anthem. We are making it a reality. I love you all.
From imprisoned nation, this is Mumia Abu-Jamal.
These commentaries are recorded by Noelle Hanrahan of Prison Radio.