Resources

[feline]

Hi guys!

I have been trying to continue with something FactNet had been doing- trying to find the names of people who have passed away either while in Scientology or shortly after being routed out. My sources for this information have been reading personal stories (some of you just knock me out!) and going through reconnection requests. One of the things I started to discover is that in reading someone's request for information about a person, I could answer the question already.

I think that there is a validity for this kind of database. I know that Mick is doing something similar with Ex SO but there are many public and staff that I'm trying to account for as well.

An aside to Mick, I would love to compare notes. I know you linked to the Ex SO on OSMB but I wasn't able to see the site.

I think that a valid resting place for the data would likely be the "Completions" site. It may also be something that Arnie would find useful.

This project started with two thought pathways- the first was that I wanted to see if there is a difference in cancer rates between Scientologists and the general public based on cancers that are thought to have a lower mortality rate when caught early. In cases where I can only find that a person had "cancer" (no origin known) I then try to find any filed death record to see if there was ever a diagnosis. If I can find that data I add it.

The second focus is to see if there is anything to the idea that there are more suicides, attempted suicides, and psychotic breaks in Sci than in the general public. Again, the information has never, that I am aware of, been compiled to a single location. But I can see where being able to quantify the statistics could be valuable.

Why am I doing this? Because the question gets asked but there really isn't an answer. And the data can be helpful for people trying to trace back the people that they have lost over the years. Why me? I have the time to burn in the effort. I work from home and am accustomed to being in front of a computer screen. Research is something I have always been good at and I can certainly use Access and most data modeling tools. But as Emma knows, I can't manage to put a hat on a kitty. I leave that to the talented ones! (thanks again for the pink! )

I am currently combing this board, OCMB, and Enturb along with FactNet.org. If you know of a resource I am missing, please let me know. If you know about people, let me know. I seem to recall that Paul had done a similar study at one time but I can't find the link again.

Any input at all will be welcome. Also, if there is information that you think would expand the usefulness of such a tool, please let me know. And if Chuck is reading, I know I owe you an email.

Thanks, guys.

[uncle sam]

I posted about the death of Dennis Dubin OT8 of prostate cancer October 2007, Bryn Mawr Hospital, Bryn Mawr Pa. He was public and went to Mexico for cancer treatment. His parents are very wealthy and would've done anything for Dennis- but he being a member of the cos listened to the culture and went did himself innnnnnnn. In the name of lrh may Dennis's theatan come back to earth and make amends.

[Mary]

Constructing some sort of database about cases of Scn who were diagnosed and or died of cancer and another for those who attempted or succeeded in suicide could be very valuable.

If its of any use, here are the little bits of data I have:

Eric Wilson, died of cancer 1999 approx. Was about 65 years old, on OT VII, Lived in the North of England.

Randy Rammage, died of cancer (I think) in approx 2001. He was about 45 years old, on OT VII. Lived in East Grinstead, UK. Very likely had been on the Freewinds to do courses.

I know of one un-successful suicide attempt of a young woman in the Sea Org. Can't say who at the moment.

[feline]

You guys are great! I had none of those names yet.

Once I have this to a maintainable level- as much pre-load as possible- I will get with Kristi Wachter and see what we have to do to get it up and viewable.

[FinallyMe]

I learned that Ellen Giffin died of cancer and I think it was a brain tumor - I was long out of Scn when I heard it. She was at least OT III and I think was at least a Class VI auditor, still in Scn when she died (maybe 1990-ish?). Her son, Mike Giffin, might still be in Scn. Her 2d was David Probstfeld.

[Wisened One]

I know of a fellow Staffmember who died a few years ago of Lung Cancer. She was I think OT III at the time.

I also know of a Public who committed suicide a few years ago,one of the reasons, because he was declared suppressive! I think he may've been OT III also, not sure tho.....

I know of another fellow Staffmember who repeatedly tried to kill himself due to the pressure of our ED, etc....

[feline]

Thanks guys!

I post here and at Enturb but have tried to stay out of the queue at OCMB. I hear that it takes time to be approved and Andreas doesn't have much of that. If someone here who also posts there doesn't mind cross posting this request, I would truly appreciate it. And I will make a point to get in queue over there.

I have come to the conclusion that I need to add a new field to the data I am gathering- Staff, Public, and Sea Org. I have this in notes but I am seeing where it is a valid way to parse the list. I have also started a tab for people known to be blown or off lines. That is mostly so that if I have to move them from one list to another, I can do that easily and without having to go back and comb data sources. And again, I can see a value to a database with this information- Maybe it can help to reconnect people.

This is a long and slow process but every time I can find a new resource of information, I am able to take it a bit further. I think that the biggest challenge is that people are self protective- and rightly so. I know what an ex is up against and I only experienced a very small part. And I work for the day when no one ever has to live in that kind of fear ever again.

The good part is that combing through the stories and reminiscences here, I have come to know most of you quite well. You seem almost like family- or perhaps friends I just haven't met yet.

Thanks!

[Good twin]

Thanks guys!

I post here and at Enturb but have tried to stay out of the queue at OCMB. I hear that it takes time to be approved and Andreas doesn't have much of that. If someone here who also posts there doesn't mind cross posting this request, I would truly appreciate it. And I will make a point to get in queue over there.

I have come to the conclusion that I need to add a new field to the data I am gathering- Staff, Public, and Sea Org. I have this in notes but I am seeing where it is a valid way to parse the list. I have also started a tab for people known to be blown or off lines. That is mostly so that if I have to move them from one list to another, I can do that easily and without having to go back and comb data sources. And again, I can see a value to a database with this information- Maybe it can help to reconnect people.

This is a long and slow process but every time I can find a new resource of information, I am able to take it a bit further. I think that the biggest challenge is that people are self protective- and rightly so. I know what an ex is up against and I only experienced a very small part. And I work for the day when no one ever has to live in that kind of fear ever again.

The good part is that combing through the stories and reminiscences here, I have come to know most of you quite well. You seem almost like family- or perhaps friends I just haven't met yet.

Thanks!

Aww shucks Feline. Love you too!

[slimjim]

faith hudson, UK OT, died of cancer in 1990's
Wendy Hepplewhite, UK OT died of cancer around 2000
Her son (don't know name) committed suicide a few years earlier
Chris Moriarty (spelling) committed suicide in the early 1990's (London)
L. Henriques, East Grinstead. training to be auditor, died of cancer 2001(?)
Suzie Wynne, London OT died of stroke around 2002
M. Dominique, died of cancer around 2005 (USA Los Angeles)
Bob Carter UK died of some rare disease in 1990's

[Mick Wenlock]

Hi Feline,

Big job you are taking on - but one that really needs doing IMHO. We did have a website for those SO members who had died but right now it is offline. Cathy Cariotaki was the person who took on the work of setting up - she died last year alas.

Alan Vos passed away a couple of weeks ago for those who may not have heard, he had diabetes.

Send me a PM and I'll give you my e-mail address and we can hook up.