It’s the time of year for gratitude for those of us who have been given so much

Time for gratitude

Thanksgiving is the time of the year to show our gratitude for the many gifts we receive just by living in the USA.

Our standard of living has improved greatly with growing new technology and vast improvements in healthcare outcomes through constant research.

Be thankful for all who protect us 24/7 from serious harm. These are the men and women in our military, first responders and our medical response teams.

Give thanks to all who provide the dependable federal and municipal services - our postal service, educators, utility workers, and all who make our government and private services sustainable.

Enjoy our entertainers and sports teams who provide us with a means for relaxation.

Give thanks to all religious who offer guidance through life’s difficulties.

Remember all who are no longer with us.

Be thankful for all these contributors who provide us with a safe and productive life.

Bob Sweeney, Warwick, R. I.

22q awareness

22q11.2 Deletion syndrome (22q) is one of the most common genetic disorders in children. It is second in prevalence only to Down syndrome. Many parents and healthcare professionals in Kentucky, however, are not familiar with the diagnosis or its extreme variability of 180+ possible symptoms because only those children born with heart defects or other serious health issues are routinely screened at birth for genetic disorders.

Because symptoms may not be prevalent at birth, and because they may affect every system in the body, early detection is critical and can lead to earlier interventions and better outcomes for affected individuals and their families.

Special clinics offer parents the comprehensive multidisciplinary medical support their child needs, but because there are none in Kentucky, parents have to travel to Durham, North Carolina; Kansas City, Missouri; Cincinnati, Ohio or Atlanta, Georgia.

November is 22q Awareness Month worldwide. Please take a few moments to go online and learn more about 22q, then share what you’ve learned with others, especially parents and healthcare professionals. Perhaps someday, with your help, 22q will be as well-known as Down syndrome. Consider it a worthwhile investment of time for the health and welfare of Kentucky’s children.

Karen Heilers, Louisville

Presidential dogfight

When asked about the race to become the 2024 Republican presidential nominee, U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell said, “The way I’m going into this presidential primary season is to stay out of it. I don’t have a dog in this fight.”

Sadly, that’s typical of McConnell. Unless he sees a benefit to himself, it doesn’t matter to him. Given that one of the main contenders for that nomination is a man who instigated a deadly insurrection in an attempt to overturn the results of our last election and then stole top secret documents when he left the White House, an honorable, patriotic and decent person would have “a dog in that fight.”

Most Americans do.

Greg Kring, Lexington

The Thrill Is Gone.

I’ve attended several UK Basketball and Football games in my lifetime and have always looked forward to the games. Currently, the wheels have spun out of control with NIL- Name, Image , and Likeness- and salaries. Presidents and Athletic Directors have lost all regard for common sense. No coach is worth $8 Million plus. Coach Cal uses Kentucky as a gateway to the NBA —the gifted players come to Kentucky with the support of their father and mothers. It’s all about money. Anytime Kentucky steps on the court, coaches and players alike want a crack at them— want to show up these gifted players and they bring their A game to the court —almost every time. My concern is this: Coach Cal has little concern for Kentucky players —he’s always looking for the most gifted and sometimes the most gifted and having been told how good they can be or are and NBA bound. They don’t have the fire in their stomach!! I have watched this up and down coming and going like a yo- yo-for the last five years at least.What does UK do? Throw money at it. I’m gone.

Kendell Seaton, Lexington

Letters compiled by Liz Carey