Twist of fate in Africa changed man's perspective

Soundings

By John Dodge | The Olympian • Published January 19, 2008

"It's just a waiting game," Tarter said the other day at the Batdorf & Bronson coffee shop in downtown Olympia during an interview interrupted occasionally by well-wishers.

While he may never know for sure, it is likely the spinal cord infection is linked to that swim in Lake Victoria and infection from the snail parasite.

Tarter is philosophical about this cruel twist of fate.

"I could get better, but in case I don't, I can live with this," he said. "Worse things happen to better people all the time."

I'd put it another way, wondering: Why do bad things happen to good people?

I met Tarter in 2006 when I wrote a column about Green Drinks, the monthly social gathering of folks who like to talk about environmental issues over a pint of beer. Tarter, who moved here from Seattle in 2005, deserves credit for launching Green Drinks get-togethers in South Sound, which take place the first Wednesday night of each month at various locations around town.

We've engaged in small talk since our initial meeting. He's a sincere, likeable young man who makes friends easily.

With no medical insurance — he was only working part time when stricken by his illness — Tarter has racked up medical bills of some $35,000.

Donations gathered at the pub have helped defray about 10 percent of his medical costs. And a bank account for further donations has been established at Washington Mutual.

To me, Tarter's plight is a poster child example of why universal health care is critically needed in this country. If I had a chance, I'd ask the presidential candidates: Would your health care reform plan provide Andrew Tarter with some financial relief?

For now, Tarter takes it one day at a time. He's thankful for the outpouring of support and has a newfound empathy for others who have a hard time walking — or can't walk — because of injury or illness.

He also keeps an eye on the mail, waiting to see if he's been accepted to the University of Florida graduate school program in environmental anthropology, which he applied for before the illness struck.

Born in Haiti to parents of American citizenry — his father was Latin American director of World Concern — Tarter wants to return to Haiti to document deforestation and reforestation efforts.

About one-third of the people stricken with transverse myelitis experience a full recovery. Here's hoping Tarter takes that next step, without the aid of a cane.

John Dodge is a senior reporter and Sunday columnist for The Olympian. He can be reached at 360-754-5444 or jdodge@theolympian.com.