I have a love-hate relationship with big cities.

Every time I visit NYC, for instance, I feel kind of claustrophobic. I hate that you can’t see large expanses of sky unless you’re in Central Park, but that’s just me. I’m more of a rural gal at heart. Love to visit, but wouldn’t wanna live there, which is why we have Green Acres to keep things in perspective!

Seriously, I think New Yorkers have been getting a pretty bad rap recently, which I find disgusting.  Some politicians will do and say anything to make New Yorkers look bad—especially people in the City!

So with my big ultraliberal heart, I couldn’t resist reading Aleks Mencel’s article about five people living in NYC who’ve been diagnosed with narcolepsy and have cataplexy.

What really strikes a nerve with me is the story about an American Vet with narcolepsy, who also happens to be a cancer survivor. When he had an episode of cataplexy, in the middle of a busy downtown street, people thought he’d had a lot to drink. Despite a couple trying to help him initially, they ultimately walked away because he was too hard to lift.

The Vet was fully conscious but wasn’t able to move until minutes later.

It breaks my heart to read stories like this.

Something like this shouldn’t be happening in NYC and it shouldn’t be happening in rural America, either. But it is.

So no matter where you are, the next time you’re walking down the street and you encounter someone who looks like they need help, please try to help or get help if you’re able. Do the right thing.

And now I’d like to hear from you! What would YOU do if you were walking down the street all alone and saw someone fall to the ground? Would you stop and help? Would you be afraid for your own safety? Or better yet, have you actually done this and, if so, what happened?