Disability doesn't slow activist

In a certain TV commercial, a rabbit with endless energy marches across the screen banging on a drum. The ad says that he needs a certain battery to keep going.

In real life, Jeanne B. Fletcher could easily be compared to that bunny, except that her indomitable spirit comes from daily dialogue with God.

For the past 14 years, she told The Evangelist, that dialogue has kept her going in spite of a physical handicap. The Clifton Park resident is 70.

Peace movement

After she retired as a speech teacher, Ms. Fletcher, a member of Corpus Christi parish in Round Lake, heard that Pax Christi was establishing a group in the Albany Diocese. A supporter of the group for years, she wanted to devote a large portion of her free time to doing work for the international Catholic peace movement.

Many members frequently travel to Third World countries; for several years, Ms. Fletcher visited countries in Central America and Africa to witness economic and interracial injustices among the poorest people in the world.

"Those trips were very educational, and I loved them," she recalled.

Set-back

In 1990, after getting routine immunizations before traveling to Mexico, she got an annual flu shot. During her trip, her upper left arm and neck were inflamed.

By the time she returned home, she knew something was wrong. She learned from her doctor that the vaccine had damaged a nerve, causing irreparable damage.

Ms. Fletcher now lacks full use of her left arm, cannot walk long distances and tires easily. But when she began her dialogues with God, she made the decision not to let her disability impair or limit her work with Pax Christi or in any other area of her life.

Mother knows best

Ms. Fletcher credits her mother with giving her the determination to keep going, especially on bad days.

"My mom was struck with polio when she was 17 years old," she explained. "Although she was physically limited, much more so than I, she never let that limitation stop her from doing what she wanted to do with her life. For her, life would go on. All my life, I watched her achieve one goal and another.

"One of the most important things my mother taught me was how to journal my feelings. I made journaling a daily habit, and it has been one of my greatest friends over the years."

With her mother's inspiration guiding her, Ms. Fletcher remains dedicated to Pax Christi. She began publishing a quarterly newsletter for members to keep them informed of what the state, regional and national groups are doing.

Power of prayer

Ms. Fletcher said, "I am a firm believer in the power of prayer. Each morning, I pray and, if I can, attend daily Mass. This gets me going spiritually for the day. I also think that one must have a healthy sense of humor.

"I try to do something for my body each day as well -- tai chi, swimming. I take several classes. I used to love to take long walks, but not so much anymore.

"You've heard of the Energizer Bunny? Because of my conversations with Christ, that could be me. I'll always be active in Pax Christi."

(5/27/04)