My name is Kirk Lane and I am an extremely proud member of UAW Local 735 that represents the hardworking men and women of the GM Ypsilanti Power Train plant in Ypsilanti Michigan. I recently ran for Alternate committeeman in my Local union elections and although I lost, I was beaten by a very good union man, Bill Short, who I am proud to have him represent me. Soon after the elections were over our newly elected president, Don Skidmore, came to me and asked me to be the new editor of our Local Union newspaper which I gladly accepted. Our first issue is due to be delivered to our membership in August of 2008.

At Christmas 2007 I was hospitalized on Christmas day with chest pains and on December 27th I was scheduled for a stress test, which the staff at Henry Ford Hospital was unable to administer due to the fact that my heart rate was approaching 150 beats per minute. The cardiologist on staff, after doing an ultrasound and other test told me I had cardiomyopathy (a severely weakened and enlarged heart) I was told my heart function was at 10% (normal is 55-60%) and that my time here on earth was probably near an end. I was also told I would never work again. Naturally I was shocked and very down in the dumps at this revelation.

Well I am happy to report that I indeed returned to work in early February and my heart function has climbed to 25% and I feel as good as I have in years.

Why?? Because I was able to return to my job and my friends that have become more like family to me over the last 32 years. I feel a sense of worth being back at work. I feel blessed to have so much support from my co-workers, friends and family that I've grown up with the last 32 years. Now being named the editor of my Local paper I am so excited and have come to appreciate everyday as the blessing that it is. Thank you God, thank you GM, friends, family and co-workers, but most of all thank you to the UAW for not only protecting my job for all these years and providing me with the health care coverage to help fight my medical problems, but mostly for making me feel like I am important and a part of something that I know I can count on to always welcome me with open arms and a warm hug.

Kirk R. Lane
Editor of The Liberator
Local 735