Getting Back to Basics

Originally, I began this weblog for myself, as my way to look back over time - particularly during times of discouragement - and see just how far we have come in our journey to recover Alec from his autism spectrum disorder.

Over time, I have learned much about the relationship of thimerosal in learning disabilities. Emotionally, I have run the gamut from confusion to anger and acceptance. I still have not allowed myself to think that Alec won't be able to overcome autism.

There are so many things going on in the media right now that recently, I have focused on posting what I am hearing on the autism/thimerosal battlefront. I will continue to do that, but I do remember why I began this journey and I do want to stay focused on the walk; that is, the day-to-day battles and success stories that I along with others face daily now that our lives have been touched by autism.

One thing I realize that I so need to hang on to in this walk is my sense of humor! Alec is a really funny kid, and he knows it. He enjoys making others laugh and I so need a good belly-buster from time to time.

Case in point: Alec has discovered a "savant" skill, or so we call it. He is talented in the gift of hanging a spoon off of his nose. He does it at home, at friends houses, and particularly when we eat out. He will say "Look, I'm a clown!" and laugh and laugh. His laughter is infectious, and before we know it, we are all lauging with him.

Recently, our family was eating at the Big Boy Restaurant in Cherokee, NC when Alec was entertaining us with his spoon trick. Elise, Matt and I couldn't help but laugh at Alec's rolling giggle as he balanced that spoon on his nose. (By the way, we tend to eat out at more casual restaurants. This spoon trick probably wouldn't go over at a refined restaurant!) The waitress came to our table and told us that we were the "happiest people she had had that day". I asked, "Really?". Later, as Matt paid the bill, another gentleman came up to him and said that he was watching our family and was happy to see the interaction that we all enjoyed together.

So, in this story, I want to say that we should not allow the pressure of finding treatments, providing education and paying for all of this steal our laughter and our joy in our children. They are incredibly special and wondrous kids, created by God with a divine purpose for each of them. Even though the battle is hard and long, and maybe especially because of this, we need to take the time to enjoy our kids just as they are today. I am so thrilled to see Alec's progress - progress that I hope and pray other ASD kids will find as well - but sometimes I get so consumed with envisioning Alec as totally recovered that I miss the specialness that Alec offers today.

Once, I heard a saying that "Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly." Let's not forget to stop, breathe and laugh once in awhile. Let's not forget that each day is an opportunity and a gift, and meant to be enjoyed. Not that we should stop seeking the truth - we should! But let's hold onto the joy of our children as well. The journey itself is even a gift. It's all in our outlook.

"I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. "

John 10:9 & 10

The HooK: NEWS- Autism down: Some credit mercury removal

From The Hook: Autism down: Some credit mercury removal:

"For months now, a mantra of the thimerosal defenders has been as follows: 'Mercury was removed from vaccines years ago, and we have not seen a drop in autism rates.' It looks like they might have to find a new slogan."

David Kirby, author of "Evidence of Harm"

RollingStone.com: Defends Its Story on Autism: Way to Go, Rolling Stone!

RollingStone.com: Kennedy Report Sparks Controversy : Politics:

"If the scientists had simply done their job rather than covering their tracks, there would be no controversy today. Instead, the government cannot even provide a definitive figure of the number of cases of autism among American children -- a number obviously critical to any serious scientific investigation -- and yet expects the public to believe that it has ruled out any link between vaccines and an illness it does not even track."

Remove Mercury From Vaccines! Tell Your Representatives to Support S. 1422 and H.R. 881

A-CHAMP PAC -- Compose a Message

A-CHAMP provides an extremely simple, lightening-fast website to take action on important issues affecting our children. It honestly takes only about a minute to email legislators through their website.

A-CHAMP is a national, non-partisan political action committee formed by parents in support of children with neurodevelopmental and communication disorders. Dedicated to advancing public policy issues affecting our children, protecting their human and civil rights, educating the public and media, supporting candidates sharing our goals in state and federal elections, and holding accountable those in government who do not act in the best interest of our children.

California's Dept. of Developmental Services Show Autism Numbers on the Decline

Press-Telegram - Opinion

"Yet there's an alarming fact in the numbers. The upsurge and recent stabilization correspond very nearly to the rise and fall of levels of mercury exposure as a result of childhood vaccinations."

Closed CDC Press Conference on Autism & Thimerosal Being Held Today

From the National Autism Association:

Parents ask: why weren't autism groups notified? Why the secrecy? Where is the transparency?

Word has leaked out about a secret CDC press conference being held in Washington DC today, Tuesday, July 18th. The Director of the CDC, Dr. Julie Gerberding, will be speaking. The meeting is closed to only a select, handpicked group of reporters. Although the meeting topic is autism and thimerosal, no autism groups were informed of the press conference, and no autism groups have been invited to attend.

Here is yet another example of CDC's lack of community involvement and lack of transparency. The Power of Truth autism rally in Washington DC is starting tomorrow. Groups who have set up the march believe this CDC press conference is a shameful attempt to head off publicity from the rally that would direct attention to the role of thimerosal and vaccines in autism.

The groups are preparing a statement on the press conference which will be issued later today. The press conference is at 2:00 pm. Below is the announcement from the CDC on the meeting:

Dr. Gerberding, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and representatives from other government agencies will participate in a press conference this afternoon, July 19th, at 2pm. The call will communicate the importance of infants and children receiving their recommended vaccinations on time, and reassure parents that vaccines are safe. The renewed attention to the potential causal link between thimerosal, a vaccine preservative, and autism will also be addressed during the press conference.

Kelly's Comments: If there is nothing to hide, why not invite parents and concerned groups assembling in Washington from all over the country today? Why is this press conference closed? Why go to such lengths to squelch the unified call for investigation into thimerosal's dangers?

Key parts of baseball incident in dispute

Key parts of baseball incident in dispute:

"The president of a Fayette County youth baseball league yesterday disputed some of the allegations surrounding the arrest of a coach last week on criminal charges of offering to pay a player to hurt a teammate who has autism."

Parents Take Up the Fight in Washington Rally

Tomorrow, parents and concerned individuals across the nation are descending on Washington for the "Power of Truth" Rally.

This rally, organized and supported by Moms Against Mercury, National Autism Association, Safeminds, CoMed, A-Champ, Dads Against Mercury, Generation Rescue, NoMercury, NVIC, Unlocking Autism, and Educate Before You Vaccinate, is an inspiring united effort to force our government to understand that parents are serious about this issue.

I so wish I could be there! But, with a 4 and 6 year old, no babysitting options (and no funds for the trip at this time), I am going to do what I am asking all of you to do as well: to join me in prayer for this rally. That the result will be dramatic progress to remove thimerosal from all vaccines.

I also hope that the day will come when our government can provide aid to all those families effected by the damaging effects of the neurotoxin, mercury. Currently, the treatments that are working are not covered by insurance, and private special education is beyond the means of many, our family included.

Alec was just accepted into the private school here in Charlotte (the Garr Christian Academy) that is providing ABA programs in the classroom and well-respected among the parents I know of ASD kids. But we also got the bill: $14,600 a year! We can't do that, and I know there are many, many parents like ourselves who are having difficulties making ends meet, and countless more who can't even provide the biomedical treatments endorsed by DAN! doctors (Defeat Autism Now! of the Autism Research Institute) . All families need access to treatments that work. I hope...no I pray.. this rally begins the process of opening that door to all families.

This is the minimum that the government should do for our kids, having given parents no choice in accepting or rejecting vaccinations if they want to attend public school. And again, I do want to say that I am PRO-Vaccine but ANTI-thimerosal.

So, let's join in prayer for the rally in Washington this week. Another parent blogger, Ginger of www.adventuresinautism.com is attending the rally. I'll get a personal update on the rally from her, and on will be posted on her blog as well.

Alec about to enjoy that gluten-free/casein free/
soy free/corn free cake.
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Happy Birthday, Little Big Guy!

Today, my little son turned 4. Here was this little baby, and now, as I look at him, I can see glimpses of who he will be as a man.

Here is my son, who has changed my life so incredibly in the last four years, and all for the better. Here is the boy who is teaching me about life, and even about who I am. Here is the boy who strengthens our entire family in love.

Here is Alec, whom God has planned great things! This little guy who holds onto my hand, and yet, is learning to let go.

My Alec, who sings every note on key. Whose robust giggle makes us laugh, too. I look at him and I see miracles in the making. In him I see a future that I have refused to let slip out of my dreams, and step by step, I am seeing those dreams take shape.

My song for Alec is still in the making, but oh, what a song it's going to be! He is so very special, such a wonderful part of our family.

I hear sentences tumble out of his mouth. I see understanding where there used to be fear. I watch him dance, ride a bike, run. I know the taste of victory, because my son is showing me what it's all about.

I can never forget the mountains we have crossed, and I have learned to only focus on the one we are cresting this very day, instead of the many in our future path. We have learned to stop and turn around, and see the glorious vista of where we have been, to know the sweet salve of the Father, when we realize we were not alone, not ever, not even one step.

This is a miracle, his life, each breath, his very existance.

I pray each night that Alec will be all that God intended him to be. And I believe that he will be that man, and with each day, I see autism slip away, and Alec come forth. Lately, I have heard him ask, "Sing your prayers, Mama". And he has sung them with me!

With each daily step, and even in the times when I feel we have had to take a step backwards, I thank God, because I know His faithfulness to us. I know I could never get through this without Him, and I know that He cares so much for not only Alec, but for all of the children whose songs have been stolen away. I believe He stands ready to defend these children; to touch them; to restore them. I know firsthand.

Go on Alec! May the day come when you read this story yourself and know just how far God has taken you! Maybe then you will realize, as I do, just how very much He loves you. Often, this is one of the most difficult concepts to understand about God ... just how much He loves you, and is waiting for you to come and call His name.

"He took on himself our sicknesses and carried away our diseases" Matthew 8:17

Alec's Floatie Victory!
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David Kirby to Give Keynote at Charlotte Mini DAN! Conference July 16th - 17th

David Kirby, author of "Evidence of Harm: Mercury in Vaccines & the Autism Epidemic - A Medical Controversy" will deliver the keynote address at the Mini DAN! Conference to be held in Charlotte, North Carolina on July 16th and 17th. This two day event is sponsored by the Autism Research Institute.

On Saturday, July 16th following David Kirby's presentation, Elizabeth Mumper, MD Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Nancy O’Hara, MD, a seasoned DAN! pediatrician, Patrick Hanaway, MD, a family physician from Asheville (and an expert on the relationship between gut health and brain function) and Maureen McDonnell, RN, the national coordinator of the DAN! Conferences will share the most up to date research, as well as practical and effective interventions for treating children on the autism spectrum.

On Sunday, July 17th, the faculty will train local health care professionals on ways to implement these approaches in their practices.

If you are anywhere near this conference. or if you can make travel plans, I wholeheartedly encourage anyone involved with autism (parents, physicians, nurses, social workers, teachers and researchers) to attend the Mini DAN! in Charlotte to learn the latest science, hear the mounting evidence showing a connection between autism and mercury, and most importantly learn the practical tools for improving the health, behavior and learning abilities of the child affected by autism.

For more information and to register go to www.DANconference.com. At times, this website has had some difficulty. If it fails to load, please try it again. If you continue to be unsuccessful, call 1-866-208-0207. (Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Eastern Time.)

For registration inquiries: Tanya@danconference.com For your travel needs: at@newhopetravel.com For questions regarding which sessions are right for you, or questions about topics, speakers, etc., please email Tanya Lacorte at: DANquestions@danconference.com or call 1 215-862-9468.

Please notify anyone you know of this opportunity if in the Charlotte area (or, even if not!)

Boston Globe: Autism, mercury, and politics

By Robert Kennedy Jr. July 1, 2005

MOUNTING EVIDENCE suggests that Thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative in children's vaccines, may be responsible for the exponential growth of autism, attention deficit disorder, speech delays, and other childhood neurological disorders now epidemic in the United States.

Read entire article at the Boston Globe: