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Just a little something I wanted to share with you. I had the pleasure of spending a little bit of time with a great family from Vienna, WV at the Capitol. Bridgett and Doug Nelson have 2 adorable kids, Parker and Autumn. Parker is 6 years old and has Autism. Bridgett (like thousands of other parents) believes that routine childhood vaccinations are connected to his diagnosis. There's no denying that there has been a ton of controversy surrounding the connection between vaccinations and Autism. Many health officials contend that the vaccinations are safe and have no direct link to Autism. Bridgett argues that many of the childhood vaccines are filled with dangerous toxins like mercury and aluminum. She says Parker was developing just fine until he was given his 15 month vaccine. She says he developed a fever and just a week later, he was a different child. He wasn't even speaking. Now the Nelsons are joining thousands of other families in Washington D.C. for a rally on Capitol Hill. The "Green Our Vaccines" campaign is not anti-vaccine. Instead, parents are fighting for toxin-free, clean vaccines that are safe and healthy for children. They also want the shot schedule changed because kids are getting too many vaccines, too soon. 
The rally takes place Wednesday June 4th and will be lead by actress Jenny McCarthy. She also has a son with Autism and has become a huge advocate of Autism awareness. Since I have family and friends who are Autistic, raising awareness and education about this disorder are near and dear to my heart. It's beyond frustrating to see the number of kids diagnosed with Autism getting higher each year. It makes you wonder exactly what is causing these record high rates. It's also painful to think about the challenges these kids are forced to face. We have a story featuring the Nelson family that will air Thursday on WSAZ's 5:30 edition. I hope you can take a few minutes to watch. |
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Posted by: Kim
Further, we must discontinue the practice of vaccinating infants against Hepatitis B in the hospital at birth. Parents should get to know their babies with no toxins on board so they know immediately if there is a change. We elected not to vaccinate our son in the hospital, so I knew when he had tremors after 2 month vaccines (including Hep B at that time) and more episodes of tremors after 4 month vaccines that this was not normal behavior for my son. Having that opportunity is so important for young and first time parents, who might not trust themselves enough to stand up to family or a pediatritian who makes them feel like they just have a colicky baby or that perhaps they're parenting badly, or need to have a "better schedule." Parents, trust yourselves; no one knows your baby better than you do. I pray the gov't and drug companies will take responsibility to prevent a rise in devastating illness by responding positively to the concerns of parents all over and GREEN OUR VACCINES!
Posted by: Kim What happens to 1 in <150 autistic kids into adulthood? We must live with the heartbreak, pain and frustration of a damaged child, NOT the government, NOT big drug magnates! We must help our children become the best version of themselves they possibly can. After 2 and 4 month vaccines my son had tremors, so we refused 6 months and beyond. My son is also gluten/casein intolerant (recent statistics place gluten intolerance [celiac disease] at around 1 in 100!)and does best when we limit yeast(candida). I believe gluten intolerance and autism have a common link in that many autistic children show improvement on a gf/cf diet and I believe they both are due to a toxic overload to immature immune systems. We are vaccinating against Chicken Pox for goodness sake, because of the inconvenience of it, without the likelihood of lifelong immunity. Maybe my son can be safely protected from devastating illness in the future; til then it is my job to protect his spirit, his joy, his heart, and mine Posted by: Matt Here are the facts on vaccines: Polio, a once dealdy disease killing thousands and thousands of people is close to eradication due to vaccination. Hib disease, or haemophilus influenzae type b was the leading cause of meningitis before the liscensure of congugate hib vaccines. Vaccines continue to be the the most miraculous invention in medicine to date, saving millions of lives worldwide. Are there risks? Sure, just like any pharmaceutical product and/or medical procedure. People should trust their physcians. Trust the CDC, ACIP, AAP, AAFP, ACOG-all which agrees vaccines are safe and effective. These are the highest thought leaders in medicine. These are people that have far more experience and knowledge in medicine and biologic products than Jenny McCarthy. Jenny McCarthy has no medical degree and is far from a thought leader in medicine. While I sympathize with her, I would suggest people listen to the experts. Jenny McCarthy is certainly far from that. Posted by: bart ive worked with autistic children for ten years........ what a great profession it has been. It is a very interesting disorder, and i am honored to work with such kids. They are the student and the teacher at the same time. Great blog jess Posted by: Smart Mom Brian...READ THE ARTICLE. IT DOES NOT SAY TO STOP VACCINATING CHILDREN. It talks about why parents want to change the way the shots are scheduled so they don't get so many at the same time. It also says we want vaccines that are toxin-free. Please don't make such a remark about something if you aren't going to bother read what was written. No-one wants to stop vaccinating children. Posted by: Brian Anecdotal stories like these are heartbreaking but the science tells us that there is no link between autism and vaccinations, controversial or otherwise. Reports such as these, done by well meaning journalists, do more damage than good. Please do not stop vaccinating our children. Posted by: Colleen This is something I have become really interested in.Here in the UK we have the same issues with the vaccinations and the rally to raise awareness to green the vaccinations is really fantastic.I just want to let you know I was thinking about you all rallying today and would like to send best wishes to the Nelson family.I think you are one special family and I really do admire you! Posted by: Bridgett Thank you for all the wonderful comments! My family appreciates the support more than anybody could possibly know. This battle against the Big Pharma companies is going to be a long one and it's nice to know we have people who believe in this movement as much as we do. Thank you. And thank YOU, Jessica. Posted by: Debbie Excellent story/blog on autism Jessica. A few words of advice from a grandmother.Some parents are in denial that their child may/may not have austim. There are different spectrums of autism. If your child is not developing and speaking as they should be; please don't wait, get a professional opinion. So many times, parents have been told that he/she is just a little behind/slower than other children at this age; he/she will talk when they are ready. They are told the child will catch up and talk when they are ready. Please do not let months or even a year go by and think that this will change without help. Yes, we know that not all children develop and learn the same.The earlier that you find out,the sooner you can get started with your child to help him/her develop those skills. There is nothing more exciting listening to your child speak those first words, when that child had been silent for so long.Good Luck! Keep up the fight! Posted by: Desiree I got the pleasure of getting to know the Nelson family and they have changed our lives in a way we can never be thankful enough! Bridgett's determination to get autism awareness out has educated our family and made me ask the hard questions when taking my now 2 yr. old son to the doctor. I was surprised when we couldn't get a straight answer from our doctor about this topic. I think every parents needs to be made aware of the dangers of what is in the vaccines and I think it is stories like this that get the word out there. Thank you Jessica and thank you to the Nelson family. Posted by: Kyle Thanks Jessica for doing the interview and help spreading the word for us all. I hope you will be doing a follow up story. Posted by: Phil there has really been a huge fight with the powerful drug comapanies on this one...God Bless the children and all the help with this cause! Posted by: Rhonda Jessica, I am going to the rally too and I'm glad you are spreading the word about it. If anyone else wants to go there are a few seats left on the bus I am taking out of Portsmouth. Posted by: Bernadette The platform that you're giving to Bridgett and the countless other parent's and children who have been or could be affected by this is priceless. We as parents, need to be able to make a more informed decision about how we vaccinate our children. Thank you for pulling out the bullhorn and helping to give this issue the attention that it deserves. Green our Vaccines! Posted by: Debbie Just a tidbit of info, most of the flu shots given this year contained mercury. Even though it is a very tiny amount, when there are mercury free flu vaccines, I think this should be banned. However since autism has been around longer than vaccines, I'm not convinced it's the root cause but may predispose the susceptible, making it more likely they'll develop it. Another caution though, my older sister had polio, luckily only one leg was affected. Many died or were paralyzed. Just recently I read about a woman who's been living in an iron lung since the 60's dying because of a power failure. I would not be willing to leave a child at risk of polio. The only reason we haven't seen it is the vaccine. It has not been irradicated and there is still no cure, and it is even more devastating than autism. People need to remember that while becoming informed. Posted by: abby See you at the rally Bridgett. Thanks!! Posted by: Allie I can't wait to see this story. I wish that six years ago I would have read and educated myself on vaccines. I have a son who is six and has been diagnosed with a mild form of autism. He looks and appears to be normal, but has behavioral problems and has problems focusing in school. He has been in therapy since he was 3 and I started noticing him change from a loving and affectionate baby to a child who would just sit and scream and cry for no reason at the age of 2. I took it as the terrible two's but they didn't stop and didn't get any better. Now he has to be on meds just to function within society, but taking him to the store is still a challenge because of being around a lot of people. I have 2 other children who took the same shots and are fine. So 1 out of my 3 has this horrible disease. I hope that we can get our vaccines to be "GREEN". Posted by: Christina Jessica, Thank you for taking the time to research this subject. So many times I feel like reporters want to sweep it under the carpet in fear. WV residents need the chance to let our voices be heard because we are one of only 2 states that does not allow parents the God given right to choose not to vaccinate our children if we want them to attend schools. There are so many issues in this arena and I thank you for tackling a portion of it. Keep up the good work. Bridgett, thank you for your devotion to this cause! Posted by: Janya Thank you so much for doing this story. Information is power and people need to be able to make educated decisions. Posted by: Lin Wessels Thank you to the Nelson family for standing up and speaking out!! We too will be at the GOV rally! Our son is also six. Also dx'd with autism. We too suspect his immunizations! We have much in common - too much - too many of us have this all too familiar story to tell!! Thank you, Jessica Ralston for covering this story and for blogging about it! Well done!! Posted by: AustinPrimer's mom Jessica Ralston I hope to see you in D.C. Thanks for a great article to help the cause. May your story touch the lives of many and may your life be long and blessed. Posted by: Joan Thank you for your coverage on this most heartbreaking of disabilities. My grandson has been in therapy (many kinds, and school)and 3 years later we are rejoicing that he is beginning to make the first sounds of words. He is working so very hard, so is his mommy. People take so much for granted....but I will tell you, I love this child, Miles, just the way he is, but it is because of this love I would like to see him progress so he can fit in with the rest of the world, if that is the plan for his life. We strive to hear his voice, but if he never develops it, he can sign fairly well. Autism is so complicated and takes so much effort on everyone's part, I would love to see it irradicated soon!!!!! Thank you again. Posted by: Hillaree Day I have read Bridgette's personal blog about Parker for several years. Now that I am a mom to a 6 month old, I too am becoming more concerned about this issue. I want to protect my son from diseases that vaccines prevent, but do I actually run the risk of harming him in a whole other way? I look forward to your news segment about this issue. Posted by: Phil Don Imus and his wife are constantly pushing the politicians to do something about this.They still have the ranch for kids with cancer,his wife has "Green" products she sells,they have greened hospitals,schools and done great work.Imus raised millions to build the largest state of the art rehab clinic in Tx for our veterans.He donated $250,000 to a hospital in Harlem to help in their fundraising(he was doing this BEFORE he was fired)It is a shame for what good they have done for children and many more,you don't see Al Sharpton,Jesse Jackson,or the media praising their work.Kind of maks you wonder where the heart is. Posted by: Sylvia I am going to the Rally too - this is so important to let our voices be heard! Thank you for the positive coverage. We were all pro-vaccine before our children were injured by them, now we want research on how they can be made safer. Raising awareness of this issue will help other parents make more informed choices for their children. Posted by: Anonymous I will be there also, great blog Posted by: Monica I am so happy you have done this story on the Nelson family. I am proud to call Bridgett a friend. Her dedication in the area of Autism Awareness is inspiring. Like I said, thanks so much for doing this story. I look forward to watching it. Posted by: Kendra Can't wait to see the story! I applaud both the Nelson family & Ms. Ralston for spreading awareness!! The most staggering statistic (to me) is this: In 1983 there were 10 required vaccinations; the autism rate 1 was in 10,000. Today our kids get 36 vaccinations & the autism rate is 1 in 150. I was utterly shocked & disgusted after reading through the vaccine ingredients found on the CDC website. The variety of toxins (mercury, aluminum, ether, antifreeze, formaldehyde) found in 36 vaccinations - even "trace" amounts of toxins found in 36 vaccinations - are damaging our children. Can most kids handle the toxins? Sure. But some can’t. How many can’t, you ask? I’m guessing that number would be somewhere around... hmmm... let me just take a stab at it... 1 in 150 perhaps? Posted by: Monica Jessica, thank you for covering this story and giving Autism a voice. Bridgett is a wonderful friend and mom to her two children. She has educated me on autism - I'd otherwise be in the dark. Since Parker was diagnosed I now have two beautiful granddaughters and I pray like all parents and grandparents that they grow healthy. If I wasn't on the west coast, I'd be marching beside Bridget in the 'Green Our Vaccines'. Posted by: Christine Jessica, Thanks for covering this story. I will be at the rally with my 8 year old son. It will be a very important day for the autism community. Posted by: Kim Thank you for doing this interview Jessica. I really appreciate the fact that you presented things in a balanced manner. It's not just about thimerisol/mercury. There are alot more toxic ingredients in vaccines and the public needs to be aware of it. Who would knowingly inject anti-freeze into their baby? Yet it's done every day because anti-freeze is one of many toxic ingredients found in vaccines. I can't wait to see your report. Kim Davis mother to 2 autistic children Posted by: Kim Thank you for doing this interview. I look forward to watching it. Also, I want to thank you for presenting this issue in a balanced way. As you mentioned, we are not anti-vaccine. However, I think parents need to be aware of the risks, as well as the toxic ingredients in all of our vaccines. I'm sure your report will go a long way in ensuring this awareness. Kim Davis mother of 2 children with autism Posted by: EllenS_NJ Thanks for doing a piece on such an important issue. My vax-injured son and I will be joining Jenny Jim Bridgett and thousands of others in DC on June 4th. I watched as my son slipped away from me after receiving the MMR vaccine and after reacting to the vaccines he received in his first year. We are slowly on our way to recovery after years of biomedical interventions. The poisoning of Americas children needs to stop now!!!! Posted by: Angele Vaccines cause more than just Autism. Alzheimers, Parkinsons and ALS all have links to vaccines. Green Our Vaccines! Posted by: D Awareness is so important!! Bridgett is a great lady and loving Mom... she and so many others deserve answers and help with this horrible situation d Posted by: Bridgett Jessica...I wish I could give you a big hug! The time you spent with us and the story you'll be telling on the news (which I'm sure will be fantastic), is another step in educating and informing parents who might be expecting their first child in the upcoming months or even parents who have already vaccinated their children but are reconsidering the upcoming doses. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. This subject means everything to me...watching my son slip away from me was the most painful thing that's happened in my life. I love that little boy fiercely, autistic or not. You're a rock star to me, Jessica. :) THANK YOU! |
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