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Summer is Gone!

Wow, summer came and left so fast! Manie seemed to of had a great summer. All the kids got to swim and go to different places. We went to Spooke Cave and Decorah. We all had a great time. Manie, as usual, tried his hardest to keep up with everyone but it just seems he has to struggle so much just to do normal things other children have no problem doing. Manie also made a trip to Wisconsin where he had a few procedures done. You can go to www.bigpharmavictim.blogspot.com to find out more information on these procedures and how the whole trip went. All and all I think this summer was good for Manie. I guess he is so used to having to work a little harder to do the things he enjoys. It's such a shame Manie has to work harder for the simpler things in life we all take for granted.

Spring has Sprung!

Spring is finally here. It seemed to be such a long winter but now we are enjoying some nice weather. The kids have been outside a little more; running, playing and being kids. Manie is taking Taekwondo classes and doing very well.He has earnd his yellow strips so far. He can count in Koren and do all his stances perfectly. His brother Griff is also taking the classes and doing great.

As with all of our summers this one will be full of fun and challenges for Manie. He will have to endure the heat and try like heck to keep up with the others. Manie has been having problems with headaches and overall pain. These problems will only further challenge him. Manie has a lot of passion and heart so we know he will find a way to deal with his challenges. If I had just one wish I would wish that Manie or anyother child would never of had to go through what they have gone through. A child should not have to deal with excursiating headaches, leg pains, arm pains and surgerys, not to mention all the other things Manie has to deal with on a daily basis. I hope Glaxo Smith Kline sees what they have created and by some miracle makes amends for it. Out of something bad good will prevail.

Summer 2008

Once again summer has come and gone. This year we went to Chicago, explored the zoo, and spent a day at Six Flags. As the previous year we found that Manie could not ride the majority of the rides at the theme parks. More than not this was our last year going to theme parks, as Manie gets older and realizes that he cannot do what everyone else is doing it just doesn't seem fair to him. We will go places where Manie can do the same as everyone else, zoos, site seeing, swimming will be in our agenda come next year.

Manie and his brother and sister went to the park a lot this year. Still, it was exhausting for him just after about 5 minutes of play. As the rest of the kids played, Manie would do something that didn't require a lot of energy. It was hard seeing him like that but Manie has adjusted to his health needs, he knows when he has had enough, or maybe it's just that his body won't allow him to go anymore, whatever it be it's really sad that Manie can't do the same as the rest of the kids, even tho, I know he would love to.

This summer was full of fun and excitement as all the summers have been and we will continue to make our summers a great time, that's what we do. Manie will get his justice, and Julie will continue to help others who are going through the same thing, is is also what we do. There are somethings GSK will not take from us.

Mother's Act

Please go to this website and view information on the Mother's Act Bill that is going to the Senate Health, Education,Labor and Pensions Committee. This bill is vague about what actually is taking our rights away from us.Please read and send your comment. Below is an excerpt from the website.

Though proponents of the bill claim it is simply designed to "educate" new mothers, the truth is that this bill will push more mothers onto dangerous antidepressant drugs documented by the U.S. FDA to cause mania, psychosis, hallucinations and suicidal ideation as these drugs are the most common treatment for women diagnosed with depression or postpartum depression. Moreover, there is no language in this bill ensuring that new mothers would be given non-harmful treatments and real medical care other than drugs once "diagnosed."

The website is http://capwiz.com/cchr/index_frame.dbq?url=http://capwiz.com/cchr/issues/alert/?alertid=10099911

Don't let them take our rights to choose.

TRIP TO CHICAGO!

We recently took a trip to Chicago. We piled everyone in the van and made the 5 hour trip. By everyone I mean, 7 kids and 3 adults! We had so much fun and enjoyed the sights that Chicago brings.
On the first day we went to the zoo. Seeing the kids faces light up when we walked by the monkey exibit was priceless. We seen so many animals and did a lot of walking and laughing. Manie did such a wonderful job keeping up with everyone, but of course Julie had brought along 2 strollers, one for Manie and one for his little sister Lily. Manie did have to ride in the stroller often and at times I could tell that he was getting so tired, but since Manie has that special drive he stayed awake and enjoyed all the sights.
On the second day we went to Six Flags Great America. The majority of the rides were restricted to people with heart problems etc...this is something we had learned the previous year at the amusment park we went to. What was a real shock was that even the children rides there were signs posted also restricting individuals with heart problems. Manie did get to go into Wiggle World and play there. As the years go by we will no longer go to amusment parks, we have already agreed to this, why should we have fun when Manie is limited to walking around and unable to ride the rides? We will all do things that Manie can do too, this is what family is about.
On the third day we all jumped in the van and headed home. As we were coming upon Waterloo, Iowa we noticed that there was a road block ahead so we took the first exit. It was shocking for us to see that while we were gone there was a lot of flooding and parts of Waterloo were closed. The next few days it got worse, but luckly Julie and Russells house was not effected. We are all thankful for that.
The vacation was great, we all had a wonderful time and got to see a lot of Chicago. We all know that our vacations will change in the coming years, but we are all fine with this, we all know that Manie would do the same for us, we are a family and thats what matters to us.

SPRING IS HERE!

Finally spring has sprung! It's been a long winter for us Iowans but we made it and spring is here.For the kids spring is such a wonderful sight, this is no different for Manie.Julie and Russell got the kids a trampoline and Manie just can't get enough. For such a little guy who has so many challenges, Manie just keeps on going.Everyday, weather permitting, Manie is on the trampoline,bouncing like no other.Just sitting back and watching him makes me tired,but Manie is determined to keep up with the other kids.It's so hard for him to just settle down and rest for awhile.His determination won't allow him.

As summer approaches and the weather warms up more Manie will continue to play outside on his trampoline or tree house, or take walks with the family.But Manie will also continue to have challenges, challenges that we can only imagine, challenges that he has to face, challenges that he will conquer.We are all here for you Manie, have a wonderful summer!

MANIES BIRTHDAY!

Wow, another year has come and gone and so has Manie's birthday.As usual Julie made it a wonderful day.The food was great and the atmosphere was full of joy.Just knowing that Manie turned 4 is such a happy thing knowing what he has gone through these past 4 years.What a brave little boy Manie is.Nothing seems to phase him.

Manie we are so proud of you and the courage you have shown, if only we had a speck of your courage.Take care little man, we all love you so much! Happy Birthday!

SUPPORT FORUM FOR FAMILIES

If you would like to visit a support forum for families of children born with birth defects caused by anti depressants my sister Julie has made one for people interested in sharing their stories and to give and receive support.This is a chance for families to connect with other families who share the challenges of having a child with a birth defect caused by anti depressants.If you would like to visit the forum you can go to www.wehearyou.forumotion.com or click on the link Support Forum in the links column. Please feel free to share your story or just to read others stories and know that you are not alone.

Christmas 2007

Christmas Day for our family means time to enjoy the smiles on the children's faces.Christmas was always a special time for our family, Mom would always make it special even if she didn't have a lot of money to buy presents.Its always been about spending time with each other, sharing one day without worrying. Julie and I have tried to carry on this tradition also.

Its always nice to go to Julies house on Christmas, toys scattered among piles of wrapping paper.Smiles and happiness fill the house.This Christmas was no different.We got to go outside and sled with the kids, and of course Manie was the first one to go down the hill his father made of snow.I just had to think that nothing will stop Manie and fear is just not in his vocabulary.He has been through so much and still theres nothing that will keep him down.For most of us we, at times, need to get our strength from somewhere, for Manie the strength is already there and will always be there.God blessed him.

We are all looking forward to a new year, new challenges, new smiles, new adventures.This year is going to be a wonderful year for all of us and for Manie the challenges will probably still come but that doesn't seem to bother him, as he has done and will continue to do Manie will just walk right through all the challenges that are set before him with ease.That's my nephew and I'm so proud God allowed me to be his Aunt Cindy.

Christmas Day For Manie

IGNORANT PEOPLE

Believe it or not there are still people out there that want to put the blame on the innocent victims of Paxil.I read a comment from Julie's You Tube,Why? The person insist that Julie is the one to blame for Manie's defect.This person states that she took the pill and the blame is on her shoulders.Hum,i wonder if this is why GSK can still continue to make this rotten drug?There are too many ignorant people who don't seem to care to do a little research and find the facts.In this persons comment they say that there are no studies on Paxil and birth defects, hello! There are now, but not when Julie was on Paxil, well, let me correct that, there were studies, just not given to us, or the doctors.GSK decided that it wasn't important enough to let us know about the defects caused by Paxil.I wonder how people can make an informed and intelligent decision when your being lied to?The only thing I ask, please, if you are going to make a comment and shift the blame on the victim do a little research, get your facts, if you don't want to take the time to do this then here's another suggestion, shut your damn mouth until you have the time to find the facts.Don't put the blame on the victim, don't u think they have gone through enough?Julie has spent too much time blaming herself.The only thing she did was trust her doctor, who also didn't know what Paxil was capable of.Lets stop blaming the victims and start holding drug makers accountable for what they are doing.Would you blame a person who took Avandia and die from it?Do some research,get your information straight,or shut up.Victims didn't ask to be victims, lets not victimize them over again.

Manie's Cause

I wanted to make this blog to let people know about my nephew Manie.He was born with Transposition of the Great Arteries {if you would like to know more about TGA please visit Manie's story in the link column}My sister took Paxil while she was pregnant with Manie.She was told that it was safe.We believe that Paxil caused Manie's birth defect.My sister Julie searched for answers to why her son was born with this defect.Her doctor said that she may never find an answer.We believe that we have found the answer.GlaskoSmithKline makes Paxil, and did know about their product causing birth defects as early as 2000.This information was not disclosed to the public or doctors.I guess what hurts us the most is that this could have been prevented if GSK would have told people about this,especially the doctors who are prescribing Paxil.

My sister Julie and I have a mission.We feel its so important for people to know who Manie is.First of all, Manie is a 3 year old energetic boy.He loves his sisters and brother.He has a passion for life that only he could have.He is special in every way and most of all he is a true HERO.Manie has been through more than most of us would ever have to think about going through.He has not only gone through this without questioning, but he has gone through this with the strength of 100 men.My sister,her husband and their other children have also gone through this.They have been so strong and unwavering in their faith that God is taking care of Manie.You have no idea what something like this can do to a family and our family has come to be stronger.

We salute you Manie for your strength and courage.We will make sure that what has happened to you wont be in vain.

Reflection on the Summer 2007

It's now September, and summer is quickly fading.As I sit here and reflect on the summer I think of the things we have done.The summer went by so fast, it almost seems like a blurr, but the memories of back yard BBQ's, vacation to Des Moines, and just hanging out with the family stay in my mind as if they happened yesterday.Seeing the kids running, playing,laughing and just being kids makes life worth it all.

This summer for Manie, as I have seen it,was full of joy and happiness, as it always has been.At times you can see that Manie gets tired quicker than his sister or brother.Because of the determination that lies within Manie he tries to keep up with everyone for as long as his little heart can take him.If only we all had the determination and passion that Manie owns, what a world we would live in.

The summer was full of swimming,playing,building a new tree house,playing in that tree house,scraps , cuts and bruises always seem to make their way into any child's life especially this time of year, and Manie was no exception.I remember when he came to my house to see my cat,and her claw caught his finger and he started to bleed.Lets just say that he hasn't forgave that cat yet.Summer may be almost over but theres so many more memories we get to have and hold on to.What will life be like for Manie next summer? The summer after that? And so on.That's something we just cant answer, but what we can answer is that all those memories will stay forever etched in our hearts, no one can take that from us, not even the monsters at GSK. Manie may not be able to keep up with the other children all the time, but he sure does try, and GSK cant take that from him.His will,determination, passion and desire will always be his.

Paxil birth defects

Check out Julie's blog about Manie

QUESTIONS THAT NEED ANSWERED

There is a lot of questions that need to be answered, as Bob Fiddaman has stated on his blog(www.fiddaman.blogspot.com, or check it out under the links Seroxat Sufferers) The questions were asked, but probably will never be answered by the people who created all this.GSK, you need to start answering these questions, most importantly, why? Why did you hide the fact that there was evidence that Paxil was causing birth defects and you choose to not disclose this to the public, or doctors? Why do you belittle what Paxil has done to so many lives?GSK, you owe a lot of people answers, stop living in a fantasy world where you think everything will just blow over and you can continue to sell rancid drugs that are hurting and killing people.Don't you think its time to step up and admit to what you have done rather than to continue to deny and lie?By the way GSK, do a little research on what Transposition of the Great Arteries is, then if you have children try to put yourself in a position where your child was born with this defect, then try to deal with the fact that a drug caused this, then really try hard to deal with the fact that the company that made this drug knew that this drug was causing birth defects like the one your child has and that said company decided that it wasn't important enough to make it public, then deal with everything your child will have to go through for the rest of his life.....ummm, wonder how you would feel. It takes a coward to lie, but a courageous person to tell the truth.

MANIE'S DENTIST APPOINTMENT

Manie had another dentist appointment.Due to acid reflux his teeth has gotten bad and has to go to a special dentist to get his teeth fixed.It's really a trying time for Manie, Julie,and Russell.Julie does an excellent job in trying to help Manie get through this as good as possible, being that they don't use Nitrious Oxide or anything to help the pain.It's really a hard time for Julie as seeing her son go through this without being able to do anything to ease the pain or fear.Julie keeps a positive attitude and knows that Manie is brave and stong.Please go to Manie's story in the links column to read more about Manie's dentist appointment and to view photos.

WHAT WILL IT TAKE????

There seems to be a new study out that minimizes the effects of taking SSRI's during pregnancy.They seem to think that there are more risks to a Mother and her fetus when the Mother is suffering from depression while pregnant.Of course they say that you need to consult with your physician before taking any anti-depressant.What is really sad about this study is that they seem to think that if 10 babies are born with defects out of 40,000 babies this is a minimal risk,tell that to the mother's of these children who have these defects.Just another study to belittle what SSRI's are doing to our babies if taken while pregnant.If someone would have told my sister Julie that there was a risk,even minimal, she would have not taken it and Manie would be healthy.She didn't have that options because she was told that it was safe.That's what was told to her doctor and she trusted her doctor as she has for many years.As for this study, I just don't believe that they minimize what SSRI's can do to unborn babies.Take a look at Julie's blog,Manie's defect isn't minimal, it is devastating.When will these people understand?Its just not ok to take SSRI's or Paxil during pregnancy.Why is Paxil still being sold? It's a shame that our government is so caught up in the money thing that they can't see that Big Pharma is hurting people.As Bob Fiddaman wrote me "David will eventually beat Goliath".Let's all hope this is true for the sake of our babies.