A Response - Governor Christine Gregoire's Office

Ah, at last, a response from someone to my letter to my reps. I note here that it was neither Senator, nor Representative of my district. I wonder if they'll respond, since this is still as yet an out-of-the-mainstream issue.

Response:

Dear Miriam:

Governor Gregoire appreciates receiving your message to ask that she support the "Green Our Vaccines" campaign to pass legislation requiring drug manufacturers to make and market safer vaccines.  

Your comments are clearly from the heart and the Governor thanks you for sharing information about your sons' development and your experiences with their vaccinations that you believe triggered their autism.  What wonderful news - that one of your sons is no longer on medication. While medication seems to help some children with autism, others seem to benefit from alternative types of care.  The Governor is pleased to know about your success with the treatment you chose for him.  

Governor Gregoire also appreciates that you sent your message to your Congressional delegates because regulating the manufacture and marketing of medications happens at the federal level.  You present a compelling argument to "rethink our vaccination policy and ideology" and you can be sure that the Governor will keep your concerns in mind.  We know there is always more to learn about every issue.  This one has raised concerns for many parents, which the Governor truly understands - she is, herself, a mother.  As you are probably already aware, vaccines recommended today for infants and young children are available in forms that have no, or only trace amounts, of thimerosal.  Our state chooses vaccines that contain no thimerosal, when available.  

The Governor hopes that the rally you attended was informative and an opportunity to share information and to learn from others.  She is aware of the progress that Jenny McCarthy has made with her own son's autism, work that surely spells hope for many parents.  Again, thank you for your thoughtful comments.  Governor Gregoire appreciates receiving your message. 

Sincerely,

Gary Fugere
Constituent Services Manager
Christine O. Gregoire
Governor

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The business about trace amounts of Thimerosal is really untrue. There are 11 vaccinations that still contain Thimerosal, including the flu vaccinations recommended for children 6 months and older. It's really up to the clinic what kind of vaccinations they decide to buy. Multi-dose bottles always have to contain preservatives, and that preservative is largely still Thimerosal. Single dose bottles are much less likely to contain "trace" amounts. But even "trace" amounts are not good for some people, as we have learned.

Another note, my younger son was never on any medications. There's been no need. His version of ASD is much more mild-mannered, just by nature. We've used homeopathics to help ease the head banging, but he rarely melts down beyond something that a good long hug and a lot of emotional support won't fix all by itself. He's also got a Chiari Malformation Level I, his lower brain is herniated 7 mm into his spinal column. Once he received surgery for that at 32 months, his language accelerated significantly. He's never been echolalic beyond reciting stories he loves over and over. His language has always been easier coming than his older brother's.

My biggest concern for him, actually, is the recurrence of painful symptoms from the Chiari Malformation -- what the future may hold in that regard. He still qualifies as having ASD, but I believe that is because he refuses to cooperate with the assessment anymore. He's had enough! I don't blame him one iota. I've had enough of them, too.

I'm thinking I might reply to this. Any suggestions?

~~Mim