November 2006

 It has been a very busy fall for our family.  Glenn and I are now on the board of an organization called Families Fighting Flu.                   You can visit the website at www.familiesfightingflu.com.  Through Families Fighting Flu I was invited to fly to Atlanta in              September to speak to nearly 400 health care professionals. It was such an experience.  While I looked at the people at the             conference I said a little prayer that I would make a difference to at least one of them.  Then in October the entire family                        flew to Atlanta for a Families Fighting Flu board meeting.  While we were there we got to participate in a Clorox sponsored              campaign called "Say Boo to the Flu".  It was a nation wide campaign promoting flu vaccinations.  Then in November                            Ian's Rainbow Flu Foundation held two Holiday Marts.  I want to thank everyone involved for all of their hard work.  Ian's               Rainbow Flu Foundation also sponsored two events this month.  The Kansas City, MO Health Department distributed                       coupons from our foundation for families to use to receive flu vaccinations free of charge at their health department.                               Ian's Rainbow Flu Foundation also sponsored a flu clinic day at Operation Breakthrough. www.operationbreakthrough.org.                          It was very exciting to be an active part of that day!  We want to thank all of you because without your continued support we               would not have been able to help these children!

In October their was a delay at many doctor's offices on their pediatric influenza vaccines.  Most offices have received the                  supply. If your doctor does not have any flu vaccines for your children, check with your local health departments.  It is                             not to late to get vaccinated.  Also remember it is important for the adults to get vaccinated also.  We don't want to pass the                       flu on to our children. 

So far, we have not seen a large outbreak of the flu.  I pray that we have a mild flu season this year.  I am always terrified                             that we will have another flu season similar to the 2003-2004 flu season when we lost Ian.  Remember  that their our precautions              that you can take in addition to the flu vaccine.  Wash your hands!  This not only helps prevent the spread of influenza, but so               many other infections as well.  Try to stay away from others who may have the flu.  You should also make sure that your family             gets enough rest to keep your immune system strong.

Stay Happy and Healthy,

Julie

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