Here are a few updates about things that we have been up to lately, and these are in no particular order.
First of all, I have been trying to get information from the Illinois Department of Public Health about their implementation of Dillon’s Law. This change was passed last year and went into effect eight months ago on January 1st, but so far no one is able to use it. The IDPH is working on integrating it into their current system, and they have not told me a time frame in which this will be accomplished.
Second. We heard some great news from the parents of Andrew Mueller. As I have mentioned before, they are getting Epi into the hands of Sheriff’s Departments around Wisconsin. This is so important because law enforcement often arrives on the scene first, and with anaphylaxis being so sudden, every second counts. Thanks to their efforts, during this past week two lives were saved! The Muellers have contacted all 72 departments through the Sheriff’s Association and so far, 9 departments have been willing to step up and lead in this, with two more departments joining the team this weekend. Of course, those who are numbers people still recognize that 61 departments have not taken this vital step yet… I reached out to our county Sherrif’s Department and to several of the surrounding counties. It has been several weeks now, and I still have not received even one reply. So, this is what we are up against. The status quo is our biggest challenge!
Time keeps on passing by, and this week, Micah begins college. It’s a big step for all of us! Before he begins, we wanted to take one last family trip together, and we have been trying to visit our close friends, the Ellingers. With both of our lives being busy and with Amanda battling cancer, visiting has not been possible, but last weekend we were able to spend a few days together. We had a great time of family fun and fellowship. Although our situations are different, there are a lot of life lessons that each of us are learning, and we each encourage and sharpen each other when we get together. Amanda is now facing cancer for the second time. In fact, when I called them from the hospital to tell them about Hannah’s accident, they were just heading home from her last appointment after that first battle, and the cancer was in remission. Now it has returned and their lives are full of challenges again. There are lots of appointments, questions, treatments, uncertainty, and, of course, this all takes lots of time and money. It was encouraging to be able to be with them and to hear of their strength and courage in the face of this trial. We are blessed to have friends who are holding strong, even in the face of difficulty. If Hannah would have been able to be with us, she would have said to them, “Don’t worry. You got this!” with a big smile on her face.
Please continue to pray for them, and you can follow their journey here .
We are blessed.
Hannah Helps Blog 