ROBERT PRESENTS. He has made presentations at a AAMR regional conference and elsewhere. He has informed the Chairperson, John Stengle, that he is ready to present at the "From the Ground UP" combined convention of the SD Arc, AAMR, and People First. He is a member of all three organizations. His response to the call for papers hasn't been accepted yet but probably will be. If so, his presentation will take less than an hour and will relate mostly to PWSN/DS REPORT but will also involve PEOPLE FIRST. He also will talk about transportation and will report responses he receives from the U.S. Congressional Delegations (from at least SD & ND), to questions on proposed changes to IDEA. The leaders of both parties in the Senate have expressed support for reauthorization of IDEA so get your thinking caps on and let us know what you think should be authorized or prohibited. All Senators will receive copies of this and at least the next issue in which we will reprint comments from both Senate leaders and the Senators from South and North Dakota (who have all met and support Robert). Robert will respond to questions; I will be with him, but don't intend to do much, if any, talking. Robert solicits suggestions for topics. We will provide more information in our next issue.

IDEA. Although its permanently authorized and is funded, new legislation might change some of the provisions. Ask your national organization for their legislative policy on IDEA and offer to assist if their policy is logical and to your liking. In any case, let your U. S. Congressional delegation know of your interest as IDEA likely will see legislative action in this Congress.

SUPREME COURT TO CONSIDER EDUCATION CASE. The Associated Press says that in mid-January the court agreed to decide whether public school teachers may offer remedial help at parochial schools (which they prohibited a dozen years ago). The new ruling rationale could have an impact on other church-state disputes. Arguments will be heard in April with a decision likely in July.

PROUD. This is the well-established Parents Regional Outreach for Understanding Downs, (P. O. Box 5822, Orange, CA 92863-0822). Their newsletter is the OPTIMIST and they have been publishing for many years even though they have no dues. Robert is going to send them $5 to help with costs as he believes any newsletter regularly read is worth at least $5. Bryant Riggs is their editor and Kathleen Riggs is the President; she has an article in the current issue called "The R Word" which we will send to any of our subscribers interested. She and Robert both loathe the word "retardation." I endorse her sentiments and am actively seeking a substitute term.

HARVARD KENT SCHOOL. This Massachusetts school was commended for using technology to help children with DS and/or other disabilities in the 12-2-96 U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT. The students use Wiggle Works, Just Grandma and Me , and other books on CD-ROM. The computer helps them pick up academic skills - reading, writing, counting and they have fun doing it!

SSI. Eligibility now requires a medically proven physical or mental condition resulting in severe functional limitation expected to last 12 months or be expected to result in death. It is possible that as a result as many as 300,000 children will be off the SSI rolls in July.

SEIZURES. Shortly after putting the Thanksgiving issue in the mail, Robert told us he fell backwards to the floor while he was vacuuming at Herbergers. Then he passed out later at the workshop at the Center. Later he staggered while returning to the work site from the bathroom. About the same time we noted his pupils were extremely small and he seemed listless. All this occurred about four days after he completed two weeks of treatment with Redux. The ATC hadn't been aware according to his case manager, but in the first draft of his evaluation about two weeks earlier the word seizures was checked "yes" on a form, but when we indicated there had been no evidence, there was no further discussion of seizures during the annual IEP. Anyhow, his physician saw him November 26. Robert says he feels dizzy when first getting up. He had lost weight but not the 5 pounds that he had reported.
Under the caption "DOWN'S VOICE" in our Thanksgiving issue we extracted from the paper an Epilepsy article taken from the University of London study which reported a 26% history of seizures in a study of 65 adults with DS; the average age of onset was 22.2 years for males. It says "early onset epilepsy is related to another yet unknown physiological abnormality."
The DS QUARTERLY medical guidelines under "Neurodevelopmental Issues" says recent studies report a seizure disorder incidence of 5 to 10% for people with DS and "the increased incidence of seizures is not thought to be solely the result of abnormal brain development, but can be related to cardiac defects, infections and irregularities of one or more neurotransmitters." Dr. John Adams found no likelihood of epilepsy, but naturally we will be watching for any recurrences of symptoms. Since Robert had been recently taken off Redux, DHEA and Melatonin, it is possible that one or more of those substances created the problem.

THE MATCHMAKER. This is the free newsletter of the National Parent-to-Parent Network (150 Custer Court, Green Bay, WI 54301-1243). So far, they have linked care givers for over 1600 problem conditions. In your letter provide specifics relating to your disabled child.

TAX DEDUCTIONS FOR HOME MODIFICATIONS. IRS Publication #502 provides details. Generally, the cost of any improvement is reduced by any increase in the value of the property.

GOLDEN ACCESS PASSPORT. It's available at most of the federally operating recreation areas described under the Golden Age Passport. Applicants must show proof of being medically determined to be blind or permanently disabled and eligible for receiving benefits under federal law. It provides a free lifetime entrance pass to federally-operated sites.

CLAIM MADE THAT STATES SHIFT WELFARE COSTS TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. The 11-26-96 INVESTOR'S BUSINESS DAILY makes the claim. It seems logical that many disabled people have been on welfare.

CENTER FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION FINANCE. We hope most of our readers have an interest in education finance (especially special education) as it seems the citizenry and legislative followers at the local, state and national levels are all considering changes. To protect your interests you have to at least be aware of the basic facts. The captioned Center's mission, in part, is to provide information needed by policy makers to make decisions on the provision of service to children with disabilities. The CSEF Resource , their house organ, is published by a five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education (1791 Arastradero Road, P. O. Box 1113, Palo Alto, CA 94302-1113). You can order copies of most of their publications at no cost or download them from the WEB. The Fall '96 CSEP RESOURCE says 15 states reported implementing special education finance reform within the last five years and 29 are considering such reform. South Dakota considered reform and came up with a new law this year which I understand will convert from reimbursement based on use of special education student counts to a formula based on total student enrollment and the percentage of children in poverty in the state. We recommend that you request a copy of the current CSEF RESOURCE.

BEYOND ABUSE: HEALTH CARE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. This article is in the fall issue of MENTAL HEALTH NURSING. The author states: "Abuse ranges from overt physical attacks to more insidious forms of intimidation and neglect." She provides the Baladeram definition of abuse as "non-accidental injury of a person by another or the committing of acts that could result in injury through acts of commission or omission." She also credits Baladerian with the observation that abuse in the lives of people with developmental disabilities has been well hidden by society. She concludes with the thought that care providers can help individuals with disabilities make known potential (or actual) abuse situations.

SD SPECIAL OLYMPICS. They are part of the worldwide consortium that involves over a million people with mental handicaps. Also, through Unified Sports thousands of non-handicapped people assist in providing competition and fellowship. If you are willing to help in some way write Carol Husby (305 W 39th St., Sioux Falls, SD 57105). Over 500 athletes participated in the Summer Games. Aberdeen hosted the bowling tournament again and it drew over 450 bowlers for the three day event which closed with a wonderful banquet and dance (Robert and I attended). Basketball and softball each drew over 300 athletes. We want to thank all who help this program in any way, but because Shopko raised nearly $600,000 for Special Olympics ($25,000 for the SD program) that department store deserves special recognition.

BULLIES. Laura DeHaan, NDSU Extension Specialist, says victims of bullies are frequently considered by their peers as being younger, weaker, or sicker and frequently are alone at lunch or recess.

EARNED INCOME CREDIT. Read this if you know of a disabled person between 25 and 64 years of age. They may be able to receive $323 or more from IRS. They don't have to be married or have children; they could get up to $3,556 if they have children. If there aren't children any form including the 1040EZ can be filed. EIC can't be claimed if someone else can claim the person as a dependent. Qualifying children must be under 19 unless they are full-time students or permanently disabled. They must have lived with the EIC filer for at least six months. Income limits of the filer go from $9500 to $28,495 depending on the number of children in the home.
In a front page 12-18-96 "Tax Report" WALL STREET JOURNAL said the credit benefited more than 19 million people with a cost of $25.3 billion (which doesn't calculate), which is more than a billion over last year's cost.

RESOLUTENESS. This is a common denominator I think I have seen in many parents of people with Down syndrome as well as many people with DS themselves. Perhaps the trait I see is something else, but Charles DeGaulle and Golda Meier were resolute. In their book THE GREAT PEOPLE OF THE 20TH CENTURY, TIME Magazine doesn't identify those who had children with DS and they didn't include former Senators Sam Hayakawa or Lowell Weicker.

TRANSPORTATION. This is one of the biggest problems for disabled people. We don't have typical public transportation in Aberdeen, but there is a small van with a wheelchair lift which can be ordered (at least a day in advance) that gets people to medical services, stores or almost anywhere for $1.75. The weather here is atrocious half the time so walking isn't usually an option and sometimes it is so cold or otherwise prohibitive that private cars can't be safely used. Schools and the Adjustment Training Center have increased their number and quality of vehicles so they generally provide outstanding group transportation for many organized events. Robert has his own vehicle (which I generally drive with his assistance - it has a dual braking system) so he can make absolute local transportation arrangements. Probably, most disabled people are transported for recreational or social events by their parents if they live at home. Others use "dial a ride" or engage a taxi for such travel. We solicit comments/suggestions for a future article on the aspect of mobility for disabled people.

OVEREATING/GLUTTONY. This problem has existed for centuries and should be guarded against by all caregivers. Those with disabled wards have an increased "eating" challenge which demands additional care. Robert's physician described him as morbidly overweight. Robert activated some restraint and lost weight for a couple of weeks, but then fell back on his old habits and is gaining again. This was written just before Christmas and we have to report that even though he was aware a batch of cookies were for a dear friend (who also is the first person to proof each issue), he couldn't resist eating a dozen. EATING DISORDERS is a '95 UK book that provides the necessary information (Sterling, 387 Park Avenue S., New York, NY 10016-8810). It suggests that eating problems are rooted in deep emotional distress; they frequently are addictive diseases and are increasing. Robert took only the initial two-week prescription of Redux. U.S. Overeaters Anonymous, P. O. Box 4350, San Pedro, CA 90731 might be able to provide help; if you have actual or potential "eating" problems, contact them.

OASDI/REGULAR EMPLOYMENT. Darlene Vorhies, who sent us the poem which we reprinted in our Thanksgiving Issue wants to know if Robert is a regular employee at Herbergers. In a letter dated 12-17-96, Robert's Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Sheryl Logan sent Robert a letter confirming what she had told us the day before and provided us a copy of the IWRP Amendment/Closure Statement. The first sentence reads: "Robert Johnson is determined to have been successfully rehabilitated." It gives specifics on the job and salary noting that it is part-time. A "yes" response was given to all eight conditions relating to the job, including: "Is the employment permanent and reasonably regular." Sheryl makes it clear in her letter of transmittal as well as at our meeting that she would assist him in getting the job back if something went wrong and that she will provide post-employment services. One of the most intriguing aspects of regular employment is that generally such employees contribute to OASDI and gain credit for disability old age and other Social Security benefits. Robert pays in to OASDI through Herberger's, but he already gets Social Security Disability benefits due to his having paid into OASDI while he worked for IRS while in high school. Of course, he gets older every day so it seems likely this aspect of his job will lead to Social Security old age retirement when qualifying conditions are met.

HEALTH NEWS. The tri-weekly is published by the Massachusetts Medical Society which also published THE NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE and also appears to be a pertinent, quality publication. The 12-10-96 issue devotes very little space to chronic conditions such as MR, diabetes, arthritis, etc., but it does say that nearly 100 million Americans are so afflicted. An article on Autism reports on recent research indicating that a drug that boosts serotonin levels (Lurox) led to Autistic patients who were less aggressive and better able to communicate and interact. The same researcher found that a diet low in Tryptophan made some symptoms worse. It concluded with "Drugs currently used to treat Autism have limited effectiveness." To subscribe send $29 for 17 issues or double the number for another $23 (P.O. Box 52924, Boulder, CO 80323-2924). We would like to share a subscription so let us know if that interests you.

NADS HOLIDAY CARD. A young child with DS in a Santa suit is on the front of the card. The primary message presented before 700 people at the NADS October Conference was provided by Lydia Orso. They make it clear that not everyone with DS is as fortunate as Lydia and NADS needs tax deductible donations to find creative ways to help each child with DS (P. O. Box 4542, Oak Brook, IL 60522). We recognize the plight of NADS which is the oldest DS support group in the US. We endorse contributions to NADS as we know all funds received will be well used. If you don't believe our publication is worth $5 every year or two, send it on to NADS!

NEUROBIOLOGICAL BRAIN DISORDERS: NOT "MENTAL ILLNESSES". The SD Alliance for the Mentally Ill in their '96 edition of the family and consumer handbook makes the captioned point. People labeled as mentally ill as well as those labeled mentally retarded have to fight off misconceptions that their disorder was sent by God as a punishment or involved demon possessions, hysteria and witchcraft. It's time to strike down all labels that result in automatic negative reactions and substitute names that hold out hope to the individuals with the conditions, their loved ones, and society in general.

CENSUS ESTIMATES DISABLED ADULTS. Nationally, they think 24.5% of the people over 16 have disabilities that makes it hard for them to read, carry a bag of groceries or do other simple tasks. Census also contends about 11% of adults (at least in the Dakotas) have severe impairment (such as blindness). They found more than a dozen counties in the Dakotas include at least 30% of the adults with some disability, but about one-half of them are still working. Census says the most common disability is having difficulty walking three city blocks. You should be able to find out how you can read the entire Census report from any member of your U.S. Congressional delegation.

NEED FOR RADICAL MEDICAID REFORM OVERESTIMATED. Medicaid spending growth dropped to 3.2% in '96 after averaging 95% a year between '92 and '95. An Urban Institute Study prepared for the Kaiser Commission on the Future of Medicaid estimates Medicaid spending growth over the next six years at 7.4% annually and generally Medicaid cost increases will be less severe than the Congressional Budget Office projections.

NADS NEWS. Editor Ann Janoitis uses many personal narratives. The November issue included one by a high school Freshman with DS who provided an outline of her school day. Another relates to a young man with DS who has had 5 years in high school; the article was apparently based on an article in his school newspaper and like the "lead" article about the Freshman makes him appear as a substantial credit to society. A parent also contributed an article about a 23 year old son with DS who has the more traditional life style of a young man with DS. Send $10 (NADS, P. O. Box 4592, Oak Brook, IL 60522) for a membership or drop Ann a note at that address.

FRONTLINE INITIATIVE. Robert received a copy of the first issue of this publication "first class". However, future issues likely will come by non-profit mail. It promotes the interests of direct support workers (DSWS) who serve people with developmental disabilities. It seems certain to enhance the lives of DSWs. The editor is Susan O'Nell, 101A Pattie Hall, 150 Pillsbury Dr. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455.

DO SOMETHING. We have written before about this potentially culture-changing organization (P.O. Box 2469 JAF, New York, NY 10116). They now publish a glossy magazine called BUILD. Dora Mayers is the Editor-in-Chief and she has embarked on a crusade to have TV recognized as a drug. She calls the problem "teleholism." She closes her editorial with "First step: TURN OFF THE TV. Because the fact of the matter is, it's you who's being controlled by remote." The corporate backers of the publishers are Blockbuster and Mademoiselle. Some of what Dora writes seems to target our current American culture and some whom she quotes such as Tom Morello use terms reminiscent of the Communists, as is her article "Religion: the amphetamine of the people." She cites a 60 year old definition of "drug" to support the opinion mentioned earlier, but although TV is addictive, few would agree that the current accepted common definition of "drug" encompasses TV.

GUARDIANSHIP. Three hundred of the 3600 developmentally disabled adults in South Dakota do not have family or others to help make decisions says Bill Engberg (head of the SD Guardianship Program) according to an AP report. He said the need keeps increasing. Before Robert was 18 we recognized some of the difficult situations he would be facing so we got a lawyer to request that we (his parents) be designated as his limited guardians. If you are a caregiver for someone approaching the legal age of maturity, we encourage you to contact your state guardianship office and ask for help in establishing the pros and cons of a limited guardianship.

DO GOODER/FRIENDSHIPS. That is certainly an inadequate caption but it identifies two of the major factors which made Robert want to attend The Adjustment Training Center, rather than attempt more post-secondary education or a more normal vocation. Many of his friends were at the ATC and they enjoyed it. Also, he likes to help other people and he knew he was doing that by actively being a part of the "disabled" community. We seek articles/letters we can print on the type of stimulation/direction YOU think caregivers should give disabled people!

FORCED STERILIZATION. We have written on this for a quarter of a century and studied the pros and cons another quarter of a century. A year ago one of those "on the receiving end" at the Provincial Training School in Alberta got a judgment for $740,780 Canadian dollars. Thirty US states also conducted forced sterilizations as well as British Columbia. Indiana continued the practice into 1960. Leilani Muir, the winner of the judgment, said at the trial: "Nobody had the right to play God with me." The above was taken from an 12-23-96 AP story from Edmonton. There are many related issues today such as sex education, which we endorse, and birth control. If you come up with compelling logic to support your views on these or similar subjects, please let us print them.

FAMILY WITH 39 DISABLED CHILDREN. The 12-20-96 USA TODAY shows and tells of this family, most of whom have DS. Katy Kelly wrote the extensive article filled with pictures so I will send this review to her for her reaction (which will follow if there is one). Robert glanced at the article and indicated it was good. My reaction for many years has been that large "adoptive" families filled with disabled people are strange and probably can't do justice to some of the disabled children. The captioned family lives in eight buildings, half each in Miami and North Carolina. The father is a Pediatrician and the mother, a nurse; they say the reason for the huge family is that most didn't have anywhere else to go. They hope to build a community near the Georgia line in Hayesville, NC. They try to treat the children as if they are normal; thirteen are adopted with nine more adoptions pending, but all are considered their children. The non profit "UP WITH DOWNS" is a key in their operation; Adrienne Hackenberg is the Administrator. Mrs. Geraldi doesn't take a salary from the foundation but it does pay several workers. Last year income was a half million dollars but expenses were $808,000 with the difference made up by Dr. Geraldi's medical practice. The article contains about a four inch square block called FACTS ABOUT DOWN SYNDROME which seems accurate and concludes with: "Children are greatly helped by early intervention, infant stimulation and supportive schooling." We want to thank the Geraldis, Kate Kelly and USA TODAY for their parts in printing this comprehensive article.

FRUIT JUICE. A recent AP article suggests drinking more than 12 ounces may make preschoolers fat or stunt their growth. The article is based on a January PEDIATRICS report of a study in rural upstate New York. Since nationwide overweight has been a problem and cause and effect hasn't been proven, the suggestion isn't overwhelming although it seems prudent to restrict juice intake to six ounces a day.
PROMISED LAND. Chris Burke returned to play another realistic role about a man with DS who becomes part of his brother's family. It appeared in mid-January on CBS and a "print" would make an excellent program for a support group or a People First group, or any training/educational program for disabled people, particularly if followed by a question and answer period.

NATIONAL CATHOLIC OFFICE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES. They publish a quarterly. It is worthwhile so consider asking to get on the free mailing list (P. O. Box 29113, Washington, DC 20017-0113). In the "Religious Education" section of V 13 #4, they report that grants have been used to produce: (1) a six pound loose leaf notebook for students aged 5 - 18 with mild /moderate mental retardation containing 220 lesson plans. It is available for $40; (2) A Service Delivery Model for Students with Special Needs in the Catholic Elementary School Systems; (3) A 74 page book JESUS AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES (The Right Book Co., P. O. Box 1964, Bellingham, WA 98227, 800-875-8109); and (4) SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION: INDIVIDUALIZING LESSON PLANS ($20 + S&H). The cited NCPD "National Update" starts with the article "Celebrating Life" which argues against physician-assisted suicide." You can get the complete statements they sent to the Supreme Court by sending them $1 and a SASE.

GENE THERAPY FOR SERIOUS BIRTH DEFECTS/GRANTS. The March of Dimes will provide up to three quarter million dollars each for such research (1275 Mamoroneck Ave., White Plains, NY 10605). The grants are in honor of Franklin D. Roosevelt.

WRONGFUL LIFE. In Greco v. United States, 893 P 2d 345 (Nev. Supt.Ct., March 30, 1995) the court declined to recognize the action because the court would have to weigh the injury to the child born with severe defects against the "utter void of nonexistence." However, it ruled that if the mother was prevented from refusing the burden (by terminating her pregnancy as an example) by any act of negligence by her physician she was potentially entitled to recover money damages for medical and custodial costs as well as emotional distress.

AMA WINTER CATALOG. We hope you are aware of this very large 150 year old professional association for physicians. Since none of us here are physicians and they send their catalogs to us we assume you can get on their mailing list too by calling 800-621-8335. The clothes and publications look great and not overpriced. The binocular loupes are pricey but many who need precision vision on some jobs likely will find they do the job. You can visit their Web site at: http://www.ama-assn.org.

NICHCY. We have supported this organization since it was formed and encourage you to call or write them for background information (800-695-0285, P. O. Box 1492, Washington, DC 20013-1492). It was formed after Columbus reached this continent and probably after President Ford signed off on PL 94-142. Ask for their pamphlet "The Education of Children and Youth With Special Needs: What Do the Laws Say?" It will permit you to provide more significant thoughts to your U. S. Congressional Delegation when they consider modification of the current IDEA law. Also, ask for the most recent NICHCY Publication Catalog. You won't regret it if you do take the time to contact NICHCY!

YOU FOOL! Matthew 5:22 quotes Jesus as saying "Anyone who says, 'you fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell." If you are interested in explanations for more than 500 difficult Bible passages, send $20 for a 796 page book HARD SAYINGS OF THE BIBLE to CBB, P. O. Box 7000, Peabody, MA 01961-7000 and/or ask that they send you their new catalog.

RELIGIOUS INVOLVEMENT FOR DISABLED PEOPLE. During the early years after Robert's birth, several of my compatriots were working with or for churches. Foremost perhaps were Pearl and Marshall Nelson, who were very active with the AAMR Religion Division. However, even though the Association of Retarded Children (now the Arc) annually promoted a Mental Retardation Sunday, there never was the groundswell of support for a strong church program for disabled people that seemed so natural to me. Our first papers on Down syndrome were published by churches and remained so until the Down Syndrome News was turned over to the DS Congress. Although I have never been aware of any antagonism, collaborative effort has been minimal. If you agree that cooperative arrangements should be facilitated between churches and disabled people, write Disability Solutions 119-179, 9220 S.W. Barbur Bldv., Portland, OR 97219-5428 and ask that you be added to their free mailing list and that Vl #4 be sent you if extra copies are available. V1 #4 centers on the captioned issue and identifies voluminous resources. We solicit letters and articles that relate to the promotion of church and religious involvement of disabled people.

INTENSIVE BEHAVIOR PROGRAM. It will be with Heartspring June 16 to July 31 in Wichita. Heartspring is a 60-year old private, not-for-profit school for children with multiple disabilities. They also run the Children's Therapy Center. Call 800-835-1043 for details (2400 Jardine Dr., Wichita, KS 67219). On campus, each child shares an apartment with a staff member. Classes are small. There will be a written progress report and recommendations. It may be considered expensive, but this former "Institute of Logopedics" has had excellent commendations. It is an approved out-of-state residential school for many states.

THE SENSES. The "overview" is in the 1-13-97 U. S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT. On page 16 of that magazine columnist John Leo got me in the mood to "discern" with the Jeff Howard quotation: "Smart is not something you just are. Smart is something you can get." Do likewise!

DOWN'S VOICE. This certainly is the best English language magazine relating to DS. It was before they upgraded the printing. We remember our first copies some 18-19 years ago. Since they failed to credit us as the original publisher of material they reprinted I wrote Tony McDonald, the editor. I never got a response, but as I read articles by her I realized she is one of the many capable dedicated "Down's mothers" that generally got and gets the DS "spade work" done around the world. Anyhow, to join the DS Association of Victoria and get on their mailing list send a note or $20 to DSAV, 55 Victoria Parade, Collingwood, Vic 3066, Australia. There could be "money exchange" questions and if you are a student or pensioner the cost is only $12. You can also get answers by E-mail (dsavic@netspace.net.au). They use Netscape on the Web, and we suspect their home page is operational. However, recent issues indicate Tony hasn't been well although she still is listed first of the six on the DSAV Editorial Committee.

NATIONAL PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS. In regard to "substance abuse" the cohesive national source is JOIN TOGETHER, 441 Stuart Street (6# F2), Boston, MA 02116. You probably can get a beautiful '97 poster with events and appropriate phone numbers. We endorse their plea to start your own campaign and work with others to get the message out. They endorse the efforts such as "Take Your Daughter to Work Day" (April 24th). Ask them to do the same for your special causes. Logically, they will consider taking on "food" also. Robert's sister Kari makes a living for herself and two great dogs doing substance abuse work.