The Gillespie Family

Last Updated: Sep 25, 2009

Stevie & Sammy

5-13-04 1:07/1:08 6lbs1oz5lbs15oz

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Hi, love your page, read most of it but got really distracted by the eggs going everywhere.
-tina sheers

Hi,
Myself Jimmy from Canada. Thanks for the useful information. I would like to know more about it.
Jimmy

Drug Intervention New Hampshire
-Jimmy

Thanks for your website. I'm a Mom of a 15 year old boy on the spectrum. Yep. Only parents who live it can appreciate all that you have shared. As 2008 comes to an end, we look to the future with cautious hope.
-Ellen

Hello. Is there someway to get the stars to stop falling? I'm trying to read the aluminum stuff but am ADHD and can't do anything with those stars falling?
Thanks.
-Marie

Hi, love your blog. My husband went to the USNA with a Steve Gillespie...is that you? We have a 3 year old son with autism and live in the DC area. He really likes the stars on your website! :)
-Cyndi Newton

Hello again my dear friend!! I am so delighted to find you again!! :-}} I was overjoyed to hear that things are finally going to the Federal level. You are the most caring parents I have ever met. I now have a grandson and I am just as concerned about his shots now as ever, thanks to you making everyone aware of this plight. So GODS SPEED TO YOU, YOUR FAMILY, AND THE TWINS!!!
-Laura Whales

Dear Michelle and Steve,
Thank you for all that you are and all that you do by bringing Autism into the spotlight that it much deserves and by telling it like it REALLY is!

Continued prayers for your strength, energy and wisdom. You are an inspiration for many.

-Kathy in Anchorage, Alaska

Gillespi Family, God bless your entire family...I applaud your efforts to share your story with others and especially your obvious desire to inform the uninformed about the possible dangers of vaccination..
As a Father who is blessed with 7 children and,to date, 10 grandchildren I feel for the tragedy of your vaccine injured twin boys.. Please know that your comment "Had someone told us this, in the winter of 2004, our boys would have NEVER recieved these shots!"
does not fall on deaf ears.. As a practicing Doctor of Chiropractic for over 40 years and therefor of the holistic health care philosophy I have continually urged parents to investigate the alleged safety and effectiveness of vaccination and make to an "informed" decision prior to any actions.. I am convinced the vast majority of parents vaccinate their precious children out of FEAR rather than reason.. Ignorance of the facts can only be changed by parents like you.. I thank you for your passionate effort..

Dr Frank A Smith
Murrysville, PA
-Dr Frank A Smith

hi, im dawn.my goddaughters baby boy will soon be comming to kennedy. if anyone wants to write me about any thing, ill write you back. write to dawn ricco 4117 audrey ave baltimore md 21225. hope to here from all of you.
-dawn

I love your site! You twins are very adorable. It has been a while since I visited! Amazing how fast they grow, isn't it!?

http://www.babyhomepages.net/vibbertfamily
-Jamie

HI MY NAME IS ERIKA AND I GREW UP WITH AMANDA. WE WERE BEST FRIENDS IN LIKE MIDDLE SCHOOL. I LOST TOUCH WITH HER OVER THE YEARS BUT I THINK ABOUT HER ALL THE TIME. A FRIEND OF MINE CAME ACROSS YOUR PAGE AND FILLED ME IN ON THE IRAQ SITUATION, I HAD NO IDEA. I REMEMBER PLAYING BARBIES WITH HER AND I NEVER THOUGHT THAT SHE WOULD JOIN. I WAS JUST WONDERING IF YOU COULD TELL HER I SAID HELLO AND I MISS HER AND I HOPE SHE IS DOING REALLY WELL. I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE IT, I JUST HOPE SHE REMEMBERS ME :) THANKS FOR YOUR TIME!
-ERIKA IHNAT

Michelle You contribute to my life every day with all the work you do on our behalf... I especially enjoy your prayers and I am forever grateful for all the knowledge you spread I just read your entire site and looked at all your precious pictures May God Bless your family and keep them for you in the best of health Nuha
-Nuha Shiblie

Hi Mishelle,
My Name is SGT Uphoff. I used to be Amanda's squad leader and now I am her roommate. She is such a nice girl and I am glad I got to know her. Thank you for the package you sent to me. I am so thankful for your support and everyone else's for the job we do.
I salute you and your family.
-SGT Uphoff

Someone forwarded your site to me, as I am considering not vaccinating my newborn. I'm a bit overwhelmed by all the info here (and everything I read elsewhere) Is there a specific site that tells me which (if any) are okay and which to completely avoid?

www.babyhomepages.new/w
travnsar@hutchtel.net
-Sarah Weseman

Michelle, your page is pretty cool. I'm glad I got to know Amanda and be her 'battle buddy' for so long and it's really nice to get to know the family that is supporting their soldier. Send her a big 'HELLO!' from Lyon when you talk to her next! God Bless!
-SPC Lyon

Michelle, Your website it awesome. I would love to give my family story (both kids affected-just starting DAN process, but great results with diet and vit supplements). However, I am not computer savy enough to make a webpage. Thank you for your contributions. 
-Jennifer P from WI

Hi guys! Thanks for stopping by our site (Lin twins). I've enjoyed looking at your site and seeing all your beautiful children!

Blessings,
Jenny
-Jenny

Small world, you had contacted me with a few questions on my Rifton Gait Trainer for sale on another site. I see you are from Maryland. Ironically, the picture of my son in the gait trainer is at our home in Mount Airy, MD. It was taken in 2004. We have since moved back to AZ only residing in MD for 2 years. We moved there to be closer to the expertise at Hopkins & KKI. Maryland was a wild journey for a desert rat family. Was beautiful to see the spring flowers cover the state & the green trees & grass, was just a gorgeous state. My son attended Cedar Lane School in Columbia, which has since relocated to a campus in Fulton. Wonderful School! Best Wishes to you & your journey with your twins. What cuties! Thanks for all you do in the Autism area, like you I try to involve myself in the area & make a difference. I just attended a great conference on the biological aspects of Autism at ASU in late June. Some notable speakers were in attendance. It was eye opening & gave me great direction & motivation. Take Care!
-Tammy Kloser

Hiya- I just saw your posting on the Baltimore craigslist.com and thought I'd visit your site to read more. Wow - what a neat family! I really admire your advocacy work and sharing of info on your site. This is an issue close to my heart as a mom. My family is also huge Washington Capitals fans - Olie Kolzig (goalie) has a son Carson, who was diagnosed several years back. He's done lots with other athletes on the topic of autism, as you may know. I wish you and your family the best! And we'll keep Amanda in our prayers, hoping she's back home soon.
-Meredith

I just stumbled across you site. You children are precious!! Made me think of a Soap Talk episode I saw. A lady on there had an autisic child and she made a full recovery. Just in case you haven't seen or heard of it, here is the link for you. http://www.awakeningashley.com/ If you haven't heard of this, you might find it interesting. All the luck & prayers to you and God Bless!!!
-Misty www.babyhomepages.net/babyreed/

Michelle,

Oh how adorable the boys are. Glad to see every one is doing good. Let's talk real soon.

Kim
-Kim Dunaway

I clicked on your site from Sasha's site. Your pics and stories are truely amazing. I am a special education teacher in Alabama with intensne training in Autism, and with background in Ealry Intervention under Alabama Dept of Rehab Services. God Bless for what you do for your entire family. That big brother seems to be a lifesaver. Good luck with your missions for your beautiful boys!
-BAH

I read your message on Craigslist.com and was moved to visit your site. Your children have been blessed with special parents who look out for their children's best interests. My daughter was diagnosed with celiac disease when she was two. Since going gluten free she has also made great strides. Luckily the public is becoming more aware of gluten allergies and doctors are more informed. I will keep you all in my prayers. God Bless!!
-Tracey

You help so many with your consistent effort and positive attitude.
-Dana Laake

I saw your posting on craiglist.com and as a mother of twins I was curious and stopped by to read about your family. I love your site and as I was reading I realize how I take a lot of things for granted. I never thought to question my doctor about vaccines. I just assume that since he spent years studying that he knows what is best for my children and after reading your story I know believe that I am the only one that knows what is best for my children and I should ask more questions before letting the doctor go though their routines with my children. I wish there was more I could do to help you. You are always free to email me! mjsparkles2001@yahoo.com
-Mary Jo

I was so moved by your story. I happend clicking the link and know the wonderful story. You are the great parents and your family is blessed. Please keep hope and struggle, you will win finally! I love your kids, they are so adorable.
-cathy

Dear Michelle,
My daughter, also Michele, has twin boys Peter and Matthew born in Dec. of 2002. While both are fine, we have had many problems. We have asthma, ear infections, and other allergies. Peter had a ultra sound because his head was growing rapidly(?). Everything was fine. And many colds. We now question the vaccines. While some people question why there is still autism after the mercury has been remove from the vaccines, it may be because it is still made with mercury and it all removed except for a trace amount.this wi what they call mercury free! also, there is a theory that we are giving too many vacines too early to our babies, who have incomplete immune systems and it is causing many problems, including over active systems resulting in the increase of asthma in our children. In the future, I am advocationg that vaccines other than polio (no the live) should not be administered before the age of two and they should also be farther apart.
-Dale

My heart and soul are with you all on your journey with these beautiful children and to finding a cure for autism... God Bless & Keep You...

-Mark Leland

To all the wonderful families who have told their story on this website.
All of your stories of hope and encouragement have warmed my heart. Those of us dealing with autism know the heartbreak involved. You all show a great positive attitude. I am a breast cancer survivor and know the value of staying positve to "getting better".
Over the last several months I have seen some improvements in Sammy and Stevie due to the tenacity of their mom and our daughter Michelle. You must continue to tell everyone about the mercury in our children's vaccines that is poisoning them. Yes it may be a bit more expensive to make them without it but at what price- our preciuos children's chance at a normal life?
Tell everyone you know about this and ask for their support to write, phone or email their legislative reps to support Senate Bill 365 to ban mercury from our dear children's vaccines. Shout it from the rooftops if you have to, but DON"T GIVE UP.
I keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers and only wish the best for you and your wonderfully special children.
All our love to our family from Grandma and Pop Pop.
- Linda & John Stilson

On December 11, 1999 my youngest son, Nathaniel, came into this world, a perfectly normal beautiful gift from God. With pride I watched him meet all the normal developmental milestones. By eighteen months of age he was naming TV shows and calling his brothers and sisters by name. But he was also becoming a constantly sick child, going to the doctor two to three times every week. There were unending fevers, ear infections, and colds. He cried constantly, had a bloated stomach and continually covered his ears with his hands. Shortly after receiving the MMR his left eyelid began to droop and his language disappeared. He no longer made eye contact, could not attend to any task, and developed many typical autistic behaviors. Local doctors finally recommended a psychological exam at age three. The psychologist was the first to mention the â??Aâ?? word. A team examination at the University of Arkansas Childrenâ??s Hospital in 2003 resulted in the official diagnosis of Autism.

When Nathaniel was three I became a single parent with sole custody of my son. He was making no progress in Pre-K. I was desperate to find help for my son. Through the Internet I located the Northeast LA Autism Society and arranged a meeting with Lynda Huggins. I was literally in tears as I asked how I could help my son. After discussing Nathanielâ??s history Lynda urged me to take my son to a DAN! doctor. She told me about an upcoming Mini-DAN conference in New Orleans. I attended and met Dr. Stephanie Cave, a DAN! practitioner from Baton Rouge. She agreed to see Nathaniel. In February of 2004 Dr. Cave did extensive testing on Nathaniel. She prescribed several daily supplements and said that I should put Nathaniel on a Gluten-free, Casein-free diet immediately. Within days of implementing the diet there was improvement and school reports reflected progress. In April, when test results were completed, Dr. Cave started Nathaniel on a chelation regiment to remove heavy metals from his body. For several months, it was not an easy or pleasant experience for either Nathaniel or me. I had to literally hold him down to get the pills down his throat. But the progress I saw motivated me to follow Dr. Caveâ??s instructions to the letter. The treatment protocol healed his gut, strengthened his immune system and removed the metals poisoning his brain.

I was attending monthly meetings of the local autism support group and began to feel that I was not alone in this battle. When I mentioned my lack of success with potty training, I discovered the wonderful book/video & bear of â??Itâ??s Potty Timeâ??. Amazingly after watching the video and reading the book, Nathaniel trained himself within one day! I captured his joy at success with a Polaroid camera and that picture served as a reinforcement, which he took with him to school. I began to realize the communication power of pictures! Since Nathaniel could not express his needs or desires verbally, I cut pictures from magazines for him to show me what he wanted to eat, to do, etc. Within a few months, his language began to return. It was as if he picked up right where he lost his words. His first clear complete phrase was â??I love you Daddyâ?? - what a wonderful reward for the months of special diet and lots of pills! School reports included â??speaking more and more.â?? By the end of that school year the school reported â??You need no progress report to tell you how well Nathaniel is progressing.â??

Imagine not having the ability to express your likes or dislikes, your fears or joys, what you do or do not want to do. How frustrating it must have been for my son. But he found ways to get his point across â?? like throwing three pairs of new shoes (which he obviously did not like) out the car window as he traveled in his car seat behind me. He traveled with me during the summer and once stripped butt naked in the middle of a business meeting at a fancy restaurant. During our travels he knew exactly where he had visited a Toys â??R Us store
-

- months earlier and pointed excitedly as we approached the correct exit. He had so much to tell me â?? but could not speak the words. And there were many humorous times. He decided the Blues Clues potty seat resembled a hat and a hacksaw was required to remove it from his head. The noise of my windshield wipers was evidently painful to his ears so he simply removed them (with a screwdriver) and hid them from me. Yes he found ways to tell me many things.

This past December Nathaniel celebrated his sixth birthday. You could not have picked him out of the group of kids as a child with autism. He was just a normal 6-year-old joyously tearing into gifts, eating lots of pizza and cake and playing appropriately.

Throughout the past three years I have been blessed with wonderful support from family and friends and the skilled medical guidance of Dr. Cave. Nathanielâ??s grandmothers have followed my every direction for diet and pills and each instruction for working with him. In the last two years (and since six weeks after beginning chelation), Nathaniel has had only one doctor visit. That was for the removal of his tonsils. That doctor voiced his opinion that Nathanielâ??s droopy left eyelid might have resulted from a minor stroke (at around age 18 months).

There were many stressful times. It was especially difficult as a single parent to hold a job requiring extensive travel, arrange all the doctor visits, follow all the doctorâ??s instructions, and endure the bizarre behaviors. Many times I felt that I was at my ropeâ??s end. After one particularly long and exhausting day, when I finally got Nathaniel down for the night, I sat down and began to write. The words that flowed from my mind that night surely came from above. â??Now I lay him down to sleep, I pray Dear Lord my son could speak.â?? As I thought about what I had written I decided to contact my life-long friend and recording artist, Mark Leland. Together we completed those words to write the song â??Missing Piecesâ??.

These many months later as we are completing a video of â??Missing Piecesâ?? I know that God has led me through this experience for a purpose. It is my hope and prayer that the song will generate funding to assist families in obtaining the biomedical treatments that can help these children. My miracle son is proof that recovery is possible. The song tells of the pain of watching a child slip into the autism abyss and of a parentâ??s determination to pull him back. Now I know there are so many more like Nathaniel who need our help to win this war. Together we can help them make it through. The missing piece is me and you.

The video of â??Missing Piecesâ?? will be released in April to coincide with national Autism Awareness month. The song will be delivered to radio stations throughout the country in mid-March. I hope you will call your local station in April and request â??Missing Piecesâ??. You can help us help families.

You may go to www.autismnela.org to hear a snippet of â??Missing Piecesâ?? and order the Mark Leland CD online. Or send a check payable to NE LA ASA to P.O. Box 4762, Monroe, LA 71211. Cost is $17 ($15 + $2 S& H). CDs will also be available at LSAC Board meetings.
- submitted by another parent

How do you explain that eversince California banned mercury in vaccines that the autism rate is dropping? Maybe you should do some more research. Sounds to me like you are misguided with the wrong information. How do you explain that children are recovering from autism? You can't recover a gene epidemic!
-

How do you explain that the autism rate in Denmark did not drop after they stopped using vaccines which contain Thimerosal?

Thimerosal should not be used in vaccines. I absolutely agree. But it is not responsible for autism.
- Elienne

I thought I'd come check out your website from craigslist. The doctors sister that my mother works for has a son with autism due to the MMR shot she believes.I was very scared when my son had to get his shot but was told that it did not have murcury, it was a new make of the shot. I also will not get my son the flushot either because of seeing on the news it has murcury in it.I saw the pictures of your sons, so precious and it just broke my heart to know that they struggle because of something someone could have prevented. You and your family are a blessing and I am so happy to find people like you out there, fighting for what you believe in and just simply loving no matter what..
- Jessica Holewinski

Hi Michelle & family,
I am a mother of twin boys, born 12-22-01, Cameron & Christian. Christian was diagnosed with autism when he was barely 2 at TEACCH.I have only recently learned of this mercury poising thing so I have been reading up on all this over the last couple of days. I think all of your kids are lucky to have such dedicated & special parents!! If you or any of your guests have any idea for a parent who is LOST on where to even start on finding any help for my son,Would you please let me know...?Christian is an EXTREMELY picky eater & turns out of the 8-9 things he will eat, all have gluetin & casein in it.(mltallent@yahoo.com) Thanks so much for sharing your story & pictures with us!! God Bless! (mltallent@yahoo.com)
- Michele

Hi. I saw your post on the EOH message board and came to check out your site. I think you did a great job putting it together and I love the pictures of your family. Your kids are adorable!!

My son is 4 years old and was diagnosed with PDD just before he turned two. I think he has mercury posioning like your sons. How I wish I knew then what I know now!!

I have a lot of hope for our kids.

Keep up the great website!!!
- Francine

Hi Michelle.

Just wanted to tell you my story. When I was eleven, I knew that there was something wrong with me, and I wondered if it might be something like autism.

A couple of years ago, my fifteen year old daughter was doing research for her science class, and came to me and said "Mom I think I have lead poisoning", and when I told her I didn't think this was the case, she paused for a minute and then said to me "Well then, I think I have mercury poisoning." And although I brushed this off at the time, I now can see she has many, many symptoms. Skin rashes, GI troubles (her GI specialist thought she might be autistic when she was three), menstrual irregularities, ocd symptoms, heart beat irregularities.

Coincidence, do you think? Ahahah. Sure...

The doctor tells me her symptoms are non specific, meaning they could be caused by other things. But she doesn't have any of the other things they've checked for. And he won't consider chelation, because the AAP says there's nothing to the mercury poisoning theory.

I hope your children improve, and I hope that one day these evil bastards pay.
- Robin Nemeth

I LOVE YOU MOM
- YOUR,SON

Thanks for your story. Keep on going forward and God Bless!!

Mike K
- Mike Kouroupis

Michelle and Family,
It was wonderful to meet you this week and I especially enjoyed playing with the boys. I can't wait to visit again and flirt with Sammy! Your website is such a testament to how much you love your family. Thanks for being an inspiration.
- Deirdre

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