SECOND ANNUAL “FLYING PIG 5K CHARITY

RUN/WALK” To benefit The Family Support Services Program –

Foothills Gateway, Inc.

Sunday, April 11th, 2010 – 9:00 a.m. Spring Canyon Park, Fort Collins, CO 2626 W. Horsetooth Rd. Ft. Collins, CO CERTIFIED COURSE Pre-Qualifier for Boulder-Boulder $25.00 Fee-Includes tee shirt and “pigs in a blanket” pancake breakfast Pancake breakfast ONLY tickets avail-able at event -$5.00 “Piglet Walk” FREE for children under 10 yrs old Registration Forms available at : Foot of the Rockies, 150 E Harmony Unit 2C, Ft Collins, CO, (970) 377-8005; Runners Roost, 2720 Council Tree Ave. Ste. 112, Ft Collins, CO (970) 224-9114; www.active.com; www.foothillsgateway.org or call: Pam Miller at (970) 266-5409 *Registration forms are included in this newsletter. The Family Support Services Program (FSSP) provides a pool of funds designated to assist families who provide support at home, to their family member with a developmental disability.

Winter 2010

What’s inside the Loop Art on the Spectrum Page 2 Alliance Awareness Day Page 3 FSSP Staff Page 3 Support Groups Page 4 Online Resources and Support Page 5 Bulletin Board Page 6 Neurology Clinics Page 7 Winter Safety Page 7 HCP Staff Page 7 Home Health Care Page 8 Parent CNA Page 9 The Blessing Bowl Page 10-11 Who’s Who at the Loop Page 11 Charity Run Brochure Insert

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Foothills Gateway Inc. Children’s Case Management

Coordinator/Part C Coordinator

Sondra Lee

(970) 266-5424

sondral@foothillsgateway.org

Children’s Case Managers

Bri Wronski (970) 266-5422 briannaw@foothillsgateway.org Paige Sorensen (970) 266-5426 paiges@foothillsgateway.org Susan Welchans (970) 266-5395 susanw@foothillsgateway.org Pam Miller (970) 266-5409 pamm@foothillsgateway.org Timarie Bashor (970)266-5437 timariep@foothillsgateway.org Katie Dockery 266-5425 katied@foothillsgateway.org Emily Balch 266-5418 emilyb@foothillsgateway.org Matt Cloven 266-5445 mattc@foothillsgateway.org Danielle Garfield 266-5411 danielleg@foothilllsgateway.org Francine Bush 266-5394 francineb@foothillsgateway.org Joan Sugarman 266-5439 joans@foothillsgateway.org Family Support Services Program Council Members Brenda Tuttle (Parent)-Chair Mindy Schneider (Parent)-Co-Chair Michele Bullock (Parent) Mindi Pryce (Parent) Libby Stoddard (Parent) Cheryl Pugh (Parent) Kristen Deakin (Parent) Kim Walkenhorst (LCDHE –E.P.S.D.T.) Debbie Lapp (Foothills Gateway Inc.) Sondra Lee (Foothills Gateway Inc.)

Alliance Awareness Day

For Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

Wednesday, February 17, 2010 8am-2pm

Join us to raise awareness for individuals with developmental disabilities and to recognize our unique history.

8:00am-9:00am: Registration for the event at State Capitol, Old Supreme Court Chambers 9:00am: Two honored individuals with developmental disabilities will lead the Pledge of Allegiance at the State Capitol, in the House and Senate. Welcoming remarks will follow in the Old Supreme Court Chambers. 10:00am: Opportunity for individuals unable to register at the Capitol to register for the event at Denver Art Museum, North Building, Ponti Hall, 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, 80204 12:00pm: Lunch, Keynote presentation and DSP Recognition Ceremony at the Denver Art Museum, North Building, Ponti Hall, 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver 80204

RSVP by February 4, 2010: Kylie Kampbell, (303) 832-1618 ext 12 or email kkampbell@alliancecolorado.org

Limited carpooling available to this event

please contact

Diana Foland at

Foothills Gateway Inc.

(970) 266-5316

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Support Groups

EMPOWER Colorado/DREAM EMPOWER Colorado/DREAM is a nonprofit organization created by parents and families to support, educate and advocate for parents and families of children with mental health issues (brain disorders). Last Thursday of the month 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm 2001 S. Shields, Bldg. K Fort Collins, CO 80526 Free childcare available for families attending support group. Contact: Libby Stoddard (970) 227-7196 www.empowercolorado.com Autism Support Group Autism Society of Larimer County Community Education Meetings First Monday of the Month 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Respite Care Inc., 6203 S. Lemay Avenue, Fort Collins. Meeting Schedule: 6:30 to 7:30 pm - Presentation 7:30pm to 8:00 - Question & Answer 8:00pm to 8:30pm - Breakout and Networking Contact: Phyllis Zimmerman At dzerman@yahoo.com List Serve Address: FortCollinsAspergers_Autism @yahoogroups.com Federation of Families Supports families of youth, who have emotional, behavioral and mental disorders. Call Libby Stoddard for dates and times at (970) 223-9162 www.coloradofederation.org Parents of Asthmatic & Allergic Children Meetings quarterly-call for dates and times Cindy Coopersmith (970) 495-8153

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group Loveland Support Group Meets the 4th Monday of every month,5:30 – 7:30 pm Lifespring Covenant Church, 743 S. Detsero Fort Collins Support Group Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month,6:00 - 8:00 pm Summitview Community Church 1601 W. Drake Daycare provided at both groups. For more information, contact Josh Rabe at 970.622.7311 Mile High Down Syndrome Larimer County New Parent Group Focus: birth to 5 years old Meets on the 3rd Friday of each month from 6:30-8:30pm Plymouth Congregational Church, 916 W. Prospect Rd, Fort Collins, CO Contact: Mindi & Kirk Pryce (970)226-8674 or Megan & Rodolfo Valdez (970) 482-3782 for specific information www.mhdsa.org Northern Colorado Circle of Friends Community Group for families of children with Down Syndrome ages 5 to 12 who live in the Greeley, Windsor, Ft. Collins, Loveland, Estes Park, Red Feather Lakes, Wellington and Berthoud areas . We plan a social activity in the Summer and Fall (~July and October) and have a mix of meetings with and without formal presentations to allow us to get to know one another and share information about how our kids are doing. (September, January, February, and May) We meet the second Saturday of the month from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Crossroads Church, 5420 N. Taft

Avenue, Loveland, Colorado. For more information, contact Bernie Connell (970-221-3758) or send an email to circle.of.friends.mhdsa@gmail.com Thompson Autism/Asperger’s Parent/Community Support Group Meets on the 2nd Monday of each month during the school year. 6pm-8pm Thompson School District Administration Building 800 Taft Ave Loveland, CO Contact: Margi Scoufis (970) 613-6771 D.I.S.H Dietary Intervention Support and Hope provides personal one on one FREE consultations and individual meetings. These services are open to anyone who is inquiring, starting out or is a veteran of the gluten-free, casein-free diet and biomedical interventions. Contact: Phyllis Zimmerman Ph: 970-206-4979 Email: dzerman2@yahoo.com

CIRCLE OF PARENTS!

Informal "get together" for parents to meet and discuss parenting questions and concerns. Parents and kids attend on a drop-in basis - we've learned that most parents attend once and can't stay away. Here, you will find parents supporting and encouraging each other without judgment. The group provides friendship and an opportunity to learn from one other. Who: Families with children 3 – 8 years old When: Tuesdays, 4 – 5p.m. Where: Fit for Fun Family Fun Center,4103 So. Mason St. Fort Collins, CO (Cost: Free for parents; $3

charge per family for kids. It is recommended that parents call to RSVP for their first visit contact :Betsy Baier 970 232-1163 or betsy.baier@lfsco.org NEWLY FORMED GROUPS You're Never Alone Multi-disability Support Group for families of children with special needs Sponsored by Larimer County Autism Society Third Tuesday of each month 6:30pm-8:00pm Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church 4501 S Lemay Ave, Fort Collins, CO FREE Childcare by reservation at (970) 980-7527 For further information please contact: Tina Boyer at(970) 980-7527 or Brenda Tuttle at (970) 267-8705 or by email at brendatuttle@comcast.net Larimer County Epilepsy Support Group Provides support for people with epilepsy, their family and community members. 2nd Tuesday of each month 7:00pm-9:00pm Mandolin Cafe 210 East 4th st. Loveland, CO For further information contact Heather Schichtel www.samsmom-heathers.blogspot.com www.epilepsycolorado.org Moms Night Support and friendship for Northern Colorado Mothers of Children with and without special needs. Meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month 7-9pm Locations vary. Please contact Brenda Tuttle at (970) 267-8705 or email brendatuttle@comcast.net

sos4psk@yahoogroups.com Special Online Support for Parents of Special Kids is a list serve for parents who reside in Northern Colorado. To join email sos4psk-subcribe@yahoo.com or contact Brenda Tuttle at brentuttle@yahoo.com or (970) 267-8705. www.p2p-co.org Parent-to-Parent of Colorado We are a non-profit organization committed to quality Parent to Parent support across Colorado. We offer encouragement to each other on the journey of parenting our sons and daughters with disabilities or special health care needs. We do this by providing emotional and informational support, resources and by matching parents seeking sup-port with a support parent. www.peakparent.org PEAK Parent Center . 800-284-0251 The mission of PEAK Parent Center is to provide training, information and technical assis-tance to equip families of chil-dren birth through twenty-six including all disability conditions with strategies to advocate suc-cessfully for their children. As a result of PEAK’s services to fami-lies and professionals, children and adults with disabilities will live rich, active lives participating as full members of their schools and communities. www.arclc.org The Arc of Larimer County advo-cates for all individuals who have developmental disabilities to have opportunities and choices for inclusion and in-volvement in all aspects of life within our communities.

www.autismcolorado.org Autism Society of Colorado Our mission is to promote the quality of life for people with autism spectrum disorders and their families. FortCollinsAspergers_Austim@yahoo groups.com A group for parents, caretakers, teachers, of children on the au-tism spectrum to share informa-tion in the Larimer County, Northeastern Colorado areas. www.uchsc.edu/atp Assistive Technology Partners 800-255-3477 Device exchange program, data base of potential AT funding resources. Make and Take di-rections on various low cost AT adaptations and devices. Com-munity based demonstrations, annual conference www.ccdconline.org Colorado Cross Disability Coalition (303) 839-1775 Information and assistance on disability rights issues for youth and adults. Advances legislation and public policy impacting the disability community www.cde.state.co.us/index_special.htm Colorado Department of Educa-tion-Exceptional Student Leader-ship Unit (303) 866-6694 Website resources on special education law/school/district programs etc. FAST FACTS on a variety of topics. Information on educational specialists, parent-professional partnerships www.citizensforpatientsafety.org Citizens for Patient Safety (303) 226-5526 Patient safety information and referral. Advocacy training for those who have family members

in the hospital. Support for fami-lies/individuals dealing with legal issues in the medical sys-tem www.cdhs.state.co.us/ddd Division for Developmental Disabilities (303) 866-7450 Provides various services to individuals with developmental disabilities. Administers children and family program, adult pro-grams. Information on CCBS (Community Centered Boards) www.eastersealscolorado.org Easter Seals Colorado (303)233-1666 x237 Respite, including Discovery Club, weekend programs and summer camp. Warm water therapy and aquatic programs. Employment services/support, transition trainings, transporta-tion assessments. www.eicolorado.org Early Intervention Colorado 888-777-4041 Connects families with early intervention services to help infants and toddlers under age three grow and develop as well as help their families in the proc-ess www.elgrupovida.org El Grupo Vida (303) 904-6073 Information, referrals and sup-port groups for Spanish speak-ing families of children with spe-cial needs. Annual free confer-ence. www.empowercolorado.com Support, education, advocacy for families of children/youth with mental health issues. Support groups throughout the state. Statewide listserve

www.familyvoicesco.org Advocacy for children with spe-cial health care needs. Assists families in navigating health systems including Medicaid, Medicaid waivers and private insurance www.guardianshipallianceof colorado.org Guardianship Alliance of Colorado (303) 228-5382 Information and referral on guardianship, including volun-teer guardianship matching pro-gram. Information and training for those wishing to become a guardian for a family member who is 18 yrs or older. www.cde.state.co.us/cdesped/PEP.asp Parents Encouraging Parents (303) 866-6846 Free conference including lodg-ing and meals, heal twice per year at various statewide loca-tion (apply early as waiting lists occur frequently). Brings to-gether parents and professional for education on supporting your child in school and the commu-nity www.thelegalcenter.org The Legal Center for People with Disabilities and Older People 800-288-1376 Advice on the legal rights of peo-ple with disabilities. Publishes: “Everyday Guide to Special Education Law”

Online Resources and

Support

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BULLETIN BOARD Attention Families receiving Family Support Services! Quarterly expense forms are due April 5, 2010 Foothills Gateway Inc 301 W Skyway Dr Fort Collins, CO 80525 Fax: (970) 267-3497 Respitality! Feb-May 2010 WHAT: 4 hours of FREE child-care for children (through age 21) in the Family Support Ser-vices Program (or on the wait-ing list for the Family Support Services Program) and their siblings. WHEN: February 13, 6:00-10:00p.m. March 6, 1:00-5:00p.m. April 10, 6:00-10:00p.m. May date to be announced 6:00-10:00p.m. WHERE: Respite Care, Inc. 6203 South Lemay Ave. Ft. Collins, CO 80525 HOW: Please call Jen Houska @ 207-9435 Just in Time Parenting Newsletter Electronic Newsletters FREE valuable resource for parents of children prenatal through age 5 (with links to additional information for par-ents/providers working with school aged children and teen parents). These research based newsletters are written and reviewed by university faculty across the nation. The newsletters written at a 4th-6th grade reading level and available in both English and Spanish. Other features in-clude podcasts, “Ask and Ex-pert” and videos. To sign up simply go to www.extension.org/parenting scroll down and look on the right for “parenting newslet-ter”.

For further information please contact Dr Ann Bruce at annbruce@cahs.colostate.edu or (970) 491-7608 Advocate Education Grant Family Support Services Pro-gram (FSSP) Council at Foot-hills Gateway has limited fund-ing available to assist Larimer County families enrolled in Family Support Services pro-gram or on the waiting list for services. This grant entitled Advocate Empowerment Grant (AEG) is designed to enable people with developmental disabilities and their families to take advantage of the opportu-nities, experiences and infor-mation they need to empower their lives. For further information please contact your Foothills Gateway Case Manager (970) 226-2345 Moms’ Night Out Schedule February-May, 2010 Join Northern Colorado moth-ers of children with and with-out special needs for support and friendship. We meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, 7pm-9pm. 2nd Tuesday of each month is a chat and craft night at Cata-lyst Coffee, 3501 South Shields Street Fort Collins, CO 80526 (970) 223-9035 Don't craft? No problem join us for support and friendship. Upcoming dates are: February 9, March 9, April 13 and May 11, 2010. 4th Tuesday of each month is dinner and socializing at local restaurants. Upcoming dates and locations are: February 23, 7-9pm

Austin’s American Grill

2815 East Harmony Road

Fort Colllins, CO

March 23, 7-9pm

Island Grill

2601 South Lemay Avenue

Fort Collins, CO

April 27, 7-9pm

Uncle’s Pizza

1717 South College Avenue-Fort Collins, CO

May 25, 7-9pm

Rio Grande

Mexican Restaurant

143 West Mountain Ave

Fort Collins, CO 80524

2010 Conference on Inclusive Education: Igniting the Promise of Education February 11-13, 2010 Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center Denver, Colorado

For information please visit

www.peakparent.org

Parents Encouraging Parents Conference

Colorado Springs

2/25/2010 - 2/27/2010 5:00:00 PM - 3:30:00 PM

Parents Encouraging Parents (PEP) Conferences are family centered conferences de-signed to offer support, infor-mation, and education to par-ents and professionals. PEP promotes the partnerships that are essential in supporting and including children with disabili-ties and their families in all aspects of the school and com-munity.

These conferences are avail-able to persons residing in Colorado who have a child with a disability - ages birth to twenty-one. Administrators, principals, teachers, medical

and other service providers interested in the Family-Professional Partnership are invited to participate in a PEP Conference.

Contact Information:

PEP Hotline 303-866-6846 keck_k@cde.state.co.us

Colorado Special Education Advisory Committee (CSEAC) Quarterly Meetings

2/18/2010 - 2/18/2010

4/15/2010 - 4/15/2010 8:30:00 AM - 3:30:00 PM

CSEAC meets quarterly to dis-cuss/take action on annual goals and other matters of importance. CSEAC receives information on upcom-ing/current issues and gives input on the development of policies and programs.

Locations: TBD

Contact Information:

Katherine Keck 303-866-6943 keck_k@cde.state.co.us

Legal Conference on Special Education

4/12/2010 - 4/12/2010 8:00:00 AM - 5:00:00 AM

Conference on Special Educa-tion law for Special Education directors, parents, advocates, and attorneys. Location TBD...

Contact Information:

Jeanine Pow 303-866-6685 pow_j@cde.state.co.us

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Health Care Program for Children with Special Needs

Mailing Address and Phone Number: Health Care Program for Children with Special Needs Larimer County Department of Health and Environment 1525 Blue Spruce Dr Fort Collins, CO 80524

(970) 498-6732

Larimer County Staff Team Leader/Community Heath Services Director Averil Strand, RN, MSN (970) 498-6760 Nursing Coordinator Cindy Bradrick, RN BSN 498-6747 Program Coordinator Ginger Hillyard, BSW (970) 498-6732 CO-HEAR Regional Coordinator Annette Landes, SLP (970) 217-9532 Family Regional Consultant Brenda Tuttle (970) 267-8705 Nutrition Regional Coordinator Donna Uhlrich, RD (970) 498-6732 OT/PT Regional Coordinator Caryn Stanwyck, MS, PT (970) 691-1223 Social Work Regional Coordinator Anne Chaisson, MSW (970) 498-6733 Audiology Coordinator Nancy Alexander, MA, CCC-A (970) 586-6812

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Neurology Clinics April 08, 2010 July 08, 2010

October 07, 2010 Dr. Paul Moe, Board Certified Pediatric Neurologist From: The Children’s Hospital, Denver, CO To register contact: Cindy Bradrick RN, BSN with the Health Care Program for Children with Special Needs at Larimer County Department of Health and Environment 1525 Blue Spruce Dr Fort Collins, CO 80524 (970) 498-6747

Safety

Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, wind­driven snow that lasts for several days. Some winter storms are large enough to affect several states, while others affect only a single community. Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and sometimes by strong winds, icing, sleet and freezing rain.

Know the Difference Winter Storm Outlook Winter storm conditions are possible in the next 2 to 5 days. Winter Weather Advisory Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life threatening. Winter Storm Watch Winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions. Winter Storm Warning Life­threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. People in a warning area should take precautions immediately.

SOURCE: American Red Cross

www.redcross.org

Page 8

Several years ago, Keith’s Case Manager at Foothills Gateway brought up the topic of obtaining Home Health Care services. At the time I thought “No thanks, he’s my son I’ll take care of him.” When Keith was 4 yrs old I left my career in banking to become a full time stay-at-home mom because both my husband and I felt that it was the best situation for our family at the time. Over the years we had established a routine which was not always stress-free but something I tolerated. As Keith grew in size, the “status quo” ceased to work for us . School day mornings were exceptionally difficult. “Power Struggle” definitely characterized each morning’s events. Getting Keith up out of bed, showered, dressed, fed, medicated and on to the school bus was stressful to say the least. One of two things would make it difficult to awaken Keith. Either he had been up most of the night or was “hung over” from the nighttime medications that help him sleep. Both factors do not help make Keith a “morning person”. Bed wetting was the norm (although he wore pull-ups to bed) which would require a shower almost everyday. The inability to stay focused on a task made getting dressed either a hand-over-hand task or if time was tight I would have to dress him myself. Most mornings Keith would insist on a cooked breakfast (usually scram-bled eggs and hash browns). Not having good fine motor skills, Keith did not use utensils well. His food needed to be cut up into bite size pieces and he had to be supervised while eating to prevent choking. Administering medications could be a challenge. Sometimes Keith would resist so I had to wait and try again later or he would take the pills only to spit them out. Before I knew it the school bus would arrive and the process of trying to coax Keith out of the house and on to the bus would begin. If I could get him to the curb by myself I still had to convince him to enter the bus. Many times he would sit himself down on the sidewalk, refusing to budge. Keith has always been in the 90 to 110 percentile for his height and is very flexible. Physically moving him can be impossible even for two people. Several mornings the school bus would have to leave our house without Keith. I would then convince him to get in the car so that I could drive him to school. Once at school he was just as likely to resist leaving the car and entering the building. Daily battles like this wore down our spirits. One day, I called our Case Manager in tears…”Help us.”” She once again suggested we look into Home Health Care. “At least get an evaluation.” This time I took her advice. Long story short...in a four year time period we had two Certified Nursing Assistances (CNAs) who were a tremendous help. Each school day morning the CNA would take over the morning duties with the exception of administering medication (CNAs are not qualified to administer medication). The CNA would help transfer Keith to the bus or my car and even did some light housekeeping such as changing his bed and starting the washing machine. Morning stress began to ease up a bit and while Keith’s behavior was still unpredictable my husband and I had a qualified person helping us. Some mornings I was actually able to take a shower, get dressed and have break-fast. What a novel idea!! If my story sounds familiar or you have a child with medical challenges that require a lot of nursing support, consider looking into Home Health Care. “At least get an evaluation.” I resisted at first because I was accustomed to being the primary caregiver and wasn’t sure that I wanted a non-family member in my house 5 mornings a week. Once I relinquished control and got to know the Certified Nursing Assistant, her arrival on school morning became a welcome sight!

While private insurance does not typically pay for long term home health care, Medicaid and some Medicaid waivers will. Not sure if your family qualifies for services? Contact your Case Manager. I am glad I did.

A little over three years ago, I decided to take the Certified Nursing Assistance course at Front Range Community College and am currently being paid to care for Keith and work for the home health agency that originally provided the CNAs who helped our family.

If you would like to find out more about the ”Parent’s as CNAs” program please refer to the article on the following page.

Would My Family Benefit from Home Health Care?

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Colorado does have parents who are paid by Medicaid to provide home health services to children with special health needs. This practice has been increasingly popular with the shrinking number of home health providers. SOME IMPORTANT POINTS

• Not all children receiving Medi-caid qualify and receive home health care services.

• The child with special health

needs must be eligible for home health care services and receiv-ing a CNA level of skilled care.

• Not all home health care agencies

choose to hire parents. • Getting a CNA license requires

the parent to complete a training course,pass both a written and a manual skills test.

• Courses vary in length depending

on who is providing the training. • Some home health care agencies

provide classes; you might check with your child's agency.

• Once an individual has

successfully gotten a CNA license, there are CEU's (Continuing Education Credits) required yearly by the agency which hired the parent to providethe care (based on the state licensing board's requirements).

• Parents providing care are held to

the same criteria as other health professionals hired by a homehealth agency, such as: attending staff meetings, paperwork, clocking in and out for each home health visit, CPR training and sometimes first aid training.

WHERE TO GET CNA TRAINING Classes: CNA training courses are offered throughout Colorado by nurs-ing care facilities, high schools, com-munity colleges and vocational schools, and by private contractors. CNA classes are available to students through both online courses and in the classroom CNA CLASSES OFFERED IN LARIMER COUNTY Aims Community College -- Love-land 104 E. 4th Street Loveland, CO 80537 (970)-339-6281 Columbine Health Systems 802 West Drake Rd Fort Collins, CO 80526 (970)-494-6455 Estes Park Medical Center 555 Prospect Ave Estes Park, CO 80517 (970) 577-4615 Front Range Community College Larimer 4616 S. Shields Fort Collins, CO 80526 (970)-204-8232

PASCO also provides onsite CNA training to those individuals looking to become certified nursing aides. PASCO 6015 W. 16th Ave., Lakewood, CO 80214, http://www.pascohh.com/ LARIMER COUNTY HOME HEALTH AGENCIES KNOWN TO SERVICE PEDIATRIC CLIENTS AND MAY HIRE PARENT CNAS Estes Park Home Care 555 Prospect Avenue Estes Park, CO 80517 (970) 776-1970 *Parent CNAs on a case by case basis Evergreen Home Healthcare 4103 Boardwalk Drive #200 Fort Collins, CO 80525 970 416-6481 *Hires Parent CNAs *Helps get training for Parent CNAs Interim Healthcare Of Fort Collins Inc 2000 Vermont Drive #100 Fort Collins, CO 80524 (970) 472-4180 *Hires Parent CNAs Preferred Home Care Services 6865 Sherman Street Loveland, CO 80538 (970) 776-1970 *Parent CNAs on a case by case basis Tender Care Pediatric Services 8865 Longs Peak Circle Windsor, CO 80550 (970) 686-5347 *Hires Parent CNAs

Could I work as a Parent CNA?

Page 10

The Blessing Bowl

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings BY: Heather Simms Schichtel

My daughter's first birthday. I was thrilled that we were celebrating a year of her life but saddened at how hard this year had been. We had spent sixty-one days in the hospital, battled seizures and infections, two Flight for Life helicopter rides, numerous 911 calls and late-night trips in the ambulance. My daughter Samantha was a sick little girl and we were still searching for a diagnosis. Her first year had been tumultuous at best. To honor Samantha's first year, I had asked people to bring a trinket, a stone, a poem, something that brought peace or felt good to them -- their blessings for her. I found a simple bowl given to me by my great-grandmother; a bowl for her blessings... her blessing bowl. I found my contribution to the bowl in my garden. Many times I have set my fragile daughter on the soft dirt hoping something might soak up. Grow, thrive, baby girl; take an example from the zucchinis. I snipped a bloom from the lily I planted the summer my husband and I were married. The bloom was a buttery yellow with three soft petals; Samantha, my husband and myself. I held a bit of the hearty earth in my hand to form a hard clump and added it to the bowl. My offerings were simple but they represented growth, hope, and my little family; nothing could be more precious. Samantha woke up on her own at precisely 4:00, when the party was going to start. She's on so many anti-seizure meds that fully waking her up can take about an hour. Yet today she was lucid and playing in her crib; ready to go for her party. I put her in a blue dress with yellow daisies. I had been saving that dress. I was waiting for her to be big enough, waiting for that first year. The blue brought out her red hair. I placed her tiny tortoise-shell glasses on her nose and laughed to myself. She was absolutely the most precious thing on earth. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins filed in and kissed Samantha. Wine bottles were uncorked; hummus and brie were laid out on the table. The mood was festive as everyone toasted to Samantha's health. As the evening progressed and the dinner plates were cleared away, it was time for our blessing bowl "ceremony." Samantha was still awake, babbling to her grandma and seizure-free. I felt an enormous weight lift off my shoulders. I brought out my great-grandmother's bowl and set it in front of our family, studying the faces in front of me. I thought of what a long haul it's been for everyone -- the sleepless nights, the worried phone calls, the private tears cried away from the hospital, all for our daughter. I felt overwhelmed with gratitude. I cleared my throat and thanked my family for being there. I reached into the bowl and pulled out my blessings for Samantha -- the earth and our flower. I passed the bowl onto my grandmother, Samantha's great-grandmother. She pulled out a silver bell in the shape of an angel, "because Samantha is our angel." When my talkative grandma gets emotional, she is a lady of little words. She passed the bowl onto one of Samantha's grandmas. She pulled out a perfect sand dollar she found on a California beach. "I chose a sand dollar because it comes from the ocean. The ocean is a beautiful, constant, volatile source of life. The surface can be calm or stormy but we never really see what is going on below. And there is a whole different world below. This reminds me of Samantha; we don't really know what's going on underneath the surface but there is a beautiful world full of life." My aunt pulled out a small silver heart. "I have carried this heart with me for twenty years and it has brought me good luck all of these years. Samantha, I now hand it onto you." She passed the bowl to my sister-in-law who presented a prayer for health and longevity from a Buddhist temple in Hong Kong. Continued on page 11

Page 11

Who’s Who at the Larimer Loop Newsletter Editor: Brenda Tuttle, HCP Family Consultant and FSSP Council Co Chair (970) 267-8705 brendatuttle@comcast.net Newsletter Review Team: Ginger Hillyard, HCP Program Coordinator (970) 498-6732 Kim Walkenhorst, EPSDT Coordinator and FSSP Council Member (970) 498-6755, Sondra Lee Children’s Case Management Coordinator at Foothills Gateway Inc (970)266-5424 Tim O’Neill Executive Director at Foothills Gateway Inc. (970) 226-2345 Debbie Lapp Director of Resource Coordination and Development at Foothills Gateway Inc. (970) 226-2346 Averil Strand, RN, MSN HCP Team Leader/Community Health Services Director (970) 498-6760 Libby Stoddard Parent, FSSP Co Chair (970) 227-7196 Health Care Program for Children with Special Needs Larimer County Department of Health and Environment 1525 Blue Spruce Dr Fort Collins, CO 80524 (970) 498-6732 Foothills Gateway, Inc. 301 W. Skyway Drive Fort Collins, CO 80525 Phone: (970) 226-2345

The Blessing Bowl Continued from page 10. My mother had also chosen shells. The first was a perfect brown and white spiral I had found years ago during a family vacation in Florida. The second was from Tahiti, another beautiful, smooth shell, chosen thousands of miles away years before Samantha was even born. My dad was next. He had a small stuffed dog dressed in a karate uniform. When you pressed the dog's stomach it yelled out "HY YA!" It reminded him of how Samantha continues to fight. The last trinket in the bowl was a jade necklace from Hong Kong. My sister-in-law is from China and went home for a visit in May. Her mother gave her the necklace to give to Samantha for good luck. Thirty-four years ago, her son wore the necklace for good health and safety during his babyhood. The span of people loving and praying for Samantha had traveled thousands of miles. I lit her single candle, overwhelmed that this beautiful little girl was a part of my life, and that she had fought so hard to stay a part of our lives. Samantha's dad helped her blow out the candle. We fed her frosting and pieces of mushy cake which she smashed between her fingers and toes. The night came to an end. I finally got my rowdy daughter to sleep. I wandered through the house remembering the night. I took the lily out of the bowl and placed it in our big family bible to be pressed for safe keeping. The bible belonged to my grandfather, who passed away over a decade ago. As I thumbed through the pages, I found a red rose, perfectly pressed between the passages. I don't know the origin, but I put it in the bowl. It was my grandfather's wish, his blessing for Samantha. We have asked so much from our families, friends, and people we don't know. They have spent countless hours in the hospital, brought meals, coffees, contacted other family members, held and loved Samantha, prayed, sent jade pendants from Hong Kong. How do you give that back? Gratitude, I thought. I am grateful for my daughter's pink cheeks, for every breath she takes, for a seizure-free birthday. I am grateful for family and friends who would give their silver heart for the blessing bowl. Someday I will repay the world for their acts of kindness to our family. I will make meals for someone else. I will send their family good wishes for good health and visit the hospital with coffee and fresh brownies. Right now I can only reflect on the joy of the night and be grateful.

This story was published in “Chicken Soup for the Soul, Count Your Blessings”

Copyright ©2009 by Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing LLC And reprinted with permission from Heather Schichtel

Thank you, Heather for sharing your heartwarming story !

Heather Simms Schichtel is a writer, advocate, and full time mom to Samantha. She lives in Loveland, with her family, enjoying the sun, snow and mountains. Recently Heather founded the Larimer County Epilepsy Support Group which meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month, 7:00pm-9:00pm, Mandolin Café, 210 East 4th St.,Loveland, CO. To follow Heather and Samantha’s story visit www.samsmom-heathers.blogspot.com or email Heather at heather.schichtel@gmail.com

Larimer LOOP

C/O Brenda Tuttle

Family Support Services Program Council

Foothills Gateway Inc.

301 W. Skyway Drive

Fort Collins, CO 80525

(970) 267-8705

brendatuttle@comcast.net

Have you received two copies of this newsletter? Would you prefer to receive this newsletter electronically or in Spanish?

Please contact Brenda Tuttle at (970) 267-8705.

Nonprofit Organization

U.S. Postage Paid

Fort Collins. CO

Permit No. 483

Family Leaders Wanted Family Support Services Program Council at Foothills Gateway Inc. has membership openings. We are an advisory board to the program which meets once a month to discuss topics/issues which affect both families enrolled in Family Support Services Program as well as those families on the wait list for services. In addition we conduct two fundraisers each year in order for projects such as this newsletter, Respitality Nights, Advocate Educational Grant and Unified Play Group. Currently, our monthly meeting are held on the 2nd Monday of each month from 12pm-2pm. Lunch is provided for a $5.00 donation and a childcare stipend is available.

Not able to commit to council leadership but still want to help...Family Support Services Program Council is also looking for volunteers to help with one time projects and/or special projects. These projects may include: reviewing the Larimer Loop, or helping with fundraiser activities.

For more information contact: Pam Miller at 266-5409

Monday-Wednesday 8:30am-4:30pm