Some important Mikey Messages:

update from Rick 01/16, and comments addressed to same:

The news is still not good this morning. The headlines are that there is "no ground swell" of support to keep TEFRA.. (NOT TRUE) and that 72% of the legislators "that our governor has spoken with" are not in favor of calling for a special session yet.

We don't believe these reports. The media was reporting "lackluster support" at the same time HUNDREDS of families were gathering on the capitol grounds.. .. hundreds of families who had car-pooled hundreds of miles across the state with their sick children in tow..... and the governor wouldn't see them.

More legislators are listening and trying to help.. they just want a consensus on where to get the money before they go into session. After they agree on a solution to save TEFRA, then they're ready to do it.

We had a meeting with representative Jo Carson the other night and she's trying to help. She wants a session. House Speaker Shane Broadway and Senate President Pro Tem Mike Beebe are trying to help... but the governor has not yet agreed to meet with them to hear their plan.

Also.....I have been trying to come up with a "Badge of Courage" type of graphic, to use in correspondence if you wish, or for a link from anywhere appropriate, or just to display to show your sentiments. Rick approved this one this morning, but I am sure open to suggestions or improvements here!! The URL on the pic is Mikey's homepage, or you may use mine at www.swycaffer.com/mikey02/mikey0201.html

Continued thanks to all of you who are fighting for our Mikey! *VBS* Peg

very nice Peg. I'll gladly upload it to my server for posting on my pages as soon as they finish moving. Linda

I am at a loss for words here. I really don't know what to say. I do know that there is continued prayers for Mikey and his family and all the other children affected by this. Tina

This makes me sick at my stomache.. I bet if it were the gov's child.. and he could not get regular insurance for it that he would damn well call that special session in a heartbeat!! Barbara

Right on Barb. This is sickening and prayers still being said. Charlene

Disheartening. Continued prayers. AnnaMarie

I have to say here that our own Little Angel Mikey IS extremely photogenic -- his beauty and pureness of soul shines from within, making him a "perfect poster child" ... yet EVERY child who gathered there (or was unable to make the pilgramage!) is beautiful.... and INNOCENT .... and needed to be seen and RECOGNIZED by that damned Governor!! If I don't sound real sincere when I say I hope he rests well in his SOOOO expensive remodel to the governor's mansion, it is only because I am NOT sincere in wishing that! Peg

Amen to that, Peg. Makes me sick. These poor children! Prayers and mail are continuing from this way! (huge hugs) Tracy

Continued prayers for Mikey and his family. Seems to be worse news every day. Gen

oh my Peg.. I just don't understand it.. I uploaded the pic and will place it on my site tomorrow.. it's so late now. and am off to bed in a bit.. Such a sad situation.. I do hope we win!! *hugs* Nancze

From Rick 01/13: We're still holding our breath... getting a few hours of sleep now. I became very ill, and after 8 days, I seem to be getting a little better now. Lost 15 or more pounds last week.. THAT'S maybe a GOOD thing.
Y'all's prayers and letters have MADE, and ARE MAKING, a difference here in Arkansas. Absolutely. No question about it.
Thanks so much.
If I know that someone is hungry, I'll pray for them, and THEN... I'll feed them. Y'all are feeding Mikey and family right now.
Rick

This is terrific Peg.. So glad to know that we have been somewhat able to make our voices heard!!
Hope that Rick gets back up to par and feeling good once more.. Sending prayers for Rick and Dee Dee too.. as I am sure they have had the weight of the world upon their shoulders..
Hey Mikey We love you!!! Barbara

It's all of those "one little candles" -- they DO add up!!!! I love you all for all of your prayers and all of your efforts!
I have put a "mail" link on Mikey's page, so that accountability and audit trail is there for all to view; and am working on moving message board notes also (first names only, no identifiers!) so that Rick and DeeDee may see them when they have those low moments of feeling so alone and forsaken.
GO, DIVAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Peg

Great news and I hope Rick is feeling better soon. AnnaMarie

Oh Peg, this is good news about us making a difference.
I do hope that Rick gets better quickly. Putting up prayers for him. Cheri

This is wonderful news. I do pray for Rick and DeeDee for everything they have gone through and that Rick gets to feeling better real soon. Tina

Glad to hear Rick is better and that we have truly made a difference. *hugs* Nancze

Now isn't that wonderful.....prayers continuing for the family ! Pinkie

Peg, I know Rick and Dee have to be sick with worry. I know I would be. This entire family is being affected not just Mikey...this is so sad. Continued prayers them all. Gen

And the truly sad thing is that it is many families and beautiful young children that are being affected... So if we stay abreast of this and fight for Mikey we will also be helping so many other families and children.. Barbara

That is true - our Mikey is the pilot-ship for so many who do not have the wide circle of friends that he does! It is extremely stressful to be the spokesperson for ANY cause, however ... let alone one where you are fighting for your life, or the life of your child! So let's keep them ALL in our prayers. And not lose any momentum ourselves. Thanks again!!! Peg

Sure hope Rick is feeling better... sure doesn't need to be sick with all that is happening to them.
So true Peg....let's not let the dust settle under our feet but keep up the momentum!!!! Brenda

That is so true, Brenda -- with government waste abounding, we certainly don't need to cut corners where it affects the very LIVES of these innocent babes!!!!!! IMHO Peg

wonderful news Peg...someday these Governments will get it right(as long as you're around and people like you who truly care without gain to themselves.)
God bless you Sis and wee Mikey's Dad.
love you. Cathy A

*******************

Since many of us "boarders" have our domains with Christian Web Host, I thought I would share that I hit their support desk, and asked, not for technical support, but for support on a higher level. As always, I received a quick response:
Hi Peggy,
Thank you so very much! You are such a blessing. I will go have a look and be praying. You have a blessed night and thank you so much for your kind and caring spirit.
In Christ,
Lance Peg

This is great Peg..Just like these wonderful folks at CWH to be right there with their Prayers... and what ever else they can do... ~VBS~ Barbara

Oh Peg, I will keep Mikey and his family in my thoughts and prayers and also pray that the state legislator does the right thing. TinaMarie

Oh Lord, as if they didn't have enough to deal with... now this. Prayers on their way. Hugs, Charlene

This just breaks my heart to hear this.. I can imagine how helpless Rick and DeeDee are feeling about now.. Strong prayers going out to them and sweet Mikey. Barbara

Keeping the Moore family in my prayers...we can send food to other countries, finance a war, make sure children of other countries have vaccinations and meds and not take care of our own... go figure!!! AngelSpirit Gen

Seems like there should be some kind of help out there somewhere.. I just wish I knew where it is.. What has happened to the Hippocratic oath????? Barbara

This is very sad...prayers going out for Mikey and his mom and dad for sure... also for the ones to decide whether to cut the program...lets pray that compassion over rules the money issue involved! HEY just a thought here but... doesn't St. Judes Hospital do care with no money involved? That would sure be an option if all else fails! Brenda

Oh Peg this is just so sad...this family has suffered very much,yet Mickey suffers moreso from this.
Loving thoughts and prayers are flowing their way. Cathy A.

My prayers are definitely going up for Mikey and his parents. I pray God sees fit for the legislature to see they are cutting the wrong program out. Cheri

Oh no, prayers definitely going out to Mikey and his family. There are other ways to cut besides putting lives in danger. AnnaMarie

Sis you know Mikey and family have my prayers. I also know that God is aware of the problem too. Let us place our trust in Him that all will work out. I am calling my state rep and senator.. I want to really voice my opinion. *hugs* Nancze

Thank you, thank you! Rick is a bit discouraged this morning, but I have told him our letters and our prayers will continue. Faith has seen this family through so much..... Peg

AMEN sis, and it will continue to keep them strong no matter what the outcome. *hugs* Nancze

But my heart is breaking for them!!! and all other families of young children loosing the only means they have to get the medical attention that they had. or can probably get! Barbara

Keeping Mikey and his family in my prayers and also hope and pray that the state legislator does the right thing. Pinkie

Regarding Peg's request for letters:

Gosh Peg, I wish I could write like you, but I will give it a shot. Hugs and prayers to the Moore family and Mikey. Charlene

Continued prayers that they come to their sense. There are other ways to cut than this. Ohhhhhhh getting so mad! AnnaMarie

I know what you are saying Charlene... I feel so inadequate after reading Pegs letter... I am at such a loss as to what to say except Damn it!! Save these beautiful childrens life!! Don't think that is how I am supose to say it.. Barbara

That is pretty basically all you need to say - providing they don't have a censor-dude watching their email! Seriously, short and to the point is best - they're not going to take the time to read volumes, but DO need to see that people ARE watching.....and CARING!!! Peg

I am just now getting to read this and after dinner I will do what I can. I will send to both places to let them know that we do care. TinaMarie

Gee Peg you ae something else I just sent an email......even though I'm from Malaysia...... hope the fellas sitting on top have more cow sense... Pinkie

As an Oklahoma Voter I am not going to email, I am going to call my Senator and state representative.. I will for sure let them no in no uncertain terms that I vote and will be watching what is done with this.. Nancze

You got it Ms Piggy.. as Mikey would say! You bet I will send something off right away! You be very good Peg! Thanks for keeping us on top of this! BIG HUGS Brenda

Great letter you wrote Peg. I'm late getting here but if I can still help I will. AngelSpirit Gen

Got the letter sent sweet love from myself.. and I too wish I could write an important letter like you.Your care and loving heart showed throughout,it has to have an impact on the BIG MAN himself.
Love you Peg for taking care of little Mikey...plus what a Warrior his Dad is..proud of both of you! Cathy A.

Thank you all! The news is not good this morning - see attached. $50,000 IS an incredible amount of money to all of us, but a drop in the bucket for State funds, and I am sure they have called "special meetings" for less important reasons! Here's the lateset, and I have assured Rick our letters and our prayers will continue! Again, thank you all.
www.5newsonline.com/Global/story.asp?S=609326
If I were governor, I would have a heck of a time sleeping in an $800,000 remodel to my mansion knowing children were left, literally, in the cold!!!! Peg

This is so upsetting I am sitting here in tears.. Why should we risk our young people in wars if we can't even help a much younger child have a chance at life!!!!
Where are peoples hearts and decency!!! Barbara

I haven't got Mikey's new page started. Rick has done an early update here - no real changes, but PLEASE READ and see what they are asking of this family!!! It is catastrophic, and makes NO SENSE whatsoever!!!!!! MikeysTune.com Peg

Soo very sad... and feel so helpless.. !! wondering if anyone knows any group that would sponsor Mikey such as the Mason, Elks and etc... There has to be a way to help this child!!! Tears are flowing here.. I just can't understand a government that won't help their children There has to be some help there somewhere. Barbara

also.....I could not make the "click here" on Rick's page work for all the legislators, so I hit "view source" and cut and pasted to the "To" in my email, and it did good ~S~ Peg

Too many tears here for words. Don't know how much good it will do, but I emailed Oprah Winfrey and asked her to help make Mikey's plight more public. Hopefully with all her contacts, she will find it in her heart to help. Charlene

Charlene, what a GREAT idea!! I am wearing out my keyboard here -- think we should leave NO stone unturned; but that would never have occurred to me! You GO, girl! Peg

You guys are so GOOD. I will also send a letter to Oprah... sure can't hurt! Anyone have the White house address? Wouldn't hurt to go right to the top would it??? George must have an e-mail address! Brenda

Way to go, Brenda! Start here:
President George W. Bush: president@whitehouse.gov
Vice President Richard Cheney: vice.president@whitehouse.gov
Hell also hath no fury like women justifiably angered!!!! Peg

Hmmmmmmm....... should I tell him we would be happy to pay Mikey's dollar if Arkansas will let him live long enough???? GGrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!! Check this out!
Thank you for emailing President Bush. Your ideas and comments are very important to him.
If your message is about the September 11 terrorist attack on the United States, please click go to www.whitehouse.gov to learn more about the American response and to receive or provide help in the recovery efforts.
As the President said recently, one in three Afghan children is an orphan and almost half suffer chronic malnutrition. He has asked American children to help Afghan children by making contributions of one dollar individually or collectively to:
America's Fund for Afghan Children
C/O The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, DC 20509-1600
For more information, go to www.whitehouse.gov/afac/
Unfortunately, because of the large volume of email received, the President cannot personally respond to each message. However, the White House staff considers and reports citizen ideas and concerns.
Again, thank you for your email. Your interest in the work of President Bush and his administration is appreciated.
Sincerely,
The White House Office of E-Correspondence

Personal, huh? Peg

oh my gosh
this is so horrible. i am praying that something works out for this little angel.
safe hugs and love, pickles

Thanks for caring, sweet pickles.....sort of puts all the minor inconveniences into perspective, doesn't it? Even we who live with major problems have the capacity to care! This dear family has been through so much. Peg

Yes Peg I think you should! Or perhaps I will! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr I am still sick over $800,000 for renovations! Brenda

YES!!!!! It is so easy to say we cannot make a difference, but each of our "tiny" differences MUST add up!!! Remember, if EVERYone lit just one little candle, what a bright world this would be! HUGE hugs to you and your caring heart! *VBS* Peg

Great letter sweet Pickles ! If that doesn't help pull on their heartstrings I don't know what will!! Barbara

(Pickles' letter is on the previous page.)

Awww Pickles you sure speak from experience!!! That was a wonderful letter... and I agree PEG if we all just light one little candle the light will be seen so much better!!! Come on gals... everyone do just that and lets make ourselves heard!!!! This is one of our little angels we are talking about and we want him around for a long time... he has been through so much already and is willing to fight... so we should be willing to fight for him!!!! Brenda

Hummm... how about the show "20/20" abcnews.go.com/Sections/2020/ and "Primetime" abcnews.go.com/Sections/Primetime/. Both sites have an email link and I just emailed them with a short note about Mikey and a link to his site Peg has posted above.
Edited to say... My thought is to hit the big primetime people. If they take the ball and run with it, the state of Arkansas will not like the national coverage about their crappy state. Charlene
Edited by: CharleneM at: 1/5/02 8:39:31 pm

So right you are Brenda if each of us do light that one candle.. but light more than one and look at that bright light we will be making.. I am making a plea that everyone of the Divas write at least one letter and more if they would.. Maybe just maybe we can make a difference for all these children that are being cheated out of the medical care that they need.. And deserve!! Barbara

Just got to the board and this is heart wrenching.....
such a sham to have to lose e/thing to have the system pay....
boy at times like this one feels so helpless but I'm sure some good will come out of this. I did email some but I'm not sure if coming my my end will have any effect.
Just pcontinuing my prayers for a miracle ! Pinkie

Was just talking to my husband and he suggested writing to Hillary Clinton since she is suppose to be such an advocate and from Arkansas. What do you think? AnnaMarie

Oops forgot email address
clinton.senate.gov/email_form.html

Give your hubby a great big kiss from me!!!!!!! Am on my way to Hillary's mailbox! ~G~ Peg

Hmmmmmm Since her latest update says "as 2001 comes to an end..." let's hope she reads her MAIL more often! Made me feel a bit better about how far behind I am -- after all, I probably have less "staff" than she does!
Thanks for another great lead! Peg

Great idea AM and I just hit her mailbox too. Hugs Charlene

Just got mine out to everybody we have listed here...the president, on down the line. My heart just breaks for this poor family. They've been through to darn much and I don't wanna sit back and do nothing if I can help in any little way. Even if it is just writing. God Bless this family. Tracy

Since many of us "boarders" have our domains with CWH, I thought I would share that I hit their support desk, and asked, not for technical support, but for support on a higher level. As always, I received a quick response:
Hi Peggy,
Thank you so very much! You are such a blessing. I will go have a look and be praying. You have a blessed night and thank you so much for your kind and caring spirit.
Please email us anytime you need prayer. Thats what we are here for. :o)
In Christ,
Lance

This is great Peg..Just like these wonderful folks at CWH to be right there with their Prayers... and what ever else they can do... ~VBS~ Barbara

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