Thu Jan 01 23:14:46 2005 from ip68-0-156-185.tc.ph.cox.net
Teresa Kellerman <Fasstar Enterprises> 
From: Arizona USA
Relationship: Parent, presenter
Child: 25 FAS

Each person's story helps every other person who reads it. We learn from each other that we are not crazy, we are not bad parents, and we are not alone in this struggle to help our children find success. Thanks to each one of you for taking the time to share with us.

Tue Jan 4 05:30:32 2005 from
Sarah Gledhill <sarah@househot25.freeserve.co.uk> 
From: United kingdom
Relationship: Student Nurse

I am training to be a learning disabilities nurse in the uk, and found your web site most helpful, as i found little information on FAS in uk websites and the americans seem to have a lot more information and reserch on it.

Thu Jan 6 05:16:55 2005 from
Wendy <multi_mommy@yahoo.com> 
From: Illinois
Relationship: Parent
Child: 32 months - Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

We just finalized adption of our daughter last week...........she has been with us sicne she was 16 days old (foster care) she ahs been in early interention since she was 3 months old) we would not change a thing

Sat Jan 8 20:43:41 2005 from
Ann Sturdevant <ann@sturdevant.com> 
From: KY Jefferson Co.USA
Relationship: parent
Child: 13 ADHD,impulsivity

I am trying to find out as much as possible some possible reasons for the behaviors/lack of abilities in my 13 yr. old adopted Romanian daughter. I adopted her at 10 yrs. of age and for almost four years now have had my life and the life of children turned upside down. Just looking for some guidance. Thank you.

Sun Jan 9 13:45:05 2005 from
Debriana Jones (Deana) <dljones@qnet.com> 
From: California, USA
Relationship: Educator

I was fortunate to be able to attend a National Conference on FAS and Related Neurobehavioral Disorders held in late October 2004. The information gained is invaluable. The overall ignorance of my profession, and in the general population is untenable, unthinkable. I am looking forward to participating in a positive way to educate our citizens about the "unseen" effects of alcoholic consumption.

Mon Jan 17 03:46:53 2005 from
Kirsten <kirst65@telkomsa.net> 
From: South Africa
Relationship: Student

I am doing an assignment on FAS & your website has been very helpful thank you.

Mon Jan 24 14:48:43 2005 from
Pamela Norris <MaidenPamela3@aol.com> 
From: Ohio
Relationship: Adult with and Parent
Child: 41 FAS / 17 FAS

Enjoyed the website. Especially the FAS Stars. I don't feel so alone (My son too).

Tue Jan 25 11:44:01 2005 from
Danielle Eyman <Groovy20052001@yahoo.com> 
From: Nevada
Relationship: Student/Sister
Child: 2 / FAS

My little sister has FAS and it is very hard sometimes to understand why she does the things she does. In Nevada we have a project at school for seniors that weighs heavily on our graduating grade. I am doing my senior project on FAS and other drugs that complicate pregnancy. -- Dani

Thu Jan 27 03:49:45 2005 from
Rachelle Gibbs <ljcsprincess@hotmail.com> 
From: ON Canada
Relationship: Student
Child: 5 FASD

I live with a 5-year old girl with FASD. I have lived here for over a year. Her mother got her diagnosis maybe 6 or 7 months ago. I did not understand what it meant living with Jill*. Jill got very difficult to live with and I was told that I can't treat Jill the same way I would normally treat other children. But I had no clue what to do instead, looking at this sire has really helped me understand Jill. I know Jill's mom has read a lot of the stuff on this site and has found it very helpful as well. *name changed

Wed Feb 2 10:55:33 2005 from
Mary Hensley <tnbaby2000@yahoo.com> 
From: tn usa
Relationship: adult with fas
Child: birth

hey you all i found the song for us mark wills don't laugh at me it fits me perfectly, i cry its so perfect.

Thu Feb 3 00:51:47 2005 from
uretha coaster <urethac@yahoo.com> 
From: Illinois, U.S.A.
Relationship: Parent
Child: 15 years old FAE

everyday that I wake up I have to live with the fact that my child is going to go through another day being mistreated and misunderstood by a system that could help him but wont.I explain the same things day after day to him and hope that he will remember. I realize everyday that he does not fit in with other teenagers and the other kids realize this too.Some ignore him some tease him and others misuse him. I just hope he is okay today and tomorrow we will do this all over again.

Sun Feb 13 15:52:46 2005 from
Yvonne Wood <bwood76@comcast.net> 
From: Florida
Relationship: parent,professional
Child: 42 bipolar(noFAS dx)

Have been in a group of al-anon for several years, but do not have contact with other FAE orFAS parents. Life with our son has been very strange..never quit normal, but almost ok on occasion..Appreciate specific information as given. I assume that our son is FAE because of behavior and some academic problems,but no physical abnormalities seen..

Tue Mar 1 11:20:14 2005 from
Melinda Littig <lilmommy0023@yahoo.com> 
From: Colorado
Relationship: Parent and student

Just looking up info, my cousin drank throughout her entire pregnancy and now I have been told the baby has to have brain surgery. So, I was looking up information that involved FAS.

Tue Mar 8 05:26:26 2005 from
Steven Nimmo <steven.nimmo@dixonhall.org> 
From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Relationship: Professional

Wed Mar 9 21:34:12 2005 from
Kimberlie Morris <FASD FIGHTER@amplex.net> 
From: Ohio,USA
Relationship: Adoptive Mother
Child: 4yr's,FASD,PVL

I can't thank you enough for this site. 4 yr's ago I didn't know what FAS/FAE,FASD was. Now that I do,I want EVERYONE to know. My little girl has such a wide range of secondary challenges that indirectly link back to alcohol,that I want to shout from the roof top,alcohol and pregnancy is a lethal combination.Not just for the child,but for everyonefamily,friend's,the public,etc. Again thank's for your continued advocating for our kid's.

Sun Mar 13 13:34:50 2005 from
Misty <mrsmeadows@hotmail.com> 
From: NC
Relationship: student
Child: n/a

I visited this site while researching FASD for my SPED class. I have been riveted to this site for at least 2 or 3 hours reading stories and shedding tears. I am so sad for babies that are damaged before they even have a chance to be born. I think that there needs to be so much more education on this subject starting at least in high school. God bless all of you and your families.

Sat Mar 19 15:34:15 2005 from
Estefanita Bries <Ebries8368@aol.com> 
From: Minnesota
Relationship: Guardian,FASD advocate
Child: Casey 14,Keith 15,Mardell 24, Greg 25

Hello Your website is great. My comment is that parents, caretakers, foster parents and anyone else caring for FASD children need to come out of hibernation and come together as a community to stand up for our children and our own needs. It has been hard I know in the past but God moves me and fills my heart to know that as a group we can make the changes we need for more support for our children and for ourselves. We know what our children need and we know what we need as the people caring for them every unpredictable day after the other. No committee, group, council or system can tell us what our children and families need until they have lived in our home and lived our lives. They do not value us as parents because we may lack degrees and professional education. But I guarantee you if they had to spend 24 in our life they would not last. From some of my experiences I realize they form these programs from statistic and reports. They need parent info and input to make the programs they have and the ones they want to implement successful. Whether they want to face it or not we are the ones who have the answers to what they think they know.

Fetal alcohol is not a college course you complete and get a degree for. It is an ongoing spectrum of new issues that never end. It makes me angry as I learn more and more about how things REALLY work. It is time to stand up together.

Tell your stories. Shout, scream make them hear our voices from one end of the globe to the other. Our children desreve the services they need as well as any other disability. We as families need to be healthy mentally and physically to continue to raise them. What will happen to our children if we pass on? Who will care for them? Will the system pity them and make sure they are taken care of? Will you relatives take them in? We have to fight for them NOW. I don't know if this will be posted but please feel free to contact me at the following.
952-831-3398 home
612-239-9079 cell
Ebries8368@aol.com
952-835-8675 fax
AFFASD-Advocates For Fetal Alcohol Spectrum
Fetal Alcohol and Children's Mental Health Stories Project

Do you have children affected by fetal alcohol syndrome or any mental health disorders? Are you frustrated at the way society stigmatizes mental health? Do you and your family feel alone in your situation?

Tell your story and let you voice be heard. The public needs to know that children and families who are affected by mental health issues suffer in silence. We are judged and criticized as bad parents. Tell your story anonymously with no identification if that is more comfortable for you and you family. We want your story. Let the powers that be know we are a large number and it affects everyone. We are trying to get them published by a local newspaper. Please understand the purpose is to get the stories to the public and top officials. Whatever stories come to the PO box will be published in some way.Monies will be used to assist FASD families who are in crisis and have emergency needs. You may contact me to ask questions at anytime.

Send your story to:
Fetal Alcohol and Children's Mental Health Stories Project
PO Box 201326
Bloomington, MN 55431
Contact Estefanita Bries (Stephanie) @ 952-831-3398 or 612-239-9079 or Ebries8368@aol.com with any questions. Please share your stories

Thank you and be blessed

Mon Apr 4 11:43:11 2005 from
Lesley Corley <hlthpetchr@aol.com> 
From: Georgia
Relationship: Teacher
Child: 6 - 8 th grade

I am so glad this website is here. I will use this valuable information in my class during lecture and discussion. Thank you!

Tue Apr 5 07:28:40 2005 from
Mary E. Marston <ozarkducks@hotmail.com> 
From: AR, USA
Relationship: High School Teacher

I had no idea--FAS was just a diagnosis I had encountered in a psychology class. I will be finding ways to raise awareness among my coworkers and especially my students. Thanks, and God bless you and your work.

Fri Apr 8 09:24:29 2005 from
keenya <ima_airhead335@hotmail.com> 
From: oh/austintown/mohaning
Relationship: student
Child: 14 ADHD

my brother fas FAS and it is hard for him and us to deal with him

Sat Apr 23 04:02:39 2005 from
Maxim

!!!Super!!!

Sat Apr 23 04:04:02 2005 from
Irk

It is a good site. Thanks.

Mon Apr 25 15:23:30 2005 from
Dawn Meyer <dholt4@houston.rr.com> 
From: Texas
Relationship: Parent
Child: 15 FAE

I am encouraged by this website as there are so few professionals that seem to know anything. Thank you so much for this website. I hope there is a 2005 page as I currently don't see one. God Bless You All

Fri Apr 29 09:00:21 2005 from
colleen w.  <colleen407@shaw.ca> 
From: Alberta, Canada
Relationship: student

Hi--great website. I chose FASD as a topic for a research paper and have found the information to be so compelling and interesting thanks to websites like this one and the book Damaged Angels by Bonnie Buxton. It was such an interesting book that unlike the other ones I had brought home, I read it cover to cover and enjoyed myself as I learned something. My heart goes out to the families raising a child with FASD--the stories shared show such courage, persistance and patience!

Tue May 3 22:42:20 2005 from
Karen Smith From: Nevada
Relationship: Parent
Child: 18, Depressive Disorder NOS, Social Anxiety, ADHD, Reactive Detatchment Disorder, Post Tramatic Stress Disorder, Disassociation Disorder, Psychosis NOS, possible bipolar, FAS3

Adopted son, trying to transition into adulthood, has an impossible task ahead of him. No amount of support has helped. Currently exploring social services to help with assisted living and other structured, supervised activity. Normal IQ makes this a "fall inbetween the cracks" person. Difficult to prove disability. Exhausting resources, mental and physical abilities of adopted parents (of 13 years).

Wed May 4 13:30:21 2005 from
Dawn <dawngelhart@yahoo.de> 
From: Kiel, Germany
Relationship: Mum
Child: 5

I WANT TO THANK EVERYONE WHO WAS THERE FOR US WHEN MY MUMMY DIED (Ann Gibson) I MISS HER SO MUCH THANK YOU ALL Dawn

Mon Jun 6 19:53:50 2005 from
Blair <blair_migwans89@hotmail.com> 
From: canada
Relationship: student

your site is absolutely amazing, lots of great information.im doing a science project on FAS, because my brothers have it. your sites been a great help, thanks alot. -Blair

Mon Jun 27 15:03:58 2005 from
Nancy Geoghegan <nancyjhg@attachmentdisorder.net> 
From: PA
Relationship: Parent
Child: 13 RAD, PTSD, SI, ADHD

I just wanted to say well done - with your son John, with your work toward educating people about FAS. My son came home from Romania at age 4. We will never know if he was exposed to alcohol but the probability is high. Our main focus was healing from attachment problems - becoming attached - and neurological issues. He continues to amaze me and at 13, doing well. God bless.

Mon Jul 11 13:00:40 2005 from
Faythe Emens <faytheemens@tc3net.com> 
From: Michigan
Relationship: Parent
Child: 6 - FAS

Your site is so full of wonderful resources, links, ideas and the list goes on. I have to say that I especially needed the humor today! Thanks, I plan to visit regularly for help and a good laugh!