Judy and Eric are just off the plane in Portland taking Eric to an appointment at Shriner's Hospital and received a phone call from a staffer at TRICARE. Here's the meat and potatoes: THE NORTHWEST REGION VICE PRESIDENT OF TRICARE HAS MADE AN EXECUTIVE "OVERRIDE", SLASHED THROUGH THE RED TAPE AND APPROVED ERIC'S WHEELCHAIR!!! (I don't know who this person is, but THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!) We believe victory is at hand, but will keep the petition open until Eric is sitting in his new Wheelchair. There's some details to get straightened out but these are minor logistical things like, shipping, assembly, delivery etc. Eric has a date with his Physical Therapist for final measurements and then the Chair will be on its way to Alaska!! When Eric heard the news he screamed in joy… This is really a dream come true for Eric. He and his mom would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to everybody who has lent their support. Judy mentioned something that is equally important and asked that I be sure to convey it to all of you. I’m adding a little bit of “Bob” here and people who know me… well, you “know” me. I’ve wondered what went wrong for Eric and his need for a wheelchair? Eric is one child and thanks to many people his need will soon be resolved. But he’s just one… One of a great many children who because of bureaucratic hiccups, system snafu’s and “blind adherence” to policy are waiting or worse, denied some piece of equipment or support that will “open their world”. What made this effort work for Eric was the support of a great many people, promoting the same goal from many directions at once. We as a nation ABSOLUTELY MUST improve how we provide assistance and support for our “Differently Abled” people. No one, regardless of circumstance should have to wait a year for something so vital and critical to their future development. I call on each and every one of you who have so kindly lent your support to Eric to do so for others as well. Sign petitions, write your elected representatives, refuse to do business with firms that continue to stand in the way. Let your voice be heard! In the comments left by supporters we heard from others who for some reason have been waiting for extended periods, one over two years for something similar. There are likely many more out there, waiting for a caseworker, some administrative functionary, mail-room clerk or some executive to just DO IT! If you work in the field as do I, I wish to first thank you for all you do. I also want to remind you, gently and kindly: Please don’t just “do” your job. “We” are fifty three thousand people expecting you not just to care but to really give a damn about the people you serve or support. Those names on this petition aren’t just ink. They represent very real “flesh and blood”, heart beating, breathing, individuals from all over the world who have risen to the challenge and been willing to take a small slice of responsibility to resolve a problem and expect that you too will be part of the solution for the rest who wait. There are thousands more that need your assistance. They deserve our respect and we fifty three thousand hearts beating together demand that you treat them as such. They deserve better than to be made to wait while the rest of us staple, copy, fold, spindle, scan or mutilate paperwork in blind obedience to a system. With profound respect and gratitude, Robert Croley