I've got a quick update, heard from Judy, Eric's mother yesterday. We've recently got some very good news and Eric wanted to make sure that everybody that has offered support to hear about it... She as that I post this: "Eric wants everyone to know his chair has partially arrived in Anchorage as of yesterday. The rest arrives Monday. I was called last night and I told him the news. So this morning he wanted to tell my friend when she came over. He was persistently gesturing to his old chair till I figured out what he was saying. Once I figured it out, his smile touched the Angels. No one can tell me he hasn't missed his independence. If all goes well by the end of next week he will have his new wheels and voice. " Since becoming Eric's Care Coordinator several months ago I was concerned that this young man could easily spend the next several years waiting for something the rest of us take for granted: the simple ability to move about at our own discretion in our environment. Getting up from my desk and walking to the water fountain for a drink, seem's so common that its automatic, and for most of us it is.. For others, not so much, the challenge often starts with simple communication, again, something many of us take for granted. I started this petition not only for one little boy, but to raise the awareness of our public and that I am pleased to say has been accomplished. Shortly I will be closing this petition and I do so not because it's 'Done', which is far from reality - it's only gotten started, and while Eric's need - at the moment is met... Do not forget the thousands of other children the world over who do not have the access to medical care and 104,712 supporters to back them up. Going forward, take a stand! Refuse to do business with companies that will not treat our differently abled children and adults with the consideration they deserve! Don't permit those who take advantage of others the means to gain traction in our society. Stand and be counted! Put your elected representatives on notice and let your voices be heard! Put your own economic power behind those things you believe in. Remember, it is not "might" that makes "right" but the opposite. It is right and good that we defend and protect others and it is certainly among the most American of our values.