Yesterday we really did jump for epinephrine in Nevada Schools joy! We celebrated the passing of SB453 Epinephrine in Nevada Schools with a party at our local Pump It Up Reno/Sparks with our legislative hero Senator Debbie Smith! We jumped, well… actually the kids jumped, chased, screamed, ran and played while us more “seasoned” types stood around catching up and celebrating our legislative success. I was worse than any four-year at old Christmas and was bursting at the seams wanting to give Senator Smith our gift! In gratitude for her guidance, endless support and kindness we presented her with two special necklaces. I was so darn excited about these pieces that Tuesday night I was in my closet taking photos of them at 1:00am and texting!
Kacey (provided testimony during our hearings in both the Senate and Assembly), Senator Debbie Smith and me with a huge silly grin!
Both necklaces were designed by my son and the first piece featured artwork drawn by food allergic children from across our great state of Nevada. I was the manual labor and I sealed the artwork in resin and created the piece. We wanted Senator Smith to have the children of Nevada close to her heart when she needed an extra boost of love.
The second necklace centered around original artwork by local artist and food allergy Mama (co-founder of our local support group too), Luann Moore. She drew a large heart representing a food allergic child’s parents. Then she drew a smaller red heart representing the child who was still attached to their parent, but beginning their journey into the world and independence. Luann explained that SB453 Epinephrine in Nevada schools is one of the steps to independence and this is our goals as parents of food allergic children, to guide our children into a full independent life.
Needless to say, Senator Smith was extremely touched by such a personal gift. The children’s artwork was also decoupaged onto a wooden jewelry box! This entire process of bringing epinephrine to Nevada schools was incredibly important to all of us. Our children have been provided with an additional safety net thanks to Senator Smith’s commitment to the health and well-being of Nevada students. We have so much gratitude for Senator Debbie Smith that we simply had no choice but to create something meaningful for her to enjoy for years to come as a reminder of what she has done for children with life threatening allergies and anaphylaxis.
Kacey took this close-up photo of one of the necklace’s bezels
One of the hardest things I find about managing both life threatening food allergies and asthma is talking to others. I hate to be the one that might be perceived as demanding, pushing or for asking too much. What I now know, fourteen years later, is that honest, clear information presented with kindness works!..
Wow, you make jewelry, you make laws happen – you all are awesome! 🙂 Thank you for sharing your journey through all of this, to educate others and show them what’s possible!
Selena,
I love jewelry making! You should see how many beads I own. Embarrassing! I need to make more since I enjoy it soooo much!
I bet it’s quite the collection! The pieces are all so unique, it’s hard to know when your collection’s complete. 😉
Selena,
You mean it collections can be complete? Drats!
And THANK YOU for all your work on the bill and also what you consistently do to help others on your site! That was a thoughtful & beautiful gift you gave 🙂 Caroline, You Rock!
Stacey,
Thanks! I confess that I loved those pieces sooooo much I almost didn’t hand them over!