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Name: Judith Ann Burkholder
Date: 03 Jan 2008
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Dear Tracy, I am part of a nonprofit organization called Sara's Garden (www.sarasgarden.org). We have somethings in common. I have a grandson with cerebral palsy and also found it difficult to get the "right" treatments for him. There appeared to be road blocks at every turn. We offer hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which has proven to be very effective (and noninvasive) as well as Conductive Education, which is an intensive therapy for the making of new neural pathways. We are also considering the start of a charter school and would love to take advantage of your experience and knowledge. Please let us know how we can more effectively contact you. Thank you for your story. Judith Ann Burkholder info@sarasgarden.org
Name: John G.
Date: 02 Jan 2008
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I was moved to action by watching the wonderful things that are going on at your school. I have very little money to donate but I find myself wanting to give something to you and your wonderful cause. I will send a donation and keep you in mind every Christmas season. God must have wanted me to see GMA this day. It was only the second time this year I had a chance to watch the moring show.
Name: 02/02/08 Linda Riach
Date: 02 Jan 2008
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Hello Tracy, Your story touched my heart and soul. I lost my daughter Angela, 41 years ago, at the age of 4 1/2 months. Her health problems were very similar to Cooper's. Sadly, she did die in a seizure. She had suffered a contusion of the brain during a very difficult delivery. She sustained multiple physicial and mental challenges. Everthing you said of your pain, frustration, anguish and challenges rang in my soul. No greater love is there than a mother for her child, and no greater loss. I still visit Angie, I still mourn her passing, but I know God is good and one day I will see her again and that will be a joyous home coming. I admire your love, courage and perserverance. And out of your struggle and challenges something positive, hopeful and pure has come to help other children and parents. God has truly used you and Cooper as his instrument for good. God Bless you and Cooper and the wonderful work you do.
Name: Cyndy L.
Date: 02 Jan 2008
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Hi Tracy, We need 5 million more moms like you. You inspire me and many others around the world. Thank God for mothers! Cooper, you're a special boy and you have a very special mom and dad. Keep up the good work!
Name: Sheri Baker
Date: 01 Jan 2008
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I saw your segment on GMA this morning and I could hardly believe how much it impacted me. I have two sons, a 20 month old and an 8 month old, who both have uncontrolled epilepsy and a host of other problems. Both of my boys can have up to 30 seizures a day. I have had to stop working to care for both of them and I feel so isolated. I now have tremendous hope for the new year that there is help and that my boys can and will thrive despite the odds. Thank you!!! I am a former special education teacher and would love to know how you got started and any advise that you could give me so I could begin to help my little boys. Thank you so much.....you have been such an inspiration to me. sheribaker@comcast.net
Name: Traci
Date: 01 Jan 2008
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I saw your segment on GMA this morning and was really impressed with your program. I am a teacher in NYC for children with blindness and visual impairments, and other special needs. It was amazing to see all of your accomplishments and hard work, especially Cooper's. It is extremely important to be an advocate for your child and I think that your story will provide more families with information and the support they need. Thank you!!
Name: Bonnie Wagner
Date: 01 Jan 2008
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Hi Tracy, My name is Bonnie Wagner. I have nine year old twin girls one of which has autism. She is an exceptional little girl-she is doing very well today. She has come from a diagnosis of severe autism at the age of 2 1/2 to a diagnosis of higher functioning autism now at the age of nine. Her name is Jamie and she has only been in school for six months out of her whole life. I realized early on that the schools that were offered to Jamie-were not where I wanted her to be. Jamie was struggling with so many issues-and I felt like the schools just did not understand her. So, I took the responsibility on myself and started teaching her at home-in the beginning it was mostly floor time activities trying to pull her into our world. And with a new diet and continued effort on our families part Jamie slowly overcame and is still overcoming the effects of autism. She is doing academic school work with me now. About two years ago I found a christian school that was offering a homeschooling program. So I called them and they agreed to allow me to send Jamie to their school and to attend with her as her aide. Jamie has been going there for two years and I am her aide. She only goes there for music, gym, lunch, school plays and other special activities. And although I feel blessed that she is able to do that much-I am always longing for more for her. I want so much to start a school for children with ADHD, autism and other related issues. I wish so much that your school was closer to where I live in Delaware because I would love to learn how to make something like that possible here in Delaware. I know I have what it takes to open a school-I just don't know where to begin. I have dedicated my life to helping my daughter. Our family has sacrificed income for me to be able to attend school with her and homeschool her. Do you have any information that could help me get a school started here? Bonnie Wagner
Name: Debra Del Sesto
Date: 01 Jan 2008
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I saw the article on GMA this morning and was inspired. We also have a special needs child with Down Syndrome. My husband and I have been wanting to start up a program such as yours for these type of children. I'm so excited at what you are doing and would love to talk with you to help us get the ball rolling here in Athens, Georgia. Please e-mail roccodelsesto@charter.net. Thank you again for being such a wonder parent and talking care of these truly special children.
Name: Julie Dolson
Date: 01 Jan 2008
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Our beautiful year old son Levon has uncontrolled epilepsy and cerebral palsy. I live in the Los Angeles area. I've never heard of such a place!!! How can I find something like this down here? I seriously do not even know where to start. I am involved with Regional Center so I can give them a call. Is there anywhere anyone knows of near me? This place sounds fantastic and so inspiring. My husband and I will be sending a donation ASAP. jdolson@mac.com
Name: Deb VanderGaast, RN
Date: 01 Jan 2008
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I am a registered nurse that provides daycare for children with special needs in my home in Iowa. I care for six full-time children and up to six additional part-time children by myself. My group includes medical needs, developmental delays, physical disabilities, and mental retardation as well as children without special needs. I am constantly struggling to find funding to provide care for the children that need it most. Medicaid will pay for a homecare agency to isolate a child in their home with no social or developmental stimulation at twice to four times the cost of my care, but they will only pay for respite care at my daycare. They say they do not pay for daycare. I'd love to talk with you and share ideas to improve the care we give to the kids. My contact info is at my website: www.tiptonadaptivedaycare.com
Name: Emily Rutherford
Date: 01 Jan 2008
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Hello, I saw the news clip on A Brighter Today on Good Morning America. My husband and I have a child who started out much the same as Cooper. He is now 28 years old and for the past seven years has lived close by in a nursing home. He is very happy and well adjusted to his new environment. Due to the fact that he cannot walk, talk, or feed himself it became necesssary due to his size to place him in the home. We also helped to start a program for young children with disabilities when he was very young which is now known as The School for Child Development. I congratulate you on your efforts and sucess in starting this program. No one knows how difficult and lost a couple feels when this situation happens. To know there are people and programs to assist you helps tremendously. God bless you, Cooper, the children and their families. Sincerely, Emily Rutherford/Tullahoma, TN Ben's Mom
Name: kbmcginley@bellsouth.net
Date: 01 Jan 2008
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Tracy, What a wonderful thing you do! I too work with special needs children. I teach preschool special education. I myself was fragile growing up. I started having seizures at the age fo 3, and 30 years later, I am seizure free after Brain Surgery. Having a school that offers medical suport and understanding is one of the best things you can give these children. Giving them every opportunity that every other "normal" child would have is what they want and need in life, and this sounds like a great program, and I am glad there are people like you who want to provide a strong learning environment for those of us that are a little different yet have lots of potential and a lot to offer in this world!
Name: Jaye
Date: 01 Jan 2008
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What a blessing you are to Cooper and to other parents. May God bless you and your school. Great job. I wish that they had services like this by us! Keep up your great work.
Name: Michelle Hill, Massachusetts
Date: 01 Jan 2008
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Tracy.............What a beautiful thing you have done! I am a mother of a special needs child that has already gone through the schools. She was only 23 when she passed away. That was last year. She bloomed and became so much more confidant when I sent her to a special school like you have started. She was born with Spina Bifida and was in a wheelchair. This school taught her all she needed to be an independant adult. She did accomplish her independance. She was out on her own for a couple of months before she passed. ........When I saw you on GMA this morning you touched my heart. I wish I could of done the same for my daughter. Congratulations on your accomplishment. Your son was brought to you so you could begin this school. We are all here for a reason. I believe this strongly. My husband and I said the same thing when our daughter was ready to be born. If she is meant to be here on earth she will make it through and survive. Much to the doctors surprise she did and she lived until she was 23! She was my miracle baby. Keep up the great work you and your family are doing.
Name: Regina Tew
Date: 01 Jan 2008
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Saw your center on the GMA show this morning and I had to go to the website. I have the upmost respect for what you have done and is going to do in the future not only with Cooper but with other children. I have always have had the love for children but after working with some EC kids in the school system, I would rather work with them first. It is such a joy to see when a child make progress that have disabilities. Each step and each word is a milestone for these kids. Best wishes for the new year.
Name: Jenipher
Date: 01 Jan 2008
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I saw your school on the Good morning America show 1/1/08, and has inspired me to continue working on my Certificates so I can do this for my daughter and other children. This is what I would like to acheive for the 2008 new year. Thank you for your insirations. Belle314@bellsouth.net. Ps. any advice would be greatly accepted. :-)
Name: Jemine Wayman, CNM
Date: 01 Jan 2008
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Wow, what a powerful story. You are an amazing women to go through such a difficult situation and provide shelter (day care) and answers for other says a lot about who you are. May God bless you and your beautiful miracle I pray that all you need in this year and years to come finds favor in your hands. God bless and happy new years. I also learned about your story on Good Morning America.
Name: Linda Hebert
Date: 01 Jan 2008
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Hello Tracy, I saw the segment on GMA this New Years Day morning about your son and the day care program that you created. It's wonderful. The care of children is very important to me. How could I help you start a similar program here on the east coast? I live in Southern Chester County, Pennsylvania. Regards, Linda LJHEnvironmental@verizon.net
Name: Diana
Date: 01 Jan 2008
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I saw your story and school on GMA today. I realized that you are a perfect example of my favorite quote by Les Brown, "No one rises to low expectations". You and your students are the better for having expected more of yourselves and each other. Kudos!
Name: Madonna Boyd
Date: 01 Jan 2008
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ps- I saw the center on Good Morning America this morning. I love that show!! madonnaboyd@hotmail.com
Name: Madonna Boyd
Date: 01 Jan 2008
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My mother is an awsome teacher for children with disabilities. She loves and cherishes her students as if they are her own. Quality care for exceptional children is rare. I would like to see my mom open a school like yours. I am a real estate agent. Recently we had a client with an autistic son come in. She asked which school would be best for her child. I knew that none of them would be right for him. And this is the child of a soldier (im right outside Ft Bragg) We need better education for our special needs youth. I see this a lot. What kind of adults does the school board think they are growing by ignoring the needs of the children? Recently- when a budget cut hit the schoolboard in my mom's area- the first people to be let go were SPEECH THERAPISTS! That makes no sense at all! I could think of a couple other jobs that should have been eliminated before the job that helps our youth speak. I could go on and on. I am not a mom but I love children and grew attached to the students I had when I taught. I know they are being shorted on their educational and developmental needs. How could one start a movement the way that you have but in my area. God bless you for your accomplishment. Happy new year to you and all your kids and staff!! :o)
Name: Valerie Hinckley
Date: 20 Oct 2007
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Congrats Tracy for an incredible and elegant nit!! Thank you for allowing me to participate in such an awesome cause. Tracy, I enjoyed meeting your cousin and many friends. I introduced myself to Tom, and he seems like such a warm, special person. I am happy for both you!! And I hope you were pleased with the event. Love, Valerie (cell 415-794-367)talk soon
Name: Shante
Date: 25 May 2007
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I used to work for a brighter today and it is a great center for kids to be a part of
Name: Adinah Caro-Greene
Date: 29 Sep 2006
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Tracy, I met you and your mom the other day while I was checking out daycare for my (typically developed) son Kaden. I just wanted to say I really enjoyed meeting Cooper. He is a delightful kid. Don't know if you noticed, but I also have mild CP. I was lucky enough to have a mom like you who fought for the best for me (like you have done for Cooper) and I have a wonderful life. So keep going, it is all worth it! Also, I am doing a 2 1/2 day free workshop on "Special Needs Planning" - SSI, SSDI, CHIP, programs for people with disabilities, etc. I thought that I would pass along word to you. Email me if you would like more info: adinahwithkaden@yahoo.com It is really amazing what you have done. Cooper is lucky to have you. But then, you are lucky to have him.
Name: Elaine M. Amo, MS, RN
Date: 20 Sep 2006
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Hi Tracy! I FINALLY had a chance to look at your website- after we've talked on the phone so many times! Your story is truly amazing and inspiring, and I commend you, your organization, and everything you have done to help families with children that have epilepsy! May God continue to bless you- His peace and love be with you always! warm regards, Elaine (Director, LVN Program, Institute of Medical Education)
Name: Kimberly A. Harris
Date: 25 Jul 2006
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Greetings Tracy, I don't believe in accidents or coincidences. I met you and your mom at the Avenue, prior to your parents departure for a two week cruise to Alaska. We exchanged cards. I took the liberty to visit your site. What an inspiration. Glad to have been Blessed with your story. May you continue to receive and recognize your Blessing. God loves you all and so do I. Stay in the light. I hope your parents trip will be exciting and enlightening. By the way isn't great to be Blessed with awesome parents. I to thank you for Blessing them with their trip, I had the honor to do it for my mom. Hallelujah!!!! Live the life you love and love the life you live... Peace and much Love Kimberly
Name: Sami Glisson
Date: 19 Apr 2006
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Imagine my surprise when after "googling" my son Cooper's name along with the word seizures that I came upon your website. I too have a special Cooper. He is 3-1/2 and has a rare form of epilepsy, is globally delayed and legally blind. After reading what you have gone through with your Cooper I feel very connected to you and your cause. There is a definite need for what you are doing and I commend you for it. We took Cooper to a place like A Brighter Today for the first two years of his life and I could not have done it without the wonderful services they provided. I only wish I had a place here for him to go. I could go on and on but have a baby crying in the background. I would love to hear back from you if you get a chance. My email is samiglisson@bellsouth.net We live just outside of Atlanta GA
Name: Veronika Noble
Date: 07 Apr 2006
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absoulty amazing. Just perfect, awesome. THANK YOU. I am feeling so good at becomine aware of such an awesome projecet youve created here. I was lucky enough to see catch you with my 3rd ear on a commercial tonite. I too have a daughter with extemly special needs. I look forward to learning more about you and how youve made this happen! Thank You
Name: Deborah Perez
Date: 28 Mar 2006
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One morning as I was getting ready for work, I heard this voice from the TV that I recognized. I turned to the television, it was A BRIGHTER TODAY commercial. Although I have never met you in person, only spoken to you on the phone, it has been a pleasure working with you. Coopers story has touched my heart and soul. I have never in my life read something so beautiful and touching. Tracy, you are truly blessed beyond life.
Name: Stacey Mack (sister)
Date: 01 Feb 2006
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To my beautiful, devoted, courageous and the most incredible drive to make something happen, sister. You have not stopped amazing me since Cooper was born. Through all the challenges medically and emotionally you have overcome more than I could imagine. You are the reason that Cooper will continue to grow and be an inspiration to our family. We look forward to coming to another fundraiser and hope that it is a HUGE success!! We love you for all you do to make a brighter today for not only Coop, but for so many special needs children. Love you very much, Todd, Stacey, Tierney, Sayge and Payton sntmack1995@sbcglobal.net
Name: Mark Shanks
Date: 26 Jan 2006
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I was talking to a friend who saw you on the news. He told me about your web site and that I should take a look.I have a 6 yerar old son named Mason.I know how much a child means to a parent and what you have done is trully remarkable. Your story was very moving. Im glad you are doing so well and I wish you continud sucess.If you want to catch up please drop me a e-mail. mshanks27@aol.com or 925-642-5143. Mark
Name: Cathy Harris
Date: 10 Jan 2006
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My, what a woman you've grown up to be!!! I'm very proud of you and what you
are doing. I wish you the very best and keep your heart full of love. ...Cathy
Harris
Name: NaNa
Date: 08 Jan 2006
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Wow!!!! I am so impressed! What a lovely site!!! Tracy we as parents could not be more proud! You are a "Rock Star"!!!! Love You, Mom xoxoxoxox