Rough copy of our Letter to the Parents

August 24, 2004

Ok everyone, here is the rough draft of our letter. I've decided

to write it from my point of view because it sounded a little weird

from Olivia's point of view.

Please try to read it as though you just got it sent home from

school and let me know what sort of ammending it needs!

Dear Parents,

Many of you already know our daughter, Olivia. At the beginning

of the school year we would like to share with Olivia's classmates

and their parents some information about her bone disorder.

Olivia has a disorder called Osteogenesis Imperfecta or " OI " for

short. Many people know it as Brittle Bones. Basically it means

that Olivia's bones produce less of an essential protein and

therefore they fracture more easily. Olivia plays with other

children in our home as well as the homes of her friends on a

regular basis. She can participate in all classroom activities,

recess and even P.E. with close supervision and adaptations. We

simply remind children who she interacts with that they need to

be " gentle " and not to pull, push or pick her up.

When Olivia encounters new situations with people who do not know

about her disorder we like to let parents and children know so that

if a fracture occurs there's already some understanding of the

situation. The medicine that Olivia receives to increase her bone

density helps in preventing fractures but she will continue to be at

risk for fractures. We never want other children to be afraid to

play with Olivia, just to know that her bones can break more easily

than theirs. If there is any unease of having Olivia over for a

play date we are more than willing to escort her to a new friends

house or birthday party.

We look forward to the new friendships that our children will make

and encourage you to call us (phone number here) if you have any

questions about Olivia or her special needs. Thanks.

Leah and Trent Fuller.

August 24, 2004

Leah,

Your letter looks good!

Kim C.

>

> Ok everyone, here is the rough draft of our letter. I've decided

> to write it from my point of view because it sounded a little weird

> from Olivia's point of view.

>

> Please try to read it as though you just got it sent home from

> school and let me know what sort of ammending it needs!

>

> Dear Parents,

>

> Many of you already know our daughter, Olivia. At the beginning

> of the school year we would like to share with Olivia's classmates

> and their parents some information about her bone disorder.

>

> Olivia has a disorder called Osteogenesis Imperfecta or " OI " for

> short. Many people know it as Brittle Bones. Basically it means

> that Olivia's bones produce less of an essential protein and

> therefore they fracture more easily. Olivia plays with other

> children in our home as well as the homes of her friends on a

> regular basis. She can participate in all classroom activities,

> recess and even P.E. with close supervision and adaptations. We

> simply remind children who she interacts with that they need to

> be " gentle " and not to pull, push or pick her up.

>

> When Olivia encounters new situations with people who do not know

> about her disorder we like to let parents and children know so that

> if a fracture occurs there's already some understanding of the

> situation. The medicine that Olivia receives to increase her bone

> density helps in preventing fractures but she will continue to be at

> risk for fractures. We never want other children to be afraid to

> play with Olivia, just to know that her bones can break more easily

> than theirs. If there is any unease of having Olivia over for a

> play date we are more than willing to escort her to a new friends

> house or birthday party.

>

> We look forward to the new friendships that our children will make

> and encourage you to call us (phone number here) if you have any

> questions about Olivia or her special needs. Thanks.

>

> Leah and Trent Fuller.

August 24, 2004

I think that this is perfect as it is. You sound casual and not

panicked. I would be nervous as a classmate's parent, but I love

the fact that you then casually mention that you are happy to

accompany her on a playdate to start.

Last year when had her catheter line into her arm, the

school also had us write a letter to her classmates' parents. I

don't think half of them even read it, ha! But the interesting

thing was that we did show and tell to the kids first, sending the

letter home that night. A couple parents told me that when they

asked their child about it, their kid was so nonchalant " it's no big

deal, Mom, just needs more food than us to grow and since

she was sick, the only way is to put it through her veins. " It was

hysterical that the kids thought it was no big deal and the parents

were freaking!

I wish you the best of luck. I am sure that your letter will be met

with only positive, and for those few parents who may have

reservations, no big deal!

>

> Ok everyone, here is the rough draft of our letter. I've

decided

> to write it from my point of view because it sounded a little

weird