AIMEE'S BULLETIN
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Abigail Shares
September 11, 2016
"Be the change you want to see in the world." Gandhi
September 11th has a great deal of emotion attached to it, nationally and internationally. For me, it was the day my beloved sister, Aimee, was born, September 11th, 1956. Aimee didn't have an easy life, but she never lost her sense of humor, her love of music, anything chocolate, and her SMILE could light up a room. Aimee taught me how to LOVE unconditionally, and through Aimee's suffering, Aimee left a huge legacy, statewide in Pennyslvania. Aimee's Bulletin, was signed January 15, 2011. May Aimee's memory continue to be a blessing to all those who knew and loved her, along with the Special Needs individuals and their families that Aimee's Bulletin supported.
Abigail
xox
February 9, 2016
It's hard to believe yet another year has passed, since my beloved sister Aimee, passed. I'm told it gets easier, but as I sit here tonight, it doesn't feel easier, my heart is heavy, I'm weepy and out of sorts. Truth is, I don't feel much like writing. I just want to be with my feelings, thoughts and memories of Aimee, on her best of days.
May Aimee's memory continue to be a blessing,
Abigail
xox
February 9, 2015
On this, the 6th anniversary of my beloved sister Aimee's death, I'm reminded of Aimee's fabulous sense of humor, incredible ability to remember entire TV commercials and skits from "I Love Lucy," like Lucy's famous "Vitameatavegamin" episode. Aimee's love of music, reciting of her all time favorite songs, chocolate chip cookies, teasing, her beautifully embroidered items, all the things that remind me of the famous song, Once in Love with Aimee, Always in Love with Aimee.
Back in the day, Aimee could recite the Pythagorean theorem, word for word. I couldn't even spell Pythagorean, I had to just Google it, but Aimee had this uncanny ability to remember certain things that just tickled her fancy, and she loved repeating those things that astounded others, as the words rolled off her tongue with ease. Regardless of Aimee's cognitive and physical abilities, she could light up a room and make anyone smile and giggle. If she couldn't make you laugh with her words, she would literally tickle you, and then say, "I'm just kidding."
I was blessed to have my younger sister Aimee in my life. Aimee clearly taught me how to love, and if there's one thing I know for sure, it's that I am who I am today because of what I learned about love, compassion, generosity of spirit and sheer perseverance from my beloved Aimee.
May your memory continue to be a blessing.
As Aimee affectionately called me, Flabby-Abby, with love,
Abigail
xox
September 11, 2014
September 11th has its own special meaning to most people on the planet, to me it was a very joyous day, the day my baby sister Aimee was born, in 1956. Sadly, joy quickly turned into concern for her life, for me as her big sister, who was only 6 years old, it felt very scary with endless trips to the hospital, and numerous neurosurgeries, during her earliest of years.
My beloved sister Aimee died in my arms, February 9th, 2009, at age 53, in what I would call a peaceful death following what had been a very medically fragile life, particularly during her last years.
Since her death, on Aimee's birthday, I sit by her gravesite and play her favorite songs on my iPhone, songs that always made her smile, that she loved hearing and singing. Sitting there, hearing Aimee's music, I always found solace knowing Aimee was finally at peace, as music was always one of "our" very special ways of connecting. This year I won't be visiting Aimee's gravesite, as I've recently moved to California, and part of me doesn't quite know how to process what feels like yet another loss. So, I will go to the ocean, turn on my iPhone, play Aimee's favorite songs, and connect with her loving spirit. I learned much from my beloved sister, Aimee, but mostly how to truly love another, deeply and profoundly.
Aimee left a rich and powerful legacy in the great state of Pennsylvania. Through Aimee's suffering other Special Needs Individuals, and their families, state-wide have and hopefully continue to have options around their End-of-Life decision making process.
May her memory be a blessing,
Abigail
xox
November 28, 2013
What I’m particularly thankful for this year…. Yesterday, I learned that a 24 yr. old, medically fragile Special Needs, young man, who was told he could not return to his Group Home placement, would be discharged from Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital, Monday, and allowed to return to his Group Home placement, friends, and trusted, familiar caretakers, after an extended hospitalization.
Through advocacy provided by Aimee’s Team, and the Department of Developmental Programming in Harrisburg, and the spirit in which Aimee’s Bulletin was written, signed and published, we were able to ensure that his rights were protected. No easy fete, but tremendously gratifying and rewarding to know that through my beloved sister Aimee’s suffering, her legacy continues to impact others in our Special Needs Community, in vital and important, life saving ways.
And, of course, I am thankful to be getting to spend this Thanksgiving with my children, Adam and Rachael, while we each take time out to count and appreciate our many shared blessings.
Wishing you all a festive, fun, yummy, relaxing, wonderful Thanksgiving family celebration.
Abigail
xox
November 18, 2013
Today is an exceptional day for Aimee's Team and the entire Special Needs Community in the Great State of Pennsylvania, as the training we were promised, to insure all of Pennsylvania's Special Needs families are aware and familiar with Aimee's Bulletin is actually going to occur, as confirmed by Fred Lokuta, the state's Deputy Secretary of Developmental Programming.
As you can imagine, I'm an extremely happy advocate this morning, as this has been our goal since 2006.
We're finally moving forward, continuing our advocacy on behalf of our Special Needs Community, YIPPY!
Below, please find the note I sent out to Aimee's Team members, and a copy of Fred's e-mail to me, confirming Fred's commitment to move forward:
Dear Fred,
Thank you for your note, below, confirming that the Department of Developmental Programming, under your direct supervision, as Deputy Secretary of Developmental Programing, in collaboration with Celia Feinstein, Co-Director, Institute on Disabilities, at Pennsylvania's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities at Temple University, will be coordinating and conducting statewide training on Aimee's Bulletin, (Procedures for Surrogate Health Care Decision Making Bulletin #6000-11-01/January 2001).
Fred, your decision to move forward, not only honors my beloved sister Aimee Sandler's memory, it cements Aimee's legacy, here, in the Great State of Pennsylvania. Your action insures our state's Special Needs Individuals and their families will be provided with the additional support and advocacy they deserve during what can be one of the most critical and challenging times of their lives.
I salute and thank all of Aimee's Team members, who have shared their expertise, time and talent to insure this training takes place.
Fred, I thank you on behalf of all of Aimee's Team members, and our state's entire Special Needs community who will benefit by your compassionate and timely decision to make this most important training available, statewide.
With infinite Gratitude,
With infinite Gratitude,
Abigail
xox
From: "Lokuta, Fred"
Subject: Re: Chad Orlowski: Update
Date: November 18, 2013 at 9:23:51 AM EST
In collaboration with Celia Feinstein and institute on Disability, we will be coordinating and conducting statewide training on Aimee's Bulletin. Celia will coordinate efforts with ODP so that training can occur asap. Thanks
November 11, 2013
This is a note addressed to Chad's parents, Renee and Lawrence, who reached out to me this evening, in desperation, in an attempt to have their son Chad, discharged from Pittsburgh's Children Hospital and returned to Allegheny Valley School, a private, non-profit organization established in 1960 to care for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Dear Renee and Lawrence,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your son Chad's Story, yet another tragic and disturbing, horror story that I personally find so upsetting to learn of this evening, only after you happened to have stumbled across Aimee's Bulletin, on-line in a desperate attempt to secure timely assistance for Chad.
Aimee's Bulletin (Procedures for Surrogate Health Care Decision Making Bulletin #6000-11-01 January 2011) was signed and published, in Harrisburg, to prevent yet another Special Needs Individual and their family, in the Great State of Pennsylvania, experience what my beloved sister, Aimee, and our family experienced. Instead, here we are, once again, with Chad's parents searching the internet frantically, finding me, instead of having information, in hand, as promised that Harrisburg was going to provide to our Special Needs Families, around this type of end-of-life crisis.
After speaking to you both, I learned that, as Chad's parents and guardian, you're now experiencing almost identical circumstances that I did with my beloved sister Aimee. You are Chad's parents, his guardian and yet Chad's facility is not allowing Chad to return to his familiar surroundings and caretakers. Instead, even though Chad is now medically stabilized as a patient at Pittsburgh Children's Hospital, his facility is not allowing Chad to return to his familiar environment and caretakers.
As requested, please forward me the additional information that will be required by Harrisburg, so they can take immediate action to insure that Chad is allowed to return to his home.
My heart goes out to you both, I certainly can say, I know what you're going through,
Abigail
xox
April 25, 2013
Today, we traveled to Harrisburg, PA, our state's capital, to continue advocating for those who are unable to advocate for themselves. Going forward, Aimee's Team will become part of a larger team consisting of the state's finest professionals, under the direction of Fred Lokuta, Deputy Secretary for Developmental Programs, and Vicki Stillman-Toomey, Regional Program Manager for Developmental Programs.
As a results, we hope to be better able to communicate Aimee's Bulletin (Procedures for Surrogate Health Care Decision Making Bulletin #6000-11-01/January 2011) to our special needs families and their providers.
Left to right: Gail Inderwies, President and Executive Director, Keystone Care, Sue Badeau, Speaker, Writer, Consultant & Parent, and Abigail Sandler, Aimee's Sister and Aimee's Team Leader.
Abigail
xox
February 9, 2013
Today is a bittersweet day, it's the 4th anniversary of my beloved sister Aimee's death, and tomorrow my mother will be buried next to Aimee. I find myself wandering from room to room, preparing my home for friends and family who will be there to support me and my family tomorrow.
On a happier note, Fred Lokuta, the new Acting Deputy Secretary of Developmental Programming in Harrisburg, has agreed to meet with Aimee's Team, sooner than later. We remain optimistic that Phase Two of Aimee's Bulletin will eventually become a state-wide reality, and Aimee's legacy will positively impact "ALL" of our Special Needs Families, throughout the Great State of Pennsylvania.
With Infinite Gratitude,
Abigail
xox
September 11, 2012
The mention of September 11th automatically evokes a spine chilling reaction in all of us, but for me, in addition, September 11th was the day my beloved sister Aimee was born, 56 years ago.
This Tuesday, September 11th, as I sit by Aimee's grave site, tearfully playing her all-time favorite songs on my iPhone, and connecting with her loving spirit, I'll reflect on Aimee's medically fragile and challenging life, along with her beautiful and important legacy.
It's been six years since Aimee's story showed up on Harrisburg's radar screen, three years since her passing, and over a year and a half since Aimee's Bulletin was signed and published, on January 15th, 2011, in Harrisburg.
We've made great progress, but Aimee's legacy has yet to be completed. Aimee's Team can't rest until we know that "ALL" of our special families throughout the Great State of Pennsylvania know what I wish I knew six long years ago.
We're waiting to hear back from Harrisburg with regard to the official kick-off of Phase Two of Aimee's Bulletin.
With much gratitude and thanks to all those who have supported our efforts over the past six years.
Abigail
xox
July 11, 2012
Aimee's Team Meeting Update: Department of Public Welfare, Health & Welfare Bldg., Harrisburg, PA
Left to right: Vicki Stillman-Toomey, Southeast Regional Program Manager,
Patricia McCool, Director, Division of Community Services, Bureau of Community Programs,
Sue Badeau, Aimee's Team, Family Advocate,
Abigail Sandler, Aimee's Team, Family Advocate,
David Kauffman, Executive Administrative Assistant, Office of Developmental Programs,
Kevin Friel, Deputy Secretary, Office of Developmental Programs, Department of Public Welfare,
Dr. Jill Morrow-Gorton, M.D., Medical Director
Dear All,
Just wanted to let you know that as of today, in Harrisburg, Aimee's Team initiated plans for Phase Two of Aimee's Bulletin, and will be moving forward, in partnership with Kevin Friel, Deputy Secretary, Office of Developmental Programs, Department of Public Welfare, and his excellent, devote and compassionate professional staff.
We're very grateful to have such a wonderful, dedicated team in Harrisburg, committed to truly making a difference and helping those who can't help themselves.
We're very grateful to have such a wonderful, dedicated team in Harrisburg, committed to truly making a difference and helping those who can't help themselves.
xox
Abigail
June 2, 2012
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett and Abigail Sandler of Aimee's Bulletin(www.aimeesbulletin.com) at the recent signing of The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act (HB1610) inspired by Darren and Phyllis Sudman, in memory of their beloved son, Simon (Simon's Fund: www.simonsfund.org)
Dear All,
It is the intention of Aimee's Team that through meeting Governor Corbett, action will be taken to complete Phase Two of Aimee's Bulletin, the Education and Training of our Special Needs families.
At the moment, if similar circumstances were to occur to any Special Needs Individual and their family within the Great State of Pennsylvania today, as occurred to my beloved sister Aimee, their family would have no idea as to what they were entitled to, as defined in Aimee's Bulletin. They would be at the complete mercy of their Group Home Provider.
Aimee's Bulletin strengthens and clarifies the roles of families and other parties in making healthcare choices for adults with special needs. Pennsylvania has numerous laws addressing surrogate healthcare decision-making for adults with special needs, and this has, at times, led to inconsistent practices that limited the voice of families when it came to making critical decisions about the care of their loved ones. Families and other caregivers deserve clarity when making such decisions, and Aimee's Bulletin is intended to provide that clarity. It affirms that the family of an adult with special needs can make medical decisions on that person's behalf, without having to seek authorization from the courts.
Aimee's Team remains optimistic that we will be able to successfully complete our mission with the timely assistance of the Governor Corbett's Office
Thanking you for your ongoing support,
Abigail
xox
February 9, 2012
My sister Aimee was a survivor.
Her life was Olympic in scope~ for all of the competitions she faced throughout her life, with no professional training, no skills, no professional team behind her, and few cheerleaders.
When my sister Aimee passed away three years ago, as in The Olympics, she passed the torch with the glowing eternal flame from her hand to mine. To get to the Finish Line and help others who have similar challenges that Aimee faced in her lifetime. If there is a version of “L’Dor V’Dor, From generation to generation”, which could be “From sister to sister”, this was it.
Aimee carried the torch of inspiration to many during her lifetime of challenges. Unlike trained athletes in The Olympics with the ultimate goal of winning, Aimee’s quest would be to simply live, and have a much deserved quality of life. This was winning. As Aimee’s big sister, I dedicated myself to helping make her feel like her race was well run, up until her dying day.
When Aimee passed away, it felt like the Closing Ceremonies of her Olympic and colossal quest~ for truth, compassion, peace, happiness and most importantly, survival.
I ran the race with her during her life, and now with torch in hand, I stand proud and continue in her beautiful spirit and memory. There is still much to accomplish.
Aimee truly will always live within my heart as a symbolic warm and eternal flame, and I promise to continue to carry the torch in her memory forever.
As I reflect on “What’s next?” I think of all the Special Needs individuals in the Great State of Pennsylvania, and their loved ones ~ who within a brief, few moments could be in the identical situation we found ourselves in almost six years ago, when Aimee became so critically ill.
Sure, we now have Aimee’s Bulletin. But what good is a signed legal document if families throughout the State of Pennsylvania don’t know it even exists, have access to helpful information or if they are familiar with Aimee’s Bulletin, can even comprehend its technical legalese.
There was to have been a Patient’s Bill of Rights, a simple, one-page, two- sided document, bringing clarity of our families about the End-of-Life Decision Making Process. It was to include a toll-free telephone number to call in case of an emergency, a contact name and a very user-friendly explanation of what Aimee’s Bulletin actually means.
As of today, if another family was to encounter a Group Home Provider who was attempting to bully the family into “their way of thinking” vs. the wishes of the family for their family member, that family would have no more information than we did six years ago when Aimee became even more medically fragile, and we didn’t know where to turn.
It was always the intention of Aimee’s Team and understanding while advocating with Harrisburg, that there would be “training” for our families, statewide. The training would be geared at educating our families prior to a medical crisis, so they would not only know how to better negotiate “the system”, but they wouldn’t be forced to react in crisis mode, at such a critical time in their loved one’s life. They would be able to “respond” with intention, which is very different than reacting.
On the First Anniversary of the signing of Aimee’s Bulletin, we must regain Harrisburg partnership in order to insure that our families have the training, knowledge and clarity around Aimee’s Bulletin, along with a Patient’s Bill of Rights explaining the End-of-Life Decision Making Process in simple, user-friendly language.
We must capture Harrisburg’s attention once again~ as we must do everything within our power to help those who cannot help themselves.
Aimee, you made one heck of a difference in my life and the lives of all of those that you touched, I love you and I miss you.
Abigail
xox
September 11, 2011
Dear All,
On September 11, 1956, my baby sister, Aimee Golda was born. We shared our childhood room, our hearts, and our extraordinary bond for 53 years, until she lost her final battle on February 9, 2009. As we approach my 9-11, my heart is heavy, as I reflect on my beloved sister Aimee's lifetime, her many challenges, her smile, sense of humor, love of anything chocolate, and deep connection that we shared. Aimee taught me how to love, and every challenge she endured, ultimately contributed to the woman that I am today.
Aimee, I remember you, I miss you, I love you.
xox
Abigail
February 14, 2011
Valentine's Day
Dear All,
For those of you who never had the pleasure of actually meeting and knowing my beloved sister Aimee, you should know, first and foremost, Aimee had a terrific sense of humor, she loved telling jokes, making people laugh, and Aimee kept us all smiling.
It should come as no surprise to Aimee's loved ones, and fans, that Aimee's Story, as beautifully written by Stacey Burling, Philadelphia Inquirer, initially got canceled, two consecutive Wednesdays, only to surprise even me, of all people, and be published on Valentine's Day.
I should have known, given two of Aimee's favorite things on the planet were chocolate, and the color red, that Valentine's Day was clearly Aimee's Day. Once again, Aimee had the last laugh, bringing a huge smile to my face and heart, as I pictured a world full of happiness, joy, smiles, peace, love, chocolate, and lots and lots of red, in memory of Aimee, her legacy, smile and everything that made Aimee such a very special gift in our lives.
Thank you for caring, for visiting, and for your support,
Abigail
February 9, 2011
Dear All,
Today is the 2nd anniversary of my beloved sister Aimee's death, a sad, yet inspiring day, when I reflect on the difference that Aimee's life and her legacy have made, and will continue to make, going forward, for years to come.
I miss Aimee, her smile, energy, sense of humor, the songs she sang, her jokes, watching her enjoy a chocolate chip cookie, or anything chocolate, for that matter, everything that made Aimee so very loving and special.
As the song says, "once in love with Aimee, always in love with Aimee."
As a result of Aimee's Bulletin being published, January 15, 2011, Kevin Casey, Deputy Secretary for Developmental Programs, in Harrisburg, is currently organizing a State-Wide Educational/Training Program for both families of loved ones, and Providers charged with implementing Aimee's Bulletin. Kevin has been an incredible resource and a vital member of Aimee's Team, sharing our vision, and commitment to enhancing and better protecting our Special Needs Individuals in the Great State of Pennsylvania.
I'm currently awaiting feedback from Kevin, next week, with regard to his anticipated implementation of Aimee's Bulletin's Training Program time table.
Thank you for your interest and on-going support in helping to ensure that the public, family members and providers are made aware of Aimee's Bulletin, and educated about its content, their rights and responsibilities.
Abigail
January 26, 2011
Dear All,
I am completely and totally moved, to the point of tears, by the emotional outpouring of love, support and compassion that I’ve experienced during the last few weeks.
The comments that have been posted in our Guestbook, by those who witnessed, partook in our journey, or simply heard about Aimee’s Story, have been some of the most beautifully shared, and inspiring expressions of love that I have ever received.
Deciding to create a website in memory of my beloved sister Aimee was an idea, but not something I had been able to bring myself to do, until Saturday, January 8, 2011 in the midst of yet another snowstorm. I had already written, literally hundreds of e-mails, over almost five years, documenting and sharing details surrounding Aimee’s life, care and legacy. Somehow, sitting down to write a cohesive vignette, the Cliff Notes, so to speak, was something up till now I hadn’t been able to emotionally bring myself to do. In my heart, I knew that one day, it would just pour out of me, from my heart to my keyboard, which something would inspire me, and I would just do it.
Well, I received final word from Harrisburg that Aimee’s Bulletin would indeed be published, in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, January 15th, 2011. In my mind, I knew we somehow had to magically create a working website, complete with Aimee’s Story.
So many people knew bits and pieces, of Aimee’s Story, but few, if any, knew it all, so there I sat, with snow falling outside my window, as Aimee’s Story began to pour out of me.
While I sat writing, pausing to reflect, standing, sitting, moving about, Chelsea Badeau, our Award Winning Webmaster, sister to her beloved brothers Dylan and Adam, and vital member of Aimee’s Team, started building Aimee’s website, from scratch. I only had a few requests of Chelsea, that the site’s color theme be primary red, Aimee’s favorite color, that it be energetically HAPPY, playful, clean and contemporary looking, no clutter, easy to use, with a sprinkling of my favorite, Happy Faces, and "No black," please, Aimee didn’t like the color black.
I completed Aimee’s Story by the time the snow stopped falling, and Chelsea built the perfect website in about four days. We never met to discuss or design Aimee’s website in person, it was all done over e-mail, not a single phone call, and it was if Chelsea was able to read my mind. Chelsea got everything I envisioned, with ease.
Truth be told, we kinda felt that our beloved Aimee, Dylan, and Adam, were somehow energetically connected, and our little Angel Guides throughout our process. It was clear that we were doing God’s work, and we were in-action, consistent with having Aimee’s website ready to launch, January 14, 2011.
While the snow plows were cleaning the streets that evening, Sue Badeau, Chelsea’s Mom, and Mom to her beloved Dylan and Adam, took editing to a whole new level. I had been absent the day they taught spelling and punctuation, so I tend to write the way I speak, in one very long run-on sentence. Sue segmented my thoughts, added some punctuation, and presto, before I knew it, Aimee’s Story was edited, and ready to drop into Aimee’s website.
Then Chelsea spent the rest of the week tweaking our website, preparing to drop in the Press Release that Harrisburg was in the midst of preparing, and the actual published copy of Aimee’s Bulletin, which became available on-line, Friday, Jan. 14th, and we were actually ready, one day in advance. We decided that it should be light, fun and joyful, a celebration of Aimee’s life, so we added happy art, embedded throughout Aimee’s Story. When we spoke of how much Aimee loved chocolate, we dropped in a Hershey bar, or a couple of scoops of chocolate ice cream. When we mentioned Aimee’s ability to remember skits from the I Love Lucy Show, word for word, we added the logo from the show, along with a photo of Lucy. When we shared Aimee’s love of music, we added musical notes, and before you knew it, there was a certain aliveness to Aimee’s Story.
We even decided to add music to Aimee’s Story, Alleluia, a very special and inspiring song, one that sends chills up and down your spine, sung by Laura Thomae, Musical Therapist, at Keystone Hospice. Laura had sung Alleluia at Aimee’s funeral, February 9, 2009, again at Aimee’s bench dedication at Keystone Hospice, May 27, 2010, and also to our beloved Dylan during his last hours. Laura had sung to Aimee, during both of Aimee’s stays at Keystone Hospice, so she knew Aimee well, and I was honored that Laura readily agreed to allow us to play Alleluia while our guests viewed Aimee’s Story.
Fast forward, the signing of Aimee’s Bulletin was only the beginning. Aimee’s Team now needs to ensure that families of Special Needs Individuals, throughout the Great State of Pennsylvania will be provided with training, and educated as to their rights.
We have the support of Kevin Casey, Deputy Secretary of Developmental Programs, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare that a Family Training Program will be developed, and a Group will be organized to implement Aimee’s Bulletin. When I met Kevin, Oct. 26, 2006, at the first official meeting of Aimee’s Team, at Keystone Hospice, I shared with Kevin that we need to handle this on a state wide level, and if we couldn’t I would go on Larry King Live to share Aimee’s Story. Kevin responded, “If we go on Larry King, it will be together as partners.” Kevin has proven to be a wonderful committed partner, friend, public servant, and my life line, time and time, again. I remain grateful to Kevin, and the members of Aimee’s Team, who listen, heard and supported me through my darkest of days, and stood by me, until we reached this moment in time.
Thanks for taking the time to learn more about Aimee's Bulletin.
Abigail
