Rikki Whittaker

“Hi, my name is Rikki, and I have acute Cerebral Palsy. I wasn’t born this way. As a matter of fact, I was a very healthy toddler until I had my 4th DPT vaccine, at 17 months. Within 3 weeks after I was vaccinated, I became totally paralyzed and had to have a G-tube so I could eat. I almost died. My Mom even prepared for my funeral arrangements. The Doctors wouldn’t admit that it was the vaccine, and they tried to say that I had a disease called Leukodystrophy but all the tests were negative. I was fed through the G-tube in my tummy for over a year before I was even able to eat soft foods. I’m gradually getting better. I’m learning to do everything all over again. I understand everything that you say and I will someday talk back to you. I’m learning to use a “touch-screen” computer, which will eventually be my voice. I’m gaining my balance and I’m getting some head and neck control. One of these days I hope to walk.

It’s been almost 5 years since I had the Vaccine Reaction, and it’s been a long hard road. Mommy feels the need to share with others so hopefully someone can benefit from my story. Vaccines can be dangerous if people are not aware of what to watch out for, before they vaccinate.

1. Is my child sick right now?
2. Has my child had a reaction to a vaccination before?
3. Does my child have a personal or family history of:
   • Vaccine reactions
   • Convulsions or neurological disorders
   • Severe allergies
   • Immune system disorders
4. Do I know if my child is a high risk of reacting?
5. Do I have full information on the vaccine’s side effects?
6. Do I know how to report a vaccine reaction?
7. Do I know the vaccine manufacturer’s name and lot number?

Contact the NATIONAL VACCINE INFORMATION CENTER 1-800-909SHOT or www.909SHOT.com

Copyright 1999 by Rosita Whittaker
Used by permission