The TRIP of all Trips... Ana's MAW PTR... *TR STARTED* Link- Post #1901 Pg. 127

[that's nice]

Love all the stuff Tim! It's so funny how excited Juliana gets. I bet she's a little ball of energy. How do you keep up? The count down calender is half gone. Yay

She is full of energy! If my brother, sister, and I were anything like her, I now know why my parents were always tired!

I really have no idea how I keep up with her!

That calendar is looking a tad bare. But that is a good thing.

Love all the goodies from Mary and the girls and from Sandy. I can think of no one more deserving than Ana.

You should see the calendar now. Only 13 more Mickey hats on it!

AWWWWW thank you Kathy!

Just started! I have made it my mission to catch up on all the reading. I have been involved with MAW on several occasions. Once for raising money for a child to go to WDW and then 2 times directly helping with fulfill their wishes in person at WDW and Space Camp. This is truly one of the best organizations and the only charity I will contribute too. I hope you all have a wonderful trip. My best wishes.

Jonathan

Thanks for joining!!!!! Hope you found the links in post #2. You can skip the banter and get to the meat of this TR. Plus it doesn't hurt having a little more testosterone around here!

Thank you for all your work for MAW! We are very grateful that Juliana was approved and we cannot wait to see what is in store for Juliana in 2 weeks!!!!!

 

[mommy2mrb]

WOW, more great gifts! Santa's going to have a hard time beating all of them!

 

[englishrose47]

Great Gifts from the Big Givers !!!!

 

[that's nice]

WOW, more great gifts! Santa's going to have a hard time beating all of them!

Santa has nothing on all you ladies(and guys)!!!!!!!!! She has been very blessed by all of you!

Great Gifts from the Big Givers !!!!

Thanks! All the gifts have been so nice and perfect for Juliana!

 

[that's nice]

I usually don't get worked up over overblown media stories, but I keep reading and hearing about these full body scanners and the pat-downs that are happening at the airports now. I heard that the scanners give off radiation but I have found out that the amount is 1/50th to 1/100th the amount of an x-ray. So if we opt not to go through the scanners we have to go through a vigorous , what they are calling, pat-down. It should be called a feel up.

I don't care if I have to go through a scanner but I'm not sure how I feel having Juliana go through them. She already has been exposed to more radiation in the last 3 years than I have been exposed to in my life. So if we decide not to have her go through the scanner, I have to watch someone feel up my 4 year old?

Hopefully with the holiday coming up there will be some major outcry and they will suspend the current process just in time for us to leave on Dec. 1st.

Have any of you heard anything about this? Are there any other options than the scanners or a pat-down?

 

[KatMark]

I usually don't get worked up over overblown media stories, but I keep reading and hearing about these full body scanners and the pat-downs that are happening at the airports now. I heard that the scanners give off radiation but I have found out that the amount is 1/50th to 1/100th the amount of an x-ray. So if we opt not to go through the scanners we have to go through a vigorous , what they are calling, pat-down. It should be called a feel up.

I don't care if I have to go through a scanner but I'm not sure how I feel having Juliana go through them. She already has been exposed to more radiation in the last 3 years than I have been exposed to in my life. So if we decide not to have her go through the scanner, I have to watch someone feel up my 4 year old?

Hopefully with the holiday coming up there will be some major outcry and they will suspend the current process just in time for us to leave on Dec. 1st.

Have any of you heard anything about this? Are there any other options than the scanners or a pat-down?

I have to admit I don't read the paper or watch the news too much -- too darn depressing. I hadn't heard about this, but Mark says he has. He says it is NOT all airports. I know they didn't have it when we were there in September going or coming back. I don't blame you....I don't think Ana should go through either one.

 

[smileycrissy]

Not too sure about the airport you are leaving to come to Orlando if they are doing it. But I can tell you MCO does have the scanners. They've had it in the news all week long. I don't care for it either, all it takes is for the machine to malfunction for a bit and zap - you've been exposed to more radiation than you should have been. I find it hard to believe that the TSA is going to make sure that the scanners are emitting the 'safe level of exposure' daily, so this concerns me a lot. I also don't like the 'groping' concept either. I remember traveling back in 2004 thru MCO and the guy with the wand was just a lil too friendly for my care and that was with the wand. I'm not saying that all of them are getting their kicks off this but it just seems to invasive to me.

I'll keep my fingers crossed that the uproar concerning this will hopefully prevent the aiports from continuing to use it. I'm not looking forward to possibly having to go thru this next month when I may go up to NY for a visit.

 

[Flossbolna]

I can absolutely understand your concern about your daughter being exposed to any more radiation. I have seent that there is a lengthy thread on the transportation board. I have no idea wether it is useful or just a heated debate, but I think you might be able to find some reports of what people experienced on the transportation board. A few of the regulars there are frequent travelers and those are usually very good at providing a well balanced perspective.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

I usually don't get worked up over overblown media stories, but I keep reading and hearing about these full body scanners and the pat-downs that are happening at the airports now. I heard that the scanners give off radiation but I have found out that the amount is 1/50th to 1/100th the amount of an x-ray. So if we opt not to go through the scanners we have to go through a vigorous , what they are calling, pat-down. It should be called a feel up.

I don't care if I have to go through a scanner but I'm not sure how I feel having Juliana go through them. She already has been exposed to more radiation in the last 3 years than I have been exposed to in my life. So if we decide not to have her go through the scanner, I have to watch someone feel up my 4 year old?

Hopefully with the holiday coming up there will be some major outcry and they will suspend the current process just in time for us to leave on Dec. 1st.

Have any of you heard anything about this? Are there any other options than the scanners or a pat-down?

Tim, you sound exactly like my DH. He isn't crazy over this new scanner but the alternative of having our 3DD's patted down isn't great either. Did you read that Yahoo story then? I *think* you can opt out of the body scanner and go through the metal one instead? I would imagine they would at least let Juliana do that. I would absolutely explain that she is a beautiful cancer survivor and has been through enough radiation in her short 4 years. If they gave you grief, I'd get a manager and explain to them that you don't want your daughter exposed to more. For good measure, I'd probably do the body scanner myself so that they see that I'm not trying to cause trouble. Here's a link to that article that also has FAQ from the TSA's webiste should they give you any trouble as well as a list of the airports with the scanners:

http://health.yahoo.net/articles/healthcare/are-new-airport-scanners-safe

I understand the need for tight security while flying but sheesh, patting down kids? Um, I don't think so. DH has already told me that he will completely refuse to let them do that to our daugthers (they're 11, 9 and 7). Let's hope we don't have to fly anytime soon, right? LOL!

Anyhow, great big give pics! Who knew a toothbrush could bring such joy? Juliana is such a little ham! So cute. I love how excited she is over every little thing she gets, even the bubble wrap! And you'll all look smashing in your matching t-shirts. They're really sweet and as you said, you ain't scared to match your girls! What a good daddy you are!

 

[Woth2982]

Tim, you sound exactly like my DH. He isn't crazy over this new scanner but the alternative of having our 3DD's patted down isn't great either. Did you read that Yahoo story then? I *think* you can opt out of the body scanner and go through the metal one instead? I would imagine they would at least let Juliana do that. I would absolutely explain that she is a beautiful cancer survivor and has been through enough radiation in her short 4 years. If they gave you grief, I'd get a manager and explain to them that you don't want your daughter exposed to more. For good measure, I'd probably do the body scanner myself so that they see that I'm not trying to cause trouble. Here's a link to that article that also has FAQ from the TSA's webiste should they give you any trouble as well as a list of the airports with the scanners:

http://health.yahoo.net/articles/healthcare/are-new-airport-scanners-safe

I understand the need for tight security while flying but sheesh, patting down kids? Um, I don't think so. DH has already told me that he will completely refuse to let them do that to our daugthers (they're 11, 9 and 7). Let's hope we don't have to fly anytime soon, right? LOL!

Anyhow, great big give pics! Who knew a toothbrush could bring such joy? Juliana is such a little ham! So cute. I love how excited she is over every little thing she gets, even the bubble wrap! And you'll all look smashing in your matching t-shirts. They're really sweet and as you said, you ain't scared to match your girls! What a good daddy you are!

I also heard that going through the scanners is voluntary. I also agree there is NO excuse to EVER have a security guard pat down a child. This just seems like an opening for Child Predators.

As for the updates, that princess outfit is TOO cute! I love it! I can't believe you leave in 13 days! Juliana must be getting very excited for the trip!

 

[that's nice]

I have to admit I don't read the paper or watch the news too much -- too darn depressing. I hadn't heard about this, but Mark says he has. He says it is NOT all airports. I know they didn't have it when we were there in September going or coming back. I don't blame you....I don't think Ana should go through either one.

The more I read and hear about it, the more I'm thinking that we will bypass the scanners. As much as I don't want to get frisked, I think it might be the better option here. Hopefully, over Thanksgiving there will be a revolt and they will put a stop to it. Hopefully.

Not too sure about the airport you are leaving to come to Orlando if they are doing it. But I can tell you MCO does have the scanners. They've had it in the news all week long. I don't care for it either, all it takes is for the machine to malfunction for a bit and zap - you've been exposed to more radiation than you should have been. I find it hard to believe that the TSA is going to make sure that the scanners are emitting the 'safe level of exposure' daily, so this concerns me a lot. I also don't like the 'groping' concept either. I remember traveling back in 2004 thru MCO and the guy with the wand was just a lil too friendly for my care and that was with the wand. I'm not saying that all of them are getting their kicks off this but it just seems to invasive to me.

I'll keep my fingers crossed that the uproar concerning this will hopefully prevent the aiports from continuing to use it. I'm not looking forward to possibly having to go thru this next month when I may go up to NY for a visit.

We are flying out of Hartford (Bradley) and I am pretty sure they have the scanners. MCO is always a zoo with so many kids flying. I just think there has to be a better way than this... I just can't think of it yet.

I can absolutely understand your concern about your daughter being exposed to any more radiation. I have seent that there is a lengthy thread on the transportation board. I have no idea wether it is useful or just a heated debate, but I think you might be able to find some reports of what people experienced on the transportation board. A few of the regulars there are frequent travelers and those are usually very good at providing a well balanced perspective.

Thanks to the info... I will head over there and see what people are saying. I'm sure there are people who have had more CAT scans and x-rays than Juliana, but if she doesn't NEED to be scanned then why risk it?

 

[that's nice]

Tim, you sound exactly like my DH. He isn't crazy over this new scanner but the alternative of having our 3DD's patted down isn't great either. Did you read that Yahoo story then? I *think* you can opt out of the body scanner and go through the metal one instead? I would imagine they would at least let Juliana do that. I would absolutely explain that she is a beautiful cancer survivor and has been through enough radiation in her short 4 years. If they gave you grief, I'd get a manager and explain to them that you don't want your daughter exposed to more. For good measure, I'd probably do the body scanner myself so that they see that I'm not trying to cause trouble. Here's a link to that article that also has FAQ from the TSA's webiste should they give you any trouble as well as a list of the airports with the scanners:

http://health.yahoo.net/articles/healthcare/are-new-airport-scanners-safe

I understand the need for tight security while flying but sheesh, patting down kids? Um, I don't think so. DH has already told me that he will completely refuse to let them do that to our daugthers (they're 11, 9 and 7). Let's hope we don't have to fly anytime soon, right? LOL!

Thanks for the article. According to it, Bradley does have it. So I guess I have a decision to make. The article suggests that cancer patients SHOULD NOT go through the scanner. I don't know if this is patients who are currently in treatment or not. Man, who knew being a parent would be filled with such tough decisions.

Anyhow, great big give pics! Who knew a toothbrush could bring such joy? Juliana is such a little ham! So cute. I love how excited she is over every little thing she gets, even the bubble wrap! And you'll all look smashing in your matching t-shirts. They're really sweet and as you said, you ain't scared to match your girls! What a good daddy you are!

LOL Juliana is a NUT... kissing and hugging a TOOTHBRUSH! She is silly.

We are gonna be one matching family! I will wear my princess shirt proudly!

I also heard that going through the scanners is voluntary. I also agree there is NO excuse to EVER have a security guard pat down a child. This just seems like an opening for Child Predators.

As for the updates, that princess outfit is TOO cute! I love it! I can't believe you leave in 13 days! Juliana must be getting very excited for the trip!

We are going to have 2 choices it seems 1)scanner 2)patdown great.

Thank you!!!!! Juliana looked at the countdown calendar today and said, 'Hey Dad, we are almost leaving!' She was so giddy! I think she is getting VERY excited!

 

[All7OfUs]

I for one, am outraged that travel has come to this! The slippery slope of privacy invasion has become an avalanche of tyranny. I know it has to be this way for our safety, but I blame those who brought us to this, and am so angry.

I don't want to be x-rayed OR touched- especially someone touching my behind, or worse yet, my childrens'!!

I hope there is a better solution to this, but really don't see what it would be.

BTW, look out for something from Portland soon...

 

[PopArtGal]

You won't have to buy Juliana clothes for a year lol

I got patted down in Toronto last March. Can't say I enjoyed it. I'd rather go through the scan, but I understand your situation.

 

[Emilyswish]

We're flying out of Philadelphia and I haven't checked but I have a feeling the security will be super tight there. It's going to be quite an ordeal with my crew and Em's wheelchair. I wish your dd could somehow get around the scanner and the patdown. Maybe a note from her oncologist excusing her for medical reasons??

 

[englishrose47]

Getting Close now Tim!!!

 

[smileycrissy]

Hey Tim, I heard now they are not doing the pat down on kids 12 and under, so perhaps you won't have to worry about that for Juliana. Of course everything changes on a day by day basis.

 

[that's nice]

Whew, I feel like I have no DIS time... at the most exciting part of this trip report. Only 9 days to go!!!! Tomorrow morning we are leaving to head to NYC for the day to see the Christmas Show at Radio City Music Hall. Hopefully, I will be able to get some pictures!

I still have the last round of Big Gives to get up here.

I for one, am outraged that travel has come to this! The slippery slope of privacy invasion has become an avalanche of tyranny. I know it has to be this way for our safety, but I blame those who brought us to this, and am so angry.

I don't want to be x-rayed OR touched- especially someone touching my behind, or worse yet, my childrens'!!

I hope there is a better solution to this, but really don't see what it would be.

BTW, look out for something from Portland soon...

There has been so much outrage over this that some changes seem to be on the horizon. I hope they are implemented before we leave.

I will be watching for your package!

You won't have to buy Juliana clothes for a year lol

I got patted down in Toronto last March. Can't say I enjoyed it. I'd rather go through the scan, but I understand your situation.

She has received so many beautiful outfits! She is all set with dresses for a while!

We're flying out of Philadelphia and I haven't checked but I have a feeling the security will be super tight there. It's going to be quite an ordeal with my crew and Em's wheelchair. I wish your dd could somehow get around the scanner and the patdown. Maybe a note from her oncologist excusing her for medical reasons??

I'm sure the bigger cities will be used to dealing with different situations and have the routine down. I hope that the process goes smoothly for you guys.

I don't think a doctors note is going to help us... but thank you for the suggestion. I'm hoping after this weekend the system will be revamped- for the better.

Getting Close now Tim!!!

We sure are Rosie!!!!! We leave NEXT Wednesday!

Hey Tim, I heard now they are not doing the pat down on kids 12 and under, so perhaps you won't have to worry about that for Juliana. Of course everything changes on a day by day basis.

Thanks for the info. I watched the news tonight and they didn't report anything about kids. I'm sure we will hear something over the next few days. The news is so vague and talks about it for 30 sec. I wish they got a little more in-depth.

 

[englishrose47]

I am hoping by next year they are not doing this !!!!!

 

[mommy2mrb]

Enjoy the Christmas Show, we saw it when my DD was 2 1/2, I don't think she blinked the whole time, Juliana will really enjoy it!