Lorraine and Jim Medeiros married on April 20, 2002. The following year, on May 22, 2003 the couple had a beautiful baby boy they named Chandler. Together they made health an important mission their family. Little did Lorraine know that her back ground as a Veterinary Technician would give her a basis into understanding the physiology of health. Further, the spiritual quests of both Lorraine and Jim as a family led to an understanding that a healthy body and a healthy mind lead to a stronger spiritual path. Without physical and mental health, it is difficult to focus on spirituality as we are often consumed with trying to manage the effects of disease and lose site of the importance of God in our lives.
It is with that base understanding that Lorraine set out to create a lifestyle; together with her husband Jim, that would benefit the entire family. She focused on nutrition, changing the way the entire family ate. Instinctively Lorraine knew that what you put into the body impacts how you feel and how you are able to perform. As time progressed, Lorraine began to look at other things we are exposed to that impact health. She began to examine toxic ingredients in personal care products and household cleaners. Later she learned about electro-magnetic radiation from cell phones/Wi-Fi systems and purchased protective devices to help mitigate the long-term damage from this technology. Each time Lorraine discovered new information that would help her family, together they made the necessary lifestyle changes.
Lorraine is a positive, upbeat, “can do” women with a passion to share. She eagerly and willingly sows and plants the seeds of knowledge she has gained over the years with those she meets. Her wonderful sense of humor and infectious laugh attract you to her, but it is the deep love, compassion and caring that Lorraine and her family extend to others that are grounding and healing.
The Medeiros family continue their journey, which embraces body and mind as the base for a strong spiritual path. They are a positive force sharing with others what they know. When political decisions do not look after the best interest of the individual or the family unit Lorraine is quick to learn what she can about the issue and share her knew found knowledge with others. One such issue is the decision on whether to vaccinate. Lorraine would like to share with you her family’s decision not to vaccinate, why they made this decision and how they have adapted as the laws in California have changed.
Lorraine’s Story on Why They Chose Not to Vaccinate Chandler
I had my son on May 22, 2003. Like many new mothers, I had no idea what I was doing but I knew I wanted the best for my baby boy. At the time, I figured my pediatrician knew best and I did everything he advised. We all know that vaccines are high up on the list for what a pediatrician advises to parents. I had done no research on vaccines so I went along with the plan.
Our son received about 3 vaccines by the time he was 8 months old. He was due to receive another set when I came across an article on the side effects of vaccines. I don’t recall who wrote it but it was very informative and sparked my interest. At the time, I was working as a Veterinary Technician and I immediately thought about a certain complication or side effect cats can get from being vaccinated. Cats can develop what’s called “injection site sarcoma”, a form of cancer, when repeatedly vaccinated for leukemia. The vaccine is given in the same spot, under the skin between the shoulder blades, for numerous doses. A large tumor forms in this area and is removal is usually recommended. Some cats survive only to have the tumor come back. I always wondered why this happened when the vaccines were apparently “safe” and so recommended. Pet owners, like parents, go along with the doctor because we put faith in them.
I continued to research. I recall specifically reading about the possibility of vaccines being a culprit of Autism in children. There was significant correlation between Autism and three specific vaccines: MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Varicella (chickenpox), and Hepatitis-A. I also discovered that the rate of Autism was only growing larger as the FDA continued to introduce “improved” vaccines and increase the vaccine schedule. Right then and there I told my husband I did not want our son receiving any more vaccines…EVER! Jim went along with me because I was so adamant and because he trusted that I would make choices that are good for the family.
As I continued to research over the years, I discovered that building and supporting our son’s immune system was key. I made sure to start him on probiotics, switch him to raw whole fat dairy and remove as many toxins from his diet and environment as possible. It goes without saying; this was the plan for the whole family.
When it was time for Chandler to begin preschool, I asked the school what I needed to do or sign to insure I would not have to vaccinate my child for school. I was given a “Religious Beliefs Exempt Form” to sign and have on file. I carried that through into grammar school and 6th grade. The summer of his 6th grade transition into 7th grade, a law was passed making vaccines mandatory. I was very upset because as a parent and citizen of the U.S. my right was being stripped away from me to make that decision. I immediately contacted my son’s school to see what my options were. Bottom line…I either vaccinate him to continue on in private or public school or I could continue to opt out and home school. It was a “no brainer”, home school here we come! I do not regret my decision one bit.
Our son has no learning disabilities, no ADD, no ADHD, nothing! He is very healthy. As a matter of fact, if he catches a cold or flu (which is rare) he is over it in a matter of 24 hours. I cannot stress enough how important it is to educate yourself and your family on the detrimental side effects of vaccines and pharmaceuticals. Please, make an informed decision on this very important matter.
