Spread the Word to End the Word

Dear Friends:

Like any parent, we love and cherish everything about our daughter Amelia. She is precious to us in ways we can't begin to describe in words.  

Chrissy, Amelia and Joe Rivera

That's why we're asking people all over the world to join our family in ending the use of the word ‘retard.’ You see, the last time we heard those words, they came from the mouth of a doctor who used them to explain why he didn't think Amelia deserved the medical care she needs. We were told that because she is "mentally retarded" her life didn't matter as much as that of another child.  We were shocked and frightened and angered. How could this be happening in 2012?

As you can imagine, we fought back and thanks to many of you, Amelia is now getting the medical care she needs. But we're not going to stop at helping Amelia. The fact is, language affects attitudes and attitudes influence real world outcomes. We want to make sure that everyone understands how dangerous the R-word can be and we want everyone to join the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign this year. We can't rest while this kind of language is still being used to suggest that any child or any human being deserves less dignity, less opportunity, less justice. We must continue to challenge those around us to care.

For us, the R-word and the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign is about life: the life of our daughter Amelia. Please make your pledge to end the word now at www.r-word.org and share this email with your friends and family. I hope you'll join us for her and for millions of other human beings like her who deserve the new R-word: Respect.

Gratefully,

Joe, Chrissy and Amelia Rivera