The prior note which was left has it wrong. The injustice to Erik did not start with the care provided by Dr. Sillman. His cochlear implant surgery was critical to Erik's growth and development, and is wonderful. If we wanted to look at where the injustice began, we could look in the Memorial delivery, NICU, pharmacy, or with the Primary Care Physician at Child Health. Or look to the CEO at UMass-Memorial. But looking backward does nothing. Please contact your state rep and senator and get the laws passed, make sure no other kid is harmed in this way. Take a look at this: http://www.telegram.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080301/NEWS/803010355 That malpractice was avoidable. It happened where Erik was born. Perhaps some lessons were not learned. The proposed laws would benefit children, families, doctors, and hospitals and improve things. Changes in the law will force that improvement. thanks, Matt

I miss Erik terribly. He was and is a special boy who has very special parents who love and support him and his siblings. Please, All I ask is that you name the doctor who failed Erik. His name is Jonathan Sillman, MD and he is not a UMass Physician. You need to acknowledge this fact. He failed Erik as well as his devoted family. This is where the injustice to Erik began. Best wishes to you all with lots of hugs for Erik.

Cool site.

February 9, 2009 Dear All - It is time to stop the aminoglycoside (includes gentamicin) madness now! It has been know for over 40 years how ototoxic these drugs are. Otoxicity occurs with every dose of an antibiotic in that family, IV, topical or ear drops. Our son was given gentamicin IV at birth when he did not have an infection and his levels were not monitored at all. I am looking for a group of people who can work on this project ASAP by contacting the FDA, 60 minutes, etc.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ERIK ! I ALSO HAVE A BIRTHDAY ON THE 27. I HAVE COME ACROSSED YOU WEB SITE. BY RESEARCHING THE DRUG GENTAMICIN. AFTER FIND OUT THAT MY SON WHEN HE WAS BORN WAS GIVEN THIS AWFUL MEDS. AS A PRECAUTION AND NOW HE HAS FAILED ONE HEARING TEST . THEY ARE SENDING HIM TO DO ANOTHER TEST. I HAVE NO CLUE WHAT TO DO FOR MY SON OR WHERE TO TURN NOW. WE LIVE IN ARKANSAS.IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER INFO. PLEASE PLEASE E-MAIL IT TO ME.AT princesscecil2001@yahoo.com MY SON THOMAS NOW 2MO. SEEM TO HAVE A HARD ROAD. OUR PRAYS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY AND OTHERS WHO HAVE TO DEAL WITH SOMETHING LIKE THIS. HOPE & PRAYERS , THOMAS,LA TRISHA ADAMS AND FAMILY

Hi Matt â?? I recall hearing about your work with the gentamicin bill, but I never knew about this website. Iâ??m so impressed - as one who works with individuals with disabilities, I know we can do so much more, especially prevention! It is tough to keep the battle going, but you have a lot of support, so count me in, especially with your legislative alert list. My best to you and your family, Laura

hey everyone, i met erik over the weekend and let me tell you he is one of the happiest kids ive ever come across, so outgoing and just living life the way and kid should. i also found out that he is a student at the school that i work for, and i recognized him as soon as i saw him. i wanna say thank you to eriks parents for everything they are doing to make a difference for everyone, you both are such insperations and i wanna say on behalf of my elf and my family and friends thank you for all your hard work, keep it up and we all support you 100% in everything and anything you do.

My daughter (born 6 weeks premature also, now aged 14) was also given Gentamycin. She was not given any formula , and had no infections that we know of during her time in hospital. Is this antibiotic just given as a preventative measure? If so, that's a huge risk doctors are taking.. (My daughter, by the way, is healthy.) I do remember being instructed to have her hearing checked at 6 months of age, as at the time in Australia, all infants given oxygen after birth were similarly instructed. Prayers are with Eric.

I had the privilege of meeting Erik, his brother, and their dad Matt last weekend. I wish them and the rest of their family continued courage and support in this endeavor. I did not fully understand this frustrating situation until I visited the site, and now I will pass along the information to others.

I e-mailed EVERYONE on your list concerning my support for these bills and I hope it will help out in some way. My children are very healthy so I'm doing this for those that aren't so lucky. Please keep me posted on this if possible. Joe

Hello there, I met Erik's parents while they were out to dinner at the 111 Chop House in Worcester. I waited on them, and they were truely fighting for their son. It was the Saturday after the hearing at the State House and they couldn't help but share their story with me. Since then I have told everyone I know about this website and Erik's story. It is so true that the best advocate any child can have are informed parents. I try everyday to make the best decisions for my son. Thank you for being an example for others to emmulate. I hope you achieve all your goals and these crucial bills are passed. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

Hi Eric, I wish there is something we can just get out and do about the stupid laws right away, you don't know me, I have worked with your Father before, he is the greatest man I have met, and if you are anything like him then you are blessed with a big heart and a strong will and determination, keep the faith and God belss you and bless us all with you.

The best advocate any child can have are informed parents. I wish all parents would put this energy into fighting for their children. Not all have the strength, so for those parents, they must look to examples to model from. Keep it up. :)

Matt, we met the day after your son was born when my son was born. My families prayers go out to Erik and the rest of your family. I will give your efforts for this bill all my support

Hi erik i have met you at a soccer game

I have met eric before and my sister was friends was with him in school.

I felt so bad reading the article about Eric.I am trying to deal with permanent damage because of one injection into my middle ear.40% loss of balance right side.this was done at U-Mass.I hope everything works out well for your family,and the bill is passed.

Thanks for all of your efforts. Hoepfully my family can help out in Michigan.

Matt, You're doing inspired and tireless work, and I know you won't stop until the right things are done. I'm certain that with each frustration and roadblock you overcome, you'll be making life so much better for many, many people. I salute you.

My son as you know has deafness from gentimicin as well. I will send information on to my legislature of MS and get the ball rolling. My son, Mason, is almost 17 now so I know what you're going through. Keep the faith. I truly believe if you have a child with a special need you are chosen by God as the parent because it takes special people to be able to handle it. You have all my support and keep in touch. There is strength in numbers!!!!

Your activism is laudable. Parents and children all over Massachusetts are depending upon your crusade. Keep the faith.

Matt, my heart aches in hearing all the tragic facts relating to this endeavor. I pray this bill is passed and no other families have to endure all you, Erik and your family have had to go through.

This problem begins at birth, doctors use gent as a prevent measure. The parents are usually not told. The doctors also play the dumb card when damage occurs. None notification of gents side effects goes well beyond children The doctors even deny the connection of damaged due to the drug. The law is a problem because the doctors also drag thier collective feet in determining that this damage is perminant and before you know it the statute of limits is up. dennis

Hi Matt - I'm glad you sent this site to those of us in your high school class. You and your family have sure been through a lot. I am very impressed with your activism, and wish you and Erik well. I always think of Mass as a leader on these kinds of things - thanks for educating me. - Maria

Matt- A very well thought out and informative site! Keep pounding and get the information out there! All States should have these bills- good luck my friend! Thankyou for helping all children.

Don't EVER give up! God Bless you and this beautiful child. Impressive and informative site.

I am also a victim of Gentamicin ototoxicity. I applaud your efforts in the initiation of this bill.

I find these cases to be heartbreaking and at the same time frustrating that a State would be so indifferent and defiant to childrens needs. I suppport your law 100%. I pray this passes and no futher children will endure the heartaches of those listed. God Bless your endeavors.

Go get them Matt. HFF

You have put together an impressive site. We want to review the three bills, then get back to you. A very good start and let's hope the momentum continues.

Matt, I sincerely wish you the best of luck with your efforts. It seems incredible to me that a state like Massachusetts would have laws preventing you from your clearly warranted legal recourse. - tedd