Background
Our son, Anthony, has been ill with Eosinophilic Disorder since he was 4 months old. When a child has Eosinophilic Disorder they are allergic to the protein in foods. In Anthony's case ALL foods.He can not eat anything. Once he ingests the food it mass produces white blood cells that attack his entire intestinal tract. Anthony must be fed an Elemental Formula through a G-tube. This is the way daily nutritional and caloric needs necessary to sustain life are delivered to him.
This disease can affect anyone at any age and stage of their life. There is no cure. For an 8 year old child this formula can cost up to $1,000 a month. As the child ages the cost goes up. Currently, Anthony's Elemental Formula is covered by insurance, but many insurance companies will not pay for the Elemental Formula. We are involved in lobbying the Arizona House of Representatives and the Senate to amend the current statue to include Elemental Formula for those individuals who are afflicted with Eosinophilic Disorder as a covered benefit up to $20,000.
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Hello Everyone,
We have great news for everyone... HOUSE BILL #2364 (Medical Food Bill) PASSED in on the Senate Floor with a 22 YES and a 7 NO VOTE!!!!!!!!
This was a HUGE milestone for the Bill ... but, it's not quite over.....
The Senate had made an Amendment to the bill to move the Effective date to 1/1/07 therefore the bill needs to be adopted by the House of Representatives. After the House accepts the amendment then the bill goes to the GOVERNOR!!!
Please understand that this is not over and we will be requesting one more round of support for this bill.
Shortly, we will be asking all to send an e-mail to the Governor asking her to support and sign the bill when the time comes.
Thank You for all your continued support. Please Check back for any new information.
Thank you Vincent and Denise Bianchi
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Below are links to some of our articles if you would like to learn more about the disease and the need for this Legislation:
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/business/articles/0228foodallergies28.html
http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/news/opinion/012606b5_kimble
http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/news/local/101005a1_diseasemain
http://www.azstarnet.com/dailystar/dailystar/59173.php
http://barrettpublishing.com/Women/Pages/In%20Your%20Own%20Words.html