The Travel Form
March 12, 2010
I hate the travel form. As an 8th grader, Mackenzie gets to go on a 3 day trip to Washington. They have to fill out the travel form outlining insurance and medical information. Mackenzie is very healthy and only takes Vitamin E for her IgA Nephropathy. On one hand, we hate to put the kidney disease information on her form, because the teachers and nurses panic about what it means, what limitations she has, etc. On the other hand, if Mackenzie is ever involved in an accident and is treated at the hospital, they would need to know her medical history to treat her effectively. We filled out the form with all information asked. I am a huge advocate of open communication and public advocacy. My daughter on the other hand just wants to go to Washington without being considered “sick”. We tried something different this time. I had Mackenzie send the chaperones an email explaining IgA nephropathy, her health status and what it means. She took charge. She answered the questions. On the last email I saw, the teacher was asking her if she had any dietary restrictions. Her response was “No, not at this point, but I am addicted to pasta. But, that’s another story.” I am so proud of her. She is meeting this head on and taking charge of what she needs.
