Firlit 4 the Kids

Changing Doctors is NOT like Changing Brands of Toothpaste! When your child has a complex medical problem requiring long term care by a physician, whether or not you intend to, you and your child become attached to that doctor. It is complex, it is a relationship of caring and trust, unlike any other connection you have with others. This is essential. It is never easy to place the health and well-being of your precious ones into the hands of another. But if you feel that person has your child's best interest at heart, that that person has the skill and experience necessary, and the compassion required to give your child every opportunity to lead a good life, then you give that child into the doctor's care, at peace with the decision. This is not something that comes instantly, this is not something that automatically transfers to the "replacement" doctor.

No explanation, no information. We are supposed to blithely transfer our child's care, as if we were choosing Crest instead of Colgate toothpaste. We are not talking about a man-made product here. We are talking about Dr. Firlit, an extraordinary human being, who takes care of each child as if he or she were his own. Who respects the wishes of parents, and gives them the knowledge needed (complete with drawings) to make these painfully difficult decisions about their children. He also takes the time to talk to children about their interests and their dreams, and they love him for it.

But apparently this does not matter. It is an increasingly unfriendly world. Decisions, such as this, impacting so many people, and most importantly so many children, are made, by individuals who have no direct contact with children and families. And we are expected to go with the flow, and trust those very same people to choose someone in Dr. Firlit's place. Well, I can tell you he is NOT replaceable. I do not wish to settle for less. Here SLU and Glennon have a really great doctor, one THEY can boast about, and they are going to throw it all away..........ultimately at the expense of those who need him most, those with the smallest voices: the children.

Don't wait another moment. Speak up and Speak Out! E-mail, call, write everyone on the list and let them know that Dr. Firlit must stay! Time is running out.