On January 14, 2004, Governor James McGreevey signed the bill into law, Holly’s law. It was 4 days before Holly’s birthday anniversary so this made it even more special. She would have been 9 years old. I felt that this joyous, but bittersweet event was God helping to bring good from tragedy, as throughout the process I often repeated one of my favorite scripture verses at the time; Romans 8:28: “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” Of course, without the people who helped get this bill passed it would not be a law today and that is why I am thanking the legislators who signed on as sponsors and co-sponsors. It would be impossible to name all of the behind the scene people and my friends and family, but they all should know how much their support has meant for the children of New Jersey and their parents. If something good comes from such a horrible tragedy, the pain we have all endured, including my dear Holly, will not have been in vain and will continue to not be in vain.
THANK YOU to the following primary sponsors: Senator John Bennett, Senator Joan Quigley, Senator Robert Singer, and Senator Joseph Azzolina (deceased) and to the former Governor James McGreevey!!
The bill, P.L. 2003, c257, was unanimously released from both the Senate and Assembly Health Committees. It passed the Senate 40-0 on May 29, 2003 and it passed the Assembly 74-0 on January 12, 2004.
Thank you to the following New Jersey State Legislators who signed on as our co-sponsors:
- Andrew R. Ciesla
- Joseph M. Kyrillos
- Joseph A. Palaia
- Joseph F. Vitale
- Michael J. Arnone
- Christopher Bateman
- Patrick J. Diegnan
- Gary L. Guear
- John S. Wisniewski
- Jeff Van Drew
- Peter C. Eagler
- Linda Stender
- Clare M. Farragher
- Joseph V. Egan
- Gordon M. Johnson
- Upendra J. Chivukula
- Nilsa Cruz-Perez
- John F. McKeon
- Linda R. Greenstein
- Dr. Eric Munoz
Thank you to all of you who wrote letters, made phone calls, and/ or said prayers. Everyone’s contribution to our endeavor was instrumental in helping pass Holly’s Law.
If you have comments or questions please feel free to contact me by e-mail. I would love to hear from the parents that utilize the antibody blood titer test. I would be interested to know if the child’s physician provided the information and the comments made by the physician.
God Bless.
Robin Stavola
Holly was our second child born on January 18, 1995. She was always a sweet and happy child. She had no serious medical illnesses, no hospitalizations, no surgeries, and no injuries (not even minor) prior to February 1, 2000. She gave us joy every day and she was our precious little angel. Holly was always so loving. Holly did nice things for her brother Tommy, Mommy and Daddy and anyone who asked her for something. She did it with a smile on her face and expecting nothing in return. Holly only wanted everyone to be happy.
