Why My Opinion Of Walmart Dramatically Improved This Morning

[tex]

Hi All,

When I went to my place of business this morning, and checked the phone messages, there was a message that virtually "knocked my hat in the creek", as they say here in the South, (or is that just a Texas saying?). It was from a co-manager of the Walmart Supercenter in Caro, Michigan. (Not the manager whom Jodi spoke with at the store, nor the one who called her, and wrote the letter that came with the gift card). The message did not have a timestamp, but it was recorded either on Friday night, (after business hours), or Saturday morning, the 18th.

As Jodi noted earlier, it is rather easy to tell whether someone on the other end of a phone conversation is sincere, or not. In fact, as odd as it seems, it's actually easier to tell if someone is lying over the phone, than it is in a face to face conversation. Anyway, it was clear that the individual who left the message was sincere, and he seemed to be relaxed and candid. I was very favorably impressed.

Basically, he told me that they, (the Caro store), had received a copy of my e-mail letter from their corporate office, describing what had happened to Jodi, and he told me that they had been in contact with Jodi, and that they had resolved the issue with her, and mailed her a $50 gift card, to replace her clothing, (which was pretty much what Jodi has already told us, of course). He did not refer to her by her first name, of course, but respectfully used her last name, preceded by "Mrs." He also told me that the associates in question had been reprimanded, and they are now instructed that upon being presented with one of these bathroom cards, they are to immediately exit the restroom, and to allow the customer to use the restroom in a timely manner, so that this will not happen again.

He went on to say that they had copied the card, (which Jodi mentioned), and issued a copy of the card to each of their maintenance associates, and each of them is now carrying the card in a vest pocket, and that now that they know what the card looks like, hopefully this will prevent this unfortunate incident from happening again. So that explains why they were so intent on copying the card, (which Jodi was wondering about).

He thanked me for my interest and concern, and gave his phone number, in case he could be of further assistance, etc. To be honest, I wasn't expecting them to respond to me, (I expected them to respond only to Jodi). All in all, I'm pleased and satisfied, and I actually believe that we may have accomplished something that may benefit many IBD patients, over the years. A lot of companies try to emulate Walmart, and copy their business practices, so maybe this policy change will be picked up by other companies, and it will influence them to change their awareness of this issue, and change their policies, too.

So, Jodi, as unpleasant as all this was, it's beginning to appear that all your suffering may not have been in vain - perhaps the outcome of this will be a very good thing for many, many people, and with that in mind, on the behalf of all those people who may be spared from such an embarrassing incident in the future, due to your efforts, Jodi, I thank you for being willing to pursue this, rather than just "sweeping it under the rug" and swallowing your pride. Anytime you can persuade the largest retailer in the world, to change their policies, so that they are more compassionate toward their customers with special needs, you have accomplished something that very, very few people, (outside of the board of directors), are ever able to do. Congratulations.

Love,
Tex

[JLH]

That sounds pretty good. There are two cards that I have posted. One is from the CCFA and the other is from www.myibd.org There may be others.

WTG, Jodibelle




Love,

[jodibelle352]

WOW!
That truly does make me feel good. It amazes me how they actually contacted you also. That to me is a
I'm going to do my very best to NOT experience this situation again but I am very pleased and since you've been contacted I now am assured that Wal-Mart has gone above and beyond to see that this does NOT happen to anyone else.
Your post is better than a gift at Christmas.
Each time we can make a difference in the way others handle our "potty problems" that DO happen at the most inappropriate times for us then we together have helped us all.
Love and God Bless:
Jodi

[Andi]

Tex and everyone,
I have been reading these posts and I want to thank you so much. I never knew that there was a card that one can carry, and I had never heard of Allys Law. In my non-work time I am active in many political and environmental issues, spend a lot of time at the Statehouse in Montpelier.
I would be interested in learning more about Allys Law and seeing something like that in Vermont. Vermont is a pretty progressive state and I think that would be something that could really happen here. If i can lobby for other things I care about, i would think I could lobby for something this personal to me.
I dont know if i could talk in front of people about my own MC though, it is a humbling condition and not one I am sure i could share with other than those I know well. It was humiliating enough to have to tell my boss.
Anything about Allys Law and about the cards that anyone knows I would be interested in learning.
I ordered a card online.
I never would have known any of this if it was not for all of you. It seems my doctors dont even know, or if they do never thought to tell me.
I cannot believe how much i learn from reading posts on this site. You are all amazingly valuable sources of info. I felt so alone with this condition until I found this site a few weeks ago.
I have been fortunate never to have an "accident" in public, but I have come quite close. I am not sure i could stand the humiliation. The Montpelier area is a small area, it is hard to go anywhere without seeing someone you know.
A law like Allys Law could really many of us feel more comfortable going out in public on not so good days.

[JLH]

http://www.crohnsandme.com/hear/ally/

http://www.crohnsandme.com/thescoop/adv ... racker.asp

[tex]

Andi,

I see that Joan has already provided some links.

There is no question that if you could get a bill that addresses this issue introduced and passed in Vermont, it would benefit countless sufferers with IBDs, for many years to come. I agree with you, Vermont is a state that would probably pick this up and run with it, with a little encouragement.

Tex

[Andi]

Thank you Tex and Joan.
I am going to study the issue and see about contacting my own local State Rep, but will wait until after the election just in case we have a new Rep. at that time.