Riley’s Law helping her to be a kid again

10 year-old Rylie Maedler goes to Rehoboth Elementary School. And she is grateful for the passing of Senate Bill 181 in Delaware. That might seem odd, since most kids worry about homework and when it’s time for recess. But for the past few years, Rylie’s biggest concern was when and where she can get her medicine. Riley’s mom Janie explains.

“Before today I would have to come on the school property sign her out of school, walk off the property give her her medicine that was kept off property in my car and bring her back to school sign her back in and then she would have to join back in with her class,” said Janie.

When Riley was seven her doctor’s discovered an aggressive tumor was eating through her teeth, cheek bones, and eye sockets. She had extensive surgery but there were still seizures. They found cannabis oil kept them at bay. But at the time, no form of medical marijuana was legally available for those under 18 years old. That’s when the fight for Riley’s law started.

“When I was first approached about the legislation there were some concerns,” said State Senator Ernie Lopez, who was joined with other disapproving community leaders.

But after hearing their story, Senator Ernie Lopez fought alongside the Maedler Family, advocating for the legislation. The family testified before law makers rallying other members of the community that had children with similar medical conditions.
In June 2016, Riley’s Law was signed, making medical marijuana legal for those with certain debilitating illnesses in the state of Delaware.  

However since illicit drugs are strictly prohibited on school grounds, Riley couldn’t take her medicine at school. She missed up to an hour of school every day. Riley’s mom tells 47 ABC she had to give up her job.
 
But now Senate Bill 181 allows for Riley’s mother to come on campus and give Riley her medicine and some normalcy.

“In Delaware we always want to be first and in this particular instance we’re moving forward and making sure our kids have the best access to quality medicine and healthcare- that’s what its all about at the end of the day,” said Senator Lopez.