Frustration Drives Creation of Sunroom

Jessica Sorce, a filmmaker and mother, found herself increasingly frustrated with the challenge of sourcing healthy, all-natural products for her family. In response, she established Sunroom, a selection of vetted, third-party tested foods, clothing, and beauty items that steer clear of harmful additives like seed oils and endocrine disruptors.

In this occasional column, she shares her insights and findings as she continues her education on health and wellness.

On Wednesday, the CDC made a significant change by removing six pediatric vaccines from its “Recommended for everyone” list.

For many parents, this felt like a pivotal moment—one we had long awaited. It brings a sense of victory, but also a reflection on the fear and pressures we faced along the way.

When my child was just three days old, I was actually yelled at and asked to leave the pediatrician’s office simply for inquiring about delaying vaccinations.

I got involved in this issue back in 2009, around the time I was expecting my first child. My upbringing encouraged me to question everything—especially as I began to grapple with parenting. I quickly focused my attention on childhood vaccinations.

While many expectant mothers seemed set on enrolling their babies in kindergarten and other activities, I found myself researching late into the night, seeking information that challenged conventional ideas about child health. Back then, this kind of information was much harder to find compared to today’s landscape.

Discovering Resources

Eventually, I uncovered valuable resources, such as the Weston A. Price Foundation and the works of Dr. Lawrence Palevsky. I dove into books as if I were preparing a thesis—striving to be rigorous enough to convince myself and defend my views to my family.

At the time, Dr. Palevsky wasn’t considered an outright “anti-vaccine” figure. He suggested delaying vaccinations until age two, avoiding live virus vaccines except for smallpox, and spacing out doses. This all seemed reasonable to me.

Concerns About Vaccinations

So, why was I concerned? Going through my 2009 notes, I noted that Dr. Palevsky believed vaccinations could activate microglia—specialized immune cells in the brain—potentially overstimulating this critical system during early brain development.

Research indicates that the brain’s early developmental phase extends from the third trimester of pregnancy up until the age of two. Vaccinating infants under two, it was theorized, might elevate the risk of neurological issues, asthma, allergies, autoimmune diseases, and chronic inflammation. At that time, it was thought that by age two, the brain is about 80% developed, allowing for a more cautious introduction of vaccines after that.

I had to weigh the risks. Why would I expose my healthy baby to something believed to pose neurological risks?

This perspective solidified my determination. I readied myself for a decade-long struggle in New York City.

Facing Resistance

When I asked about postponing vaccinations during a visit to the pediatrician with my three-day-old child, I was not only yelled at but also escorted out, despite having printed multiple copies of what I called my “thesis paper.” In the heat of the moment, I panicked and shoved the papers into my desk drawer.

The doctor’s outburst—accusing me of being foolish, emphasizing her authority, and discussing her vaccinated kids—only reinforced my determination. It felt to me like a symptom of blind adherence to traditional practices and perhaps guilt.

Even my own father, a physician, was taken aback initially when I started explaining my views. Through heated discussions and careful debate, he ultimately reflected on his training and admitted he had been taught to follow rather than to question.

For those keen on conducting their own inquiries, starting with the CDC’s Overview of vaccine excipients is a good move. It outlines the inactive ingredients in approved vaccines. You might, like I did, start to wonder whether you are comfortable injecting substances like formaldehyde and aluminum into your child.

Looking back at how vaccine policies have shifted, I can’t help but mark the 1986 shift with the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act, which shielded vaccine manufacturers from direct liability, shifting injury claims to federal compensation. It seemed like a pivotal change that accelerated vaccine development.

Regardless of how long my journey took, today feels like a celebration. I hold no regrets about this fight. Sometimes, I wish I had been braver or stronger. Yet, I’m genuinely relieved American parents have regained significant freedoms when it comes to health choices.

Here’s to the future and more battles ahead.