Dear McDonald's Corporation,

My 4-year-old son and I have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. A condition characterized by chronic pain, degenerative disc disease and a host of other issues. I have had two anterior cervical fusions, a lumbar laminectomy, microdiscectomy and am awaiting a fusion in my lumbar spine with two rods.
After picking my son up from his father’s house I thought I would treat him to a Happy Meal. He really wanted to eat inside. This is a treat for him. Although it is difficult for me, I decided that I could tough it out and muscle through getting him out of his seat. While waiting on our order a gentleman approached us and inquired if I were the woman driving the BMW (handicapped parking). I answered, Yes. He told me that I needed to move it because the delivery truck was there and left without a response from me. I AM HANDICAPPED!
I went to my station wagon and buckled my son in. The semi was blocking my view. After waving and then finally yelling at the driver he helped me to make a safe backup. I found another non-handicapped parking spot. I had to unbuckle my son for the second time. I slowly walked from the spot in agony as my son tried to cheer me up. I felt horrible for him. I walked into the McDonalds and a woman came in from outside and said that she had our food for us. I refused it and asked for fresh food.
Before leaving I apologized to the woman that I made get us new food. I told her that I had not anticipated having to move my son and that I was in pain.
Upon leaving the delivery semi cut me off in the drive way. He literally pulled out in front of me and made not only myself but three other customers wait. I finally was able to do a U-turn and go around the restaurant and not have to wait on him any longer.
I feel that the delivery truck trumps the disabled rule McDonalds supports is a sin. I am not a cruel mother - I will not deprive my son of Happy Meals. But know that you disgust me and I will tell everyone this story that will listen.

Sincerely,
Julie N.
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From: McDonaldsCorporation@us.mcd.com [mailto:McDonaldsCorporation@us.mcd.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2007 6:33 AM
To: Nanos, Julie
Subject: Message from McDonald's USA

Hello Julie:


Thank you for taking the time to contact McDonald's to bring your concerns to our attention.

We take your comments very seriously and because we are a franchised organization, we have immediately forwarded them to the franchise owner of the restaurant you visited. We are certain that the experience you described will be fully investigated and the appropriate action taken.

Again, thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.

Elvin
McDonald's Customer Response Center

ref#:4591999

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*** I am fine with this response. This is a good response.
*** Then I get this one!
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-----Original Message-----
From: McDonald's.Area Supervisor@McDonaldLand.com [mailto:mail@csmcd.net]
Sent: Fri 9/7/2007 1:37 PM
To: Nanos, Julie
Subject: McDonald's Response

Hello Ms. Nanos:

Thank you for taking the time to share your recent experience at the McDonald's located at Clairmont Rd. As the area supervisor of this restaurant, I hope you will accept my apology for your unsatisfactory visit.

Our goal is 100-percent customer satisfaction and my team works hard to deliver fast, friendly, and accurate service to guarantee that each visit you make is a pleasant one. I'm sorry you feel we have let you down. Please be assured, I am following up at my restaurant as well as with our suppliers to address this issue.

Your e-mail serves as a valuable reminder that our customers are our number-one priority. We truly appreciate your feedback and again thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We hope to have the opportunity to serve you in the future.

Jason Temple
McDonald's Area Supervisor
Clairmont Rd
(404) 320-0020

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*** I was fine until I saw the whole "I'm sorry you feel we have let you down."
*** I would say this to someone who bitches about cold fries. Not to a handicapped
*** individual that suffers from chronic pain that I kicked out of their HANDICAPPED
*** parking spot. God forbid the supplier have to use the hand truck and roll the
*** patties across the parking lot.
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-----Original Message-----
From: Nanos, Julie
Sent: Fri 9/7/2007 3:20 PM
To: 'temple_jason@bellsouth.net'
Subject: RE: McDonald's Response

Dear Jason,

As the area supervisor I surely hope this is your "blanket" e-mail you send out to each and every complaint you receive. Otherwise the comment:

"I'm sorry you feel we have let you down."

Is pretty infuriating.
Your letter in no way mentions the handicapped parking incident or your policy. What is your policy regarding the standard practice of your suppliers and managers in relation to your handicapped customer base? Is it standard practice for you to force handicapped individuals out of their parking spots?

At this point I don't believe it is a matter of "you letting me down" but a matter of handicapped rights infringement.

Kindest Regards,
Julie Nanos