Back in the 1970s, my daughter was in her third trimester and was expecting her first child.  She and her family were beyond excited for the new addition, and to start down the path of parenthood.

Immunize Nevada recently shared an important statistic from the Nevada State Division of Public and Behavioral Health: According to data from Nevada WebIZ, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and MMR-V (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella) vaccination coverage rates jumped 23 percent in the first quarter of 2015, compared to the same period in 2014.

Officials attribute the increase, at least in part, to the high-profile measles outbreak that was linked to Disneyland, along with reported cases in Nevada and many other states between December 28, 2014 through April 24 of this year.

We’re quite sure we don’t have to remind you, but Spring Break is right around the corner. And we’re also guessing you already have everything planned out and buttoned up: airfare, hotel, vaccinations, activities, tours...

Nope, this isn’t a game of “Which one isn’t like the others?” We meant vaccinations. So what do vaccines have to do with Spring Break? If you are traveling internationally or anywhere with large groups of people (which, during Spring Break, probably translates directly to “anywhere”), vaccinations should be the top item on your to-do list.

The Southern Nevada Health District confirmed yesterday that they have identified three additional cases of measles in the Las Vegas area.

When we at Immunize Nevada decided to start the #IAmTheWhy campaign, we did it to put faces to the masses who support vaccination. And as part of that goal, we are sharing with you the perspective of real moms offering real insights about vaccinations.

To that end, please meet Reno Mom Brandi Anderson, who unfortunately knows about the importance of community (or herd) immunity first hand.

Her son, Cooper Anderson, now 10, was diagnosed with leukemia four years ago.

Without a doubt, most parents make decisions they believe are in the best interest of their children. Sometimes they listen to friends, family, doctors and teachers. Sometimes they do their research. Sometimes they don't.

And sometimes, life just throws curve balls, even if we've done all of the above.

Immunize Nevada needs your help. Post a picture of you, your family, your friends to our Facebook page, tag it #IAmTheWhy, and join us in spreading the word about the very personal reasons you choose to vaccinate.

Sadly, we feel it’s inevitable.

Given our sheer proximity to California and Arizona, and given that these two states are at the center of concerns over the “Disneyland Outbreak” of measles, we stand prepared.

As we position ourselves to proactively communicate facts and key messages about measles, preparing for the inevitable onslaught of questions we will get from the media and concerned community members, we can’t help but feel a sense of déjà vu — and a frustrating but profound sadness for the families that are impacted.