More updates on the medical front

In my previous journal post ‘A Little Music’ I failed to include two important medical updates. One, we have joined forces (since Jan, 2012) with Noah’s Hope and Partnership for Cures in an effort to streamline our foundations’ grants to go toward research specific to Late Infantile Batten disease. When we attended the Batten

Disease Support and Research Association (BDSRA.org) conference this summer in Charlotte, we celebrated the fact that some of the research we supported (esp Noah’s Hope) was used in a study by Biomarin, a research phrameceutical company that develops and commercializes innovative biopharmaceuticals for serious diseases and medical conditions. They developed a synthetic enzyme for treatment of LI Batten with regards to slowing or halting the progression of the disease. Their clinical trial is going to begin recruiting soon for the actual trial in 2013. This is so promising for future Batten families!!!! And two, there has been a press release about a study right here in Chicago at Rush University. They have discovered a way to actually produce the missing enzyme our kids lack with the use of Vitamin A and other lipid lowering FDA approved medications. This is absolutely incredible! Now the research needs to move toward clinic and ultimately trial for children suffereing from LI Batten. Please visit this link to read more about the breakthrough research in our field.http://www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release/scientists-identify-drugs-for-batten-disease-304304.php

Posted by Sara Kennicott on 9.22.2012 – There are no comments for this post, be the first to join in!

Lessons Learned

My big brother is always by my side ~ Bridget

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I have been teaching for a really long time. I have given countless kids the tools to help them read and learn. I have spent many hours on the phone or in meetings talking to parents about their children. I have attended hours of conferences, classes and in-services. I have listened to guest speakers talk about the teaching craft and have read several books and articles to improve mine. I have sat on many school committees and volunteered to help at school functions. I have always loved what I do and have worked toward learning as much as I can to be the best teacher that I can. However, nothing, NOTHING will teach you more than life itself.

This is not an affirmation or an opportunity for boasting. Rather, a revelation that I continue to learn, much like my astounding son who is finishing fourth grade. Harrison made this year an incredible learning opportunity for himself. He has grown in so many ways. What he has learned puts me to shame. I would like to share his learning and what we (especially I) can learn from him- all because he has a sister named Bridget.

Earlier in the school year, Harrison’s teacher recommended a book that she thought he would enjoy because he could relate to the main character. As part of his homework, he has to write reflections about what he’s reading. Here are 2 entries he wrote after reading Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick.

I picked question 9 which asked how the book reminded you of yourself. I pick this because I can relate to Steven because Steven has a little brother who has leukemia and I have a younger sister who has a disease called Batten disease. Leukemia is a type of cancer. My mom had breast cancer, too. Steven is an average kid like me and has lots of interests. But, I don’t play drums like he does. I play baseball and football.

Living with special needs is pretty tough, but once you get the kinks out, it is easy. I think Steven is still figuring out the kinks, so it is still pretty tough for him. Steven tries to ignore that his brother has leukemia by playing drums. I forget that my sister has Batten by playing baseball or football. I think I can really feel what Steven is feeling and I know how painful at first and how depressed you are at first. But you have to struggle through it. It really is depressing to have a sibling in the hospital.

And as a follow up, here is advice for Steven…

Dear Steven, My name is Harrison. I too have a sibling with a severe illness. My sister has Batten disease. But even though it is hard, you have to stay calm because if you don’t stay calm your family doesn’t stay calm and your life gets a lot worse. This is a key thing, too, is to spend as much time as you can with your sibling. You can play games, hold their hand, hug them, talk to them, read them a story, watch tv with them, listen to music with them- stuff like that makes their day. Oh yeah, and make sure to still have fun doing hobbies for you. Don’t think about it that much because if you do, you won’t be a pro drummer. So just remember, have FUN!

These reading responses were just the beginning. Harrison has been more in tune with what is really happening in our home and more pointedly, in his sister’s life. In a writing lesson about a piece of non-fiction information that each student knows well, Harrison chose to write about Batten disease. His project evolved into Disabled in Your Childhood. As the project took form and came to life, he ended with a 5 page typed report about kids with disabilities. We had many heartfelt conversations about what hope is and what it means to have faith. Here are some excerpts from his paper.

15% of the world has a disability. But do you think kids with the disability just sit there like statues? NO, they don’t because it’s not a setback. Rather, I think it’s a power to embrace more people than you ever could without a disability- to have HOPE! I don’t think kids should have a disability in their childhood, but if they do there is still hope.
Hope can bring smiles, tears, joy, happiness and laughter. Hope can bring all these things and more. For those who suffer an illness, you can show us hope by showing that you are hanging on. For example, one day my sister who has an illness, Batten disease, showed a sign that she was being strong when she moaned and is sounded like “ma.” My mom heard it and she was so elated she was smiling ear to ear. That gave us a little hope that she was being tough and fighting her battle. Remember, hope is faith and faith is believing that something is going to get better.

All this makes me think about a poster at my house that says. “No disease is too rare to have a cure, “ by the Every Life Foundation. I agree with this because if the disease is cured, kids with a disability can have fun and go where they want to go. But sometimes, I think it shouldn’t be cured because then no one would have hope and faith. This makes me realize that if no one had a disability, no one would work towards finding a cure. If no one works toward finding a cure, we would not be able to have HOPE!!!

You can read the words of this 10 year old and see the flaws. But more importantly, you can see the emotion he puts into his thoughts and writing. Harrison has a beautiful way of looking at the situation and addressing it honestly. He is mature beyond his years when it comes to dealing with life and its lessons. As parents, we recognized this a few years ago when the whole world seemed to be crashing down around us. I was dealing with cancer and we all were dealing with Bridget, her seizures, clumsiness, complete regression and diagnosis. Harrison was a 14 year old in a 7 year old’s body. And, he continues to think and experience life beyond his years.

Not only has our son learned many important lessons this year, he has taught us the most important ones of all. Have hope, be faithful and love your family unconditionally. I marvel at his wisdom. I will continue to look toward him for my learning because he truly teaches me more than any book, speaker or class could. How grateful I am to have him in my life and help me learn life’s most valuable lessons.

Posted by Sara Kennicott on 5.28.2013 – There are 4 comments for this post, join in!

A Birthday, Broken Bone, Benefit and other Ballads…

Not surprisingly, I have neglected formal updates on Bridget. Sometimes I may do a shout out on face book or even a personal email to family and a couple friends. But, it certainly is long overdue to hear about Bridget. B…..it’s one of our favorite letters in the alphabet. Bridget, Bridgey, Little Miss B, Sweet B…take your pick. It’s all about the girl behind the letter.

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Bridget celebrated her 9th birthday in style this past November. Although there was no formal invite or party planned, it was of little consequence. Bridget was pleasantly surprised by her second grade friends and Mrs. Floyd, her classroom teacher. They threw her a party like none other. It was complete with party hats (hers was a crown, of course), singing, storytelling, poster sharing, gift giving, hugging and inevitably a bit of crying (you know me). I was so pleased I took this special day off of work to share the happiness that these children provided. It makes me so proud of and grateful for the children Bridget have in her life. What an amazing experience as a mother, especially to one who has such a special little girl.
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And thank goodness I took this 11th day off in November. We proceeded that afternoon to Bridgey’s orthopedic appointment to check on her back, hip and oddly swollen knee. After our 2 hours of x-rays and waiting, it appears that Bridget broke her tibia- just below the knee. WHO KNEW?!! She was experiencing pain, but we thought it was because of her hip condition- it is sub-lexed, or about halfway dislocated. She also has increased scoliosis- all of these issues are due to her neurological disorder. It’s just astounding what Batten disease can do without even trying. Other parents call it the Batten monster, and I would whole heartedly agree. Some say, “the B Monster has reared its ugly head again.” Fortunately, Little B’s leg healed quickly with just a mesh/Velcro brace at night and her hip is not causing her any discomfort. We did, however, need to get her fitted for a TLSO (chest) brace to wear when she is sitting upright. I realize it helps, but it’s obtrusive and emotionally daunting. Be gone ugly monster.

That same week rounded out with the culmination of A Fifth Season, a Benefit for Batten disease. It is the annual event for our group of families who have children affected with Late Infantile in the Chicago land area. Previously, it has taken place in the spring, but we moved the event to November. Although I was skeptical, it proved to be a very worthwhile decision. We had our best AFS yet- raising almost $80,000 for Batten disease. AMAZING!!! We will continue to fund Dr. Pahan at Rush University and contribute to the Dem Child project- a worldwide registry of children affected by Batten disease. Attendance was astounding, auction items dazzling and heartfelt generosity was off the charts- in the atmosphere, if you will. The theme was focused around “Wish Upon a Star” and concluded with live bidding of a star registry in each of our affected children’s name. Just think- when you look up on a clear night, you could be looking right at our Sweet B’s star shining right back at you.

Ballad- a song or poem, especially a traditional one, telling a story in a number of short regular stanzas. So here’s the tune: This is the last piece to my update, which includes bits of news about Bridget to date (almost Feb., 2014). We had an uneventful holiday season, dodged the snowflakes and huddled inside during this polar vortex. On some days, Bridget doesn’t even go to school because it’s just too darn cold! We hired a new addition to our team- Jessica, who is now B’s nanny/caregiver. She came at just the right time and we are blessed she said yes! Remy, our 2 year old, survived a harrowing accident/sickness as he swallowed something he shouldn’t have. He recovered from a near fateful surgery and is working on regaining his weight. He and Chewy, our beagle, continue to snuggle with Bridget and entertain us all. And finally, my dear friend Kerry Hughes embarked on her own journey with www.harmony4hope.org She is continuing her mission of using music as a vehicle to bring awareness and raise funds for rare disease. In her words- “Where there is MUSIC, there is unity. Where there is unity, there is HOPE!”

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And that, my friends, is the end of this ballad. Stay tuned for more tunes….and always keep hope in your hearts- for Bridget and all the other children facing rare disease. Whether their name begins or ends with B, pray for them and love them. Simply put, ‘B’elieve.

“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent.”
Victor Hugo

Posted by Sara Kennicott on 1.28.2014 – There is one comment for this post, join in!