I thought it was a big deal when I had my tonsils out at age 12

Tommy (Age 10)

Multiple Heart Transplants

Tommy’s parents had no idea there was anything wrong with their beautiful baby boy. Soon doctors realized he only had half a heart—a condition known as hypoplastic left heart syndrome—that had gone undiagnosed during pregnancy.

After his first heart transplant at just four months old, Tommy lived an active life. When he was 9 years old, after a lifetime of skiing black diamonds, he was told there were major problems with his heart. He went straight to the intensive care unit at Primary Children’s Medical Center and was so sick that he wasn’t allowed to go home. A few weeks later he was transferred to his own room at the hospital to wait for another heart.

Since he couldn’t go home, his family brought his home to the hospital. Soon there were posters, rugs and coyote pelts covering every inch of his room. Tommy’s brothers did their homework with him after school and the family ate dinner every night together at the hospital.

Tommy, 10, received his second heart on April 19, 2009 and since then he’s been enjoying sports, animals and being outdoors, but he still feels at home when he visits Primary Children’s Medical Center
.

Prospecting for a different kind of Miracle

Madison (Age 6)

Kawasaki Disease

For most children, coming down with an occasional virus is part of childhood. When Madison, then age 3, developed swollen lymph nodes, bloodshot eyes, a rash and a 105.1 degree fever, her mom knew it was more than a childhood illness. Madison was rushed to Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children and diagnosed with Kawasaki disease, an illness that affects less than 20 in 100,000 children in the United States. If not treated within five days of outbreak, the complications skyrocket: Kawasaki disease can lead to heart attack or become fatal.

Madison received immediate treatment. The required IV regimen normally takes around 10 hours, but Madison's blood pressure kept dropping dangerously low. Doctors had to stop, get her pressure back to normal, then resume the IV treatment. The procedure took 18 hours, followed by numerous visits and outpatient treatments.

But Madison, now 6 years old, is a survivor. She has less than a 2 percent chance of relapse and the only indication of what she's been through is her passion for life. After coming so close to death, she and her family have learned to live every moment to the fullest. Madison also gained a compassionate spirit, and she is always showing love to those in need of kindness.

More prayer for continuing good health

Amanda (Age 8)

Ewing’s Sarcoma

Amanda had just celebrated her second birthday when she went in for an X-ray. When she left, her family’s whole world had changed. Amanda was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer called Ewing’s sarcoma. Doctors were startled by this diagnosis at age 2 because it’s typically found in teenagers.

The only treatment option for little Amanda began with six rounds of chemotherapy. In order to battle this dangerous and rare form of cancer, doctors would also need to amputate her left leg. “Her doctor assured us that his main goal was to make sure Amanda outlives us all,” her mother said.

Upon recovering from surgery, Amanda had to go through eight more rounds of chemo. Her loving father slept on the floor next to her bed each night for nearly 18 months, constantly checking on her.

Today, Amanda, 8, is in remission and is always smiling. Thanks to her prosthetic leg, her family can barely keep up with her. She has a fighting spirit that made her a survivor, and she lives life to the fullest by singing, dancing and outrunning many of her friends in school.

Prayers for continuing health

Katy and Paige (Age 7)

Premature Birth

Lori never thought she would conceive, so she was thrilled when she became pregnant with not only one child, but two. Despite an 80 percent chance of losing the twins, Katy and Paige were born premature at 28 weeks gestation.

Katy was born at 1 pound, 15 ounces. Two weeks after her birth, Doctors inserted a titanium clip to close the valve in her heart. She also suffered from a brain bleed and faced cerebral palsy, which fortunately resolved on its own. It took over a year for Katy to recover.

Paige was the smaller of the two, born at 1 pound, 4 ounces. She had several infections during her stay at Renown Children’s Hospital, which included five ear surgeries. Paige did not initially have the stamina to complete her feeds, and couldn’t gain the weight she needed. Slowly and steadily, however, the twins began to conquer their early set backs.

Though identical in appearance, these 7-year-old sisters could not be more different in personality. Katy is a nurturer and known to give therapeutic hugs when a person is upset, while Paige’s matter-of-fact personality expresses, “Aren’t you over this yet?”

Miracles Needed

Andres (Age 12)

Bone Cancer

One day after soccer practice Andres knew something was wrong with his knee. A trip to the doctor revealed more than a sports injury. He had osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer.

For even the strongest of adults, a cancer diagnosis is difficult to accept. But Andres, then 8, faced it head-on. He went into surgery with a strong will while doctors removed a tumor and replaced his kneecap with a bionicle joint. Andres underwent chemotherapy and treatment for various infections that could have all endangered his life. It seemed Andres had beaten cancer—until a follow-up scan one year later showed he had relapsed.

When many people would become depressed or angry when faced with a relapse, Andres pushed forward with the same positivity he demonstrated during his first battle with the disease. Staff at St. Luke's Regional Medical Center marveled at his bubbling personality and watched Andres inspire others, twisting balloon animals at fundraising events and sharing his story at the local Radiothon.

Now 12, Andres has finished treatment and looks forward to being in remission. But whatever happens, his loved ones know he'll continue to demonstrate the same optimism that has won the hearts of so many.

Change of address

Please go to

http:Prospectformiracles.blogspot.com

Do not put the "ing "    on prospect

See you there

Bud