Miss Sabrina , daughter of James and Denise Stephenson

The following is a note addressed to Illustrious Bill Broughall from James on how Sabrina is doing. 

James was the Outer Guard for Ballut Abyad last year, and has been a most active in the Clowns.

First off we would like to thank all of you that received our first e-
mail about Sabrina.  Your responses were truly heartening for all of 
us in the Stephenson Family.  We thank you for all of your kind words 
and support.  For those that didn't receive that e-mail here is a 
short recap of Sabrina. 

On March 18th, Sabrina was diagnosed with 
Cystic Fibrosis.  This is a cronic disease that, at this time, has no 
cure.  It affects the lungs and digestive tract.  The lungs produce a 
thick sticky mucus that inhibits their ability and also traps 
viruses.  They are more susceptible to bronchitis and the flu among 
other things.  The digestive tract is unable to process food properly 
and much of the nutrients that the body needs are lost, leading to 
malnutrition.  Sabrina is being treated at UNMH in the pediatric 
pulmonary department.  They are one of 115 certified Cystic Fibrosis 
care centers and we are very pleased with the care she is receiving 
there.  There is an entire team dedicated to people in the program.  
The team consists of the doctor, a nutritionist, nurse, respiratory 
therapist, gastrointestinal specialist, and social worker.

Sabrina is doing VERY well and has shown little sign of the disease.  
So far it has affected her digestive tract primarily.  We received 
her "vest" about 2 weeks ago and she is doing very well with it.  The 
"vest" is simply that a vest.  It is attached to two hoses and a 
pump.  It inflates anywhere from 6 to 30 times per second and 
essentially beats the chest freeing the mucus from the lungs so it 
can be expelled by the body.  (We received the statement with the 
vest and lets just say that for the first time I REALLY appreciate 
the premiums I've been paying to the insurance company).  She is 
taking enzymes with every meal and snack to help her digest her food 
properly, special vitamins to make sure that she is getting enough of 
what she needs and that the body can properly absorb them.  She is on 
a high calorie, high fat, high salt diet, in fact the nutritionist 
said we should add a teaspoon of salt to Gatorade when she is 
particularly active. (yes she gets all the stuff that is bad for the 
rest of us) These are the things her body is having trouble absorbing.

Needless to say The Stephenson's have found a new cause.  Now comes 
the blatant plea for your money.  Many of you in your replies asked 
to let us know if there was anything you could do to help.  Right 
now, besides your prayers, this is the best way for you to help us. 
It would be fantastic if your dollar was the one that finds the cure 
for Sabrina.


James Stephenson is taking strides to make "CF" stand for "Cure Found!"
Visit James's GREAT STRIDES Home Page at http://www.cff.org/
great_strides/JamesStephenson!
NOTE: If link looks broken, cut and paste ENTIRE link into address bar.
If you are presented with a "Find A Walker" page, enter James's first 
and last name and click on "Find Walker."
Then click "View Walker" in the results list to go to "James 
Stephenson's GREAT STRIDES Home Page."