My Good Friend REALLY Needs Your Prayers!

[Zenster]

Some of you may be familiar with my friend, Aloha Aloha, from her animal advocacy postings at these boards. She also made one mention about her nephew Noah and some of his medical problems.

This thread is for Aloha Aloha's sister Jenny and Jenny's husband and children. Jenny's son, Noah, was born prematurely due to an automobile accident. Subsequent to delivery he was diagnosed as having had a minor stroke in utero. Investigations are continuing to determine if the car accident was responsible for this brain injury. Noah began having seizures and exhibiting a loss of eye control. Recently, he has gone through MRI scans, corrective surgery and other diagnostic analysis in attempts to alleviate his symptoms. Certain medications have helped to ameliorate his more severe symptoms but they do persist.

As of two days ago, Jenny's older son Ian developed an ear infection and then had a grand mal seizure last night. Jenny and her husband called 911 and were told to transport Ian to hospital immediately. They were instructed to call an ambulance if Ian's symptoms got worse. During the car ride Ian threw up and his parents summoned an ambulance immediately thereafter. Once he was at the hospital, Ian was ventilated and monitored closely. Doctors detected an abnormality in Ian's EEG which they attribute to feveral (?) seizure. All of this may be related to Ian's ear infection but no one is able to positively connect the two.

Ian's seizure lasted 45 minutes. He has never displayed any epileptic symptoms prior to this event. There is some family history of juvenile onset epilepsy which subsequently responded to medication and then subsided. Ian is off of the ventilator and awaiting a MRI to see if there is any detectable feature which might explain this sudden epileptic onset.

When Aloha Aloha phoned me tonight and asked for my good thoughts and prayers, I immediately volunteered to initiate a support thread for here at these boards. Aloha Aloha was overjoyed that I would do so and here is my request to you all:

If you are religious or a member of a church, please say a prayer for Jenny's children. Both Noah and Ian need your best wishes right now. Ian is in more danger but the entire family could use your good will at the moment.

If your church has a prayer group, please bring up this young couple's need for their children to be well once again. Jenny and her husband are going through complete torment while they await some sort of diagnosis of their older son.

If you are part of a prayer chain, please forward a copy of this post or make mention of it somehow. Please let everyone know how much Jenny's family needs your support.

If you feel so inclined, please send an email or ecard to me at the email address in my profile. I will make sure to forward all of them to Jenny and her family.

If you are willing to send some good vibrations this way or post any sort of thought, please don't hesitate to do so. Every little bit will help right now.

If you are aware of any advanced or experimental pediatric medications or treatments for juvenile onset or infant epilepsy, please post or forward this information to me at my email address. Please do not reveal anything at these boards which would make you uncomfortable. Please do email me or post in this thread anything you think might be of help.

I have done my best to closely follow Noah's progress and can tell you what a severe strain it has been for Jenny and her husband. Ian's illness has come as a substantial blow to their spirits and your support can help to make a big difference in their world view right now.

What I will tell you is that Aloha Aloha has made huge contributions to the welfare of children. She is personally responsible for some cities adopting special EMT kits that contain a simple color coded tape measure. This scale is held up to an injured child's body and its measured length helps the medical crew to properly gauge which medication pack to use in treatment. This simple procedure will help to save the lives of injured children. Each EMT kit contains all of the special splints, air casts and bandages for a child of that each given age group. All of the dosages are adjusted for the body weight and instructions are tailored for that specific age range.

I am working with Aloha Aloha to find sponsors that will facilitate the training and equipping of EMTs in various regional areas to help prevent needless complications while treating juvenile accident victims.

As you can see, the current problems that Aloha Aloha's sister and her husband are experiencing go well beyond anything she can do to help them. I am turning to all of you fantastic people for the good wishes and major mojo that our wonderful online community can generate. Please do whatever you can and know that both Aloha Aloha and myself give you our deepest thanks.

Aloha Aloha and myself will be checking in to provide you with updates as to Ian's condition. If your child could post a few words (or you could post them for your child) that would be a big plus too. These kids and their family need a major spiritual kick start right now and I would be extremely grateful if you could take a minute to do whatever you can.

Thanking You in Advance,

Chris

[Omorka]

Is the family willing to take specifically non-Christian (in my case, Pagan) prayers? I'd be happy to light a candle for them, but I don't want to violate their beliefs in the process.

[Zenster]

Omorka, any prayer you wish to offer is perfectly fine. What you believe in counts for just as much as anyone else. My friend believes in God but knows I am an agnostic. She couldn't care less and wishes only for the good vibes others are willing to send. I'll even venture that I do not see how it is possible for your kindness to violate anything someone else believes in. Personally, I find it rather striking that a Pagan is the first to respond out of over a dozen people who viewed this. Thank you for your honorable concern.

[alohaaloha]

Omorka--

Prayers, chants, candles, dances...they all work. Thank you so much for your offer.

And Zenster, what can I say? Thank you so much for bringing the plight of my baby sister and her family to this forum...

As always, you continue to amaze me with your compassion. You truly are a friend indeed..and in the time of need.

Thank you all, in advance, for your thoughts, prayers and support of Jen's 2 sons in their time of need. Ian was born in Feb. 2001 and Noah (the accident "victim" born 9 weeks preemie) in October 2002. My brother-in-law's name is Jerrell.

Love to all of you--
AlohaAloha

[Omorka]

Candle lit and prayers sent. I hope you will keep us updated!

[green_bladder]

I'm not particularly religious, but I certainly hope everything turns out OK for Ian and Noah and also Jenny and Jerrell. May they have the strength to get through this terrible episode.

I said it before and I'll say it again, Zenster, you're one heck of a friend.

[twickster]

Prayers and good vibes on their way.

[WordMan]

Strength, health, luck and whatever else can help, alohaaloha - my thoughts are with you.

[Aries28]

It is always so sad to hear of someone going through something with their children. Such a helpless feeling when you are a parent....

Much love and thoughts your way.......

[DeVena]

My thoughts and prayers are with your nephews and the family, alohaaloha.

[Horrifying Howler Monkey]

Best wishes and {{{{{{{good vibes}}}}}}

[Ellen Cherry]

I'm offering a prayer and some hugs! Take care.

[Marconi & Schmeese]

Card sent. Thinking about Jenny & Family.

[Kn*ckers]

Not religious, but I'm sending healing thoughts and best wishes!

[teela brown]

Good healing vibrations are coming your way. alohaaloha, given your work with children, you should have built up a reserve of good karma and you are due to get some of it back. Best wishes to you and yours.

[Vixenation]

Many thoughts and good vibes to your family from me and my friends and family as well. Get well, boys!

[Blonde]

Wishing Jenny's boys a speedy recovery and long, happy lives.

[The Surb]

I hope things go well. And I would like to echo green_bladder's sentiments.


The Surb

[Sylkyn]

Sending many warm thoughts and prayers to your family, alohaaloha. Peace to you, as well...I understand the fear and worry you have to be going through.

Here is hoping everything changes for the best, for you all.

[Syntropy]

Alohaaloha, my thoughts and hopes and best wishes to you and your family, as well as those of all my co-workers to whom I read this thread.

[Baker]

Zenster, I sent you an email if you have the time.

I can't imagine the stress level in that family just now. They all will certainly go on my list for prayers, and the one at church too. Please keep us updated. Kids shouldn't have to go through this.

[Khadaji]

Sending warm thoughts your way.

[robgruver]

alohaaloha: My prayers are with you and your family.

Zenster: Yet another reason why your one of my favorite people on the boards. Good job, friend.

[Archergal]

I"ll play a tune for you. I had a friend whose child had a seizure when young, and that turned out to be basically a one-off.

Here's hoping the same good outcome for the kids!

Best wishes---

[Slainte]

Positive Thoughts/Good Vibes/Prayers for the family.

[SnoopyFan]

By His stripes we are healed!

[Osip]

best wishes AlohaAloha. May everyone be better soon. You, your sister and the young ones shall be in my thoughts.

[Scotticher]

Sending prayers and positive healing thoughts to Ian and Noah. I also put them on our prayer chain.

[Lissla Lissar]

Lord God, send healing and shower this family with Your mercy and love.

Lissla household will be praying.

[Shirley Ujest]

No family should have to go through something like this.

Sending prayers and good vibes for Ian, Noah, mom and dad and Aloha Aloha.

[lilbtagna]

My prayers and thoughts go out to your family, alohaaloha.

[ManDuh003]

If Y'all don't mind I think I will acctuly post my prayer here, not to step on what others feel/belive but these are mine.

Lord, I pray that you will be with this family in their time of need. I know that you will be looking out for them in whatever comes from this. I pray that you will confort this family and just hold them up, I pray that your will be done in this matter. Thank you Lord for being there with the family. In Jesus name I pray Amen.

~*Amanda*~

[Skeezix]

All our best to your nephews and their folks, as well. Here's hoping that things get better soon.

IANAD, but I am a paranoid parent; one thing I've learned that may make you feel a bit better:
Febrile seizures, brought on by fever (very often due to infection) in a very young child will often have no further repercussions on the health or well being of the child in question.

Granted, with a family medical history like that, this may be more serious, but if we're talking about a high fever brought on by a bad ear infection, in a two year old, it may be nothing very serious at all.

Our best, all the same.

[dropzone]

First, the father of an epileptic kid has to speak. Boy, those long, long seizures kids can go into can be scary! My daughter's first lasted that long. They got shorter and shorter and now she just sorta phases out for a moment. They think they traced hers to an in-utero stroke, too. Turns out those things are pretty common. So are febrile seizures; used to have 'em myself with no longterm problems except I can't remember much of kindergarten. I'm optimistic about both kids. The human brain is amazingly resillient.

But I'll say a prayer, anyway. Jenny and her kids deserve better.

[Cougarfang]

Good vibes and good thoughts to Alohaaloha and family, as well as a virtual basket of homebaked cookies :)

[Moxmaiden]

Prayers said. Hope they all get better and get some rest. Please, keep us updated.

Melissa

[Siemsi]

Many prayers and hugs......

[alohaaloha]

Thank you ALL for your prayers, vibes, thoughts, hugs--they mean a lot to me and my family.

I wanted to update you on Ian: He had a great day yesterday (Thursday). After the sedation wore off from his MRI, they released him from Riley Children's Hospital. They put him on an anti-seizure medication and he will, of course, have follow-up visits. The results of the MRI should be in today (Friday).

Little Noah continues to have his health challenges but our prayers continue to be answered and he is improving daily.

My sister, while exhausted, is in good spirits. Please continue to send her strength.

Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for the well wishes.

AlohaAloha

[Zenster]

Omorka, thank you for lighting a candle. It makes me angry that so many people blindly equate Paganism with Satanism when they have absolutely nothing in common. Your compassion is eloquent testimony towards that end.

green_bladder, your hopes count for just as much as the Pope's prayers. Thanks for your kind thoughts, I know that Jenny's family will be gladdened by them.

twickster, keep those good vibes coming. These kids aren't out of the woods yet. I've asked Aloha Aloha to drop by the thread and give us an update on Ian later today.

WordMan, keep up the good thoughts. I'm really proud of our community's response to this.

Aries28, these kids need all the love they can get right now. Your thoughts are appreciated.

DeVena, thanks for the prayers. They are not something I use personally but that matters not one whit. I just want these kids well again and any prayers for that is exactly what this family needs.

Magayuk, your wishes are most welcome here.

Ellen Cherry, thanks for the prayers. Keep up the good work.

Marconi & Schmeese, your card has been forwarded to Jenny's family. That was very thoughtful of you.

Kn*ckers, healing thoughts and best wishes count as prayers in my book. I know a lot of people would argue with me, but that's nothing new.

pugluvr, right about now, I'm hoping that Aloha Aloha understands the karma angle on this. In a fair universe, her prior work should have some effect. I'd sure like to believe it does, because all children deserve a break from the insanity around us. The first bowl of noodles is on me!

Vixenation, thanks for a family size portion of good vibes. It's going to take some heaping helpings like yours to pull these kids through.

Blonde, thanks for the good Mommy thoughts, I know you have a couple of boys too. You've got to stop giving Texans such a good name. Who will there be left to mock?!?

The Surb, while I certainly appreciate your shared sentiments, I'm much more glad for your kind hopes in this matter.

Sylkyn, you are such a sweet friend. You touch more than my own heart with your dependable good nature.

Maureen, thanks for firing up some group spirit among your coworkers. That's really splendid of you.

Baker, I agree, children shouldn't have to go through these sort of complications. They should be out chasing butterflies and puppies. Your card has been forwarded to Jenny's family and asking your entire church to pray for these kids is kindness itself. I have you to thank personally for meeting Aloha Aloha in the first place. I hope I get a chance to meet you someday as well, there's a meal I'd like to cook for you and so many recipes for us to swap.

Khadaji, warm thought are just the ticket here and appreciated by all.

robgruver, thanks for the prayers. Please let me know if there is ever a way to return the favor. It would be a personal pleasure.

Archergal, keep up with the tunes. Music is medicine for the soul and heals so much more than many people expect.

Slainte, your screen name says it all. I'd be glad to toast your own health in person someday. Keep it up with the positive thinking.

Snoopyfan, if these are His stripes, I'm tempted to break Him back to buck private. I know you mean well and I wish there was some way to understand why it is that children have must bear such burdens when they are least able to.

Osip, thank you for the email and the kind thoughts. I'm glad you could share about your own change of view.

Scotti, your unlimited sweetness is a tonic right now. If only you could attend the Portland get together, I'd really like to meet you. Thank you so much for bringing your prayer chain to bear. If ever there was a time for it ...

Lissla Lissar, keep it up with those family sized portions. There's something about kids wanting to help other kids that sounds so right. Your prayers are appreciated.

Shirley, mebbe you might see your way clear to a group good vibe during one of those afternoon tea time book sessions. Thanks for your concern.

lilbtagna, your kind thoughts are just the ticket. Thanks.

ManDuh003, ain't nothing wrong with praying out loud in this thread. I know that Jenny and her family will be reading your words soon. That was very sweet of you.

Skeezix, thanks for posting about febrile seizures. I'm sure all of us are hoping this is a one-off event. As usual, information is an unbeatable friend in these situations.

dropzone, more clarification is good. You are obviously speaking from first hand experience and your prayers are most welcome.

Cougarfang, those cookies are a great idea, likewise with the good vibes.

Moxmaiden, thanks for the prayers. Aloha Aloha should be checking in soon with an update on Ian.

Siemsi, hugs are always good and so are your prayers. Thanks.


Everybody, I cannot express my gratitude in words. Over thirty of you have seen fit to let a family of strangers know that people out there that they have never met are pulling for them nonetheless. Your prayers, good thoughts and vibes, well wishing, hugs and cookies are all just what the doctor ordered. I'll freely speak for Aloha Aloha, and say that we both can't thank you all enough. As an Aunt, I know she is absolutely fritterpated by this whole sequence of events. Your kindness is a balm upon her sore heart right now. All of you have my personal gratitude.

Warmest Regards,

Chris

[TroubleAgain]

Good thoughts, Zenster. Keep us updated, 'kay?

[faithfool]

Just wanted to add my good thoughts as well. Here's to hoping everything for the entire family gets better immediately and permanently. I'll keep you all in my heart.

[zoogirl]

I'd just like to add that I've always heard fever-related seizure tent to be one-offs, too. Ear infections can seem much worse than they really are. A kid can go through vomiting, fever, evan seizures without any lasting repercussions at all.

I've had a fair bit of experiance with dealing with a brain-damaged child. My heart goes out to the whole family. Even if nothing more comes of this episode, it must be incrediably scarey.

I wish I'd seen this thread earlier - I just came back from a Retreat with 300+ members of my church! I'll ask as many as I can catch up with to pray for you. I just took a bit of time and prayed myself. Hang in there.

Love, zoogirl (Ann)

[Pixiesnix]

Prayers sent. I hope everything turns out okay.

[Tripler]

Zenster,

88% of North Dakota is with you right now. I haven't been able to call the other 2 folks (12%). They're phone is out right now. . .

Tripler
Seriously though, good thoughts and prayers are on their way.

[Necromancer]

Sending my best wishes to you, AlohaAloha, and to your family. I'm pleased to read Ian and little Noah are improving, and that your sister is in good spirits...I hope she continues to find strength. Take care.

[brachyrhynchos]

Ian and Noah and the entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. And I'll echo dropzone's faith in the resiliency of the human brain.



Zenster, you are a good man. Glad to see you posting again!

[Super Gnat]

God bless, alohaaloha and family. You're in my prayers.

[Quasimodem]

Prayers and best wishes are offered from me as well. I am subscribing to this thread, and am hoping for continued improvement for little Ian and Noah.

From a medical standpoint, I know what the family is experiencing, and I applaud their strength and faith. In my opinion, that's half the battle.

Zenster, you are a wonderful person and a blessing to SDMB!

Q

[kiffa]

Best wishes and strong prayers for Ian and Noah plus for their parents too!

Having just gone thru a bout of Guilllain Barre [mr Kiffa] and an emergency appendectomy [kittette # 3] within the last month, I can attest to the fact that support to the family is key to creating a positive recovery. Positive thoughts, best wishes, prayers by individuals, prayer groups, prayer wheels, prayer chains etc are powerful. Thanks, Zenster for organizing this.

[thecat]

this is my most comforting thought
"beautiful lord, wonderful saviour
i know for sure all of my days are
held in your hands, crafted into
your perfect plan." (it's a song and i'm not sure who wrote it)
I know that those precious little ones are in God's hands and so are their parents.
all my prayers and love

[alohaaloha]

I have an update on Noah and Ian....

First, I received the following in an e-mail from Jenny on Friday, 6-20-03:

"Please post a thank you for me on that straightdope.com telling them how much I appreciate their sentiments. It really means a great deal to me."

From all our family, as well as Jenny, thank you so much for your your well wishes.

Ian's MRI results came back this week...they were fine. We are hoping, as stated on the thread a few times, that the seizure will be a "one-off".

Noah had an EEG Thursday-no results yet. He also had an eye appointment and they said the nerves in his eye are smaller than what they should be and that this could probably cause some vision impairment but not sure how much yet.

The doctor also said the fact that his eyes "wander" and are not focusing is not a normal thing for a baby his age either. He is going to pull the MRI he had taken in January and look at it again.

Again, thank you for the prayers, thoughts, chants, songs, and good vibes. Keep them coming!!

AlohaAloha

[gobear]

Good thoughts are coming your way from the Gohousehold.

[Zenster]

TroubleAgain: As you can see from the update, Ian's seizure may well have been a one-off. Let us all hope so.

hopefool: Your heartfelt good wishes are much appreciated.

zoogirl: Thank you for your prayers. While your entire church group may not have participated, I know your wishes are sincere. Thank you for sharing your personal experience and reassurances. If your church has a prayer chain, please consider posting a notice for baby Noah. The little tyke isn't out of the woods quite yet.

KCSuze: Thanks for your prayers. Things are most definitely looking up for both children.

Tripler: Thanks for rallying the entire state. You must be exhausted, so grab a cold one for me. I still owe you some music CDs, so please send me a mailing address when you have the time.

Necromancer: I just chatted with Aloha Aloha and will be visiting her later today. I'll be sure to extend your good thoughts personally. I wish you could been at my friend's party to see the book he fabricated. A dead knockoff of the regular series, this one was titled: "The Necronomicon for Dummies." I know you would have loved it.

brachyrynchos: Dahling! Bubbileh! I haven't seen much of your posting around here for a while. I'd really appreciate it if you could cobble up a semi-technical update in this forum concerning your avian work. WNV is something more people need to be aware of. You have both my thanks for your well wishing and my admiration for the important and risky work you are doing in the field. I'm so glad to hear that your brother-in-law is doing much better. I started a little thread for your sister but I know she was probably too concerned with family matters to reply in it.

Super Gnat: Thanks for your prayers. Each one helps, as you can see from the update above.

Quasimodem: Your kind words mean a lot to me. It tore me up to know that you couldn't be back in Germany for your Uncle's funeral. I'll repeat what I said before. Those phone calls you made to him stood for ten times more than any attendance when he was gone. Please ease your heart knowing that you did the best and most right thing. Put together all of your memories to share with your relatives during a later visit. I know they'll appreciate it a lot.

kiffa: Thank you for dropping in here. I am very grateful that you took the time to let me know that all is better in your own household. I'm sure there were many more than me who were concerned. I hope you got a chance to peek at your thread a while back. Most of all, thank you for the emails. I'm so glad there was a happy ending to everything.

thecat: Welcome aboard(s), thecat. Thank you for placing one of your first posts here. It was very thoughtful of you to reply with those words.

gobear: Thanks for getting the whole family involved. You're a good man to do so.

Everybody, as you can see from Aloha Aloha's update, her sister has had a chance to review all of your good thoughts, prayers and well wishing. I want all of you to be very proud of your actions. In a time of darkness, all of you did your best to shed the light of love in your hearts. I am immensely pleased that folks of all stripes showed up here. It serves as a reminder that (to quote Ayn Rand); "Underneath the skin we are all brothers, and I'd skin humanity alive to prove it!"

I hope that gets a giggle out of y'all. Please know that you have my intense gratitude for taking time out of your lives and posting here for some strangers you have never met. I think the world just got a little smaller in a really good way. Please, none of you ever be afraid to email me and let me know how I may ever be of help in a time of need. It would be my personal pleasure to be of any assistance that I could.

All the Best,

Chris