Rebekah's Miracle

Two and a half years ago, Rebekah's immune system was tested at John's Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore Maryland, and came back severely low in her ability to fight off infectious diseases. Follow-up testing at the University of Utah and the Pocatello Children's clinic confirmed these findings. At that time we were strongly encouraged to start her on monthly gamma globulin injections to help replace these deficiencies. Even though it made logical sense to do this, and we had a lot of doctor pressure on us, we could never feel right about the injections so we chose not to have her receive them and pursued other alternatives to combat these deficiencies.  

The first year she was hospitalized twice, the second year she was hospitalized once, and last year we made it through the whole year with no hospitalizations. When we went to visit John's Hopkins Hospital again last month, we were once again pressured very heavily to get her started on these treatments. The doctor told us that one of these times we were going to lose our daughter if we didn't. We agreed to once again consider this option depending on how her test results came back.

Two days ago we received these results in the mail. I quote the doctor: "Rebekah's immunologic findings are quite unusual. She had a low IgG level and has had only a limited number of immunizations. Nevertheless, she had protective levels of IGG anitbody to all of the pneumococcal sterotype in Prevnar! On that basis, I do not believe that she needs replacement gamma globulin at this time."

We are very thankful to the doctors and nurses for the loving care they give Ben & Bekah. They have been so kind and considerate as we have gone through the struggles associated with this disease. We are also very thankful to the Make a Wish Foundation, Give Kids The World, Ronald McDonald Charities, American Airlines and Southwest Airlines for their generosity in supporting us in our fight to beat the disease of A-T.

We have learned the importance of following the inspiration that we as parents receive. We are once again reminded of the power of prayer that helps us receive this guidance. Thanks again for your continued support and love which is much appreciated as we continue in our battle against this life threatening illness. We are so grateful for this miracle, and for the prayers that you have offered on our behalf that helped make it possible.  The day of miracles has not ceased. We believe that we will continue to see the hand of the Lord in our lives.