I have always given to the state campaign fund because I
felt I should help anyone I could, but I have more reason than ever to
give now.
My grandson, Levi Bailey, was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma
(a malignant tumor on his adrenal gland) in 2002 at the age of four. He
was immediately (that day) sent to Children’s Hospital in Birmingham. We
were told that he was in stage 4 and the next stage (5) was fatal. The
doctors there did not give us much to hope for but promised they would do
everything they could. For the next three years, he underwent
chemotherapy, surgery, radiation and a stem cell transplant. He was cancer
free for 5 months and he relapsed so he had more chemo, then he was sent,
by Children’s Hospital, to Sloan-Kettering in New York for 3F8 that is
still in the study stage. He went back and forth there for a year and also
had 10 more radiation treatments.
He responded to treatment and has been cancer free for one
year. During the three years he as on treatment, he was able to receive
his wish from the Make-A-Wish foundation, a trip to Disney World. He is
now 8 years old, going to school everyday and looks like he has never been
sick a day in his life. I am thankful for the doctors at Children’s
Hospital and for the knowledge they have and the tests they keep doing for
this awful disease. Levi is one of the few children that has made this
kind of recovery. Our family is a die-hard supporter of Children’s
Hospital. We also never fail to thank God for his work in Levi’s life and
the guidance he gave to all his doctors.
I hope someday there will be a cure for this disease and
no one else will have to be told the things we were told and no child will
have to suffer through so many procedures.
Barbara Y. Raby
Whse. Supt. Second Division
(256)389-1460, ATTNET 455-1460
rabyb@dot.state.al.us
I have always given to the State Combined Charity Campaign
every year. Now I am the coordinator for my unit at Alabama Department of
Rehabilitation Services and I really enjoy doing this.
I really have gotten involved especially after my little girl was
born seven years ago. She was born early due to my blood pressure at 11
weeks early. She stayed in the hospital for three months. We thought
everything was going great until she was about nine months old. We
referred to United Cerebral Palsy. They did some testing and referred us
to an Orthopedic Specialists. The doctor told us that Jordan would
probably never walk so get use to a walker etc. With the help of United
Cerebral Palsy who worked with her on physical therapy and occupational
therapy it was not long after that she started walking. Jordan was
diagnosed with spastic diplegia which affects her muscle tones mostly
left leg and hip. She attended Hand in Hand Learning Center of United Cerebral
Palsy until she was five years old. They really worked hard with her and
because of them I believe that is why she is walking. She is now in
first grade and doing great, she does wear afo's on both legs but she
doesn't let anything get her down. She is a wonderful child with lots of
spirit. So United Cerebral Palsy has been one of my choices for the
State Combined Charity Campaign.
Also I now give the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Alabama/Gulf Coast
Chapter. I was diagnosed a little over three years ago with CLL and I am
still in zero stage. I feel giving to this it will help with more
research and cures. I know in my case they are still working on a cure
for my type of leukemia. Everyday they say they are getting close to a
cure and in my case I hope so. Because I want to watch my daughter grow
up. She really needs her mother. I am doing okay my doctor keeps a watch
on my white cell counts and other blood counts and so far they are doing
okay.
With a lot of prayers out there I hope everything keeps going good. I
hope everyone could just find it in their hearts to give just a little
to a favorite charity.
Sandy Bittle
Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, Homewood
Until 1995, I had viewed the Combined Charities Campaign with
the attitude of "charity begins at home".
I signed up
for payroll deduction every year, but with only a minimal donation.
Then in 1995, at only 30 years old, my life changed. I was
diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I was faced with the uncertainty of
a disease I knew little about. My neurologist provided a wealth
of information, but I was still left with questions. I contacted the
Alabama chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and
received literature that helped me not only to learn about the
clinical aspects of the disease, but assured me that the emotional
turmoil that plagued me and my family was normal.
As my involvement with the NMS grew, I quickly realized that providing
information and emotional support is only a minor, but much
appreciated, function of the organization. The National Multiple
Sclerosis Society provides funding for research and development of new
treatment options.
At the time of my diagnosis, there was no
pro-active treatment option available for my form of the disease - we
just had to treat the symptoms as they arose. Due to continued funding
by the NMS, Avonex was approved by the FDA in 1997 and I started
my treatment in 2000. (Thank You, I'm doing very well.)
Until 1995, I looked at the Combined Charities Campaign as a way to
get to wear blue jeans every Friday. Now, my view is one of hope and
of optimism, because I know that through your donation and mine,
research will continue and a cure for MS is on the horizon.
Bonnie Gray Jones
Alabama Department of Human Resources 1989-2000
Alabama Medicaid Agency 2000-present
