Dog Rescued From Death Row Dedicates Her Life to Disabled Boy

Tugs at your heartstrings, it does.

Juno, an abandoned Belgian Malinois, was three days away from being euthanized at an animal shelter in East Tennessee when Chester Hembree saw her picture on the shelter website. “I had the feeling in my gut that I had to go see this dog,” Hembree recalls. Unlike Juno’s original owners, Hembree, a former law enforcement officer, understood the Malinois breed, reports Global Animal.

...Hembree needed Juno’s work ethic and dedication. He’d selected the dog as a companion for his son, Lucas, who suffers from Sanfilippo syndrome, an inherited metabolic and degenerative disease. As Sanfilippo progresses, children lose the ability to speak, walk and eat. The condition can also cause neurological damage leading to seizures.

The most catastrophic thing parents hear when they learn their child has this disease is that there’s no cure or treatment available,” says Chester. The Hembrees had searched for a service dog to make Lucus’ life a bit brighter, but were told the dogs would cost about $15,000 and that because of his condition, Lucus wouldn’t have made a good match for a dog anyway.

But Juno and Lucus seem meant to be together. While Chester Hembree planned to give Juno plenty of time to adjust to her new home before he began her training, Juno and Lucus seemed to have an immediate, instinctual connection.

One day Chester noticed Juno circling Lucas while he was in his wheelchair. “She was whining and nudging him with her nose,” Chester says. “I checked his oxygen levels and they were very low.” After giving him oxygen, Lucas returned to normal and Juno greeted him with licks and affection.

“That’s when I knew she had the ability to pick up on his neurological changes,” Chester says. “Now she alerts us when Lucas is about to have a seizure or if his oxygen levels drop really low. She has saved him several times.”

While Chester tries to make sure Juno gets time off, he says it’s hard to get the dog to leave her boy’s side. “It really feels like it was meant to be.”

Life With A Very Special Kid

...It’s a sacrifice every parent and caregiver of a child with special needs sympathizes with. Families of children with special needs are bonded by a shared experience of the joys, challenges, fears, and blessings of raising these beautiful children whom we see as perfect in this imperfect world.

During the 2008 presidential campaign, on rope lines at rallies across the country, my husband, Todd, and I met so many of these families and caretakers, and I’ll never forget them. There was an instant connection—a kind of mutual acknowledgment that said, “Yes, these children are precious and loved. Yes, we face extra fears and challenges, but our children are a blessing, and the rest of the world is missing out in not knowing this.”...

More...

Rick Santorum Daughter Admitted to Hospital

The three-year-old daughter of Republican presidential hopeful Rick Santorum has been admitted to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the candidate has cancelled his Sunday morning campaign events to be at her side.

Santorum campaign spokesman Hogan Gidley said Saturday night that the former Pennsylvania senator and his wife, Karen, were with Bella at CHOP. Gidley said Santorum planned to return to campaigning as soon as possible in Florida, where the Republican primary is Tuesday.

Bella Santorum has Trisomy 18, a genetic condition caused by the presence of all or part of an extra 18th chromosome. Bella was not expected to survive until her first birthday and concerns over her health have canceled previous Santorum campaign events. The Santorums have been frequent visitors to CHOP with their daughter.

Best Friends Forever

DEUCE is a chocolate Labrador retriever who knows exactly which patients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington give the best treats, said his owner, Harvey Naranjo. Both he and Deuce are part of the Military Advanced Training Center, a department at Walter Reed that cares for severely disabled veterans.

A certified therapy dog, Deuce assists with rehabilitation and helps relieve stress. He excels at both, said Mr. Naranjo, who brought him to the center three years ago to help the growing number of severely disabled veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. “Medical technology has given us the opportunity to save more lives with this conflict, but they are surviving devastating injuries,” said Mr. Naranjo, adaptive sports program coordinator and a certified occupational therapy assistant at Walter Reed.

H/T to SondraK

November - Epilepsy Awareness Month

November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month. Epilepsy affects about 2 million people in the United States and is characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Delayed recognition of these seizures and inadequate treatment increase the risk for additional seizures, disability, decreased health-related quality of life and, in rare instances, death. Although epilepsy can occur at any age, the condition is more likely to begin among children less than 2 years of age and adults older than 65 years. As do many who live with other chronic disorders, those with epilepsy often face challenges related to managing epilepsy treatment, symptoms, disability, lifestyle limitations, emotional stress, and stigma.

Tenderheart

You remember the inspiring story of Sarah Churman who was born with a hearing impairment and the video that captured the moment she heard for the first time with the latest in technology for hearing aids.

Here's another kleenex moment in an interview on the Ellen DeGeneres Show. There's something to be said about Ellen DeGeneres' inspiring generosity.

The Beauty Of Technology

Her name is Sloan Churman; she’s 29 and has been deaf since the day she was born — until very, very recently. Eight weeks ago she had surgery to have the Esteem hearing aid implanted in her ear. This is the moment when they turned it on. Magic.

If only.....

Hot Air

It's What We Need

Endearing....

Intellectually Challenged At The Level Of Fungus

Performing at a New York comedy club on Saturday, Tracy Morgan told his audience not to “mess with women who have retarded kids” because “them young retarded males is strong … they’re strong like chimps.” Morgan also talked about hooking up with a “cripple” with a prosthetic arm. The crowd reportedly responded with groans and “uh-oh."

From God's Lips...

In April 2008, two weeks before Trig was born with Down's Syndrome, Mrs Palin sent the email to her friends and family from her official government account.

In the touching message, Mrs Palin writes from the voice of God, as 'Trig's creator, your heavenly father'.

To the Sisters, Brother, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Friends of Trig Paxson Van Palin (or whatever you end up naming him!):

I am blessing you with this surprise baby because I only want the best for you. I’ve
heard your prayers that this baby will be happy and healthy, and I’ve answered them because I only want the best for you!

I heard your heart when you hinted that another boy would fit best in the Palin family, to round it out and complete that starting five line-up. Though another girl would be so nice, you didn’t think you could ask for what you REALLY wanted, but I knew, so I gave you a boy because I only want the best for you!

Then, I put the idea in your hearts that his name should be “Trig”, because it’s so fitting, with two Norse meanings: “True” and “Brave Victory”. You also have a Bristol Bay relative with that name, so I knew it would be best for you!

Then, I let Trig’s mom have an exceptionally comfortable pregnancy so she could enjoy every minute of it, and I even seemed to rush it along so she could wait until near the end to surprise you with the news – that way Piper wouldn’t have so long to wait and count down so many days – just like Christmastime when you have to wait, impatiently, for that special day to finally open your gift? (Or the way the Palins look forward to birthday celebrations that go on for three, four days… you all really like cake .) I know you, I knew you’d be better off with just a short time to wait!

Then, finally, I let Trig’s mom and dad find out before he was born that this little boy will truly be a GIFT. They were told in early tests that Trig may provide more challenges, and more joy, than what they ever may have imagined or ever asked for. At first the news seemed unreal and sad and confusing . But I gave Trig’ s mom and dad lots of time to think about it because they needed lots of time to understand that everything will be OK, in fact, everything will be great, because I only want the best for you!

I’ve given Trig’s mom and dad peace and joy as they wait to meet their new son. I gave
them a happy anticipation because they asked me for that. I’ll give all of you the same happy anticipation and strength to deal with Trig’s challenges, but I won’t impose on you…

I just need to know you want to receive my offer to be with all of you and help you everyday to make Trig’s life a great one.

This new person in your life can help everyone put things in perspective and bind us together and get everyone focused on what really matters . The baby will expand your world and let you see and feel things you haven’t experienced yet. He’ll show you what “true, brave victory” really means as those who love him will think less about self and focus less on what the world tells you is “normal” or “perfect”. You will grow and be blessed with greater understanding that will be born along with Trig.

Trig will be his dad’s little buddy and he’ll wear Carhartts while he learns to tinker in the garage. He’ll love to be read to, he’ll want to play goalie, and he’ll steal his mom’s heart just like Track, Bristol, Willow and Piper did. And Trig will be the cuddly, innocent, mischievous, dependent little brother that his siblings have been waiting for in fact Trig will – in some diagnostic ways – always be a mischievous, dependent little brother, because I created him a bit different than a lot of babies born into this world today.

Every child is created special, with awesome purpose and amazing potential. Children are the most precious and promising ingredient in this mixed up world you live in down there on earth. Trig is no different, except he has one extra chromosome. Doctors call it “Down’s Syndrome”, and Downs kids have challenges, but can bring you much delight and more love than you can ever imagine! Just wait and see, let me prove this, because I only want the best for you!

Some of the rest of the world may not want him, but take comfort in that because the world will not compete for him. Take care of him and he will always be yours!

Trig’s mom and dad don’t want people to focus on the baby’s extra chromosome. They’re human, so they haven’t known how to explain this to people who are so caring and are interested in this new little Alaskan. Sarah and Todd want people to share in the joy of this gift I’m giving to the Palin family, and the greater Alaska family. Many people won’t understand… and I understand that. Some will think Trig should not be allowed to be born because they fear a Downs child won’t be considered “perfect” in your world. (But tell me, what do you earthlings consider “perfect” or even “normal” anyway? Have you peeked down any grocery store isle, or school hallway, or into your office lunchroom lately? Or considered the odd celebrities you celebrate as “perfect” on t.v.? Have you noticed I make `em all shapes and sizes? Believe me ,, there is no “perfect”!)

Many people will express sympathy, but you don’t want or need that, because Trig will be a joy. You will have to trust me on this.

I know it will take time to grasp this and come to accept that I only want the best for
you, and I only give my best. Remember though: “My ways are not your ways, my thoughts are not your thoughts… for as the heavens are higher than the earth, my ways are higher than yours!

I wrote that all down for you in the Good Book ! Look it up! You claim that you believe me – now it’s time to live out that belief!

Please look to me as this new challenge and chapter of life unfolds in front of you. I promise to equip you. I won’t give you anything you can’t handle. I am answering your prayers. Trig can’t wait to meet you. I’m giving you ONLY THE BEST!

Love,

Trig’s Creator , Your Heavenly Father

If anyone can understand the true meaning of unconditional love, you may find a parent with a child who may be disabled. The depth of love that is unconditional, is when you tell your child how much you love them but she is unable to say it back to you because she can't speak. So you look into her eyes and you take it for granted that she loves you as much as you do her. A love that is unconditional is when you love your child who at 23 years old, remains at the level of a one year old. And with all that said...there is such joy to be found in a child with disabilities. They truly are a Gift. There are lessons to be learned from our children. "The greatest of these is Love."

H/T to The Rightscoop

Report Links Autism To Vaccines

Research scholar Mary Holland on government settlements given to children with autism.



I'm not anti-vaccine. The government should be held responsible to inform parents of the pros and the cons of vaccinations. It's important to understand not only the benefits of vaccinations but also the dangers it may cause. Giving parents that full knowledge, they then have that option to decide what may be best for their child.

BREAKING: Probe to Reveal Link Between Vaccine Settlements and Autism

Government paid multi-million dollar settlements to dozens of families whose kids suffered brain damage.

Something wicked fishy this way comes...

8 Year Old Kevin Denied First Communion Because of Cerebral Palsy

It was a religious milestone Irma Castro spent months preparing her grandson Kevin for, but when it came time for his first communion, he was denied.

"It hurts and I think it's a form of discrimination," Castro said.

Castro was told by Pastor, Father Phil Henning, with the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Floresville, that because Kevin had cerebral palsy and has the mental capacity of a 6-month-old, he didn't qualify to receive his first communion.

~click for video~

WTF. It's because of these kind of people that causes me to be remain skeptical of organized religion. This little boy probably has more Angels of God surrounding him than this Catholic church could ever understand.
What an embarrassment.
H/T to The Blaze

A Star Is Born

Not only is 16 year old Keenan Cahill's lip syncing videos brilliant, now talk show hosts and celebrities are waiting in line to book him on their shows and concerts. But the reason I took to Keenan is that I have a soft spot in my heart for the disabled. Not to mention, his YouTube's are pretty darn clever too.

They took him to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota where he underwent several tests. Doctors also sent a skin graft to a lab in Australia for testing. That led them to determine that Keenan had a severe form of an extremely rare disorder called Maroteaux-Lamy Syndrome, also known as MPS, type 6.

People who have the disease are unable to break down complex sugars called mucopolysaccharides, which accumulate in connective tissue and organs throughout the body. Fewer than 1,100 of people worldwide have the disease, which leads to severe disability and a shortened life span in most cases.

Doctors told Keenan’s parents that their son would likely be in a wheelchair by the end of his teenage years if he was not treated. His growth would be extremely hampered, though with this particular type of MPS, there would be no cognitive impairment.

h/t to The Blaze

Unconditional Love

Bridesmaid Prank Goes Tragically Wrong, Leaves Bride Paralyzed.

What If It Actually Worked?

U.S. doctors have begun treating the first patient to receive human embryonic stem cells, but details of the landmark clinical trial are being kept confidential, Geron Corp said on Monday.

I have to wonder how much of the truth is being told to the MSM.

However, the patient did not receive an injection of actual embryonic stem cells -- because scientists have still not been able to overcome significant problems in their use with animals.

Specifically, the cells, once injected, cause tumors and are rejected by the immune system.

But that didn't stop Geron from announcing today that it injected the cells into the first patient ever under the first clinical trial authorized by the Food and Drug Administration and the Washington Post, in a story posted today, repeated the false claim.

Simpleton

Aunt tells audience "I would suffocate a child to end its suffering."

Television pundit Virginia Ironside prompted outrage yesterday after saying she would suffocate a child to end its suffering.

Shocked BBC viewers complained after the agony aunt said she would hold a pillow over the face of a child in pain.

Minutes earlier the controversial writer said 'a loving mother' would abort an unwanted or disabled baby, and praised abortion as 'a moral and unselfish act'.

Let's not forget Obama's pick for Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Dr. Donald Berwick.

“The Decision Is Not Whether Or Not We Will Ration Care—The Decision Is Whether We Will Ration With Our Eyes Open.” (“Rethinking Comparative Effectiveness Research,” An Interview with Dr. Donald Berwick, Biotechnology Healthcare June 2009)

“I Fell In Love With The NHS (National Health Service)…To An American Observer, The NHS Is Such A Seductress.”

Be Inspired

A Message To Mothers

I Am The Child

I am the child who cannot talk. You often pity me, I see it in your eyes. You wonder how much I am aware of -- I see that as well. I am aware of much -- whether you are happy or sad or fearful, patient or impatient, full of love and desire, or if you are just doing your duty by me. I marvel at your frustration, knowing mine to be far greater, for I cannot express myself or my needs as you do.

You cannot conceive my isolation, so complete it is at times. I do not gift you with clever conversation, cute remarks to be laughed over and repeated. I do not give you answers to your everyday questions, responses over my well-being, sharing my needs, or comments about the world about me. I do not give you rewards as defined by the world's standards -- great strides in development that you can credit yourself; I do not give you understanding as you know it.

What I give you is so much more valuable -- I give you instead opportunities. Opportunities to discover the depth of your character, not mine; the depth of your love, your commitment, your patience, your abilities; the opportunity to explore your spirit more deeply than you imagined possible. I drive you further than you would ever go on your own, working harder, seeking answers to your many questions with no answers. I am the child who cannot talk.

I am the child who cannot walk. The world seems to pass me by. You see the longing in my eyes to get out of this chair, to run and play like other children. There is much you take for granted. I want the toys on the shelf, I need to go to the bathroom, oh I've dropped my fork again. I am dependant on you in these ways. My gift to you is to make you more aware of your great fortune, your healthy back and legs, your ability to do for yourself. Sometimes people appear not to notice me; I always notice them. I feel not so much envy as desire, desire to stand upright, to put one foot in front of the other, to be independent. I give you awareness. I am the child who cannot walk.

I am the child who is mentally impaired. I don't learn easily, if you judge me by the world's measuring stick, what I do know is infinite joy in simple things. I am not burdened as you are with the strifes and conflicts of a more complicated life. My gift to you is to grant you the freedom to enjoy things as a child, to teach you how much your arms around me mean, to give you love. I give you the gift of simplicity. I am the child who is mentally impaired.

I am the disabled child. I am your teacher. If you allow me, I will teach you what is really important in life. I will give you and teach you unconditional love. I gift you with my innocent trust, my dependency upon you. I teach you about how precious this life is and about not taking things for granted. I teach you about forgetting your own needs and desires and dreams. I teach you giving. Most of all I teach you hope and faith. I am the disabled child.
~Author unknown

Socialized Medicine

What a rotten day this turned out for me after hearing the health care reform legislation had been passed. What the hell is wrong with these politicians? Every single one of those Democraps. Where does Nancy Pelosi and her ilks find the nerve to ignore the American people? How is it possible that they just don't care that the majority have spoken?

When this socialized medicine becomes law, what's going to happen to my handicapped child then? What's going to happen when the government will be the deciding factor if my handicapped child will be eligible to live? What will happen when the government decides that my child with disabilities is not a productive part of this society, so they will ration her care to the point that she will not survive the little care that she receives? Because her health is so fragile, what will happen when the government will decide that they can't afford to give her an ultrasound for having a simple tummy ache? But in fact, a simple tummy ache for her could be life threatening. My daughter cannot take generic anti-convulsant medication. What will happen to her when the government will take away our Brand name medication which has been controlling the life threatening convulsive epilepsy that she has? Generic medicine will surely kill her. The government will kill her. They will decide whether my daughter should live or die. And they could care less either way, that's obvious by the decision they've made not to listen to the American people.

What can I do? Who can I rely on? Who can I trust? We're at the mercy of these politicians. The doctor's will also have their hands tied by these morons. My daughter will surely die under this government controlled socialized medicine. That I know is certain. If that isn't enough to fill me with disdain, I don't know what is. If someone can tell me otherwise...I'm all ears.
Frankly.....politics is bullshit.