Sidney White update
December 2, 2008
Eugene, OR
I want to update everyone on how Sidney is doing. We revisited the neurologist in Eugene last week and he wants to get a CT scan of Sidney’s brain. He said that things may show up on the “older” technology that sometimes the new technology (MRI) will miss. It is just another precaution or way to rule some things out. Sidney’s second MRI is currently scheduled in 6-8weeks depending upon how she does i.e. no physiological changes that would cause the doctors concern for Sidney’s immediate health.
The waiting is really hard on us as a family but it is something that we must do. There are 2 areas of concern – the lesion on her brain and secondly the behavioral change resulting from the lesion. Of immediate concern to the doctors is Sidney’s behavioral change. It has to be managed the right way to minimize the effect toSidney in the long term. Her ability to interact socially, physically and mentally are all affected at the present time. The medications are keeping everything in check for now but we are seeing very little if any improvement to date. From my research the medications can take months and even then she may have to try other types and doses to get every thing right.
Once the chemical imbalance in her brain is corrected then we have to undergo the behavioral therapy or in other words teaching her how to overcome the mixed messages she is currently receiving in her brain. One of the behavioral therapy hospitals we are looking at is UCLA in California where they have a 3 week partial inpatient program.
Again I would like to thank everyone for their tremendous support which has helped us in a lot of ways – big and small – it all make’sa difference in helping my family to get through this challenging ordeal. Your prayers, thoughts and kind wishes are warmly received and we thank you for them. We are very grateful to have so many great friends at a time like this.
Wishing you all a healthy and safe Christmas season.
God Bless
Mike, Lisa, Nyree, Kenzie and Sidney.
orkiwi@comcast.netSee Original Article If you know the Whites, you know that they would never ask for anything; they are truly a family that gives. I am posting this message in the hope that all of you will send your prayers and best wishes to the White family. Getting Sidney well is the ultimate wish. She is now in the hands of some of the best children's doctors in the world. But as Mike says, she needs the power of your prayers during her battle.
The Eugene community is quickly mobilizing to help the Whites. An account has been set up at U.S. Bank titled, "Sidney White Donation Account." Any U.S. Bank can accept funds for this family. Obviously, the internet can also provide access. Understanding that these are difficult times for all, any help you can offer would be great.
You can reach Joann and me at allister@ondecksoftball.net. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to touch base with us. Thank you very much.
Derek Allister
