Unfiltered Insanity

I really do not usually post twice in a day, though it has been known to happen. I don’t want to steal any glory from my sister and her accomplishment, but this is urgent and I need to get the word out! (It’s after midnight here, so we’ll just say it’s a Saturday post.)

I have known Miranda since I was about 13. That’s nearly 16 long years. She and her family lived on the same street as my dad and step mom. I cannot say we became fast friends but once we became friends, we have loved each other ever since.

Miranda and I walked to school together every day for two years (when we weren’t sneaking rides with her then boyfriend). We cut the creek, barked at squirrels, and danced in the rain to and from school. It was awesome. She is awesome.

With Miranda came a kooky, wonderful family that I came to know and love as well. Two zany little brothers who I babysat from time to time, and are now nearly grown men (which makes me feel insanely old). Her mom, who could be one of the girls and was super-easy to talk to about all the drama of the high school life. Her dad, Kevin, who this post is about, who was loving and sweet, and protective, and everything you imagine a daddy should be. (It’s taking all of me now to keep my composure as I write this, so forgive me if I get a little matter-of-fact from here on.)

Kevin has been given a working-diagnosis of Creuzfeldt-Jakob Disease. (A working diagnosis means that they don’t really know what is wrong, and this is what they think is wrong.) It is extremely rare. It is found in one case, per million, per population. It is incurable. It progresses very rapidly, and it is fatal. The website, listed below can give you more information regarding this disease. There are still more tests to be run and I cannot tell you how badly we’re hoping they’ll find something that will change their diagnosis. However, I can say that it is not looking good. All of his tests and studies show Kevin to be a healthy man, right where he ought to be for his age, except that he’s having severe memory loss and neurological deficiencies. This disease cannot be diagnosed by any test, only be process of elimination, until after a patient has passed away and an autopsy can be performed to confirm.

Living in Atlanta, Kevin is getting the best possible care he can at Emory, which is one of the leading hospitals in Atlanta.

This sad news also came with great news, that makes all of this very bittersweet. Miranda has recently become engaged. I have no words for how happy I am for her! Bill is an amazing guy who has his head square on his shoulders and loves my friend like she deserves. I know that Kevin could not have asked for a better son-in-law. Please, please. Pray that Kevin will be well enough to walk Miranda down the aisle (and remember the wedding always).

I’m very heartbroken over this whole situation. I love this family like they are my own and am terrified for the effect this disease will have on the family. All your support and all your prayers will mean the world to them.

***Addendum***
I just realized that I didn’t really give many specifics in the prayer department. Please pray for the doctors to find something to better explain what is going on. The doctors’ names are: Dr. Lah and Dr. Wingo. Also pray for the family, that they can feel God’s love and comfort around them as they are with Kevin through this illness. Pray that Kevin does not suffer too much and that he remains comfortable.

If you would like more information on CJD, you can go here to read more.

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This entry was posted by Lisa on Saturday, May 30th, 2009 at 4:22 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.