All 4 Jake: tough times

Jake's story

July 21st was a normal day, as were the days of summer before. Everything was in it's place. School days were approaching and the family was enjoying the last days by the pool, ignored bedtimes and high popsicle counts.

Then July 22, 2008 came....

Jake had his first seizure. I did not recognize it as such. It was not until he had several more of these "little jerks" and bloody noses that I thought this could be seizure activity. We were scheduled to see a neurologist on August 4th, after going through our pediatrician, however we didn't make it that far. I was awakened August 1st, by Jake in a full seizure (6 minutes long)...he started to turn blue so I called 911....

Here begins our journey......

...we were taken by ambulance to the hospital. Checked in. Released. 3 more grand mal seizures after being released. Checked back in. Sent home 3 days later. Another grand mal, this one lasting a whopping 11 minutes and taken by ambulance again. Stayed at Childrens Dallas for a week. Upping meds, changing meds and mixing meds.
Diagnosis: Epilepsy
Cause: Unknown
We have now found, through some absolutely amazing family and extended family, whom I will NEVER be able to thank enough, the wonderful doctors and nurses at Cook Childrens Hospital in Fort Worth, who are continuing to help us through this. We have had another grand last thursday, and are averaging anywhere from 5-30 seizures (jerks, drops, stares) a day. I was to begin back teaching at Apollo, but am having to put that on hold until the seizures are controlled. Jake is not able to go back to school until he is 30 days seizure free. We are still waiting for that ONE day. Please pray for our family and for little Jake. Although this is not the end of the world, it is a huge hurdle we WILL overcome. Pray for courage for Jake, understanding as parents, good doctors and for the right medicines.

Jake's mom, Christine

Friday, March 25, 2011

tough times

Yesterday was a pretty tough day. I didn't expect it to be such,but geez it sure turned into one. A couple of my awesome coworkers had asked me to talk to their club, as they are the sponsors. Since Jake was inflicted with this dreadful disease, these ladies have been there supporting ALL 4 Jake every step of the way. This year , their club decided they would make purple key chains to sell and all the proceeds would go to the Epilepsy foundation. these kids and working moms, newly weds, and young teachers have stayed after school, spent time on weekends, and even used their own money for our cause.

So yesterday I went , as they made purple key chains, to introduce Jake and tell them a little about Epilepsy.

No big deal.

Now, those 30 minutes, are haunting me.

I LOVED being there for the kids. I think they saw me as some strong person and Jake as a normal kid. The questions they asked were absolutely amazing.

But, I felt like a little insecure squirrel.

I have not been in that place in a LONG time! I have remembered and reminisced, but not like this. watching Emmet's video with my peers and the students and telling them about Jake, I again caught a glimpse of what he has had to conquer.

Unfortunately, now I am more afraid than ever. Afraid the beast will show his ugly face again.

I can't stand that guy and what he did to us. I hate those memories.

I hate that when Addison hears a siren she goes into fetal position and bawls hers eyes out, no matter where she may be.

I hate what he has done to our family.

I hate that we have a story to tell.

I hate this beast!

But I do love that I have over 100 Doose mommy and daddys telling, sharing and fighting for our story right now in DC!

The Doose Team has taken over DC this weekend for National Purple Day in hopes of turing that White House Purple!

All of this did happen for a reason, no matter how hard it is/may have been.

"Fall seven times, stand up eight"
Japanese proverb