Angel Wings Program: Letter of Thanks

I wanted to write to once again thank you for taking my daughter, Jane (not her real name), my mother, and I to St. Louis, Missouri this past December 28 to investigate a surgical procedure that might help, (Jane) to walk, run and play like other children her age. No one outside of my family has ever been that giving to us before and I think that this is a wonderful thing you are doing.

I also wanted to update you about my decision concerning the surgery. As I told you then, the doctor in St. Louis said she is an excellent candidate for the surgery and afterwards most people would never know she has cerebral palsy. But she (unlike some CP patients) can presently walk, run, and play (although she frequently falls) and the things that can possibly go wrong with the surgery would be devastating. Since her surgery would involve the spinal cord the possible complications are paralysis, spinal meningitis, and loss of bladder and bowel control. However, this doctor has never had any major complications resulting from this surgery and he has done over 600 in the last 10 years.

I considered not going through with the surgery because in eye eyes, (Jane) is perfect. She is beautiful, intelligent, healthy, and loves life. When (she) was born I prayed, cried, and asked God for all of these things for her and she beat all the odds just to survive. She is a miracle. I felt guilty asking for yet another miracle through this surgery. I guess I felt this way because I know that we are blessed and that there are so many other children in this world with far more severe problems than (Jane). How could I ask God for anything more?

Now I have decided that we will go through with the surgery. I guess I realized that my prayers were not for me they are for (Jane). How can a mother not want the best for their child? I can no longer feel guilty for asking for her miracles. (Jane) is happy now but at this point in her life she does not realize that to others she may be considered handicapped. At four years old she has not yet suffered the finger pointing and isolation that many children who are handicapped sometimes feel. I want every opportunity for her for now and for her future. The surgery is set for Friday, June 4 (the day after her birthday).

We will have to make numerous trips to St. Louis this summer and over the next few years. We will fly a commercial airline to St. Louis for the surgery. This is expensive but necessary since we will be carrying lots of luggage and a wheelchair for (Jane) to use. We looked into a rental van but thought that the post-op return trip for (Jane) might be too much to bear. I again hate to ask but is there any way that you might be able to take us back to St. Louis about 6 to 8 weeks after her surgery for a follow-up examination. This would probably be the last week of July or the first week in August. I would really appreciate your help and I know this is a long trip and a long day for you. I can only say thank you and may God Bless you!!