Romans 5:3-5

"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems or trials, for we know they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disapointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." Romans 5:3-5



Friday 27 April 2012

An Answer


The human body is amazing.  It's complexity is truly beyond comprehension.  Just over TWO years ago Zach was diagnosed with Idiopathic Hypoparathyroidism
(Idiopathic is a fancy doctors word for "we don't have a clue").

 If you've been following this blog then you will remember that this winter we had Zach's blood tested to see what mutation he has and as it turns out, he has a NEW variant that's not been documented.  This prompted the Geneticist to analyse both mine and Perry's blood
to see if we genetically passed it to him.
Neither Perry or I carry the A784V variant that Zach has.
 "This result indicates that...this variant has arisen de nova in the child, providing support that
 A784V is a disease causing mutation."
I've come to the conclusion that the best part about Genetics is that
 there really is no right answer..lol. 
So, if you are lost and confused...my work here is done..... 

 Here is some Genetics 101
De Nova MutationAn alteration in a gene that is present for the first time in one family member as a result of a mutation in a germ cell (egg or sperm) of one of the parents or in the fertilized egg itself

Disease causing mutationA gene alteration that causes or predisposes an individual
to a specific disease

More info...pretty amazing....

The first genome (a complete set of DNA) cost three billion dollars to sequence and took ten years – they can do one now for a couple thousand dollars in a few days. That means you can scan through the entire genome in any affected individual for mutated genes. The problem is we each carry hundreds of such mutations, making it difficult to recognise the ones that are really causing disease.

The solution is to sequence the DNA of large numbers of people with the same condition and see if the same genes pop up multiple times.  And that is where it gets interesting.  Zach has a NEW mutation that has not been documented. So although there are a few people with a mutation in the CASR gene, their mutations are in a different location than his.

Our bodies are so complex and each one so unique.



Sunday 22 April 2012

Save on....Support

Last June, Global TV Edmonton ran a story on Zach and our situation.  This was "instigated" by Ashley and Jessica.  They called up SuLing Goh at Global an told her about how they wanted to help our family so that we could get to the states for treatment.  When it aired on the 6 o'clock news a man named GEO was watching.  He felt the need to reach out to our family.  He contacted Global and they put him in contact with Jessica and Ashley.

On July 1st last year at the fundraiser, they surprised us with $1800.00 in Save On Foods gift cards!  They also promised us that they would continue to support Zach.  True to their word, on March 24th, 2012 Save On Foods opened up The Brand New Spruce Grove Location.  We were invited to attend the opening of this beautiful store.  They held a silent Auction for Zach and raised $3000.00!  The Silent Auction items were AMAZING and we are humbled by the generous support of this
community we live in.

Perry and Geo and the kids at the opening of
The Spruce Grove Save On Foods


Perry,  Steve and the kids
Steve is the store manager of the
 Save On Foods in Spruce Grove

I can tell you one thing, accepting these generous gifts does NOT get easier.  It puts a lump in our throats and our hearts overflow with thankfulness.  For so long we felt  alone in this battle.  I just wanted to find another family somewhere who had a child with the same disease as Zach.  I thought that would make it easier.  However, God saw fit to give us a child with a disease that truly is "one of a kind".  Then, He surrounded us with a supportive community that has blessed us far and above what we could ever imagine. 
Thank you for your prayers, your love, support and generosity.
May God Bless you, everyone!
XOXOXOXOXO





Monday 9 April 2012

Update

Hi!  We are still basking in our memories of the Make A Wish trip.  It was so wonderful.  Many of you have been asking "what's up" so here is  an update.

Within the next two weeks we should hear the results of the genetic testing that is being done on Perry and I.  This is being done to determine the cause of Zach's "current diagnosis..."heterozygous C>T nucleoitde substitution in exon 7 of the CASR gene". LOL.  Regardless as to what they find out, we have peace and know that even though this is "new" to the doctors, God is Sovereign over all His creation.  Nothing takes Him by surprise. 

Our next trip to Maryland will be from June 6th to the th.  This trip has two purposes.  From the 6th to the 9th, Zach and I will be attending the 6th annual Hypoparathyroid Conference in Rockyville Maryland.  Its about 20 min. from the NIH hospital.  I am very excited to go and learn more from the amazing Doctors and researches that are there.  Perry and I were so blessed to go last year and that is how we finally connected with Dr. Winer and how Zach got into NIH!

Last fall, they asked if I would speak at the conference this year.  This is the list of speakers:
Maria Brandi, MD - University of Florence, Italy
Michael Mannstadt, MD - Harvard University, Massachusetts General
Harald Jueppner, MD - Harvard University, Massachusetts General
Michael A, Levine, MD - Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Dolores Shoback, MD - University of California, San Francisco
Aliya Kahn, MD - McMaster University, Ontario, Canada
Daniel T. Ruan, MD - Boston, Massachusetts
Michael Collins, MD - NIH
Rachel Gafni, MD - NIH
Karen Winer, MD - NIH
Bart Clarke, MD - Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
Barry Bennett, MD - Idaho Falls, ID
Martin Nusynowitz, MD - retired; Keynote Speaker
Glynn Voisin, Esq.
Tanis Klassen
Jim Sliney, Jr - Research Assistant Columbia University
For more information here is the link
https://www.hpth.org/event/6th_Patient_Conf.html

After the conference is done on Saturday, Zach and I will head to NIH for 2 solid days of Doctor appointments and testing.  We get back to good old Alberta on the 13th.

Zach has been doing very well.  They are keeping his calcium in the lower range to prevent an increase in the calcification's in his body.  This is necessary, however it does make him more symptomatic.  He handles it very well and is getting very good and "knowing" what his body needs.  We've had some concern regarding his joints.  I will post more about this latter.

We are thankful for all the prayers and concerns.  We cherish your words of encouragement and support.  Have a great week! luv t