Our eldest daughter Kylie was born April 21, 1989, just two weeks premature weighing in at 5lbs.5oz. She was a beautiful little girl that just didn't grow or develope properly. We chose to take her to a pediatrician for a second opinion after the family doctor told us we were young and worried too much. Well, I credit that peditrician with saving Kylie's life. We were referred to Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana where she was diagnosed. After MANY years of struggle, multiple surgeries on her stomach and legs, Kylie developed a second major diagnosis of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Thus, the reason we now live in Florida. The weather here is MUCH more conducive to a good quality of life for Kylie, and the rest of the family loves it too! Kylie is now 11 years old, weighs in at 82lbs. and begins 6th grade in August, at a special school of course. She is a big sister to Michaela, age 4, who is making up for all the trouble Kylie can't get into. Kylie is a true joy in our lives and we wouldn't trade our experiences with her for anything. Sure we have had rough times, but to have her smile at you makes them all melt right away. And, thanks to Kylie, Gary and i both work in the healthcare field. Gary is a Patient Placement Specialist at our local hospital, and I am a Nurse Intern just two semesters away from my RN degree. God gives us these special children for a reason, and in time everyone will find the path He has in mind. We are truly thankful to have found a place like this, where we can communicate with other families like ours. Please feel free to contact us any time, we are happy to share experiences and give advice.

Update: November 20, 2001

Laura FINALLY graduated from nursing school and is working full time as a med/surg nurse at a local hospital. Gary has "retired" to be Mr. Mom and care for the girls, especially since Kylie is a little tuff for Mommy to haul around. We are in the process of building our DREAM home and hope to be in soon after Christmas 2001. We altered the house plans to meet the needs of a wheelchair and are having a whirlpool bath tub installed as well as a heated outdoor pool. Things are FINALLY starting to come together for us after so many years of struggle and uncertainty. Kylie is thriving as a preteen, which is absolutely KILLING her Daddy!!! Just wait till puberty hits full force!! The rest of Gary's hair will probably fall out! Kylie's little sister, Michaela is growing up to be a BIG helper when it come to doing tube feedings and meds, may she will grow up to be a nurse or a doctor!?