Donna Saker's Blog: Sophie you are my hero

This won't be a blog about working out this week. Or me for that matter which is a relief. This will be about a girl with a giant heart and spirit. She really has become my new favourite person. A day does not go by when I do not think of her. And it's a good thing because some people this week have really peeved me off.

Luckily there is a big giant space in my heart for Sophie and her Mom Christina to fit in. I met Sophie during the St.Justine's Children's Hospital Radiothon. I was thinking were did this giggly, vibrant little girl come from? So here is her story.

Sophie has a Cardiovascular disease, an auto-immune deficiency and they suspect she also has Cryoglobulimia (her blood turns to slush when she’s cold). On top of all that she has chronic bleeding…she bleeds from her nose and gums between 15-45 minutes everyday. She loses a lot of blood so is anemic and requires occasional blood transfusions. She has a hard time handling the cold weather. Add to that high blood pressure and arthritis type pain in her legs, feet and hands.

She has been treated at St-Justine’s since she was 18 months followed by 6 different departments. Last month the immunologist decided to stop her monthly IVIG treatments which were supposed to increase her auto-immune system but after 2 yrs there was no change in her system. The doctors were hoping to slow down the progression of her illness but it did not work. So, after 8 years of poking and prodding Sophie's Mom says they are back to square one.

The cardiologist and Nephrologists are monitoring her closely because she has the vascular system of a 70 year old who has smoked all her life or suffers with high cholesterol. Her veins and arteries are becoming more and more rigid. This affects her blood circulation. Her heart and kidneys are simply not getting the blood and oxygen they need.

Are you still with me? Have you complained today about your life and your stressed out existence? Imagine Sophie's parents wondering how things will turn out. Sophie at the tender age of 9, is like any little girl, loves fashion, loves music and is very artistic.

Luckily the Starlight Foundation granted Sophie's wish to swim with dolphins at Disney World and the whole family got to go! That is why it is so important to donate the 12daysofstarlight.ca. We need to raise $150,000 by next Wednesday, so Starlight can continue to make life a little bit more bearable for my friend Sophie.

Sophie I will always be your friend, you are strong, beautiful and inspire me always.

Donna www.12daysofstarlight.ca