Happy 11th Birthday Reese!

Reese was born to Shawn and Doug Coble on January 29, 2002.. a seemingly healthy child. He was a very cute and happy little boy, but repetitious visits to the doctor, and mom's intuition, indicated something just wasn't right. On August 1, 2002 after many tests had been run, Reese was diagnosed with Hurler Syndrome (MPS 1-H). Hurler Syndrome is a genetic, metabolic disorder that attacks every major organ, the central nervous system, their vision, hearing, and even their bones due to the lack of the alph-L-iduronidase enzyme. Reese's early diagnosis was a sign that Hurler Syndrome was already taking its toll on his little body and immediate intervention was needed. The words "there is no cure" were the hardest to digest. The only 'treatment' that was approved was a Stem Cell Transplant. This involved many tests, several surgeries, and intense chemotherapy before the transplant could occur. Finally, on December 5, 2002, at Duke Children's Hospital in Durham, Reese received his second lease on life. His transplant was a success in that he was 91.5% donor cells by mid-January, 2003. He was released from the hospital but was required to make clinic visits every day. He was administered various drugs orally and intravenously at home and in clinic. He was readmitted to the BMT unit several more times for various reasons but his visit to clinic on February 17 ended in another admission. More tests were run and it was determined that Reese had parainfluenza in his lungs. In other words, a viral pneumonia had worked it's way into his immune suppressed body and was taking its toll. Reese was put on oxygen, then c-pap, then bi-pap, then to PICU on a ventilator. The ventilator was not enough to supply oxygen to his body so he was moved to the oscillator (life support). It was in hopes that the virus would run it's course and let him rest while he healed. After eight long, grueling days on life support, Reese only descended down hill. There were no more tricks up anyone sleeves... the only thing that could save Reese at this point was a miracle. His parents had to make the decision to remove him life support. He died in his mother's arms surrounded by so many people who loved him and tried to make him all better. Reese was 13 months old when he flew from the loving arms of his mother into the welcoming arms of Jesus.
This journal is still kept in memory of Reese in hopes that it will help someone who is fighting the same battle he fought and the same battles his family fights every day. Please sign the guestbook to let us know you were here. Thank you and God Bless!!

I miss you Reesie Cup
You were in our arms for but a moment, but you'll be in our hearts FOREVER!!!

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Words from an Angel

I have not turned my back on you,
So there is no need to cry.
I'm watching you from Heaven,
Just beyond the morning sky.
I've seen you almost fall apart,
When you could barely stand.
I asked the Lord to comfort you,
And watched him take your hand.
He told me you are in more pain,
Than I could ever be.
He wiped his eyes and swallowed hard,
Then gave your hand to me.
Although you may not feel my touch,
Or see me by your side.
I've whispered that I love you,
While I wiped each tear you cried.
So please try not to ache for me,
We'll meet again one day.
Beyond the dark and stormy sky,
A rainbow lights the way.

Author Unknown

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TO DONATE TO THE GRACE COVENANT 'REESE'S CENTER' SEND TO:

Grace Covenant Church
257 Hylton Street
Mount Airy, NC 27030

Thank you and may the peace of the Lord be with you.
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Journal

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Dear Reese..

You're ELEVEN!! WOW!!

I'm honestly at a loss for words. How can I tell you how much I miss you and love you any other way than I already have... The hole in my heart is really being a pain today. It literally HURTS...

I wish you were HERE with US to celebrate your birthday.. I mean your PHYSICAL body... I want to hug your little neck and kiss those sweet cheeks. I want to know what you look like.

I miss you baby.. sooooo very much. Please send me a lady bug today! I sure could use one...

Happy Birthday baby boy..

as always,
MOMMY LOVES YOU!!

Read Journal History

Hospital Information:

HEAVEN

Links:

E-mail Author: shawnysamuelson@yahoo.com

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