Kevin’s Story

Site created on May 17, 2018

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.

In February 2018, after weeks of breathlessness and weakness, Kevin was diagnosed with secondary Pulmonary Alveoli Proteinosis (PAP), a rare lung disease that affects 6 in every 1 million people.  Since the diagnosis, Kevin has undergone two whole lung lavages, a process by which the lungs are washed out with saline in order to clear build-up of surfactant that collects on the alveoli, blocking oxygen from being distributed throughout the body.  The lavages brought little relief and Kevin is on oxygen 24/7, unable to work and weakened by limits to his mobility.

Kevin was forced to end his successful business, McGill's Quality Decorating, earlier this year.  He thanks his many loyal customers for their support that kept him in business for more than 30 years.

 In early April, Kevin began the first in a 24-week therapy using inhaled GM-CSF (Leukine) to help treat the PAP.  We are hopeful that he shows some signs of improvement as treatment progresses.

Please keep Kevin in your thoughts and prayers.




 






Newest Update

Miracle

Journal entry by Kathy Miller —

We waited a few days to post this update, because we didn't want to risk jinxing the diagnosis.

Kevin has experienced a spontaneous remission of PAP.  He began requiring less oxygen a few weeks ago and decided to forego any oxygen 24/7 about 10 days ago.  A visit to the pulmonologist and a CT scan of the lungs confirms a "significant improvement."  He will go off hospice care tomorrow and will start working to get stronger and move on with his life.  We are optimistic that he will continue to improve and hope this disease will remain in remission for a long time.

We can't thank you enough for your thoughts, donations and prayers -- especially your prayers.  His doctors have never seen someone rebound from such a grim diagnosis!  Believe me there were hugs and high fives all around at Central DuPage Hospital on Tuesday when the new diagnosis was shared.

Kevin is a true holiday miracle!  After a long, hard year, we are so happy to share this news with you!
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