A Special Holiday Request

Kevin and the 911 CARES Supporters,

I'm hoping 911 CARES readers will add my sister, Susie, to their prayers and positive thoughts even though they probably don't know her. Susie is one-and-a-half years younger than I and mentally retarded. She has been having a lot of problems with back pain and fell a week ago. She was admitted to the hospital for testing and Monday they discovered a large tumor on her spine. No doctor in Fresno would attempt the surgery to remove it so she was transported to San Jose Tuesday morning for the surgery.

The surgery went as well as could be expected. The tumor was as large as a "personal" watermelon and had literally 'eaten' four vertebrae in the middle of her back along with damaging two vertebrae above and below it. (The tumor was so unusual we signed a special waiver for the doctors to study it.) Eight vertebrae have been replaced with pins and plates. In the worst case scenario, she may never be able to walk but it's too soon to tell. She has several smaller tumors that are not attached to her spine and were not removed. If all goes well, she will be transported back to a hospital in Fresno Sunday for further treatment.

We will miss not having her here for Christmas because she always played Santa. I haven't been able to go see her because of my own weak immune system. Because of her disability, she still lives with Mom & Dad, doesn't drive and doesn't get out much. Your support, prayers and cards will help immensely. It would show her there are people that care about others even if they don't know them.

Cards can be sent to Susie Daniel, c/o Rosanna McKinney, PO Box 9757, Fresno, CA.  93794

Rosanna
PSTC Family Webmaster