Life with The Leivas: Goodbye 2009

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Goodbye 2009

"Beginnings are scary. Endings are usually sad, but it's what's in the middle that counts. So, when you find yourself at the beginning, just give hope a chance to float up. And it will."
Sandra Bullock, in the movie Hope Floats

I don't particularly love that movie but I do love that quote. I am not sad to see 2009 end. It's been a very long, hard year. I'm not really scared about 2010 beginning but I am giving hope a chance to float up! I have a lot of hope for 2010. I don't know what this year will bring, but I hope it's better than 2009!

2 comments:

Wendy Leiva said...: Here's to a Happy New Year for your family! I am glad 2009 is behind us as well. I am hopeful looking ahead to 2010 for us all.
Love, Wendy; Friday, January 01, 2010 5:35:00 PM
Unknown said...: I hope and pray that 2010 is better than 2009 or 2008 for that matter.; Saturday, January 02, 2010 12:00:00 AM

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MPS/Sanfilippo Syndrome

In October, 2008 Olivia was disgnosed with MPS III or Sanfilippo Syndrome, type B. MPS stands for: Mucopolysaccharidoses. It is a genetic lysosomal storage disease (LSD) caused by the body's inability to produce specific enzymes. Normally, the body uses enzymes to break down and recycle materials in cells. In individuals with MPS and related diseases, the missing or insufficient enzyme prevents the proper recycling process, resulting in the storage of materials in virtually every cell of the body. As a result, cells do not perform properly and may cause progressive damage throughout the body, including the heart, bones, joints, respiratory system and central nervous system. While the disease may not be apparent at birth, signs and symptoms develop with age as more cells become damaged by the accumulation of cell materials.

Babies and young children with Sanfilippo Syndrome appear normal, but symptoms begin to appear with age as more and GAGs build up in the cells of the body. There are 3 stages to the disease. Stage 1 the child begins to lag behind peers and begins to display difficult behaviors. Stage 2 the child losing his/her language, becomes hyperactive, chews on everything, and has sleeping difficulties. Stage 3 the child slows down, becomes dependant for all mobility and loses the ability to chew/swallow. There is no treatment or cure for Sanfilippo. Life expectancy varies.