Bee Well Kidz

What's the Buzz         July 2008

The official E-Newsletter of Bee Well Kidz

Hello Friends,

I hope you are all looking forward to the summer break. In reflecting on the past year, I found myself feeling very grateful to be doing what I do. Helping children and families to be as happy and healthy as possible is immensely gratifying in itself, but I am also honored to be in the presence of some pretty amazing and selfless individuals. We see a number of children with severe illnesses and developmental delays at the clinic. And while the perseverance of the children is awe inspiring, it is the strength of character of their parents, their unstoppable courage and unending passion to help their children in whatever way possible that consistently makes me feel that I am in the presence of greatness. Many have radically changed their lives and given up careers to accommodate the needs of their little ones. Their selfless actions and positive attitudes make them the everyday heroes that so often go unrecognized. So, in this first issue of the summer, I want to say "thank you" to all of our parents for showing such courage and strength in caring for their children. It is a lesson to all of us how even seemingly insurmountable obstacles can be faced with the indomitable spirit that inspires all of us to try to make this world a better place.

Enjoy this issue!

Naomi Richman, L.Ac.
(CEO and founder Bee Well Kidz, inc.)

In this Issue

* Brandon.
* A Debt of Gratitude!
* Casey.

Brandon

Brandon

Hello. My name is Brandon. I was born with a rare disease which makes my skin hurt. My body is wrapped in bandages to help my sores heal and stop me from tearing my skin if I fall.. My mom and dad take very special care of my delicate skin and have to bathe me very carefully.

I like to play with my 2 dogs and 2 cats (they make me laugh a lot!) and I'd like to learn to ride a bike someday, but I have to be very careful.

 I hope that doctors can help us find a cure for this disease so that children won't have to be in pain anymore.

Read Full Article

Jack Steinberg

A Debt of Gratitude
by Ivy Steinberg 

I am humbled daily by my son, Jack Steinberg. 

Jack turned four years old last August, and was diagnosed with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia before his first birthday. Fortunately, his vision is the least of our concerns, as it is actually quite good. His motor skills are delayed and he has received physical, occupational and speech therapies, as well as swimming and horseback riding lessons, for the majority of his time here on Earth. 

Anyone who has ever been frustrated by learning a new skill could take a lesson from Jack's seemingly endless perseverance and sunny disposition. He strives for the independence most children his age take for granted-being able to push himself into a seated position, walking independently, speech that can be understood-and yet he never shows envy or resentment toward typical children. He delights in watching his friends run around and is very loving to those who are even more challenged than he. 

Read More About Jack (on Page 6)

 

Me and Casey

Casey's Story
by Marty and Tim Barnes  

Casey Erin Barnes came into our life on April 23rd 2006.  She was a few weeks early, but just 3 days from being full term (37 weeks).  Casey came early, but not easily.  Marty (Casey's mom) had a uterine rupture.  Some ruptures are really just tears, however this one split the uterus completely in half.  When the uterus ruptured, Casey and her placenta left the uterus and floated in Marty's abdominal cavity.  

Luckily Marty and Tim (Casey's dad) made it to the hospital very quickly.  The doctors and nurses worked very fast to get Casey out.  Based on the blood gas taken from her umbilical chord Casey went about 30 minutes with limited to no oxygen.  The APGAR was 0 at birth, no breath, no heart beat.  After 5 minutes the resuscitation team had a heart beat; after 10 minutes they had gasping breaths.  Casey was taken to the NICU (and mom to the ICU) where she stayed for the first 2 months of life.  

Read more about Casey