Michelle Kish Medical Fund
Donation protected
Michelle Kish is an 18 year old girl who was born with a rare genetic disorder, Hallerman-Streiff Syndrome. The occurrence of this disease is one in five million. Characteristics of the syndrome include: vision impairment, hearing deficit, chronic pulmonary lung disease, cardiomyopathy, microgastria and a rare form of dwarfism. She is dependent on a feeding tube to eat, a tracheostomy and ventilator (at night) to aid in breathing, hearing aid, and a white cane and electronic wheel chair to assist in mobility. Throughout the years she has experienced multiple hospitalizations, surgeries and illnesses.
She currently spent 4 days in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's hospital for a very serious intestinal infection called Clostridium Difficile. This is the third time in her life to have this illness. Each time requiring hospitalization in the PICU. The infection causes severe dehydration and stomach pain requiring IV hydration. However after five attempts at starting an IV, there was no viable access anywhere on Michelle's body. She was teetering on the possibility of getting a central line as her blood sugars were dipping dangerously low. But with a little luck and a lot of prayers, the medical staff was able to slowly administer dextrose and saline fluids via her gastrostomy feeding tube.
She is now recovering at home with her family and 24 hour nursing care.
When Michelle is healthy she is a very happy and active teenager. She enjoys being in the high school chorus at South Elgin High School. She takes acting class and piano lessons. She likes playing computer games and watching her vast collection of DVD's. She is also a part of a program at SEHS called "Best Buddies". It is a group of kids where teens are coupled with kids with physical and developmental disabilities. The pair enjoys monthly gatherings where they can just hang out together. Michelle has developed a friendship with Gia, her "best buddy", and they text, face time, and have gone to a few outings together like watching the SEHS varsity girls basketball game.
While Michelle has multiple physical restrictions due to her medical needs, she is a happy, vibrant and demonstrative young lady. She has displayed a great deal of courage and strength through all her challenges.
She currently spent 4 days in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's hospital for a very serious intestinal infection called Clostridium Difficile. This is the third time in her life to have this illness. Each time requiring hospitalization in the PICU. The infection causes severe dehydration and stomach pain requiring IV hydration. However after five attempts at starting an IV, there was no viable access anywhere on Michelle's body. She was teetering on the possibility of getting a central line as her blood sugars were dipping dangerously low. But with a little luck and a lot of prayers, the medical staff was able to slowly administer dextrose and saline fluids via her gastrostomy feeding tube.
She is now recovering at home with her family and 24 hour nursing care.
When Michelle is healthy she is a very happy and active teenager. She enjoys being in the high school chorus at South Elgin High School. She takes acting class and piano lessons. She likes playing computer games and watching her vast collection of DVD's. She is also a part of a program at SEHS called "Best Buddies". It is a group of kids where teens are coupled with kids with physical and developmental disabilities. The pair enjoys monthly gatherings where they can just hang out together. Michelle has developed a friendship with Gia, her "best buddy", and they text, face time, and have gone to a few outings together like watching the SEHS varsity girls basketball game.
While Michelle has multiple physical restrictions due to her medical needs, she is a happy, vibrant and demonstrative young lady. She has displayed a great deal of courage and strength through all her challenges.
Organizer and beneficiary
Bill Wright
Organizer
Streamwood, IL
Mary Kish
Beneficiary