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| Image courtesy of Courtney PostvanderBurg at Tailwind Portraits |
St.
Ann’s Episcopal Church will host its annual Welcome Back Weekend beginning this
Saturday, September 7th from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and continuing into Sunday,
September 8th. The purpose of the annual event is to welcome back
and invite the community, parishioners and non-parishioners alike, to enjoy
each other’s company and welcome everyone back after the beautiful summer
vacation.
The
weekend will be filled with many fun activities on both days. On Sunday – in addition
to a BBQ after the 10 a.m. service, there will also be an opportunity to donate
toy’s to Libby’s Ouchie Box and Make-A-Wish foundation as well as attend a
book launch from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The
book, “One Child, One Million Prayers: Driving through Hell in a Minivan,” by
Windham author, Norma Fitts was recently published in July. It’s the
heartwarming and, often heart wrenching true story with touches of humor about
a mother and an adopted daughter – who are both liver transplant recipients.
But this story is not any ordinary transplant recipient story (as if there is
an ordinary in such circumstances) – the tale includes the “coincidence” of how
it all occurred and how it affected the mother and daughter as well as all who
loved them.
Norma,
at the age of six, was diagnosed with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha 1),
an
inherited condition that raises the risk of liver and lung disease. Some with
the Alpha 1 gene live with very few issues and have a healthy life, but in
Norma’s case, she required a liver transplant.
Despite
all the medical difficulties, she receives a new liver, grows into a beautiful
young woman and marries the man of her dreams. Alpha 1 is only inherited if
both sets of parents carry the gene. But this was of no concern as Norma was
told she wouldn’t be able to have children. A miracle occurred and she and her
husband, Adam, had their first child, a girl named Chloe. All is perfect –
until they discover that Adam carries the Alpha 1 gene, too – and thus, so does
Chloe.
To
prevent the possibility of having additional children who might inherit the
same need for a liver or lung transplant, they decide against having any more biological
children, but to adopt instead. Norma prayed that she would get a child who most
needed her. “I prayed for a child whose needs I could meet and be mothered best
by me,” Norma explained in the book.
Maya
was that daughter. Born prematurely, Maya is eventually diagnosed with liver
cancer – and required a liver transplant at a very young age.
Norma
takes the reader back and forth in time, comparing her experience and that of
Maya’s. Sharing the “hell” that all families experience in such circumstances –
Norma is candid. Honest about the fact that she, as a child was always in the
spotlight (and news media attention), leaving older sister, Jess, feeling
dismissed, alone and unseen as parents and others concentrate on Norma’s health
and survival.
As
a result, Norma shows appreciation to her sister - now the aunt to Chloe, Maya
and adopted son, Lonnie. “Having Jess take care of Chloe and Lonnie was
wonderful because she knew what it was like to be a sister of a sick child –
she knew their needs and was able to advocate for them,” Norma stated in a
phone interview. “She was a blessing.”
Learn
more about Norma’s experience this Sunday. There will be snacks and beverages
available and donations for Make-A-Wish Maine will be accepted at the snack
table.
Norma
has donated fifty books to Camp Sunshine as well as providing two signed copies
that were a part of a Make-A-Wish Maine fundraiser – her two books raised
$1600.
As
for the donation of toys, they will be go towards Libby's Ouchie Box Toy Drive that
was created by the Rulman family. Libby Rulman, a survivor of childhood cancer,
collects toys for the Ouchie Box, located at Maine Children's Cancer Program
(MCCP).
After a clinic visit at MCCP, which may include anything from chemotherapy to a check-up, patients are allowed to choose a prize from the box. The Ouchie Box gives pediatric cancer patients something to look forward to on their clinic day. It often brings smiles after tears.
The Rulman family will be on-site collecting donations for Libby's Ouchie Box Toy Drive. They accept toys for children of all ages: newborns to teens. Gift cards and cash donations are also welcome to help families affected by pediatric cancer.
