There is a wonderful article on Swininfo about Marin Morrison. She is a 14 year old swimmer that I have had the priviledge to coach on the Collins Hill High School team. She is truly an inspiration to all that meet her.
She was diagnosed last year with a brain tumor. She had the tumor removed and was SWIMMING AGAIN IN 3 WEEKS! Nothing gets this girl down. She has one of the most positive can-do attitudes I've ever seen!
Unfortunately her tumor has grown back. She has had to endure another surgery and is recovering in the hospital now. She is suffering with right side paralysis and numbness which we all hope and pray is temporary.
Now for my selfish plea.....
Please go to swiminfo.com and read her story. Follow the link and post a message for Marin on her caringbridge website (a wonderful website devoted to keeping friends and family posted on the patient's progress). Her guestbook is impressive with posts from swimmers of all levels from all over the world. I would love for Masters swimmers to bombard her site with well wishes and prayers.
Please spread the word and keep Marin and her family in your prayers. Pass this story on to others too. She needs us to show her that swimming is one big family that will support her every step of the way in her recovery.
Thanks from the bottom of my heart!,
Beth McGee :D
This is off of Marin's website. GOOD NEWS!!!!:applaud:
Please write her a short note of encouragement!
Wednesday, November 22, 2006 10:01 AM CST
Tuesday's appointment with a neurologist at Children' Hospital went well as we were able to begin getting an idea of how to look forward from here. It's strange that this was our first meeting with an actual neurologist since we moved to Seattle. We had seen other in the neurology department, but they were nurse practitioners and we had to keep pounding on the door to see an actual specialist. Our concern has been Marin's medications; what's still necessary and what changes might be needed as we go forward. Essentially, the doctor confirmed that her two primary medications to prevent seizures were still necessary and the supplements she's taking seem to be in good balance. One concern is how the long-term use of some of these seizure drugs could affect her liver, so we'll be monitoring that.
After the appointment (rather early in the AM) Marin enjoyed a good long nap (something we all need now and again!). She worked with therapists in the afternoon and with her teacher Ashley in the evening. And then Marin even learned something from Michael, the little man that Mom refers to as 'a jumping bean' decedided he needed to teach his big sis how to jump in the air. And to our amazement, Marin bent herself at the knees, with her brace on her right ankle and foot and launched herself up off the ground to the delight of us all! She got pretty good air, too. The giant smile on her face told us she was just as thrilled as we were. It's amazing how a such a little act can be so satisfying. It really was impressive and an indication that at least she has good strength in the muscles that are working in her right leg.
Looking for little leaps everyday,
Marin & Nancy, Matt, Camlyn & Spidey
In case you haven't seen the KOMO news story (it's really good), check it out on the web at:
www.komotv.com/.../4616302.html
I've been following her story somewhat. What an awesome kid! Good to hear she is making progress!
This is off of Marin's website. GOOD NEWS!!!!:applaud:
Please write her a short note of encouragement!
Wednesday, November 22, 2006 10:01 AM CST
Tuesday's appointment with a neurologist at Children' Hospital went well as we were able to begin getting an idea of how to look forward from here. It's strange that this was our first meeting with an actual neurologist since we moved to Seattle. We had seen other in the neurology department, but they were nurse practitioners and we had to keep pounding on the door to see an actual specialist. Our concern has been Marin's medications; what's still necessary and what changes might be needed as we go forward. Essentially, the doctor confirmed that her two primary medications to prevent seizures were still necessary and the supplements she's taking seem to be in good balance. One concern is how the long-term use of some of these seizure drugs could affect her liver, so we'll be monitoring that.
After the appointment (rather early in the AM) Marin enjoyed a good long nap (something we all need now and again!). She worked with therapists in the afternoon and with her teacher Ashley in the evening. And then Marin even learned something from Michael, the little man that Mom refers to as 'a jumping bean' decedided he needed to teach his big sis how to jump in the air. And to our amazement, Marin bent herself at the knees, with her brace on her right ankle and foot and launched herself up off the ground to the delight of us all! She got pretty good air, too. The giant smile on her face told us she was just as thrilled as we were. It's amazing how a such a little act can be so satisfying. It really was impressive and an indication that at least she has good strength in the muscles that are working in her right leg.
Looking for little leaps everyday,
Marin & Nancy, Matt, Camlyn & Spidey
In case you haven't seen the KOMO news story (it's really good), check it out on the web at:
www.komotv.com/.../4616302.html
I've been following her story somewhat. What an awesome kid! Good to hear she is making progress!
