Seven Year Old "Bubble Boy" Defies Odds, Beats Genetic Disorder
Great Britain
At age three, Rhys Harris was diagnosed with Nemo, (Nuclear Factor Kappa B Essential Modulator) a genetic disorder which cripples the immune system. When he contracted TB at age seven, it seemed certain he wouldn't survive.
Rhys's parents and doctors, refusing to give up hope, sealed Rhys in an airtight chamber for two months while he underwent chemotherapy to destroy his damaged immune system, and then a bone marrow transplant to replace it. During this entire time, his parents weren't allowed to touch him and his younger brother Morgan could only see him via web cam. Contracting even the slightest cough could have killed Rhys. This "bubble boy" procedure had only been attempted twice worldwide in the past, and only succeeded once.
This time, however, the procedure was an unmitigated success. Out of the "bubble" after just two months, (when doctors predicted eight) Rhys is now back at home with Morgan, cured of TB and what's more, Nemo-free.
To read more and see pictures of Rhys, visit http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1023870/Boy-cured-terminal-illness-meant-just-kiss-killed-him.html
It's Not About Whether You Win or Lose. . .
Ellensburgh, Washington, US
The bases were loaded on April 30th when Western Oregon University softball player Sara Tucholsky hit the first home run of her college career. Rounding the bases, she suddenly collapsed due to a severe knee injury. The umpires on the field ruled that it was unacceptable for Sara's teammates to help her finish the play. Unable to even stand, she was faced with losing the three-run credit and being carried away from what became her last game of softball.
That's when Mallory Holtman, first baseman for the opposing Central Washington University, took matters into her own hands.
"Excuse me, would it be OK if we carried her around and she touched each bag?"
The umpires ruled that it would be legal. Mallory and a teammate, Liz Wallace, carried Sara over the bases, pausing four times so she could touch each one. In Mallory's words "She hit it over the fence. . . She deserved it."
Western Oregon won the game 4-2.
Read the full story from the Seattle Times at http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/collegesports/2004381880_vecsey30.html
Watch a video at http://youtube.com/watch?v=
-Mother Goose
