HOPING FOR A MIRACLE, BUT TAKING WHAT COMES
Stuffed animals are used to adjust Adrianne's
position frequently. |
Adrianne Gayman was born to Kelly and Matt Gayman of Rich Hill, Mo., on Feb. 16,
2000. Doctors soon diagnosed type 1 spinal muscular atrophy and suggested that
the young couple not go to great lengths to keep her alive. The Gaymans instead
had physicians put in a gastrostomy tube for Adrianne's feedings and prescribe
BiPAP assisted ventilation for her.
"Stay with positive doctors," Kelly advises. "If the doctor has a negative
attitude, get away from him. He won't do all he can for your child."
As for the difficulties of caring for Adrianne, Kelly says, "She's our first
child. We don't know what it's like to have a healthy child, so it's not a big
change for us. You have to live for the moment and take care of them while you
can."
Right: A gastrostomy tube allows formula to go
directly into Adrianne's stomach. The mesh band around her chest holds the tube
in place when it's not in use. Left: Adrianne uses BiPAP assisted ventilation. |
The Gaymans are fortunate to live in a town of 1,400 people where friends and
neighbors are so interested in Adrianne's welfare that Kelly had to write
several newspaper stories to keep everyone up to date. Kelly's parents live a
quarter of a mile away and frequently help with the baby, as do close friends.
Kelly's high school class raised over $18,000 for the family at a recent 10-year
reunion party. "That has allowed us to take her places to double-check on what
we've learned," Kelly says of the out-of-town trips to medical centers that are
a part of Adrianne's young life.
These days, Adrianne is gaining weight and has many facial expressions that
allow her parents to "read" her easily. She can say "daddy," "mama" and several
other words, and can wave bye-bye.
"Kelly and I believe miracles happen every day," Matt says. "We pray for it
every day. And if that miracle doesn't happen, we know that God has a different
plan. That's a lot of what keeps me and Kelly going." 
|
