Coping with a curve ball
Capital Electric - November 1, 2010
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Mike and Jessie Zimmerman supported the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation by participating in the Great Strides Walk at Sertoma Park in Bismarck with their daughter, Addie, to raise money and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis. |
Surprise diagnosis 'thrown' at family; Operation Round Up provides assistance
Mike Zimmerman carries a small, handwritten journal in his pocket to record his daughter's milestones. He and his wife, Jessie, want to remember Addie's first giggles, first teeth, first steps. But it's the moments in between, like when she has a persistent cough or shortness of breath, that are the most important to note. For Addie, common cold symptoms can quickly lead to life-threatening lung infections and hospital stays. Adalyn "Addie" Rae Zimmerman suffers from Cystic Fibrosis.
Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited condition which affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States. A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs, obstructs the pancreas, and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food. Currently, there is no cure for the disease.
When Addie was born, Mike and Jessie did not know they were carriers of the Cystic Fibrosis gene. Doctors suspected the newborn's disability after noting her distended bowels. Their suspicion was confirmed upon receiving the results of a typical newborn screening.
"All any parent wants is to have a healthy child, and then … you just never think it's going to happen to you," Mike shares. "It was a surprise for us."
Addie's diagnosis came with immediate and long-term challenges. To break up and expel the thick mucus, Mike and Jessie quickly learned to perform treatments and give medications. Addie receives at least two treatments each day, consisting of nebulizer breathing sessions to open her airways and start to break down the mucus, and pounding on her chest and back to loosen the crud.
The amount and length of treatments can vary, according to the individual's disability and if the person has a cold. Thankfully, at only eight months, Addie has had few colds. In the beginning, she used to wake for the stimulating treatments. Now, she sleeps through the sessions.
"She seems to find the repetition soothing," Jessie assesses.
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Jessie says Addie has an "amazing" personality. At 8 months, Addie can be laid-back and quiet, or filled with smiles and giggles. |
To supplement the treatments, Addie takes an antacid to lower the acid in her stomach, as well as a multivitamin. She also takes three enzymes with each meal to help her digest food. Her care is closely managed by a local pediatrician, as well as by a group of pediatricians, a pulmonologist, a respiratory therapist and a dietician at the University of Minnesota, who specialize in treating patients with Cystic Fibrosis.
Mike works as an account analyst and Jessie as an administrative assistant. While they express gratitude for good employers and adequate health insurance coverage, the bills associated with Addie's medication and treatment can be overwhelming. And as Addie ages, the drug regimen and associated expenses will continue to increase.
Jessie's parents, who are Capital Electric members, suggested the couple apply for a grant through their co-op's Operation Round Up program. A co-worker of Mike's also referred them to the co-op's program. Operation Round Up is a voluntary program for Capital members who agree to have their monthly electric billings "rounded up" to the nearest dollar each month. Those rounded-up pennies are placed in have a financial need in the communities the co-op serves.
At first, Mike and Jessie debated applying.
"There are people in worse situations than us," Mike acknowledges.
But after paying some big bills and wondering, "How are we going to do this?" the couple reconsidered and applied for a grant.
In August, they received a letter from Capital stating Addie's disability was worthy of a grant.
"From day one, we've had such great support, and this grant is another example. [Cystic Fibrosis] was one of those things thrown at us, and we didn't know what we were going to do. A grant like this, it really does make it easier on us," Mike explains. "We count our blessings."
No matter what challenges lie ahead, Jessie indicates she and Mike enjoy being parents and are in love with their giggly girl.
"We don't' know what tomorrow brings, but we take today and enjoy it," she says.