Short Story of Audra

Audra was born on 7/13/89 and it appeared to be a 'normal' birth with high agar scores. However, at the age of two months. Audra starting having what was determined, at the time, to be myoclonic seizures, cerebral palsy, severe developmental delay, scorlios spine and other vision/hearing dysfunctions. This occurred immediately after she received her first 'baby shots' (DPT). We have had rock bottom studies performed all over St. Louis, MO and a nine week stay at a hospital in Minnesota which is strictly for seizure disorders. The origin of her disorder was and remains to be undetermined. For the next 2 - 3 years of her life, we literally "lived" in the hospital, mainly in St. Louis and in our home town , Evansville. From this point her hopitalizations have lessened to an average of once per month until the age of 10. At present, her hospitalizations have substantially decreased, however, when the need arises, it is almost fatal. We have tried all medications available and numerous combinations to try and gain control of her seizures, however without much success. In her early years, Audra would literally seizure around the clock with a mass variety of seizure types. She would have myoclonic, tonic, clonic, staring, apnea and GTC (Grandma/Generalized Tonic/Clonic) seizures.


She got to the point where she could not eat orally due to the mouth seizures and we had to have surgery at the age of 1 1/2 years. Ever since then her sole nutrition and medicines are given to her via a gastric button in her stomach. I cannot even begin to tell you how many times I have had conferences with the Doctors during all of her hospitilizations stating this was it, her life would not continue through the night. At present they are all amazed that she is now 12! They think she has a very stubborn and persistant Mother. She has lived such a touch-n-go life and I am so very lucky we have come this far. She is fortunate to have a nurse care for her so that I may work.


         

Audra is a very beautiful little girl who deserves so much. Sometimes it saddens me to know that my daughter will never live the "normal" life that other children are so fortunate with. There are three main things that brings joy in her eyes. That would be lights, music and being emerged in water. She is like a fish! If you could only see the wheels spinning in her little brain when she is in a swimming pool...it would fill your heart with much joy, as I know it does mine. There's nothing better.




                    



Audra is now 12 years old, approximately 105 pounds, 4' 4" long and refuses to bear her own weight. This makes it very difficult since I am, and have been, a single parent since she was two. When I am at work, Audra is cared for by a nurse who is even smaller than my daughter. It is always one-on-one with Audra, for the most part. The reason for the pool for myself is the buoyancy it will give in working with Audra on bearing her own weight, as it takes three grown adults to achieve this on 'land' and this is only accomplished when she has physical therapy 2 times a week for only half hour sessions. The reason for having a pool in Audra's eyes would be that she would think she has a huge bathtub to play in. My hopes are like those of any parent, we want our children to grow up and live a productive life. We all want/need to feel accepted by those around us. However, I must say when we are around other children and I watch them do such menial things, like as you a question, eat a hotdog or just tell you what they want. This brings tears to my eyes for me, as my daughter will never experience these things. Audra is the most cheerful little girl. She is full of nothing but pureness and love, offering nothing more than smiles and hugs to all who enter her little realm of the world, no matter what the situation is.



Audra always enjoyed going to the circus

The reason we are in desperate need of the therapeutic pool is that Audra has, as perviously stated, a severe seizure disorder, CP and is severely developmentally delayed. She will never have the gift of walking or speech. She was diagnosed with not living past the age of one. God has been with us the whole step of the way and thus, my daughter lives to finally enjoy life a little better, as her seizures have lessened to approximately 5 or so per month. They are very hard siezures, but the duration has reduced substantially allowing me now to work harder on her development.


At present, she is developmentally at the age of 1 - 2 years. Communication (though not through words) is her stronger area. With this pool, it is my hope that her weight bearing will improve, thus advancing her developmentally and allowing her to stay at home with me, where she belongs and not be institutionalized, as so many children are once they become too much of a burden to care for in their own home. This would devastate me if this should happen. She is my all. The pool must be enclosed due to her seizure disorder. She is very susceptible to climate changes and therefore, I must control her environment. This is a very important factor in installing this pool. The pool is designed with a ramp, a lift chair, jets and rails to assist us in manipulating her with exercise and we are looking into other devices which may help with her future growth. The cost estimated for this project is at present, $50,000.00 The final tally will not be known until the installation is complete.


      


To My Darling Princess -

Audra has been hit w/real hard ball since she was a baby & she has endured alot of hardship, but she has also had alot of great things happen in her life. Besides being hospitalized most of her life, she has flown on a plane, went to amusement parks, fall festival, proms, zoos, Shrine Circus, field trips, mall, etc. - But, throughout her travels, she never once thought she was different - she only admired those around her & appreciated who they were. She had the biggest heart I've ever seen & judges no one - loved everyone & everything - She never seen any bad in anyone or anything. We could all learn from the life she held - to love, not judge & accept us for who we are - This was her message - please ponder in her memory -

I Love You Audra!
Mom

I had the priviledge of living with you for almost 19 years! You are my Angel. I can't say enough how much I Love You & I'll see you soon - Love, Mommy

P.S. Subrutt loves & misses you & MC can't stop talking about you - go figure -



              





A meeting was held quite far from Earth;
"It's time again for another birth."
Said the angels to the Lord above,
"This special child will need much love
Her progress may seem very slow,
Accomplishments she may not show,
And she'll require extra care
From the folks she meets way down there.
She may not run or laugh or play,
Her thoughts may seem quite far away.
In many ways she won't adapt,
And she'll be known as handicapped.
So let's be careful where she's sent,
We want her life to be content.
Please, Lord, find the parents who
Will do a special job for you.
They will not realize right away
The leading role they're asked to play,
But with this child sent from above
Come stronger faith and richer love.
And oon they'll know the privilege given
In caring for this gift from heaven.
Their precious charge, so meek and mild,
Is heaven's very special child."

John and Edna Massimilla

 








         


My daughter Audra passed away recently at the tender age of 18. As she had medical problems her entire life, there was no insurance to help pay for her burial. I am asking that you please consider a small donation to help me. Any amount would be greatly appreciated.


Make all monetary donations to:
Audra Statz Memorial Fund
c/o Integra Bank