Thank you Gardner/Barber Family!!!!

Thank you Gardner/Barber Family!!!!

Posted on Mar 25, 2011 in Make the Commitment - Make a Difference by vgaynor 2 Comments

Our son Cashel was diagnosed 14 years ago with SMA Type 1. We had so many questions and got very little answers, we went to the library, found NOTHING; we searched the Internet, found next to NOTHING, so we quizzed Cashel’s doctors and got some information but not much except, “Take him home and love him he WILL die by 18 months”. This was unacceptable to me! So, we just learned as we went and never gave up, losing Cashel was not an option. By the time Allie was born 2 1/2 years later we had almost lost Cashel over a dozen times due to choking on his own spit, he spent weeks in the hospital, he had pneumonia, got his G-Tube and finally, we gave in to a tracheotomy and a ventilator. Allie was also diagnosed with SMA Type 1, but this time the doctors said “Take her home and care for her like you do Cashel because you defy the odds”. Allie had the blessing of being the 2ND child as we had learned how to care for and what to do in emergencies with Cashel, so she never had it as hard; we gave her a G-Tube and trach at 7 months. We have been so blessed over the years our family has grown and changed, Cashel is now 14 years old, Allie is 12 years old and I also have 6 year old Emily that is SMA free.

It is amazing the progress that has been made in 14 years and all the advanced treatments that were not available to Cashel and Allie when they were babies. We always felt we were alone with our fight against SMA until one day a few months ago I somehow connected on Facebook with another family fighting SMA and now we have a huge SMA family, I have been talking to Cashel about the families I have recently met on Facebook, all the precious angels out there fighting for their lives and about Dr. Kasper and his gene therapy research. When I found out about the 200 commitment I jumped at the chance to help. See, I often talk to Cashel and ask if he wishes he was a regular kid that could walk and play sports and stuff and he always replies “No, I like me”. So I wasn’t surprised when I talked to him about the 200 commitment and what it would mean to SMA and possibly him and his sister if human trails could begin and Cashel said ” I would rather Allie and all the other babies be helped first”. Our commitment is made on behalf of not just our family but to the other SMA families we have never met in person but love deeply, and to the families in the future that have probably never heard of SMA until they get the terrible diagnosis that will change their lives forever.

~Sandy Gardner

On behalf of the Gardner/Barber Family

(Cashel Gardner, Allie Gardner, Brandon Gardner, Matt Barber & Emily Barber)

 

 

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  Teri Taylor, aka Nana to Cash Mar 25 2011 - 10:03 pm Reply

  I’m so happy to see you here!!! I am SOOOOOOO happy that we met through Facebook. We are all a huge family fighting together and we WILL get there!!!! Cashel’s attitude is amazing. You should be proud of yourself.

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  Renata Linn Mar 28 2011 - 2:48 am Reply

  Sandy – Thank you for sharing your story of inspiration and courage with the global community. Every time I read about the adversities your family has faced, I find myself blubbering in tears of joy and sadness all at once. May God continue to watch over you with his many angels. Your family is always in my thoughts. To Cashel; you truly are a hero above all others. Your perseverance is a beautiful gift of your strength and ability to overcome all odds. Thank you for your charisma, personality, and radiant smile. You are an amazing soul with the most loving heart. Your sisters are blessed to have such an amazing big brother and loyal friend. Love endures all obstacles – Renata.