Timothy's Wish (pleas help)

[David Hoerle]

   Timothy is a ten year old boy who was born with Ondine's Curse
(Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome). Simply put, he stops
breathing when he goes to sleep. At two weeks of age, he had surgery to
implant a trach tube, and for the next eight years, was ventilator
dependent. His bedroom was very much like an ICU, ventilator, heartrate and
oxygen monitor, oxygen bottles, CO2 monitors, ambu bags, stethescopes, etc,
etc. About two years ago he had an operation to implant a breathing
pacemaker. It took over a year to find a surgeon willing to do the
operation, and the pacemaker had to be purchased up front ($65K). There were
several complications after the surgery that involved repeated visits to the
hospital. A year after the pacemaker implant, he was able to have the trach
tube removed. This has helped his self-esteem greatly as he no longer looks
different than his classmates in school. Timothy's medical condition and
expenses have been a burden on his entire family, and many sacrifices have
been made for his care.

   Timothy's wish is to visit Walt Disney World with his older brother and
younger sister. Your gift of just one dollar can help make his wish a
reality. On behalf of Timothy and his siblings, thank you for your kindness.

   You may send your gift to:

  Timothy's Wish
  4272 Hoover Road
  Grove City, OH 43123

March 14, 2002