Having a Hard Day?
BevK December 12th, 2006
http://www.news-journal.c…_make_wish.html
The next time you have a hard day homeschooling think of this family. It’ll help you buck up.
The good news is a welcome relief to what Joel said was a tough year. In June, the month before Joel’s birthday, his youngest brother, Micah, died from complications related to Engelmann’s Disease.
“I don’t go to public school, so we’re much closer as a family,” he said. “Our siblings are our best friends.”
Joel’s three remaining siblings, Rachel, 22; Anna, 16; and Joshua, 13, also have the disease, which was inherited from their father, Gary.
“There are about 130 cases in the world. We had five of those cases, but Micah passed away in June of this year,” said the 48-year-old dad. “It’s like muscular dystrophy in that it depletes the immune system. Micah died from just a very simple stomach bug…. one that everybody gets a couple of times a year.”
“It’s primarily a bone disease that also affects the muscular and neuro systems,” added Gina, Gary’s wife of 25 years.
The same fatal illness that took the life of Micah, almost claimed the life of Joshua and Anna on the same day, said the couple, who homeschool all of their children.
It was through that situation that Dr. Jennifer Steeger of the Trinity Clinic in Tyler suggested the family apply with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“It was a stressful summer,” Gary said. “Dr. Steeger said we needed something fun in our lives.”
Make-A-Wish acted swiftly and granted not only Joel’s wish, but also those of Anna and Joshua. Anna selected a trip to San Antonio, including a visit to Sea World, which will take place in April. Joshua is on a waiting list to meet with President Bush.
