PTH 1 -34

At 10 am today, Zach received his 1st injection of the parathyroid hormone that his body does not make.  It is called PTH 1 - 34.  It is a subcutaneous injection that we will be giving him 2x per day.  After practicing on a couple of oranges this afternoon, I gave Zach his 2nd injection at 5:30pm.  Zach didn't cry or fuss at either time.  However, he looked at me after I gave him the injection and asked, "am I better now?" 

Over the past couple of years we've been able to meet some pretty extraordinary kids and NIH is no exception. Zach has made several new friends here and tonight I want to tell you about Sean.  Sean is 8 years old and has a blood disease called CGD.  This is a complicated disease and very difficult to treat.  In fact the only way to improve his quality of life is to have a bone marrow transplant.  Last night at 11pm Sean received his bone marrow transplant.  The transplant itself is relatively easy.  They transplant the new bone marrow thru the central line in his chest.  However, the week before this they give them chemo and radiation.  The kids with CGD do not have cancer.  The reason for the chemo and radiation is to bring them to the brink of death so that their body will accept the new bone marrow from the donor. It is unbelievable.

So here at NIH they throw a Birthday Party the day after you have a bone marrow transplant!  Cake, balloons....the works!
Today Zach and Sean played Star Wars and angry birds, they had a blast.  How can Sean do this?  Because his body isn't really sick yet.  In about a week he will not be able to leave his room.  He will loose all his hair.  He will begin the fight of his life. They will be here for at least 100 days.  If the bone marrow doesn't take....it could kill him.
Sean is from Louisiana and is the oldest of 4 kids.  His dad is a youth pastor and his mom is one of the sweetest most grounded women I have ever met.  Please pray for Sean
love t