HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2006-08-31, Page 2Graduation
THOMAS C. PEARSON
graduated from the University
of Toronto with an Honours
B.A. in Sociology and Political
Science. Tom will continue his
studies at the University of
Calgary in September.
Congratulations Tom, Mum,
Dad, Joe, Michael and Ian.
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PAGE 2 THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2006.
Woman praises local firefighters
Calm before the storm
Little boys love firefighters, but Patty Van der Meer would
be thrilled if her son Ian wasn't becoming so familiar to
them. The two-year-old suffers from epilespy and the
intensity of his seizures is requiring assistance from the
local firefighters several times a week. The seizures have
always happened during the evening, but in the daytime,
Ian is an active, seemingly healthy two-year-old. (Bonnie
Grope photo)
By Bonnie Gropp
Citizen editor
On a lovely summer day, Ian Van
der Meer of Brussels is busy acting
like any two-year old, climbing on
and exploring behind the furniture,
slurping a freezie and chasing after
his big brother and sister.
It's difficult to imagine that that
evening the firefighters will again be
called to the Van der Meer home to
revive him after he experiences yet
another seizure, the fourth that week.
His mom, Patty, has been moved
by the firefighters' continued
compassion and efforts, as well as by
the community's concern. However,
she has been worried that people' are
not understanding and feels they
should.
"The firefighters and ambulance
are here at night, then the next day,
Ian's running around town with me,"
said Patty.
The problem with Ian is a not
uncommon one. Last September,
while sleeping in his mother's arms,
the toddler experienced the first of
what has become many seizures.
"He had just fallen asleep. He arched
his back up and started full-body
convulsions."
As a personal support worker Van
der Meer recognized what was
happening immediately. "I am
trained to handle seizures, but
nothing prepares you for when it's
your own child." She called the
ambulance.
It wasn't until April that Ian was
diagnosed with epilepsy. "It is
common for people to have one or
two seizures in a lifetime with no
explanation," Van der Meer explains.
"Epilepsy is a repetitive seizure
disorder."
By April Ian had had four
convulsive seizures as well as many
petit mal occurences. "This is where
he stares into space for awhile. They
usually last a minute."
To get to the diagnosis, Ian had
four EEGs, one CT scan and one
MRI. The latter found a three mm
scar in the front lobe of his brain,
which probably occurred during the
emergency C-section Patty had.
Knowing the source,-doesn't solve
the problem, however. "Where it's
located is in the area that controls his
gross motor skills and five senses, so
in the neurologist's view surgery is a
last resort."
Van der Meer is not sure she feels
the same way. "They're not here to
witness these seizures. And they're
not here to revive him after he's
done."
"Ian is on anti-seizure medication,
but at this time we have not found
something that works and it's very
frustrating."
During a grand mal seizure the
child is unconscious, then the body
stiffens and after awhile begins to
jerk. The breathing will be shallow
or temporarily suspended, with
bluish skin or lips.
A switch in medication has made
the already frightening situation,
terrifying. Van der Meer said Ian is
currently in what's called status
epilepticus. His seizures last 10
minutes. "They are life-threatening
now. They last 10 minutes and can
repeat before there's time to
recover."
Since the change in medication,
life at the Van der Meer home can to
from "normal to absolute chaos in
seconds."
The seizures usually occur
between 9 and 11 p.m., the hours of
the day that Patty's husband Jason is
at work. "Ian sleeps in the living
room until I'm ready to go to bed,"
said Patty.
When he does have a seizure the
firefighters are called to bring
oxygen -and to assist with AR
because Ian s stops breathing. "The
last time I couldn't get him to start
breathing again," said Van der Meer.
The oxygen is essential to bring
his levels up, but because Ian does
not need it to function day to day,
they can't have it in their home.
Van der Meer credits the
firefighters not only with their
efficiency and compassion, but with
the level of confidentiality they have
maintained. HoWever, she feels it's
time to let the community know a bit
of what's happening. "Since the new
medication, while the petit mal have
decreased, there has been a major
increase in the grand mal seizures.
We were having them once a month
and now it's four a week. The
By Betty
Graber
Watson
Call
887-6236
887-9231
Well another month is spent — all
gone, kaput, games over for August
2006. Summer and its fun
supposedly runs until Sept. 21 but
we all know that once the kids get
At the Branch
Executive
By Jo-Ann McDonald
The executive of Branch 218 met
on Tuesday evening to conduct the
regular business of the Branch. A
successful summer of fundraising
was reported, thanks to the many
volunteer Branch members.
The fish fry crew was off to
Kincardine to feed 200 diners. CreW
chief Glenn Bridge, along with Greg
Wilson, Willis Knight, Sharon
Glanville, Deb Cann and Jo-Ann
McDonald, received plenty of
compliments on a job well done in
the rain.
Saturday euchre saw 13 1/2 tables
at play. The top players were Joanne
MacDonald and Dorothy Carter
with 84 points. Second place went to
Edythe Beacom and Geraldine Dale
with 81 points and Helen Warwick
and Vera Schmidt placed third with
Continued on page 6
firefighters have been incredible and
I don't know what I'd do without
them."
Her mother, Julie Harrison agrees.
"The moral support is beyond what
is expected. The ambulance
attendants have also been so patient
and understanding."
Because of what they call "the big
circus" happening with increasing
regularity, Van der Meer feels the
community should be given some
information on what is going on.
"We go from one day at a time not
knowing When the next seizure will
be. But when it does everyone comes
running and those who see Ian in
that state know how, much our
emergency services are needed and
thank God they are here."
back to school the leisure pace is
over for another year.
But before you get the hanky out
just think of all the things that are
still available. We have a few days of
the CNE, the whole of London fair,
the plowing match by Peterborough,
a few plays at Blyth and of course
the Belgrave and Brussels fall fairs
are all yet to be attended.
So take heart life still has lots in
store.
The last of the sleepovers happen
this week as the grandchildren take
one more round out of the senior set.
Baking, the park, fingernail painting
meets
FROM BRUSSELS
and a little gardening will fill up the
days we have left to holiday before
the school bell tolls.
Betty Shaw is still keeping the
staff at University Hospital busy and
appreciates the cards and visits as
the time can be a little long in a
hospital bed. Harvey on the other
hand is the unofficial restaurant
critic for eating establishments
between here and London.
Campsites have been booked for
the last long weekend and everyone
is hoping for warm and dry weather
to celebrate Labour Day Weekend
before summer is unofficially over.
Rereading this it seems I'm a little
depressed about the season that is
fading but I'm sure that will soon
pass.
Take care of yourself.
Bye now, Betty G.W.
WINGHAM & DISTRICT
-"ek' COMMUNITY LIVING
- • ASSOCIATION
Annual Lottery Dinner & Dance
Congratulations to the winners of $500.
In our Early Bird Draws -
Doug Boyd (July 21)
Lloyd and Shirley Lamont (August 18)
Thanks to all for supporting our event!
See you at the Dinner Dance September 16
at the Howick Arena
Tickets still available — call 519-357-3562