Day: December 5, 2019

Young Missouri Girl Receives New Liver and Kidney

This Month She Celebrates a Big Birthday a Few Days before Santa’s Arrival

December 4, 2019

—

December is the month when many focus on gifts. For one Missouri transplant family, December is the month to celebrate the ultimate gift —

the gift of life

. This family’s beautiful girl will be celebrating her ninth birthday later this month right before this

family celebrates Christmas. Then on December 31st the Lemires will ring in the New Year by remembering their post-transplant homecoming two years. These December celebrations are made possible by another family, complete strangers, who chose to donate their child’s liver and kidney during the most difficult of circumstances.

Cara and Rich Lemire are no strangers to loss nor to big gifts — especially ones that are life-saving. When they found out in 2010 they were pregnant with a daughter they would name Vivian (which means full of life), they were excited and anxious. Four years earlier, they had lost their first child to Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD). The condition caused their first baby’s kidneys and liver to swell and take up space the lungs needed to grow properly. Cara and Rich were completely unaware of her condition before her birth and they only had two days with their daughter, Renee, before she passed. They allowed themselves time to grieve before considering another pregnancy, but with support from their medical team they decided to try again.

According to Cara, “Once we were pregnant again we were thrilled, but we struggled to let ourselves feel we could ‘get ready’ for her. We had walked this journey before and worried it would lead to the same heartbreaking place. Vivian’s early ultrasounds showed no sign of ARPKD and we felt encouraged about not experiencing a recurrence.”

ARPKD is a rare inherited childhood condition where the development of the kidneys and liver is abnormal. Over time either of these organs may fail. Even though ARPKD is rare, it is one of the most common kidney problems to affect young children. It is estimated that 1 in 20,000 babies is born with ARPKD; both boys and girls are affected equally. The condition often causes serious problems after birth.

At Cara’s 32-week pregnancy check, an ultrasound showed that Baby Vivian’s kidneys were enlarged with cysts and her amniotic fluid was dangerously low. The Lemires were devastated when they were told the baby also had ARPKD. “It was a crushing moment, but we were determined to give Vivian the best chance we could at survival,” Cara said.

When the baby’s heart muscles began to show signs of hypertension, the doctors determined they could not wait any longer and Vivian was delivered a few days before Christmas 2010. The baby’s lungs had some underdevelopment but she was able to breathe with minimal assistance. Vivian’s next challenge was severe hypertension and renal failure with kidneys that were estimated to be the size of adult kidneys in her tiny body.

At two weeks old, Vivian had her first kidney removed and began dialysis 24 hours a day. Four weeks later Vivian had her second kidney removed. The Lemires had to travel 40 minutes from their O’Fallon, Missouri, home to Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis four days a week for Vivian’s hemodialysis. Each session was four hours long. Vivian spent 278 days of her first year of life inpatient enduring several surgeries, battling infections and treating complications of her compromised immune system. Vivian’s medical care made it nearly impossible for both Cara and Rich to keep their full-time jobs; therefore, Rich decided to step back from his career to manage Vivian’s medical schedule of appointments, treatments, specialists, back-and-forth commutes and many more of her complicated medical demands.

Cara and Rich knew Vivian would need a dual life-saving transplant (kidney and liver) for long-term survival. At the start of 2012, while in the midst of Vivian’s hemodialysis sessions and appointments, a transplant social worker suggested Cara and Rich reach out to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) to learn more about fundraising for transplant-related expenses. On January 31

st

, Cara called COTA’s 800 number and completed COTA’s Patient Agreement the very next day.

COTA uniquely understands that parents who care for a child or young adult before, during and after a life-saving transplant have enough to deal with, so COTA’s model shifts the responsibility for fundraising to a community team of trained volunteers. COTA is a 501(c)3 charity so all contributions to COTA are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law, and COTA funds are available for a lifetime of transplant-related expenses.

On March 8, 2012, a COTA fundraising specialist travelled to the Lemire’s hometown to train the volunteers for the COTA campaign in honor of Vivian L. This group of family members and friends, i.e. COTA Miracle Makers, quickly got to work organizing fundraisers to help with mounting transplant-related expenses. Numerous COTA fundraisers were held and the team surpassed its $60,000 goal in a short amount of time.

When Vivian was 2½, the transplant team at Cardinal Glennon officially listed her for a dual kidney and liver transplant. Cara and Rich were anxious but were excited to continue their family’s transplant journey. However the wait became lengthy and Vivian’s case became more complicated as she grew. Cara and Rich were eventually told by the Cardinal Glennon transplant team they were no longer able to perform the life-saving dual transplant Vivian needed.

“We will never forget the moment our nephrologist, whose guidance we trusted, told us if Vivian were her child, she would take her to Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford,” Cara said. Soon after that recommendation, the Lemires flew to Palo Alto, California — more than 2,000 miles away from their Missouri home. Cara says at their very first meeting ‘everything clicked.’ The Lucile Packard transplant team agreed that, when the time came for Vivian’s dual transplant, the Lemire family would need to temporarily relocate to California and start her transplant treatment plan.

In August 2017 after two years of being listed and a near match, the Lemires finally got The Call for both a kidney and liver match for Vivian in California. Cara remembers feeling like their bags were in their hands before they even hung up the phone. It was indeed the call they had been waiting for since the day Vivian was born. On August 9, 2017, Vivian received a kidney and liver transplant and her second chance at life. Cara and Rich received the greatest gift imaginable.

The dual organ transplant went well but required a longer recovery time for Vivian, which meant the family would be in California for an extended period of time. Cara took a leave from her job and the family was able to stay in the Ronald McDonald House very close to Lucile Packard. “With our home and jobs halfway across the country, COTA eased the financial burden and enabled us to be at Vivian’s side during her transplant and lengthy recovery,” they said.

On December 31

st

, four and a half months after her life-saving dual kidney and liver transplant, Vivian and her parents were able to return home to Missouri. It was indeed a positive way to step into the New Year and their new post-transplant life.

“Even before Vivian was born, we knew a transplant was likely in our family’s future. When it became clear the best outcome of Vivian’s transplant would be achieved at a transplant center more than 2,000 miles away from our home, we also knew we were going to need help to make everything work financially. With home and jobs halfway across the country, COTA eased the financial burden and enabled us to be at Vivian’s side before and after transplant. It is a tremendous gift to know COTA is here for our family now and will be …

for a lifetime

,” said Cara and Rich.

Today Vivian is enrolled in elementary school, which she loves and where she is thriving. She loves dancing, singing and participating in any type of music. Vivian is thrilled to be making new friends at school. This Christmas will likely be full of celebration and joy for the Lemires as they enjoy the holidays in their own home. Vivian is indeed a gift for Cara and Rich who went from wondering when The Call would come to now watching their beautiful daughter enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of the season. They will indeed remember their special donor angel this holiday season as well.

Merry Christmas Lemire Family from your COTA Family!

For more information about the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA),

or to find a COTA family in your area, please email

kim@cota.org

.

COTA Kid Vivian Lemire

Kidney and Liver Transplant Recipient

Now That\’s The Christmas Spirit!

By CNBNews.net Staff

(GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ)(Dec. 5, 2019)——With all

the turmoil in the world it is nice to hear some good news now and then. Kelli Sharp, (nee Pfeffer)recently shared just such a tale with CNBNews about her family, friends and perfect strangers helping her get the Christmas Spirit.

Kelli, resides on Market Street with her husband Brett and their children. Kelli is a 1998 graduate of Gloucester High. This past summer the Sharp family lost all of their Christmas decorations they had stored in their basement because of the severe flooding on that street in June.

Sharp said, \”I, along with many members of my immediate family,

have lived, in Gloucester City our entire life. In June my immediate family and I where one of the residents on Market Street affected by the flood. We lost everything in our basement. That included all my Christmas decorations and I do mean all. I have added to my collection year after year. My children would say our house looked like a winter wonderland.\”

\”With not having decorations not even a tree I really was not feeling the Christmas spirit this year.

My brother took to Facebook on Nov 30.

My aunt, Connie Devoe, reached out to a local organization called \”The Helpers.\”

That same night my brother showed up with a truck full of Christmas stuff. Stockings, lights, garland a tree. Decorations for the inside and outside of my house.\”

\”I was overwhelmed with the generosity.

I can\’t thank everyone enough who helped us this year. It meant so much to me and my family.

We spent this past Sunday decorating.\”

\”There is so much sadness and death in the world. Somedays that is all you hear about on the television or radio. The people who helped us have instilled my trust and confidence in the human race.\”

\”On behalf of my family I would like to publicly thank my brother John Pfeffer, my aunt Connie DeVoe and \”The Helpers\” including Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Spotts and Terey and Jean Ayres. Hopefully I have not forgotten anyone if so please forgive me. I have included some photos of the new decorations. \”

EDITOR\’S NOTE: If you have a Christmas tale you like to share send it to CNBNews1@gmail.com

RELATED:

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GLOUCESTER CITY

GOOD NEWS

Former Freeholder Director Backs Gustafson

COLLINGSWOOD – Republican congressional candidate in CD1, Claire Gustafson, announced today that she has earned the endorsement of Camden County’s last Republican Freeholder Director, Joe Condo.

“I’ve had the opportunity to meet with both announced Republican candidates in the First Congressional District and Claire Gustafson is clearly the better choice,” former Camden County Freeholder Director Joe Condo said. “Claire has repeatedly stepped up for the party, held local office and most recently resurrected Camden County’s Republican women organization. She has the skillset needed to take on South Jersey’s political machine.”

Condo joins Greenwich Township Mayor George W. Shivery, Jr., former Magnolia Mayor Joe Adolf and former Stratford Councilman John Dudley in endorsing Claire Gustafson’s candidacy.

“Former Freeholder Director Joe Condo is a remarkable man who’s proven he knows what it takes to win, I am proud and honored to have earned his endorsement,” Claire Gustafson said.

About Claire Gustaafson: Active in her community, Claire is currently the President of Camden County New Jersey Republican Women, a former school board member in Collingswood, a former soccer and Little League coach and a member of Collingswood’s historic commission. She’s owned her own small business for over 30 years and is married with four sons, one daughter and several grandchildren.

GUEST OPINION: PELOSI DEFENSIVELY INVOKES HER RELIGION

by Bill Donahue

|

The Catholic League

Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on Nancy Pelosi’s response to a reporter’s question:

As House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi was leaving her press conference today, reporter James Rosen asked her, “Do you hate the president, Madame Speaker?”

Pelosi was livid. She spun around and, pointing at Rosen, said, “I was raised in a Catholic house. We don’t hate anybody—not anybody in the world. So don’t accuse me of that.” Rosen replied that he never accused her of anything. Red hot with anger, she returned to the podium where she warned him, “don’t mess with me.”

Regarding President Trump, she labeled him a “cruel” man. She then went back to the well. “As a Catholic,” she said, “I resent you using the word hate in a sentence that addresses me.”

Whether Pelosi hates the president, or anyone else, is impossible to say, though labeling him “cruel” surely invites speculation.

What bothers many practicing Catholics is her selective invocation of her Catholic status. Here are a few examples.

Pelosi is a champion of abortion rights, for any reason, and at any time of pregnancy, including instances when a baby can be killed who is 80 percent born. [Note: The U.S. bishops recently named “the threat of abortion” as the “preeminent priority” for Catholics.]

Pelosi rejects the Church’s teachings on marriage, holding that two men can marry and raise a family (adopted children, of course) in a manner that is no different from the normal arrangement of a man and a woman.

Pelosi works tirelessly to support bills like the Equality Act that would devastate religious liberty while also undermining the Catholic Church.

Pelosi will never support school vouchers for indigent minorities, consigning them to public schools that wealthy white people like her wouldn’t set foot in.

Pelosi is such a rank hypocrite that she not only selectively, and defensively, wears her religion on her sleeve, she has the gall to call herself a “

conservative Catholic

.”

She would be well advised either to stop rejecting Church teachings on core moral issues, or stop playing the Catholic card to justify her opposition to them.

Contact: Ashley Etienne, communications director for Pelosi:

ashley.etienne@mail.house.gov

Gmail

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Philadelphia Tax Return Preparer Admits to Preparing False Tax Returns

PHILADELPHIA PA–On December 5, 2019, JOSE SANTIAGO (SANTIAGO), 48, of Philadelphia, PA, pled guilty to six counts of preparing false income tax returns.

SANTIAGO owned and operated Santiago Tax Service in Philadelphia, PA. While operating his tax preparation business, SANTIAGO prepared and filed numerous fraudulent tax returns. SANTIAGO inflated his clients’ unreimbursed employee business expensees and charitable donations; causing his clients to receive tax refunds that they were not entitled to. SANTIAGO’S actions caused a loss of approximately $914,635 to the IRS.

“Tax preparers have a duty to their clients to prepare tax returns that comply with the law and are complete and accurate,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Guy Ficco. “Mr. SANTIAGO failed to uphold this duty; instead he blatantly ignored the tax laws by preparing false tax returns.”

SANTIAGO’S sentencing is scheduled for March 19, 2020, before United States District Judge Joshua D. Wolson. SANTIAGO faces a statutory maximum sentence of 18 years in prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and restitution in the amount of $914,635.00.

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth Schlessinger.

Robert J. Hepner “Headcase” of Gloucester City NJ; Truckdriver

On December 3, 2019. Of Gloucester City. Age 65. Born in Fort Monmouth , he was the son of the late Mary Jane Hepner. He is survived by his beloved wife of 24 years, Maryanne (Raube) Hepner; loving children Jessica McNair (Rob), Lisa St.Clair (Lee), Kelly Reed (John), Roy Bond, Jr. and 8 grandchildren.

Robert worked as a self-employed truck driver for many years before he joined

Double K Transportation in Gloucester City, 5 years ago. A true gear head, he loved to ride his Harley and will be missed by his riding buddies the “Wild Hogs”, Lee St.Clair, Joel Italian, Tony Elam and Robert Dolbow.

Funeral services will be celebrated at 1 pm on Saturday, December 7

th

at McCann-Healey Funeral Home, 851

Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, where family and friends may visit from 11 am to 1 pm. Burial will be held at a privately later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Robert to the American Diabetes Association, 150 Monument Road, Ste. 100, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 or the American Liver Foundation, Mid Atlantic Division, 1528 Walnut Street, Suite 2020, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Condolences and Memories may be shared at

www.mccannhealey.com

under the obituary of Robert J. Hepner. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through: McCann-Healey Funeral Home: Gloucester City: Phone 856-456-1142

Bill to Allow College Athletes to Earn Endorsement Compensation Clears Assembly Panel

(TRENTON) –

College athletics bring in profits for higher education institutions, media outlets, sponsors and others, but the players themselves across much of the nation are prohibited from earning a piece of the revenue.

Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Lisa Swain and Chris Tully (both D-Bergen, Passaic) seeks to eliminate this disparity by allowing college athletes to earn compensation for use of their name, image or likeness. The bill (

A-5863

), known as the “New Jersey Fair Play Act,” was approved Thursday by the Assembly

Higher Education Committee.

“Athletes are the faces of the industry. They are the ones out there on the field, putting in the work that will attract spectators and create opportunities for businesses to profit,” said Swain. “It’s only fair that they have the right to earn compensation for their work.”

Under the bill, a four-year institution of higher education would be prohibited from upholding any rule, requirement, standard or other limitation that prevents college athletes from earning compensation from their name, image or likeness. Earning such compensation would not affect the student’s scholarship eligibility.

California recently passed similar legislation, and New Jersey is the 16

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state to introduce such a measure. Since California approved its legislation, the National Collegiate Athletic Association announced it would adopt a policy allowing college athletes to benefit from their name, image and likeness within the two years. However, critics of the plan say it lacks specifics and may be too restrictive on athletes.

“Every day, student athletes generate massive amounts of value for their schools, leagues, the NCAA, and their for-profit partners. But the group that works and sacrifices the most to generate that value – the student athletes themselves- do not see a single penny,” said Tully. “The New Jersey Fair Play Act finally corrects the fundamental imbalances that have existed in collegiate athletics for far too long.”

A student athlete under the bill would not be allowed to earn compensation in connection with certain products, including adult entertainment, alcohol, casinos, gambling, sports betting, the lottery, video and online game betting, tobacco and electronic smoking products, pharmaceuticals, controlled dangerous substances, and weapons such as firearms and ammunition.

Under the measure, a four-year institution would be prohibited from joining the National Collegiate Athletic Association or any athletic association, conference, or other group or organization with control over intercollegiate athletics that:

prohibits a student athlete from earning compensation as a result of the use of the student’s name, image, or likeness

prohibits an institution of higher education from participating in intercollegiate athletics as a result of the compensation of a student athlete for the use of the student’s name, image, or likeness

provides a prospective student-athlete with compensation in relation to the student-athlete’s name, image, or likeness; or

prevents a New Jersey student participating in intercollegiate athletics from obtaining professional representation in relation to contracts or legal matters including, but not limited to, representation provided by athlete agents or legal representation provided by attorneys

Additionally, a student athlete who enters a contract to earn compensation would be required to disclose the contract to a college official. An institutional team contract would not prevent a collegiate player from using their name, image or likeness for commercial purposes when they are not engaged in official team activities.

The bill would take effect immediately and first be applicable in the fifth academic year following enactment.

CC Prosecutors Office High Tech Crimes Unit Meets with Public

CHERRY HILL new jersey—The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crimes Unit and Cherry Hill Police Department visited the Cherry Hill Mall yesterday

afternoon and manned a table near the Apple Store to share information with anyone interested in purchasing electronic devices for the holidays. While members of the High Tech Crimes Unit shared pamphlets on internet safety and spoke to dozens of interested parents, Sergeant Chris Robinson spoke to a local news station about the importance of a parent’s role in making sure their children are safe in the online world.

The CCPO High Tech Crimes Unit and Cherry Hill Police Department will be in the Cherry Hill Mall near the Apple Store to answer questions on cyber safety on December 12th and December 19th from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Cyber-Safety-Tips-for-Children_Philadelphia-565808112.html