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Genetic disorder causes 2 year old to fight for her life
According to Kira's grandmother, Fay Dreading of St. Stephens, Kira is currently being treated at St. Jude's Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., because doctors at the University of South Alabama (USA) Medical Center are not certified to provide the type of treatment she needs. That treatment includes the use of two types of drugs: Vinblastin, which she takes three times each month and Carboplatin, which is administered once a month. These chemotherapy treatments will continue for the next 18 months, in hopes of shrinking the tumors. The tumors on her optic nerves cannot be removed and the damage that has already been done cannot be reversed. Dreading explained that while each of the drugs being used to treat Kira have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used separately, the use of them together is experimental. "We are hoping the drugs will stop the growth of the tumors and shrink them," she said. The genetic disorder that causes the tumors seems to affect females more than males. Kira's brother, Hayden, who is 3, has the same disorder but has shown no symptoms indicating the presence of tumors. Those symptoms may include nose bleeds, cramps, bleeding of the gums, easy bruising and fever. "While some of these things may seem minor to us, they all have to be reported to doctors if they happen to Kira," said Dreading. "If her temperature reaches 99 degrees, which doesn't sound that high, she has to be treated for it." Being away from home is putting a strain on the Wilkersons. While in Memphis, Gwen and her children are staying at the Ronald McDonald House. They can't come home to Jackson for very long, because if they are gone for more than three days, they lose their room. "If the doctors at USA can obtain certification to provide this treatment, they can come back home for good," said Dreading. "Until then, they must stay in Memphis." Jolene Davis, who works with Dreading at the Jackson Wal-Mart Supercenter, has helped establish an account in the Wilkersons' names at the local Regions Bank branch.
Those wishing to help with their expenses are asked to contribute to the fund. Davis said many of Wal-Mart's employees have already contributed. "All contributions and everyone's prayers are greatly appreciated," she added.
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