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Garrett
At the age of 3, Garret was
diagnosed with systemic onset of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, an
auto-immune disease in which a person's immune system mistakenly attacks the
body's joints causing severe inflammation, pain and stiffness.
The disease went into remission for almost two and a half years. However, in May, 2000, the joint pain and fever flared again.
From May until September, medications controlled the inflammation.
Then Garret developed an ear infection which set off a war in his
body. He was hospitalized for
nine days with pleuritis around his lungs.
A port had to be implanted in his chest for infusion of medications.
Garret was unable to attend school as a result of the fever,
inflammation in the joints, fatigue and the overall risk of developing other
infections. His teacher
volunteered to tutor Garret during this time. His grades were always straight A's. Yeah Garret!!!! Garret loves all sports but baseball
is his favorite. Third base is
his pick of positions, but I understand that he is awesome at first base.
In July of 2000, his team won first place and Garret was even chosen
for the All Star team. This
year Garret is in school full time. The
juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is still very active but better controlled
with medications. Garret has
monthly cytoxin treatments which require an overnight stay at Children's
Hospital. However, he appears
much stronger now, both physically and mentally.
He is able to walk independently and has become less dependent on his
wheelchair. In June of this year I received a
phone call from Julie Coughlin. She
and her husband, Troy, have supported the foundation since its creation and
had always wanted to be involved in making a difference in a child's life. Troy and his brothers, Jeg Jr., Mike, and John of Jeg's
Racing Team decided to sponsor "A Day At The Races" at Spring
Nationals for one of the children helped by the organization. This year the "Pontiac Excitement Nationals" at
National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio, were held June 14-17.
Garret and his father, David, love drag racing and have followed
Jeg's Racing Team for years. They were thrilled when we notified them that they would be
attending the finals at Spring Nationals as guests. With June 17th being Father's Day, this was an added bonus
for Garret and his dad. They
enjoyed watching the races from the tower suites.
Garret received an autographed Jeg's Racing Team hat and t-shirt.
"Help From The Heart" bought Garret a huge 4x4 remote
controlled truck. Garret even
had his picture taken with Troy and Jeg Jr.
"The day at the races was one of the thrills of Garret's
life" said his mother Betty Smith. Garret has an older sister, Kayleigh,
who is 13 and a younger sister, April, who is 8. After leaving the races that day, I
could not stop thinking about Garret and his trials in life.
In September, we decided to make other wishes come true for Garret.
The foundation bought him a television/vcr and a Game Boy Advance.
These gifts made him very happy.
I enjoyed helping the Smith family.
They were so kind and appreciative of everything that was done to
make a difference in Garret's life. The
Jeg's Racing Team donated the profits from their souvenir sales to
"Help From The Heart" this year and they have committed to
continue this generous support every year at the Spring Nationals.
The Coughlin brothers have given from their hearts to support the
foundation's mission of helping others.
Thank you all and God bless you! Sincerely, Pam Steele
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Help From The Heart You can make a donation here:
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is a registered Non-Profit Organization