I count because I have 32 years of MPS VI experience. I have overcome so many obstacles, and I have lasted beyond anybody's expectations. With all my experience with MPS VI, I feel I can help other people avoid what I have been through, or at least help them cope with some of those obstacles. Most of all, I count because I am me.
Favorite Hobbies:
I love to collect sports memorabilia, such as baseball and football cards, all kinds of key chains, mugs and anything that has to do with sports. I live and die for my football team, the Denver Broncos. I had a teacher once say I bleed Bronco orange. I love to watch WWE wrestling. I am into practical jokes, and I am very funny, or so I have been told. I love to help out everyone. Lastly, I absolutely love to cook, and I am very good at it!
Proudest Accomplishment:
I have had a lot of favorite accomplishments, I will list just a few. I am proud to have found a job on my own. Even better yet, to have kept this job through 10 years of being in and out of hospitals. My greatest accomplishment is making it to my 32nd birthday.
MPS Heroes:
I have many MPS heroes. The first one is Dr. Urrea who is my ENT doctor. My next hero is my anesthesia doctor who is one of my doctors who saved my life. These two doctors are in my quiet little town of Napa, California. The next doctor who saved my life was an anesthesiologist from UC San Francisco. Another hero to me is a nurse from Oakland Children’s Hospital whose name is Marcie Humphrey. Although there are many heroes in my life my biggest hero is my mom. She is the greatest.
Words of Wisdom:
Don't think of MPS as a death sentence. Think of it as if you are joining a new family, going on a long adventure. Also, if you surround yourself with good doctors, you will be all right. Most of all, if you know that the only one who is in control is God, then you know no matter what happens, God will make sure every thing will be okay.
Personal Diagnosis Experience:
I went to see my doctor because I was having some trouble with my ribs
sticking out. My Doctor thought that was odd and thus did some blood work
on me. He came back with the results and basically wrote my death
certificate. He explained to my parents that I had a terminal disease and
they should enjoy the time they have with me because I won't be around
long. That was 32 years ago.
