Health

May 10, 2011

Health The Examiner

• TRACEY SHAFFER

Salads are healthy meals in minutes | Page 6

Little Ross battles leukemia

– Page 8

• LARRY JONES Too much sun? | Page 3

• NUTRITION 6 • WELLNESS 3-4 • CALENDAR 7

health

Page 2 Tuesday, May 10, 2011

There’s no place like home Even after graduation May flowers are nice and the warmer temperatures are definitely welcomed, but this year, for me anyway, May is graduation season.

And my graduation from nursing school this month brings me one step closer to the realization of a life-long dream.

Ever since I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a nurse in a labor and delivery unit. As a child, it was always about the babies. When the neighborhood kids were running around the great outdoors, I was inside, caring for my baby dolls.

But sometimes, life has a way of putting our childhood plans on hold. I grew up, got married and became a mother. I had a good-paying

Kendra King GUEST COLUMN Kendra King is an obstetrics technician at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Blue Springs. job as the manager of a business. While I was happy with my life, I knew it wasn’t what I was meant to do.

I quit my managerial job and took a job for much less money as the unit secretary in the Birthing Center at St. Mary’s. I started taking a few college courses and learned so much from

the staff in the birthing center. When an opportunity opened to move into a position of an OB tech, I jumped at it.

Because physicians and nurses simply don’t have enough hands to do it all, an OB tech is sort of another set a hands for them. An OB tech is sort of a “Jack (or Jill) of all trades.” We make sure the physicians have everything they need for deliveries or surgeries and scrub in for C-sections.

We help patients through delivery, answer questions and lend support. We help care for babies after the delivery and assist with circumcisions. In general our job is to anticipate the needs of patients, doctors and nurses and keep things running smoothly.

I have been an OB tech for four years and I love it! I get to be part of just about every birth that happens during my shift. Being with families during this monumental occasion in their lives is an honor. I see every patient that comes into the unit and I’m privileged to work closely with caring professionals. I’ve learned so much

from the doctors and nurses on the unit and feel like an important member of the health care team. It’s a great job. But still-I yearn to fulfill my childhood dream.

While I get to be a part of the miracle of birth, as a nurse, I’d care for the family throughout the stay. You have more personal contact with them. Working in the Birthing Center at St. Mary’s, I’ve seen nursing care at its best and I’ve been the recipient of the exceptional care when I delivered my own children at St. Mary’s.

It’s a nice, homey environment where the families’ wants and needs come first. I can’t imagine a better place to spend my working hours than with my second family.

So, this month, I’m taking those steps across the stage to pick up my diploma and fulfill my dream of becoming a nurse. It’s been a long journey.

Yet, now that it’s done, my hope is that my journey’s destination keeps me home-in the Birthing Center at St. Mary’s.

wellness

Tuesday, May 10, 2011 Page 3

Summer is near; keep sun safety in mind Warmer weather is upon us, and now is the time to think about protecting yourself against the dark side of being in the sun.

Sunlight is important to the body assisting in the production of vitamin D and helping the emotional side of our health. The sun can also damage our skin, which is the body’s first defense. Basking in the sun makes us feel good.

Exposure to the sun is good, but too much of a good thing can be bad.

Suntans are looked upon as healthy and beautiful, but it is really the result of injury to the top layer of the skin. We all know that damaged skin will eventually lead to wrinkles or skin cancer. Too much sun will lead to firstdegree burns.

Sunburn appears within hours after exposure to the sun and results in redness, heat and mild pain. A second-degree burn is more painful and takes longer to heal. The skin is red, has some swelling and blisters. If you should suffer this type of burn, it is important that you not break the blisters since it may lead to infection.

We all know that too much sun may cause

Larry Jones Larry Jones is director of the Independence Health Department. skin cancers, but there are other skin conditions that are the result of sun exposure.

Uneven skin tone is the result of too much sun. Some areas of the skin may be darker than others. Permanent redness is due to the stretching of small blood vessels. Freckles are pigmented spots on the skin found in areas of the skin exposed to the sun. They are more noticeable in the summer.

Age spots occur on the face, hands, and chest.

Although age spots are harmless, it is still

healthSHORTS Hackleman clinic food drive raises $1,205 for CSL pantry As many as 40 families a day to Community Services League local food pantries to feed themselves. To help support the needy families of Blue Springs, Hackleman Chiropractic held a food drive inside their offices from April 11 through 20.

Of the money collected from patients, Dr. Andy Minor, owner of Hackleman Chiropractic, matched the amount. They were able to raise collectively $1,205 for CSL. From the money raised, $1,000 of the money was used to purchase food for the Blue Springs pantry.

The doctors of Hackleman Chiropractic were thrilled that their patients were able to donate such a large quantity to help feed the people of Blue Springs. “We would like to thank our wonderful patients for being so supportive of Community Services League,” states Dr. Nichole Hilt, a chiropractor at Hackleman’s.

“Our office looks forward to helping CSL in the future.”

CSL is a full service social service agency providing a broad range of services for the low income people in a wide area, which covers all of Eastern Jackson County. Visit their website at www.communityserv.org to see how you can help.

– Jillayne Ritchie

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30-5:00

Alexandra J. Strong, M.D. Alexandra J. Strong obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri – Kansas City.

She then went on to Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI, where she finished an internship in general surgery. Dr. Strong’s special interests lie in treatment of the shoulder and knee with an emphasis in sports medicine.

816.303.2400

Centerpoint Medical Center Campus 19550 E. 39th Street, Suite 410 Independence, MO 64057

816.561.3003

North Kansas City Hospital Campus 2790 Clay Edwards Drive, Suite 600 Kansas City, MO 64116

smart to point them out to your doctor.

Solar keratosis is small scaly patches of red, brown, or light areas on the skin. They usually appear after the age of 40 and can be seen on the head, neck, or hands. These spots are the early signs of skin cancer.

Farmer’s lip is a precancerous condition that usually appears on the lower lips. Lips become scaly and persistently crack from dryness.

Since it is important for everyone to get outdoors and be active, it is just as important to protect your skin from damage. Sun protection is the act of guarding yourself from the effects of sunlight. The best way to prevent skin damage is to limit sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. The use of sunscreen will minimize the penetration of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

The sun-protector factor in sunscreen indicates how long a topical sunscreen remains effective when applied to the skin. This effectiveness can be measured by multiplying the SPF by the amount of time it takes the skin to burn or turn red. If it takes 10 minutes for your

skin to burn without sunscreen and you intend to use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15, you will have approximately 150 minutes of protection time depending on the activity.

If you are perspiring or in the water, you need to apply sunscreen regularly. Make sure the sunscreen you use protects against both UV-A and UV-B rays.

Everyone should use sunscreen, but it is not recommended for babies younger than 6 months. Infants’ bodies may not be able to tolerate the chemicals in the sunscreens. Use light weight and light colored clothing for infants.

The FDA has prohibited sunscreen manufacturers from claiming that their product is “waterproof” and “lasts all day.” The word “sunblock” is also prohibited.

Did you know… long hours on the beach or in the snow without adequate eye protection can also result in a short-term condition known as photokeratitis, or reversible sunburn of the cornea. This painful condition--also known as “snow blindness” can cause temporary loss of vision.

Page 4 Tuesday, May 10, 2011

wellness

Be cautious with those glamorous fake nails Fancy glimmering nails, more popular during sandal season, also known as spring and summer, can mask serious infection.

Manicures and pedicures, not so long ago the province of the rich and famous, now are included on everyday to-do lists of the middle class. As the popularity of acrylic nails has grown, so have rates of nail infections and other complications.

Acrylic nails and nail health, what do you know?

True or False?

1. Superglue is an acceptable adherent for false nails.

2. Warts can be transmitted by nail implements.

3. Flaky, irritated skin or cuticle may indicate allergic reaction.

Nails have been adorned with colors and appliques for centuries. Cleopatra is reported to have had nails which were brightly colored and long (short nails a sign of the working class, gasp!). Some simply prefer a great color. The more glamorous among us may gravitate to acrylic or false nails only to discover that what

Lori Boyajian O'Neill Sports and wellness Dr. Lori Boyajian-O’Neill can be contacted at lori.boyajian-oneill@hcahealthcare.com. they thought would be a “no maintenance” option actually requires great care and attention to prevent infection. Not so glamorous.

The application of acrylic nails over the natural nail can lead to infection, even in the hands of the most skilled technician. Preparation of the natural nail, cuticle and surrounding skin with anti-bacterial scrub can kill

bacteria, fungi or viruses. The cuticles, when cracked or cut from overzealous trimming, are vulnerable to infection. To prevent this, most dermatologists recommend leaving the cuticle intact. For those who find cuticles cosmetically unacceptable, a much safer option is to simply push them back.

The acrylic nail must be completely adhered to the natural nail without any space between the two. As the natural nail grows, small spaces may develop between the two nails creating an environment hospitable to fungi which may go unnoticed under the painted nail. These spaces must be cleaned with a solution which will kill bacteria, fungi and viruses and then filled to prevent re-infection.

Replacement of the acrylic nails at least every 90 days will decrease risk. Any unusual odor or color under or around the nail may be a sign of infection or allergic reaction and must be investigated by a professional.

Acrylic nails can get caught on items of everyday life lifting the natural nail from the nail bed. Ouch! An injury to the nail bed can lead to infection and even cause a permanent defor-

mity of the nail bed and the natural nail.

Unsanitary implements can transfer infection from one person to another. Viruses and fungi can live for months on implements, just waiting patiently to be transported to an unwitting host. Beauty supply stores sell cleaning solutions for home-based do-it-yourselfers.

Nail technicians undergo special training to ensure client safety and proper handling of implements. Salons, which are regulated by states, generally use chemical and heat sterilization procedures. There is a theoretic risk of transmission of blood-borne pathogens from implements not properly sanitized. However, the CDC reports that there are no instances of a person contracting a blood-borne pathogen such as hepatitis or HIV from a salon implement.

Nails should not only look beautiful and healthy but actually be healthy. Once you decide to go glam, don’t be fooled by the beauty.

Have the nails checked regularly by a trained professional. You can be glamorous and healthy, just be aware of the risks.

Answers: 1. F; 2. T; 3. T

nutrition

Page 6 Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Has it been a while since your teeth have been cleaned?

LET US HELP.

New Patient Examination, Bitewing X-Rays & Basic Dental Cleaning $79 Valued at $174 (Savings of $95)

Dental Centers of Missouri Dr. Dianne Caprio DDS

16641 E. 23rd St. • Independence, MO 64055 816.833.2700 • www.modentistry.com

May is National Better Hearing Month Take This Simple Test - Do you often ask people to repeat themselves?

- Do you feel you can hear people but some times can’t understand them?

- Are you missing key words while having conversation in a crowded restaurant or at a family gathering?

- Does your spouse/family think the TV volume is too loud?

- Do you have trouble hearing on the phone?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, call us TODAY!

www.JacksonCountyAudiology.com Please call TODAY for your appointment!

816-373-7900

The ScoTTSdale cenTer

17020 e. 40 hwy., SuiTe 9 independence, Mo 64055

healthSHORTS Miles Against Melanoma 5K will be May 28 at Grounds Park The Miles Against Melanoma 5K walk/run in honor of Amy Berend Alexander, who died of melanoma skin cancer on Sept. 17, 2010, is planned for 9 a.m. May 28 at Grounds Park in Blue Springs.

Amy was 30 and a single mom to two daughters, Cierra and Shelbi. The family wants to educate everyone on the dangers of skin cancer, and to re-enforce that the sun and tanning beds are lethal weapons to humans.

Amy had a mole on her leg and found out it was melanoma. She fought her battle for 5 years and tried every clinical trial available, but to no avail. There is no cure for melanoma and it has risen to the top 5 causes of death in the United States. Every 62 minutes someone dies of melanoma.

John Holt from Fox 4 news will be the emcee. There will be music, activities for the kids, vendors, dermatologist and lots of information on skin cancer.

If you would like to donate, or become a runner or sponsor, visit mamakc.com or milesagainstmelanomakc.com. For more information, call Lynne at 816-229-8441 or Stephanie at 913-484-3810.

– Jillayne Ritchie

Medicare Made Easy “What a GREAT experience!!

Travis spent three hours with me, patiently going over every option in the country and matching it to my needs and financial ability. He answered all of my questions and finally helped me choose the best plan for me.” ~ Pat Townsend, North Kansas City, MO

Call Travis Gensler

816.254.6100

Toss a healthy meal Has the warm spring weather got you running to and from baseball, soccer and other end-of-the year school events? Or maybe after a long winter, are you just wanting to spend more time outside and less time in the kitchen preparing meals?

If fast food is one of your time-saving solutions for a quick meal, consider tossing a quick meal together, full of health benefits, starting with pre-packaged salads.

Bagged salad kits are a great starting point to build a complete meal in minutes. They are a time-saving convenience which include pre-washed lettuce and greens with additional ingredients, many times including vegetables.

By simply adding lean chopped meat, beans or nuts and additional fruits and vegetables, you have a complete, nutritious meal in less time than you may spend waiting at the drivethrough.

Pre-packaged salads offer more variety with new blends of leafy greens such as romaine, arugula and baby spinach – making them a smart choice for added health benefits, since dark green leafy lettuce tends to be higher in nutrients such as vitamins A and K and lutein.

Bagged salads also make it easier for consumers to increase their vegetables consumed each day for better health.

Try tossing these quick and easy meals together in minutes by combining the following ingredients with pre-packaged salad kits.

Chicken and Asparagus Caesar Salad Serves 4.

All you need: 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces 1 (10 oz) Dole™ Light Caesar Salad Kit 2 cups cooked, diced chicken breast All you do: 1. Steam asparagus 4-6 minutes or until

Tracey Shaffer Food for Thought Tracey Shaffer, RD, LD, is a Hy-Vee dietitian at the Blue Springs location The information provided should not be construed as professional medical advice. E-mail her at 1033dietitian@hy-vee.com. crisp-tender. Drain and rinse.

2. Toss salad with chicken, asparagus and dressing included in salad kit.

3. Top with croutons before serving.

Sirloin Steak Salad with honey mustard dressing Serves 4.

All you need: 1 (1 lb) top round sirloin steak Monterey steak seasoning, to taste 2 (4 oz each) packaged mixed baby greens 1/4 cup dried cranberries 1/2 cup light honey mustard salad dressing All you do: 1. Sprinkle steak on all sides with seasoning.

Heat skillet over medium heat until hot; add steak. Cook for 6 minutes; turn. Cook an additional 5 to 6 minutes or until desired doneness.

2. Remove steak from pan and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Slice steak into thin slices.

3. On a large platter, layer greens, cranberries and dressing. Top with steak.

Food service inspections l Independence The city of Independence Environmental Health Division conducts inspections anywhere food is handled, prepared and served to the public within city limits. Critical violations must be handled within 72 hours.

■ KC’s Outrageous BBQ, 3005 Geospace Drive – On April 28, inspectors observed bare hand contact with food; wear gloves. Hand sink was inaccessible, radio was found strapped to bars above sink, and no paper towels found at hand sink. All hand sinks must be accessible and properly stocked.

■ Golden Corral, 19120 E. Valley View Parkway – On April 28, an employee was observed using the hand-washing sink to put water in pans of cauliflower to bake. Spoke with manager and new employee was informed to pull water for food from the prep sink; corrected.

– Jillayne Ritchie

health Items for the Health Calendar may be e-mailed to jill.ritchie@examiner.net or mailed to: The Examiner, P.O. Box 459, Independence, Mo. 64051, attention Jill Ritchie. The following items are for May 11 through 17, unless otherwise stated.

Independence FOOD EXPERIENCE, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, 23rd Street Hy-Vee, 1525 E. 23rd St. Dietitian Amanda will give out samples of calcium super foods, in honor of National Osteoporosis Awareness Month.

BONE HEALTH SUPERMARKET TOUR, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. May 18, 23rd Street Hy-Vee, 1525 E. 23rd St. Tour the aisles to learn all about both health. Learn what foods are the best sources of calcium and what you can do, and eat, to help improve your bone health. No registration required, meet at the customer service desk.

CALCIUM STORE TOUR, 10 to 11 a.m. May 18, Noland Road Hy-Vee, U.S. 40 and Noland Road.

Dietitian Jamie will walk through the aisles and show you which foods are high in calcium, and discuss the role calcium-fortified foods and supplements play in maintaining strong bones. No registration required, meet at customer service desk.

Kansas City SUSAN G. KOMEN 3-DAY WALK FOR THE CURE Fundraising Auction, 1 p.m. Sunday, Alexander Majors Home, 8201 State Line Road. Items for bid include Royals vouchers, Chiefs autographed photo, wicker sofa, dinner gift certificates and more. All proceeds go to research, funding mammograms and community programs. Cash transactions only. Call Debbie at 816-246-3905.

Fitness

Independence LOW IMPACT EXERCISE, 9 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Fairmount Community Center.

254-8334.

Wake Up Workout, 9 a.m. Wednesday, Friday, The Palmer Center. 325-6200.

Walk to the Beat, 8 a.m., Monday-Friday, Fairmount Community Center. 254-8334.

PEPPI exercise classes, 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, Friday, The Palmer Center. Free. To register, 325-6200.

PAVEMENT POUNDERS 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. Tuesday, Friday, The Palmer Center. 325-6200.

SITTIN’ FIT chair exercises class, 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday, Thursday, The Palmer Center. Free. 325-6200.

STRETCH AND TONE, 9 a.m. Tuesday, Thursday, The Palmer Center. Cost, $1. 325-6200.

ZUMBA GOLD, dynamic workout to Latin and international rhythms, 10 to 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, Palmer Center. Cost, $2. 325-6200.

TAI CHI by the Three Dragons Way, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sermon Center. Cost, $35 for a fourweek session; $40 for a 5-week session. 325-7370.

WALK TO THE BEAT, 2 to 3 p.m. Friday, The Palmer Center. Free. 325-6200.

Blue Springs Swimnastics, 9 to 10 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday; 8 to 9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Centennial Pool-Plex. Cost, $3.75 per visit. 228-0137.

Therapeutic swim, 10:15 to 11:15 a.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Centennial Pool-Plex.

Cost, $3.75 per visit. 228-0137.

Crosstrainer aerobics, 9 to 10 a.m., Monday, Wednesday, Vesper Hall. 228-0181.

Prenatal and postnatal exercise classes, 9:45 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 300 N.W. Mock Ave. 655-5400.

Weight room for ages 50 and older, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Tuesday, Thursday, Vesper Hall. Cost, $10 per month; $2 per visit; $96 for a year. 228-0181.

Yoga — For beginners and beyond, 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Vesper Hall. Cost, $2.50 per

class. 228-0181.

YOGA-GENTLE FLOW, 6:45 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Vesper Hall. $8 per visit, $48 for six classes. 228-0181.

Tai Chi, 8:30 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, Vesper Hall. Cost, $2.50. 228-0181.

Stretching exercise, 10 to 11 a.m., Tuesday, Thursday, Vesper Hall. Cost, $1.50. 228-0181.

ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION EXERCISE PROGRAM for older adults, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Wednesday and Friday, Vesper Hall. Cost, $1 per session. 228-0181.

Stretch AND TONE, 9 to 10 a.m. Friday, Vesper Hall. Cost, $2.50. 228-0181.

AQUA-AEROBICS, noon to 1 p.m. Saturdays, Centennial Pool-Plex. Cost, $3.75 per visit. 228-0137.

Raytown Tai Chi, 11 a.m. Thursday, Elliott Place Retirement Community. Free. 313-6800.

Kansas City WALK AND TALK, 7 to 10 a.m. Monday-Friday, Ascension Lutheran Church, 4900 Blue Ridge Blvd.

358-1919.

PACE (People with Arthritis Can Exercise), 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Thursday, Truman Medical Center-Lakewood. 373-4415, ext. 1175.

Prenatal/Infant/Child programs

Independence WIC NUTRITION PROGRAM, for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or gave birth less than six months ago, 404-6460 or 257-2335.

Blue Springs WIC NUTRITION PROGRAM, for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or gave birth less than six months ago, 220-1007.

Blue Springs/Lee’s Summit Tough Love support group, for families dealing with unacceptable adolescent behavior, 7:30 to 9:40 p.m.

Tuesday, First Christian Church. 913-492-1200.

Moms & Moms-to-be prenatal and postnatal class, 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, Family YMCA. 224-9620.

Natural family planning session, 7 p.m. Thursday, St. Mary’s Medical Center. Fee. For reservations, 913-384-1000.

Kansas City WIC NUTRITION PROGRAM, for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or gave birth less than six months ago, 404-9740 or 923-5800.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011 Page 7

Yourtake What effect do you think pets have on a person’s health?

Support groups

Independence Domestic violence group for men, 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Family Conservancy of Eastern Jackson County. 373-7577.

Parkinson’s, 3 p.m. Tuesday, The Fountains at Greenbriar. Call Desiree Rogers at 257-5100.

Multiple Sclerosis, 1:30 p.m., second Tuesday, Red Lobster. 833-4151.

Caregivers SUPPORT GROUP, 2 p.m. Thursday, Centerpoint Medical Center Cafeteria, private dining room. Call 698-7584 to register.

CHADD – Parents of Children with Attention Deficit Disorder, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Trails West Library. Call Teresa, 796-3659.

Parkinson’s disease, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Sermon Center. 252-4987.

VOID (Victims Of Impaired Drivers), 6 to 7 p.m. business meeting; 7 to 9 p.m. support meeting, Friday, Walnut Gardens Community of Christ, 19201 R.D. Mize Road. Call 816-536-2853.

Caring Communities Divorce and Step Family, 6:30 p.m. once a month, days vary, Blue Hills Elementary School. 796-6290.

– Jillayne Ritchie

Beth Franks Buckner “They are very healing. They have unconditional love. (My dog) Abram sense when I’m not feeling well.”

Dianne Yockey Independence “It’s a positive effect. (My dog) Ribeye gets me out walking twice a day. Stroking him helps keep my blood pressure down. Dogs are social and are good ice breakers.”

Nancy Pross Blue Springs “They make you more responsible. They help lower your blood pressure, and they probably make you more social.”

– Adrianne DeWeese

Page 8 Tuesday, May 10, 2011

cover story

Boy fights a battle against an unseen enemy

By Stephanie Boothe Special to The Examiner

Ross Elliott sprawls out on a couch after being stabbed with a fake sword. His dad, Chris, kisses the active 3-year-old back to life.

Ross jumps up and runs to the stairs of his Independence home where his grandma, Karen, is waiting with another sword.

Ross loves play sword fights and has spent a lot of time this year playing sword fights on the oncology floor of Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.

Just a few days after Christmas, Ross was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia, one that only gives him a 50-50 chance of survival, and he has spent three of the last five months in the hospital receiving chemotherapy.

“We’re in positive spirits, and we’re going to beat this,” Chris said.

Ross’ diagnosis came Dec. 27 after he spent almost six hours Christmas night crying because his legs hurt. The family took him to Children’s Mercy Hospital, where he was given medication for what doctor’s thought was constipation. However, Ross didn’t get better

throughout the day and went back to the hospital where he had blood tests. Doctors said it was most likely leukemia.

“It was certainly something we never expected,” Chris said.

Ross has acute myelogenous leukemia – M7, a disease that affects about 20 percent of leukemia patients. It’s an ailment, Chris said, that isn’t well known or well studied.

“They have a decent chance of getting him into remission,” Chris said. “But it’s a matter of keeping him in remission.”

Ross is in remission now, but his parents, Chris and mom Aixa, want to do everything in their power to keep him there. That’s why later this week, the family will begin the process of getting a bone marrow transplant for their oldest son. The transplant reduces the chance of a relapse to 40 percent (versus 60 percent without the transplant).

The transplant also means at least six more weeks in the hospital and for about nine months after, Ross will be extremely susceptible to germs and illness. The vent to his bedroom will have to be closed and taped over with cellophane, and anytime he takes a bath the

FYI n For more about Ross and his family, visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/rosselliot n A donor registration will be held at KU Medical Center Thursday, June 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. drain will have to be rinsed with bleach first.

That’s just a couple of the changes the family will have to make – including dressing him in long sleeves, pants and a hat anytime he goes outside.

“We’ll probably spend the week before he comes home just cleaning the house,” Karen said. “The whole house will have to be scrubbed.”

Despite the year they’ve had so far – including Aixa’s father having two strokes – the family has kept a positive attitude about Ross’s illness, and it shows in their son. Ross doesn’t act like a boy who is sick. He is a happy boy, bouncing with energy.

But he knows he’s sick. He’ll show anyone

who asks the tubes in his chest – used for chemotherapy and blood draws – and he tells people he’s sick on the inside.

“I just tell him that although he looks OK on the outside he’s sick on the inside and we’re going to help him get better,” Aixa said.

Like his parents and grandma, Ross has kept a positive attitude about his illness. When he has to get more tests or blood work, he doesn’t fuss. When he’s in the hospital he gives himself his own medication and has decided he wants to be a doctor when he grows up.

Knowing they are blessed with a loving family and friends who continually hold fundraisers to help the family with medical expenses, the Elliotts want a way to give back.

They are hoping to spread the word about bone marrow donation and how easy it is to register to be a donor. By visiting www.marrow. org, a person can get on the bone marrow registry, or they can visit a local drive and register in person.

“Half of the people who go looking for a match have a hard time,” Chris said. “If we hadn’t found a match for him, we’d be staring down a really grim reality.”