comments

>First of all, we would like to

say "Thank You" to the following individuals:

*Pac West Paramedics

*RNs and DRs of ER and ICU at Good Samaritan Hospital

*Family Medical Clinic

*Our team at Doernbecher Children's Hospital

*All Staff and Students of Sam Case Elementary

* All Staff and Students at Crestview Heights in Waldport

*Last but least our dearest freinds and family that have stood by us, providing respite for us and care for our children.

Sincere Thanks,

Leona and Mitch Rose 3/09

Please send your comments to us by signing in our Guest Book.

>"Jada was the best thing that happened to our classroom last year. We loved being assigned to her, as we knew she would brighten our day and lift our spirits. You're right when you say that Jada teaches people to "leave thier comfort zone", and to better understand people with disabilities. I feel very fortunate to have met Jada, and you. I always was a bit shy to talk to you, but I held on to the advice you gave us on our training day. You said, "This is Jada, she's a little girl, that just happens to have seizures." That statment allowed me allowed me to move past her disability, and I only saw a girl....Learning to see people for "WHO they are, and "WHAT" they have was a good lesson for me."......Mrs. S,

Teacher's Assistant 3/13/09

Comments

How has Jada touched your life?

"Jada teaches me that everyone is the same even if you have difficulties. And that people can say stuff about you that is not true. One thing I like about her is she makes you feel good inside. I look forward to teaching our dog, Louie, for Jada."

Jared Heckert 3-09

>My journey with Jada and her family started in late 2002. I'm a Paramedic, and at the time, lived and worked in Newport.

At first, this was 'just another seizure', but the interaction with the familiy, especially Jared, was unlike any other patients' familiy I've ever had.

Jared was solely concerned with his baby sister. He very calmly answered the door and directed us to his sister. He was always nearby and very interactive.

I watched Jada and her family struggle with her condition. We were called to their home time and again. These were not calls for help made easily. Leona had all of Jada's information ready and readable in a 3-ring binder, and had always done something to triy to stop the seizure before she was forced to call.

Over the past 7 years, I've had less and less contact with Jada. That is a very good thing. Her seizures have slowly been brought under control. I've worked with Leona to explore alternate medication administration routes, which have been very successful. (intranasal)

The last time I visited them, and this truely was a visit,--not an ambulance call, I was stunned to see Jada walk into the room. She is a beautiful young lady. With all I've seen, I never expected to see her walking without assistance.

Leona did, however. She saw Jada's potential. She is the guiding force behind this happy family. Her strength, determination, and faith have made an incredible difference in all of us who have the privledge of knowing them.

This journey continues, and this family needs your help to continue the amazing progress already achieved.

Thank you,

Eric Augustus

Paramedic & Photographer

>We love how Jada makes you feel determined to make her notice you. She gets you out of your usual comfort zone which, in turn, makes you desire to make her comfortable with you too. She was shy and unsure of me when I first met her.

Then after quite some time, during a visit to her home, something clicked. I knocked on the front door and after the door opened she plunged toward me with a big smile.

I got a big unexpected hug! I spun her around while she belly laughed while I happily absorbed the validation she was giving me...that she trusted me.

To me, there is nothing more reassuring than an innocent child approving of your character. It makes you want to be a better person. The strength and loving endurance of her family also encourages me to improve my outlook on life and it's every day battles...

Crystal and Robert Poor, Friends

>I marvel at Jada's life from birth to present.

First, I feel she was so fortunate to have been born into her family. Her mother already had been a loving care-giver to disabled people and some with seizures. Having a mother who has been both a care-giver and now mother willing to be educated in how to best care for someone who needs assistance is truly a gift.

Jada gets her spirit to be independent from her encouraging family. Each family member is independent and strong with individual interests, yet able to contribute to a quality life for Jada. They as a family have so much to teach other families about how to be a loving, strong family.

We have been so grateful to see Jada's will to live and grow even when the odds were not medically in her favor. Jada has so much love to give and share. Although I cannot pick her up and hold her, I love it when she sits next to me plays or rests her head on my shoulder.

Jada is not aware of the finances that are needed to pay for her medical needs. Health care is important and even insurance sets maximums on how much they will pay. Companies will not insure someone who has need of high cost care. Accepting help from others is very humbling and difficult for hard-working individuals who take pride in providing for their own family.

We have been thankful for all those who come forward with ways to contribute services and commodities that help ease the financial burden. Jada not only teaches people about herself, but she teaches people how everyone can grow to their potential with a family like hers. Family also includes extended family of relatives and friends who help in ways mentioned in Jada's Journey.

Beverly Horttor,

great-great aunt--5/09