Wednesday, 19 Jan 2005:

The past few weeks have been difficult for Gabriella. On 02 January she had an episode where she turned purple for no apparent reason. Mom’s call to 9-1-1 brought the entire Kailua Fire Department to Kaluamoo street in less than 4 minutes…Ella the chameleon remained purple throughout the 30 minute episode while continuing to breathe. This really baffled the Paramedics, especially since they had her on oxygen. After the high speed ambulance ride to Tripler we learned GG was running a fairly high fever and that she had a urinary track infection.

About one week later, Ella’s nose was clogged (with what we thought was a cold) and she was having a hard time breathing as she had not yet transitioned to breathing through her mouth. After several visits to the Ear, Nose, Throat clinic, GG was admitted to the hospital on 14 Jan for observation of her respiratory system. 24 hours later she was discharged – we headed back to Kailua with a bag full of home monitoring equipment and some new antibiotics. Five days later (19 Jan) wee Ella’s condition had not improved, so Mom made the decision to head back to the hospital. As always, Mother knows best.

Ella underwent another surgery this afternoon. That inspection revealed her subglottic stenosis has returned. Rather than attempt the same repair technique, it was deemed best to establish a reliable airway by performing a tracheostomy. Gabriella tolerated that surgical procedure well and is now resting comfortably in the Pediatric ICU ward.

We know each of you share in our disappointment that the previous repair was unsuccessful. Although, the next few weeks and months will be trying for Gabriella and our family, our faith will sustain us. As always,

thank you for your prayers.