On May 14, 1991, our first child, Melissa, was born. She was a beautiful baby and our family life had begun. For eight months Melissa appeared to be a happy and healthy baby. At some point in Melissa's ninth month she started having seizures. She, of course, never had seizures at the doctor's office, so with video tape in hand we returned to the pediatrician. By that time, a slow regression in development was becoming noticeable. Next stop - the neurologist. After numerous tests (CT Scan, MRI, EEG, bloodwork, etc.) a diagnosis of cryptogenic Infantile Spasms (a/k/a West Syndrome) was given to Melissa, along with her first drug, Klonopin. Within a month it was recommended that Melissa be treated with ACTH and only two days after starting the treatment, Melissa's seizures stopped and she has been seizure free for almost six years (knock on wood). The ACTH was a 16 week regiment with all the usual unpleasant side affects.

Melissa is now almost 7 years old. She has across the board developmental delays with speech being the hardest hit. Melissa is enrolled in a multi-handicapped class and alternates going into a kindergarten class every other day. Melissa currently communicates with sign language but the use of a communication board is the next step.

The road has been rocky and long, but we just take one step at a time. Without the endless support and unconditional love of our families and friends, we would never had made it this far. We thank each of you from the bottom of our hearts.

Please sign Melissa's guestbook and feel free to contact us at tweetielissa@bigfoot.com. Having found other wonderful parents of special children has been most rewarding. Keep the faith. 2-4-98

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