I am not sure why I am writing this

NEW UPDATE MARCH 4, 2005

WENDY HAS COMPLETELY RECOVERED FROM HER ILLNESS, TAKES NO MEDICINES

AND HAS NO SIDE EFFECTS. SHE PLAYS SOFTBALL ON THE HIGH SCHOOL TEAM

AND PLANS ON ATTENDING HARDING UNIVERSITY IN SEARCY, ARKANSAS THIS

FALL AFTER GRADUATING FROM HIGH SCHOOL IN MAY.

HIS SITE HAS BEEN UPDATED MARCH 31, 2004. I STILL HAVE NOT INCLUDED MY THOUGHTS ABOUT JOE PLACENCIA FAMILY, CRAIG BRADLEY FAMILY, J.C. THE ICU NURSE, DR. GAEDE, THE CAFETERIA, AND WHO KNOWS WHAT ELSE. MY WORDS ARE STILTED AND THOUGHTS ALL JUMBLED THROUGHOUT THE JOURNAL, BUT I WILL PROBABLY NEVER COMPLETE IT TO MY SATISFACTION.

tcbeck@swbell.net

This rather long narrative of when my daughter Wendy suffered from an unknown illness is for her to preserve the memories of what she and we went through as she fought for her life.

It starts on a hot day in June, 2003 in the Arizona desert

CLICK ON THE PICTURES FOR LARGER VERSIONS.

WHAT HAPPENED TO WENDY

My wife and I and our two youngest children, Hunter and Wendy, were on a ‘road trip’ vacation which began on May 28 and was to end on June 7. We were traveling down old Route 66 and had started our journey on 66 in Arcadia, Oklahoma. We spent the first five nights in Elk City, Oklahoma, Tucumcari, New Mexico, Gallup, New Mexico, Holbrook, Arizona, and Kingman, Arizona. We left Kingman around nine on the morning of June 2, 2003. After getting mixed up a bit in Kingman, we followed old Route 66 into very dry, rocky, hilly country. The highway led through an old section that was rarely used but still maintained as an historical highway. Called the Black Mountain section, the road stretched and winded up and over a Mountain Range and was void of any human life. I thought the road was beautiful and unlike any terrain I had been on before. I had seen pictures of it and it was fascinating to drive in person.

Down the other side of the pass a few miles we came to Oatman, a very small, tourist town that served up the flavor of an old mining town, complete with wild burros roaming Main Street, which was just about the only street. The town consisted of tourist restaurants and shops on each side of old 66 and an old Hotel that looked like it was right out of a Bonanza episode. It’s claim to fame was that Clark Gable and Carole Lombard spent their honeymoon in Room 15. At noon there was a gunfight shootout on Main after a bank robbery. Cindy and Wendy wandered around while Hunter and I went off on our own separate ways. We spent a couple of hours in Oatman and then headed on toward the California border.

The Colorado River with its beautiful blue water separates AZ and CA here at the border and we took some pictures of the old ROUTE 66 bridge which was shown in the Henry Fonda movie, the Grapes of Wrath. We had to take I-40 from here and we quickly came to Needles, CA. We did not spend much time in Needles, but did stop long enough to buy our lunch at Carl JR’s, a Burger King style fast food joint. We bought our food to go and around 1 pm we were back on old 66 heading into desert territory. Our guide book in hand we read about each interesting point and passed the spot where the comedian Sam Kinesan was killed by a drunk driver. Humanity was sparse out here as well as the towns. You could see far into the land and many times we saw entire trains across the barren land and they looked like toys. Quite a contrast to home where you see a train at a crossing and it is a large, loud, scary beast. This part of 66 has little to offer except that it has not changed much and I have read it is possible to still see the tracks left by army tanks when they trained out here in World War II.

As we came to Amboy, it looked vacant and still. Apparently no-one lives at Amboy and the gas station-hotel combo showed no signs of a proprietorship. The gasoline price sign looked like it had not been changed for years and read $2.99 a gallon. There appeared to be small cottages or classrooms that also were empty. Our guide-book said the folks that ran the Hotel were unfriendly and harassed picture takers and gawkers, however we so no-one but hurriedly took a few snap-shots and innocently headed West just a mile or two.

Here we saw the sign for the Volcano Crater. An asphalt road led closer to the crater and a large parking lot with a standard, nicely groomed, brick Federal Parks restroom facility. The crater is huge and now I realize it was further away than it appeared. We had made no plans but Cindy said she did not want to take the trip to the crater but did not mind waiting if I went. Wendy said she might go too but was not sure. Mom was going to the restroom as I got out of the car carrying her digital camera. I was in a hurry to get on down 66 so I wanted to make the jaunt to the volcano and back a quick one. I started out jogging, thinking Wendy was staying behind but also feeling that if she did come we would meet at the crater. I ran out of jog about halfway to the crater and started walking and would guess it took about 15 minutes to reach.

A trail could be seen from the highway that led up to the crater and I wish I would have taken that trail but a sign at the base asked not to use the trail and to climb up the west side so I obeyed. Well, the West side took quite a bit of effort to get to, since as I mentioned earlier the crater was much bigger than it appeared from the road. I climbed the crater diagonally as I went from the Northern side to the Western and the large lava rocks were treacherous to navigate. Nearing about 100 feet from the top, I decided to turn back, although I cannot say why. I had come 99% of the way and I wanted to see into the cone but I turned around and headed back. I was concerned that I might trip on a loose rock and hurt myself and I was also tired so I guess these prompted my retreat. I worked my way back down and re-traced the way I came and as I came into her view Wendy called me from the trail up the North slope that I did not take. She was just calling to get my attention and I waited for her as she came down and met me at the base of the Volcano. She had not made it to the top either and we headed back to the car. We both were hot and tired but nothing seemed unusual as we walked back, she did mention that her stomach hurt and she had to go to the bathroom. As we walked we started veering in different directions and as the landscape all looked alike neither could tell exactly the shorts route back, the sun and the volcano were our guidance markers and I was not concerned about us separating as we were both heading in the same general direction and the large parking lot would be easy from a distance when as got closer. Within about 10 minutes I saw the parking lot and the car and I had walked pretty straightforward from where I left Wendy so I assumed I would arrive before she did. As I approached the car, she was not there and so I told Cindy who was in the car to point the front of the car to the West as I knew Wendy was in that direction and to honk the horn and I would go find her. As I went to look for her I still had no worry but did start to think about the possibility of her getting lost. However the highway could be easily seen and I knew Wendy had enough sense to use that to keep from wandering in the desert if she could not find the parking lot. These were just passing thoughts and not a concern as I had no doubt she would hear the horn and follow if. Within 3 to 4 minutes I saw Wendy and she saw me and she was about 500 feet away, but there were lave rises all over up to ten feet high so there was no a plain view. As I saw here she was running and I only saw the top half of her and then it looked as though she fell. I thought to myself I hope she did not sprain her ankle and I rested a minute. Hunter was between Wendy and I and he could see Mom in the car.

At this point Hunter went over to where Wendy was, and I could not see either one of them. Hunter then yelled that Wendy said she needed Mom. I started toward Wendy and when she came into my view I could see that something was wrong with her. She looked dazed. I quickly approached her and asked her who I was. She answered “Dad”. She looked tired and hot. I told her we had to get to the car and asked her to get up. She arose and I held her to help her when she immediately slumped back down to the ground. She was now unconscious but I did not know. I thought she was just tired to the point of exhaustion. I called her name and got no response. I moved her head which sagged motionless on her chest. Something was wrong. “Wendy, look at me Wendy, say something, Wendy," I pleaded with her. Her Mom called from a distance and asked if she was okay. I was quickly trying to size up the situation. I was astounded and confused. "Wendy, wake up or your Mom is going to go have a fit.” I answered Cindy, “I don't know." "Wendy," I growled. " please answer me." We would not talk again for ??? days. Cindy yelled again “Do I need to get help?” “Yes," I answered, still not believing this turn of events. Another car had pulled in to the Crater Park and Cindy asked the man to call 911. I held Wendy up as she sat on the ground. I needed to get her to the car and the air conditioning. I tried to lift her and carry her. I could not. I was tired from the hike and she was just too heavy for me to carry over the lava rises in the desert bottom. Hunter ran and got a bottle of water and I splashed it on her face expecting and hoping the shock of the cold water would revive her. No luck. I tried to give her a drink but she made no effort to swallow. She was breathing but not conscious.

The heat was exhausting both of us and I knew she had to get to the car. Cindy and the strangers had 911 on the phone and they were asking questions about her from the parking lot. I could hear them but not see them. They said not to move her but I still tried to carry her.. I asked for the man to come help me carry her but I got no help I stood by Wendy in disbelief but calm and fully aware of what was unfolding. I asked for help to move her to the car again.. I cooled her with the water as much as I could. After about 20 minutes (??) the stranger came to where we were. Hunter was calm but crying just slightly asking Wendy to wake up. I asked for help in carrying Wendy to the car. The man had a bad disc in his back but we managed to get her between us and carry her halfway and we had to rest. A rise was before us and walking uphill carrying her was almost impossible. I was desperate but out of energy . " Just get her on my back and I will carry her up the rise." He helped me get her across my back and I slowly climbed up the slight rise.. The couple had rented a 4WD SUV and the lady had managed to drive into the desert and get the SUV closer. She was just over the rise and as I carried Wendy toward the car the lady opened the passenger front door and I dumped Wendy into the seat. I was exhausted and all I could do was rest. They closed the door and drove back to the parking lot. Somewhere during this time a helicopter and ambulance had been dispatched. We were over 100 miles from a hospital so there would be a wait. We had never been this far from a hospital in our life.

Wendy lay unconscious and breathing was becoming harder for her. She gasped for air. 911 stayed on the phone continuously as we waited. We drove from the parking lot the ½ mile back to where the highway was and waited longer . Wendy’s breathing continued to get worse and she started wheezing as she struggled for air . After an hour or more we were told the ambulance would arrive first and it would be just a few minutes. All we could was wait. Cindy was crying, Hunter waited in the car and I tried to comprehend that this really was happening. I calmed Cindy down as best I could and avoided any thoughts about what the future held that might be bad. Wendy's breathing was erratic and we could hear her struggling for air when she inhaled. At this point it seemed very likely that she would stop breathing at any moment. My mind raced as I tried to think of anything I could do but I was helpless. I think she started drooling and flailing at this point and we could tell she was having a seizure. We were in great fear that she would stop breathing. AS we waited within ten minutes an ambulance drove up and took over. I stood back as they transferred her to to bed in the van and began hooking up the life support systems and medications. No mention was made of her condition or her vital signs. Wendy was in their hands and all we could do was hope. Cindy was looking in the van but I did not have the heart for it, these were scenes I did not want to remember. We had to fill out some paper work as we waited in the desert and had to sign forms. About 20 minutes after the ambulance arrived the helicopter came. They blocked Route 66 from both directions and the chopper landed on the old Highway. The crew got off the copter and came to take over from the ambulance. I wanted Wendy on the way to the hospital immediately but the crew seemed to be moving slowly. It seems like it took another 15 or 20 minutes before thy transferred Wendy to the copter and almost instantly it disappeared into the sky. The lady with the SUV took pictures as the copter took off and Cindy was going to take some but I asked her not to.

Palm Springs Desert Regional Hospital- these were the words that would become very familiar-but at the time a hospital with desert in the title did not seem comforting. I was given directions about four times by the ambulance personnel but my mind was in no condition to remember them. The couple with the SUV had been waiting with us and before they left we asked for their name and number so we could correspond with them. Their last name was Beck , the same as ours. They had been to see their son who was in the military. We thanked them and said goodbye.

The ambulance was heading toward the hospital and so we followed. We both were calm as we followed the ambulance for the nest 30 minutes to a town where they pulled into a gas station and we drove up beside them.. They told us that they had talked to the hospital and Wendy had made it okay and I think they said she was talking. They had to make another call so they told us to follow them up to the next light and turn right on a road called 29 Palms. It was a busy five lane road that went through several towns on its way to Palm Springs. As we neared the hospital I phoned the ER and asked how Wendy was doing but the receptionist said the nurse was busy so we had to make the drive without any word as what to expect when we arrived. At Palm Springs we got onto I-10 and Cindy and Hunter spoke of the turbine windmills that littered the landscape as I worried intensely, too much so to even converse about anything other than Wendy's situation. It was quickly getting dark as we took the Indian Canyon exit and it went directly to the hospital. This turn into the hospital would be a turn I would make many times in the nest few weeks, worrying and wondering each time what I would find when I got inside the hospital.

Let me recap what had happened We were on vacation, stopped in a mining tourist town, drove over a beautiful scenic old section of Route 66, stopped for a quick look at a volcano, and now I was in Palm Springs, turning into the emergency entrance of the hospital to see what my daughter and my family's fate would be. It is fair to say their is a mild case of shock on a parents part that serves to keep them sane. You know that you are about to hear statements that could change your life in a terrible way. As we parked, Cindy ran from the car to the emergency room doors, while Hunter and I walked quickly, lagging behind. We entered and it was now dark, probably around 7:30. Several people where waiting for treatment as we told who we were at the front desk. We were immediately escorted out of the main waiting room behind computer controlled doors to a small family-size waiting room. This private room took us away from the main crowd of ER patients and let us rest and think alone. This first act of kindness and special treatment by the staff was just the start of many more acts of kindness by them. No one could have been treated any better than we were. I have no explanation of why but every step of our stay with them we were treated with special care. As we sat waiting for some report we talked calmly. The first person we saw was a lady who worked in the ER but was not a medical person. She told us Wendy was talking when she arrived and actually told her name and age. This was wonderful news and we both felt everything was okay. This is what you hope for and expect when something happens suddenly like this. You know it is rare for a young person to develop something this quickly and die from it so you figure the odds are that everything will be okay. The lady left and we talked as if the worst was over and Wendy had probably just gotten too hot. Our fears about Wendy dying were gone and we planned on staying 2-3 days at the hospital while she was under observation. We had to fill out some necessary forms but overall the whole incident was now just a matter of time. We were told a Doctor would be in shortly and we waited quite a while, probably 1.5 to 2 hours. Then the Doctor came in. This tall, bald, Kentuckian with a familiar southern accent told us Wendy was a very sick girl. He said their were a lot of things wrong with her. I really do not remember the conversation or if another doctor came to us in that waiting room but we were both stunned by this news. Wendy had been sick in the desert, we knew that, but we had no official word on her condition until now. We had been relieved of our worries by the woman's report and that made this news hit us unbelievably hard. We knew it was true but we could not fathom it. All your intellect says this is happening but your emotional side cannot believe it.

The Doctor's name was Dr. Stephen Frank and he would be Wendy's Doctor for quite awhile He was a man of confidence with a tendency to mix the situation at hand with anything else that happened to pop into his mind. We asked about Wendy's problems and he said they could fix all of them. This was important to me as I felt he would not carelessly use words like this.

CLICK ON THE GOOD DOCTOR'S PICTURE FOR A BIGGER PICTURE

About Dr. Frank -

Dr. Frank became our Father Figure in Wendy's illness. He was the man with the ability to give her the care that would bring her health back. He was our strong shoulder to cry on. My first memory of him was in the Emergency Room waiting room when he told us Wendy was a very sick girl but he could 'fix' all of her problems. He was a man of confidence and talent, obviously he was a very intelligent man. He dealt with us as grieving parents with tact and honesty giving just the right amount of information to keep our hopes alive but keeping our trust in him. He never seemed boastful or over-confident, but he came across as a man who knew he could make the correct decisions for whatever came up. Considering that no-one could find out what the cause was, I find his optimism quite amazing. It was his confidence in himself that gave Cindy and myself strength and trust to believe that things would turn out okay even though there was not much other hope to grasp on to. I am not one to use words lightly but in reflection I don't see how he could have handled us any better. We tend to think of the patient as being the one the Doctors must deal with, but I can assure you that keeping us going was quite a challenge for Dr. Steve. He would never promise us things would turn out okay but he never seemed overly worried on the front lines. To Dr. Steve I say, "Please keep up your optimism and continue to show your confidence to your patients' families, it may be all they have to hang on to hope with. As low as we were, without your words of encouragement each day, we would have had a much harder struggle. Thank you for calling on the assistance of other MD's to analyze Wendy's illness, we felt like you treated Wendy as your own daughter and gave her special care. " Dr. Steve ordered any treatment to Wendy to be approved by him and I am sure that meant a lot of calls at late night and early morning waking him up. Wendy ran the gamut on types of treatment and medicines she received and Dr. Frank was up to the task of how to manage all of these things and how they would affect her. He and his wife Birdy even bought Wendy several games to help her in her early stages of mental and physical rehabilitaion. This type of personal treatment surprised us and was very touching. It was also reassuring when one of his patients' husband told us how excellent a physician he was and how Wendy was lucky to have him, referring to the good Dr. as a genius. That was a very remarkable compliment to hear and gave us strength. As you can tell, we know we were very fortunate that Dr. Steve was on duty when Wendy checked in to Palm Springs Desert Regional on that May evening, and I think there is a good chance Wendy would not have survived without his able and careful tending. We will always be most grateful to him.

I am happy to say that when we returned to Palm Springs a year later in 2004 to visit and thank some folks, Dr. Frank offered his beautiful 'mother-in-law' house to stay in. And on arriving on Friday evening, he and Birdy took us out to the California Pizza Kitchen to eat. We had a nice time visiting and he invited me to golf the next day which was very kind. (I was quite sick the entire trip with a mysterious illness which my Dad also had and was in the hospital for back in Arkansas, so I was not the best of company for my family or the Frank's) On Saturday night the Franks' had a party for Wendy and invited some of the Medical Personnel who were involved in Wendy's case. It was a beautiful Palm Springs evening and we enjoyed the pool and the stars and grilling out at Dr Steve's and Birdy's house. What can you say about a Doctor who treats you that well? Dr. Steve and Birdy, thank you for being our Doctor and friends. Your efforts and kindness were worthwhile and we think of you a lot and wish we were a bit closer were we could say hello and thank you personally more often.

Also, on our 2004 return visit, we stopped by the Hospital and invited the folks in the ICU section to enjoy some punch and cookies and introduced them to the restored Wendy who they had only seen as ill and weak. It was quite emotional to return to the scene of such stress and stir up the old memories, but it is good when you can look back in triumph over such odds. We will return again some day as this incident is now a major part of our life and will always be.

Now back to the story...

We waited longer to see Wendy and we were warned that she would not look good. Hunter went with us as we went back to the ER to se her before they took her to Intensive Care. The last time we saw Wendy she was unconscious and in her blue-jean shorts and tee-shirt. Now she lay on a bed in ER with IV's in her, an oxygen mask, in a hospital gown and with blood around her nose or ears, I don't remember. From hearing she was answering questions when she got here to seeing her like this was too great a blow for us. We could not comprehend emotionally the situation. During this time, the hospital had set up a room for us at the Courtyard Marriott on Tahquitz Canyon Way and so we had a place to go and were given directions. It was now after 1:00 in the morn, we were tired, confused and in shock. We were not able to reasonably grasp our situation. We followed orders and went to the hotel, and a very nice room awaited us, but my state of mind was one of fear and there was no relief to be found in anything. How can you go to sleep under these circumstance, how can you do anything but worry? We went through the motions of getting ready for bed, teeth brushing, changing to pajamas and I had gotten into bed when the phone rang. I knew that the phone ringing was the hospital as no-one else knew we were here and I also had a pretty good idea that this was not good news. The hospital wanted both of us to come back right away! We did not know why they wanted us but the next few minutes were the worst of my life up to that point. We dressed again and had to take Hunter with us. It was after 2 am as we drove. Nothing was unusual, life went on as normal for 2 am on the streets, it was quiet, traffic lights changed, a few cars were on the streets and I was in terror. I was talking out loud , moaning, hurting in a way that only those who have lost someone very dear can know. I felt there was a good chance they were going to tell us our daughter was dead.. Just to type these words now hurts, but to experience that thought when you knew there was a good reality behind it was almost too much to bear. How could this be? I kept asking out loud. We were on vacation, having a great time, this cant' be happening. But it was.

At the hospital, we met a gentle, white-haired, grandfatherly looking man. His name was Dr. Max Weil

and he asked us some questions about Wendy's demeanor up to the time she got sick and he was curious about where we had eaten, etc. I was a bit angry for being called back for this because we had already given this information and at first impression I thought he was just being a busy-body. I came to learn that Dr. Weil was a pioneer in Critical Care and opened the first Intensive Care Unit in the World. His experience in this area was unsurpassed and Dr. Frank had called him in on Wendy's case that night to help. I am glad I kept my anger to myself. When I learned of his talent, I was very grateful and amazed at our luck in having Wendy end up in a hospital where he could offer his expertise.

Dr. Weil checked on Wendy throughout her stay. It was a comfort to know that

we had his forty-plus years of experience helping in the decision-making. Some research on the internet informed us that he also holds many patents on medical devices and is regarded as the founder of the Critical Care Unit concept.

http://www.911research.org/intro.html

After answering Dr. Weil's questions, we decided to call our parents and let them know what was happening. It was three in the morning but we thought we needed their support and prayers. I also thought that if the worst was to happen, at least they would have some preparation for it. The calls were very emotional and very quick and I can only imagine the sleepless night they must have had after we said goodbye. We returned to the Hotel for a few hours of sleep. This was the end of the first day.

A few hours later the second day began. At six that morning Cindy went back to the hospital while I stayed with Hunter in the room. She came back to get us and not much had changed. The Doctors were still unable to diagnose what was wrong with her. Cindy and I went into ICU Pod 1 where Wendy lay motionless with several machines and tubes supporting her. The ICU area housed about six patient areas in a circular fashion around a working area where the Doctors and Nurses worked and discussed the patients. This area also contained the monitors which showed the pulse, heart rate, blood pressure, etc. of each patient and the medical records showing the Doctors notes. This first morning Dr. Frank was sitting at one of the desks and he and a muscular man wearing the familiar medical blue were discussing Wendy.

DR. DOUG- DOUGLAS GILLETT

The fellow in blue was Dr. Douglas Gillott, a gynecologist close to my age, who would turn out to be very emotionally supportive to us over the next few weeks. Dr. Doug, as we came to call him, had a very successful practice of his own in a building adjacent to the hospital. Dr. Frank called him in on Wendy's case, along with many other Doctors, at the beginning of Wendy's entry into the ICU. While both Doctor's were very busy, Dr. Frank's hours were very unpredictable as we know he was called many times late at night and early morning just on Wendy's case. Dr. Doug had somewhat more regular hours and as a result visited us almost daily stopping by on his rounds in the morning (and many times at night) and updating us on Wendy. He has a very compassionate, sincere, warm personality, and we used him very much to our advantage for encouragement when Wendy was at her lowest. In the darkest times, we looked forward to Dr. Doug's visit to us in the waiting room, as he was always honest but upbeat and positive about Wendy. We had a special bond with Dr. Doug and it seemed as if he felt our pain, but not only felt it, but also took time to communicate with us and be our friend. It's one thing for a person to be sorry for what you are dealing with. It is quite another when a stranger stops to help and stays by your side until the trouble is gone. Dr. Doug, thank you for seeing us through and all your visits when you probably wanted to go see Zak. Thanks for never seeming to be in a hurry, for being honest yet hopeful and for being our friend. We miss seeing you. You made us feel special and important and gave us hope, all at a time when we needed help most.

NOTE FROM TERRY INSERTED HERE MARCH OF 2005- I BELIEVE WHEN I WAS WRITING THESE MEMORIES

THE REMAINDER WHICH FOLLOWS WAS WRITTEN AT A LATER TIME. I FORCED MYSELF TO PUT THIS STORY INTO WRITING AND I WAS NOT MAKING GOOD PROGRESS AS IT WAS NOT EASY TO TRANSLATE MY FEELINGS INTO WORDS. THE REST OF THIS WAS WRITTEN IN HASTE JUST TO FINISH THE TASK AND PRESERVE THE MEMORIES AS FRESH AS POSSIBLE..

Okay, here is the story of what happened in the hospital. The first day was sort of an assessment day of what was going on and what was wrong with Wendy. We were coming to grips with the reality of the situation. Of course, the whole scenario was new to us, the waiting room, the staff, the ICU, all of it. We were in a nice large waiting room with several areas of chairs and sofas and the furniture was arranged to allow for groups to have there own place and allowed for some amount of privacy. There was a help desk in the waiting room that had a volunteer attendant about half the time, who showed up in the mornings, sometimes making coffee and occasionally doughnuts were brought in.

We started in one corner of the waiting room and made our way to the other corner as it became available. It was the corner closest to the ICU where Wendy was. There were two hard sofas facing each other and a chair beside an end table. One side of the corner was a large glass window that looked out into a courtyard with grass and Palm trees. This corner would become our home for a month and it was staked out with our blankets, pillows, snacks, drinks, magazines, puzzle books, etc. So in the rare case we weren’t in our corner, others visitors could tell it was booked. During our stay in the ICU waiting room, we saw and met many other families in tragic situations. We waited as these others were admitted and released from ICU while we had to stay, patiently waiting for the time when we could leave. We had little desire for food and the thought of sleep held the fear of wondering what you would find when you awoke.

The ICU where Wendy lay was down a hallway about 40 yards from the waiting room. The physicians would come to our corner and visit us with reports about Wendy, several times a day, in the beginning. As things improved we would get Doctor visits and updates 2-3 times a day. I will note the other families rarely received visits such as these, and I only remember a couple of these visits to other families. It was very comforting when the Doctors would sit on the couch with us and talk with us without acting like they were in a hurry. Dr. Frank would often eat some of ??? chocolate chip cookies.

Anyway, here we are in the waiting room on Day One and wondering what is wrong with our daughter. When we saw her in the ICU she looked very bad and I did not have the heart to visit her bedside too often. She was swollen all over, her face hands arms, neck, etc. were bulging so much that it did not look like her. She was not sedated but was unconscious and had IV lines and a breathing tube in her mouth. The staff was busy caring for her also and as a result of all of these things, we felt if best to keep our visits to a minimum. Cindy visited much more frequently than I did.

I don’t remember a lot about the first day but we were alone and had only told our parents. At this point we were not yet in the corner we called home, but on the opposite side of the waiting room. I remember Cindy’s cousin and husband, Tommy Sue and Bruce were our first visitors and we were still in this old spot. During this time, I was very quiet and very reclusive. I was not in any mood to make small talk or enjoy humor and pretty much wanted to be left alone to deal with the emotional issues at hand. This was a very hard time for me and I did not mind allowing myself to neglect the protocol of proper visiting manners, hoping those visiting would understand my mental state. Cindy, on the other hand, was hostess to our visitors and carried on the conversation and etiquette as is polite to do when you have company.

On Day One, Wendy’s status was not yet determined and while we were extremely worried, it had not become a life or death situation, at least not to us. The second night, I went to the hotel with Hunter and I vividly recall taking a shower and brushing my teeth and how empty I felt. There was no joy to be found in anything and I called Cindy about every 20 minutes, so worried that something would happen. That night went by with no emergencies but neither of us got any rest. On Tuesday, Cindy’s Dad arrived and we felt some relief of having someone to lean on. The comment I remember from him after he came back to the waiting room from ICU after seeing Wendy the first time was that it was going to take a miracle. He stayed with us for 3 weeks and was very helpful, especially allowing one of us to get rest without having to leave the other alone.

My brother Ken, who cried along with me in our phone conversations, had called the Palm Springs Church of Christ and informed them of our plight, and Joe Placencia, their minister came over to offer support immediately. He was my age and very easy to talk to and during my entire ordeal he became a shoulder to cry on and a great comfort. We got to know him and his family and they spent the fourth of July with us watching fireworks from the 4^th floor balcony of Wendy’s hospital room. He was also there to wave good bye as Hunter, Adam and I departed Palm Springs on our 1800 mile drive home to Arkansas.

Anyway, I realize I am rambling, but this whole affair is so overwhelmingly large and so emotional that I can find no other way to convey my thoughts.

I know that the night of the second day Hunter, Cindy and I went back to the hotel because we were awoken by a call very early and told that Wendy had to be put on emergency dialysis, Cindy’s Dad was at the hospital to sign the authorization forms. If you recall, we were also called back to the hospital on our first night in the hotel. After two phone calls waking you from the hospital, you are cured from going back to the hotel at night to sleep. Very little is worse than the thought of a ringing phone from the hospital with bad news. We wanted to be close so we could know at once if anything happened. We wanted to be able to check on Wendy because we felt somehow that if nothing is wrong right now surely we can go another 30 minutes. How much can go wrong in 30 minutes? So we would check as frequently as we could muster the courage. We could call or visit the ICU and ask how Wendy was. As long as we could check on her whenever we wanted to, we felt somewhat in control of the situation. While this is not logical, it was how we felt and how we got our strength to keep going hour after hour for so many days. During the day, when the Doctors were coming and going and the waiting room was alive with visitors and things were active, the time went by much quicker. But at night, we dreaded the dark. Outside our window as the light vanished by with each passing minute we prepared for another struggle for survival till morning. The halls would become quiet and the waiting room would empty, the Doctors were mostly gone home and our fear would multiply. This is when we were most vulnerable. This is when Wendy was most vulnerable. I don’t know it the statistics would back me on this, but it seems that at night time there were many more instances of patient’s in the ICU having problems. Anyway, California is a bit different than Arkansas, and they keep later hours in Palm Springs, so often we would have visitors till 10 or 11, which was good as it helped eat away at those long dark hours. But around midnight things got really quiet, and it was a perfect atmosphere for deep thought, which was the last thing Cindy and I needed to have. We would watch the clock and then one of us would either call the waiting room or go there. You had to ring a buzzer and get permission to enter the ICU before they would open the doors and even in our situation we hated to bother the nursing staff, but at least every hour our fear would overcome our politeness and we would check on Wendy. When I went to visit on these early morning checks, I would be permitted to enter, quickly tell the nurse I wondered how Wendy was and then be answered usually with “she’s stable.” This would be the relief I needed and I could go back to the corner to wait some more. One night, when things were particularly bleak, we stayed up all night and passed part of the time by making a list of all the people praying for Wendy. The morning light would bring a comfort that I don’t quite understand, as if it soothed the soul in some way. Most of these long nights, usually ended with us finally falling asleep about 3 to 4 in the morning only to be awakened by ‘Sarge Marge” as Mr. Freeman dubbed her, cajoling everyone poor soul slumbering in the waiting room to “wake up, your not supposed to be sleeping in here.” I routinely ignored her as I pulled the blanket tighter over my head and I believe I would have made an enemy for life if she had ever attempted to remove that blanket from my face. Then she would order the cleaning lady to vacuum and she would run the machine right up to my ear, it seemed. Cindy always woke up before me and usually was not around when I awoke and I would wait on her for a report as I was too cowardly to check on Wendy after several hours without knowing. I guess I am a big chicken at heart but I did have a lot to lose, so don’t think to badly of me.

The phone calls: Let me start by saying we appreciate all the phone calls, and there were lots of them. Once word got out with our family and friends and church that we had a problem, we were covered with support, but we were so far away, all they could do was call. And everyone wanted to know what happened, of course, and how she was. It was hard to explain how Wendy was, she wasn’t doing well and it was hard to talk about.

We really can’t comprehend what it was like in Arkansas but we heard from folks that we had an enormous amount of support at home and across the country through congregations and it was obvious by the phone calls and the hundreds of cards that Wendy received. We had calls almost constantly the first week, more than we cared to handle in our frame of mind so Mr. Freeman and later on my brother Don and Ken’s wife helped to report on Wendy’s status to the callers.

I have gotten off track again, but I was explaining about our life in the waiting room and how our nights went.

Our time in the hospital can be separated into several different divisions defined by Wendy’s status.

Roughly, they are as follows:

Situation Critical, but no official word on how severe-this was Day One and Two.

Situation very critical-Doctor’s not sure if she will make it-it seems this lasted about a week but the days are a blur.

Situation critical-patient critical but stable, Doctor’s won’t assure us she will survive –about another week to 10 days

Situation critical but patient should be okay if no complications.-another week

Patient is going to recover but slowly-another week

Patient is moved out of ICU-then has a seizure, indicating some sort of brain problem, patient moved back to ICU for one night

Patient moved back out of ICU for a week then moved to a cardio room due to low potassium for one night

Patient moved back to normal room and released to fly on a medical jet to a hospital in Arkansas

Our personal emotional level did not conform to the periods above though. When you have a child who is severely ill, you really do not feel much relief as long as they are in an ICU. It was a great day when Wendy was moved to a normal room and this was when we finally felt the relief and ability to let most our fears go. Cindy began to enjoy the sights of Palm Springs and was intent on getting a bit more out of our vacation. I was vigilant in worrying about Wendy and still stayed at the hospital but I did start to enjoy eating again and gained several pounds back that I had lost, and some extra. The major worrying really ended with me when I called from Lake Havasu City, AZ on the way home and learned from Cindy’s Mom that the medical flight had made it okay and Wendy and Mom were at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital in good order.

EMAILS

FROM CINDY’S SISTER-IN-LAW JULIA

Wednesday, June 04, 2003 8:38 AM

As some of you know, our 15-year-old niece Wendy Beck is in intensive care in Palm Springs, CA. She collapsed at a national park while they were on a family vacation. Medics had her airlifted to Palm Springs. Drs have determined that
some kind of virus, they don't know what, has attacked her blood, it won't clot. All the liquids they put in her are coming out with diarrhea. Drs. have advised her parents to bring her brothers out, they don't have much hope that she will
make it. They have tested her for everything imaginable, brought in an infectious disease specialist, etc.

Please pray for Wendy and her family. Her mother Cindy is George's only sister. Wendy is such a sweet child (looks 12) and she was a junior bridesmaid in Ashley's wedding two weeks ago.
Thanks,
Julia

Wednesday, June 04, 2003 11:11 AM

Some ladies here in Auburn have a prayer group. They fervently pray for a large prayer list every day, and have added Wendy to their list. (They prayed for me when I had cancer surgery.)
They pray this prayer for those with blood problems and suggested we do the same:

Eze. 16:6. And when I passed by thee, and saw thee polluted in thine own blood, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live; yea, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live.

Wendy's fever was down a little this morning...

Thursday, June 05, 2003 10:45 AM

Thank you for your prayers! Wendy is holding on, but her kidneys have failed...she is on dialysis...they think it may be toxic shock syndrome, but are still testing...we don't think they are sure yet. They are testing stomach fluid this morning. Please continue to pray for her & her family.
Thanks,
Julia

Friday, June 06, 2003 12:33 PM

Dear friends & family,
Wendy is hanging on, thanks to the Lord - doctors are still not sure of the cause, but are trying to rid her body of toxins and support her until she can outlast the "poison" in her system. The next 48 hours will be critical. Please continue to pray for her and her family. On a positive note, the MRI and stomach tests were negative, no water on the brain. She is still on dialysis
and blood medication, still not conscious. Her youth and strength are to her advantage, and Lord is her Protector.
Thank you for your prayers.
Julia

Monday, June 09, 2003 8:49 AM

So many of our friends & family are calling & emailing to check on Wendy, and sending encouraging messages like this one...we continue to pray, confident of
God's care!

Julia

The Lord gives us strength that we don't know we have! Prayers are increased to several a day!! Love you!

Monday, June 09, 2003 11:50 AM

Dear family & friends,
It has been a week today, thanks for all your prayers. As a result, Wendy is still hanging on, still in critical condition, but showing signs of slight improvement. The bleeding has lessened slightly, she reacted to pain last night, swelling down a little, dialysis adjusted, & brain tests have had good results. They hope to try to wake her today.

Please continue to pray for her, she is still critical. I will update every morning after we hear something.

Thank you,

Tuesday, June 10, 2003 11:46 AM

While still on the critical list, still on dialysis & not conscious yet, Wendy is showing small signs of responding to voices. Thank you for your prayers,
please continue to pray for her.
Thanks,
Julia

Wednesday, June 11, 2003 9:13 AM

I will be out of the office most of today, but last night Wendy's report was continuing small signs of improvement, bleeding greatly reduced, partial rousing from coma - responding to voices but not "awake." The Drs. are sounding more
optimistic that she will make it, but she is still critical, still needing dialysis.

Thanks for your prayers, we all appreciate it so much,
Julia

Friday, June 13, 2003 11:16 AM

Real progress, thanks to the Lord! Wendy has progressed from ice to milkshakes! She is still critical, on dialysis with hurdles to cross, but now they appear to be "normal" ICU hurdles...Dr's think it really was toxic shock syndrome...One out of three people with TSS die...thanks for your prayers and we hope you will continue until Wendy is off the critical list.
thanks,
Julia

Monday, June 16, 2003 1:50 PM

Wendy had a setback over the weekend, respiratory distress, they had to put her back on the ventilator...also had high fever, possibly hospital pneumonia & a colon infection...they put her on antibiotics, sedated her, and increased dialysis...she is
better today, lungs much better. They hope to wake her tomorrow.

Please pray that her kidneys will begin working and her lungs clear up...and for her recovery.
Thanks so much,
Julia

Wednesday, June 18, 2003 9:06 AM

Wendy made slow but steady progress yesterday. They turned off the breathing machine but left the tube in. She was kept half-asleep. They may take the tube out today and wake her up. Still no kidney function but we are still hopeful that the Lord will bless her with full recovery. Cindy & Terry are encouraged
that we are all still praying for her.

Thanks for your prayers & encouragement,
Julia

Wednesday, June 18, 2003 9:39 AM

A few encouraging replies from my daily Wendy Updates - they send encouragement every day, and forward prayer requests to their friends and churches...
Julia
-
Hang in there. We're still with you.
Debbie [Allen]

Love to you, and our prayers continue for Wendy and her recovery.
Michelle [Raines]

Well friends this is the latest update on little Wendy........the one we've all been praying for...........so please keep those prayers goin for her, ok???
May God Bless You and Yours!!!!!!!!!!
Love to all..............
Pat [Smith]

Our prayers continue ...May God help her through this soon
yehia {El Mogahzy from the Muslim mosque, one of our professors]

Julia, that is so sad. I am really sorry to hear of this. I will
definitely keep Wendy in my prayers.

Matthew 18:18-19
                "I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will
be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19) "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will   be done for you by my Father in heaven.

Psalm 107:19-20
                Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he
saved them from   their distress. 20) He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued   them from the grave.

I believe Wendy can be healed of this affliction and I pray that it will leave her body just as it had come upon her. I am forwarding this page if you want to add Wendy to a prayer chain (if you're interested).

Barbara [Alford]

Wendy made slow but steady progress yesterday. They turned off the breathing machine but left the tube in. She was kept half-asleep. They may take the tube out today and wake her up. Still no kidney function but we are still hopeful that the Lord will bless her with full recovery. Cindy & Terry are encouraged
that we are all still praying for her.

Thanks for your prayers & encouragement,
Julia

Friday, June 20, 2003 2:53 PM Friday, June 20, 2003 2:53 PM

Hi, everyone!
Wendy has made more progress! Her breathing tubes are out, she rested in a recliner yesterday, and has been wheeled into the sunshine today!
Best of all, there was a little sign that her kidneys may be waking up this morning!! They are doing a little physical therapy, too.

We are so thankful, and know you will continue your prayers until she is out of ICU, because you all tell me so.

Her address is below if you would like to send a card to her.

Thanks so much,
Julia
Wendy Beck

3114 ICU

Desert Regional Medical Center

1150 N. Indian Canyon Drive

Palm Springs, CA 92262

Monday, June 23, 2003 10:58 AM

Tuesday, June 24, 2003 1:12 PM

Wendy is making slow, steady progress - now listed as "critical but stable"....not in a room yet but hopefully any day now. No big changes, kidneys under 10% functioning but hopefully beginning to 'wake up'...the nurses are helping her begin to walk a little and she's having physical therapy.

Thanks for your prayers & encouragement, I know you will continue.
Julia

Friday, June 27, 2003 3:12 PM

Wendy has been making progress - three or four steps forward to one step back...they have had her out of bed some, catheter out, physical therapy....but when they decrease/change some medication or dialysis, it sometimes causes problems...she had fluid in her lungs Wed. night but had a good day yesterday after they increased dialysis...they tested her muscle tissue, worried about her immune system attacking her muscles, haven't heard from that test...that often happens with toxic shock syndrome, they say....she is still on steroids & probably lots of other
medication...her case is apparently not very typical...

If things go well, after two weeks of stability, they will look at a
medical flight back home to Arkansas for treatment at Children's
Hospital in Little Rock, near their home in the North Little Rock area.
That will be a big milestone!

Thanks for your continuing prayers, concern & encouragement!

Julia

Tuesday, July 08, 2003 12:39 PM

The Lord is answering our prayers! Wendy is improving every day, and her kidneys have started working! Drs. are monitoring her closely, hoping she can stay off dialysis, and are looking into arrangements for flying her back to Children's Hospital in Little Rock. They have the offer of a corporate jet if the medical arrangements can be worked out - it's quite an undertaking! Hopefully, she will be back in her home state within a week. Thank you all so much for continuing to pray for Wendy and her family, hope you will help us until she is well again...I'll keep you posted.
Bless you all,
Julia

Friday, July 11, 2003 4:10 PM

Great news - Wendy has been flown back to Children's Hospital in Little Rock, so she is very near home. She made the trip fine...she has a long way to go, but has come so far with the Lord's help and many kind, caring people. Please keep her in your prayers until she makes a full recovery.

Thanks,
Julia

Thursday, July 17, 2003 10:17 AM

Everyone, Wendy is home from the hospital!
She will be going daily for physical and other therapies, testing, maybe some dialysis at times, but she mostly has to gain strength. Right now she has to be in a wheelchair when she leaves home, but with our prayers will continue to improve.
Praise the Lord!
Julia

Friday, July 18, 2003 11:33 AM

I talked to my sister-in-law Cindy last night. We are all celebrating Wendy's return home! Cindy asked me to thank all of you for your prayers - we have truly experienced a miracle. While she still has a long road to complete recovery, every day she is improving. I will send updates when the news is big...

Thanks from all of us, let us know when you need our prayers,
Julia

Monday, August 18, 2003 12:37 PM

Dear friends,
A happy update on our niece Wendy...while she still has some
aftereffects from the toxic shock, Wendy will be starting school with her class! What a miracle! She will go to school half a day in a wheelchair, then therapy in the afternoons. She goes to a small Christian school and will receive the help she needs to keep up. Thanks for all your prayers, and we appreciate your continuing prayers for her full recovery as her strength returns.

Love,
Julia

EMAIL FROM DR. SHUBHA KERKAR INFECTIOUS DISEASE DR.

Monday, August 04, 2003 11:51 PM

Thank you for the photo and your letter. I am so glad to hear about Wendy's progress. I think that God has been watching over you and your family all of the time and I was very gratified that I was a small part in His Miracle. Hope you all could visit us next year socially. I know more than a dozen people, nurses, doctors and volunteers, who are going to be thrilled to bits when we see you next year including me.

Dr. Kerkar.

(Shubha Kerkar)

Terry & Cindy Beck <tcbeck@swbell.net> wrote:

Dr. Kerkar,

Hello from the Beck family. We are doing well. Wendy has been home since July 16 and is improving daily. She is walking

and doing all of her daily tasks without assistance. She is still regaining strength and weight and is recovering from her illness

quickly. Her voice is almost back to normal and she seems to be her old self. She is not depressed and has spent time with friends and been to the movies twice and we are pleased to see her enjoy life again. We have come a long way since coming to Desert Regional on June 2nd. We thank you for your help and concern for Wendy and us during those weeks of struggling. The entire medical crew treated us like we were special. You should be proud of the work you do and the people you work with, you all are exceptional.

Here is a picture of Wendy with you the day before we left. We hope everything is going well for you and your family. We plan on returning to Palm Springs, probably next year, and we will try to find you to say hello when we do. Thanks again for your kindness and concern for us when we were in the hospital.

Sincerely, Terry and CIndy

EMAIL FROM DR. ALDERMAN, KIDNEY DR.

Tuesday, August 05, 2003 12:01 AM

I am so Glad she is doing well- If all patients( and families) were such a pleasure to take care of- I woundn't have to work for a living-Anyhow, we heard she went to the Dave Mattews Band concert shortly after returing to Little Rock- how did she like the concert-keep me posted on her progress- Is she going to enrole in school this Fall?

thank you for the Nice picture of Wendy

Dave Alderman

----- Original Message -----

From: Terry & Cindy Beck

To: dalderman@dc.rr.com

Sent: Monday, August 04, 2003 5:55 PM

Subject: Wendy Beck patient-DESERT REGIONAL

Dr. Alderman,

Remember Wendy! She is at home, and recovering quickly. She is weak but can walk on her own and handle all of her day to day tasks. Her kidneys are working fine too. Thanks for all of your good doctoring, we miss you and all of the crew who we came to know while we lived at Desert Regional. Here is a picture of Wendy for you to remember us by. Thanks to you guys our life is getting back to normal.

EMAIL FROM THE ICU NURSE SUPERVISOR

DORI STEVENS

Sunday, October 05, 2003 2:28 PM

Hello, it is so nice to hear from you. I am soooo glad Wendy is doing so well, our little miracle :). she looks wonderful. Please say hello to her and to your father for us. Keep in touch and have a wonderful holiday season.

-----Original Message-----
From: Terry and Cindy Beck [mailto:tcbeck@swbell.net]
Sent: Thursday, June 05, 2003 8:00 AM
To: STEVENS, DORI
Subject: Wendy Beck

Just wanted to update you on Wendy. She turned 16 last Sunday and we all had a very special weekend. She had a huge party Friday night, went to see the Razorbacks on Saturday, and had a family lunch on Sunday. She is through with PT, OT, and speech and is going to school all day. She will be the 11th grade maid at the homecoming football game this coming Friday night.

We want to thank all of you for your part in making these special times possible. We love you all.

Terry and Cindy Beck and family

Email from Dr. Frank dated 9/5/2003

Cheryl Beall's voice mail concerning Wendy's arrival at Little Rock

Jason Knight's voice mail June 11, 2003

email us at

Wendy and Heather Wendy and brothers first night home from hospital.

at 16th Birthday Party

tcbeck@swbell.net

AMBULANCE PERSONNEL WHO CAME TO THE AMBOY CRATER TO

ANSWER OUR 911 CALL

DR. GAEDE AND DR. CONLEY (SURGEON)

THE NEXT SIX PICTURES WERE ADDED AFTER OUR RETURN

VISIT IN MAY, 2004.

DR. STEVE AND WENDY JUNE 2004

BIRDY AND STEVE, HUNTER AND WENDY

THE FRANK'S GUEST HOUSE WERE WE STAYED

CINDY, DR. DOUG AND WENDY

TWO DOCS AND WENDY (THAT'S DR. GAEDE)

THE POOL AT THE FRANK'S, FORMERLY THE ANDREWS

SISTERS POOL AND HOUSE AND OCCASIONALLY VISITED BY THE

LIKES OF FRANK SINATRA, WHOSE WIFE DONATED THE HOSPITAL ROOM WENDY

STAYED IN.

Email from Dr. Frank

Wonderful to hear from you.
Saw the letter at the hospital. Wendy looks marvellous... like a typical, pretty 16 year old.
How is school going for her? I am curious as to how her intellectual recovery has unfolded. Specifically how is her artistic versus her mathematical/analytical ability now (as opposed to before)? How is she emotionally? Notice any changes? It's more of a neurological question than a psychological one. Being 16 is a time of upheaval anyway.
I'm so thankful things have worked out well for her, and so very proud of the team out here. Getting Wendy through this is, and shall remain, something very few hospitals could have pulled off. Her recovery stands as a beacon for all of us when the going gets tough.
I am looking forward to seeing y'all in the spring. Birdie and I bought a mother-in-law house a few blocks away, so we can offer you a place to stay if you'd like. I can't help but wonder what it will be like seeing her again. No doubt I'll be teary-eyed and she'll be wondering what all the fuss is about...
My love to all, and have a Happy, Prosperous and HEALTHY 2004.
SEF

Letters to the Church

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Thank you so much for your generous financial help with our expenses due to Wendy’s illness and our extended stay in California. We have been blessed by God through you. Our family has experienced the love and care that come from being in Christ in a magnitude that most people will never experience. What a comfort it was to know that so many of you shared our pain. As terrible as Wendy’s illness was, the blessings and benefits of seeing Christ’s teachings in action through you and others has made our ordeal a positive experience and we are better for it.

We are so indebted for the prayers on Wendy’s behalf. We knew Wendy’s fate rested in God’s hands and the only thing that left us with the strength to remain somewhat calm was the knowledge that Wendy was being lifted up to God continually across the country. He has truly blessed us by listening and answering those prayers. Wendy is doing wonderful and seems to be well on her way to a full recovery. God is truly awesome.

Again, thank you for showing us the true magnitude of being a part of God’s family.

Terry and Cindy Beck

Noah, Adam, Wendy and Hunter

Prayers for Christians throughout the world:

URGENT! June 5, 2003 Wendy Beck (15 years old) from Sherwood, AR is in the Desert Regional Hospital, Palm Springs, CA with "Toxic Shock" and is unresponsive. Her parents Terry & Cindy Beck request prayers. They are members of the church of Christ in Arkansas. These folks are great servants of the Lord. They have started a Christian Academy, done mission work for the Lord in proclaiming the gopsel. These folks are mult-generational servants in God's kingdom and they need our prayers and petitions! Call (760) 327-2521 Palm Springs church of Christ. I (Keith C. Brown, New Hope church of Christ, La Quinta, CA), along with Joe Plancentia from the Palm Springs church spent the evening in prayer at the hospital. Wendy is fighting for her life. She is being kept alive via "life-support machines." Your prayers are very much needed. (UPDATES BELOW...)

JUNE 6, 2003 UPDATE: Wendy's life remains in serious condition in ICU. There is the "slightest" improvement (a unanimous decision by 9 doctors). But her life remains in grave danger and she remains unconscious. Keep up the prayers. Jason (my 18 year old son) spent time this morning ministering to Wendy in prayer as she remained in ICU. He also spent time leading the family in prayer as they continued to wait in the ICU waiting room. My wife (Valerie Brown) who is a nurse holds out for a possible bright ending to this dark hour. She spent time this afternoon ministering to Wendy and the family. I am blessed to have both Valerie and Jason by my side, as they excell me in their own ways at times like this. The Becks along with us are so richly blessed to have each of you taking a spiritual stance around Wendy these last few hours through dilegent prayer. Grace & Peace to each of you, and thanks for the continued prayers! They are working! (UPDATES BELOW...)

JUNE 7, 2003 UPDATE: Wendy's condition remains critical, yet by God's grace she has made progress. This morning she slightly moved her lips. We hope and pray that one day soon she will praise God with them and tell of the time when the Lord, through your prayers, saved her! We thank you for forwarding this prayer request to all your friends and family in Christ. Last night e-mails were coming in late into the night informing us of continued prayers -- God bless all of you. Keep praying! The prayers of a righteous man availeth much! UPDATE BELOW

JUNE 8, 2003 UPDATE: Wendy continues to make incrumental progress. She remains unconscious. The bleeding continues from her ears, nose and mouth, but now with the exception of the left ear (praise God). The swelling of her body seems to be decreasing. Your continued prayers are urgently needed as Wendy has a long way to go to "get out of the woods." Yet, we praise God and thank God for the progress that she is making. Indeed, the progress is incredible when we consider just how sick she has been. Our prayers are for a full and complete recovery of heart, mind body and soul! And unto this we give God thanks and wait for the day that such is reality. "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." -- Jesus -- (Mark 11:24, NIV). UPDATE BELOW

JUNE 10, 2003 UPDATE: Wendy has made what seems to me to be remarkable progress of late! Some of the machines keeping her alive have been removed from her ICU room. The bleeding from her ears, nose and mouth has stopped. The swelling throughout her body has decreased remarkably. And she has made some minor facial expression when asked to do so. She has not yet spoken, nor opened her eyes -- yet we are mindful in prayer that she shall once again do those things we take for granted. We have reports of prayer coming in from around the world! There must be some "righteous men and women" out there as God is breathing new life into this little girl who was so near death. Wendy still has a way to go -- so keep up the prayers! And once again, thank you! May God shine his richest blessings upon each of you.

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." -- Jesus (Matthew 7:7-8).

JUNE 12, 2003 UPDATE: Wendy continues to make improvement but remains in ICU and is still critical! Wendy is actually awake! She can only muster a wisper, and she remains exhausted. She remains in need of kidney dialisis. Folks, this young lady remains in need of vigilant prayer. I can not express my concern for continued prayers in her behalf enough! While Wendy's recovery is amazing, she remains very, very ill. So don't let down your gaurd. Be vigilant in prayer. We do give God great praise and thanks for the tremendous gains that have been made. We, therefore continue to call upon God for even more gains for Wendy's health, emotionally, spiritually and physically. Thanks again for your love and prayers.

JUNE 30, 2003, UPDATE: We thank God for you and your prayers as much good has been accomplished in accordance with your prayers and God's will. Wendy continues to make progress. She had been moved to her own room recently, but last night had a seizure from swelling on the brain. She remains exhausted and on daily kidney dialysis. In spite of these things her progress is nothing short of miraculous. The physicians have taken note that God must be at work in her recovery.

Wendy seems to be having some difficulty with "math" and possibly some "short-term memory" but we in Christ have every hopeful expectation that God will continue to bring about his healing power in her life. When I saw Wendy today, she has a slight smile and was sitting upright. She was being moved back to her own room. Hopefully, visits to the ICU will be no more. Please do continue in your prayers.

NEW: July 13, 2003 UPDATE, Wendy has made remarkable recovery and has been transported via medical aircraft to Children's Hospital Little Rock, Arkansas. She will remain there for some time for physical therapy to aleviate atrophy and building up her muscles. We praise God for Wendy's remarkable recovery. Thank you Jesus, thank Spirit, thank you Heavenly Father. Thank you church for your part in praying for Wendy's recovery.

Dear Friends,

During this special season, it is fitting we pause for a short time and remember the blessings of our year….how our lives have been touched by wonderful people, both friends and strangers, and an ever-faithful God.

We have been blessed so much. The thoughtful things that have been done and said, the concern through difficult moments, and the caring hearts that have given and continue to give so much are all expressions of friendship through which God’s love is seen. This season is a time to remember…but more importantly, it is a time to praise God for His blessings and a time to say thank you to those who have done so much.

Terry and Cindy Beck

Noah, Adam, Wendy and Hunter

Hello from the Beck Family,

We send you Seasons Greetings from Little Rock, Arkansas. Our family is doing well as we continue to recover from ‘the trip’. You have been on our minds and in our hearts and we take this special time of year to remind you that you are dear to us and your good will toward us during our time of hardship was and is appreciated.

We hope you feel as blessed by God as we do and want you to know that we have seen Him through you. As great as the pain was that we went through while Wendy was so close to death, those memories are overshadowed by the love that overwhelmed us. It truly is the most incredible experience we have been through. We have felt the love of God and it is astounding.

We are grateful beyond expression for the effort of so many who prayed for Wendy, and who comforted us with caring words, cards, letters, and their presence. We also appreciate those who helped so much through their deeds: taking care of Hunter, bringing food, and the giving of their time and money. We are thankful for the Doctors, medical personnel, and the facilities that were available to make Wendy’s recovery possible. From Palm Springs to Little Rock to Germany and across the world we give thanks. Your prayers and efforts are the reason Wendy is with us this holiday season.

We want to let you know how Wendy is doing. Her illness began on June 2 and she was flown to Desert Regional Hospital in Palm Springs. She was diagnosed with multiple system organ failure, cause unknown, and she was given a fifteen percent chance of surviving. She was in a coma for the first 9 days. They removed her from the ventilator on June 11 but she had to be re-intubated about 36 hours later. She was then in a drug induced coma for another five days. During her six weeks in Palm Springs, she underwent numerous procedures, including a spinal tap, a muscle biopsy, cat scans, MRI’s, and received 73 units of blood and blood products. Her hospital bill was 122 pages long and 1.3 million dollars wide.

Wendy was flown home on July 8^th and spent a week in Children’s Hospital in Little Rock. She came home on Tuesday night, July 15^th at 9:00 and her Dad helped her walk into the living room and sit down on the couch beside her brothers. This was a great day. Once home, she was on several medications and had therapy sessions five days a week. Due to being in bed for seven weeks, she had little muscle strength and used a wheelchair for all but short walks.

Wendy has recuperated quickly and was rid of the wheelchair after just a couple of weeks. She started school but has missed quite a bit due to therapy and Doctors appointments. Her school work this semester has been below her normal excellent grades but quite good considering all things. She was a homecoming maid for her school, appeared in one school play and is set to appear in another one, and has enjoyed the attention she has received.

Wendy is living a normal life and one would never know the condition she was in just six months ago. She just finished a week stay in the hospital in a Seizure Investigation Unit where she could not leave her room for the entire seven days as she was monitored and sleep-deprived to test her for signs of seizure activity. She was released Tuesday, December 16 and all went well so she no longer has to take the seizure medicine. (She went from the Hospital directly to a movie theater where she and some friends watched the three ‘Lord of the Rings’ movies in one sitting.)

At this point, Wendy’s EEG still displays some irregular brain activity, she has some abnormal liver readings, and a low blood pressure problem when she is in a certain positions. The “burn” on her leg has healed nicely and she has not had to have any grafting done. It would be great to say that all is normal, but these are all minor and produce few physical symptoms. In the words of some of the technicians from her Intensive Care Unit, she is our ‘miracle girl’ and for that we thank you for your caring.

We Wish You A Merry Christmas and ask you to have an ‘extra’ appreciation for things this Holiday Season.

Terry, Cindy, Noah, Adam, Wendy and Hunter

December 18, 2003

What Happened To Wendy http://home.swbell.net/tcbeck/Wendy.htm