Kathy
Born: February 1, 1992
Gestation: 30 weeks
2 lbs. 11oz

Third-grader Kathy just celebrated her 10th birthday, and now stands 55 inches tall and weighs 55 pounds but continues having respiratory health problems.

According to her mom, Nancy, there have been numerous surgeries during Kathy's first 10 years of life, along with having been diagnosed with chronic acute asthma. There also have been sinus, ear and mastoid surgeries as well as diagnostic testing to rule out other medical problems.

The chronic acute asthma remains the biggest concern. She remains on several medications and daily nebulizer treatments to help her breathe freely. She also was hospitalized for pneumonia and the RSV virus at age eight.

“Throughout it all she has been a fighter and a trooper and to look at her today, you would never know everything she has been through. To this day, many people do not realize how acute her asthma really is,” Nancy added.

Among hobbies, Kathy enjoys playing with her American Girl dolls, crafts, scrapbooking, playing golf with her dad and – of course – being a big sister to Kelli, a 6-year-old who is in kindergarten.

 “We have been truly blessed and thank God every day for her. She is our little miracle, our bright and shining star!” boasted Nancy. “Hopefully, one day we’ll get to a point where we don’t have to use the nebulizer. It’s just a way of life right now.”

 Although Kathy cannot participate in the kinds of sports activities that require a lot of running, she is finding a comfortable niche in the relaxed game of golf. “It doesn’t wear her out,” Nancy said. “It’s more laid back.”