When I was in the third grade I underwent a hemispherectomy - a radical operation in which the right hemisphere of my brain was removed to alleviate me from over 100 seizures a day from a virus I encountered called Rasmussen Encephalitis.   The cause of Rasmussen's is unknown and there are few clues to help find a way to discover its origin.  There are probably somewhere between 200 and 500 cases worldwide.  After surgery, I had to endure years of ongoing therapies and tutoring sessions to help me overcome my new physical and cognitive disabilities, many new challenges and obstacles that are often associated with a hemispherectomy.  I was so grateful that after years of speech, physical, occupational, mobility therapy and special education accommodations, that each therapist and teacher believed their area of specialty was not just a profession rather it was a passion.  It was because of each of their enthusiasm that I followed suit into a service vocation.  My career choice was Speech Language Pathology.
 
This choice was easy to make but a hard and long road to pursue.  The road began when I was told by a high school teacher that I would do no more than answer telephones in a medical office. At that point the whole "college thing" seemed to be against me.  But I had my devoted parents, loving grandparents, great family members and supportive friends who stayed by my side and told me how remarkable I was.  They encouraged, listened, guided, trusted and impressed in me that even through exhausting and overwhelming times would come, I would prevail. 
 
                     

 

My high school graduation day arrived, I was ecstatic knowing I would enter Misericorida University in September, 2005 to pursue my career. I did not enter Misericordia as a Speech Pathology student; I had to earn that declaration.  My freshman year was difficult academically and satisfying socially. With my own drive and determination as well as with the assistance of the supportive staff from the Alternative Learner's Program, I ran the freshman year race with impressive grace.  Many days I wanted to rest along the sideline but I knew I had to forge full force ahead just to stay in the competition.
 
Sophomore year came with me hearing from a professor that maybe I should consider a different major.  I called my parents with a flood of tears and broken dreams.  Once again, "Do not give up", they said adamantly. "You have so much resilience. You continue with vengeance and do your best. That is all the Good Lord asks of us."  With their encouraging words and my stick-to-it-ness spirit, I made it through the required courses and became a well-rounded student. 

 

                            
By the beginning of my junior year, I earned a high enough cumulative average to finally declare my major, Speech Language Pathology.  This is the year I realized my dream no longer would be denied.  My junior year I worked very closely with my professors. Painstakingly, I met with each of them every week, some two times a week to ensure I was thoroughly grasping the knowledge necessary for my success.  My professors had the power to humanize or de-humanize me.   They made an untiring effort to humanize me.  Each was an instrument of inspiration.  They influenced and became a strong motivating force when they coached, praised and encouraged me all the way. Mind you, I had to possess the willpower, heart, and stamina to stay strong and keep up with my peers and that I did.
 
                                  

Inconspicuously, I spent my two grad years in the Library.  My major criterion for these years was to study, study, and study more. I had to prepare for my boards, comprehensive exams and clinic work.   My roommate watched me wake early; spend endless mornings, nights and weekends in the Library.  My parents listened to my challenges concerning some of the materials, procedures and the amount of responsibility that seemed to endlessly be thrust into my life during the these years.  I was in diagnostic clinic and started to treat clients.  I continued with my summer rotation, early intervention internship, field work in education and adult placement. After these experiences, I remembered saying to my parents, "I am starting to feel like a SLP."  I suppose this is a true testament to my courage and humility.  "Good." they stated exuberantly, "You are smart, articulate and a good leader. It won't take long for your personality, warmth, and strength to take center stage in the classroom. We are in awe of an extraordinary SLP who stands before us."
 
I had worked hard to prepare and begin my journey to heal and help others in need. I realize now that I have the tremendous power to make a difference in many people's life. Thinking back I was once a "high risk" student who has come full circle. Therapist helped me in earlier years, now I am finally giving back and prepared to be a positive impact and advocate in other people's lives.

 

2010 Hemi Reunion
By Kelly Dawson

To make this a successful fundraiser, we need your help!  We need winter or holiday artwork created by our super special kids (of all ages!)to adorn our cards!  

 

The sky's the limit!  Let their imagination go wild and use lot's of color!  Submitted artwork must be on white paper or card stock and preferably between 8.5x11 to 6x4 in size.  Any media is acceptable as long as the picture can be scanned. 

 

 

 

The Hemispherectomy Foundation
PO Box 1239
Aledo, Texas 76008
817-307-9880