My mother has been keeping updated on a situation that happened over the Labor Day weekend at Shawnee State Park in PA.
The e-mails have been from my step-sister Kim. Her husband is Scott, his cousins daughter is in desperate need of prayers
Initial E-mail 9-2-03
I have just received some tragic news. Scott s cousin, Belinda, was camping with her family over the weekend at Shawnee, when her daughter fell into the fire pit becoming lodged in the grill. She is severely burned from her chest up. She was flown to Pittsburgh but they were unable to help so from there she was flown to Shriners Hospital in Cincinnati. She is now on a respirator and has been induced into a coma to prevent her from moving. The doctors believe she will be kept that way for at least two years. She is only 2 years old. Please help me in praying for her and her family. Please pass this on to friends so they too can pray.
Second update 9-5-03
They are not taking her off the respirator, yet. She fell over a chair into one of those round concrete fire pits. It had a square grill over it and she got wedged in the space between the round pit and flat grill.
I m sorry, but in my haste I forgot to mention Destiney s name. Received some promising news last night. They will try to take her off the respirator next week as long as there aren t any complications. They also hope to operate on her again next week. This will be her second operation. Her entire head and face, neck, shoulders, arms down to her fingertips, underarms, and half her chest are severely burned. Thank you all! Our prayers are being heard.
Most recent update 9-9-03
I m sorry to bring you this news. Destiney has become worse over the weekend. They will not be removing her from the vent. Yesterday they had to insert a chest tube because her lungs are becoming hard. Right now her burns are their 2nd priority. There is nothing more they can do unless her lungs improve. I spoke on the phone with Belinda last night. I told her that there are a great number of you praying. She wants me to give you her heartfelt thanks. She has not moved from Destiney s side once. All attempts to get her to " take a break" have been fruitless. If you would like to send any cards or notes of encouragement. I do know that phone cards and gas certificates would be very helpful also. But most importantly are your countless prayers. Thank you!!!!!
I have the address for cards, note of encouragement, phone cards or gas certificates. Please e-mail me personally for the address.
Thank you and be safe out there. I know that even the most cautious and carefull campers can have an accident.
Ray and Brenda Walker
mowalkerI have a two and a half y/o little boy and I am crying reading your post. I am so very sad for Destiney and her family. Please let this be a reminder to all of us that children move so quickly that this kind of accident can happen before we can even blink. We can never be too careful with children around a campfire.
Destiney and her family have all of my prayers.
mowalkerBrenda our prayers are there for her. If there is anything I can do please let me know.
mowalkerDestiney and her family are in our prayers and thoughts.
mowalkerWe are praying," Please help this family" .
mowalkerMy prayers as well for this family.
Toni
mowalkerBrenda, I m here in Cincinnati - can I help in any way.
I ll send you an email with my phone numbers -- my cell is on a nationwide plan and after 9pm, free minutes as well. Also, will be my work email that I see all day during the week. I usually am not on the computer over the weekend, but always available by phone
Do you know if it is possible for others to visit that maybe the family could take a break?
Please feel free to contact me if there is anything I can do.
mowalkerPlease let the family know that my prayers and thoughts are with them.
mowalkerBrenda
Just want you to know that mine and dw s prayers are with you and the family.
We are both sincerely hoping for the best.
mowalkerBrenda,
What a horrible accident[:(]
We ll have Destiney and her family in our thoughts. Keep us posted on her progress please.
mowalkerSo sorry to hear of this sweet little girls accident, she is in our prayers....
mowalkerOur prayers are with her and all the family as well!
mowalkerMy heart goes out for little Destiney and her family. I will keep them in my prayers.
mowalkerThis family has my prayers, as well. Please keep us updated.
mowalkerOur prayers are also with little Destiney and her family.
-Debby
mowalkerPrayers do get answered. The family is in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks for letting us know.
mowalkerNOTHING hurts like the pain of a beloved child, especially one so young. All of her family are in my prayers as we join together waiting for a miracle. We know they happen, and we hope and pray for it here and now with Destiney.
mowalkerBrenda do you have an update for us?
mowalkerThe last report I got was about a week ago. Destineys condition had not changed, this is to be perceived as good news since her outlook was declining. The breathing tube had not yet been removed. She will remain in the induced coma for some time.
Thanks to all of you for your concern and prayers.
I will keep you updated as soon as I hear anything
mowalkerThis is just awfull. I am sooo sorry to hear of things like this. We will be thinking and praying for her as well. I am sorry Brenda! Are thoughts are with the Family as well. Please keep us up on this.
mowalkerWe ve still been thinking of Destiny and keeping faith that she ll start to get better.
mowalkerTHIS IS THE BEST NEWS!!!
Latest E-mail 9/29/03
Destiney is home! However, she will have to make trips back to the burn center to have dressings changed, grafts, etc. She is wrapped from her mid-waist up. Thanks for your prayers. Keep them coming, please, for the long road she faces ahead.
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I spoke to my Mom last week and the latest news was that she was removed from the ventalator and from the coma, things were looking very, very positive. She didn t have time to speak very long as she was cleaning up after the hurricane hit her area and I did not have details.
I can t believe how things have turned around for this little girl. I have belived in the power of prayer, but this is truly incredible.
Thanks to all of you for your prayers, e-mails, cards or whatever you had to offer, it was truly appreciated.
But like the e-mail said, she has a long road ahead of her, please continue to pray...its working[:)]
angelsmom10This is great news -- do you know will PA be able to care for her now. It sure would be easy on the family, but Shriners is the best there is and that is what s important -- getting her the best.
angelsmom10Wonderful news, the power of prayer. We ve often think of Destiney and her family and keep them in our prayers.Thanks for keeping us posted.
John