Wednesday, December 10, 2003

Special girl lives full life, thanks to outstanding schools and friends

Eighteen years ago, a tiny baby girl was born six weeks early, with a hole in her heart, a blocked intestine and Down Syndrome. The ambulance whisked her away the next morning to Egleston’s Children’s Hospital and she was prepared for surgery to repair the blockage. She was so small they had to wrap her in cellophane to keep her body heat from escaping.

She came back looking like she’d been in a train wreck. It seemed impossible for someone to look that bad and still be alive. But somehow, Elena Victoria held on to life and lived up to her name, which means “the light that conquers.”

The next four and a half years seemed like a nightmare: a heart catheterization, preliminary heart surgery, physical, occupational and speech therapy, and then, when Elena was 9 months old, the devastating diagnosis of a rare form of leukemia.

With 16 months of intensive chemotherapy, she was given a 1-in-10 chance to live. Many joined us in prayer and Jesus answered with another miracle! She lived again!

A year later she was back in the hospital with severe respiratory disease and reflux which eventually also required surgery.

And then there were nine years of chronic sinus infections, which included her first schooling at Joseph Sams, multiple medications, a new baby sister (to go with three other siblings), starting public school at Burch Elementary and a new church family at New Hope. It was all a lot to swallow, but the Lord sent us much encouragement through the many people who welcomed Elena into their hearts.

After three great years at Flat Rock Middle, Elena started Sandy Creek High School this fall. We wondered how it would go, but were thrilled once again as the administration, teachers and students made room for Elena in the hallowed halls. Principal Roy Rabold even attended her IEP Meeting.

She joined Paul Batchelor’s awesome Special Education class, took Home Ec and PE and then made an incredible decision: She wanted to run cross country like her big brother had!

What a gutsy kid. I’d have never done that; it’s too much work.

When I talked to Assistant Coach Maurice Triche (who we call the Gentle Giant), he thought it was a great idea, and encouraged me to discuss it with new Coach Sally Burns (who helped start the cross country team at Sandy Creek as a student).

I had no idea what she’d say. Much to my surprise, she was enthusiastic and extremely open to giving Elena a chance.

As we talked, a group of about five girls walked up. Sally turned and said, “Girls, Elena is going to join our team.” Without hesitation, Caroline stuck out her hand, welcomed Elena and introduced herself, as did the others. Then they said, “Come on, Elena, you can run with us.”

Wow! Was I startled! But that was just the beginning. Throughout the season, the team accepted her, encouraged her and cheered for her. Misty ran with her on Mondays and Malika ran an entire meet with her, as did Laura, a previous season runner.

On the last lap of the home meets, several teammates would join Elena on the track and finish the final lap with her while the crowd cheered loudly. Tears filled our eyes (and the eyes of those around us) as we watched in awe. One gal from another school who saw all the hoopla commented, “I wish I was Elena!”

Elena has come a long way. At the end of the season banquet, wonderful Coach Burns gave Elena a special “merit” trophy and talked about how Elena had impacted each member of the team. The kids and parents gave her a standing ovation, and there were more tears.

But there aren’t enough trophies to go around for all the people we’d like to give them to: A trophy of gratitude to the coaches, teammates, teachers, administrators and students of Sandy Creek High School and to the community of Fayette County.

Jesus reminds us if we’ve cared for one of the least of His children, we’ve cared for Him. Well done, dear friends, well done.

Bob and Linda Dukes

Fayetteville, Ga.