Have you ever heard of Protein Losing Enteropathy or PLE? I had not heard of this illness until today. Though this illness isn't common, The Rebekah G. Leithren Foundation, Inc., is working to increase awareness and raise funds for those with PLE.
PLE, or Protein Losing Enteropathy, is a loss of blood protein (albumin) through the intestinal tract. When the protein level in the bloodstream falls, blood plasma begins to leak into the tissues of the body. This process is evidenced by edema (swelling) in the abdomen, the extremities and face. Current treatments include steroid therapy, hormone therapy and blood thinners each of which has negative consequences with long term use, and painful intravenous albumin boosts which are essentially “band-aid†fixes. None of the treatments really addresses the root cause. As this disease progresses the body begins to turn on itself by attacking internal organs and other structures as sources of protein. (via website)
The Rebekah G. Leithren Foundation, Inc. was established in honor of Rebekah Gabrielle Leithren who was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome on August 2, 1993 and after 12 years of a semi-normal life died from the effects of PLE after a heart transplant on November 8, 2005. Rebekah never liked to dwell on her illness but wanted to be treated like a normal child as does any PLE patient. Bekah considered it a pleasure to help others and it is in that spirit that her helping legacy will live on through this foundation. (via website)
The Rebeckah G. Luithren Foundation, Inc., helps others while honoring one special girl who passed away as a victim of the illness. I can't say I understand what it's like, but I can offer my prayers and support. Thank you & best wishes to the RGL Foundation.
Visit the website to learn more: http://www.rglfoundation.org/about_us
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