OT: A 7 year-old with a Cannon for Your Viewing Pleasure

Submitted by sammylittle on

My 7 year-old son is preparing for a bone marrow transplant to treat his Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa at the University of Minnesota next month. I am on the faculty at Mississippi State University.

The community here has done some amazing things for him. This week Gabe has been invited to join the university Army ROTC as an honorary member. He will allowed to fire the cannon to bring the players out to face Alabama tomorrow. Gabe will also be in charge of subsequent firing when the local guys score points.

I recognize that the game in Starkville will be televised at the same time as the game in Bloomington, but I hope some of you are able to flip over to see my 7 year-old wheelchair bound child firing a cannon to mark the demise of the Crimson Tide.

I have been planning a diary entry for some time, but have been unable to get one together. If this is inappropriate for in season, mods, please delete.

We will post videos of the cannon firing at Gabe's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/supergabevalentine/?fref=ts

Go Blue and Hail State!

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The Mad Hatter

November 13th, 2015 at 11:54 AM ^

Because it would be pretty cool if it was.

Good luck with the surgery.  I'd offer to say a prayer for your son, but that might do more harm than good at this point.  God and I have had some disagreements lately.

Joined: 02/17/2015

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1464

November 13th, 2015 at 12:16 PM ^

I was probably one of many who googled the disease.  My assumption is that it is  Mitis Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa?  If so, is his prognosis good?  How was it presented to you as his parents?  

As a parent of two little kids, I panic when they run a fever.  I can't imagine walking in your shoes (or his).  I hope that this procedure is able to help him move past the disease.

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LSAClassOf2000

November 13th, 2015 at 12:20 PM ^

The OT thing here is fluid and ultimately a judgment call, but this will definitely stand - hopefully, all goes well at Minnesota next month for your son and good vibes being sent in your direction. 

As for the cannon, as someone sort of hinted at, if you can get footage of him with it pointed at Crimson Tide fans, at least being used to hold them at bay somewhere, that would be awesome. I will definitely try to catch this all the same. 

Thanks for sharing!

 

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Moe

November 13th, 2015 at 12:34 PM ^

To your entire family.  I came into this thread thinking it was a 7 year old who had a good arm, and was going to be disappointed that it wasn't a 7 year old firing an actual cannon.  Such a cool experience for your son and your entire family.

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GoBlueinMN

November 13th, 2015 at 12:35 PM ^

The University of Minnesota Children's Hospital is a tremendous place full of truly wonderful people. Your son is surely in good hands.

God bless your son, you, and your family!

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jmdblue

November 13th, 2015 at 12:38 PM ^

When I woke this morning this is probably the very last thing I'd guess I'd write today, but:

GO MISSISSIPPI STATE!!!!!!!

Very eager to read your diary.

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Red is Blue

November 13th, 2015 at 12:40 PM ^

Thought this was going to be about a 7 year old that could really throw a football well.  This post is much more humanistic.  Best wishes as your son progresses through his treatment. 

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sadeto

November 13th, 2015 at 12:48 PM ^

Thanks for posting and I will definitely be switching the channel to check it out. Gabe will have a blast tomorrow, pun intended, and let's hope many times over and somehow MSU shocks the Tide. 

Good luck to Gabe and all of you in Minnesota. 

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hunterjoe

November 13th, 2015 at 12:53 PM ^

Just realized you said he's having it done at (the other) UM.  He will be in great hands.  They really do have a wonderful medicaly facility/staff out here.  If there's anything I could do to help, don't be afraid to ask. 

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sammylittle

November 13th, 2015 at 2:09 PM ^

Gabe has a fairly severe case. He does not have any internal involvement (esophagus, rectum, bladder, etc.). He is missing about 30% of his epidermis. His wounds simply will not heal.

His prognosis is not great. Gabe has been on antibiotics continuously for over 2 years. If we stop meds for two days, he becomes badly infected. The primary BMT physician said that he would not live two years without transplant. He gave us about a 50% chance of surviving the procedure and its aftermath, but hope that he may live decades if he does.

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Jill

November 13th, 2015 at 1:37 PM ^

Will definitely check in on CBS to watch Gabe fire that cannon! Many times!

Thank you for sharing Gabe's story. After a Google search, I found the website www.debra.org and it seems to provide great infomation for those of us wanting to learn more.

Will look forward to your diary post. Also, I'm now following Gabe's Facebook page, and will be sure to check in often for updates. I wish your family and Gabe all the best in Minnesota, as others posted he will be in VERY capable hands there.

 

 

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