His uncle Jim O’Brien shares:
When my sister gave birth to her first child, who was diagnosed with a very rare syndrome, the doctors at Stanford Medical Center advised her that the child would not live beyond 17 days. If the child, Danny, were to somehow pull through, he would “be a vegetable”.
Thank God my sister ignored the “doctors playing God” advice. She moved into his emergency room, responded immediately when problems occurred while nurses were on breaks or too busy, and saved his life countless times. The next few years were exhausting as together, the family kept meeting the challenges and beating the odds. My sister, brother in law and Danny never quit with this struggle and never quit with God.
Seventeen years later Danny was moving into the dormitory to begin his medical studies at The University of Stanford. He never had a grade below an “A” in any subject, was elected Class President, served on the ASB Council all 4 years of high school and was Captain of the Cross Country and Track Teams.
On June 6th, 2011 our family attended the Hooding Ceremony for Doctor Danny who begins his rounds today as a pediatrician. I don’t expect this new doctor to ever doubt the will of a child, a family and most importantly: God.It’s beautiful to read about this family's courage and persistence, from having the baby to refusing to pull the plug when doctors advised "letting go". I hope this story is an inspiration to all who have struggled and will struggle with sick children both inside and outside of the womb. We must have faith in God and be persistent in life affirming beliefs from conception to natural death. Isn’t it ironic that this once sick baby has now graduated from Stanford Medical School, the same institution where his parents were advised to let go. I strongly believe Jim O’Brien’s nephew will be an advocate for life, and certainly one that is prudent in advising people when to let go of human life.
Standing In Defence of the Voiceless,
Timmerie Millington
If anyone here is interested in adopting a little boy with Goldenhar Syndrome, there is a little boy with this diagnosis on Reece's Rainbow, a site that matches children with Down Syndrome and other special needs with families in the US and Canada.
ReplyDeletehttp://reecesrainbow.org/edwin54
Edwin desperately needs medical care and is not getting it in his country; he also needs a family of his own.
Timmerie, this is Daniel. We went to John Paul the Great Catholic University together. I just wanted to ask you, is this Danny's last name Lamb? If so, I went to school with him, and my cousin was one of his sisters' best friends! If this story is about him, it's a pretty small world!
ReplyDeleteYes, it is Daniel Lamb. Daniel's grandparents, and Uncle Jim, have been dear family friends for the past twenty years. The family has been a beautiful witness to the respect and dignity of human life.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, it is a small world.
Timmerie's mom :)
That is so interesting and remarkable! I went to Our Lady of the Assumption and Damien High School with the Lambs. My cousin Danielle was good friends with Catie Lamb, and still keeps in touch. I was several years behind Danny, but I can remember his impressive academic and other achievements. It is such a testament to God's power and the beauty of life!
ReplyDeleteThe Lambs have been a witness to the respect for and dignity of human life, and not just with Danny. My God bless them always!
God bless you as well, Timmerie and Mrs. Millington!
Thank you, Daniel. May God bless you and all the wonderful work you will achieve. Wishing you the best of luck at JP Catholic :)
ReplyDeleteTimmerie's mom
It's nice to hear from you Daniel! It sure is a small word.
ReplyDeleteGreat story, Timmerie.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing it with the world.
Ashlee Simmons