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Topic : 12/20 Christmas Miracle

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Created on : Thursday, December 15, 2005, 05:23:32 pm

Author : DrPhilBoard1

Gwen started life with the odds against her. Her father died tragically in a fire the day she was born, and doctors told her mother that because of a life-threatening illness, Gwen probably wouldn't live past the age of 7. For years she struggled with her illness and, just when all hope appeared to be lost, everything changed. Find out why her family believes they have received two miracles this year and what Dr. Phil has planned to make this holiday the best ever for her. Then, David suffers from hemophilia and feels excruciating pain every day. He hasn't been able to work and says the worst part is knowing he is a burden to his family. See Dr. Phil's life-changing surprise for David and his family. Plus, Kathy defied her verbally abusive husband to appear on Dr. Phil recently and determined that she needed out of her relationship. Follow her journey since then and see why she believes her miracle -- is Dr. Phil! Talk about the show here.

Find out what happened on the show.

More December 2005 Show Boards.

As of January, 2009, this message board will become "Read Only" and will be closed to further posting. Please join the NEW Dr. Phil Community to continue your discussions, personalize your message board experience, start a blog and meet new friends.

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celeste16

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December 22, 2005, 10:30 am PST

12/20 Christmas Miracle

Quote From: mburns616

I have an 8 year old daughter that was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis in 2001. What they showed was all true of the daily tasks these wonderful people go through on a day to day basis, and it only touched part of what these people have to endure. I found it very rude and inconsiderate for someone to come onto these message boards and post the things they did. When you sit and watch your child go through those kind of treatments on a daily basis and take more medicine daily than an average senior citizen, then and only then shall you make your judgements. People with CF and with other diseases do not sit around and "wait" for miracles to happen. We go out and raise money to fund research to find better treatments, to find a cure! That is why CF has gone from being an absolutely childhood fatal illness. Not even 10 years ago the median life expectancy for someone with CF was in their teens, now there are many living into their 30's and beyond. The saddest part is that it is still fatal. Until a cure is found those who have it will still continue to die from it. We have alot of hope for the future, but we still all have to keep working to that common goal....to find a cure. To those of you who so selfishly posted your rude remarks onto this message board, I will pray for you and your families that you never have to watch your children suffer like these do. May GOD have mercy on you. To Dr. Phil and Robin, I would like to say thank you. Thank you for making CF and other illnesses be known. Thank you for at least putting a smile on one of these peoples faces. Thank you for all you do.

Thanks for your comments about CF. We have a 3 month old who was diagnosed with CF as a result of the newborn screening tests in our state. Because she had CF, our other kids had to get tested, too. We found out that both of our daughters have CF. We have just begun our long struggle in the world of CF. I agree with you 100% about CF still being fatal and needing more research to discover a cure for my wonderful little girls and the many other people that live with it day after day.

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celeste16

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December 22, 2005, 10:34 am PST

12/20 Christmas Miracle

Quote From: jdurham8

I have a daughter who is 2 years old and has Cystic Fibrosis. I did not see the show and I am sad that I missed it. I have also have two boys her are both pretty healthy. One has to have allergy shots once a week but besides that, they are both great. It was very shocking news when the told us at 5 weeks old our daughter has Cystic Fibrosis. It takes a great deal of time with daily meds, using the vest to keep her lungs clear. Then there are the 3 1/2 trips to the doctors.

I am so happy for Gwen and David, I hope all your dreams come true. Best of luck to you.

I can understand how you feel when your daughter was diagnosed. Our newborn was diagnosed as a result of newborn screening tests in our state. The diagnosis was confirmed by sweat tests and many other tests. Our other two kids had to be tested as well. In one week, we went from thinking we had 3 perfectly healthy kids to finding out that our 2 daughters both have CF!

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celeste16

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December 22, 2005, 10:43 am PST

Cystic Fibrosis

Dr Phil, I'm so glad you did a feature on Cystic Fibrosis. Because of your popularity, I'd like you to create more awareness of CF. When our daughter was born 3 months ago, one of her newborn screening tests alerted the Dr's to run more tests for CF. She was 3 weeks old when she was diagnosed with CF. Our other 2 kids also had to be tested. Within a week, we found out that both of our daughters have CF. That was only two months ago, so we are still adjusting to the news. More importantly than our story, or any individual story, is to get the word out that people need to support Cystic Fibrosis research. Great progress has been made in the last years, but more is needed. As one mom posted in her message, CF is still a fatal disease. It's very devastating for your Dr to tell you that the perfect looking newborn that you love is dying of a fatal disease that has no cure! Please support CF research so other parents do not have to hear that terrible news.

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jenl84

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December 22, 2005, 5:40 pm PST

fund

Quote From: dgetman1

Thank you Dr. Phil, and staff for telling the story of my daughter Gwen so beautifully. We have been truly blessed this year. Not only is Gwen still with us, we now have David and his wonderful family in our lives. I did not think I would ever see Gwen walk down the isle, for her to have David by her side is a dream come true.
It was such an honor to be on the same show as the elder David and his family. I have been deeply touched by their grace. I hope to be one of the first in line for a bag of his coffee!!
This time last year an organ donor gave us our greatest gift, more time with Gwen. We don't know if we will have her for another year or many more years to come, but every moment with her is more than we expected and so very appreciated.
Thank you Jen for sticking up for your sister, I love you.
Gwen's mom

Your welcome mom, love you too!

I just wanted to add a little note: Gwen and David will never be able to work steady jobs, this is why their trust fund is posted, and if anyone felt compelled to and are in the position to be able to donate money it would be greatly appreciated.

Send contributions to Gwen and David's trust fund to:
Trust Fund: William Cone Irrevocable Trust
Washington Mutual
1702 North Vasco Road
Livermore, CA 94551

or go to www.cff.org to donate to research for Cystic Fibrosis.

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harp_lover

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December 22, 2005, 9:57 pm PST

Praying for you Kristen! Hang in there!

Quote From: pookyroy

Well, I havent seen this show yet however believe that I can relate. I am a 25 yr old woman battling Cystic Fibrosis. I am currently waiting for a double lung transplant. I am hopeful and believe that I too, will receive a miracle...if not a Christmas Miracle...then a miracle in the New Year. I do believe in the power of prayer and believe that attitude has much to do with the healing process so Im keeping my spirits up and hoping for the best. Miracles happen everyday and I know my day will come. Ive been witness to several already as I have met many people who have undergone lung, liver and heart transplant. These miracles have given each and every one of those people a new life...another chance at life! And its all because someone out there was kind enough to sign their donor card and be that special angel for someone else. Cant wait for my angel!! Merry Christmas all and God Bless! Kristen

Kristen, just wanted to say stay strong and positive. You are right about attitude, girl! I too am fighting CF and am 45. Lung capacity 25% but not on list yet...I know you will get your miracle soon, just keep the faith, your angel will appear. God bless you, keep fighting!

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harp_lover

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December 22, 2005, 10:13 pm PST

Thank you for presenting CF in positive light

Though I missed the show ( I was just informed of it today) I want to thank Dr. Phil and Robin for allowing us to share the lives, love story and hopeful future of Gwen and David. A true match made in Heaven! I wish them continued health and a lifetime of love!

I am a 45 year old woman with CF who was blessed to find love also. I believe that my positive attitude, the medical breakthroughs research funding has provided, and my husband's love and support have allowed me to reach "old age" with this disease. I will be facing transplantation also one day as I have only 25% lung function now, but am managing to stay pretty "healthy" at present.

Gwen and David are proof that miracles happen and that organ donation is vitally important to our quality of life...and life itself. A family's tragedy can be a life-giving celebration and gift from one who is unselfish and caring of his/her fellow man.

God bless those who have signed their donor cards!

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cmego5150

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December 22, 2005, 10:20 pm PST

A living miracle

Quote From: thaynor

I couldn't disagree more. How can anyone be repulsed by this man's experience? Miracles happen every day but you have to be willing to see them - even in the every day events - and to be happy for people who have overcome odds. I'm sorry to hear your negativity. This family inspires people to be thankful for every day they live.

I am with you! David's life IS a miracle in itself. The gifts Dr. Phil gave were nice and I'm sure they are greatly appreciated by David and his family, but they were not the miracle. The miracle is that David has lived so many years, he has a beautiful marriage and he has given life to two wonderful children. It would also be a miracle that he did survive so many blood transfusions since there are serious problems with keeping blood uncontaminated.

It is sad that some people must take every opportunity they happen upon to get up on a soap box and complain about how the government should do this or that. Guess what? The government won't save you, it can't protect you, and it certainly will not give you one extra second of life! Only God gives life and takes it away.

That God has given David 40 years of life, although painful and full of trials, is a miracle. As David said, it is all a blessing. It is through trials that we are made strong. You saw his children. They reflect love and courage, not bitterness and resentfulness. Those who think the government can or will help them will be left empty, full of bitterness and anger. I think David recognizes his life as the miracle it is...he didn't need Dr. Phil to "make a miracle". He's living one.

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cmego5150

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December 22, 2005, 10:26 pm PST

David's coffee

Quote From: msmildred

I really enjoyed the show with David and his family too. Do you have any idea of how we will be able to research and find David's web site. I love roasted flavor coffee, and would love to buy from David. Also what school, in what city did you attend?

I am originally from Louisville, Kentucky, and remember someone like this too. Just wanted to know if I was remembering the right guy.

Thanks to Dr. Phil and Robin, I have been watching Dr. Phil since he had his Tuesday appearances with Oprah

We went to school in the Southern California area. I do not have any information about his business as yet. I am sure it will take a few months at least to get up and running, even if his health remains strong. If I get any information about his business before it becomes public, I will post it on this message board. I don't imagine it will be until early in the new year, but I'll check it out.

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datumboy

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December 22, 2005, 11:02 pm PST

A new purpose??

Quote From: jb2005

Dear Dr. Phil,

When I saw show it was just the opportune time to be watching this episode about two young people having Cystic Fibrosis and receiving a double Lung Transplant and I will tell you why. It made me very very sad also happy.

Well, here it goes. December 12th I lost my son he had Cystic Fibrosis and also had a double lung transplant September of 2002. He had a tough time of it all the way through but my son was a fighter he fought to the end, he also looked into receiving another set of lungs but they would not hear of it because he just wouldn't hold up. I'm trying to get through this but it is very hard. I wanted to also say the story about the mother saying that the worse thing in the world is to see your child in pain made me feel for her and understand because Cystic Fibrosis is unrecognized so much. So my Congratulations go out to the two of the soon to be newlyweds and also my happiness to the mother to see them so happy.

Dr.Phil you are a great guy

God Bless

Bonnie Cassarino

Bonnie,

So sorry to read about the loss of your son. Likewise, we have battled CF as a family for 27 years and have had many tough times. What I've learned through my son is that his outlook on life is incredible. He has never complained and I think that CF patients are the toughest people that I know. I'm sure there was something or is something that you can focus on that will help to lessen your loss. Perhaps you'll find your purpose if you haven't already.

May God grant you strength and power - you have favor in Him.

Dave's Dad

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gotfactor

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December 23, 2005, 6:06 am PST

if you really want to help...

Quote From: cmego5150

We went to school in the Southern California area. I do not have any information about his business as yet. I am sure it will take a few months at least to get up and running, even if his health remains strong. If I get any information about his business before it becomes public, I will post it on this message board. I don't imagine it will be until early in the new year, but I'll check it out.

I'm impressed and excited that there is an outpouring of response to help David and his family and that's great; but if there is anyone out there who was touched by his story and really wants to make a difference I'm begging you to please contact the National Hemophilia Foundation and donate to the find a cure program. I don't think this disorder (which my 15 month old son also has severe Hemophilia A with a port in his chest for infusions) was presented very well on that show. at present this is not a sad, terminal or unmanageable disorder (caveat: in developed countries by people with good insurance); it can be managed quite well with several times a week infusions of "factor" (for clotting) for life. however; there are complications with ports, infusing and the clotting factor itself so it is by no means a cakewalk either. BUT the good news is that the NHF and many drug companies are working to find a cure and several things have been tried already with success including gene therapy and liver transplants. I was told by someone in the industry that we are only about 10 yrs away from a cure!!! so any help is greatly appreciated. even if people just educate themselves on this disorder which is killing and maiming many overseas that would be a good start. I'm disappointed in Dr Phil and David for not mentioning any of the many organizations which can are working to make hemophiliacs' products safer and more effective or give any direction for people to offer their support to help others besides his family. I also manage an online support group for families with hemophiliacs called gotfactor? Brenda

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