A fight for sight
Weber State back hoping for 'miracle' cure for daughter
Published: Tuesday, July 8, 2008 12:06 a.m. MDT
The two-time Big Sky rushing champion has never been one to shy away from a challenge.
He's brash, head-strong and as confident as anyone you'll find on a football field.
Put his infant daughter in his arms, though, and Trevyn Smith becomes a much different person. He's a doting father who talks about how having a child has changed him and made him grow up after being a self-described party animal at college.
It's not surprising, then, to learn Smith will stop at nothing to fight for his daughter's sight.
"I'll do whatever it takes," Smith said. "It doesn't matter to me. I'm willing to do it for her."
Ryan Rae Smith, less than a year old, was born with a rare condition that affected the development of her optic nerves. Her vision is limited to only blurs seen when within a few inches of her face.
Local doctors the Smith family have seen tell them there is little that can be done.
Still, Smith and his wife, Erica, searched for options. Not wanting to accept that there was nothing available to help prevent their newborn from losing all eyesight, they are planning a trip to China for what might best be described as experimental stem-cell treatment to help Ryan Rae see.
In typical Trevyn Smith fashion, he knows an answer is out there — somewhere — and he's willing to hit the problem head on as if it were a linebacker.
"I'm not worried about it in the least bit," Trevyn said. "It's worth whatever risks there might be."
Those risks involve using a medical procedure not approved in the United States. One that despite doubts expressed by many in the medical community locally, Smith says is "two steps ahead" of what is available here.
"All the research I've done tells me they are performing miracles over there," he said. "I don't know how they can judge something they can't even step into. I don't see what's wrong with trying."
And so try is what the Smiths will do.
With a price tag exceeding $60,000 and Smith restricted by NCAA rules regarding when he is allowed to even have a job, the WSU Wildcat junior and former Springville High standout is getting help from family and friends. Fundraising golf tournaments are being held with the entry fee set at $500 per four-person team. Harry O's in Park City is hosting a fundraiser. An anonymous person has pledged to match funds raised.
Slowly but surely — kind of like the yardage Smith accumulates in football games — the money to pay for the trip and the medical treatment is being raised.
Erica Smith, five months pregnant with their second child, has her passport prepared and is waiting for the call. Because Trevyn is working and will soon begin school and football practice again, he is not expecting to make the trip to China with his wife.
"Whenever they call you," Erica Smith said, "you drop everything and go."
The treatment reportedly spurs the growth of the optic nerves that never fully developed while Ryan Rae was in the womb.
The are no guarantees, obviously, but that is not deterring the Smiths.
"To me, this was our only option left after they told us nothing else could be done," Erica said. "I wanted to look into it ... As long as there's a chance we can help her, it's worth it."
Little Ryan's condition was discovered when Erica was seven months pregnant. When ultra sound tests revealed something was wrong, more tests were taken.
Then more tests and more tests.
Finally, Trevyn said, doctors told him it was hopeless. Ryan Rae Smith would be blind for life.
"I think they're wrong," he said. "I think they don't want to consider anything they can't do themselves. So they just close the door on that."
The Smiths say they have talked with the parents of other patients who have made the trip to China for the treatment. They've scoured the Internet looking for clues and confirmation that what they are doing is safe and dependable.
"As far as we can tell," Trevyn said, "they haven't had anything go wrong. We've heard from people that have had success and say they would do it again, not matter how much it costs."
While the $60,000 expense is daunting — "That's like sending your kid to college for four years," Trevyn said. "That's a scary number for someone like me" — the young family will scrape by and make it work.
"It's going to be rough," Erica Smith said. "But as long as we can help her, it's worth it."
And much the way Trevyn carries a football with his legs never stopping until the whistle blows, this is a fight he'll carry on — even if one whistle has already been blown.
"They (local doctors) told me it wouldn't work," he said. "That it won't be successful. But they're doing some miraculous things. And I'm not giving up."
Smith family makes daughter's vision its top priority
Trevyn Smith can carry a defender on his back for a few extra yards.
He can pick out a hole where there is none and get a first down.
He can outrun a linebacker and break off a long touchdown run.
There isn't much Smith, who led the Big Sky Conference in rushing in both his freshman and sophomore seasons, hasn't been able to do since he's been at Weber State.
But it turns out there is something not even Trevyn Smith can do.
He can't stop his daughter Ryan Rae from having optic nerve hypoplasia. So far, he has been completely powerless to help her see. She is blind in one eye and has very little vision in the other eye.
But just because Smith's family has been tackled for a loss, don't think for a minute that the game is over.
"People think that I've had dreams about playing football. Football has been the dream of my life. It's meant the world to me, but that's nothing compared to the desire I have for my kid," Smith said. "Now my priority is to see my kids succeed. That is No. 1 on my list."
Smith, 21, led the state in rushing with 2,108 yards in 2004 as a senior at Springville High School, but despite his eye-popping numbers, most college teams passed on him due to his 5-foot-10 frame, so he took an offer from Weber State and was determined to show other schools what they missed out on.
After two years, he's done just that. He was listed third on the depth chart at running back when the 2006 season began. He didn't play in the season opener against Colorado State, but by the sixth game of the season was a full-time starter and ended up the team's top rusher with 1,129 yards rushing and eight touchdowns.
Last year, Smith racked up 1,314 yards with an average of 119 yards per game and scored seven touchdowns for Weber State.
His football career has gone as well as could be expected, but now his focus is on his family. He's approaching the health problems of his daughter like the challenge of turning in a 1,000-yard season.
The challenge is a daunting task because Smith said Ryan Rae was premature and was born without her fiber optic nerves fully developed. The results have been heartbreaking at times. The moments that an eight-month-old can provide -- crawling after a doll, smiling when she sees her mother -- all those Kodak moments are still waiting to be developed.
"Half of what you make your dreams out of are things that you can see," Smith said. "Right now, she can't see. She can walk better than she can crawl because there is someone there helping her to walk and she doesn't see anything that she wants to crawl after."
Smith said there is hope. Cutting-edge research is being done with stem cells and that offers his daughter the best chance for her to see, but it is in China. Smith would like to see Ryan Rae undergo six stem cell treatments, which would leave her in China for about a month. Unfortunately, hope comes with a hefty price tag. The family estimates the medical costs will run around $60,000, not something a college student can afford, so fundraising efforts are underway.
Smith's wife Erica, who is five months pregnant, is hoping to make the trip in August before she gets too far along.
"I talked to the grandma of a boy who went over and had this done. He was 10 months old and was completely blind. When he came back, he could see 10 to 12 feet in front of him," Erica said. "The grandma told me she thought it was a waste of money. But now she said she'd do it a million times over again. She thought it was a miracle."
Regardless of what happens with Ryan's treatment, the Smith family knows they can't sit back and do nothing. The instinct of any parent is to fight for their children. They are committed to spending all of their time and resources in making it happen.
"If it doesn't work, then it doesn't work out," Erica said. "I can't say 20 years from now when my daughter is blind that I didn't do anything about it."
A fund has been set up at Wells Fargo Bank for Ryan Rae for those interested in donating to the cause. Since Trevyn is a high-profile college athlete, there will be a watchful eye on the funds from the NCAA, which is why they can't have anything to do with the fund.
There are also a series of fundraisers being planned. A night club in Park City is in the works of finding a band and doing a benefit concert and the Weber State Football program is hosting a benefit golf tournament at the Barn Golf Course in Ogden on July 23.
The hope is that after it's all over, the Smiths will be able to do one simply task that parents instinctively do -- care for their child -- to provide the best life they can for her.
In addition to preparing for his junior season at Weber State, Smith now has a new focus. One that doesn't involve cleats and pads.
He has a drive to succeed for his family that far exceeds the drive he's brought to the football field.
And now it's never been more urgent.
"We can get her over there. I know I've got to make it happen," he said. "That's what we're going to do."
Saturday, 05 July 2008 08:00 |
Source: Standard-Examiner By Jim Burton WSU running back, wife, hope for China stem cell trip Practically speaking, little Ryan Rae Smith can't see her parents. Of course, that doesn't mean they aren't there. The fact is, they are there in a big way -- right there, holding her, snuggling and doing their best to make sure the effervescent 8-month-old wants for nothing. "There's no risk in giving your kid a chance," said Ryan's father, Weber State running back Trevyn Smith. "There's no risk in it, I'd take a bullet for her ... whatever it takes to give her the opportunity to be the best at whatever she wants to be." Although she is bubbly, happy and as active as can be, Ryan has optic nerve hypoplasia, which means her optic nerve is underdeveloped and does not transmit vision signals from the eye to the brain. Trevyn Smith estimates his daughter is "96 percent blind." Doctors told Trevyn and his wife, Erica, that as Ryan gets older, she will walk with a cane and read Braille. The prognosis isn't good, but that has hardly stopped the Smiths from being there for their daughter. They researched everything they could find on ONH and determined that the best course of action would be to have Ryan undergo a series of six stem cell treatments. However, because those treatments aren't available in the United States, Ryan and Erica will need to travel to China. And getting from Utah to Beijing isn't cheap. "I started doing research on (the stem cell procedure) and found nothing but good," said Trevyn, a WSU junior. "There were five or six cases of young children that went over with ONH, with the same exact symptoms as Ryan, and they went over to China and they all came back with better results and improvements. Some of the improvements were no less than a miracle." Trevyn rushed for more than 1,300 yards last season, including a 225-yard, one-touchdown performance against Portland State. Obviously, he's used to barreling straight forward, on and off the field. "We're definitely willing to take the opportunity to go do it and hope for the best," he said. "We've just got to raise the money." The Smiths need about $60,000 to cover the cost of the treatments and travel to and from Beijing. They're unable to come up with that on their own, which is why a fund for Ryan's benefit has been set up at Wells Fargo Bank. NCAA guidelines are rather restrictive when it comes to giving money to athletes or using their names or images for money-making ventures, even when they're for a good cause. Consequently, Trevyn can't be involved in any way with the fund. Instead, the athletic department is taking charge, helping to manage the account and even holding a fundraising golf tournament later this month at The Barn. "We'll do everything that, legally, we can do to help (the Smiths) do what needs to get done," WSU coach Ron McBride said. Wildcats' assistant coach Matt Hammer -- Trevyn's running back coach -- has taken on the role of point man for the fundraising efforts. "I was more than happy to help," Hammer said. "He's one of my players. I'm involved with everything he does, and I knew exactly what was going on with Ryan and how difficult it was on him toward the end of (last season)." The Weber State community has rallied to help the Smiths. And what's more, donations and other offers of support from around the state have already begun rolling in. Still, it all began with little Ryan's parents, who recognized a problem and quickly went searching for solutions. How much searching? Well, when Trevyn read about the children who had undergone stem cell treatments in China, he was determined to talk to some of their parents. Problem was, they weren't all that easy to find. "I found one of the parents online, and she didn't have any of the information of how to get ahold of her or anything," he explained. "I tracked her down anyway. It took me two days to figure it out, but I found her and talked to her." The woman told him her son's vision had improved to the point he could see his parents' faces. "He can see eight feet in front of him, and before he was completely blind," Trevyn said. "He didn't have any light (sensitivity) or anything, and he can see eight feet in front of him." The Smiths are determined to give Ryan that same fighting chance. And even though she can't see them now, Trevyn and Erica are there for her. |
Best of Luck! | 7:43 a.m. July 8, 2008
Best of luck to the Smith family! It's great to see parents who are so dedicated to their children.
WSUcatfan | 7:59 a.m. July 8, 2008
Best of luck Smith family, it is a touching story and I hope that everything works out for your little daughter.
Good Luck | 8:04 a.m. July 8, 2008
I hope all goes well & God willing it works out for the best.
AS a Physician | 8:36 a.m. July 8, 2008
I can tell you they will lose the money and take a risk of infection in the eyes. I can gaurantee thqat the child from Utah county that went to China is no different today. I see patients who have been scammed (for that is what it is) who are even more demoralized after realizing that the surgery does not work. This couple is desparate and vulnerable. We should protect tham from this abuse. I have a child with congenital problems. I accept them and love her even more.
Good Luck Wildcat | 8:45 a.m. July 8, 2008
I have to say first and foremost, I hope everything goes well for your daughter and I wish you the best of luck.
I also have to say good luck this fall and GO WILDCATS!! If you put red and blue together, you get purple. Weber State University, THEE University of Utah!
I also have to say good luck this fall and GO WILDCATS!! If you put red and blue together, you get purple. Weber State University, THEE University of Utah!
Howcanwedonate? | 8:58 a.m. July 8, 2008
Best of luck. How can we donate?
K | 9:00 a.m. July 8, 2008
I just don't understand why doctors have to be so negative when certin conditions arise in children. My older sister was born with a chromosonial disorder and they doctors barley did anything because they had the mind set of "oh she is going to die anyway why do anything that will prolong it." This was thirty years ago and they still have the same attitude. I hope this procedure goes well for the this baby girl and she will prove the "local" doctors wrong. May Heavenly Father watch over her and her family.
Best wishes and... | 9:17 a.m. July 8, 2008
Best of luck to the family. I hope things work wonderfully well for your daughter. Too bad stem cell research is limited here in the United States, and people have to go out of the country to get the help they are seeking. We need to support more research here at home.
Western medicine | 9:45 a.m. July 8, 2008
Western medicine has tunnel vision. Just about every Dr. in the west discounts eastern medicine because its not taught at Harvard or Yale. I for one enjoy the benefits of accupuncture and chiropractors. It kept me from needing to have a very expensive shoulder surgery and months of rehab. Funny thing is most healthcare providers won't cover that stuff, but those services are only a fraction of the cost that surgery would be. Good luck to the family and hopefully the DesNews keeps us updated with their progress.
Tunnel vision knuckleheads | 9:53 a.m. July 8, 2008
Hey As a Physician:
Open your eyes. Last year a girl from Joplin, Missouri went to China for the same surgery and had her sight restored. Check your facts before you go spouting off about people losing their money and the risks.
Open your eyes. Last year a girl from Joplin, Missouri went to China for the same surgery and had her sight restored. Check your facts before you go spouting off about people losing their money and the risks.
To: Western Medicine | 10:12 a.m. July 8, 2008
I'm glad eastern medicine helped you. I agree that there is something to it. You do realize that chiropractics is a western medicine as is stem cell therapy.
Sidenote | 10:20 a.m. July 8, 2008
Another side note to this story is how good it is to see how much Smith has matured at Weber State. That's the most beneficial part of a post high school career, growing up.
Father of daughter with same | 10:56 a.m. July 8, 2008
My 17 year old daughter was born with optic nerve hypoplasia as well. She has graduated from High School, will attend college in the fall and has a wonderful life with this exceptional challenge, as do many, many, individuals. She and others are incredibly adept, and in some cases more so than visual learners. I hope for the best outcome for Trevyn's daughter with the trip and surgery.
miketea | 11:32 a.m. July 8, 2008
best of luck!
don't pay much attention to "As a physician." He can't even spell. As a physician- What are you boarded in anyway? What kind of malpractice coverage do you have?
don't pay much attention to "As a physician." He can't even spell. As a physician- What are you boarded in anyway? What kind of malpractice coverage do you have?
Being a Parent | 12:33 p.m. July 8, 2008
As a parent you do whatever you can to protect your child and you do whatever it takes to make that child whole. You go to the end of the earth for that child, no matter what. Just because they "were made that way" doesn't mean that you have to accept it if there is a way to be able to change it. If a child is sick you take them to the doctor, if they have a broken leg or an ear ache you take them to the doctor, if they need glasses, you fix that too. This is the same thing, if they know of something out there to make their baby better so she won't be laughed at when she gets older, because we all know she will be, then do it. Best of luck, and God Bless You All.
miracles do happen | 12:53 p.m. July 8, 2008
bless you!!
Good Luck | 1:07 p.m. July 8, 2008
I hope this surgery helps, but am very doubtful. China is not my first place I would take my child for surgery.
MD | 1:40 p.m. July 8, 2008
A scam is scam is a scam, want to buy some snake oil? For you I'll throw in a trip to China. Ah-so.
My poor, poor bebe. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
My poor, poor bebe. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
MD | 2:01 p.m. July 8, 2008
As one who is familiar with the many failures of this stem cell procedure, it is not possible to protect someone from their own hope. No one should prohibit them from going ahead, but reality is not in their favor.
Carol from Washington | 2:19 p.m. July 8, 2008
As a parent to a 26 yr. old child who is severely handicapped as a result of a chromosomal deletion (and living at home), all I can say is that through what seems a tragedy brings blessings. She has sacrificed so much for us to learn and grow. Her sweet spirit is one we cannot live without. Life can be a challenge but with it comes great rewards! Love her the way she is (perfect) and if the doctors can change things to make life better then go for it. In the meantime, she is perfect. God made her that way. Aren't we lucky?
dan | 2:43 p.m. July 8, 2008
I'm stunned to think that the Smiths believe being blind is such a bad thing. It sounds as if their daughter being blind is a curse on the family. Hardships; yes, but manageable. I know because i'm blind and have done just fine now with a family of my own. Life doesn't end just because one sense may not work the way you would hope it should. Other than her sight, your daughter is healthy. Be glad and appreciate the gem in your lives for she is just as precious as your expected children to come.
Anonymous | 2:55 p.m. July 8, 2008
If God had meant for her to see, he would have given her eyes!
re: Anonymous | 3:10 p.m. July 8, 2008
God did give her eyes you moron. They just don't work properly. Children are born with heart defects too, but no one questions a parent's decision to seek treatment to correct that. If it has the ability to improve the child's quality of life, I don't know of any parent who wouldn't try to do anything they could.
If you wouldn't, you aren't really a parent.
If you wouldn't, you aren't really a parent.
LDAY | 3:19 p.m. July 8, 2008
Every day there are break throughs in technology and modern medicine. Just because there have been unseccessful surgeries in the past does not mean each time they try again they make progess. I work at the cancer center, studies and new breakthroughs are forever the sucesses of tomorrow. Yes we definalty learn from and love our physically and mentally challenged loved ones. But it there is even one chance the can be helped, why would we deny them that chance?
Anonymous | 4:00 p.m. July 8, 2008
Seems like with the cut in people the News is now behind. I saw this story in our Daily Herald earlier this week.
to all you suckers | 4:24 p.m. July 8, 2008
I have an elixir that is very likely to make this child see again. It only costs 100 dollars per month. Please mail checks to (sorry, I can't give my address) This product contains stem cells too. Please mail money soon to get started on a cure for whatever your problem may be.
BTW private stem cell research is not limited in the US, its federally funded research that is restricted. Sheeples
BTW private stem cell research is not limited in the US, its federally funded research that is restricted. Sheeples
Surprised | 5:02 p.m. July 8, 2008
I'm surprised by some of the comments here. Did anyone tell the Herriman family they should just get used to their daughters being conjoined and love them anyway?
Yes, there are worse things than being blind. Yes, there are many who are blind who get along just fine. But if there's a chance that she could see how can anyone logically and in good conscience criticize this family for taking that chance when there is so much beauty in the world. Even someone who has been blind since birth wishes in some part of their heart that they could see, and those who still have hope look forward with optimism to the day when restoring sight to those blind since birth is no longer just a Biblical event.
Yes, there are worse things than being blind. Yes, there are many who are blind who get along just fine. But if there's a chance that she could see how can anyone logically and in good conscience criticize this family for taking that chance when there is so much beauty in the world. Even someone who has been blind since birth wishes in some part of their heart that they could see, and those who still have hope look forward with optimism to the day when restoring sight to those blind since birth is no longer just a Biblical event.
WSU Wildcat fan | 7:53 p.m. July 8, 2008
Good for the Smith family. There are a lot more answers out there than our doctors know. I pray that this works out well for them. A lack of sight does not doom the child to a life of misery, I don't think that is being implied here. What parent would not do everything in their power to give their child sight? Once those possibilities are exhausted, then you work on giving the child every other opportunity to succeed.
I hope the WSU athletic department or student association will do what they can to help Trevyn with fundraising. I would be only too happy to give.
I hope the WSU athletic department or student association will do what they can to help Trevyn with fundraising. I would be only too happy to give.
Maybe if this couple... | 8:26 p.m. July 8, 2008
Maybe if this couple wasn't so concerned about athletics and more concerned about education they would realize that their $60,000 gamble would be better spent on their daughter's education. What did athletics get them... Big Sky rushing champ? Who cares! They really need to make a better decision concerning their daughter's future.
kosimov | 8:36 p.m. July 8, 2008
What a touching story. I hope the little girl is able to gain her sight. I have five children, including one daughter. I can't imagine that I would not try ANYTHING reasonable to help her if she had been born blind, and there was even just one ray of hope! I have a similar condition in my left eye, though it comes from a detached retina. I had six surgeries on the eye, over a period of years. It kept appearing as though it would recover, but finally, it failed. My right eye is acting up now, and I may eventually face life without vision (or perhaps I ought to tag along to China!!). So I know SOME of the emotions they are feeling. My goodness, nobody here is going to stop them from going to China with a few hasty words! Why put painful doubt in their minds? Why not hope, and pray, for success; even if the Chinese aren't that good, God is, and he just may step in and participate in that surgery, if it is the right thing for her, and we all pray for her. I have seen prayer do "impossible" things .....
Disillusioned | 9:18 p.m. July 8, 2008
Carol from Washington--you took the words right out of my mouth. There are a TON of things that this young girl can do in this world--with or without her sight. The only thing that holds her back is attitude. That of her parents, and her own. Look up Patrick Henry Hughes--a young man born blind--on You Tube. And, my other question is---what kind of stem cells? Don't want to open up a can of worms here--but part of the reason why this may occur in China is because they may have no problem with taking life to supposedly "give" it. As someone who has had to face parents and say, yes, that medical "promise" someone made could have actually caused more or permanent damage--I say feel blessed with what you have! A beautiful daughter, with a beautiful future--whether she can see or not.
Rph | 9:39 p.m. July 8, 2008
Sounds like a scam to me too. I just don't think I would throw out the warnings of the US MDs. Sounds like sound advice. There are a lot of things that don't have cures, and scammers take them for their money all the time. Like going to Mexico for Cancer treatment, or buying this or that that will cure alzheimers, baldness, arthritis, MS etc etc. Lots and lots of wasted money. But, if they can raise the money. But the infection thing is scary. You can sue some dr in China if you find out it was a scam. Scary decision. Hope they prayed about it.
Daryl W. | 9:41 p.m. July 8, 2008
I'm working in China for the next couple of months and hope to help in any possible way, does anyone have a way to contact Trevyn? I went to school with Trevyn and was a grade older than him and wish him the best of luck. I don't know where his daughter will have her surgery in China, but I just want to help if they are near where I live.
Rph | 9:45 p.m. July 8, 2008
Also, you can't take anyone's word on the internet. Things like this need to be studied in double blind studies. Someones word with no study behind it is a sure sign of quackery. Why don't they do it anywhere but China? Why not in Europe, or Mexico? Too weird. I hope if nothing else the little girl is ok. I had a grandma who was born blind and was a professional pianist. Andrea Boccili is the greatest singer on the earth today-he's blind. Blind people do amazing things. It may not be a curse. It may actually be a blessing. They won't have to waste countless hours watching movies and playing video games, they can spend more time developing talents.
Seriously | 1:41 a.m. July 9, 2008
Seriously folks, do you think that this couple has not been to dozens of doctors and spent hours on end studying this situation out??!! I think that they may know a little more than the rest of us about the procedure and have decided to take the risk, even if it costs them $60,000. Yes, blind people do AMAZING things, but I bet if there was a cure for blindness there would be a lot of blind people going in for surgery. Let's not take away their hope and faith and just pray that the best may come of their situation.
dan | 3:25 p.m. July 9, 2008
I'm amazed at most of these comments and also at how society percievs blindness. It has been this perception of blindness over the years that continues to contribute to the stereotype of the word and place obstacles in the way of those who may not have sight, placing road blocks in the way for opportunities just as deserving to them as anyone else. Sit back and listen and you may see more of what our world is becoming or not becoming because of these practices. I'm perfectly comfortable with the things I see in my mind than have to visually see what has been messed up in our world. If something doesn't look right, it is altered cosmetically to give an appearance of perfection. Heart surgery and separation of twins is to prolong life. Life continues with or without sight. Those that laugh at others who may be different because of them not appearing as society is comfortable with, are the ignorant ones.
re: If God had meant for her to | 9:57 p.m. July 9, 2008
Funny, thats NOT what Jesus said whenever he met someone who was blind.
seriously | 11:03 p.m. July 9, 2008
Some of you people are unbelievable. Your comments are so very cruel and insensitive. Who are you to judge? I know who you are. You're someone very lonely and pathetic and you hide behind a computer trying to make yourself feel better attempting to bring others down, but in the end you're still lonely and pathetic.
KSC | 5:45 a.m. July 10, 2008
I wish the couple lots of luck. My son has ONH and is completely blind. We are also going to China next month. Now, if your child was blind and there was a possible solution to cure it, would you? If your child is sick, do you give him medicine? To me, after speaking to every family who has gone and doing hours upon hours of research I've decided to atleast try it. This WILL be in the USA in about 20 years...when my baby will be practically too old for any results to happen. Before someone talks negatively about this couple, put yourself in their shoes. God Bless them.
To the close minded... | 3:31 p.m. July 10, 2008
I happen to know Trevyn Smith. I grew up with him, and considered him one of my dearest friends as a child. If you wish to believe this is a scam, that is definitley your prerogative, but I can tell you that this is a real child, that needs real help. Do you think that the Daily Herald, Deseret News, and other news stations would really publish this story if it were a scam? This is a story about a family trying to help their daughter. God has made twins conjoined,that doesn't mean they should live thier life that way. The people of this state certainly helped, and supported those families when they were in need. Most of this state claims to be 'good Christian people', so be that. If you don't believe this story, that's great, but there's no need to hurt this family more than they are already heart broken. Be 'good Christian' people. Open your eyes and your hearts. If you're not going to help, at least do us all a favor, and keep your hateful comments to yourself. Those of you who support this family, I know it means a lot to the Smith's.
That's great | 7:37 p.m. July 10, 2008
First of all, we could sit here and talk for years about what the Smiths should do, but they are going for the operation despite what we may say here. So I suggest we think of ways to help them.
Secondly, I'm originally from Utah and like Daryl W. I'm living in China and would like to help Trevyn's family when they come, but I have no way to contact them. I don't know if we can post e-mails, but I can try, wu_liang666 and it is a hotmail account so you know what to do. Or just write a comment below.
And lastly, China is way more advanced than you think, if you haven't lived here you wouldn't understand. For all of you who think America is the most advanced nation in all aspects, please take a vacation, you would be surprised to see we are behind some other countries technology.
Secondly, I'm originally from Utah and like Daryl W. I'm living in China and would like to help Trevyn's family when they come, but I have no way to contact them. I don't know if we can post e-mails, but I can try, wu_liang666 and it is a hotmail account so you know what to do. Or just write a comment below.
And lastly, China is way more advanced than you think, if you haven't lived here you wouldn't understand. For all of you who think America is the most advanced nation in all aspects, please take a vacation, you would be surprised to see we are behind some other countries technology.
Carol from Washington | 1:14 p.m. July 11, 2008
I blogged a few blogs back, but wanted to add something. My granddaughter (2 1/2 yr.'s old) was born blind in one eye. The condition is fairly rare and they don't know what the cause is. It is called, in non medical terms, small eye. It is where the eye does not develop and grow as it should. My son and his wife decided to try a corneal transplant but it did not take and was rejected. Her iris is cloudy and the eye a little smaller. In time they will either put in a fake eye that covers it or a contact that is created to look like her good eye. She is beautiful!
God Speed | 2:01 p.m. July 17, 2008
Our prayers are with you!
Inside source | 8:26 p.m. Aug. 18, 2008
Apparently those of you who have wasted your time writing negative comments have not researched what you are writing nor do you know the family personaly. I am unsure what athletics has to do w anything Trevyn has school paid for because of his athletics which will only benefit the family in the long run. Also I have never met people w a more positve outlook, they have damn good attitudes and so does their beautiful daughter, this may be why she is blind and still as advanced as other children her age. They will not love her more or less because of her condition. So for all of you judgemental people who have nothing better to do w your time than try to make someone as miserable as yourself waste your time elsewhere. And to those who have children or are just understanding of a mother and fathers love for their child thank you so much for your support! We want all our chilren to have every opportunity possible. If you had a child w/o a limb would u get them a prosthetic? I WOULD! And I will do all I can for Ryan, she is my world!
RYAN IS A VERY, VERY STRONG AND SPECIAL SPIRIT AND WE ARE BLESSED TO HAVE HER. EVERYONE BATTLES THEIR OWN TRIALS EVERY SINGLE DAY AND RYAN STARTED DAY ONE. SHE HAS ALREADY PROVEN DOCTORS ALL OVER WRONG, SHE WATCHES TV, SHE RECOGNIZES FACES, SHE PLAYS IN JUNGLE GYMS, AND SHE TELLS VERY ELABORATE STORIES JUST LIKE ANY OTHER KID HER AGE. NONE OF THESE THINGS WERE PREDICTED OF HER AND THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINING, I KNOW SHE WILL CONTINUE TO EXCEED EXPECTATIONS EVERYDAY, BECAUSE THATS HOW MUCH DRIVE AND FIRE MY LITTLE GIRL POSESSES!
Good Luck Smith Family! Wishing Ryan Nothing but the best!! I pray it works! Have fun Erica with her out there and enjoy the time you two have together out there. What a Story to Tell ryan when she gets older!!
ReplyDeleteXoxo,
The Molifua's