|  Charlee Elizabeth Cook is the one-year old daughter of Samantha
McKissock and Ryan Cook who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when she
was 1 month old. Cystic fibrosis is a chronic disease that affects the
lungs and digestive system. People with cystic fibrosis produce mucus
that is abnormally thick and sticky that can obstruct the airways
causing severe breathing problems and bacterial infections in the lungs.
This disease occurs in 1 in 2500-3500 Caucasian newborns and less in
other ethnic groups. At this stage in Charlee's disease, due to the large amount of
mucus her body creates her pancreas is no longer functioning. She now
has to, and will always have to take enzymes prior to every meal she
eats to do the work of the pancreas- aid in digestion. She also will
have to undergo chest physical therapy multiple times a day for the rest
of her life. This consists of percussion on her chest, side and back to
l  oosen and break up mucus that damages and causes lung failure. Charlee makes dealing with this disease as easy as possible. She
is a beautiful, loving, happy baby. If she is not sleeping she is always
happy and smiling, and making others do the same. You would never know
looking at her of her diagnosis. Thanks to all of the support,
fundraisers, donations and her amazing doctor team at children's
hospital...we have HOPE. Thank you! |