The Terrace Standard, Wednesday, June 11, 1997 - B3 ms Illness forces couple to leave Terrace By SALWA FARAH JUST THREE YEARS after they built their dream house on the bench, Barbara and Fred Seiler were forced to sell due to an unexpected and devastating illness, Barbara’s first hint that there might be something wrong came the summer they built their house, in 1994, She was constantly Short of breath and her con- dition was getting worse. Thinking it was something she may have inhaled from building the new house, she went to a doctor for a diag- © nosis. At first no one knew what was wrong. Then in April, 1995, Barbara was finally diagnosed with a rare and fatal lung disease that ef fects women in the prime of their lives. She was forced to take a disability leave from the Royal Bank, where she’s worked for 14 years. There is no known cause or cure for Lypmphang- ioleiomomatosis or LAM as of yet, and most victims have a life expectancy of about ten years. BARBARA AND FRED Seiler were forced to sell their dream home when Barbara was diagnosed with arare and dangerous lung condition. Cysts eventually form and [LAM Foundation, estab- replace healthy lung tissue, fished in 1995 in Ohio. choking the airways and making it difficult to func- It is believed — that tion, and eventually, to breathe. LAM affects fewer than 1,000 women in North America, according 1o the estrogen accelerates the pro- cess of deterioration, and Barbara’s doctor advised ber to’ have her ovaries removed. She took his advice, and in 1996 had the operation. Bar- bara and Fred have no chil- dren. Unfortunately, continued to worsen and so the next step was to have a lung transplant. However, hung tissue only lives for two hours, and Bar- bara couldn’t stay in Terrace while waiting for a4 transplant. So she moved to Abbotsford to live with her sister last fall. “She had to move to Ab- botsford to be within a two hour radius from Van- couver,’’ said Fred. While in Abbotsford Bar- bara’s condition worsened, and she required hospi- talization for a collapsing lung. That prompted Fred to sell their home, so he could move to Abbotsford to give Barbara all the support she needed. He put their dream home on the market, and it sold this spring. “There really hasn't been much support from the medical community. LAM is a rare disease and Barbara Barbara « feeis all alone,’' said Fred. Tt doesn’t help that’ there still is no real consensus about treatment from the medical community. - And in Canada it’s dif- ficult to find other women suffering from the disease. The Seilers did find two other women with LAM in Canada, Coincidentally, one of those women also used to work at the Royal Bank. “But things are finally start- ing to look up for Barbara, She had a lung transplant last month and so far it’s been a success. Barbara is no longer hindered by an oxygen mask and has regained her free- dom to breathe once again, “Tt's just like night and day. Before I couldn’t do anything without oxygen,’’ said Barbara, three wecks after her transplant. “T can éven sing now,” she added, her voice sound- ing strong over the phone from Abbotsford. Barbara walks a kilometre every evening and as she regains her strength, she looks forward to coming back home. Pipers and dancers don kilts for competition HIGHLAND DANCERS, drummers travelled to Prince George May 31 to take part in the second an- nual Gathering of the Clans, It was the first time in over 20 years that the Terrace Pipes and Drums Society has had a chance to compete. The full band couldn’t travel, but cight pipers and four drummers ‘made the trip. The pipers brought home two gold medals, six silvers, one bronze and an honourable mention. Unfortunately there were only two other bands there for the competition, and they weren’t in the same class, so the band had nothing to measure itself against - But a demonstration of the piece prepared for competition brought a standing ovation from the crowd and impressive remarks from judges. . "Highland dancers under the direction pipers and of Kandy Killey and Debbie Sabourin were also in the competition, up against dancers from Prince George, Burns Lake, Vanderhoof, Lower Nicola, Mer- rit and Charlie Lake. Carolyn Tinkess competed in the novice category and came home with a 1st place in the Sword dance, 3rd place finishes in the Fling and Sean Truibhas, and 4th place finishes in the Highland Reel and Flora MacDonald’s Fancy. Competing in the adult class, Debbie Sabourin placed second in the Sean Tmibhas and third in the Sword, Scot- tish Lilt and Village Maid. This was the first chance at compeli- tion for Leah and Jenny Mackay. Jenny won fourth place in the Fling and Sword dance for her efforts. Lindy MacRobbie and Dea Ward danced the ‘beginner ‘Highland Fling and Sword Dance. The costs for prlkail services are offen coverd exiended health benelits” Dr. Tom Strong Now Regularly Practicng tom Mils ® Relationship & Family Therapy * Full Range of Individual Psychotherapy | * Training and Seminars B® Brisf results oriented ® Chronic poin & illness consultations Ask about the couples consultations For more laf Registered Psychologist Memorial Hospital 1-800-456-7733 jen of to book appol please coli Brian C. Fell would like to é announce that Dr. Paul I. Clark, Optometrist, would like to thank his patients for the past 16 years of support in his optometry practice. As of July 1, 1997, patients will be seen by: Dr. Meg Sexsmith Phone 638-2020 THE TERRACE PIPES AND DRUMS band did very well in their first competition in over 20 years, taking: nine medals back home. Nostalgia Weekend! | Opening Night is July 31 | Lif Auditions for Actors & Singers for musical “Cruel Tears” on June 7 & 14 Phone Mavis or Daniel at: 635-5170 for appointment. _. 3Wamen & 6 men required ...between the ages of 19 -50. " 7% Weight: 7 Ibs i1 oz Sex: Male Parents: Larry & Alison Martel Baby brother for Michelle, Stephen & Andrew Weight: 7 lbs 5 oz. Sex: Female Parents:Mike & Kendra Cain Bro’ Lite sister for Joshua & Brandon her to Ryan ’ + Baby's Name: . Baby's Name: Cassidy Orcllia Rosalyn Tanis Emory Duron Date & Time of Birth: Date & Time of Birth: Weight: 5 [bs 10 az. Sex: Male Baby's Name: Baby's Name: David Lawrence Mariel Dawn Savannah Amanda Yvonne Campbell Date & Time of Birth: Date & Time of Birth: May 23, 1997 al 4:32 pr May 26 at 11:53 am Welght: 9ibs 3.7502. Sex: Female Parents: Puncla Campbell & Shawn Schreiner ’ + . Baby's Name: Baby's Name: Korinn Marie Dvorak Emily lauren Cain Date & Time of Birth: Date & Time of Birth: May 29, 1997 at 9:18 am Weight: 7 Ibs 8.02, Sex; Female Parents: Troy & Nathalle Dvorak May 24, 1997 at5:34 pm: June 4, 1997 at 4:09 pm Welght: lbs 3.5 02, Sex: Female Parents: Gilbert Handel & Jeri-Lynn Olson May 24, 1997 at 12:04 am Parents: Kevin Dutton & Sil Norman Get A Free Baby Gift. (Simple, huh?) Just see our service desk far more information BDL Fo2ca = elejelele Overwaitea ACs very own fbod peggie. Breakfast Cockiails Dinner Comedians Guest Speaker: Liberal Forest Critic Ted Nebbeling on “The Future of the Tenure System in the Forest industry” OPEN TO PUBLIC - NO TICKETS REQUIRED (Sponsored by Cedarland Tire & Coast Tractor) (Sponsored by Inland Kenworth & Fountain Tire) SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Friday, June 13 Get Acquainted Social (Sponsored by Terrace Totem Ford & Paragon Insurance) - Saturday, June 14 9:00pm - Midnight 8:30am - 10:00am 10:00am - Noon 6:00pm - 7:00pm 7:00pm - 8:00pm 8:00pm - 9:30pm The old Cabaret is going {f (Sponsored by McEwan GM & Terrace Truck & Diesel) ~ they have moved ‘f through some major | . from their location f changes that will blow | Dance to “Borderline” 9:30pm - Onward inside the Skeena your mind! (Sponsored by Cole Petroleum & Finning) Mall to their new Watch for our plan = 2 home accessible on to develop. I the outer This weekend we will be | Skeena Mail. giving away a piece of Same Mail... the old Hanky’s. | PRIZES PRIZES PRIZES FRIDAY, JUNE 13 _& SATURDAY, New , ™ Location! ae er ae Sa Se GES SET LT PT OTT STE | . Independents workin : __ to ogather