Everyday is a new challenge in my position, either dealing with academic, social and emotional issues, or trying to be visible in both buildings so everyone knows I am around. These challenges are minor compared to the challenges of one of our first grade students, Sierra Barbarino. When I have struggles that bring me down, I think of her. I think her smile and enthusiasm. I thank her and her family for allowing me to be her principal and putting a smile on my face every time I see her.
The following was taken from a flyer that will go home to all students K-8 regarding a blood drive. If you have the time, please donate!!!
Sierra Barbarino began her complicated medical journey when she was just 3 weeks old. She spent numerous days in Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, but after a series of tests and examinations, physicians called her a “medical mystery” and sent her home to carry on a “normal” life.
After three years of extensive medical involvement, a specialist from UPMC Presbyterian performed a test that finally provided a diagnosis for Sierra: Primary Schlerosing Cholangitis (PSC). A disease that normally develops in middle-aged men, PSC constitutes a narrowing of the ducts within the liver over time. As Sierra’s liver formed, her ducts’ unusual formation prevented the bile from exiting her liver adequately, causing cirrhosis. End-stage cirrhosis and numerous other medical complications (both related and not related to the liver disease)plague Sierra. She is awaiting a liver transplant.
Now 6, Sierra is in first grade at the Green Valley Primary School and lives her daily life with a number of restrictions and numerous medications. Despite her ill fortune, this bright, beautiful, little spitfire tries to keep up with her friends. She also loves swimming, dancing, and playing piano. Sierra is the daughter of Tom and Tina Barbarino of North Versailles, Tom works at Equitable Gas as a laborer, and Tina works for Asera Care Hospice as an Intake Coordinator.
Friends and coworkers of the family have scheduled this special blood drive to help replenish the community blood supply from which Sierra has used, and will use again during her liver transplant. Please donate blood in honor of Sierra.
Central Blood Bank is the not-for-profit organization that supplies the blood products and transfusion-related services to more than 40 hospitals in western Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia, and eastern Ohio, including Children’s Hospital.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
1:00 – 7:00
St. Robert Bellarmine Church Hall
1313 5th Avenue
North Versailles, PA
To express interest in donating blood at this drive, please log on to www.centralbloodbank.org and enter sponsor cod ZRTN0568 or call Debbie Morrell at 412-400-9000
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
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