Patti is truly Number 1 on the list in Cleveland for the transplants. There have already been "offers" so-to-speak, but they haven't been just right for Patti (one donor had organs that were too small, the others didn't have all three -- both lungs and liver -- organs available), so time is getting VERY close. Keep praying.....
On October 12, 2006, she was checked for Diabetes and her oxygen was moved up to 6 liters, which pushes her up on the national list. She is still 1st on the Cleveland Clinic List, but her rating on the National list is now 49! Also, her roommate died on the night of October 11 (morning of October 12) and she was in the hall in a wheelchair from 4am until 11 so she has had some tired times, but feeling pretty good!
Here is the family portrait that was taken on September 19, 2006. The day after Brady got his prosthetic eye. :-)
Also, here is a "copy" of the article that was in the Ithaca Journal on October 11:
Article published Oct 11, 2006, The Ithaca Journal
Organist puts on musical fundraiser
When Jen Gage Sage, Dryden United Methodist Church organist, heard Katy Prince share the story of her niece, Patti, she responded with history and heart. Gage Sage said, "You can't hear a story like Patti's and not want to do something about it."
Patti Prince is a Utica area native. This 25-year-old mother to 9-month-old Brady has suffered from cystic fibrosis since birth. This debilitating genetic disease deteriorates the lungs and liver. There is no known cure, although an arsenal of medicines and machines help to add years to a cystic fibrosis patient's life. For Patti, the next step is a double lung and liver transplant, which she awaits while in a Cleveland hospital.
Patti's family has surrounded her with love and support and involved the community in her story with a variety of fundraisers. Katy organized a motorcycle ride in August and a car wash to coincide with an early September chicken barbecue. The funds from these events will go toward the $20,000-$30,000 of out-of-pocket expenses Patti will incur with her treatment.
Here's where the Dryden United Methodist Church comes in. The church has stepped up to the plate to assist in Patti's plight.
Gage Sage knew Patti was a flutist when her lung capacity allowed. For Gage Sage, music is like breathing, and she was touched by this opportunity to help return Patti's breath, both figuratively and literally.
She is associated with many fine musicians from Ithaca College through an interesting venue. Gage Sage enjoys Chinese food and has found a welcoming table at the Hai Hong Restaurant in Collegetown. During her visits there, she has come to know several of the staff, which includes marimba player Yu-Tzu Huang and pianist Billy Chou. Yu-Tzu is a two-time winner of the coveted Ithaca College Concerto competition.
Combining both of these interests, Gage Sage has organized a Magical Evening of Delectable Music and Decadent Desserts, which will showcase both of these musicians and The 1020 Danby Jazz Trio.
Gage Sage said Death by Chocolate, Cream Puffs and German Chocolate Cheesecake will be on the menu.
The event will be at 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15, at the Dryden United Methodist Church. Suggested donations are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and children. Doors will open at 3:30 p.m. Contact her at 347-6888 for more information.
