Susan Torres and baby update

A week ago I blogged about the cancer stricken mother and her unborn baby. Susan Torres continues to hold onto life while people are generously helping to pay the large medical expenses due to the mother's prolonged stay in the hospital. Hey George Soros, write a check for half a million to St. Rita's St. Vincent DePaul Society or the Susan Torres fund instead of giving money to a loser like John Kerry. You would be saving a life instead. Plus you would get a tax deduction.

I know a little something about end stage melanoma. Baby Torres has a chance as long as the cancer don't start shutting down major organs. The three most common organs for Malignant melanoma to spread to are the Brain, Liver and lungs. I'd be worried about the lungs. The baby has a fighting chance. One thing is for certain, Jason Torres made the right decision. God bless this family.

For those who want to contribute, here is the website to go to- www.susantorresfund.org or e-mail stfund@susantorresfund.org.

Hat tip to Michelle Malkin for posting an update. Here is the trackback- http://michellemalkin.com/mt/mt-tb.cgi/2272

Here is a link to the full Arlington VA Catholic Herald Article- http://www.catholicherald.com/articles/05articles/torres0623.htm

By Angela E. Pometto
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 6/23/05)
It has been nearly eight weeks since Susan Torres (pictured at right with her oldest son) was rushed to the hospital after she suffered a stroke caused by melanoma cancer. For eight weeks, despite her brain damage, she has been closely monitored and kept alive for the sake of her unborn baby. And after eight weeks, baby Torres is alive and kicking — quite literally.

According to Mercy Schlapp, a friend of the Torres family, Jason Torres felt his child kick for the first time on June 20.

But the battle for the child’s life is far from over. Twenty-five weeks gestation is the earliest that a baby can survive an early delivery, and this is Susan’s 21st week of pregnancy. The family hopes to wait until 30 weeks before delivering. Right now, the cancer has spread to Susan’s lymph nodes, but the baby is in no immediate danger, said Schlapp.

The Torres family is doing "well — given the circumstances" said Fathers Denis Donahue and Jerry Wooton.

"They’re doing amazingly well, and it’s all due to their Catholic faith," said Father Donahue, pastor of St. Rita Parish in Alexandria. "That’s what’s holding them together."

According to Father Donahue, the challenge is to keep her alive one day at a time. Father Wooton, parochial vicar of St. Leo the Great Parish in Fairfax, said Susan had several fevers lately. The doctors have been able to reduce the fever, and the little one is still doing well.

While the Arlington Catholic HERALD was the first to report this story (ACH 5/26/05), many other news organizations have picked it up including USA Today, The Washington Post, The Washington Times, ABC News, CBS News, WJLA and CNN. Thanks to the extended coverage, the family has been flooded with support.

Father Wooton received a call from someone in England who was interested in the fight for Susan’s baby. According to Father Donahue, another person sent Susan and the baby a first class relic of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta.

"There has been an overwhelming response," said Schlapp. "It’s really such a blessing for the
family, especially when this is such a difficult time."

Many people have been calling St. Rita Church, where Susan and her husband, Jason, are members, to find out what they can do to help. Father Donahue directs them to the fund established to help with medical expenses not covered by insurance. The bill is expected to be between $300,000 and $400,000, although this may rise depending on how long Susan is kept alive.