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Published on 05/18/1998 All articles from this issue

School raises money for student's uncommon Lyme Disease treatments

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By Linda Taaffe

Town Crier Staff Writer

Kristina Moser can compete against the toughest boys at kickball during recess on some days. On other days, the 12-year-old can barely walk across the playground without stopping to rest.

After several years of suffering from fatigue, constantly feeling ill and breaking out in a rash, doctors diagnosed Kristina with Lyme Disease. She was 8.

Now, four years later, at a time when antibiotics no longer control her symptoms, Kristina's schoolmates at the Los Altos Christian School are pitching in to help fund an uncommon treatment for Kristina in North Carolina that could allow her to live symptom-free.

"We are actually pretty close here and feel like everyone is part of the family," said Cynthia Probasco, dean of students. "Everyone's support has really boosted her self-esteem. I think she realizes how valuable she is."

School members have collected frequent-flyer miles to help the Mosers obtain a free flight to North Carolina for the treatment and have raised $1,500. Today the students will participate in bowl-a-thon, where they hope to raise about $5,000 more to help fund the Moser's travel expenses and some medical costs.

Kristina's mother, Colinette Moser, said Kristina contracted the disease at a farm while on a school field trip when she was 4. She was diagnosed a year later with leukemia, which Moser said could have occurred because Kristina's immune system had been weakened by the Lyme Disease. The disease is caused by a tick bite and is named for Lyme, Conn., where the disease was first noted.

"I had never even heard of Lyme Disease. I couldn't understand why she would have to lay down half the time at school," Moser said.

Moser said between the leukemia and Lyme Disease, Kristina spends several days at a time undergoing hours of treatments. She must wear a tube in her arm in order to inject antibiotics into her system, prohibiting her from participating in sports such as swimming, which is one of her favorite summertime activities.

"It's difficult for a child with a chronic illness to have friends," Moser said. "When she's sick, other kids her age don't understand it. Not that they're mean, they just go on with their lives, participate in activities and don't realize what it's like for a child to be suffering constantly and not have the energy to keep up."

Moser said Kristina keeps up whenever she can. She comes home at about 10 p.m. after treatments and insists on doing her homework, she said.

Probasco describes Kristina as a "real trooper."

Kristina said she's "excited to get rid of the Lyme Disease."

If Kristina is medically eligible, she will fly to North Carolina this month for a 6-week treatment where her blood will be flushed out, purified and replaced.

As a single mother who spends about $20,000 a year for out-of-pocket medical expenses, Moser said she is just overwhelmed by the support of the school.

"I'm learning how to be humble," she said.