Cape teen faces life-threatening disease

Twirlers Recognized For Accomplishments

Twirlers Chelsey Lukefahr, left, and Maysi Dougherty recently attended the Miss Shamrock Majorette Competition; Lukefahr was awarded second place and Dougherty earned fifth place. The two performed a one-baton duet routine together for which they were awarded second place in the beginner division. Lukefahr received open honors including a participation award in modeling; first, third, and fourth place in basic strut; two fourth , one fifth, and two participation in Solo. Maysi earned a participation award in modeling; 2 second place and 1 fifth place in Basic Strut; 1 second place and 4 participation awards in solo. The girls are members of the Southeast Area Twirlers Cape/Jackson twirling classes. They are under the direction of Kandi K. Barksdale-Staples. For information on enrollment log onto their website at www.capejacksontwirlers.com or call 649-2702. By Chris Pagano ~ Southeast Missourian

The turning point of Makelem Martinez's frequent bellyaches was in September 2000, when the pain would just not go away. After two emergency room visits that did nothing to relieve the situation, her mother, Lisa, sought a diagnosis for her 16-year old daughter's pain.

She was later told that only half of Makelem's pancreas was left due to a chronic pancreas disease called idiopathic chronic recurrent pancreatitis. Idiopathic means the cause of the disease is unknown.

A good day for the sophomore is when she can attend Central High School in Cape Girardeau.

"Being on the basketball team was the whole point of eighth grade for Makelem," said her mother. "She loves sports. She wanted to play college sports."

Hope of ever achieving what most people her age take for granted depends on an operation she is scheduled for on June 6 at Fairview University Medical Center in St. Paul, Minn.

Makelem, who daily takes massive doses of narcotics, knows the recovery time for the 15-hour pancreatectomy will be a long haul. Only two specialists in the nation do that type of operation. She hopes the surgery will allow her to one day live a normal life again.

Makelem spends a lot of time with Chico, a Chihuahua puppy that makes it easier to get through the rough spots.

Makalem's mother will have to be out of work for at least a month to care for her. To help the family, a silent auction and dance have been organized. Private donations will also be accepted. A savings account in Makelem's name has been established at Alliance Bank; donations can be made at any branch.

The benefit dance and auction will be held from 6 p.m. to midnight May 31 at St. Augustine's gymnasium, 230 S. Messmer, U.S. 61, Kelso, Mo. There is a cover charge. Tickets are on sale now. For more information, call Sandy Robison, Tam Green, Tara Hale or Angie Fehr at (573) 471-0800.

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133