National PKU Alliance Wins $50,000 Research Grant

The news came in by an email from a PKU advocate who has been monitoring this event closely.

"We may be a rare disease, but this project testifies to the awesome power of all of us working together for a common goal and what we can achieve," Amanda stated.


 PKU is a rare metabolic disease where a person is missing an enzyme called Phenylalanine Hydroxylase and unable to break down an amino acid called Phenylalanine.  Because patients are missing this enzyme, they are restricted to the amount of protein they can have. Without a lifetime commitment to a low-protein diet, a PKU'er risks detrimental adverse affects such as mental retardation and neurological diseases.


"Our dream is a cure for PKU. And while that is our ultimate goal, during this Pepsi Refresh Project, it has truly been about the climb. And on this climb we have made a lot of friends, had a lot of help, and voted a lot of times," Amanda said.


"Fund Research and Find A Cure for PKU" will provide funds for research in effort to find a cure for PKU, and improve the quality of life for all children and adults living with PKU. The grant will go to The National PKU Alliance (NPKUA), a non-profit organization. NPKUA is devoted to advance research in an effort to find a treatment or hopefully a cure. It supports local PKU organizations, educates others on the issues PKU patients and families face, and advocates for individuals living with PKU.


Congratulations to the National PKU Alliance for your recent achievement!

Obama Calls for End to Republican Blockade

After recent discussions with his financial team, President Obama calls for an end to the Republican Blockade of the small business lending bill.

"We have to do more," Obama said. "Holding this bill hostage is directly detrimental to our economic growth. I ask Senate Republicans to drop the blockade." 


This bill as said, would do good for small business America, however, the truth that lies behind the small business lending bill is detrimental to America and it's families.


This bill will raise taxes on businesses and the people of America.The administrations policies simply aren't working. In fact, much of what President Obama has promised, he has turned around and done the complete opposite; sending America into a continuous downward spiral that will take decades to repair, if ever.


Despite what you think, despite what we all think, one thing is agreeable. America is in need of a new president, a new administration, and a new congress. 2010 IS the year for elections. We cannot have another four years of this drastic dictatorship. Yes, I said dictatorship --


 I want our freedoms back. I want America back. I want our government to do what it's purpose is: to defend citizens in times of need - not take our rights away. I want our government to govern least, and let the people govern themselves.


I want America back!

Wyoming's 40th Annual Trauma Conference

This year, for the second time, I had the distinct pleasure to represent the Powell Valley Healthcare at Wyoming's Annual Trauma Conference. Together, five of us from PVHC represented the hospital and health care center of Powell. During this time, we went to different classes gaining more experience to bring to our place of work -- and to practice the skills we learned. I took my EMT re-certification test and proud to say that I am an EMT for another two years! After trauma conference, I took some time to reflect on my job and to write down why we do it... Below is a poem called, "An EMT's Mirror."
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As I stare into the mirror this very morn, I begin to see what I am and where my soul will go.
Gazing into my own eyes, I stare at the past and gain perspective, The sight I see hits my heart like an arrow hits it’s target.
I wake up at dawns early light every day and begin the day anew, A prayer to God I simply do.


Gazing deeper into the mirror, deeper into my heart, I see images pass by – one by one. 
A hurting soul of a Child who has lost her sibling in an asthma attack, Or that mom and dad losing their daughter in a wreck. 
Those families and public officers who bravely lost their Lives that day doing their job and helping others. 
My sight crawls in deeper seeing no one but myself, Kneeling to my knees, hugging that little boy scared To death his momma won’t come back.

Assuring him Momma is okay, I look to God to comfort his soul. 
Seeing, deeper now, into the mirror, I can see the Thank-you cards received for helping someone’s parents. 
The flowers of spring fill the room. All for thanks of My crew and I for helping those who need it most. 


As my focus returns to my image in the mirror, I see the True beauty of what we do. 
I am here to help and assist. I am here to comfort and give quality care. I am here to help ease the soul. 
I am here because I’ve been chosen by God to help. 
I am an EMT by God’s wonderful grace.