Girl gives thanks for family
Rare disease can’t slow her downBy JOSHUA S. FLESHER Tribune Chronicle
Article Photos
At first glance, Stella Owsley looks and acts like any 11-year-old you might meet.
The LaBrae sixth-grader has a bright personality, friendly attitude, enjoys sports and excels in the classroom.
What sets her apart from her peers, however, is a rare disease that limits her day-to-day life.
In early April of this year, Stella was just wrapping up soccer season. The talented player was like every other girl on the field, sporting bruises on her legs, but after a while the bruises remained.
''Stella was playing soccer and when the season ended she had some bruising that just wouldn't go away,'' said her mother Erika Owsley.
The bruising led to a visit to the doctor where it was discovered that Stella was suffering from ITP, or immune thrombocytopenic purpura. The condition is characterized by bleeding and is due the destruction of platelets. Platelets are important because they make blood clot.
''She used to play soccer, and she can't play sports anymore. Every little thing she does she has to be super super careful,'' said Stella's father Dave Owsley.
However, as usual, Stella is able to see the positive side. ''I just am careful,'' Stella said, ''I do get to leave class five minutes early when my platelets are low. Which is awesome 'cause I get to class early.''
Anything can cause her to bruise or bleed.
''She walked in the other day and bumped her back, and just like that within 24 hours she had that big bruise,'' her father said. Stella then showed off a bruise on her knee that she said she received when she hit it on her own jeans.
The condition is rare, especially among children, and is classified as either acute or chronic. Acute ITP lasts for less than six months; chronic ITP can last for much longer.
Stella's condition has been diagnosed as chronic.
''With it being chronic, what can happen is it can go into periods of remission,'' explained Stella's father. ''It can go away and be gone six months, a year, two years, three years, and boom ... it comes right back. There is no way to tell when it's going to happen.''
With her condition, it is vital that Stella routinely visit the doctor and take blood tests, which is hard on a young girl who admits that she doesn't like blood or needles. The tests are done to make sure her platelet count is normal, but often the family is met with disappointment.
''What's really sad is when you go in there and we're expecting a high number and they draw her blood and it comes out a low number,'' said Dave Owsley. ''It's devastating to her. She breaks down crying and that's what makes it hard. She's usually really strong and when she starts crying it tears me up.''
If the platelet count dips too low, Stella has to be admitted into the hospital immediately.
''We've been back and forth from Youngstown three to four times a month if not more,'' explained Dave Owsley. Stella has been admitted six times since April, which has resulted in her missing 14 days of school.
Somehow, Stella has been able to thrive in the classroom during this difficult year.
''She is so tough ... a kid with a cold complains more than she does,'' said homeroom teacher Margie Adair. ''She's a straight A ... excellent student.''
Although she can no longer play soccer, Stella has become involved with LaBrae Middle School's Prep Bowl team, with an eye on joining cross country, if she can convince her father.
Her love of soccer and competition remains, though, and she was recently invited by the United States women's soccer team to travel to Cincinnati where they had a match against the Korean team.
''She got to meet the girls who were just amazing ... I can't say enough about them,'' said Dave Owsley. Stella was even presented with the Korean team's flag after the game.
Through the difficult year, and the sometime weeklong hospital stays, Stella remains an upbeat and positive young girl. According to her mother, Stella has continued to put others before herself.
''In going through all the stuff she is going through, she kept talking about how she wanted to donate money for the poor," said Erika Owsley.
"To her she doesn't see it as a disability, the more as its a part of her life and she's more concerned about other people that she is about her self,'' her father added.
Stella has hopes to one day become a chef or doctor. She loves watching Rachel Ray and Emeril on the Food Network, and could not wait for Thanksgiving.
''I get to cook Thanksgiving with her,'' she said happily, pointing to her mother.
So what is she thankful for?
''My mom and dad,'' she said. ''They are both the best in the world and they love me and I love them.''
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MMTerry
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12-01-08 8:28 PM
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Hang in there Stella! We all love you and are praying for you! Love- Marty & Mary Seth & Morgan
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momofsrl701
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12-01-08 6:18 AM
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Wow!!! I'm not sure what Mom and Dad do for a living, but I graduated with her aunt Monika, who is now an OB/GYN. Smarts run in that family!!! Take care, Stella!!!
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stockpile
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12-01-08 6:00 AM
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Darn shame My prayers will be with her daily.
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