By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer
“It’s the fear of the unknown — are we going to be able to fix this now or when,” stated Denise Day, mother of seven-year-old Cheyanne, who at the age of 11 months was diagnosed with a genetic condition called kidney reflux, which can result in kidney and bladder failure.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
Cindy Johnson, left, recently announced that Cheyanne and Dakota Day were The Cubby’s November’s Heroes of the Month. The young heroes are the children of Denise and David Day of Easton. From left are, Johnson, Cheyanne, 7, Dakota, 5, and their Mom Denise. As this month’s heroes, the Day children/family were presented with a $200 donation from The Cubby. Both of the Day children have health conditions that create challenges regarding medical travel and costs.
After battling chronic infections, in August Cheyanne underwent three major surgeries at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, during which doctors removed one kidney and performed bladder reconstruction. The Day family most always stays at the Ronald McDonald House, during these trips.
“She seemed to be doing much better and we were hoping — it did work for a while, up until this most recent infection, which is in her remaining kidney,” said Day, “now we will be going back to the hospital on Nov. 16, for more tests.”
Cheyanne, a first-grade student at the Easton Elementary School, doesn’t like to be absent. “Last year she missed 78 days — she cries when she can’t go to school,” said Denise Day. “Overall she does quite well, dealing with everything that is going on, she’s a trooper. She is a lot stronger than we are,” she added.
“She knows her limitations, she is very tired after school and can’t participate in a lot of extra activities,” said her mother.
According to Day, if a kidney functions at 50 percent or less, an individual becomes eligible to be put on a kidney donor list. At this time Cheyanne’s remaining kidney is functioning at 90 percent.
“It’s not knowing from day to day that is the most difficult,” stated Day.
Dakota is Cheyanne’s 5-year-old brother. “Dakota was born with only one kidney,” said Denise Day, “but so far there have been no kidney-related problems.” Dakota does, however deal with other challenging needs.
“Having one child with a serious medical condition is difficult enough,” stated Johnson, “but two children in the same family is even more exhausting — it is truly a labor of love.”
Johnson said that having Cheyanne and Dakota as The Cubby’s November Heroes is, “Our way of recognizing both kids and their family for coping so well with all of the challenging needs in their lives.”
