Springfield Teen Too Young for ALS Diagnosis
By Michelle Sherwood

Story Created: May 29, 2008

video http://www.kspr.com/news/local/19341304.html



16-year-old Haley Stevens lost control of her limbs, one-by-one this year, and it all played out at school. Her mom says she's as feisty as any teen, but her life has taken a drastic turn.

Just months ago, Haley Stevens' normal routine included dancing, playing the drums, and acting out in drama. But now, normal is much different.

"She has enough strength to push a button," says Haley’s mother, Gretchen Teague.
Last spring, Teague noticed Haley having trouble with shakes, then walking, and the big one, dancing. It became obvious that someone was wrong during a dance routine in front of the school when Haley was on the dance team.

"They had a move where they had to roll on the floor and she couldn't get up off the ground,” recalls Teague. “She was struggling to stand up."

Months went by before doctors diagnosed Haley with ALS--a disease that attacks the nerves. Genetics were not a factor, and Teague says no one has been able to figure out why this has happened to her daughter.

“As far as our doctors are concerned, she's the youngest they've ever seen,” says Teague. "Eventually, all of her nerves will stop functioning."

Now, Haley's friends at school are trying to help the family pay for renovations needed for the house because everything is different. They need to expand Haley’s bedroom and the downstairs bathroom. Already, the family has added on a ramp and a driveway in their backyard. The family has also made the entire bathroom Haley’s shower; however, it still needs renovations to make it a usable bathroom for the rest of the family.

"We have to kind of jockey for positions to get to everything so it would be nice if we had a little room," says Teague. "I would trade place with Haley in an instant if I could."

Though things have drastically changed, Haley still has her beautiful smile and a fiery attitude. And luckily for her, she also has a mother's love that understands so much, even when so much seems unclear. Haley cannot speak because she has a tube in her throat to help her breathe, but Teague has proven to be the only one who can read Haley’s lips.

"Haley is still a 16-year-old, and her body may be failing but her brain is definitely not,” says Teague. “She has just as much attitude, energy, enthusiasm and passion for things now than she did before, probably more."

You can find out more about Haley and how you can help this weekend at a benefit at Central High School. Several local bands will play and there will be a silent auction on Saturday. The show starts at 7 p.m., and all the money will help pay for renovations needed for their house.


http://www.kspr.com/news/local/19341304.html