Girl's Best Friend
Breakthrough diet cuts seizure rate
Home Run
Flanked
by her sister and brother, Meghan Genco makes a dash for home
plate. Epilepsy has not kept this active 10-year-old from the
sports she loves. |
Despite the nightmare of Meghan's seizures, the Gencos are a close
knit, upbeat family and have continuously sought answers to the mystery of
their child's epilepsy. In addition to assistance from Blue, they also
found hope in a strict food regimen called the ketogenic diet.
"When Meghan first started the diet in 1994, she was one of only 8
children in the country to be on it," explains Mary. "It is such
a highly restrictive diet, people thought it was like voodoo." Meghan
is only allowed 1,430 closely monitored calories each day, 90 percent of
which come from fat. The diet floods the bloodstream with a high level of
fuel molecules known as ketones, which appear to keep seizures at bay.
"Researchers are not sure why the diet works," explains
Hasbro Children's Hospital dietitian Patty Logan, "but 75 percent
of the patients on it do improve." It is a very difficult diet to
follow-imagine large amounts of cream, mayonnaise and butter with
virtually no fruit, bread or pasta to put them on. "With creativity,
it can be quite good," says Logan. "Children whose seizures
decrease call it their 'magic food.'" For Meghan, the diet seems
to be working. Last year, she averaged 50-75 seizures a day-now, it's
down to 3-5.
Meghan's prognosis is promising. "She may one day outgrow the
daily seizures that plague her," says Mary. "Doctors believe she
is comprehending more than she is able to communicate."
What is Blue's role in Meghan's future? No matter to what degree
her seizures subside, the dog has a permanent home. "Blue provides
more than protection," says Mary. "For the first time in her
life, Meghan has a sense of ownership and independence." She's
never had control over any area of her life, but it's obvious she
responds to Blue. After nearly nine years of silence, Meghan is starting
to speak again: "Blue, sit!"
Her family believes Blue is worth her weight in gold.
Editor's Note: The demand for
service dogs is high. With only 11 training centers in the country,
waiting lists are long. It is important to thoroughly research any center's
credentials before deciding to purchase such a dog.
More information |
