President Chip introduced today's speaker, Tracey Parker, his former neighbor while he was growing up in Hillsdale, who now lives in Brimingham, Michigan who spoke to us about a rare disease she has. This month is ITP Awareness Month, she said. ITP stands for Immune thrombocytopenic purpura and is a low platelet disorder. A normal person, she said, would normally have between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets.
When Tracey was diagnosed seven years ago after noticing blisters on her tongue and a bruise on her back, she had only a 15,000 count! Someone is termed "critical" when they have 20,000 to 30,000. She also noticed that when she washed her hands, she noticed the "pooling of blood" on her hands. This condition, if left untreated, she said, could cause brain bleed, bruising, leg rash, etc.
At first, her doctor attributed her condition to old age but Tracey knew different. Blood work was done but they still told her everything was OK. But then shortly thereafter, another test revealed the disorder. They scheduled a blood transfusion but was quick to point out that she'd taken a friend to the appointment who did not agree with the treatment plan. However, Tracey was still not satisfied especially after one test revealed a 15,000 count and one right after that showed her count went up to 100,000. Even her friend agreed that things were "not right".
Shortly thereafter, her doctor did call her and ordered her to the hospital and specifically tom the Oncology floor within the next hour. She was there a couple of days, she said, and on doses of Prednisone. While the drug did help. it resulted in an "insatiable appetite". It caused many sleepless nights and even cataracts in both eyes, she said. ITP, she said is an auto immune disease but doctors are still not sure what causes it. They suggested the removal of her spleen. Come to find out, Tracey had two spleens which only 10% of the population have! She went for infusions which do not seem to help her condition, she said. She eventually agreed to the Spleenectomy.
Tracey said that she is now two and a half years living with the disease. She's experienced much stress and even went through a divorce, sold a house and accepted a new job. She attributes stress to her condition so has taken measures to reduce it through sound therapy, nutrition and meditation. Tracey is now a member of an ITP support group. She is now in remission.
Thank You Note - Kathye wrote a nice card that said "Doug and I are so grateful for the generous gifts, cards, texts and meals. This is a great club - Love you". Kathye
The Greg Adams E-Race Stigma kk Run - Nate mentioned that he'd gotten word that this year's race will have a different route for the children's event and that they won't need quite as many volunteers this year - only a few people at a couple corners will be needed. Nate said he would clarify if they will need us at all since a number of people from the YMCA will be on hand that day. The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 1 this year. Stay tuned for updates.
Fluency Friends – Perennial chair, Mary Murray, announced thanked everyone who signed up. This is a 35-40 minute commitment for each volunteer this year at Michener Elementary. It will start the second week of October. If you have any questions, please see Mary.
LHS Annual Halloween Ball - Patty announced this event. She and our club will be splitting the cost of a table (Seats 8) and any club member wis welcome to join them at the table (4 - first come first served).
Thank You Note - Chip acknowledged a note that RI sent us for the $100 donation to Polio Plus recently.
River Raisin Cleanup – Mary Murray thanked everyone you signed up for this event! Great day for all of the volunteers. Got a lot of work done. Thanks to the Murray's for all the work they went to again for arranging this very important event.
Colleges Back to School WELCOME – Pinch hitting for Catherine Sala, event chair, Nate passed around the sign-up sheet again for Thursday, September 8th at the four corners in downtown Adrian. Starts at 5pm to 8pm. We’ll be handing out bottled water, sweets and hot dogs that Mark and Mary will bring that afternoon. Thanks to them both for their individual efforts!
Donation to Our Club Received – Treasurer Rhonda announced that the club received a $1,000 check from the Frank & Shirley Dick Endowment Fund and a similar donation to our Bike Tour! Thanks so much folks!!
Riverview Terrace Move - President Chip announced that he received a note from Dave Maxwell of the Adrian Morni9ng Club asking for volunteers to help residents move. He will let us know when that day will be. Stay tuned.
Lenawee Bike Tour Update – Carrie and Nate announced that the committee met last Tuesday and identified the SAG stations (In Macon at the Boysville facility, in Blissfield at Bachmeyer park. We will have sign-up sheets for those who want to man them at our meeting on September 8. New sponsor money continues to roll in and Nate said that we will be close to if not exceed $25k! Carrie encouraged everyone who is volunteering to be sure and get on the site to register for a T-Shirt. Gerry mentioned that members of the Adrian Schools weight lifting and wrestling teams will be participating that day! President Chip said that our entire meeting next Thursday will be devoted to the Bike Tour. The last committee meeting will be August 30th at Chip's house on September 14 at 5:30pm!!
District Governor's Golf Outing - September 18 - Go to www.rotary6400.org for much more info
2022-23 District Conference - Go to www.rotary6400.org for much more info
Speaker - Mark your calendars for our regular noon meeting on September 15 when Michael Lawrence, former NSA member under former President Trump, will make a presentation - $20 fee for non-members. Invite a friend to come. President Chip announced that we have raised $1,500 so far thanks to Planewave and an anonymous donor!
MICHAEL G. LAWRENCE
Be sure to be on hand for this special guest speaker
Hills of Lenawee - Thursday, September 15 at 12noon
Greg passed out a sign-up sheet. Members who pre-pay, the lunch is free. Those who pay as you go, the cost will be $14. This is a fundraising event and already have 3 sponsors who contributed $1,000!
President Chip introduced today's speaker, Tracey Parker, his former neighbor while he was growing up in Hillsdale, who now lives in Brimingham, Michigan who spoke to us about a rare disease she has. This month is ITP Awareness Month, she said. ITP stands for Immune thrombocytopenic purpura and is a low platelet disorder. A normal person, she said, would normally have between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets.
Guest today were:
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