It was the second heart transplant for Kaitlyn, now four, as she received a new heart when only a few months old in early 1998. The courageous youngster was born with the right side of her heart missing. Kaitlyn is already homesick, according to her mother Jeanne, and can’t wait to get back home to Brodhead. If things continue to go well following her recent surgery, she will be back home in early December. Her heart transplant took place on the morning of September 4 when she was taken to surgery at 5:30 a.m. The heart arrived at 8:30 a.m. and after surgery she was already back in the ICU room by 11:30 a.m.

“She had very little bleeding and was actually awake when we saw her at 11:30!” said Jeanne. “She was signing with her hands (because she was on a respirator) that she wanted chocolate milk! But she didn’t get the chocolate milk until the next night, though.”

Kaitlyn’s doctors are pleased with her progress. She was on minimal IV medicines, less than most children need. Her recovery went so well that she was dismissed on September 9, just five days after surgery.

The need for another heart transplant came about when an infected tooth activated her immune system, which in turn attacked her heart and caused rejection. Anti-rejection drugs were used, to no avail, and a painful technique called plasmapheresis was tried twice, also to no avail.

The need for another heart became evident in July as her kidneys began shutting down, her heart started to fill with fluid and she needed oxygen. “She has an amazing desire to live! She has been very brave and is my hero,” said Jeanne, who would like to thank all those from the area who have taken the time to write to Kaitlyn.

“The response has been overwhelming! One day she received 30 cards!” added Jeanne. “Her community has certainly rallied around her.” For those who might wish to send cards and letters of encouragement this fall, they may be sent to 10700 East Dartmouth Avenue, Apartment FF211, Aurora, Colorado 80014.

The buildings, located at 1012 and 1016, 1st Center Avenue, will sport decor of the 1886 era. All the common areas, and bathrooms, will reflect that era, including some original lighting.

Just ask Alan Bonness of Lake Summerset, who apparently contracted the virus in Skokie, a northern suburb of Chicago, the week before Labor Day.

“I’m not an alarmist, but it’s definitely something you want to be careful with,” said Bonness, who was diagnosed with West Nile after he experienced fatigue, severe headaches and tremors. Although he wasn’t hospitalized, he still suffers from its effects, both physically and mentally.

“It causes encephalitis and meningitis, together at the same time,” he said. “I probably had a mild case of meningititis.”

Sixteen people have died from from West Nile in Illinois this year, with 358 confirmed cases. Most cases have occurred in the Chicago area. At greatest risk are the very young and those over 50 years of age.

“I was told it would take up to three months to work through it, but I don’t think it will take that long for me,” Bonness said. “Those who are hospitalized are told it may take six months to a year for their recovery.”

Bonness experienced about a dozen mosquito bites during his stay in Skokie. Neither his wife or daughter contracted the virus, nor did the friends they were staying with.

“They say that 80 percent of those who get it show no symptoms,” he said.

Bonness had five days of fever and headaches. He couldn’t sleep for two days and he also lost 10 pounds during his ordeal.

However, he was able to keep fluids down, avoiding severe dehydration, and that was the determining factor in staying out of the hospital.

“There is no shot to get better faster with this,” he said. “Be smart, stay away from mosquitoes and use ‘Off,’” he said.

Bonness is the first reported case of West Nile in Stephenson County.

Human cases have been identified in Chicago and 26 Illinois counties. Ages of those infected have been anywhere from two to 92, although most are over the age of 50. As of September 13, Illinois officials had also identified 500 cases in birds, 249 in horses and 452 in mosquito batches, covering 96 Illinois counties.

Dr. John Lumpkin, the state’s public health director, has urged radio and television stations to run new ads, as a public service, which he recently unveiled. “Until there are sustained cool temperatures or a hard frost, it is incumbent on all of us to take the necessary steps to reduce the chance of a mosquito bite.”

More information on the virus is available at the state department’s Web site, located at http://www.idph.state.il.us