In tough times, family is still grateful

Mark and Jenny Morgan know things could be worse.

They look at other families who might not have presents under the Christmas tree this year and are grateful for what they do have.

What the Morgans have are two bright, fun girls, Joslyn, 8, and Jazmyn, 6. Not to mention a community supporting them.

The Morgans haven’t exactly had the easiest of roads, either. Both girls have health issues that require frequent doctor visits, and next year Jazmyn must travel to the Children's Hospital in Seattle for treatment.

Mark, who works as a machinist at Semitool, isn't sure if he'll have a job in the New Year. Semitool recently shut down for three weeks and has also been laying off employees.

"There are families out there with kids that don't have health problems that won't have a Christmas. We're all right," Mark said. "We have some presents - maybe not a lot of them like normally, but we have presents."

Jazmyn was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis at the age of 3. The disease forms tumors on her brain. The tumors are inoperable and must be shrunk with chemotherapy. She must be seen by a doctor in Seattle every four months.

The tumors cause a number of health problems including her having the mentality of a 4-year-old and has caused her to go through early puberty. Most recently, tumors have grown on to her optic nerve and are causing her to go blind.

Joslyn has Kawasaki disease. It causes inflammation in the walls of the arteries throughout the body, including the heart.

"She has to see a cardiologist once a year until the sixth grade and can't participate in sports," said Jenny.

Next year, Jenny and Jazmyn will have to travel to Seattle to begin chemotherapy treatment that could last up to a year.

"We may have to live over there," said Jenny of her and Jazmyn. "No doctors here will treat her — none do pediatric chemotherapy."

It will be hard for the family to be apart. Until now, the whole family usually travels to Seattle together.

But Mark isn't sure whether or not he'll be able to take off time from work and as Joslyn gets older it becomes harder for her to miss school.

"We try to make it up," said Mark. "We call each other every night, but it’s going to be hard."

The family also may face moving if Mark can't return to Semitool.

Given the girls' medical concerns it poses a greater challenge than just finding a job and moving.

Jenny said they also have to find a school for Jazmyn that works with special needs children.

Also, they have to be reasonably near the Children's Hospital so Jazmyn can continue seeing her doctors.

WITH ALL the family has gone through, both Mark and Jenny said they're both grateful for what they have.

"We take things one day at a time," said Jenny.

Mark said he's thankful that he works at Semitool because the three weeks has allowed him to do things he might not have otherwise.

"I didn't want to not work, but I've been able to do other things. Like pick up the girls from school. I was also able to repair our van that need some minor work. Without that we would not have that vehicle to drive," he said.

They're also grateful for a community that has supported them. That's included their church, First Baptist in Whitefish, and folks who have helped with a medical trust fund for Jazmyn.

Dentist Dean Calderwood and his staff of the Family Dental Center here are also holding a benefit for the family.

Jenny said they became fast friends with the Calderwood staff while she was looking for a dentist that works with special needs kids.

"We are grateful there are families that need things worse than us," said Jenny of the Family Dental Center.

"We're grateful, but with other folks needing we feel selfish, by accepting their help," added Mark. "We just want to thank the community for their ongoing support."

A silent auction and raffle for the Morgan family is being held. Prizes include a $350 Norsk Seafood gift certificate, Army-Navy gift certificate, Funtastic Finds gift certificate, Moving Image tanning package and other prizes.

The family will draw the winner on Jan. 9 at the Family Dental Center from 1 to 3 p.m.

Donations for the family may be sent to Mark and Jenny Morgan, C/O Family Dental Center, P.O. Box 1866, Columbia Falls, MT 59912.