Possibilities - Children's Hospital Central California

From the way she runs, jumps andhorses around, you could never tellthat this 2-year-old has a unique,inherited medical condition.Araceli Tason’s genetic condition, CysticFibrosis, was discovered before birth throughprenatal screening when her mother, EvangelinaTason, was four and a half months pregnant.Cystic Fibrosis is distinguished by an abnormality inthe body’s salt, water and mucus-making cells. It ischaracterized by the production of abnormallythick and sticky mucus which most frequentlyobstructs the lungs, leading to progressive chronicAraceli is in good hands with Children’sboard-certified pediatric PulmonologistsDr. Reddivalam Sudhakar, Dr. Lauro Roberto andDr. Mary Anne Tablizo. The trio provides a widevariety of services to children with respiratorydisorders like asthma. The Practice is also arecognized Cystic Foundation Care Center.Araceli’s routine includes frequent checkups andnutrition-monitoring. She has a high fat, highcalorie diet, and takes supplemental enzymesdesigned for her body. Due to her condition, anyillness can cause a respiratory crisis in the tinytot. When a respiratory infection slows her down,pulmonologists treat her ailment by identifying andcombating the bacteria.Photo SponsorPeggy, David,Ryan & MollyDunlapBack in the Saddle AgainThe Players: Doctors Reddivalam Sudhakar, Lauro Roberto, Mary Anne Tablizo and the clinical team at Children’sPulmonology Practiceand life-threatening lung infections. It also obstructsthe digestive system, preventing normal digestionand leading to malabsorption and malnutrition.About 2,500 babies are born with the chronicdisease every year.“We’ve been facing her illness with a lot of faith,”says her father Jose Tason. “Our faith has givenus the wisdom and knowledge to handle it.”Ever since the adorable youngster was born, she hasbeen a regular visitor at Children’s Hospital CentralCalifornia. Over that time she has weathered boutsof respiratory infections due to complications fromher condition.“They treat her well,” says her mother. “She is happy.Her happiness makes us happy.”At the family home in Fresno, Araceli enjoys playingwith her brothers, Reynaldo, 13, and 4-year-oldJose. She holds her own against them at the dinnertable, too.“She eats a little bit of everything,” says Mom.“Anything you give her she will eat.”With luck, the amazing care Araceli receives atChildren’s Hospital will keep her in the saddle foryears to come.Sponsored by