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Acclaims and a Shame for Nov. 12, 2007
Published November 12, 2007
For most families, it’s hard to imagine anything that evokes more pride and joy than a new baby. Likewise, little can match the shock and sorrow of losing a child to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Since 1984, when it was founded, the Southwest SIDS Research Institute in Lake Jackson has worked to prevent SIDS and increase awareness.
Although the causes still are unknown, about one of every 1,000 infants die from it each year, said Dr. Richard Hardoin, a pediatrician and founder of the institute.
The institute reopened to the public on Nov. 5 after a one-year hiatus because of renovations. On the second floor of Brazosport Regional Health System, it has a library, waiting and video room, offices and a state-of-the-art sleep study room where doctors can observe the sleeping habits of infants.
The renovation project received support from several area sources. Thanks to a $72,000 donation from the United Way of Brazoria County, experts can use the sleep lab to measure infants’ oxygen intake, heartbeats and other vital signs. Institute educator Mario Guel said the donation also provides for educational materials and presentations for new and expecting parents.
Dow Chemical Co. pitched in with a $5,000 grant to aid the institute’s educational work and Brazosport Regional Health System paid for the remodeling, Guel said.
The families of at-risk infants can be heartened by the work of this precious community resource, as well as the support its cause receives.
For information, call the institute at (979) 299-2814.
Danbury retiree demonstrates helping spirit of community
Credit a 62-year-old Danbury man with validating that the neighborly spirit of going out of your way to help others remains alive and well in this corner of the world.
While driving home after a grocery-shopping trip the morning of Nov. 2, Pete Keeland noticed a house ablaze — indeed, with flames sprouting from the windows — in the 5900 block of Fourth Street in Danbury. Keeland didn’t hesitate, as he immediately notified first responders and then commenced to helping out with his own hands.
In this situation, Keeland had a little something going for him on top of just plain ol’ bravery. He is a retired firefighter himself, having left the Danbury Fire Department after 28 years in 1995 because of back problems.
Keeland ended up manning the pumps that morning, lending important help to his old fire house buddies.
Sadly, the home was declared a “total loss,” but fortunately the family who lived there escaped unscathed.
Owners Shawn Kelly, 29, and his wife, 26-year-old Melissa, lived in the house for a year with four small children, three boys and a girl.
All in all, it took Danbury and Angleton firefighters about 10 minutes to put out the fire, showing how quickly house fires can destroy property despite the best efforts aimed at squelching them.
Yet, it’s inspiring to see in action that small-town notion of everyone chipping in to assist in times of need. When Danbury Police Chief Richard Stone — a former firefighter himself for 20 years — arrived, he seized a fire hose and also began dousing flames.
Of the efforts, Keeland remarked to The Facts: “Why not? I can work a pump.”
We all would live in a better world if such sentiments prevailed whenever tragedies, big or small, strike our communities.
Adelaide Thorpe Scholarship
at college is a fitting tribute
Adelaide Thorpe of Lake Jackson began her college career in Virginia at what now is the University of Mary Washington in the 1930s. In Brazosport, Thorpe worked for decades as a “pink lady” volunteer at the original Dow Hospital and later Brazosport Regional Health System.
On Nov. 1, the 88-year-old philanthropist was honored by friends and dignitaries at a dinner in the Lake Jackson Civic Center.
The newly named Adelaide R. Thorpe Scholarship will be used to help registered nursing students earn two-year degrees at Brazosport College beginning with the 2008 fall semester.
Brazosport College President Millicent Valek and Brazosport Regional Health System CEO Dan Buche were among the 100 or so folks on hand to recognize Thorpe and her commitment to education and health care.
Friends lauded Thorpe in a 15-minute video presentation before the guest of honor spoke.
“I can’t think of a better thing to do for the nurses of tomorrow than a scholarship fund,” Thorpe said.
Lake Jackson Mayor Bob Sipple proclaimed Nov. 1 as Adelaide Thorpe Day, and cited her positive outlook on life.
“What does that say about someone who came to us as a beautiful flower with the wings of an angel?” Sipple said. “You’ve given a lifetime of service.”
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