Digest Digest (May 25, 2005)

Blood Drive in memory of Marlo Jenkins

A blood drive in memory of former Gunn High School student Charles Marlo Jenkins has been scheduled for Wednesday, June 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Student Activities Center at Gunn High School.

Jenkins, a talented football player, was killed in a high-speed crash on Middlefield Road on Sunday, May 15. A passenger, Geoffrey Bueno, remains in critical condition at Stanford Hospital.

The blood drive is open to the community. Donors must be between 17 and 74 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be free of colds or flu. Donors age 16 may give blood with a signed permission slip from a parent or guardian.

To schedule an appointment, call the Stanford Blood Center appointment line at 723-7819, or e-mail blooddriveappts@hotmail.com.

-- Sue Dremann

Breathing crisis for newborn successfully repaired at Stanford

An infant facing a breathing crisis has undergone specialized jaw lengthening surgery at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital. The girl, who underwent surgery May 9, is the first newborn to successfully undergo the procedure, according to a Lucile Packard Hospital press release.

Annika Kandadai, born April 25 with Pierre-Robin condition, had a cleft palate and unusually small lower chin, causing her tongue to fold into her throat and block her airway. The condition left her unable to eat, and breathe on her own.

Only two weeks old at the time of surgery, Annika is believed to be the youngest child to undergo the procedure in California.

Dr. Stephen Schendel, chief of pediatric plastic surgery, performed internal osteodistraction, a bone lengthening surgery usually used to stretch limbs. The procedure is not normally performed on newborns. Schendel has developed tools to perform the surgery on small children, giving them a new chance to live normal lives.

Annika's jawbone was cut on both sides of her face, and a device was added to lengthen the jaw, which widened her airway and allowed Annika to eat and breathe on her own. New bone grows into the gaps, creating a new jaw. She is now expected to develop normally.

-- Sue Dremann

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