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You’ll like what you see in the mirror
State advises whooping cough vaccine for pregnant women, kids
BROKEN WINDOWS | May Day protests turn violent in Seattle [11]
VOL. 14, NO. 18
Mirror
F E D E R A L WAY
division of Sound Publishing
OPINION | Roegner: Q&A on Federal Way’s light rail drama [4] Palmer: Casey Treat’s daughter weds South African groom [4] CRIME BLOTTER | Woman bloodies up her boyfriend over breakup attempt [2] PINBALL WIZARD | Centerstage Theatre presents The Who’s “Tommy” [8]
SPORTS | Decatur grad Ben Henderson FRIDAY, May 4, 2012 prepares for another UFC title fight [17]
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FIREFIGHTER | Federal Way students aid injured firefighter’s recovery [12]
City reviews Humane Society partnership Cats get raw deal on adoptions, euthanasia
By Greg Allmain
By Greg Allmain
gallmain@fedwaymirror.com
gallmain@fedwaymirror.com
The number of whooping cough cases is growing at a record breaking pace, according to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). As of April 21, 1,008 recorded cases of whooping cough were on the books for 2012, which is more than was reported in all of 2011 — and just shy of the 1,026 cases reported in 2005. At the current rate, the DOH expects the number of whooping cough cases to exceed 3,000, a level not seen in more than 60 years. Also known as pertussis, whooping cough can last six weeks or more. This contagious bacterial disease is characterized by the “whoop” sound made by the child taking a breath after coughing. “We’re very concerned about the risk to infants,
Since Federal Way began its own Animal Services Department in 2010, the city has partnered with
the Humane Society of Tacoma/ Pierce County for animal needs such as shelter, spay and neuter, and euthanasia. Kathleen Olsen, executive director for the Humane Society, gave a brief presentation to the Federal Way City Council on May 1, saying that the relationship has
been beneficial for both entities and the animals involved. “Our total intake in 2010 was 12,402 (animals) and that included Federal Way NEWS for half the year,” Olsen said. “For the six months in 2010 that we provided sheltering services for your city, 422 animals were received from
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Federal Way, of which 10 percent were surrendered by owners who were no longer able to keep them.” For the part of 2010 that the city partnered with the Humane Society, 135 animals were adopted out, 55 strays were reclaimed by their owners, and 159 had to be euthanized. Olsen noted that of the 159 [ more ANIMALS, page 14 ]
‘I feel good,’ says woman battling terminal cancer Fundraising concert benefits family By ANDY HOBBS editor@federalwaymirror.com
[ more VACCINE, page 7 ] Delivery change: Your Mirror will arrive between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Fridays. If you do not have your paper by 6 p.m., contact (253) 872-6610 or circulation@ federalwaymirror.com.
Julie Kathan, 53, was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, a fast-spreading and terminal cancer. The doctor gave her less than a year to live. She is pictured with her husband, Jeff Kathan, and mother, Ruby Forehand, who is visiting from Georgia. ANDY HOBBS, The Mirror
Julie Kathan has terminal brain cancer, and she feels no pain. “Not even a headache,” she said. “I don’t know how much longer I have left, but I feel good.” Last September, the Federal Way woman suddenly had trouble talking, and her mental capacity seemed blurry. Kathan, 53, was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, a fast-spreading and terminal cancer. The doctor gave her eight to 12 months to live. Radiation treatment shrank the tumor by 2 inches, but it started growing again. A new treatment diminishes the flow of blood to the aggressive tumor. Seven months later, Jeff and Julie Kathan try to control the cancer, keeping it at bay as long as possible. Physically, she remains pain-free. Although she has lost weight, her appetite is strong. “I do have a bit of a short-term memory problem,” she said. “Other than that, I don’t feel really any different than I did.” In the meantime, the Kathans haven’t stopped living. The couple celebrated their 24th anniversary in February with a trip to Maui. On Saturday, they will see daughter Dayna, 21, graduate from Washington State University. They have another daughter, Brittni, 23, and Julie helped raise Jeff ’s oldest daughter, Brandee, 29. The Kathans have lived in Federal Way for 21 years. Since the diagnosis, Julie tries to keep a positive attitude and live for today. “Family and friends are important to me,” she said. [ more KATHAN, page 7 ]
Mother’s Day Weekend – May 12th & 13th Tours, Talks & Teas
Tickets Available At Farmers Market, Powellswood and Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden OR BUY TICKETS WWW.BUDSANDBLOOMSTOUR.ORG