HEARTBEAT
A Publication of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Metro St. Louis
www.rmhcstl.com
Fall/Winter 2011
Pearl's Story: At just 3 years old, Pearl Hollan has
survived chemotherapy, heart failure and a kidney transplant
T
oday, Pearl Hollan is a cheerful, energetic 3-year-old who loves to play. Looking at her now, it's hard to believe that just a few months ago, she was receiving treatment for both heart failure and kidney cancer at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center. Pearl’s struggle with illness began in 2009 when her parents took her to the doctor with what seemed to be a chronic respiratory infection. Rather than returning home with antibiotics, the Hollans were rushed from their home in Springfield, Mo., to St. Louis for emergency treatment. A chest x-ray had revealed that baby Pearl was suffering from congestive heart failure. “As a mom, I’m freaked out even by pneumonia,” says Charity; congestive heart failure seemed insurmountable. Yet Pearl’s ordeal had just begun. Nine months after her heart condition was treated successfully, Chris and Charity noticed a lump on Pearl's right side. A medical examination found three tumors, called Wilms’ tumors, on her kidneys. At the age of 1, Pearl was diagnosed with
kidney cancer. The tumors were caused by a genetic mutation, meaning they would always return once removed. Regardless of treatment, Pearl would need a kidney transplant one day. For the next six months, Pearl underwent chemotherapy. In Feb. 2010, her entire right kidney, a tumor on her left kidney and a portion of her liver were removed. Surgeons kept Pearl’s left kidney intact with the intention of waiting until she was older to remove it. Despite the decision to wait, Pearl’s left kidney failed in Oct. 2010. It was removed four months later, but because of her recent chemotherapy treatment, Pearl was not eligible for a kidney transplant. Instead, she was placed on a daily dialysis regimen. Then, in April 2011, Pearl went into heart failure. She was given intravenous medication and placed on both the kidney and heart transplant lists, and her dialysis was increased to 19 hours every day. It was at this point that the Hollans turned to Ronald McDonald House. Before April, the family stored all of their belongings in the back seat of their car and took showers at the hospital, where they also spent their nights. However, once they began living at the Ronald McDonald House on Park
Chris, Claire, Charity and Pearl Hollan Avenue, all of this changed. “The Ronald McDonald House has given us a sanctuary and some privacy," says Charity. "It’s also nice to have a homecooked meal,” she adds. After arriving at the Park Avenue House, Charity, Chris and both sets of grandparents took turns caring for Pearl in St. Louis and her younger sister, Claire, in Springfield. When they were in St. Louis, the House provided the family with a crib, which allowed Claire to visit, as well. Between October and July, the Hollans spent no more than six weeks at home. With treatment, Pearl’s heart condition improved. She was taken off the heart transplant list and moved to the top of the kidney transplant list. On July 7, 2011, Pearl received a new kidney, and on July 29, 2011, she moved home. Best of all, a check-up this September revealed that Pearl is still cancer-free. Overjoyed at Pearl’s return home and thankful for what the Ronald McDonald House has offered them, the Hollans fully intend to support their local chapter. “As soon as my husband and I are available,” says Charity, “our plan is to give back.”
1981 West Pine House Opened Y 1996 Park Avenue House Opened Y 2003 Long-Term Apartments Opened Y 2007 Family Room Opened in St. Louis Children’s Hospital Y 2008 Family Room Opened in SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center Y 2010 Family Room Relocated to Mercy Children's Hospital Y 2010 West County House Opened