Coleen Salley & Epossumondas
Friends:
I am deeply saddened to pass on the following news about Coleen Salley. This note comes from her son, David, whom I worked with for a brief period years ago. He was an attorney in downtown New Orleans.
Dear All:
We have finally gotten a diagnosis for Mom’s condition, Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD). Unfortunately, I am sorry and saddened to report that there is no cure or treatment for CJD and it is a terminal illness. I am sure most of you have never heard of CJD and all you need to do is Google it and you will have more information than you will care to read. Two sites that have good information are http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cjd/cjd.htm and http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/cjd/ .
It appears that Mom is reaching the end stages of the disease. Last Sunday, she was rushed to the hospital and spent 3 days in ICU fighting an infection. Being the fighter that she is, she beat the infection and all of her vitals are much stronger. Our main goal was to get her back home to St James since she absolutely abhors hospitals.
In conjunction with Mom’s wishes, and based upon the prognosis from the Neurologists and the ICU doctors, we (the 3 children) have decided that we will not return her to the hospital under any circumstance. Instead, we are working with Hospice care to make her as comfortable as possible. Fact is, as of right now, she appears to be very comfortable and in no acute pain or distress. She remains non-responsive and appears to be a deep sleep most of the time.
If anyone wishes to stop by and visit Mom, feel free. Although you do not have to, if you want to call me or George to check her condition before going by, that is fine too. My cell is 504 615 2543 and George’s is 504 481 6218.
Mom has received hundreds of cards and letter (and flowers) from so many of you and we cannot thank you enough for each and everyone of them. We have read every word of every one of those to her. Feel free to send more and we will continue to read them to her.
There is no “Crystal Ball” and there is no way for us to know how long she will hang in there. Although she is comfortable, she has no quality of life and certainly no “Coleen Salley Life” which we are all so familiar with. To say Mom has had a full life would be a monumental understatement. She has made more friends than most people can ever imagine, and touched and inspired thousands more.
Obviously Mom did not deserve this fate (no one does) and it is sad that it has happened to her. It is a little ironic that a disease that literally strikes only one in 1,000,000 struck someone who is one in 1,000,000, actually 10,000,000. I am sorry that I have to bring everyone this news.
However, I know each and every one of you have fond and fun filled memories of your times with Mom and I know you will recall those as you think of her at this time.
I will let everyone know what develops with Mom. In the meantime, feel free to call me or George (or Genevieve 503 774 8811) if you like. As always, I request that you please pass this email on to anyone and everyone you know that is a “Fan of Coleen.” I try to update the recipient list but I know I probably have missed some people and I want everyone to be advised of these developments.
Hail to the Queen!!!
David Salley
Anyone who knows Coleen knows that she is passionate about children’s books. She is such an advocate for storytelling and literacy. Coleen is, in fact, her own live book character. She always greeted you with a “Hey Dawlin’!” Let’s join in prayer to send her family peace and comfort during this difficult time in their lives. Coleen, God Bless You, Dawlin’.
Until next time…
Warmly, Dianne
