Class of 2009/2010
Mrs. Birchler received an update on Jacob Pietryga (pm session) from his mom on December 12, 2022. Jacob is working in patient registration at Midland Hospital. He is taking some pre-requisite classes at Delta in order to go to nursing school - either at Delta or SVSU.
Mrs. Birchler loves crossing paths with former students working locally. On December 14, 2019 Mrs. Birchler was at the H hotel in Midland to purchase a gift certificate for the restaurant and she saw Mackenzie Harrison Perdue (am session). Mackenzie has worked at the H for three years. (Yes, she knew pm student Andrew Bell who worked at the H even in high school but recently left to take a PTA job out of state.) Mackenzie has worked in several different positions at the hotel and now she is learning the job responsibilities at the front desk. Mackenzie also announced that she has a darling seven month old son named Roan (the Irish spelling of Rowan).
Mrs. Birchler called Dirty Paws Dog Grooming on April 27, 2018 to schedule an appointment for her foster dog and the voice on the other end was Shannyn Pelletier (am session). Shannyn is working part time at Dirty Paws and at a gas station. She moved from Essexville into a house in the south end with her dad. Sadly, her dad passed nine days after they moved in. Shannyn has taken over the lease and has two housemates.
Eamil update from Kim Bishop (pm session) on April 18, 2018: "I graduated from CMU in May 2016 with my Bachelors in Communication Disorders. I was wait-listed for several universities and during that time I evaluated if speech pathology was truly for me. I felt like my passion for speech pathology wasn't entirely there after my time working in the CMU speech clinic as an undergrad clinician, so I made the decision to attend SVSU in the Fall of 2016 for Pre-OT. I've taken the pre-req courses and luckily, they took many of my credits from CMU and Delta. I recently found out that I was admitted into the MSOT program at SVSU and begin my OT graduate classes on May 15th! I am so excited to be working towards something that I've loved since I was in high school and I believe everything happened for a reason to get me back to pursuing OT. I am looking forward to starting the program in a couple of weeks and relieved that there is light at the end of the tunnel!" Congratulations, Kim!
Email update from Jordan McCann (am session) on April 18, 2018: "I'm entering into my 3rd, and final, year of PT school at Midwestern University located in Glendale, AZ. Soon, I will be preparing for my final rotations (Downtown Phoenix, and Tacoma WA) and studying for the NPTE." Congratulations, Jordan!
Update on Amanda Fegan (am session) from her brother Matt, another PT/OT alumnus who stopped by for a visit on February 15, 2018. Amanda is still working at MidMichigan Regional Medical Center and hoping to get into an OT program. Amanda also has a darling daughter (Matt showed photos) named Bristol who was born in October 2015.
Andrew Bell (pm session) is on target to graduate from the Delta College PTA program in April 2018 per the program director, Dr. Hausbeck who is a member of the PT/OT/Sports Med advisory committee.
October 2017 update from Briana Dery (am session) who reports that she is ahead of schedule on her recuperation and doing very, very well.
Congratulations to Kim Bishop (pm session) who was awarded a Frederick Kindinger scholarship through the Bay Area Community Foundation this spring of 2017.
May 25, 2017 email update from Briana Dery (am session). Briana reports a successful transplant with no signs of rejection and a resolving infection. We are all cheering for you, Briana!
April 1, 2017 email from Briana Dery (am session) that she was on her way to Henry Ford Hospital for a small bowel transplant.
Email update from Briana Dery (am session) received February 8, 2017: "I continue to get blood and line infections, along with other infections of many kinds. The latest is an infection where they removed a wisdom tooth! So I've spent so much time in the hospital!
But, on a good note, I'm now seeing doctors at Henry Ford hospital in Detroit for a small bowel transplant! It's been a long process getting on the list because of the infections, but we're hoping I'll get on the list soon. Once that happens, my surgeons say I should have the surgery within 1 to 2 months! I had a doctor at UofM revoke the previous dx of Amyloidosis and then dx me with chronic intestinal pseudo obstruction secondary to visceral fiber myopathy. And the only treatment option for that is the transplant.
For now I'm still relying on TPN and have two feeding tubes. But once the transplant and then recovery period are done, the hope is that my new bowel will work 100%, causing my stomach to pick back up the motility it has lost."
But, on a good note, I'm now seeing doctors at Henry Ford hospital in Detroit for a small bowel transplant! It's been a long process getting on the list because of the infections, but we're hoping I'll get on the list soon. Once that happens, my surgeons say I should have the surgery within 1 to 2 months! I had a doctor at UofM revoke the previous dx of Amyloidosis and then dx me with chronic intestinal pseudo obstruction secondary to visceral fiber myopathy. And the only treatment option for that is the transplant.
For now I'm still relying on TPN and have two feeding tubes. But once the transplant and then recovery period are done, the hope is that my new bowel will work 100%, causing my stomach to pick back up the motility it has lost."
Mrs. Kloha taught a computer class at Delta College to the Law Enforcement students and one of those students was Zach Palmreuter (pm session). Zach will graduate in April with his degree in law enforcement.
Mrs. Birchler saw Jacob Peitryga's mother (pm session) at Meijer on January 28, 2016. Jacob earned his undergrad degree in exercise science and is working until he decides where and when he would like to enter a DPT program. He is preparing for his GRE exam.
Mrs. Birchler learned from a current student on PT mentorship November 9, 2016 that Seth Meyer (pm session) is working a clinical rotation at the McLaren Riverview site in the Dow Bay Area Family Y. Seth is working on his DPT from UM-Flint.
April 2016 update from Amanda Fegan (am session). Amanda works at the lab registration desk at Mid-Michigan. She passed on a message through the superintendent that she loved her Career Center program, and she is currently taking classes at SVSU in preparation for applying to the MSOT program at SVSU.
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Andrew Bell (pm session) stopped by to say hi while Mrs. Birchler's current students were visiting the PTA program at Delta College. Andrew is in his first year in the PTA program. He still works for the H hotel in Midland - 7 years!
June 30, 2015 email update from Jordan McCann (am session) who reports that he was hired as a rehab technician at Auburn PT and works 30 hours per week. He is getting great experience to add to his resume as he applies to DPT programs.
March 25, 2015 email update from Jordan McCann (am session):
"I received my Bachelor's of Science in Psychology (from MSU) this past December, but currently I am in a physiology lab to finish up my prerequisites, that will end in the first week of May." Jordan will be applying to DPT programs this summer.
"I received my Bachelor's of Science in Psychology (from MSU) this past December, but currently I am in a physiology lab to finish up my prerequisites, that will end in the first week of May." Jordan will be applying to DPT programs this summer.
Mrs. Birchler met up with Kim Bishop (pm session) - once again while shopping at Target just before Christmas. Kim has been accepted into the speech pathology grad program at CMU. Mrs. Birchler also received an update from Jacob Pietryga's mom while picking up prints at Meijer before Christmas. Jacob Pietryga (pm session) is one credit short for graduating from CMU; he will finish up next semester. Jacob's mom also reports that Seth Meyer (pm session) has been accepted into the DPT program at UM-Flint.
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Russell Leonard (am session) visited the classroom on November 23, 2014. Russell will be graduating from SVSU with a degree in Exercise Science. He is applying to DPT programs including CMU (already accepted), Toledo, Duke, AT Still, and Trine.
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Hollie Vouaux (pm session) was a member of a peaceful protest in front of City Hall on August 18th. Mlive quote: "Hollie Vouaux holds up a flag with a peace symbol to show support of Central American refugee children set to arrive to Bay City Monday, Aug. 18, at Bay City Hall."
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Russell Leonard (am session) visited the classroom in January 2014. Russell is working on an exercise science degree at SVSU. He still plans to go into physical therapy, but is also considering getting a PhD so that he can teach physical therapy at the college level. He continues with archery and is an assistant scout master. He is currently working on his volunteer hours in preparation for applying to DPT programs.
(Russell stood by his class t-shirt - the black one. Mrs. Birchler had all the t-shirts on display to inspire her current students for the rehab t-shirt design contest.)
(Russell stood by his class t-shirt - the black one. Mrs. Birchler had all the t-shirts on display to inspire her current students for the rehab t-shirt design contest.)
Mrs. Birchler visited Briana Dery (am session) in the Pontiac hospital just before Christmas 2013. Briana continues to have systemic, life-threatening infections as a result of having a severely compromised immune system in addition to her original diagnosis.
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Briana Dery (am) sent an update in November 2013. Briana has been very ill, but remains incredibly positive and is supported by her strong faith. She sent several photos and gave permission to include one on the website. She has been battling multiple infections for the past year and the doctor has now told her that a transplant is her only hope. She has also just been diagnosed with an auto-immune disorder which is causing problems with her spinal column. Please keep her in your thoughts. Any messages which you would like forwarded to her can be sent to [email protected]
Mrs. Birchler saw Kim Bishop and Maranda Krueger (both pm) at Target in August 2013. Both were shopping for the big move to CMU. They will be rooming together off campus and both are planning on a career in speech therapy.
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Kim Bishop (pm) visited in June 2013. Kim is finishing up at Delta and plans to transfer to CMU for Fall 2013. She plans to pursue a degree in speech therapy.
A June 2013 e-mail from Briana Dery (am) reported that she was sorry to miss the alumni picnic but she has been very ill. Treatment of the fungal infection last fall did not resolve the CIP (Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-obstruction). She is dependent on TPN for all nourishment and is now being monitored for possible stomach cancer. Please keep her in your thoughts.
Jordan McCann (am session) recently e-mailed for help acquiring volunteer hours in preparation for applying to PT programs. Mrs. Birchler is thrilled to hear from so many former students who are getting ready to enter rehab grad programs.
David Malenfant (pm) is taking Adult Ed CNA classes at the Career Center this fall 2012. David reports he is working as a rehab aide at Riversbend and likes working in health care.
As of Fall 2012, Briana Dery (am) writes that she was hospitalized for two weeks with a very dangerous systemic infection. She is slowly recovering, and the good news is that while hospitalized she saw an Infectious Diseases specialist who believes that with proper treatment for an e.coli infection she may regain normal bowel function. (See story below.) We're cheering for you, Briana!
August 2012 e-mail news from LaShae Radeka (am) ... "I was selected as 1 of 14 into CMU's athletic training program and I start working with the football team at the end of August. I am getting prerequisites done for PT schools and looking into applying!"
Attending the Networking event on May 29, 2012 were Briana Dery, Russell Leonard, Amanda Fegan and Jason Klopf (am). Briana's update follows this post. Russell is still an active archer. (A current student who was a track team mate said that Russell was known as "Hustle Russell" - great nickname!). Amanda is still planning on a career in OT, but is looking at a program out West so she can follow her boyfriend who is in the service. Jason still works third shift, continues to progress in his career as a welder, and will be taking some additional classes in welding at Delta next fall.
Briana Dery (am) shares her story which was written for an April 2012 fundraiser. Here it is ...
Belonging to the Digestive Tract Paralysis Family, CIP prohibits the passing of any food through my small intestine.
When digestion takes place, an enzyme called Actin is released by the small intestine to trigger and start peristalsis (contractions) which push the food through. When the food has all passed, another enzyme is released whose purpose it to dispose of the Actin, ending the peristalsis.
Biopsies of my small intestine showed a lack of Actin. No Actin means no peristalsis, resulting in food accumulating and just sitting in my stomach, causing me to vomit.
There currently is no cure for CIP. Treatment options are aimed at providing the patient with adequate daily nutrition by means of feeding tubes, TPN (through a Central Line of some sort; PICC, Hickman, Port, Broviac) or both. At the same time, doctors are continuously trying to find a single or a combination of medications that will bring about relief. Unfortunately there is no guarantee any medication(s) will do so.
If the patient progresses to the point of tolerating nothing orally, nourishment becomes totally dependent upon the tube feedings and / or TPN. In some cases, such as mine, tube and oral feedings are not tolerated, and TPN becomes the sole source of nourishment. At this point, doctors generally begin to explore other venues, such as transplant, re-section, etc. because total TPN dependence tends to have adverse affects on all other major organs.
Regardless of what venue doctors decide to take in dealing with TPN, there is no cure-all. No medication, treatment, surgery, etc. has proven to take away symptoms completely. Tube feedings, TPN, PICC Lines, Hickman Lines, surgeries, hospital stays, ER visits; this is what life consists of. Always will.
MY STORY:
After graduating from Arenac Eastern High School in 2010, I traveled to Springfield, Missouri where I would play softball and study social work. I was having the time of my life! I made it through the week of orientation, the first week of classes, and of course the first couple weeks of softball practice; there was no way I could be happier! Labor Day weekend rolled around (two weeks after arriving on campus) and I went to Kansas for the weekend with Danielle and Brittany from my dorm floor. Our weekend was awesome! We went canoeing, shopping, eating out, off-road go-karting, spending time with friends and family, and ending the weekend with a spectacular church service Sunday Morning. That afternoon we began our five hour journey back to campus, stopping at Subway for supper. Since that day, September 6th, 2010, I have not been able to eat even one meal without involuntarily vomiting afterwards.
Since 2010 I have seen many different doctors and have had an unfathomable amount of blood draws, scans, studies, tests, etc. all in efforts of trying to diagnose me. I have been admitted to the hospital more days that not, have had to take very many trips to the Emergency Room, contracted blood infections. I have had four separate nasojejunal feeding tubes, four separate permanent feeding tubes (two Gastric, one Jejunal, one Gastro-Jejunal), and two PICC Lines. I am being admitted this week to have a Hickman Catheter placed to restart TPN, and hopefull have my GJ Tube taken out and another NJ Tube placed.
I was forced to withdraw from Evangel, losing my academic and athletic scholarships. Life as I knew it came to a sudden halt, and has yet to pick up where I left it.
Being sick is not fun by any means. I wish with everything inside of me that I could go back to Evangel and play softball and enjoy life CIP free! However, I have made the choice to be thankful for the trial I face, knowing that God is still God, regardless of what I go through. And by humbling myself and not giving up or giving in, I have had the opportunity to witness to and be an encouragement and inspiration to many unexpected people. It is safe to say that if given the chance to go back to life the way it was pre-CIP (not growing in Christ and taking life itself for granted) I wouldn't take it. I would rather walk through this storm and have my relationship with Christ and my faith being strengthened with each passing day, than be living "the life" and remaining stagnant in Christ.
You can check out her youtube video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnBe74BjJvE&feature=g-up
Belonging to the Digestive Tract Paralysis Family, CIP prohibits the passing of any food through my small intestine.
When digestion takes place, an enzyme called Actin is released by the small intestine to trigger and start peristalsis (contractions) which push the food through. When the food has all passed, another enzyme is released whose purpose it to dispose of the Actin, ending the peristalsis.
Biopsies of my small intestine showed a lack of Actin. No Actin means no peristalsis, resulting in food accumulating and just sitting in my stomach, causing me to vomit.
There currently is no cure for CIP. Treatment options are aimed at providing the patient with adequate daily nutrition by means of feeding tubes, TPN (through a Central Line of some sort; PICC, Hickman, Port, Broviac) or both. At the same time, doctors are continuously trying to find a single or a combination of medications that will bring about relief. Unfortunately there is no guarantee any medication(s) will do so.
If the patient progresses to the point of tolerating nothing orally, nourishment becomes totally dependent upon the tube feedings and / or TPN. In some cases, such as mine, tube and oral feedings are not tolerated, and TPN becomes the sole source of nourishment. At this point, doctors generally begin to explore other venues, such as transplant, re-section, etc. because total TPN dependence tends to have adverse affects on all other major organs.
Regardless of what venue doctors decide to take in dealing with TPN, there is no cure-all. No medication, treatment, surgery, etc. has proven to take away symptoms completely. Tube feedings, TPN, PICC Lines, Hickman Lines, surgeries, hospital stays, ER visits; this is what life consists of. Always will.
MY STORY:
After graduating from Arenac Eastern High School in 2010, I traveled to Springfield, Missouri where I would play softball and study social work. I was having the time of my life! I made it through the week of orientation, the first week of classes, and of course the first couple weeks of softball practice; there was no way I could be happier! Labor Day weekend rolled around (two weeks after arriving on campus) and I went to Kansas for the weekend with Danielle and Brittany from my dorm floor. Our weekend was awesome! We went canoeing, shopping, eating out, off-road go-karting, spending time with friends and family, and ending the weekend with a spectacular church service Sunday Morning. That afternoon we began our five hour journey back to campus, stopping at Subway for supper. Since that day, September 6th, 2010, I have not been able to eat even one meal without involuntarily vomiting afterwards.
Since 2010 I have seen many different doctors and have had an unfathomable amount of blood draws, scans, studies, tests, etc. all in efforts of trying to diagnose me. I have been admitted to the hospital more days that not, have had to take very many trips to the Emergency Room, contracted blood infections. I have had four separate nasojejunal feeding tubes, four separate permanent feeding tubes (two Gastric, one Jejunal, one Gastro-Jejunal), and two PICC Lines. I am being admitted this week to have a Hickman Catheter placed to restart TPN, and hopefull have my GJ Tube taken out and another NJ Tube placed.
I was forced to withdraw from Evangel, losing my academic and athletic scholarships. Life as I knew it came to a sudden halt, and has yet to pick up where I left it.
Being sick is not fun by any means. I wish with everything inside of me that I could go back to Evangel and play softball and enjoy life CIP free! However, I have made the choice to be thankful for the trial I face, knowing that God is still God, regardless of what I go through. And by humbling myself and not giving up or giving in, I have had the opportunity to witness to and be an encouragement and inspiration to many unexpected people. It is safe to say that if given the chance to go back to life the way it was pre-CIP (not growing in Christ and taking life itself for granted) I wouldn't take it. I would rather walk through this storm and have my relationship with Christ and my faith being strengthened with each passing day, than be living "the life" and remaining stagnant in Christ.
You can check out her youtube video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnBe74BjJvE&feature=g-up
Mrs. Birchler ran into Matt Kabacinski (am) at Menards in March 2012 on Wilder Road where he just started working. Matt took last semester off, but plans to return to Delta in Fall 2012. He says that track just wasn't the same at SVSU as it was in high school and he transferred to Delta last fall. He's not sure about career plans right now.
Michael Rayl (am) is a licensed EMT-Basic working for Mobile Medical Response. He is proud to report that he holds a 4.0 in two semesters at college and plans on going to medical school, specializing in Emergency Medicine. Michael writes, "I know, shocking coming from the sleepiest member of your class!" We all know he is capable of great things :-)
AM SESSION
Front row: David, Megann, Amanda, Mackenzie, Lauren
2nd row: Russell, Rachel, Matt, Nicole, Shannyn, Briana, Alec
Back row: Megan, LaShae, Tyler, Albert, Jordan, Jason, Andrew
Very back: Michael
Front row: David, Megann, Amanda, Mackenzie, Lauren
2nd row: Russell, Rachel, Matt, Nicole, Shannyn, Briana, Alec
Back row: Megan, LaShae, Tyler, Albert, Jordan, Jason, Andrew
Very back: Michael
PM SESSION
Front row: Andrew, Peter, Andy, Jacob, Seth, Zach
2nd row: Hollie, Breanna, Ashley, Megan, Samantha, Whitney, Kim
Back row: David, Brandy, Courtney, Dustin, Jacob, Kayla, Sean
Front row: Andrew, Peter, Andy, Jacob, Seth, Zach
2nd row: Hollie, Breanna, Ashley, Megan, Samantha, Whitney, Kim
Back row: David, Brandy, Courtney, Dustin, Jacob, Kayla, Sean
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PM session class t-shirts