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Ellen DeGeneres calls after sisters’ bone marrow transplant
The day after 7-year-old Kathleen Sovran of Southfield donated bone marrow to her 15-year-old sister Hope Sovran, a special caller rang the family’s home phone — Ellen DeGeneres. “I couldn’t believe it was her on the phone; I kept pacing back and forth in shock,” said Nancy Sovran, the mother of Hope and Kathleen. Degeneres heard about Hope’s story from all the emails sent to the show and the “Hi Ellen DeGeneres, its me Hope Sovran” Facebook page that was created by Hope’s older sisters, Annie and Mary Kate. Hope loves the Ellen DeGeneres show and the sisters wanted to make her dream of speaking with the daytime television star come true. “It amazes me how Facebook has brought people together and has made such a positive impact,” said Nancy. First, DeGeneres spoke with Kathleen and told her how brave she was for helping out her big sister. Then she called the University of Michigan hospital to speak with Hope. DeGeneres asked Hope how she was feeling and whether she’d dance with DeGeneres. Hope’s favorite part of the show is when Ellen dances, said Nancy. The family has been invited to watch the show once everyone is feeling better. Hope was diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a condition where bone marrow does not produce enough new cells to replenish blood cells Her youngest sister Kathleen was the only one out of eight siblings tested to come back a full match. At first Kathleen was scared to undergo surgery, but now she understands it was all about helping her big sister. The transplant took place on Tuesday at the University of Michigan hospital. Both girls are recovering well. It is expected to take close to 10 days for the new cells to appear. “Hope was really excited that she spoke with Ellen, but wouldn’t share much of her conversation with me — it was between her and Ellen,” said Nancy. FYI Learn more about Hope’s story by visiting www.caringbridge.org/visit/hopesovran or finding her on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/z2crsD. You can view more of Brittany's stories by clicking here |
Red Wing alumni to raise awareness of disabilities
The Detroit Red Wing alumni and the United Cerebral Palsy Pucksters will play against each other to raise awareness of disabilities around the Detroit area. The event will help provide programs and services to the disability community. The Red Wings alumni team is still waiting to hear which Red Wings players will be participating, but the roster has included such names as Joe Kocur, Darren McCarty, Dino Ciccarelli, Shawn Burr, John Ogrodnick, Craig Wolanin, Lee Norwood, Dennis Hextall, Pat Peake and fan favorite Mickey Redmond. Mike Ward, United Cerebral Palsy board member, said: “We are getting in shape to chase the Red Wings around the ice and skate in honor of those who are not able to.” The Pucksters will also be playing in a game against the talented Michigan Sled Dogs. The teams will be seated in sleds and the team of able-bodied players will go stick to stick against the disabled athletes. The goal for the Pucksters is have a packed arena and to raise $20,000 to help families with disabilities. The crowd can help the organization by participating in the chuck-a-puck, 50/50 raffle and the silent auction where Red Wings signed pucks and photographs will be given away. Pizza will also be donated by the Mannino family who help sponsor a player each year. After the games, everyone is welcome to hang out with all of the players and receive autographs from the Red Wing alumni players. “It’s fun to watch the cerebral palsy players progress and to watch the Red Wing alumni play,” said Marc Henretta, captain and co-manager of the Michigan Sled Dogs. It is open to the public. FYI The Detroit Red Wing alumni team will challenge the United Cerebral Palsy Pucksters to a hockey game Saturday, March 3 at the Viking Arena ice rink in Hazel Park. The doors will open at 3:30 p.m. and the first game will start at 4 p.m. The tickets cost $10 per person or $25 for a family of 5 or less. For more information, visit www.skatewithoutlimits.org. |
Adopted dog wins fourth annual mutt show on ‘The View’
Watch out! There is a new TV star in Oakland county. A Highland couple, Doug and Beverly Larsen’s 3-year-old mutt, Lucy, took first place in “The View’s” fourth annual mutt show. “They loved her eyes and couldn’t wait to meet her,” said Beverly Larsen, Lucy’s owner. “The View” chose Lucy as one of their top dogs then she was voted for online by thousands of people across the country. On the show, Lucy did everything on cue like she had been on TV before. “I had no problems with her — she was an angel,” said Beverly. To enter the contest, the couple sent in photos of Lucy and wrote an essay explaining how Lucy came into their family after they lost their dog a couple years ago. The family decided that they wanted to adopt another dog because they had a great experience with their last mutt. At the humane society in Rochester, Lucy was placed in the last kennel with only a half toy. The family instantly fell in love with her and knew they had to bring her home. Adopting Lucy has made a positive impact on the family and they would recommend adopting an animal to anyone thinking of getting a pet. “It seems like when you adopt a dog they value you as much as you do them and they are so loyal to you,” said Beverly. Lucy has grown up so much since the family adopted her. She now enjoys playing frisbee, hide-and-seek and being around people. More Stories Michigan Humane Society offers free spay-neuter program for pit bulls Divorce Expo in Novi to help with coping Mild winter welcoming to local golfers West Bloomfield student, pediatrician travel to Guatemala for mission Michigan Humane Society offers free spay-neuter program for pit bulls Students get up-close look at county government during annual Youth in Government program Pit bull found shot on Lodge Freeway now adopted West Bloomfield buses vandalized for second time this year |
