McKenna

Sonshine D Clown
That's me!

This page is dedicated to my Friend McKenna and her family.

Color Page

Nothing brings a bright spot to your day like a clown! Sonshine was just that bright spot we needed when our 4 year old daughter was recovering at Mary Free Bed. Last year, our 4 year old daughter, Kenna got sick. She complained of her tummy hurting and she was tripping over her feet a bit so we brought her to the doctor. The doctor could not find her reflexes so he admitted her to the hospital.

By the time we got to the hospital, Kenna could barely walk and with in the next 24 hours, Kenna was completely paralyzed. Her heart was racing, her blood pressure was dangerously high and her breathing was shallow. Her internal organs were affected as well. She was no longer able to digest food properly so she had a feeding tube put in. She could not even support her own neck. She was going downhill fast and no one knew what was causing this to happen.

Finally, after more than 48 hours of tests, a neurologist diagnosis her with Guillain Barre Syndrome. In short, Guillain Barre is a rare autoimmune disorder that can occur after an illness, or vaccination. Your immune system attacks the covering around the nerves ( Milan sheaths) in your brain and spine so your nerves are exposed and unable to send signals to your brain. It is very painful and very rare in children under age 5 (1:800,000). There is no cure but there is a treatment.

Recovery time is anywhere from several months to 2 years. Kenna was at Devos Children’s hospital for almost a month. She was then transported via ambulance (since she still could not move) to Mary Free bed where she would have 6 hours a day of intensive therapy for nearly 2 months. It was a long hard road but God was the source of our strength. We had one very special visitor who came often to see Kenna, Sonshine D. Clown.

Sonshine would come and play games with Kenna and brighten her and the other children at Mary Free Bed’s day! She even made personal house calls to Kenna’s house when she was able to come home on a week-end. She would bring balloons, wigs, and funny socks for Kenna to put on. Kenna thought it was pretty special and soon took ownership of Sonshine calling her “my own clown”. J Sonshine’s driver, Claudia became a friend Kenna would look forward to seeing along with Sonshine. Their ministry was such a blessing to us during a time when the days can be so long and tedious.

On June 22, 2005 Kenna came home from the hospital with a wheelchair and still weak. I am happy to say that today, she is in school, she is running, playing and even dancing! She is truly a living example of the power of literally 1,000’s of prayers. She still goes to Occupational and Physical therapy but she is even still getting better all the time! We are grateful to Sonshine and Claudia for the time that they gave to Kenna. You two will always hold a special place in our hearts. ~Amy (Kenna’s mom)

Joy In The Morning

by
Amy Kuncaitis

Book Description
"Joy in the Morning" is one family's story of their daughter's struggle with a rare, life-threatening illness that left their four year old girl completely paralyzed. Amy Kuncaitis recalls the physical, emotional and Spiritual struggles and triumphs as their family went through days of not knowing what was making their daughter ill and many months of rehabilitation for their daughter to be restored to health. Come experience how this family learned what it really means to have faith, even through this very deep valley in their lives. Joy in the Morning is a book of hope for the hopeless, healing for the broken hearted, and encouragement for anyone who is struggling to understand why we go through the things we do in this life. Amy Kuncaitis is a stay at home mom to her three children except the one day a week she teaches computers to Senior Citizens. Amy has been married to her best friend Ben for almost twelve years. Amy enjoys singing, and writing music as well as daily journaling. When she is not singing or writing, Amy enjoys camping, hiking, and spending time with her family and friends. Ben and Amy reside in Zeeland Michigan.