Evan Hammer is a 22-month-old happy, energetic, adventurous, curious and (knock on wood) healthy toddler who happens to have SCAD. It's been a long haul for us but I think he is at a place in life where I can pretty comfortably say that Evan will live a healthy and normal life. And still, the worry never fully fades away, the fear of "what if" still resonates inside of me and the everlasting hope that Evan is the luckiest little boy on earth stays close to my heart.

Over the past six months, when Evan's story was initially posted in this newsletter, Evan has made wonderful developmental strides. The surgery to put tubes in his ears was a success and within days Evan became a walker. In fact, he did not walk, he ran. Speech and his ability to focus have not been as forthcoming and Evan currently receives Early Intervention services with a special educator and speech therapist three hours per week. While his speech is not yet developed, he shows signs of progress as he mimics sounds, makes gestures and says a few words. His ability to focus has extended itself beyond his obsessive love for The Wiggles and he now enjoys reading books, playing with toys, being on a swing set, socializing with his peers and cuddling with his family members.

As Evan approaches the age of two, I see signs of "the terrible two's." Just like other kids, Evan has tantrums and insists on having everything his way. On one hand, I don't want to spoil him by giving in to everything he wants and on the other hand, I am ecstatic to see that Evan is exhibiting "normal" and "age appropriate" behaviors. Disciplining, trying to help him grow up into a well adjusted individual and making sure that Evan's medical needs are always tended to, continue to be my focus. However, the focus has shifted and I am finally at a point where Evan is not often granted special treatment because of his SCAD. Rather, he is usually treated as an equal to his three and a half year old sister, Alexis.

It has been a long 22 months - 22 months filled with sleepless nights, worry, fear, searches for answers and explanations about SCAD, etc. Happily, life is settling down and things are gradually falling into place. As Evan approaches his second birthday in February, we are already planning his summer at camp as well as preschool classes in the fall. Most importantly, we are feeling confident that the days and years in front of Evan will be filled with endless health, love and happiness. We wish you all the same in 2006!

Lauren Hammer
Westfield, New Jersey
December 21, 2005