Maryland Baby Recovers From Four Major Surgeries, Approaches Fifth Procedure Before First Birthday

PR Log (Press Release) – Apr 11, 2009 – Doctors at Johns Hopkins have scheduled a fifth major procedure for Maryland baby Seniya Fleming on April 16, 2009. The laryngoscope planned will enable doctors to examine her throat and vocal chords and determine how to help Seniya breathe better and use her voice. This procedure follows four surgeries over the past twelve months including a triple by-pass heart surgery, a tracheotomy, a Nissen stomach lining, and a G-tube insertion.

Because Seniya was born without a Chromosome 1, she has numerous health challenges. As stated in the Genetics Home Reference published by U.S. National Library of  Medicine®, a child is usually born with “two copies of Chromosome 1,  a single copy inherited from each parent” to form one pair. Seniya is missing part of a copy and therefore does not have a complete pair. However, geneticists at Johns Hopkins are unaware of any other case exactly like Seniya’s mainly because both her parents have complete sets. In November 2008 Johns Hopkins Pediatrics and Genetics doctors presented her condition details at the 58th annual American Society of Human Genetics conference to see if other doctors in the genetics community were aware of any cases like Seniya’s. Geneticists are still working on the final article outlining Seniya’s medical case.

In addition to support from doctors, a church congregation in Southern Maryland has committed to sharing its resources with Seniya’s family and is raising funds on her behalf to cover expenses.  New Community Church of God In Christ in  Waldorf, Maryland, where Willie R. Hunt is the pastor, has started the Seniya Diane Fleming Fund and contributions can be made online by visiting: http://newcommunity-cogic.org/seniya.html.

About Seniya
Because her condition does not match any other known cases exactly, there is no official name for her illness. However, one doctor referred to it as the Seniya Syndrome. For additional information and updates on Seniya’s condition and medical needs, please visit http://www.CaringforSeniya.com.

About New Community
Founded in 1990 by Elder Willie R. Hunt with wife JoAnn, New Community COGIC celebrates nineteen years of service and fellowship in Southern Maryland with the motto, “Whosoever will, let them come”. New Community Church Of God In Christ is located at 12435C Mattawoman Drive in Waldorf, MD. For more information visit http://newcommunity-cogic.org.

Contact: Ann Lyle
Oaklanta Media Consulting  
media@caringforseniya.com