By: Dian Singh (student)

Baby Logan was born on May 26, 1995. Upon delivery Logan appeared to be jaundiced, and within hours after birth Logan was diagnosed as having a malfunctioning liver. Subsequently, Logan’s doctors performed various test and were unsuccessful in ascertaining the cause and/or correction for Logan’s liver problems.

“Due to the doctors’ inability to make a diagnosis, they concluded that a liver biopsy was necessary. Two months after Logan’s birth, Logan underwent surgery. The doctor’s assessment after surgery was that Logan had under-developed bile ducts, and that his only hope for survival would be a liver transplant. Logan was then put on liver-assisting drugs awaiting a transplant. During the following year, Logan’s health steadily declined, and Logan’s doctors recommended another liver biopsy. Logan’s mother, afraid that another surgery might further harm Logan’s liver or even possibly kill Logan, delayed the surgery. Then Logan’s grandmother, afraid that another surgery might further harm Logan’s liver or even possibly kill Logan, delayed the surgery. Then Logan’s grandmother suggested using Chinese Medicine as an option and perhaps adjunct to traditional medicine. At that point Logan’s mother was desperate, she was fearful of being unable to save her son’s life, and was willing to try almost anything. Logan’s mother informed Logan’s doctors of her intention to obtain the assistance and opinion of a Chinese Medicine doctor. Logan’s doctors were very disparaging, skeptical, and critical of Chinese Medicine. They informed Logan’s mother that if she intended to use Chinese Medicine treatment that she might exacerbate Logan’s liver problems and that she might even kill her son. Logan’s mother being unhappy with Logan’s doctors’ existing prognosis of Logan’s liver condition, decided to take Logan to a Chinese Medicine doctor, even though against the advice of Logan’s doctors. Upon examination of Logan, the Chinese Medicine doctor felt that Logan could be treated with herbs. He saw no need for Logan to undergo any further invasive procedures, and he saw Logan as growing up to be a thriving young man with a bright future and a healthy liver. Logan then started herbal therapy. After 4 weeks of herbal consumption, Logan’s liver function improved 60%. After 2 ½ months, Logan’s liver problems were completely mitigated, and he was considered ‘cured.’ During the time that Logan was undergoing herbal therapy, he still remained under the care and supervision of his ‘traditional’ doctors. Even though Logan’s doctors observed and acknowledged Logan’s continued liver improvement, they refused to believe that the use of herbs in any way corrected Logan’s liver condition and merely attributed this phenomenon to being a ‘miracle’.”

Logan’s story is one that is very dear to my heart. Logan is more than just a child whom I have known, because Logan is my grandson. I am the grandmother who suggested that Logan’s mother try Chinese Medicine.

Logan is now 6 years old, and he shows no signs of ever having had any liver malfunction. The only reminder of Logan’s previous liver condition is a three-inch scar on his abdomen due to his liver biopsy at two months old. Chinese Medicine not only saved my grandson’s life, but it also changed my life and it opened a door for me personally.

Throughout my life my parent exposed me to “non-traditional” beliefs, values, and philosophies. When my father was young man he spent 13 years in isolation in the desert. He felt that we all have a special relationship and connection with heavens and earth and nature. He believed in the use of remedies that are of a natural origin. When I was growing up, my father frequently went to the desert to procure numerous plants from which he made teas and ointments to be used for various physical ailments. My father also contributed to my psychological and spiritual development.

My maiden name is Helfer, which is German, and translated means “helper” in English. As a young child my father told me that my name would be my guide as I ventured down the road in pursuit of the meaning of life. He told me that while on that journey, I would find a sign, and from that sign, I would find the answers. He also told me that it would be my destiny to share this knowledge so that other might benefit. At that time I really didn’t fully understand what he meant, but I was certain that one day that sign would appear.

My mother was equally influential. She raised me to “think of others first,” “speak only kind words,” and to “help others;” She told me that my purpose in life was to help as many people as possible. During my childhood and adulthood, I have been involved in many volunteer activities. One very special charity that is very dear to my heart is my “gift of life” (I have given blood 39 times).

In academia and in employment I pursued fields which would better enable me to understand and assist others. I obtained a Bachelors Degree in Behavioral Science (which encompasses sociology, psychology, and human behavior). My professional experience has enabled me to work in personnel, labor relations, patient relations, and I have a great knowledge of business management, marketing, and public relations.

I feel that Logan’s “miracle” has been the omen of my father’s prophecy, I am now attending Samra University to pursue a career in Traditional Chinese Medicine. I believe that the curing of my grandson’s liver condition, and business background combined with a degree in Chinese Medicine will further enable me to fulfil my dream (and vision of my parents) of helping others. I am not only pursing this career for the love of Logan, but also for the love of others so that they might benefit as well from the thousands of years of Chinese Medicine knowledge to which we are so fortunate to have available to us.