The targeted beams of proton therapy will spare many of Megan’s organs, but her right kidney won’t survive. So recently, mother and daughter made the 90-minute drive to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis for a blood test to find out how much of the load that kidney is bearing. If it’s more than 50 percent, some kind of kidney surgery will be needed before radiation can begin. Riley is also where Megan will continue to receive chemotherapy while she’s in Indiana.
While at Riley, Megan became feverish and her blood pressure dropped. She was admitted with a low white blood-cell count. Buchsbaum said that’s a common side-effect of chemo, and she couldn’t be in a better place than Riley to be treated.
In the meantime, Jodi and Megan are making the most of their time in Indiana. They toured a cave system in Bedford, Ind., until another violent storm system came in that afternoon. Storms persisted, and as tornado warning sirens sounded during the night, Jodi put Megan in the safest place, the bathtub, and covered her with blankets and pillows.
Neighbors helping out
At home, relatives and family friends are taking turns staying with the children, because Dan Wegge still has to spend most of his time in North Dakota. Nummela said more people have volunteered to stay with the family than have been needed.
Stacia Heaton, Asia Gobel’s mom, talked about watching Megan undergo physical therapy.
“They’d tell her what to do, and you could just see the determination,” Heaton said. “She’s got the faith, she’s just smiling, and she’s just got that positive attitude. I just have to believe that . she’s going to make it through with that attitude. I just have to believe that.”
A benefit for Megan Wegge and her family is planned for June 12 at Doc’s Sports Bar in Sturgeon Lake, just off the Interstate 35 exit.
The event will include a kids’ carnival, spaghetti dinner, silent auctions and raffles every half-hour.
Family friend Cathleen Nummela said donated auction items include a U.S. Olympic hockey jersey autographed by Cloquet native Jamie Langenbrunner, a trip for two to the Bahamas and an hourlong flight for three courtesy of Cirrus.
Jodi and Megan Wegge are planning to fly back from Indiana for the benefit.
On the Internet, visit http://2crewgear.com to purchase T-shirts with the 2crewgear logo. Money raised from sales will go toward Megan’s “Chocolate for Children” business, which she plans to introduce online.