Couple reluctantly seeks help after mold causes twins' potentially deadly illnes

[Guest guest]

Couple reluctantly seeks help after mold causes twins' potentially deadly

illness

Seven-month-old twins Cienna and Onyx Neidigh of Port Townsend are recovering

from respiratory syncytial virus at Bridge Children's Hospital and Medical

Center in Tacoma. Their parents, Clayton Neidigh and Barbara Hansen, are

reaching out to the community for financial assistance. -- Photo by Clayton

Neidigh

By Jeff Chew

Peninsula Daily News

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20100316/news/303169989

PORT TOWNSEND -- Seven-month-old twins Ceinna and Onyx Neidigh are fighting a

potentially deadly respiratory virus that doctors say was contracted through

exposure to black mold in a Port Townsend rental home.

Parents Clayton Neidigh, a chef at the Silverwater Cafe, and his partner,

Barbara Hansen, a drug and alcohol counselor for the schools countywide, said

their babies are being treated for respiratory syncytial virus at Bridge

Children's Hospital and Medical Center in Tacoma.

They have been there since December.

" It's getting better, " Neidigh said Monday.

" They're on the upswing. They've still got a cough. RSV is hitting hard this

year, the doctor said. "

The illness has been costly for the couple, who between them have four other

children.

" The only thing they have been able to give them is pure oxygen, " he said, and

the cost of traveling to and from the hospital has cost them at least $1,000

more than their family budget can withstand.

That is why they have taken out an account in the twins' names at Quimper

Community Federal Credit Union, 1165 Landes Court in Port Townsend, behind the

Safeway store where donations can be made.

Commutes to hospital

Neidigh, an Army veteran who served six years, said he frequently drives to and

from the hospital so he can work.

The owners of the Silverwater Cafe have been highly flexible with the family's

predicament, he said, praising Alison Hero and her business partner, Hero,

for their kindness and understanding.

The family was in the middle of moving when the twins became ill.

Neidigh said Olympic Community Action Programs is helping them find a new

rental, possibly putting up the family temporarily at the Bayshore Motel in

Brinnon until a new home can be established.

Lung infection

Respiratory syncytial virus, which causes infection of the lungs and breathing

passages, is a major cause of respiratory illness in young children.

In adults, it may only produce symptoms of a common cold, such as a stuffy or

runny nose, sore throat, mild headache, cough, fever and a general feeling of

being ill.

But in premature babies and children with diseases that affect the lungs, heart,

or immune system, RSV infections can lead to more serious illnesses.

Respiratory illness caused by RSV -- such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia --

usually lasts about a week, but some cases it may last several weeks.

Neidigh said the twins were so infected " that the doctor thought they have been

in the house seven years. "

The couple's other children are staying with family members, including a

grandmother, he said.

" It's been humbling and eye opening, " he said, adding that he did not feel right

asking for financial help from others.

________

Port Townsend-Jefferson County Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-385-2335

or at jeff.chew@....

Last modified: March 16. 2010 12:17AM

Reader Comments

Comments:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by Sunnyskies on Tue, Mar 16, 2010, 12:22 pm Pacific Time. (report abuse)

Many years ago, my daughter and I were exposed to black mold. We had flu like

symptoms and a chronic cough. Unfortunately we did not have the financial means

to move out of the rental at that time. To this day, we are both extremely

sensitive if we are exposed to any black mold. My thoughts are with this young

family, and wish the best for them and their children.

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From the PDN:

[Guest guest]

one of my grandsons who diagnosed with RSV after being at my moldly home.

>

> Couple reluctantly seeks help after mold causes twins' potentially deadly

illness

>

>

>

> Seven-month-old twins Cienna and Onyx Neidigh of Port Townsend are recovering

from respiratory syncytial virus at Bridge Children's Hospital and Medical

Center in Tacoma. Their parents, Clayton Neidigh and Barbara Hansen, are

reaching out to the community for financial assistance. -- Photo by Clayton

Neidigh

>

> By Jeff Chew

> Peninsula Daily News

>

> http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20100316/news/303169989

>

>