Emailing:Mito article in Loudon Times

October 21, 2004

Thursday Oct 21 2004

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Darby Day

By Anita L. Sherman 10/19/2004

Darby Butts

Nine-year-old Darby Butts got a surprise last Friday morning.Absent from school for several weeks, she had not just one visitor, but classrooms-full, as all the fourth graders from C. Hunter Ritchie Elementary School paid her a visit.

Before they left the school, principal Lee Bell gathered the students together. "We want her to sense our love," he said. "It's up to you to make this happen. Sing loudly and hold your flags straight."They arrived by bus. Marge Riley, vice principal, was one of several staff members who handed out American flags. "Is this Darby's house?" Bell shouted through his bullhorn. Several children giggled but kept their flags held up straight, as Bell wanted them to.

Shortly afterwards, Darby's mother, Pam, wheeled her out onto the front porch. The girl was wrapped in a blanket and thrilled to see her classmates.School nurse Donna Grimley couldn't resist giving Darby a warm hug, while music teacher Steve Aiello led the children through several songs -- all with flags held high.While several girls did cartwheels and gymnastic flips, some boys entertained Darby with break dancing. Darby waved and smiled.All the children had signed a green banner -- "Today is Darby Day ... We Miss You Soooooo Much" -- which was presented to Darby along with flowers, her own American flag, and bags of goodies."She's a sharp girl, a straight-A student," said Bell of Darby. "We can't help her physically, but I'm hoping that we can help her spirit."Darby is suffering from mitochondrial disease, which has left her weak and unable to attend school.Mitochondrial diseases result from failures of the mitochondria, which are specialized compartments present in every cell of the body except red blood cells. Mitochondia are responsible for creating more than 90 percent of the energy the body needs to support growth. Symptoms may include loss of motor control, muscle weakness and pain."We miss you," shouted Bell. "And we're waiting until you come back. Hang in there.""Get well, Darby," all the students shouted in unison."This is Darby Day at C. Hunter Ritchie," said Bell as he helped the children back on the buses. "We want her to know that she is loved, and that we miss her."

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