8-YEAR-OLD IMPROVES AFTER LUNG TRANSPLANT

Jalisa Durham, 8, of Cape Girardeau is out of immediate danger and on the mend a week after receiving a double-lung transplant at St. Louis Children's Hospital.

Durham was placed on a donor list in May for the transplant, which was needed to treat a potentially deadly lung disease she developed because of cystic fibrosis.

Her surgery July 24 took three hours, about half the time of similar surgeries, and was completed with no complications.

Although there is still a possibility her body could reject the organs, Durham had improved enough over the weekend to be moved from the pediatric intensive-care unit and into a regular hospital room.

Grandmother Regina Jones of Cape Girardeau said doctors have told the family Durham could be released this weekend.

"She's awake and alert and doing physical therapy," Jones said. "She's on the right road."

Durham was kept unconscious for several days following the operation to reduce discomfort from the surgery and to allow her to rest. By Thursday, a ventilator assisting her breathing had been removed, and she was allowed to wake up.

Jones said although there were "a couple of rough bumps" due to side effects from medication Durham was given, family members are optimistic the transplant will be a complete success.

"As far as the lungs, it's perfect," Jones said. "It's like they were made for her."

Once Durham is released from the hospital, the family will be asked to stay in St. Louis for about three months while Durham meets daily with doctors and physical therapists at the hospital.

After that time, she will have to meet with doctors, first quarterly, then twice annually, then annually. She will take suppressive medication to prevent her body from rejecting the lungs for the rest of her life.

Jones said she and her granddaughter will stay with family members in the city for the next three months.

Money will be tight for the family as Jones tries to maintain her home in Cape Girardeau and handle medical bills, which are more than $100,000 so far.

Durham has no medical coverage. A trust fund has been set up at Mercantile Bank to assist the family with bills.

Contributions may be sent to First Star Bank, Jalisa Durham Special Needs Trust, 15839 Manchester, Ellisville, Mo., 63011.

Donors should include a note with their donation itemizing the trust name. Donors also should include their telephone number in case there is any type of problem.