One of the Stingray cheerleaders is in serious condition here in Birmingham.  I've copied the following from the Stingray website.

Erin Strickland(updated 2/12 6:36p.m.)

As you may know one of our athletes, Erin Strickland (PEACH), is in the Intensive Care Unit at The University of Alabama Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama.  Erin is 14 years old and has been diagnosed with Giant Cell Myocarditis."  G.C.M. is a rare but devastating disease that usually affects young otherwise healthy individuals. The rate of death or heart transplantation is approximately 70% at one year.

Erin will be undergoing a procedure on Thursday Feb. 14 (has been changed to Tuesday Feb. 19th due to customs)  to receive a BERLIN HEART.  This heart will operate outside of Erins body and will give her heart a rest until it becomes stronger or a heart transplant is necessary.  The time that Erin will be in ICU is a minimum of three months after surgery. 

As Erins mother told me this disease is usually found during an autopsy. Therefore, we are very grateful that Erins heart condition was detected in a timely manner.  Erin has a long fight in front of her, and she needs our support in many ways. 

Erin and her family have been members of The Stingray Allstars since we opened in 2002.  Last year she represented UCA at The Cheerleading Worlds on our large senior team and this year is on our Small Coed team that will represent Jamfest.

At this time we are asking for a monetary donation to Erin Strickland.  Time is of the essence in this situation; please give what you can. 

Please make checks payable to Erin Strickland.

Mail your check to:

3270 Florence Road                             1431 Cobb Parkway North