Brookfield/Elm Grove Monthly

DECEMBER 2013 Freeman Brookfield & Elm Grove • Page 5B 'It isn't the end of the world, it's just the beginning' Sightless, deaf baby Calvin unites family, community in love By Josh Perttunen Freeman Staff OCONOMOWOC – In a home where a good sense of humor prevails in light of every obstacle that the Brezgel family has faced – and there have been a lot – the recent sound of 18-month-old Calvin's laughter brought things to a standstill. He was in the arms of father Dan Brezgel when he made the joyful noise for the first time. The sound prompted an excited shout from one parent to the other, summoning mother Deborah from her tasks in another room to share in the moment. Laughter from Calvin was a minor miracle. He was born with SOX2 anopthalmia, a genetic condition that has only 40 cases reported worldwide – and affects every individual differently. In baby Calvin's case, he was born without eyes, completely deaf, needing a feeding tube to eat, prone to seizures and with a bridge between the right and the left sides of his brain. Also, his cognitive abilities are not known yet. "Geneticists have explained it to us a singular chromosome change," Dan said. "To think of it as a page in a book where just one word is off, but it caused all (of these complications.)" A day at a time Dan describes the complications induced by Calvin's syndrome as a roller coaster ride for him, his wife and his two daughters. "It's not an easy thing," he said. "He seems to be in the hospital every month and a half for something ... with either an infection or a procedure. The newest was an oculoplastic surgery where he had implants put in to make sure that his (eye) sockets maintained their shape." Since the surgery a week ago, Calvin's laughs and smiles have been sparse, but his family is confident they'll come again. Calvin's mom describes his personality as bubbly and curious. "He's adventurous and always trying new things," she said. "He has reached out to touch us and know that somebody is there." Both parents, as well as 3-year-old Madeline and 5-year-old Samantha, wear different bracelets to allow Calvin to differentiate between his family members. "His sisters have stepped up to the plate," said Deborah. "They are learning to respond quickly to his needs. We are all gaining more respect and gratitude for each other as we go through this." The family keeps a positive attitude by keeping it all in perspective, Dan said. "This isn't the end of the world," he said. "It's just the beginning." Donations may be made at www.caringforcalvin.com. Email: jperttunen@conleynet.com Submitted photo Baby Calvin, who has a rare genetic disorder that has left him sightless and deaf, is a joy to behold, says father Dan Brezgel. 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