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Fund to Aid Family of Nichole Kellogg, Who Fought Rare Disease

Posted on: Tuesday, 19 July 2005, 21:01 CDT

A rare disorder kept Omahan Nichole Kellogg out of school beyond the eighth grade, but it didn't keep her from caring for others.

Diagnosed with primary pulmonary hypertension (a disorder characterized by high blood pressure) 10 years ago, Nichole died Wednesday, less than a month shy of her 24th birthday.

Her memorial service was held Saturday.

"She was limited in what she could do," said her mother, Terri Kellogg Steinspring, who is fighting the same disease. "After eighth grade she couldn't go to school anymore. She was in and out of the hospital, and we flew to Chicago every six months to see specialists.

"It's so rare that they're still doing studies on it. Most doctors don't really know what causes it."

In the years before her death, Nichole needed a double lung transplant and had reached the top of the transplant list, her mother said, but was doing so well she was put on inactive.

Then, six months ago, Nichole was diagnosed with a blood disorder that is linked to leukemia. That, her mother said, knocked Nichole off the transplant list.

A PPH support group helped with a portion of the funeral and burial costs, but financial help is needed.

A fund has been set up through U.S. Bank. Donations can made to the Nichole Kellogg Fund at any U.S. Bank or by mail to U.S. Bank, 431 Gateway Road, Elkhorn, NE 68022.

Source: Omaha World - Herald

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