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| Baby Ariel |
Yesterday, Frank Feschino, Jr. called me from Florida to fill me in on something he was organizing with some of his closer friends. He needed my help. Frank explained what he was doing and I quickly agreed to come on board and support him. It was regarding a facilitated charity for a sweet baby girl who was born with a rare brain disorder in Missouri.
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I learned this story actually begins many years ago when Frank began his "Flatwoods Monster" research in Flatwoods, West Virginia. Frank had a hard time during the early years of his research into the Flatwoods case, frankly because he was a Yankee outsider. He wasn't readily accepted by the locals hardened by years of abuse by a purposefully sneering media.
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That was all about to change though as fate sailed into the picture. Along the "weirding way," one discovers, Frank had occasion to meet and befriend a couple of the locals at last, key persons, as it included the mayor of Flatwoods, the late Mayor Margaret Clise. It was the very substantive she who really went to bat for Frank.
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| Add caption |
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You see folks, as a child, little Peggy Clise had actually witnessed the burning "Flatwoods Monster" craft pass near her home that night as it flew over the now well-known Flatwoods Elementary School playground on September 12, 1952. Peggy Clise also knew the Flatwoods kids! These are the kids who actually saw the "Monster." Clise, being a witness to the craft just before it had landed, was a true believer all her life... the rest is UFO history as Frank has chronicled.
In 2009, I was honored to take part in of one of Frank's book signing events in Flatwoods, WV, and I also met Mrs. Clise! I talked with her extensively. I recall her as being intellectually impressive and hugely talented in her own right!
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Sadly, Margaret Clise, a former writer of some note by profession, passed away a couple of years ago, but her memory lives solidly on. In the meantime, you see, John Clise began an online newspaper called the Central West Virginian. It covers news stories throughout the central part of the state including Braxton County. Frank and John kept in touch over the years and John even dedicated an ongoing page updating his readers of Frank's "Flatwoods Monster" research, events and books. He titled it, "The Flatwoods Green Monster."
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To the chase! It was just last week when Frank went online and read John's paper. He was transfixed. On the electronic page he saw a photo posted of a baby girl, Ariel Peregrino. He was compelled to follow her story across the internet. What he discovered moved him deeply.
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Ariel Anne Peregrino, one finds, was born on January 10, 2012 to the parents of Nicholas and Liz Peregrino of Branson, Missouri. Frank learned that baby Ariel was born with a rare brain disorder called, "Polymicrogyria," or "PMG." This is a syndrome indicating a developmental malformation of the brain. It is characterized by an excessive number of convolutions on the brain's surface! The entire surface, or portions of the surface can be affected to varying degrees, and each case is unique to the individual who has it! PMG effects each person differently and those effects are devastating.
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Frank called John Clise the next day and asked after the child. He discovered that Liz Peregrino's dad, Rod Freeman, was a close friend of John Clise and Rod was also a columnist at the Central West Virginian.
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Frank learned that Ariel was born in the intensive care unit at Cox Medical Center South in Springfield, Missouri. There, doctors determined that part of Ariel's brain was deformed, and part of her brain was even missing! During that hospital admittance she had multiple seizures and was even on an oxygen machine. Ariel was then airlifted to the St. Louis Children's Hospital in St. Louis. On her twenty-third day after being born she was diagnosed with, "PMG."
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As a result of this disorder, Ariel has always had terrible seizures, and, though these are controlled most of the time now, she also has breathing problems and is perpetually on oxygen." Coal to Newcastle for this poor little darling, she suffers from sleep apnea, has difficulty urinating and, of course, suffers developmental delays. Also injurious, she is mostly blind, yet may be able to see bright colors such as red and yellow, according to doctors. Finally, one of Ariel's legs is shorter than the other. Indeed, as mother Liz points out, "...Ariel was not expected to live past two months of age...," this was according to those same "doctors." Reader, this is only two months after her January 10, 2012 birthday in March of 2012. Baby Ariel will be 2 years old next month in 2014!
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This poor baby has been singled out for extreme travail and could be called courageous and a real fighter. She is certainly loved by many people. The countless prayers of "Ariel's prayer warriors" would seem to be working!
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Frank told me, "Alfred, when I heard and read about the problems that this baby has... it just broke my heart, man." He added, "When I saw all of her pictures online, I choked up."
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Frank explained, "Since Ariel was born, she's had trouble breathing. Well, she was in the hospital earlier this year sick—she had a lung problem, you see, on top of everything else. Well, little Ariel somehow overcame the lung problem and bounced back!" Frank also said, "I have never seen such a young baby with so many problems who keeps fighting back and overcoming the problems with which she is cruelly faced. This kid is amazing—a real champ!"
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Feschino also learned that there is a mystery surrounding the "PMG" syndrome and there is not much known about it. In an online story, Liz Peregrino stated, "It's scary to think how many people are affected by this disorder and that nobody knows anything about it." She adds, "There is so little known about PMG." Liz stated, "It's a horrible diagnosis and there needs to be more information out there."
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At this point, Frank went on to explain that the Peregrino family does have insurance for baby Ariel, but the family is being consumed by additional expenses and bills that are predictably not covered, and they are constantly transporting Ariel to therapists, doctors and hospitals around the state. The insurance falls short as could be predicted.
Frank then explained to me, "Alfred, I want to help, too, so I am putting up many collectables for sale from my own UFO collection for the Peregrino family. I obtained them during my long Flatwoods investigation... I am giving back to the others who need it now and John's suffering friends are in need at this time."
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Frank stated, "Alfred, you have been to Flatwoods on several occasions with me—you know, we're like a family, the Flatwoods folks and me ...good people." With the holidays right around the corner, Frank Feschino and I are working with Frank's good friend, Steve Markes from the "Tidalwave Comics & Collectibles" store in Daytona Beach, Florida to try and raise some money for Baby Ariel and her family.
.
For this charitable cause, Frank is graciously donating some of his original "Flatwoods Monster" artwork drawings and other rare items and memorabilia signed by actual "Flatwoods Monster" eyewitnesses from his personal collection. These rare pieces have never been offered to the public before and have been kept in Feschino's private collection for years.
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Frank is also selling other items including autographed books, postcards and photos along with these items! These are being sold in lots featured on Facebook. The URLs follow below.
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All proceeds from Feschino's collection will go straight to the Ariel Peregrino and her family. This is a rare occasion to obtain a piece of "Flatwoods Monster" and West Virginia history winnowed out by the leading investigator into the case, and most importantly, this is an opportunity to help a great family at the same time for the holidays.
.
Please visit and "Like" the Tidalwave Page described below, and also Like the Memorabilia Lot Descriptions, too. It is for the best of good causes. This struggling family needs an assist!
For further information about these items, please go Facebook and look for: Tidalwave Comics and Collectibles
To read about Ariel, please go to Facebook and look for: Prayers for Ariel Peregrino & the Peregrino Family
To read about the Central West Virginian newspaper go to Facebook and look for: The Central West Virginian
To read about Feschino's "Flatwoods Monster" research go to: www.FlatwoodsMonster.com
You see folks, as a child, little Peggy Clise had actually witnessed the burning "Flatwoods Monster" craft pass near her home that night as it flew over the now well-known Flatwoods Elementary School playground on September 12, 1952. Peggy Clise also knew the Flatwoods kids! These are the kids who actually saw the "Monster." Clise, being a witness to the craft just before it had landed, was a true believer all her life... the rest is UFO history as Frank has chronicled.
.
Indeed, throughout the years, Mayor Clise worked closely with Frank, organized many of his events, and arranged book signings in Flatwoods for Frank. These were held at the Landmark "Grandad's Store" near the Flatwoods Elementary School. Her son, one John Clise, a journalist, also assisted them and wrote many of the press releases for their activities and events.
Indeed, throughout the years, Mayor Clise worked closely with Frank, organized many of his events, and arranged book signings in Flatwoods for Frank. These were held at the Landmark "Grandad's Store" near the Flatwoods Elementary School. Her son, one John Clise, a journalist, also assisted them and wrote many of the press releases for their activities and events.
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| Memorabilia |
In 2009, I was honored to take part in of one of Frank's book signing events in Flatwoods, WV, and I also met Mrs. Clise! I talked with her extensively. I recall her as being intellectually impressive and hugely talented in her own right!
.
Sadly, Margaret Clise, a former writer of some note by profession, passed away a couple of years ago, but her memory lives solidly on. In the meantime, you see, John Clise began an online newspaper called the Central West Virginian. It covers news stories throughout the central part of the state including Braxton County. Frank and John kept in touch over the years and John even dedicated an ongoing page updating his readers of Frank's "Flatwoods Monster" research, events and books. He titled it, "The Flatwoods Green Monster."
.
To the chase! It was just last week when Frank went online and read John's paper. He was transfixed. On the electronic page he saw a photo posted of a baby girl, Ariel Peregrino. He was compelled to follow her story across the internet. What he discovered moved him deeply.
 |
| Ariel and Cheyenne |
.
Ariel Anne Peregrino, one finds, was born on January 10, 2012 to the parents of Nicholas and Liz Peregrino of Branson, Missouri. Frank learned that baby Ariel was born with a rare brain disorder called, "Polymicrogyria," or "PMG." This is a syndrome indicating a developmental malformation of the brain. It is characterized by an excessive number of convolutions on the brain's surface! The entire surface, or portions of the surface can be affected to varying degrees, and each case is unique to the individual who has it! PMG effects each person differently and those effects are devastating.
.
Frank called John Clise the next day and asked after the child. He discovered that Liz Peregrino's dad, Rod Freeman, was a close friend of John Clise and Rod was also a columnist at the Central West Virginian.
.
Frank learned that Ariel was born in the intensive care unit at Cox Medical Center South in Springfield, Missouri. There, doctors determined that part of Ariel's brain was deformed, and part of her brain was even missing! During that hospital admittance she had multiple seizures and was even on an oxygen machine. Ariel was then airlifted to the St. Louis Children's Hospital in St. Louis. On her twenty-third day after being born she was diagnosed with, "PMG."
.
As a result of this disorder, Ariel has always had terrible seizures, and, though these are controlled most of the time now, she also has breathing problems and is perpetually on oxygen." Coal to Newcastle for this poor little darling, she suffers from sleep apnea, has difficulty urinating and, of course, suffers developmental delays. Also injurious, she is mostly blind, yet may be able to see bright colors such as red and yellow, according to doctors. Finally, one of Ariel's legs is shorter than the other. Indeed, as mother Liz points out, "...Ariel was not expected to live past two months of age...," this was according to those same "doctors." Reader, this is only two months after her January 10, 2012 birthday in March of 2012. Baby Ariel will be 2 years old next month in 2014!
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| Ariel in CPAC assist |
.
This poor baby has been singled out for extreme travail and could be called courageous and a real fighter. She is certainly loved by many people. The countless prayers of "Ariel's prayer warriors" would seem to be working!
.
Frank told me, "Alfred, when I heard and read about the problems that this baby has... it just broke my heart, man." He added, "When I saw all of her pictures online, I choked up."
.
Frank explained, "Since Ariel was born, she's had trouble breathing. Well, she was in the hospital earlier this year sick—she had a lung problem, you see, on top of everything else. Well, little Ariel somehow overcame the lung problem and bounced back!" Frank also said, "I have never seen such a young baby with so many problems who keeps fighting back and overcoming the problems with which she is cruelly faced. This kid is amazing—a real champ!"
.
Feschino also learned that there is a mystery surrounding the "PMG" syndrome and there is not much known about it. In an online story, Liz Peregrino stated, "It's scary to think how many people are affected by this disorder and that nobody knows anything about it." She adds, "There is so little known about PMG." Liz stated, "It's a horrible diagnosis and there needs to be more information out there."
.
At this point, Frank went on to explain that the Peregrino family does have insurance for baby Ariel, but the family is being consumed by additional expenses and bills that are predictably not covered, and they are constantly transporting Ariel to therapists, doctors and hospitals around the state. The insurance falls short as could be predicted.
 |
| Cheyenne and Ariel |
Ariel's sister Cheyenne is also a champ in her own right; this youngster is trying to understand and cope with the situation at hand and, likewise, is suffering from the ramifications of the severe money problems. Liz stated, "Some of the bills are not covered... anything that's given the kids will appreciate it." She adds, "but I think the awareness is more important. I wouldn't want anyone else to go through this." Ariel's grandfather, Rod Freeman recently said, "If you can help our little granddaughter, Ariel and her family, it would be much appreciated. Thank you and God Bless."
.Frank then explained to me, "Alfred, I want to help, too, so I am putting up many collectables for sale from my own UFO collection for the Peregrino family. I obtained them during my long Flatwoods investigation... I am giving back to the others who need it now and John's suffering friends are in need at this time."
.
Frank stated, "Alfred, you have been to Flatwoods on several occasions with me—you know, we're like a family, the Flatwoods folks and me ...good people." With the holidays right around the corner, Frank Feschino and I are working with Frank's good friend, Steve Markes from the "Tidalwave Comics & Collectibles" store in Daytona Beach, Florida to try and raise some money for Baby Ariel and her family.
.
For this charitable cause, Frank is graciously donating some of his original "Flatwoods Monster" artwork drawings and other rare items and memorabilia signed by actual "Flatwoods Monster" eyewitnesses from his personal collection. These rare pieces have never been offered to the public before and have been kept in Feschino's private collection for years.
.
Frank is also selling other items including autographed books, postcards and photos along with these items! These are being sold in lots featured on Facebook. The URLs follow below.
.
All proceeds from Feschino's collection will go straight to the Ariel Peregrino and her family. This is a rare occasion to obtain a piece of "Flatwoods Monster" and West Virginia history winnowed out by the leading investigator into the case, and most importantly, this is an opportunity to help a great family at the same time for the holidays.
.
Please visit and "Like" the Tidalwave Page described below, and also Like the Memorabilia Lot Descriptions, too. It is for the best of good causes. This struggling family needs an assist!
 |
| Tidalwave Comics and Collectibles |
For further information about these items, please go Facebook and look for: Tidalwave Comics and Collectibles
To read about Ariel, please go to Facebook and look for: Prayers for Ariel Peregrino & the Peregrino Family
To read about the Central West Virginian newspaper go to Facebook and look for: The Central West Virginian
To read about Feschino's "Flatwoods Monster" research go to: www.FlatwoodsMonster.com
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