8/27/99

By NORA K. WALLACE

NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Four-year-old Justina  Korenko has the irrepressible smile of an imp, and until recently, had a full head of blonde ringlets.

The Lompoc youngster also has a rare autoimmune disease called Opsoclonus-Myoclonus Syndrome, and will undergo an experimental treatment known as "autolgous stem cell transplant" in September. According to her parents, she will be the first person in America with the disease to undergo the procedure, a type of bone marrow transplant. The surgery will take place at the City of Hope Hospital in Duarte.

A special raffle will be held Saturday in Lompoc to help pay for the expenses that her parents, Lisa and Jared Korenko, will incur while staying near the hospital.

The raffle, with prizes such as a satellite dish, beanie babies, 100 pounds of pork and lamb, a quilt and more, will be held at 3 p.m. at Mi Amore Restaurant. Family friend Monique Rodriguez, who organized the raffle, will sell tickets starting at 2 p.m.

Three years ago, Justina was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a childhood pancreatic cancer. Along with the cancer came the rare autoimmune disease. In Justina's case, her immune system recognized tumor cells and attacked the cancer, but also attacked healthy brain cells. She has since undergone numerous surgeries and chemotherapy.

"She has so much potential and living to do," said her mother. "It's her determination and guts that keep me fighting for her."

Lisa Korenko expects to be away from their Lompoc home for at least two months while Justina recovers from the surgery. Jared Korenko will continue working at his job in Santa Barbara, and the family must also find funds to pay for day-care for 7-year-old Kelsey.

While medical insurance will pay for the treatment, the family, who moved to Lompoc from Santa Barbara two years ago, does not have the funds to pay for the expenses of living away from home.

The community will also chip in at a special art auction Sept. 4 at Centennial Park from noon to 4 p.m. Art donations are still needed, and there will be music and food on hand.

"Justina is an amazingly vibrant 4-year-old that is happy and eager to live life to the fullest," said Lisa Korenko, who quit her job because Justina needs round-the-clock care. "Although life has knocked a few punches at her, she gets right back up and continues. She rarely complains and takes everything in stride. We can only hope that this aggressive treatment will hold the key for her to come to her full potential."