MONDAY MORNING HOLLYWOOD
Kourtney Najjar is eight years old and has spent most of her life in the hospital.
She has nurogenic pseudo obstruction which has caused intestinal failure; opteopenia, which causes her bones to become brittle and break easily; and chronic anemia, resulting in the need for frequent blood transfusions. Kourtney is dependent on a TPN 100%, meaning her only nutrition is through her veins, and a central line is running into her heart for nutrition and meds. Kourtney is also strong, happy and full of life and sparkle. She is brave, inspiring and a huge movie and TV buff. Kourtney’s touchstone is Peter Pan and her emotional lifeline is her family and
What is your favorite TV show?
The Disney Channel. I like to make my mom crazy. I watch it all the time and won’t let her watch her shows in the hospital. I like Wizards of Waverly Place. For Halloween my mom and I were the "Witches of Westwood." I also like Good Luck Charlie, Suite Life On Deck, Hannah Montana Forever, and the new show Shake It Up is good too.
What is your favorite movie?
Peter Pan!
Who is your favorite character or actor and why?
On TV my favorite is Selena Gomez. I like her songs and she is funny on Wizards. And Peter Pan. When I go to
What is your favorite song from a movie or TV show?
Best of Both Worlds from the Hannah Montana Movie and You Can Fly from Peter Pan. They sing it when they are flying past Big Ben in
What is a typical day in the life of Kourtney?
Answered by Mom: Kourtney is hooked to pumps 24/7. Right now she has an open belly so she also has to be on a suction machine. Kourt sleeps a lot. She has pain most days, but she keeps going no matter what. We try to make things as "normal" as we can for her. She has school work from 11am-12noon, then she watches TV and movies. At 3pm she has physical therapy to re-learn how to walk. After that Kourtney usually requires a dressing change on her belly, which is hard because it hurts.
Kourtney likes to play games or work on an art project in the afternoons when she has the energy. On good day she will ride in a wheelchair for an hour or so and visit her friends here at the hospital. Kourtney usually goes to bed around 7 or 8pm.
That’s the day. Very different and very much the same. There are doctors and nurses in and out all day and pumps that beep all the time. Kourtney watches lots of TV and movies right now because she spends so much time in bed. That’s what makes her happy while she’s waiting for a second multi organ transplant.
What is your dream?
I already had my dream. I met Peter Pan and Wendy.
What or who makes you laugh?
TV makes me laugh.
What inspires you?
My mom’s friend Rachel Burney inspires me. She stays with me Wednesday nights. She does hair and when all my hair was falling out she colored mine pink. I also want to do gymnastics and cheer like my sisters when I have my transplant. That’s inspiring.
What advice do you have for filmmakers and studios making movies and TV shows for kids?
There is too much Tinkerbell stuff. I think they need more Peter Pan. He is the Hero. Also I don’t like when animals get hurt or sick or lost. I think there should be a girl hero too. Girls are not just princesses.
What is you biggest wish for 2011?
To get my transplant and have Peter Pan go with me to the OR. I also want a Hangman’s Tree House built at my house so I can play in it when I get home after my transplant...Because this time is going to be a good transplant, the perfect one.
To learn more about Kourtney and make a contribution her Non-Profit Organization Kourt's Krew visit www.kourtskrew.com
To learn more about or order Diagnosing Kourtney: One Family’s Journey written by Kourtney’s mom Laura Najjar visit
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Diagnosing-Kourtney/Laura-Najjar/e/9781935118855
Comments
Yeah, what an inspiring little girl! I love Peter Pan and Wendy too!
This is an inspiring article and an amazing little girl. A true hero.
This is a beautiful reminder of what life is all about. You are in my prayers Kourtney.
Wonderful article! She is a very inspiring little girl!
Thank you all for your kind words ....She was happy too share her Likes and dislikes ....She has lots of things to say :-)
Kourtney is right! We do need more girl superheros! Girls kick butt too! Especially in 2011! She is also correct that Peter Pan is the main character in the movie! Why is there so much tink stuff? Kourt is a phenomenal little girl. Her resilience shows us that love can get us through anything. Such an amazing family!
Great interview Kourt! Get that transplant and come home!!!!
for others....you can follow Kourt be "friending" Kourts Krew on FB!
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