Give Back, Game On, Change the Future!

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to week 2 of our virtual cruise, and the majestic island of Honshu, the heart and soul of Japan. As the largest and most populous island in the archipelago, Honshu boasts a rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty that beckons travelers from around the globe. From the vibrant streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, Honshu offers a captivating blend of ancient traditions and modern innovation, set against a backdrop of breathtaking landscapes and iconic landmarks. So, join us as we embark on an unforgettable journey through this diverse and enchanting island, where every step reveals a new adventure waiting to be discovered. Welcome to Honshu, where the spirit of Japan comes alive.

Be sure to follow us on social media for the full experience!

@SacExtraLife #SacELVirtualCruise

Weekly Activity

This week's puzzle is called Masyu, but it started life as another puzzle entirely. At first it was called Shiro-Shinju Kuro-Shinju (White Pearl Black Pearl). One day, former Nikoli CEO and “Godfather of Sudoku” Maki Kaji misread the characters of the title as “Shiro-Masyu Kuro-Masyu.” Other editors heard about this and it became an office inside joke—Masyu means “evil influence.” The name stuck.

How to play:

Make a single loop with lines passing through the centers of cells, horizontally or vertically. The loop never crosses itself, branches off, or goes through the same cell twice.
Lines must pass through all cells with black and white circles.
Lines passing through white circles must pass straight through its cell, and make a right-angled turn in at least one of the cells next to the white circle.
Lines passing through black circles must make a right-angled turn in its cell, then it must go straight through the next cell (till the middle of the second cell) on both sides.

Now it is your turn! Give this one a try:

Shine Duby

Jamie Duby, pregnant in July 2017, had a significant dream about her unborn baby, whom she named Shine. When Shine was born prematurely on September 16, 2017, with several complications, including one finger on each hand, Jamie's dream seemed to have come to life.

Rushed to UC Davis Children's Hospital, doctors diagnosed Shine with Popliteal Pterygium Syndrome (PPS) Bartsocas-Papas type, a rare genetic condition affecting approximately 1 in 300,000 births. Despite the overwhelming diagnosis, Jamie and Shine's father, Adam Arslanian, found solace in the support provided by UC Davis' medical team.

Through multiple surgeries and treatments, Shine's resilience prevailed, and he left the hospital after just 21 days instead of the anticipated six months.

However, Shine's medical journey continued, as he was diagnosed with ectodermal dysplasia (ED), a rare disorder affecting fewer than 200,000 people. Over the next three years, Shine underwent numerous surgeries, including the amputation of his legs above the knee at the age of two.

As Jamie recounted, "I wouldn’t change him for the world. I know in my heart that he was supposed to be born this way. I see firsthand how he is inspiring everyone around him. Nothing holds him back." Reflecting on Shine's medical team at UC Davis, Jamie emphasized, "Shine wouldn’t be where he is without this team. Right from the beginning everyone supported him and always made us feel like he was really cared for."

Clinical nurse specialist Christa Mu shared her admiration, saying, "Shine is a ‘miracle baby’ who beat all the odds and his story is living proof of the survivability of individuals with PPS, Bartsocas-Papas type." Dr. Suma Shankar, chief of genomic medicine at the UC Davis MIND Institute, expressed, "He’s a ‘shining’ example of resilience in the face of adversity."

Shine's determination and zest for life is unwavering. Now six years old, Shine has participated in numerous athletic events, gaining support from Paralympic athletes and coaches along the way. His inspiring journey has made him a familiar face at UC Davis Children's Hospital, where his care team continues to marvel at his resilience and spirit.

For Jamie and her family, Shine's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of unwavering support in times of adversity. Shine's determination to overcome challenges and inspire others is a shining example of resilience and courage.

Read Shine's Full Story

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