Gus' Friend Carter

Gus has several friends in Heaven. Carter is just one of many. I love to think about these kids playing in Heaven...they deserve carefree play and rest at the Lord's feet don't you think!?

Carter was born with gastroschisis which led to intestinal failure. He under went three intestinal transplants...one being a living donor bowel from him mom! This is a fairly new transplant so Carter and his family really were on the "cutting-edge" of research. I wish we could have tried living donor with Gus but it just wasn't the best option...we held out for the best and ultimately it was the best for him...not necessarily for me, but it was for him!

Carter's mom has been a huge encouragement to others, even when Carter died. You can read about Carter and his family at the Caringbridge site written by his mom.

Noah Update

Since the last update, Noah has being doing a lot! He got to leave the hospital and go back to the Ronald McDonald House with his mommy. Then he got to celebrate his big sister's birthday! Fun!!


After all that excitement, Noah had to check back into Club Med (the hospital) because he was sick...not from doing too much mind you! The docs are uncertain as of right now if Noah is sick because of an infection or if he is rejecting his new heart. If he is rejecting, there are treatments. It's just tricky figuring out what little ones like him are actually doing!! These are tough and feisty kids!!

So, we've been praying for Noah to get his transplant but the praying doesn't end now that he has a new heart. As you can see, this little guy still needs our prayers.

Feel free to grab the button that Judi created and place it on your blog to remind you to pray. Just be sure to save the image on your own computer...thanks!!

BlogCatalog Community Organ Donation Awareness Campaign

I don't usually cross-post but I wanted to today. This is from my main blog, Up the Hill Gang.

I was just thrilled when I heard that BlogCatalog wanted us all to blog about Organ Donation today! My son, Gus, was waiting for a liver/small bowel but died this past May. His little body could hold out no longer.

I know that when we discuss organ donation, we are discussing the donation of adult organs. No one wants to even consider the fact that children die and can be organ donors too. I know I never wanted to think about so I didn't. I felt that if I even thought in the direction, that I was saying I would be ok if my child died. I know that sounds strange but I just didn't want to jinx things.

I know now that organ donation is something that should be discussed before you are in a stressful situation and unable to make a decision. Talking about donating organs is not going to kill you or your child. There are so many children out there who are waiting for these organs. Gus was at the top of the national list for three months....I just have a hard time believing that there were not children who died who would have been a match for him.

I'm not bitter and I'm not angry. The outcome of our story is fully in God's hands. It is just my wish that families would be more willing to donate organs of their precious children who have died....from great tragedy, such a wonderful gift can be given.

I will be participating in this year's Blogathon over at Gus' Gang. The charity I will be blogging for is COTA: Children's Organ Transplant Association. I would love for you to come visit me on the 28th and I would love to be able to raise a ton of money for this organization!

For more information:

OrganDonor.gov
Unos

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