Gracie
Update- Monday, March 2: Gracie will be taken off of ECMO today and will become another precious heart angel.
Update- Saturday, February 28: Gracie is too sick for the VAD, or Berlin Heart. Her family has also been told that she may also be too sick for another transplant. She is still on ECMO, which is her life support. I cannot imagine how her family feels at this moment. What is worse is knowing that these babies are so precious, so perfect…their only opponent is their heart. Why can’t someone figure this out!? I hate HLHS.
Update- Friday, February 27: Gracie’s new heart was deemed, “a bad heart” which was unknown until they actually got it in her body. She was then re-listed for another heart transplant. While waiting, she must remain on ECMO, which is similar to a heart lung bypass machine. She can’t live on ECMO forever, or even more than several weeks. The family was told today that the doctors want to give her a Berlin heart to save her life, possibly Tuesday or Wednesday. The Berlin Heart, or VAD procedure, is pretty interesting, and apparently is only a bridge until she can receive another transplant. It is not FDA approved, and the procedure has only been performed twice at her hospital. One successful and one not. Add to surgery time, recovery time, wait time for another heart between procedures and this poor family is looking at a very, very long journey this go round. Not to mention watching their precious baby girl endure it all. Pray.
Saturday, February 21-Gracie got a heart, but needs our prayers!
7 Comments
Nonnie on February 25th, 2009
Gracie, Mary Clare and all the other babies are constantly on my mind and in my heart. And of course, all the brave families of these babies. I pray that God, The Great Physician, will put these families in His hands.
the tompkins family on February 27th, 2009
Thanks for letting us know about Gracie. It’s really hard to go to their blogsite. overwhelming…the machines, wires, etc.
God is gracious, kind, all loving and all healing.
She is in His hands. We have been praying for her.
Kathie Blackwell on February 28th, 2009
Kerri…I pray for Mary Clare and her heart friends daily. Your family is an inspiration to me! I am so proud of the parents you and Mel are to your girls…God is in control. He never makes mistakes. Love you all.
Nonnie on March 1st, 2009
Kerri, thanks for sharing this with everyone. I will continue to pray for Gracie and the others as well.
I love you, Mom
KATE on March 2nd, 2009
this breaks my heart… I feel so sorry for sweet Gracie, her family and her siblings. I have been following her story on her blog – and my heart is hurting for them all.
bmarchant on March 3rd, 2009
oh, my heart is broken after visiting Gracie’s blog. It makes me cherish the time I have with my sweet baby and and say a prayer for all babies, parents,and families with HLHS.
Misty on February 23rd, 2009
I pray for Mary Clare and ALL the heart babies and moms and families each and every day!!!