This is the latest update from Katie's mom. They really need prayers and support. Katie also needs letters/cards, etc sent to her to lift her up! Tonya says Katie loves receiving things. The address @ the hospital is:
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston Sibley Heart Center
Cardiac Stepdown Room 2144-Katie Bracken
1405 Clifton Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30322
address at home is
245 South Magnolia
Whitwell, TN 37397
Here the update:
It's been a busy day for Miss Katie...in a good way. She woke up in a pretty good mood. We had the chaplain stop by to check on us and pray for Miss Katie. It was so cute when he first came in. Katie was wearing her princess robe and he came in, got on one knee, started bowing and saying, "Hail, Princess Katie!" over and over. Katie loved it and laughed and laughed. She kept the biggest grin on her face. He talked some with me about transplants and checking on me. I still have to fight back tears and can't talk very long or seriously about it without tearing up. Then Miss Stephanie, the child life specialist, came in. Katie absolutely ADORES her! We got to enjoy some more big grins and belly laughs. When she sees Stephanie, she always wants to go to the playroom to paint. I went with her this time so mom could get her shower. While we were there she went and got another little girl to come play with Katie. Her name is Hannah, and she is the cutest thing. They enjoyed painting and even painted some for their brothers. I talked with her mom while they painted and find out that she is also almost 4 and she had a heart transplant after her surgery. She wasn't here for heart issues this stay. It was so good to talk to her and to see Hannah. They came over to our room and Katie played with Hannah's horses while Hannah enjoyed Katie's dolls and the dollhouse that we swiped from the playroom. I believe that she was an angel sent by God to let me see it will be ok. I thought it was amazing when I found out that Hannah was a suite mate to our little heart angel buddy, Tyler, from around Katie's first surgery. Marcus and Tina were so inspiring to us during that difficult time. Small world isn't it! Katie took a good little nap, and then we were surprised by Daddy coming into the room. He decided to go ahead and bring Connor and Wanda down. So Katie ventured downstairs and we visited with them. We were also visited by Charlisa and Bill again today. It's great to have some distractions! Thanks guys for the fresh fruit and the baby doll and accesories for Katie. She is sleeping with the twin dolls by her side with her Bible in between! Later tonight, we met our neighbors. I've seen them in their room, hall, cafeteria, etc. but hadn't had a chance to talk with them. We did today and come to find out he is here for his SECOND heart transplant. He has also battled cancer twice and won! Then to make their family's story even amazing was the fact that his sister also had a heart transplant. My goodness I can't imagine going through it twice. They were a very nice family and Katie loved the little baby sister. I am keeping both families in my prayers that all goes well. Once again I think it was God putting them beside us. On top of that we received a few cards, some prayer cloths, and a gift from another heart friend done the hall. I plan on meeting Braeden and his family sometime. I try to not knock if blinds are pulled. I know you sleep when you can around here. I saw that he was here on Facebook! It's amazing! Shane found out today that insurance has approved the transplant to be done here, which a big relief, because some don't if it's out of state. The case worker here keeps calling because she is trying to set up the things Katie will need when we get to go home and wait for a heart (I still can't wrap my brain around that...it will take some time). They are planning to send her home on the IV milirinone. I'm really not sure how that will work. I think they have a little backpack or something they can carry it in. Not really looking forward to that though. They did tell us by her being on milirinone though, that that is the 1st step to a transplant. Now, don't get me wrong, I am still praying for a miracle that Katie doesn't have to endure another open heart surgery so soon. But it really seems that God is trying to prepare us for that and if that is what it takes to keep Katie, we will accept it. By the way, did I mention that Charlisa was looking up the meaning of Katie's name and in Chinese it means "change means healing"? I thought that was ironic because this would be a huge change in her life. I've had some people ask about setting up a bank acct. for Katie. I am not one to ask for handouts and I have extreme difficulty asking for help, but we are facing a life changing event and I do believe I will have to swallow my pride and accept the help that God is sending our way. A facebook friend (thanks Maranda) looked into what I would need to do to set up one and so today I did it. Here's the infomation and PLEASE do not take this as we are begging for money or that you have to send any or anything. This account will only be used for things that will help Katie. I hope I have this right. Please let me know if it doesn't work. It's at
First Volunteer Bank of Tennessee
131 South Cedar Ave.
South Pittsburg, TN 37380
(423) 668-4505
Account # 702485599 The lady that helped me was Cindy Johnson. She was very nice and helpful. I've also been informed that a Christian author from Nashville, TN say a prayer being asked for Katie through Facebook and wants to have a benefit book signing for her. All proceeds would go to her. I haven't gotten any details about that, as you can see my free time is at midnight and after. I'll let you know about that later. Thanks Laura! Her son also had a heart transplant here! Another Facebook friend! Thank God for Facebook! There is a special group just for Katie called Prayers for Katie Lauren Bracken and the last I saw it had over 1200 members since last Wed.!!! We have people praying for Katie in Dubai, Germany, Canada, and even South Africa, not to mention all over the United States!!!! As far as Katie's health...she remains in pretty good spirits. We are still draining a lot! We've gotten close to 500 out of the left I think and 138 out of the right. Insane amount of fluid. I think they may start her on the other medicine sometime this week instead of waiting. It doesn't seem the Viagra is making any difference. Of course, who knows...there is always hope and I'm NOT giving up!!
Tonya-mom of Connor-8 and Katie-3-HLHS
No comments:
Post a Comment