I am not going to lie. I am getting tired of writing these posts.
The transplant is cancelled again.
Nope...not getting any easier to take the news.
In case you didn't know David was scheduled for another transplant on September 5th. But a few weeks ago he was in the hospital because he tore his esophagus and was bleeding. His blood count got critically low and was put in ICU for 2 days. They had to give him 4 units of blood. We were told it was the cleanest (free of antibodies) blood out there but there was still a 1% chance of getting new antibodies. Well David was that 1% chance.
Tuesday when they did the final cross match for this upcoming transplant they found that he had build new antibodies and now does not match the donor he had.
So we start over. We have to find a new donor, re-cross match, and start the process over for the third time.
Yes it is getting frustrating, yes we do still believe God has a perfect plan and a perfect purpose for all of this happening. But please pray because our human hearts are weak. This is such an emotional roller coaster and you wouldn't believe how it messes with us. We need strength that can only come from our Heavenly Father.
I will post again soon but this is all I have for now.
Alice
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Friday, July 25, 2014
A new date.....a new chance at life
Well we were going to keep it on the down low because of what happened last time but David decided we needed to share for prayer! (ok I made up that little term but I like it!)
We have a new chain....a new date....and Lord willing a new kidney for David on SEPTEMBER 5TH.
Yes it is a little over a month away....yes it will be the longest month wait EVER...but thankfully David and I are both really busy at work the month of August so hopefully that will keep our minds occupied.
This is a local chain and that is about all we know. I don't know how big it is....I don't know anything more. But I know God has said let's plan this out so that is what we are doing AND He is giving us time to prepare!
We again would love your prayers...specifically that no one pulls out of the chain, no one in the chain gets sick in the next month, and final cross-matching blood work stays the same so the chain doesn't break.
Pray for our friend Karen who is donating on behalf of David that God will keep her strong and work out all the details on her end as well!
Another Praise is that our friend Jeff, who David sat next to at Hemo dialysis just had his transplant on Tuesday and is doing VERY WELL! It is so encouraging to know that he is dialysis free and has a chance at new life! We are so happy for Jeff and pray a quick and speedy recovery for him!
More details to come I am sure but for now please pray that September 5th WILL happen!!
Thanks,
David and Alice
We have a new chain....a new date....and Lord willing a new kidney for David on SEPTEMBER 5TH.
Yes it is a little over a month away....yes it will be the longest month wait EVER...but thankfully David and I are both really busy at work the month of August so hopefully that will keep our minds occupied.
This is a local chain and that is about all we know. I don't know how big it is....I don't know anything more. But I know God has said let's plan this out so that is what we are doing AND He is giving us time to prepare!
We again would love your prayers...specifically that no one pulls out of the chain, no one in the chain gets sick in the next month, and final cross-matching blood work stays the same so the chain doesn't break.
Pray for our friend Karen who is donating on behalf of David that God will keep her strong and work out all the details on her end as well!
Another Praise is that our friend Jeff, who David sat next to at Hemo dialysis just had his transplant on Tuesday and is doing VERY WELL! It is so encouraging to know that he is dialysis free and has a chance at new life! We are so happy for Jeff and pray a quick and speedy recovery for him!
More details to come I am sure but for now please pray that September 5th WILL happen!!
Thanks,
David and Alice
Friday, July 11, 2014
Updates are hard to do......
I once again have failed to update because basically there is no update. People ask all the time "Have you heard about when David may get another transplant?" We know people mean well and we don't mind anyone asking at all but the answer is very simple.....No.
We have not heard from OSU transplant since April 23rd when they called to tell us the transplant was cancelled. We have not heard anything. This is not untypical. I guess we could call them and ask if they are working on something or if they have any leads but that is just not our way of doing things. We know that when God provides a kidney for David we will know about it.
Don't get me wrong we are not being passive about the whole thing. We continue to pray and hold our phones close to us waiting on that call but we also realize there are MANY other people out there waiting on a transplant and we are not the only ones they are trying to find a match for.
Great news.....one of our friends from Hemo dialysis -in center dialysis (they guy that sat next to David) recently got in contact with David and he is scheduled for a transplant with the paired donor exchange program in just a few weeks. We are thrilled for him!!! Please pray for him and his donors and everything will work out and for his recovery. His name is Jeff.
Life has had it's ups and downs for us. We were able to take our vacation after all. (when we thought David was getting a transplant we thought we would have to cancel it). It was a great week at the beach and we look forward to returning there again next year!!
Alice was able to go out on a banana boat with good friends and then David and I both went out on a jet ski for a 1/2 hour. David loved the jet ski.....I got a little motion sick on it!
We collected a lot of shells, got to see some local history, and basically relaxed on the beach!
The summer is flying by. I am teaching summer school 4 days a week and doing lot's of photo-shoots. David has been busy with work, mowing for the church and home (Bless the person who invented riding mowers!) we just wrapped up Vacation Bible School at church. We have been spending quite a bit of time with family!
I am also switching grades! I have finally, after 8.5 years moved on to 2nd grade! It was a God thing and I am really excited. I will miss my partner in crime Gina, but we will always be great friends. We are still right by each other. That woman has gotten me through a lot this year and I thank God every day for her! God knew I needed a friend like her in my life!
David turned 34 on Father's day!! It was the day after we got back from vacation so we went over to his Dad's house for a little get together with all of David's siblings! It was fun!
Like I mentioned earlier I wish I could give a grand update on where we are with a transplant but the truth is we have no clue.
This Saturday (tomorrow) is the Dash for Donation. I was going to get a team together but due to the whole thing with the transplant and as busy as I have been at work I never got it all together in time. So I am doing the Dash with my sister and David's mom, step-dad, sister, and nephew are coming up for it. Hopefully next year I will get my act together to actually organize our team again.
Hopefully my next update will be one with news but until then thank you for your prayers and support!!
Love,
David and Alice
We have not heard from OSU transplant since April 23rd when they called to tell us the transplant was cancelled. We have not heard anything. This is not untypical. I guess we could call them and ask if they are working on something or if they have any leads but that is just not our way of doing things. We know that when God provides a kidney for David we will know about it.
Don't get me wrong we are not being passive about the whole thing. We continue to pray and hold our phones close to us waiting on that call but we also realize there are MANY other people out there waiting on a transplant and we are not the only ones they are trying to find a match for.
Great news.....one of our friends from Hemo dialysis -in center dialysis (they guy that sat next to David) recently got in contact with David and he is scheduled for a transplant with the paired donor exchange program in just a few weeks. We are thrilled for him!!! Please pray for him and his donors and everything will work out and for his recovery. His name is Jeff.
Life has had it's ups and downs for us. We were able to take our vacation after all. (when we thought David was getting a transplant we thought we would have to cancel it). It was a great week at the beach and we look forward to returning there again next year!!
Alice was able to go out on a banana boat with good friends and then David and I both went out on a jet ski for a 1/2 hour. David loved the jet ski.....I got a little motion sick on it!
We collected a lot of shells, got to see some local history, and basically relaxed on the beach!
The summer is flying by. I am teaching summer school 4 days a week and doing lot's of photo-shoots. David has been busy with work, mowing for the church and home (Bless the person who invented riding mowers!) we just wrapped up Vacation Bible School at church. We have been spending quite a bit of time with family!
I am also switching grades! I have finally, after 8.5 years moved on to 2nd grade! It was a God thing and I am really excited. I will miss my partner in crime Gina, but we will always be great friends. We are still right by each other. That woman has gotten me through a lot this year and I thank God every day for her! God knew I needed a friend like her in my life!
David turned 34 on Father's day!! It was the day after we got back from vacation so we went over to his Dad's house for a little get together with all of David's siblings! It was fun!
Like I mentioned earlier I wish I could give a grand update on where we are with a transplant but the truth is we have no clue.
This Saturday (tomorrow) is the Dash for Donation. I was going to get a team together but due to the whole thing with the transplant and as busy as I have been at work I never got it all together in time. So I am doing the Dash with my sister and David's mom, step-dad, sister, and nephew are coming up for it. Hopefully next year I will get my act together to actually organize our team again.
Hopefully my next update will be one with news but until then thank you for your prayers and support!!
Love,
David and Alice
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Thank you....
This post is loooonnng overdue and I am really sorry. It actually isn't really fair to any of you who have been there for David and I the past few weeks because you all deserve an update. To be honest an update has been hard to write because we have no new information.
I honestly don't remember what I wrote on April 22nd because I have almost blocked that day out. (I just went back and re-read it!).
We have found out it was the kidney David was supposed to get who pulled out of the chain. We think some of the chain was able to happen but obviously not all of it. But we literally have heard NOTHING from anyone about what is to come or what really happened.
David is doing pretty good in my eyes. Sure, he has had some really hard days, some better days, and some days where you just do what you have to do. I have been the same. We are back to "normal" life. No longer anticipate life with a kidney like we did two weeks ago, but still hold to the Truth of God and that HE WILL provide a kidney...just not yet.
We have been blessed with so much encouraging scripture, one day I will post it all. But for now, I have been holding close to Psalm 91. A good friend and mentor of mine gave me a book about Psalm 91 right after I returned to school. This book breaks down God's umbrella of protection that is written in Psalm 91. God does not WANT us to hurt, he WANTS us to run to him, under his wings and cling to HIM for protection (Psalm 91:4). I am only through the first 4 verses but I am so thankful for the promises of Psalm 91...without HIM we would not be doing as well as we are.
I was sitting here thinking about what life was like before dialysis. I honestly don't remember. I don't remember what it was like to not have the commitment to dialysis. I feel horrible, like I am being so selfish thinking this way because dialysis is saving my husbands life. And even though it effects me....I don't deal with it like David does. I don't know how he stays so strong.
On the days where I don't know that I can keep going, I stop and think of what he deals with and it gives me strength. David is such a strong man.....he is truly my hero. He fights every day for me and I love him so much. I have had plenty of pity parties for myself lately. Thinking of David and his strength (from God...clearly) I have to pull myself out of the slump I put myself in and put my big girl panties on and go on with life.
So what has life brought us the past few weeks? Well...I caught a groundhog that has been living under our house for the past 3 yearsish. (yes i used a live trap......yes I called David's step-dad up from Lancaster to come help me release it....yes I was scared of it....lol).
We have spent lots of time with our family. We have been working a lot (end of the school year fast approaches). David has been keeping busy at church working in the sound room on Sunday mornings. We have been enjoying life together. Whatever life God lays before us we choose to enjoy it together.
Thank you so much for your prayers, support and hugs. It hasn't been easy but we are doing much better.
***Stay tuned for Dash for Donation news SOON!
Love,
Alice and David
I honestly don't remember what I wrote on April 22nd because I have almost blocked that day out. (I just went back and re-read it!).
We have found out it was the kidney David was supposed to get who pulled out of the chain. We think some of the chain was able to happen but obviously not all of it. But we literally have heard NOTHING from anyone about what is to come or what really happened.
David is doing pretty good in my eyes. Sure, he has had some really hard days, some better days, and some days where you just do what you have to do. I have been the same. We are back to "normal" life. No longer anticipate life with a kidney like we did two weeks ago, but still hold to the Truth of God and that HE WILL provide a kidney...just not yet.
We have been blessed with so much encouraging scripture, one day I will post it all. But for now, I have been holding close to Psalm 91. A good friend and mentor of mine gave me a book about Psalm 91 right after I returned to school. This book breaks down God's umbrella of protection that is written in Psalm 91. God does not WANT us to hurt, he WANTS us to run to him, under his wings and cling to HIM for protection (Psalm 91:4). I am only through the first 4 verses but I am so thankful for the promises of Psalm 91...without HIM we would not be doing as well as we are.
I was sitting here thinking about what life was like before dialysis. I honestly don't remember. I don't remember what it was like to not have the commitment to dialysis. I feel horrible, like I am being so selfish thinking this way because dialysis is saving my husbands life. And even though it effects me....I don't deal with it like David does. I don't know how he stays so strong.
On the days where I don't know that I can keep going, I stop and think of what he deals with and it gives me strength. David is such a strong man.....he is truly my hero. He fights every day for me and I love him so much. I have had plenty of pity parties for myself lately. Thinking of David and his strength (from God...clearly) I have to pull myself out of the slump I put myself in and put my big girl panties on and go on with life.
So what has life brought us the past few weeks? Well...I caught a groundhog that has been living under our house for the past 3 yearsish. (yes i used a live trap......yes I called David's step-dad up from Lancaster to come help me release it....yes I was scared of it....lol).
We have spent lots of time with our family. We have been working a lot (end of the school year fast approaches). David has been keeping busy at church working in the sound room on Sunday mornings. We have been enjoying life together. Whatever life God lays before us we choose to enjoy it together.
Thank you so much for your prayers, support and hugs. It hasn't been easy but we are doing much better.
***Stay tuned for Dash for Donation news SOON!
Love,
Alice and David
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
And we wait.....again.
I am heartbroken to post this but this was the fastest way to get word out to everyone. The transplant is off for now. I honestly don't know exactly what happened but apparently someone in the chain pulled out at the last minute. I think it was the person who was matched with David. So the chain is broken a day before we were to check into the hospital. We were so close....but it is now not happening.
I guess OSU is having an emergency meeting to try to repair the chain but for now it is a no-go.
How do we wrap our head and our hearts around this? I have no clue. I know we serve a mighty God and I know He has the perfect plan in mind. But our human brains can't understand WHY........
I can't thank our prayer partners enough....all of you! You have been our support, uplifting us in prayer this whole time. I am blown away by how many are praying but God has said.....WAIT.
Please continue to pray. This is emotionally draining for David, myself, and Karen (David's donor) and her family. It is impacting our family and really hitting us in a deep spot.
I don't understand....but God is bigger than my mind.
Please pray for David...I can't imagine having new life dangling before you and then it is taken away. Please pray for Karen.....She has mentally prepared herself and her family for this and now it is being put on hold.
Please pray for the 26 others that are getting this same news a day before going into the hospital for their part in the transplant.
I honestly don't know what to write.
To all of those who have given us gifts and such please know we will hold dear to them and WE WILL USE THEM ONE DAY. Just not tomorrow.
I will hopefully update again soon but for now .......We continue to wait.
I don't really have any more words to share.
Thank you friends...these next few days are going to be HARD!
Love,
Alice and David
I guess OSU is having an emergency meeting to try to repair the chain but for now it is a no-go.
How do we wrap our head and our hearts around this? I have no clue. I know we serve a mighty God and I know He has the perfect plan in mind. But our human brains can't understand WHY........
I can't thank our prayer partners enough....all of you! You have been our support, uplifting us in prayer this whole time. I am blown away by how many are praying but God has said.....WAIT.
Please continue to pray. This is emotionally draining for David, myself, and Karen (David's donor) and her family. It is impacting our family and really hitting us in a deep spot.
I don't understand....but God is bigger than my mind.
Please pray for David...I can't imagine having new life dangling before you and then it is taken away. Please pray for Karen.....She has mentally prepared herself and her family for this and now it is being put on hold.
Please pray for the 26 others that are getting this same news a day before going into the hospital for their part in the transplant.
I honestly don't know what to write.
To all of those who have given us gifts and such please know we will hold dear to them and WE WILL USE THEM ONE DAY. Just not tomorrow.
I will hopefully update again soon but for now .......We continue to wait.
I don't really have any more words to share.
Thank you friends...these next few days are going to be HARD!
Love,
Alice and David
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Ladies and Gentlemen.......WE HAVE A KIDNEY!!!!!
PRAISE BE TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST!!!! TO HIM BE THE GLORY!!!!!
DAVID IS GETTING A KIDNEY TRANSPLANT!!!!
We have experienced so many emotions the past 24 hours!! Tuesday (April 8th) morning we received the greatest news in a long time....All the cross matches came back good for a transplant chain!
WOW! I (Alice) got the news from our friend who is donating for David while I was at work. I immediately texted David and called him (of course he was at work too down in the O.R. so he couldn't get to his phone). I honestly didn't know how to react at first. I was in shock. It wasn't real to me until my friend and co-worker came down the hall and she looked at me, I told her and once I said the words "David is getting a transplant"! We cried...I continued to cry for a while. (yes i was still teaching but my first graders were troopers and kept right on working!!)
Word spread fast at my school to everyone. But I still didn't know if David knew! So I sent a text to a friend of ours that works with him and she texted me back....David was in her office and they were crying tears of joy!!!
Of course we called our parents....they cried with us and together we all GAVE GLORY TO GOD!
Later I spoke with the transplant coordinator at OSU to get the news from her and get some details. I asked her right before we hung up how big this chain was? She told me is it a 15 pair chain.....meaning 30 people are involved in this chain of donation. 15 donors....15 recipients. It is the largest single donation chain that has happened. It is a nationwide chain. Kidneys will be transported across the country for this chain! WOW!!!
Surgery date is April 24th...yes...just 2 weeks away!!!!
We really don't have much more details beyond that. We will be getting information soon in the mail with further instructions but for know all we know is God is amazing!
I will update our blog through the process. I think it will be therapeutic to blog what is happening and it is an easy way to keep everyone updated on everything!
To all of our prayer warriors...please don't stop! You have been so faithful and I know it was because we had SO many praying for this chain to take place that it is actually happening! But we need to keep praying and praising!
So here is the semi-famous list of prayer requests....
-PRAY THE CHAIN DOESN'T CHANGE! Pray for the health and safety for all 30 people involved and the surgeons.
-Pray for our friend who is donating for David. Their family will be impacted just as much as we are because of their selfless gift. Pray for the nerves building up, the recovery, and the peace to continue to be given to them. We were able to connect this past weekend (again...God's perfect timing) and it was a wonderful time of fellowship! Pray for their spouse and kids that God will give them the peace and strength that they need.
-Pray for David...sleep is hard for him right now. The next two weeks will probably be the longest of his life. Pray for strength as he continues dialysis at home the next 2 weeks, prepares mentally for surgery, and for peaceful sleep.
-Pray for our families as we will be relying on them for so much the next few months. They are amazing and I have no doubt everything will be taken care of from keeping our dogs for us to helping with things around the house. Not to mention the emotional roller-coaster they will be on with us!
-Pray for me (Alice) that I can be strong emotionally, physically, and mentally and provide David with all that he needs. My work has been amazing through all of this. I am going to be able to take several weeks off to be with David for his recovery. I already have a great sub lined up and my class is already praying for "Mr. Brooks". (one boy came in today and asked how Mr. Brooks' new kidney was doing...so sweet).
-Pray that through ALL of this we can share the power and love of God with everyone. We are fully aware that this whole thing is only happening because HE is in control. We want to praise and honor HIM through this whole process.
Thank you so much to all of you who are supporting us. We can 't thank you enough. I will continue to update. If you have questions please just leave a comment and if I have the answers I will post them...if not I will try to find them!
Love,
David and Alice
DAVID IS GETTING A KIDNEY TRANSPLANT!!!!
We have experienced so many emotions the past 24 hours!! Tuesday (April 8th) morning we received the greatest news in a long time....All the cross matches came back good for a transplant chain!
WOW! I (Alice) got the news from our friend who is donating for David while I was at work. I immediately texted David and called him (of course he was at work too down in the O.R. so he couldn't get to his phone). I honestly didn't know how to react at first. I was in shock. It wasn't real to me until my friend and co-worker came down the hall and she looked at me, I told her and once I said the words "David is getting a transplant"! We cried...I continued to cry for a while. (yes i was still teaching but my first graders were troopers and kept right on working!!)
Word spread fast at my school to everyone. But I still didn't know if David knew! So I sent a text to a friend of ours that works with him and she texted me back....David was in her office and they were crying tears of joy!!!
Of course we called our parents....they cried with us and together we all GAVE GLORY TO GOD!
Later I spoke with the transplant coordinator at OSU to get the news from her and get some details. I asked her right before we hung up how big this chain was? She told me is it a 15 pair chain.....meaning 30 people are involved in this chain of donation. 15 donors....15 recipients. It is the largest single donation chain that has happened. It is a nationwide chain. Kidneys will be transported across the country for this chain! WOW!!!
Surgery date is April 24th...yes...just 2 weeks away!!!!
We really don't have much more details beyond that. We will be getting information soon in the mail with further instructions but for know all we know is God is amazing!
I will update our blog through the process. I think it will be therapeutic to blog what is happening and it is an easy way to keep everyone updated on everything!
To all of our prayer warriors...please don't stop! You have been so faithful and I know it was because we had SO many praying for this chain to take place that it is actually happening! But we need to keep praying and praising!
So here is the semi-famous list of prayer requests....
-PRAY THE CHAIN DOESN'T CHANGE! Pray for the health and safety for all 30 people involved and the surgeons.
-Pray for our friend who is donating for David. Their family will be impacted just as much as we are because of their selfless gift. Pray for the nerves building up, the recovery, and the peace to continue to be given to them. We were able to connect this past weekend (again...God's perfect timing) and it was a wonderful time of fellowship! Pray for their spouse and kids that God will give them the peace and strength that they need.
-Pray for David...sleep is hard for him right now. The next two weeks will probably be the longest of his life. Pray for strength as he continues dialysis at home the next 2 weeks, prepares mentally for surgery, and for peaceful sleep.
-Pray for our families as we will be relying on them for so much the next few months. They are amazing and I have no doubt everything will be taken care of from keeping our dogs for us to helping with things around the house. Not to mention the emotional roller-coaster they will be on with us!
-Pray for me (Alice) that I can be strong emotionally, physically, and mentally and provide David with all that he needs. My work has been amazing through all of this. I am going to be able to take several weeks off to be with David for his recovery. I already have a great sub lined up and my class is already praying for "Mr. Brooks". (one boy came in today and asked how Mr. Brooks' new kidney was doing...so sweet).
-Pray that through ALL of this we can share the power and love of God with everyone. We are fully aware that this whole thing is only happening because HE is in control. We want to praise and honor HIM through this whole process.
Thank you so much to all of you who are supporting us. We can 't thank you enough. I will continue to update. If you have questions please just leave a comment and if I have the answers I will post them...if not I will try to find them!
Love,
David and Alice
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
An Update on Transplant
Well many of you may have heard that we had a lead on a donor chain for a kidney transplant for David. Basically, about a week and a half ago David received a call from OSU transplant saying they had a possible kidney chain for David to be part of. It was cross clinics (meaning the chain is being put together by patients from clinics across Ohio and probably nationally). David and his donor went for blood work and then they were going to cross-match everyone in the chain to make sure what they saw on paper was really what would match.
We prayed.
Many of you prayed.
We waited.
Many of you waited.
We prayed MORE.
Many of you prayed MORE.
We (I) became impatient but continued to wait.
Many of you asked about an update.
We prayed continuously.
Many of you prayed continuously.
Today we (David) called OSU to see what was going on.
THE GOOD NEWS.....THERE IS A KIDNEY IN THIS WORLD (EVEN IN OHIO) THAT MATCHES DAVID!!!!!!!!! AND David's Donor matches someone who needs a kidney!!!
The bad news....the rest of the chain fell apart.
What does this mean? It means we have the middle of a chain where David has a kidney that matches him and his donor has a kidney that matches someone else but we need the beginning and the end of the chain before anything can happen.
Confused? We have part of a chain but there are holes in it and a transplant can't happen yet.
How much longer do we wait? That is a great question. The transplant office is working VERY HARD to find the rest of this chain. But the reality is it will be probably at least another month or longer before the possibility of anything to happen.
We are asking now more than ever to please join us on our knees in prayer.
There are so many things to pray about I decided a list would be the easiest:
1. We need to pray that the rest of the chain can come together.
2. Pray for Robin at OSU transplant (the woman who looks for cross matches) to find the right people.
3. Pray for David's donor-a dear friend who has a busy life of their own and selflessly has agreed to jump on this crazy journey with us and for David. We are forever indebted to them.
4. Pray that nothing happens to David's antibodies and the antibodies of the person who matches him now. If antibodies change so could the match.
5. Pray for strength for David and I.....it is such an emotional roller coaster.
6. Pray for our families who have been nothing but support to us and are willing to do anything for us at the drop of a hat. (probably before the hat even hits the floor)
7. Rejoice with us that we serve a BIG God and HE is reveling HIMSELF to us daily. HE Knows how the chain will work out....we just need to wait!
Thank you friends!
If you ever have any questions please comment or message us.
Because of HIM,
DAVID AND ALICE
We prayed.
Many of you prayed.
We waited.
Many of you waited.
We prayed MORE.
Many of you prayed MORE.
We (I) became impatient but continued to wait.
Many of you asked about an update.
We prayed continuously.
Many of you prayed continuously.
Today we (David) called OSU to see what was going on.
THE GOOD NEWS.....THERE IS A KIDNEY IN THIS WORLD (EVEN IN OHIO) THAT MATCHES DAVID!!!!!!!!! AND David's Donor matches someone who needs a kidney!!!
The bad news....the rest of the chain fell apart.
What does this mean? It means we have the middle of a chain where David has a kidney that matches him and his donor has a kidney that matches someone else but we need the beginning and the end of the chain before anything can happen.
Confused? We have part of a chain but there are holes in it and a transplant can't happen yet.
How much longer do we wait? That is a great question. The transplant office is working VERY HARD to find the rest of this chain. But the reality is it will be probably at least another month or longer before the possibility of anything to happen.
We are asking now more than ever to please join us on our knees in prayer.
There are so many things to pray about I decided a list would be the easiest:
1. We need to pray that the rest of the chain can come together.
2. Pray for Robin at OSU transplant (the woman who looks for cross matches) to find the right people.
3. Pray for David's donor-a dear friend who has a busy life of their own and selflessly has agreed to jump on this crazy journey with us and for David. We are forever indebted to them.
4. Pray that nothing happens to David's antibodies and the antibodies of the person who matches him now. If antibodies change so could the match.
5. Pray for strength for David and I.....it is such an emotional roller coaster.
6. Pray for our families who have been nothing but support to us and are willing to do anything for us at the drop of a hat. (probably before the hat even hits the floor)
7. Rejoice with us that we serve a BIG God and HE is reveling HIMSELF to us daily. HE Knows how the chain will work out....we just need to wait!
Thank you friends!
If you ever have any questions please comment or message us.
Because of HIM,
DAVID AND ALICE
Thursday, February 6, 2014
What? An actual update?!?!?!
I know, I know....I am HORRIBLE at blogging. But trust me...we have been BUSY!!! I don't know where to even start?!?!?!
I guess my last post was back when Curves did the fundraiser for Lifeline of Ohio! The great news is that we raised over $1000!!!! It was amazing!!!
I feel like there is so much that has happened lately that I don't know where to even begin to update!
Since then Alice has stopped working at Curves (sad) because I have taken on an additional role at the school I teach. I am now the director of our before and after school program along with teaching first grade and I am now the Department Head of our Technology and Practical Arts department at our school. It makes for long hours (6:45am-6:00pm) but I really enjoy working with the kids! I REALLY miss the workout but I know I can go anytime to workout (it's finding the time to workout is the problem!)
I has also been pretty busy with my photography! I have been able to capture some family and infant shots and have done 6 photo shoots in the past few months! (that is a lot for me!) I was even able to capture my first 20's themed party! I love it!!
David is still super busy at work with lot's of O.R. cases!
He is still able to do Dialysis at home but has to be on his machine for 11 hours every night. This is a change from his 9 hours he used to be on. It is an adjustment and to be frank a pain in the rear at times, but we are still so thankful we can do this at home and not have to go to a center 3 days a week and get poked with huge needles!
People ask us often "Where is David on the list for a transplant?" Well that is a hard question to answer because we really don't know. He has "served his time" so to speak on the list and "should" be close to getting one. But he is a very hard tissue type match and we really don't have an answer to "when" he will get a transplant.
He is technically on two lists currently. One being the deceased donor list (when someone dies and donate their organs), and the other is the Pair Donation List. This is basically a list where David has a friend who has GRACIOUSLY chosen to donate her kidney to him. However she does not match him so she has agreed to donate to someone else who may have a candidate who would match David. This can be done between two people or through a whole chain of people.
Either form of donation is a waiting game. The time frame is unpredictable. Sure we have been given "estimates" but David and I have learned not to dwell on those estimates because we need to enjoy life as much as we can and not dwell on time. I am sure people are sick of hearing the answer that we don't know where he is on the list but that is the honest truth. I would LOVE to give a more specific answer, but for now that is all I have to offer.
We also have experienced what could have been a major catastrophe at home a few months ago, but God is good and HE provided exactly what we needed. Two days before Thanksgiving our furnace went out and upon having someone come look at it we learned the WHOLE thing needed replaced. After one cold night at home it was apparent we were not going to be able to stay at our house and my parents graciously allowed us to temporarily move in with them. A lot happened to figure out what was wrong with the furnace and what really needed replaced and MUCH PRAYER and offering by others and we now have a brand new furnace (inside and outside unit). PRAISE GOD!! We were with my parents for about 2.5 weeks but we are now home and SO BLESSED by all who helped us.
There is so much more that has happened since my last update but time is getting away from me. I will TRY to be more consistent in updating because I know there are many who care about us and David's health and I want to keep everyone in the loop.
Thank you always for your prayers and support...we love you all!
David and Alice
I guess my last post was back when Curves did the fundraiser for Lifeline of Ohio! The great news is that we raised over $1000!!!! It was amazing!!!
I feel like there is so much that has happened lately that I don't know where to even begin to update!
Since then Alice has stopped working at Curves (sad) because I have taken on an additional role at the school I teach. I am now the director of our before and after school program along with teaching first grade and I am now the Department Head of our Technology and Practical Arts department at our school. It makes for long hours (6:45am-6:00pm) but I really enjoy working with the kids! I REALLY miss the workout but I know I can go anytime to workout (it's finding the time to workout is the problem!)
I has also been pretty busy with my photography! I have been able to capture some family and infant shots and have done 6 photo shoots in the past few months! (that is a lot for me!) I was even able to capture my first 20's themed party! I love it!!
David is still super busy at work with lot's of O.R. cases!
He is still able to do Dialysis at home but has to be on his machine for 11 hours every night. This is a change from his 9 hours he used to be on. It is an adjustment and to be frank a pain in the rear at times, but we are still so thankful we can do this at home and not have to go to a center 3 days a week and get poked with huge needles!
People ask us often "Where is David on the list for a transplant?" Well that is a hard question to answer because we really don't know. He has "served his time" so to speak on the list and "should" be close to getting one. But he is a very hard tissue type match and we really don't have an answer to "when" he will get a transplant.
He is technically on two lists currently. One being the deceased donor list (when someone dies and donate their organs), and the other is the Pair Donation List. This is basically a list where David has a friend who has GRACIOUSLY chosen to donate her kidney to him. However she does not match him so she has agreed to donate to someone else who may have a candidate who would match David. This can be done between two people or through a whole chain of people.
Either form of donation is a waiting game. The time frame is unpredictable. Sure we have been given "estimates" but David and I have learned not to dwell on those estimates because we need to enjoy life as much as we can and not dwell on time. I am sure people are sick of hearing the answer that we don't know where he is on the list but that is the honest truth. I would LOVE to give a more specific answer, but for now that is all I have to offer.
We also have experienced what could have been a major catastrophe at home a few months ago, but God is good and HE provided exactly what we needed. Two days before Thanksgiving our furnace went out and upon having someone come look at it we learned the WHOLE thing needed replaced. After one cold night at home it was apparent we were not going to be able to stay at our house and my parents graciously allowed us to temporarily move in with them. A lot happened to figure out what was wrong with the furnace and what really needed replaced and MUCH PRAYER and offering by others and we now have a brand new furnace (inside and outside unit). PRAISE GOD!! We were with my parents for about 2.5 weeks but we are now home and SO BLESSED by all who helped us.
There is so much more that has happened since my last update but time is getting away from me. I will TRY to be more consistent in updating because I know there are many who care about us and David's health and I want to keep everyone in the loop.
Thank you always for your prayers and support...we love you all!
David and Alice
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