Day 12 update
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The Browning Family
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The Browning Family
Harley Update – Day 12 ❤️
Today marks exactly one year since our world completely changed.
Harley had just turned 12 and had finished her first year of middle school. She was so excited for summer break and couldn't wait to go camping. We spent the entire day swimming at the campground before heading back to our camper for dinner. Harley and Gracie were outside playing ball with their cousins when everything changed.
Harley went into cardiac arrest.
She was flown by helicopter to C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor, where we spent the next month searching for answers. We learned that Harley has ARVC (arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy) caused by a DES gene mutation. A diagnosis we had never heard of suddenly became our entire world. We were told she was a miracle because so many families don't learn about genetic hearts until an autopsy. Harley gave us the chance to know, to fight, and to hope.
This past year has been filled with more ups and downs than we ever imagined. Through it all, we've continued to hear the same words: "She's a miracle."
After her stroke, she made an incredible recovery and returned to being herself. Along this journey we've had:
❤️ 1 helicopter flight
🚑 5 ambulance rides
❤️ 1 ICD implanted
❤️ 2 Caths
💉 Countless IVs (at least 10)
❤️ 1 PICC line
🩺 An entire team of specialists from head to toe
🏥 4 hospital stays
❤️ And now we're waiting for the greatest gift of all—a new heart.
This year also brought heartbreaking loss. We lost Dad and our sweet dog, Pickles, of 13 years, right in the middle of Harley's health journey.
We've cried more tears than we ever thought possible, but we've also smiled, laughed, and experienced miracles and blessings we never expected. A year ago, our lives changed forever. Even after Harley receives her new heart, we know everything won't suddenly be easy. There will still be bumps in the road. But we'll face them stronger, braver, and with more faith because this year has shown us what we're capable of overcoming.
One year ago, we watched our daughter die on that field. We were there to help save her life and watched her come back to us. We've already faced our greatest fear, and because of that, we know we can face whatever comes next. We can face all of it together!
Now for the brighter part of today...
Harley had another wonderful day filled with visitors! 💕
Her big sister Amber and Grandma Phyllis came to visit and spoiled us with some delicious goodies from Whole Foods.
My Tia Nana brought us amazing dinners that we can meal prep with.
Rob and Kelly came with Ray - I got a gift too! 😂 The cutest boredom workbook ever.
Elise and David brought the kids to visit. Tahlia painted Harley the sweetest picture, and of course there were more Takis delivered (because everyone knows Harley ❤️ Takis!) along with some delicious donuts.
Nothing makes Harley happier than spending time with the people who love her.
To every person who has visited, sent a meal, brought a snack, prayed, donated, or simply checked in... thank you. You continue to remind us that we are not walking this journey alone.
You all have carried us through this past year with your love, prayers, and support. We are beyond grateful.
You are all such a blessing. ❤️
Today marks exactly one year since our world completely changed.
Harley had just turned 12 and had finished her first year of middle school. She was so excited for summer break and couldn't wait to go camping. We spent the entire day swimming at the campground before heading back to our camper for dinner. Harley and Gracie were outside playing ball with their cousins when everything changed.
Harley went into cardiac arrest.
She was flown by helicopter to C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor, where we spent the next month searching for answers. We learned that Harley has ARVC (arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy) caused by a DES gene mutation. A diagnosis we had never heard of suddenly became our entire world. We were told she was a miracle because so many families don't learn about genetic hearts until an autopsy. Harley gave us the chance to know, to fight, and to hope.
This past year has been filled with more ups and downs than we ever imagined. Through it all, we've continued to hear the same words: "She's a miracle."
After her stroke, she made an incredible recovery and returned to being herself. Along this journey we've had:
❤️ 1 helicopter flight
🚑 5 ambulance rides
❤️ 1 ICD implanted
❤️ 2 Caths
💉 Countless IVs (at least 10)
❤️ 1 PICC line
🩺 An entire team of specialists from head to toe
🏥 4 hospital stays
❤️ And now we're waiting for the greatest gift of all—a new heart.
This year also brought heartbreaking loss. We lost Dad and our sweet dog, Pickles, of 13 years, right in the middle of Harley's health journey.
We've cried more tears than we ever thought possible, but we've also smiled, laughed, and experienced miracles and blessings we never expected. A year ago, our lives changed forever. Even after Harley receives her new heart, we know everything won't suddenly be easy. There will still be bumps in the road. But we'll face them stronger, braver, and with more faith because this year has shown us what we're capable of overcoming.
One year ago, we watched our daughter die on that field. We were there to help save her life and watched her come back to us. We've already faced our greatest fear, and because of that, we know we can face whatever comes next. We can face all of it together!
Now for the brighter part of today...
Harley had another wonderful day filled with visitors! 💕
Her big sister Amber and Grandma Phyllis came to visit and spoiled us with some delicious goodies from Whole Foods.
My Tia Nana brought us amazing dinners that we can meal prep with.
Rob and Kelly came with Ray - I got a gift too! 😂 The cutest boredom workbook ever.
Elise and David brought the kids to visit. Tahlia painted Harley the sweetest picture, and of course there were more Takis delivered (because everyone knows Harley ❤️ Takis!) along with some delicious donuts.
Nothing makes Harley happier than spending time with the people who love her.
To every person who has visited, sent a meal, brought a snack, prayed, donated, or simply checked in... thank you. You continue to remind us that we are not walking this journey alone.
You all have carried us through this past year with your love, prayers, and support. We are beyond grateful.
You are all such a blessing. ❤️
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