Today is day 71 on the transplant waitlist. This wait is one of a few things in life that actually doesn’t get easier with time. Each day brings increased anxiety but also a sense of hope that today might be the day we get the call. We wanted to update everyone on the girls and take a moment to express our deep gratitude for your love and support. 

Both girls got over RSV and are back to their sweet little selves! It hit Hollis harder than it did Hazel but she recovered like a champ. Since pulling Hollis from school she has stayed well and is busy at home! Its hard to believe with how well Hollis is doing and how happy she is that she really needs a new liver, but that is the reality of the situation. I keep reminding myself if she is doing this well now with a failing liver, imagine how she will be when she is fully healthy. I remember Hollis's  doctor telling us years ago when I was having a moment of spiraling that Hollis will grow up like all other kids and can be the president of the United States one day if she chooses to. I truly believe she is destined for great things.

 

Hollis's team will submit for additional exception points this week since she has been listed at her current score (26) for over 30 days. It took only a few days last time for the points to be approved so we hope to have her higher on the list by next week. This list is for deceased donors only. She is a candidate for a living donor as well, so this would be the option if Jeff is a match or if we have someone who volunteers to donate to her or they find an indirect donor match before we get the call with a deceased donor offer. Its a confusing process so I am trying to accept that I cannot control it and remember that God and her team at Duke have it in their hands and she WILL get the liver that her body needs.

Jeff is going to Duke tomorrow for an all day evaluation to be her donor. He will have more blood work done, imaging, and meet with the transplant team.  We should know very soon if he is a good match for her. If this is the best option, we will have family come to town to help out as he would need a caretaker as well and I will care for Hollis and will need help with Hazel. The recipient and donor cannot have the same caretaker which makes sense. This is not the ideal situation, but if this is the best case scenario for our girl that is what we will do.

We are so happy to share that Hazel's last appointment went very well. Her labs are all looking better (praise Jesus)!! There are still many unknowns of what the course will look like for her but it truly seems her case is much more mild. Only time will tell and I believe in the power of prayer and it really is working.

We continue to spend time with friends and family while we wait. It has been a blessing to have people come visit and Hollis is feeling all of the love. We could not ask for a better support system while going through this challenging process and don't quite have the words to express our gratitude so far. Everyone single one of you have made a positive difference in our lives and for that we thank you.

We believe surgery is around the corner. We feel it. There is dread and hope the same time. We continue to take things one day at a time and ask for your continued prayers and thoughts as we move closer to that day.  We love you all!



***For those who have expressed interest in donating, first of all thank you! and here is the link to learn more and apply to be a living donor. <3
https://www.dukehealth.org/blog/becoming-living-donor