Friday, September 07, 2007

Prayers for Andrew Please

I haven't looked back in my blog to be sure. But I think I posted about Andrew back in May. This tiny little boy needs your prayers.

Andrew was born around May 5th - I think he was a 25 week preemie. Andrew is the nephew to the Impossibly Tall Rowing Couple from my small group back in Boston. They are dearly loved by Trish and me and hosts of others. They are fantastic people and I would do almost anything for them.

I am praying big and believing in God's promise of good things. I am asking you all to stand in the gap for Andrew's family who must be having such an enormous struggle to keep it together. They are so swamped with the day to day of their vigil, I'm asking that you pray in their stead.

If you are anywhere near the Boston area, they need people to donate platelets. Even if you're not, you might want to consider donating in your area as it's such a simple thing to give and so critical too someone at some time!

Apparently there is a shortage in Boston and Andrew needs platelets the most. It is a long process and takes about 2 hours but would be most appreciated. You would need to call to make an appointment at 617.355.6677. They cannot be direct donated to Andrew but will be prioritized and unfortunately (or fortunately) Andrew is on top of that list.

Here is an excerpt from Andrew's website:

"They were able to isolate three forms of bacteria today: staff, ecoli and a blood infection that I cannot recall the name of. He is slowly making progress (very slowly) but is still extremely critical. He is having some underlying seizures and they are still trying to figure out what is causing them. He is slowly making urine, which is critical to fighting the bacteria and excreting the excess fluid they are pushing in. He also is beginning to blister from all the excess fluid. It seems as if some of the things they need to do is causing damage elsewhere but they need to prioritize his care and deal with some of the after effects at a later date. They have approached us about certain steps to think about such as dialysis if his kidneys start to fail and a lung bypass machine if his respiratory starts to fail. Both of these options would need some serious thought plus we are not even sure if he can survive the initial procedures. It is going to be a very long road back to a healthy recovery.

Before Andrew came home he had an MRI for a research study which will actually come in handy for the neurologists in examining the before and after effects of his illness. The good news, his brain looks normal after all he had been through being a 25 week preemie but we will now have to wait to see the results after this episode and the effects of the seizures.

Once again, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers the next 48 hours will tell us a lot and we will keep you updated."

Thank you for the prayers I know you're already sending up as you read this.

4 comments:

Beck said...

Oh, poor little baby.

Jessi said...

Oh, that's awful. I'll definately try to spread this news around.

Allie said...

I'll pray for sure.

Kendra said...

I had wondered about that little punkin' . . may the God that created his little life sustain it and heal it here on earth so he may share his testimony to many in years to come!!