Ryan

One of the first people we met at Children's Hospital, when we were newly home, was Diane. As we stood outside of the airway clinic waiting to find out about the newest development and unexpected health issue with Mila, there was another mama sitting with her babe. I couldn't see him because of the angle of the stroller. Zoya, who knows no stranger ran right up and Diane said, "I think you and Ryan have something in common." As I peaked in at her sweet boy, this is the beautiful face I saw

Diane and I got to talking and I briefly shared our story of how Zoya and Mila came to be our daughters. She talked about Ryan's heart and how serious his Congenital Heart Disease was. We talked about Mila and her upcoming surgery and I told Diane how I was really stressed and worried because I had no idea what to expect and nobody from cardiothoracic surgery had even called me (other than the scheduler to give us a date which was just over a week away!). Within seconds she had the cardiothoracic department on the phone and passed her cell phone right over to me. She was clearly a mama who knew her way around the hospital and how to get in touch with the necessary people. I was grateful for her support and knowledge. But, now, I'm learning that knowledge comes at a cost. Having already spent so much time at the hospital with her son is what gave her that knowledge.

When Mila was recovering from Open Heart Surgery, Diane and her family were there as Ryan underwent his own procedures once again. We were discharged first and said goodbye to Diane and Ryan. They were discharged soon after. A couple weeks later, Mila ended up in the hospital with pericarditis and had to have another surgery to drain the fluid around her heart. When we left, Ryan had been admitted again. He was very sick. Up until that point the doctors had not agreed to attempt open heart surgery yet, because his situation was so serious and the risk was so high. So as we left, Ryan stayed. He ended up staying quite a long time and eventually had his open heart surgery. Against all odds, he eventually went home with a repaired heart. That was such a happy day for his family to see their son with a new heart and a new chance at life. Unfortunately he was only home for 9 days before they returned to Children's with complications. Ryan went in for a heart cath and a procedure to try to fix the problem and he has had a really tough struggle since. He is intubated and having trouble with his sats no matter what they do to help. His mama feels hopeless, rightfully so :(

They are desperately in need of your prayers. I know this blog has a lot of readers. PLEASE pray for Ryan and his family. Please speak the words they cannot even manage to squeak out. I cannot imagine being in this situation. Here is Ryan as he fights to get better! Miracles DO happen and I know a miracle is possible here! Please pray for this sweet boy and his family.