First let me say that the outpouring of support, prayers, thoughts and good vibes was just overwhelming. It shouldn't have surprised me because I have seen it in the past with the 365 community. I wish I could thank each person individually because you took the time to comment with your support. It truly has been a stressful and worrisome day or two since Kevin got the call that there was a heart available. Being three thousand miles away is not easy when things are normal, but in situations like this it really hurts. We didn't want to fly right away and be in the air when he was in surgery because we wouldn't know anything. We know our daughter-in-law has great friends out there and so we know she has a great support group around her to help out. We will leave tomorrow morning and be there by ten in the morning.d
She kept us updated throughout the surgery as she found things our. It was stressful because they kept moving the surgery back. But finally the new heart arrived and all went well. She was crying when she called later and my heart jumped but they were tears of joy as she said "his heart is beating on its own". The surgery was a success. As of last night he was totally sedated but she said his color was good and he looked a lot better than the last time we saw him in the ICU back in October.
Today she talked to the nurses on the floor and they told her he was doing fine, a little bit less sedation. We will hear from her again after she sees him this morning. The nurse did tell her that he will be sitting up tomorrow and in a day or two up walking around. Hospitalization for a transplant is usually ten to sixteen days. That is unbelievable to me.
But through all this I am aware that while we are happy that he is no longer on an LVAD and will be able to resume a normal life, that there are friends and family of the organ donor that are mourning a loss. We hope that they take comfort in the fact that others have life because of their donation.
So, if you are not an organ donor, I urge you to become one. There are so many people on waiting lists for different organs and not enough donors to fill all the need. So, please become a donor. Donate Life.
Yeah! I have goose bumps reading this update! I agree with organ donation and will donate my organs when I no longer need them. It's the best recycling one can do!
Ray - A friend of mine received a new liver a year and a half ago. I understand what you are going through, but don't have any idea how you're going through it. Every day after this is a total gift for your son.
thank you so much for updating. i, for one, have been thinking about your family since your last update. I will continue to send positive energy and healing thoughts your way and hope that your son continues on his road to good health. best to you.
So many goosebumps right now and the tears are stinging my eyes!! Thanks for the update!! I hope things continue to improve! I'm an organ donor and these are the reasons why!
Praise GOD!!!!!! Prayer is so incredibly powerful. This is yet another example of it! I'm so happy for you and your family, and for Kevin! I will continue to pray and I will give my prayer group this update. They will be happy to hear it. It is wonderful what that other family did so that your son could have a heart. They are such blessings and they will be in my prayers too in this time of such grief.
@rayswrld I am so happy with this news. My prayers are with your son and your family. I have carried a card since I was 16 and my husband knows my wishes. His brother died some years ago and his organs were donated and I can assure you, it does bring comfort to the family knowing a life has been saved. Take care..
Wonderful news! All the very best to your son for a speedy recovery from his op.
It is so difficult when you can't be with your child at a time like this, I bet you can't wait to get out there to him.
That is such great news. He is sure to have a speedy and strong recovery with the love and support of his family and friends. Our thoughts are with you from "Down Under".
I have been a donor for years and having seen both sides of the story where I work I can tell you that it does offer some peace to family of organ donors to know that they are giving the gift of life to someone. This is such wonderful news and I am so happy for your family.
Fantastic news! I have been registered to be an organ donor as soon as I could sign up. I want anything that can be donated used and whatever is left to be cremated and sent to the ocean. =)
Such good news to hear. I too am an organ donor- I'm sure your son's donor would be very proud to hear of his success, and that person's family as well. I'll continue to pray for you, your son, your family as well as the family of the donor. Best wishes on your trip!
Wonderful to read your family's good news. The answer to many, many prayers. Our state makes it so easy to be an organ donor when you apply for a driver's license. I assume others do as well. I hope your story inspires others to make that decision.
What good news! Prayer is powerful. I will continue praying for Kevin and your family, as he literally gets back on his two own feet. I am an organ donor.
I am thrilled to hear the great news, and as a community our prayers will cntinue for ongoing healing and strengthening for your Son. it is amazing what they can do today. My Brother is alive today because of a donor, so yes, we know the value of being a donor. Please keep us updated as time goes on.
congrats..i went on your photo today to see if there was any new cuz i did not see this...oh sooo happy...i live here in LA if you need us to do anything for them....there is a group of us that would be happy to help you and your family.
@rayswrld Ray I have often wondered what happened to your son..so sorry that you and I drifted apart. we used to comment on each others photos all the time.
I'm so happy that your son finally has a new heart and so thankful to the donor and family. it can't be easy for them while they are now in mourning.
for many years now we've filled in the paper for being a donor when we buy a new sticker for our car. the mandatory sticker is valid from the month of your Birthday to the following Birthday. I'll be thinking of you and your family and will pray again for your son's recovery.
Thank you for the update. I prayed for this little guy and felt a peace that God heard my prayers and the many prayers of all the others who were lifting your family to the Great Healer. Please continue to update us and we will continue to pray for complete recovery.
fantastic news, 2 days after my dad's heart transplant he was sat up and walking the 3rd day, that was '99, so they're still just as swift with movement.
hope the recovery goes well x
I'm definitely an organ donor, have been since I got my license a million years ago. That's amazing, Ray. I'm so, SO happy for you. Still sending best wishes your/his way. (:
What amazing news. I will keep your son and you in my thoughts and prayers that his recovery continues to go well and his new heart continues to be be strong.
@rayswrld So glad to hear the surgery went well, here is to a speedy recovery and thoughts and prayers are with you all. My husband has been evaluated for heart transplant so your story touched my heart knowing that your son is doing so well.
For the family who looses the member who donates organs, it gives huge comfort to the loss, knowing that the loss of your loved one is not totally in vain. Somehow it makes it just a little bit easier, and makes me proud. Don't feel badly for them, I am sure they would rather you enjoy the time you will now have with your son. You never want to loose a loved one, but when it must happen, it is very comforting to know that the death is not the end, their generosity allows others to live on with love, laughter and happiness in their hearts.
@rayswrld Praising God for your good news and will continue to pray for you, your family and those who gave in order that your son would live. I became an organ donor years ago and I think the family whose loved one died would be glad to know that even in death, their family member made a difference in someone's life.
Continued prayers for your son and family.
Yes I am an organ donor and also listed on the national bone marrow registry ( http://www.marrow.org/) and donate blood on a regular schedule.
My goodness. I don't know you, I haven't been following you, and this post is the first I've heard of your son. But I must say that my heart goes out to you, your son, your families, and the family of the donor. What a wonderful gift. I wish all the best for you all. Many thoughts and prayers go out for you...
I am so glad to hear that your son's surgery went well - I have been thinking about you and Kevin. It is such a blessing to read that his heart is beating on its own. Truly a medical miracle - no matter how often it is done!
Wow. I have been out of the 365 loop lately with a lot of travel. I didn't realize this was going on. So happy that it has gone well and the prognosis looks so good! Wed medicine is good, it is VERY GOOD! And yes, I'm a blood donor and an organ donor...when the time comes.
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It is so difficult when you can't be with your child at a time like this, I bet you can't wait to get out there to him.
I'm so happy that your son finally has a new heart and so thankful to the donor and family. it can't be easy for them while they are now in mourning.
for many years now we've filled in the paper for being a donor when we buy a new sticker for our car. the mandatory sticker is valid from the month of your Birthday to the following Birthday. I'll be thinking of you and your family and will pray again for your son's recovery.
hope the recovery goes well x
I'm an organ donor! :)
Yes I am an organ donor and also listed on the national bone marrow registry ( http://www.marrow.org/) and donate blood on a regular schedule.