Am I Dreaming!

Finding out we were pregnant was a big shock for us. We found out in March of 2011 that we were gonna be blessed with our third child. We were so excited! When we found out we were having a boy we thrilled! He would complete our family!

Jaime and I struggled finding a perfect name for our boy. We really felt like we needed a strong name for our baby boy. We finally decided on Roman Michael. Roman was a good strong name and I think he has lived up to his name. His middle name honored both his grandpa's.

My pregnancy with Roman seemed normal and went rather fast. I remember praying asking God to keep him healthy. Little did we know that we were in for the shock of our lives! When he arrived I remember a since of relief when he appeared so healthy.

To this day it stills feels like a dream and at any moment somebody is gonna pinch me from this nightmare. Some days are better than others. Some days I find myself asking, "what did we do to deserve this!", and "why would God do this to any child" I feel its so unfair! I try to focus that God chose us to be Roman's special parents! Roman was given to us for a reason! Roman is a true gift from God. Each day we get to spend with him is a true miracle and joy.

Roman is 1 in 100! 1 in 100 babies will be born with HLHS. Please pray for families with children suffering from CHD!!

Transplant Process

Getting listed for a transplant is a process. You have to meet strict criteria to be consired for a transplant.

First step of the process was getting a heart cath to determine Roman's pressures and heart size. Roman also had to have evaluations to determine if his strokes would effect his overall well being. We prayed everyday that the Neurologist would grant their approval. Luckily one of the neurologist was Addies doctor so he knew us well.

Roman also had to have a series of blood work to determine if he had built up any antibodies that would make his body reject a new heart. A family interview had to be completed to see if we could handle the stress of the transplant.

Choosing a heart transplant was a difficult decision for Jaime and I. We prayed for days that God would make our decision clear as to what road we were to take. When we were told  transplant was his only option we felt Gods hand in it. We had a sense of peace about the path we were taking. A heart transplant is not a cure all. It is basically trading one problem for another. After Roman is transplanted he will be on numerous medications to help prevent rejection. His immune system will be suppressed and he will have monthly heart caths to endure. The first six months are crucial. We have to keep him as healthy was we can. Roman will not be able to be around dogs, cats, reptiles, or birds because of the risk of germs!! He will also have to wear a mask for the first 6 months.

After one week Roman was finally approved for his transplant and the waiting begins. We will not know where Roman is on the list. He is listed at the highest level. Unfortually because of the limited supply of donor hearts, some kids will pass waiting for their heart.  The average wait time is days to 4 months.

We pray that Roman will be strong as we wait! We also pray for the future donor family.

Please consider becoming an organ and tissue donor!!