Update on Neice - Donor Found

For those of you who remember my very ill neice -

they got the call yesterday morning that there was a donor so they hopped on a plane in MN (which Delta flew them for free and some people let them bump in and took a later flight since the baby had to be there within 6 hours) - there was a car waiting at the Miami airport to take them to the hospital - they got to the hospital and she went into surgery for her 7 organ transplant at midnight last night Miami time.  The surgery was supposed to take 8 hours so she should have been done almost an hour ago.  I am anxiously waiting that phone call.

Please say a prayer for her as well as a prayer for the donor family as they obviously lost their precious angel.  

[1nana]

That is good news. I will pray that all goes well for your niece.

[CYW]

that is awesome..that poor little sweetheart...i will keep her in my thoughts and prayers

[KellyTexas]

Just got an update from my sister -

"Sidney made it to the hospital and was admitted by 7pm.  The team went
into action quickly to proceed.  The transplantation was scheduled for
midnight.  

The initial part of the process was securing the organs.  Life-support
for the donor baby was removed in accordance with the parent's wishes,
as they felt comfortable and then nature took its course.  What a
miraculous family to do such a thing!  I think prayers are in order for
the donor and his or her family today as they deal with their courageous
decision and the loss of their baby.

Sidney's prep for the surgery started at 4:30am and the actual surgery
started as 6:30am.  It is expected to take twelve hours.  

Courtney and Rick, although sleep deprived, are in the process of
securing emergency funds from COTA and may even be able to get into the
apartment later today.  The got some strong coffee and have a plan to
secure an air mattress, a couple of towels and then go home to the
temporary residence in Miami.  

God is truly watching out for all of them today."

[CYW]

omg wow i juss teared up sooo bad...what happened to the other baby to donate the organs??wow thats just amazing but yet heartbreaking

[houseofgirls]

I have to admit, I started to cry a little reading this as well.  My prayers are with all families involved.  What a beautiful gift that family gave to your niece.  

[heatherlynn22]

that's so wonderful to hear she got a donor! my prayers are with everyone!!!

[Tamara551]

I am glad to hear that.  I have been following her story on her website.  I will say many prayers for her.  She has been through so much in her short little life.  She is a strong girl.

[KellyTexas]

I'm not sure what happened to the other child but I do know that that baby and family will forever be in my heart.  They are giving such a wonderful gift and there's nothing I or anybody could do to repay them or make up for their loss.  I too am so saddened by their loss but can't help but rejoice that Sidney gets another chance.  

You can all check out her story at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/sidneymarkie - it truly is a wonderful and amazing story and I can't believe my neice (her mom whose birthday is tomorrow - what a wonderful present) has been so strong the entire time at her age.  

Thanks again everybody for keeping both families in your prayers.  I will give you an update when they call me after the surgery.  As for now I wait with baited breath that the phone call comes back positive.  

[KCBound]

I hope the surgery goes well for you neice! I read her caringbridge site, she's a doll. Thanks for sharing it.

(I can see Children's from my office window, it's one of the best hospitals in the region. My sister was there for many months as an infant).

[daprincess21]

Thats amazing! I remember reading her website when you posted and looking at the pics. Both families are very brave to take these steps. I will definitly be praying everything works out! God bless!

[Cheyenne_08]

That is very sad, but also very great!!! Please keep us updated as to how Sidney and her family are doing!!!!

[mum2beagain]

Praying that it all goes well.

[Cheyenne_08]

I just read the journal from the past few days and I almost started crying,,,,,it is so sad for that family, but so happy for Sidney who will now hopefully start getting better!!!

[mlb1234]

Hi Kelly -
I am from the twin cities and have been following Sidney's story on caringbridge after I saw it on the news here.  I was SOOO happy to see the other day that they found a donor for her.  I have really enjoyed looking at her adorable pictures the past few months, especially during my pregnancy.  I just had a baby in January (my first) and I just can't imagine what your sister and family have been going through.  You are all very strong!!  I really hope for the best for Sidney - she is such a doll and seems like a joy!!  I love her chubby cheeks!!!  I look forward to hearing some very good news soon!!!!  In the meantime I will be thinking of her and praying for her!!!
My best-
Lisa

[have 2 kids]

I hadn't seen your post about her before.   Checked out caringbridge.   What a struggle they have had.  I hope she does better after the transplant.   I'm so happy to hear you and the rest of the family remembering the donor family.  One of the best days for Sidney is the saddest day for them.

[KellyTexas]

WOW - that's awesome you are so close.  You know - I'm sure she wouldn't mind a friemdly face over there for a visit.  If you'd like, you can email me at kelly at hardradio dot com.  I can give you Courtney's phone number as they will be there for about 6 months if not longer and having no friends has to be scary for my neice and great neice.  

As for an update - I should have one soon - they were putting her dressings on at 3:30 FL time.  I can't wait to here from her or my sister.  

And to everybody else who checked out her site - thank you so much!!  You girls are all so amazing and supportive.  I will update as soon as I know something - until then, I sit here scared and not knowing her future.  Love and kisses to ALL of you!!!!!!  You are my strength and theirs!!

[amberd5191]

Kelly I am so happy to hear that! I also read this when you first posted and am from MN, its so great to hear that she has a donor! I will keep both families in my heart. Can't wait to hear that she is out of surgery, and doing well!

[KellyTexas]

OK - my bad, the beginning details were sketching as I was going 2nd and 3rd hand info, but I promised my sister that I would revise the details.  Northwest Airlines did the great honor of flying the family to Miami free of charge and my sister had the car waiting at the airport.  My sister is also an angel sent from God and such a strong woman - I hope when I grow up, I am just like her (I better hurry seeing as I am 38 - hee hee).

She is out of surgery and doing great so far.  My neice says she looks bad, but from the pictures I've seen, she looks amazing for what her little body has been through.  All I can say is WOW - what a strong family - my sister raised an amazing daughter who is now an amazing mother to her 3 daughters.  I am so very proud at this moment and thank all of you for your support for little Sidney and the rest of my family!!  

I will give another update as soon as I know something.  Thanks again ladies.

[Cheyenne_08]

It is great to hear that she made it out of surgery!!! That is the first big step!!! Praying for a speedy recovery and the strength for your family to keep on keeping on!