Here we go again! Raven is scheduled for her next heart procedure on Thursday, September 15th, at Egleston Children's Hospital in Atlanta. The battery life of the pacemaker that Raven received 3 years ago is losing charge. Because her body is still small (at almost 7 years old) the pacemaker must remain in her abdomen. Her sternum must be opened again to replace the leads. The surgery should be uneventful but the recovery long and hard.
Several people have asked how they can help Raven and her family during this challenging time. We are setting up the SpotFund website in response to those thoughtful questions. Raven has good insurance and there are many additional expenses because an extended hospital stay is anticipated. Ruthie expects to be at the hospital 24/7 because Raven will need her there for comfort and care. Mike is taking more than a week off work to be available at the hospital and for Piper. Papa and Grammy (Joe & Nell Estes) will help at home and at the hospital, (Everyone still lives together in Alpharetta.) Expenses include food at the hospital, gas to get back and forth, miscellaneous items that are needed for convenience and comfort at the hospital, and any other needs not covered by insurance.
More than anything else we appreciate your prayers for Raven and our family. Many of you are aware that Raven spent most of her life in the hospital until she was more than 3 years old. Most of that time was at Egleston where her care has been excellent including multiple surgeries and recovery from a staph infection that almost took her life. There were two trips to Boston Children's Hospital, the first for a complete heart repair the week of Raven's first birthday.
Raven is truly a miracle girl who has exceeded all expectations! She is active, bright, funny and perceptive! She keeps everyone around her smiling! This procedure, her first hospitalization in 3 years, is going to be hard. Raven has multiple other medical issues that include caudal regression syndrome and digestive issues that require her to be on a feeding tube at night.
You can follow Raven's story on FaceBook at HeartbeatsForRaven and on CaringBridge at www.CaringBridge.org/visit/PrayForBabyRaven.
Thank you for your encouragement now and throughout precious Raven's life! God is faithful!
(Nell Estes developed this SpotFund website to help Raven and her family.)
