{ Hello! }

My name is Gavin. I am 11 months old. I was born with a genetic disorder called Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency that caused my liver to go into failure. I was misdiagnosed for 3 months and underwent emergency surgery before they found out what was wrong. I am on the Organ Donation List and am waiting for my "gift of life" so I can have a liver transplant. You can read about my story by clicking {here}. Thank you for visiting my online journal!

*It is our deepest sorrow to inform you that Gavin passed away while waiting to receive a liver transplant. He was only 14 days away from his 1st birthday. Please, if you haven't already, sign up to be a registered organ donor today and talk to your loved ones about your wishes: http://www.donatelife.net/. Thank you all so much for your love and support during this last year.

{ This is my family }

{ This is my family }

{ A Mother's Plea }

If you only read one thing on this website, let it be {this}.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

no go.

:( It was a no go. They decided the liver couldn't be split. I am assuming that what happened is that the liver was smaller than they expected it to be once they saw it in person. (remember they were going to split it between Gavin and another child waiting on the list). So I think they decided to give the entire liver to the other child.

I *knew* this was a possibility going in, heck, even a probability...but nothing could have prepared me for this overwhelming, complete feeling of despair. Its like, for 8 straight hours you are on this incredible adrenaline high, and then you crash really, really, REALLY BAD. I feel like I want to curl up and just sleep for a really long time. I am so tired.

At least they only had done the blood draws by the time the doc called, so Gavin didn't actually have to be prepped for surgery or put under, or anything really invasive (they were just about to get the urine sample when he called- which is not a fun procedure!) And I guess it is nice to know that they ARE thinking about him and at least offered something to him.

We ended up flying here, and since we already had reservations nearby at a hotel for tonight we've decided to just stay tonight and fly home in the morning. I'm just really sad...it was going to be such a nice day with the wedding and all and spending all day with the kids and family. Thanks for all the prayers...hopefully next time we'll make it all the way through.

4 comments:

Bret and Julie Burnham said...

Our prayers will be with you. I can't imagine how discouraging that would be. Yet, it is good to know they are thinking of him! We love you guys!

Melody B. said...

While it IS a big, fat bummer...you're headed in the right direction! This must mean that he's far up on the list. We'll keep praying and something will come! I bet you'll be more prepared emotionally next time they call, ya know? Gavin, these are the first steps towards getting you closer to that liver buddy! Mom and dad need a GIANT hibernation period to recover, but they will. You are one lucky little man to have such loving and wonderful parents who would fly to the moon if it meant making you healthy!

Jennifer Smith said...

I am so sorry things didn't work out the way you had hoped. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

Bethany and Andre....

My mom called and told us everything. I;m so sorry this didn't work out for you. I know all we can do is pray for your guys so that's what we'll do....

Joyce & Joseph in New Mexico