(Most recent updates first)
First received Monday, October 28, 2019
For Jenny J. in St. Petersburg, Florida who broke two bones in her foot and would like to be able to enjoy the rest of her stay in Florida...[November 5] Continued support is requested for Jenny as she tries to fly home to England tomorrow...[November 12] Jenny is home in St. Austell, England and has an appointment at the fracture clinic on November 19...[November 21] Jenny has a Lisfranc fracture and three broken bones in her foot. It is too late for surgery and her foot must be immobilized for three weeks.... [December 10] The breaks are healing well. Jenny has no more need for the fracture boot. She will go back to the fracture clinic in six weeks.
Update Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Jenny hurt her foot again on the first day out of the fracture boot.
First received Saturday, November 16, 2019
For Joy S. in Waldorf, Maryland who is scheduled for dental surgery on November 19.
Update Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Joy still has pain from the extractions and continues to need support in her recovery process.
First received Friday, April 5, 2019
For Casey C. in Colorado Springs, Colorado who is having emergency surgery for internal bleeding in the lungs, and for his family...[April 8] "Casey's lungs were treated with radiation and the bleeding has stopped. He will remain in the hospital a few more days for observation. The tumor is kidney cancer which has moved to his lungs; the tumor is deeply embedded in his left main bronchus and is very close to the aorta. Surgery is not possible. Support for his oncologist coming up with the best treatment option. Casey is in good spirits and feeling pretty good."....[April 15] Casey is in good spirits. However, he is having trouble sleeping and has pain in his lower back. The doctors are encouraged with the amount the tumor shrunk after the radiation treatments.
Update Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Casey has had a recurrence of the kidney cancer. New tumors have appeared. He has lost lung capacity because of radiation damage to his lungs. Steroid treatment has helped with his breathing, but had to be discontinued because it limited the effect of the immunotherapy protocol. He is in persistent pain and discomfort in his lower back due to chemo damage to his spine. He is unable to sleep well.
First received Sunday, November 17, 2019
For B. M. in Fairhope, Alabama with severe nausea in her first trimester of pregnancy....[November 21] B. now has a respiratory infection and is very tired as well as nauseous. She will be moving into a house next week. Continued support is requested.
Update Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Her nausea has lessened and she is feeling better.
First received Friday, October 25, 2019
For Ron F. in Chicago, Illinois who is in the hospital with pneumonia and epilepsy, and for his son Anton...[November 1] Ron has been moved to intensive care with sepsis...[November 4] "Ron will be moved from the ICU to telemetry. He has a long recovery ahead of him."
Update Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Ron has been making steady progress. His doctors expect to release him in a couple of days.
First received Friday, November 15, 2019
For Bruce E. in Clearwater, Florida who will have surgery on November 25 for a severe infection in his colon.
Update Monday, December 8, 2019
Three weeks ago Bruce could not eat and could hardly walk. Suddenly he is eating and taking walks. Although he still has a colon infection, he may not need surgery.
First received Wednesday, December 4, 2019
For Pam B. in El Cajon, California who is hospitalized with severe pain from a kidney stone.
Update Saturday, December 7, 2019
Pam also has a kidney infection. When the infection is resolved she will have surgery for the kidney stone.
First received Wednesday, December 4, 2019
For Dave B. in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with a diagnosis of vestibular neuronitis which causes him to be shaky, disoriented and sleep a lot. A CT scan is scheduled for December 24.
Update Saturday, December 7, 2019
After falling and hitting his head, Dave was taken by ambulance to the hospital. A CT scan and an MRI were done. They are expecting a nerve in his inner ear to be causing the dizziness and discovered his B12 was very low. Continued support for his wife, family, and friends.
First received Monday, July 20, 2015
For Kashlind D. in Chatham, Canada with a complex congenital heart defect who is having surgery on July 23, the third in a series, called the Fontan Procedure...[August 31] Kashlind's surgery has been rescheduled to September 1 or 2... [September 5] The surgery lasted seven hours and went well. Although there were a couple of serious complications, no problems have developed...[September 11] Kashlind has been discharged from the hospital and is doing well. The doctors couldn't finish all that needed to be corrected and he will have to have ongoing future surgeries...[December 22, 2015] Kashlind is continuing to improve and has started school...[October 6, 2016] Kashlind will be having cardiac surgery at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto on October 6 and the following day if needed. With each surgery his health and ability to participate in activities has been improving. With this surgery it is hoped that he will be able to be active without becoming short of breath....[May 15, 2018] Kashlind, who was born with only half a heart, is scheduled for another surgery on May 16 at Toronto Sick Kids Hospital. The last surgery did not succeed in improving the blood flow from his heart to his lungs. The goal of this surgery is to try again to increase the flow of the pulmonary artery and clamp off all the small arteries that have developed so oxygenation will increase...[May 17] The surgery went well. The surgeon coiled off several collateral veins, stretched the pulmonary artery and other procedures. Now they will monitor Kashlind in hopes that the surgery will help his oxygenation and ability to play and do things.....[May 28] Kashlind is currently at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto, Canada for a second major cardiac surgery to attempt to close a hole in his heart.
Update Thursday, December 5, 2019
Kashlind continues to have major surgery to help his heart function since he was born with half a heart. Blood vessels have been manipulated and moved to the heart to improve the blood flow but they are very narrow and the doctors haven’t been able to successfully enlarge them to help him breath better. He easily turns blue on exertion. On December 6 he will be going to Toronto Sick Kids Hospital Cath Lab to try again and his family are very worried about possible serious complications.
First received Saturday, November 23, 2019
For Diane D. in Santa Barbara, California with low hemoglobin and a problem with a vein in her leg.
Update Wednesday, December 4, 2019
After seeing a number of doctors, it was determined that Diane has a high hemoglobin count and the best way to resolve it is for her to give blood once a month.
First received Friday, October 25, 2019
For David J. in the United Kingdom who is having difficulty coming to terms with his hormone treatments no longer working.
Update Sunday, December 1, 2019
After starting new medication, David has had flu-like symptoms. He will go to a consultant on December 12.
First received Thursday, March 14, 2019
For Sheryl C. of Barrington, Rhode Island who is in the ER with pain in her chest and left arm and very high blood pressure... [March 15] A follow-up appointment with Sheryl's doctor revealed that she definitely has a heart
issue. The doctor ordered two medications and a stress test, which should take place soon... [March 19] Sheryl now has blurred and double vision. Her doctor recommends consultation with her eye doctor...[November 19] Sheryl's
blood pressure remains extremely high, in spite of taking medication for it...[November 24] Sheryl is scheduled for a heart catheterization tomorrow in Providence, Rhode Island to photograph arteries for blockages and possibly
insert stents... [November 26] Sheryl is being released from the hospital to go home with new medications.
Update Friday, November 29, 2019
Sheryl is back in the Miriam Hospital emergency room in Providence with recurring chest and jaw pain. The doctor told her to return because the stent had possibly become dislodged.
First received Sunday, September 15, 2019
For Kirby, a horse in Lyerly, Georgia who is recovering from neglect and near-starvation... [October 1] Kirby is progressing very well. He is gaining weight and is able to get up on his own without the assistance of a sling.
His rescuers say his spirit is remarkable.
Update Wednesday, November 27, 2019
"Since his rescue from near starvation in September, he has gained 300 pounds and is thriving in his new home. They are calling his recovery and good health a miracle."
First received Sunday, November 4, 2018
For Elfi I. in Austria who has just been diagnosed with breast cancer... [November 22] Elfi has surgery scheduled for Tuesday, November 27. Support for the best outcome for her and support also for the surgical team....
[November 27] Her surgery went well. She needs to decide which follow-up treatment will be best for her....[February 3] Elfi starts four weeks of radiation treatment on February 5... [March 13] Elfi has completed the
radiation treatment and will have her next check-up in three months... [April 1] Elfi has radiation pneumonitis as a consequence of the radiation treatment...[June 20] Elfi is still in recovery from the radiation pneumonia
and is physically weak and emotionally unsteady. She now has to decide how to proceed with her post-operative breast cancer, whether to take hormone suppressing drugs or try another more holistic approach...[July 7] Elfi had
another CT scan on her lungs because of her radiation pneumonia and it got worse. Continued support is requested...[August 11] Elfi continues to take medication for her lungs and will begin long-term medication (anti-hormones
and immunotherapy) to prevent cancer from coming back... [September 11] Elfi had another lung scan and her condition has not improved. She will have another check-up in December. She continues to take medication and will consult a lung specialist in addition to her oncologist.
Update Wednesday, November 27, 2019
Elfi had another check-up. Her lung scan shows no change (still spots from the radiation) but her symptoms are much better. However now her kidneys don't function properly. Support for clarity and finding treatment for her
kidneys as she is taking many medications already, including anti-cancer, for her hormones and for the lungs.
First received Wednesday, November 6, 2019
For Moira in Leicestershire, United Kingdom with genetic mitochondrial disease and also with infections and anxiety.
Update Wednesday, November 27, 2019
Moira was feeling much better but recently had several hours of invasive tests for balance, ears and eyes which have tired and distressed her.
First received Thursday, September 12, 2019
For Juniper in Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada who has brain tumors and is also having a difficult time with diarrhea.
Update Monday, November 25, 2019
Juniper is happy and living a normal life. Her medical team will wait to see if she has any symptoms before ordering another MRI. There is a possibility the tumors will dissolve.
First received Friday, September 9, 2016
For 8-month-old Ryder B. in Belle River, Canada who has had severe eczema since birth and now has developed life-threatening allergies to rice and dairy products: he will be hospitalized on September 13 for food allergy testing...[October 6] Ryder continues to have multiple allergies. He also has developed an aversion to eating and refuses to put any food in his mouth, gagging and vomiting if food touches his lips or tongue. He is very unsettled and sleeps poorly, which is very stressful for his parents... [January 4, 2017] Ryder continues to have multiple concerns. His anaphylactic reactions continue to increase. His FPIES (Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome)condition has caused him to develop an aversion to eating, and he will not touch any food. Due to this stress, both parents are developing health problems....[March 4, 2017] Ryder was taken to the hospital by ambulance with an anaphylactic reaction: vomiting, diarrhea, and breathing difficulties. He is currently receiving IV fluids...[May 28, 2019] Ryder continues to have major concerns with FPIES and anaphylatic allergies. He still has an aversion to eating...[September 11] Ryder is having a difficult time. He has been hospitalized for food allergies and is not responding well to the treatment. He has also been diagnosed with a form of autism.
Update Monday, November 25, 2019
Ryder continues to have anaphylactic allergies and severe eczema. New foods have to be introduced in a hospital with a medical team ready to assist in an emergency. He is monitored strictly by his parents. Ryder has not been sleeping well for the last couple of months. He wakes up around midnight and doesn't go back to sleep for hours. His parents think something has frightened him. He cannot explain what it is and they don't know how to help him sleep.
First received Saturday, November 9, 2019
For Cathy R. in St. Petersburg, Florida who fell and cut her head and is also bruised in several places.
Update Saturday, November 23, 2019
Cathy continues to have pain from three bruised ribs on her left side. She also has a cold and a strep-related bladder infection.
First received Thursday, November 7, 2019
For Dobie, a cat in Waldorf, Maryland who needs a permanent home.
Update Friday, November 22, 2019
Dobie has been surrendered to a local humane society. He is FIV positive and supporters are seeking a cageless shelter for him.
First received Wednesday, November 20, 2019
For Richard F. in Orlando, Florida hospitalized in intensive care with a mass on his liver and internal bleeding.
Update Friday, November 22, 2019
The bleeding has stopped and Richard is out of intensive care. He is very weak and will be moved to a rehabilitation facility to recover before having a liver biopsy. These experiences are especially challenging for him as he has dementia.
First received Wednesday, November 6, 2019
For Ulrike in Berlin, Germany with a heart problem, and for her best friend, Natalia, who worries whether Ulrike is strong enough for heart surgery.
Update Friday, November 22, 2019
Ulrike is in a rehabilitation facility and feeling much better. Her three children see her as often as they can, and her friend, Natalia is more relaxed.
First received Thursday, July 5, 2018
For Brendon C. in Aurora, Colorado with a chronic incurable upper GI disorder who is in pain, depressed and feeling suicidal...[August 30] Brendon has been hospitalized in the ICU in Parker, Colorado with Chronic Vomiting Syndrome. The illness has been ongoing since December 2014 and has now been further complicated by diabetes...[September 16] Brendon is improving. He is now seeing a psychiatrist weekly who is teaching him coping techniques....[May 17] Brendon has gastroparesis which has no known cure. Periodic relief from the chronic vomiting and pain is available in hospitals. He has just been released from a week in a hospital but continues having daily nausea...[August 21, 2019] Brendon will have outpatient surgery on August 23 to install a new battery in his stomach stimulator for his gastroparesis.
Update Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Brendon is hospitalized with diabetic ketoacidosis which can lead to organ failure.
First received Thursday, May 2, 2019
For Tom J. in Mounds View, Minnesota with fatigue and severe gastrointestinal issues... [May 3] Tom is hospitalized with severe dehydration. He must recuperate before having a colonoscopy to determine the cause of severe
diarrhea... [May 9] Tom was released from the hospital on May 5. He is recovering from acute renal failure. He will be evaluated by his primary doctor on May 9...[May 13] Tom will have a colonoscopy on May 21.[May 18] Tom has been diagnosed with C. diff and is on antibiotics for two weeks. The colonoscopy will be performed when he no longer has the infection... [June 10] A colonoscopy is scheduled for Tom on June 14 and a doctor's visit on June 18 that will hopefully resolve the cause of chronic diarrhea and weight loss...[June 24] Tom has been diagnosed with Crohn's disease. He is on medication which is giving him some relief while he waits for his insurance company to approve an infusion type of medication that is needed to address his severe issues....[July 10] Tom's infusion medication was approved by insurance and he has had one infusion. His heart rate went up and his heart was monitored for a day. He had a stroke and heart attack on December 24. He has not had any other side-effects and his heart seems to be fine. He is scheduled for a second infusion on July 12...[July 16] Tom had his second infusion. He is having problems with fatigue and a sore throat which are gradually diminishing. These are common side effects. He is eating well, is not having diarrhea, and has stopped losing weight. He has lost sixty-five pounds since December 24. His next infusion will be August 9...[August 17] Tom had his infusion on August 9 and experienced the same side effects of fatigue and cold-like symptoms. His weight remains stable, and he has not had any intestinal issues. The side effects are now minimal. He is having problems with weakness in his left leg as a result of his stroke and is not walking properly...[September 16] Tom is having side effects from his August infusion including severe sore throat, nausea, headache, fatigue, and sinus issues. His next infusion is October 4. Side effects can occur at any time with this medication. His weight is stable and his walking is slowly improving...[October 20] Tom's infusion on October 4 went well. He continues to have severe fatigue and cold symptoms for several days afterward. His weight remains stable. His other medications may be causing some of his side effects and his medications will be reviewed. The strength in his left side has improved and he has now joined a gym. His next infusion is December 4. He will have testing to determine the level of inflammation in January.
Update Monday, November 18, 2019
Tom saw his cardiologist and they have adjusted his medication. His heart is functioning normally. There is no way to determine if his heart was weakened by a tear in his heart which has healed. His cholesterol remains normal and it was normal before his stroke. Doctors do not know why plaque totally clogged his carotid artery and caused his stroke. His infusions for crohn's disease continue to cause sore throat and cold-like side effects after an infusion and occur occasionally in between infusions, requiring him to rest for several days. His weight remains stable.
First received Thursday, November 14, 2019
For Stuart F. in London, England who is scheduled for triple-bypass heart surgery today.
Update Sunday, November 17, 2019
Stuart had a quadruple bypass on Friday, and he is doing well.
First received Thursday, November 14, 2019
For five-year-old Jack V. in Chesterfield, England who may need surgery: he has the mumps with severe swelling and an abscess on his tonsils.
Update Sunday, November 17, 2019
Jack's temperature is a little lower. He has blood in his urine and may have a kidney infection.
First received Tuesday, October 15, 2019
For Cornelia L. in Siegen, Germany who will have surgery tomorrow to remove her gallbladder.
Update Saturday, November 16, 2019
Cornelia's surgery to remove the gallbladder went well. She recovered quickly and has no problems at all.
First received Tuesday, October 22, 2019
For Linda R. in Phoenix, Arizona who is scheduled for surgery on November 5 for an infected kidney stone...[November 4] Linda will have a lithotripsy of the infected stone at 12:30 tomorrow.
Update Friday, November 15, 2019
The surgery went well, with the anesthesia slowly dissipating from her body. It was determined the issue was hormonal/acidic imbalance. Linda is seeing another specialist next week.
First received Sunday, November 3, 2019
For Wendy H. in Atlanta, Georgia who had a brain bleed after a fall on October 27, and for her brother-in-law Tim and sister Nancy.
Update Friday, November 15, 2019
Another CT scan of Wendy's brain was done on November 14 which showed that the area of blood in her brain has grown, but none is from a new incident of bleeding. It was likened to a healing bruise that expands and change colors. Because Wendy has been progressing well (except for headaches), no additional measures were taken. Another brain CT is scheduled for November 27.
First received Thursday, July 11, 2019
For David J. in Sticker, Cornwall, England whose hormone cancer treatment has stopped working, and for his family...[August 15] Dave’s scan showed the cancer has not gone to his bones. He is now on steroids to help keep the cancer in the nodes...[November 13] Dave has a meeting at the hospital Thursday to see if the steroids have started to work or if chemotherapy will be the next option.
Update Thursday, November 14, 2019
After his hospital visit, David is now on a month's trial of estrogen.
First received Tuesday, July 2, 2019
For Miki I. in Vienna, Austria who is having four dental inlays removed on July 3 with the possibility of irritating nerves...[July 7]
"The dental procedure went well and so far the nerves seem not to have been affected." [July 20] "I will have intense and invasive dental work in which all teeth are to be drilled for crowns on July 22 (lower jaw) and July 24 (upper jaw). Support also for the dentist and his team."...[July 28] The latest procedures went well. The work will continue on August 1 and August 8. Miki is in constant pain and is therefore on pain medication. Continued support is requested...[August 11] "Everything went well, still inflammation and discomfort, but moderate. It will take several months for the final adjustment, but the worst is over."
Update Wednesday, November 13, 2019
At the last dental check-up it was determined that the right jaw joint is inflamed. The alignment of both jaws is not correct.