Donation protected
I am sitting here trying to figure out what to write and how to ask for others to help in raising money to get my daughter Katanna a headstone. This is emotional for me one because it is hard for myself to ask for help and secondly this is another huge step in my grieving process for my daughter. I had mentioned on my facebook how we are now trying to save for her headstone and how we knew it would take time but be so worth it because this would be the last thing we could do for her physically here on earth. I had a few people ask if I would be offended if they wanted to help. I of course said no. It is an honor that they care enough for my family and especially Katanna to want to do this. My mother then suggested I set this up. I have been hesitant because I feel there are always people out there who need more than I do. I am finally doing this because it is a way I know many who have asked will be able to help.
Let me tell you a bit about Katanna. She was a miracle from the start as all babies are but in her case she had to overcome so much from day one. Born on March 2, 2001, she actually had to be brought back three times and eventually ended up in Milwaukee at the Children's Hospital and hooked up to what is called an ECMO machine in order to survive. This was her last resort if this did not work we would of have lost her long before we did. In the end she did get through it and after more time in Milwaukee and then some more time at UW Madison Hospital we finally brought her home.
When we brought her home she was on a feeding tube as well as being on heavy sedation but I knew she was stronger then this and just needed to be around the family and she would be able to eat from a bottle and not need to be drugged up. I was right she was off both within days. This showed from the start the determined girl she was.
Katanna was so strong and continued to be. Even though she could not talk,walk, had daily seizures and eventually had to have a g-tube put in to eat she was the happiest little girl and did not complain. No matter how many times she got poked or surgeries she went through she was a trooper.
Katanna was one of seven children in our family and she taught everyone so much and brought so much love. We miss her with all our heart but are glad she is no longer having to deal with any of the pain she had or all the awful seizures she went through.
On September 11, 2011 we lost her after she had a day of seizures. It was finally too much for her. Her older brother tried to do cpr to bring her back and the hospital was amazing in trying to bring her back but it was her time to leave us.
So I am now sitting here doing the one thing I a mom should never have to do and that is ask for help in honoring her child that has passed by being able to get her a headstone that does her justice.
I was not sure how much would be enough to ask so I researched and $3000 seems to be average. As a family we have talked about it and with what we get on here we wll first be getting her a special headstone that represents her and if there is anything left over we want to donate the rest to Children's Miracle Network as they helped Katanna many times from equipment for therapy, to her wheelchair and even food vouchers for us when she had surgeries. We would donate the money in her name as another way to Honor her.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I am just touched that someone is willing to listen to me talk about my angel. She may not be here physically but she is still my daughter and I wIll always be her mommy. This is just one more way for me to do that.
Let me tell you a bit about Katanna. She was a miracle from the start as all babies are but in her case she had to overcome so much from day one. Born on March 2, 2001, she actually had to be brought back three times and eventually ended up in Milwaukee at the Children's Hospital and hooked up to what is called an ECMO machine in order to survive. This was her last resort if this did not work we would of have lost her long before we did. In the end she did get through it and after more time in Milwaukee and then some more time at UW Madison Hospital we finally brought her home.
When we brought her home she was on a feeding tube as well as being on heavy sedation but I knew she was stronger then this and just needed to be around the family and she would be able to eat from a bottle and not need to be drugged up. I was right she was off both within days. This showed from the start the determined girl she was.
Katanna was so strong and continued to be. Even though she could not talk,walk, had daily seizures and eventually had to have a g-tube put in to eat she was the happiest little girl and did not complain. No matter how many times she got poked or surgeries she went through she was a trooper.
Katanna was one of seven children in our family and she taught everyone so much and brought so much love. We miss her with all our heart but are glad she is no longer having to deal with any of the pain she had or all the awful seizures she went through.
On September 11, 2011 we lost her after she had a day of seizures. It was finally too much for her. Her older brother tried to do cpr to bring her back and the hospital was amazing in trying to bring her back but it was her time to leave us.
So I am now sitting here doing the one thing I a mom should never have to do and that is ask for help in honoring her child that has passed by being able to get her a headstone that does her justice.
I was not sure how much would be enough to ask so I researched and $3000 seems to be average. As a family we have talked about it and with what we get on here we wll first be getting her a special headstone that represents her and if there is anything left over we want to donate the rest to Children's Miracle Network as they helped Katanna many times from equipment for therapy, to her wheelchair and even food vouchers for us when she had surgeries. We would donate the money in her name as another way to Honor her.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I am just touched that someone is willing to listen to me talk about my angel. She may not be here physically but she is still my daughter and I wIll always be her mommy. This is just one more way for me to do that.
Organizer
Mikaela Gerrish
Organizer
Reedsburg, WI