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Hi Family and Friends,
I'd like to take a moment to share something with you that as of now only close family and friends are informed of. It is both personal and private, but now we feel the time to share. Everyone has asked about our son Julian and why are there very few posts and pictures.
Let us explain,
Julian was born on August 28, 2015 weighing in at 9lbs 7.7oz. We were beyond excited and felt blessed to have our son. Everything was fine until he was diagnosed with CHD congenital heart disease. Our world came crashing down when we were told that, not only did he have CHD but 3 separate issues. In that moment, although we could barely grasp it, we became heart parents. We have learned to hold onto hope and faith when there was nothing else left to do. We learned to live in the moment and find journey in the darkest of times. We learned to put trust in the skilled hands of those who were caring for our child. We have discovered a strength that we never knew we possessed. We discovered a love stronger than anything this journey can throw at us. This is our life and our journey as heart parents.
Having a child with a life threatening illness the world becomes a lonely place.....constant worry, researching, next exam, sleepless nights, next appointment, will it work, are they strong enough, miracle cure, WHY OUR BABY? etc...with the help of an amazing team of surgeons, nurses, and specialists JuJu has begun his heart journey. In February of 2016 JuJu underwent his first open heart surgery at 5 months of age. Although it was expected, it was very difficult to go through. With the support of family we managed to get through surgery and recovery and return home. JuJu returned to normal until signs of heart failure returned at 10 months old. Things got progressively worse and ended up facing a second heart surgery less than a month later. This surgery was not successful and recovery was delayed. We have been at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital since July. On August 23 JuJu underwent his 3rd open heart surgery. Each day is a step forward and sometimes 3 steps backwards. We are still fighting through recovery as we have had many bumps along the way. The future is still unknown but we will get through it somehow. Our love for our heart warrior Julian and the love and support from family and friends will carry us through this difficult time. We have decided to begin this GOFUNDME page in honor of JuJu. It will be used to pay for present and future medical expenses, commuting expenses, and living expenses while we stay with him in San Francisco. Any unused funds will be donated to UCSF Family House and The Ronald McDonald House. Any help is appreciated. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all the prayers, love, and support.
Erika, Kelly, and Julian
I'd like to take a moment to share something with you that as of now only close family and friends are informed of. It is both personal and private, but now we feel the time to share. Everyone has asked about our son Julian and why are there very few posts and pictures.
Let us explain,
Julian was born on August 28, 2015 weighing in at 9lbs 7.7oz. We were beyond excited and felt blessed to have our son. Everything was fine until he was diagnosed with CHD congenital heart disease. Our world came crashing down when we were told that, not only did he have CHD but 3 separate issues. In that moment, although we could barely grasp it, we became heart parents. We have learned to hold onto hope and faith when there was nothing else left to do. We learned to live in the moment and find journey in the darkest of times. We learned to put trust in the skilled hands of those who were caring for our child. We have discovered a strength that we never knew we possessed. We discovered a love stronger than anything this journey can throw at us. This is our life and our journey as heart parents.
Having a child with a life threatening illness the world becomes a lonely place.....constant worry, researching, next exam, sleepless nights, next appointment, will it work, are they strong enough, miracle cure, WHY OUR BABY? etc...with the help of an amazing team of surgeons, nurses, and specialists JuJu has begun his heart journey. In February of 2016 JuJu underwent his first open heart surgery at 5 months of age. Although it was expected, it was very difficult to go through. With the support of family we managed to get through surgery and recovery and return home. JuJu returned to normal until signs of heart failure returned at 10 months old. Things got progressively worse and ended up facing a second heart surgery less than a month later. This surgery was not successful and recovery was delayed. We have been at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital since July. On August 23 JuJu underwent his 3rd open heart surgery. Each day is a step forward and sometimes 3 steps backwards. We are still fighting through recovery as we have had many bumps along the way. The future is still unknown but we will get through it somehow. Our love for our heart warrior Julian and the love and support from family and friends will carry us through this difficult time. We have decided to begin this GOFUNDME page in honor of JuJu. It will be used to pay for present and future medical expenses, commuting expenses, and living expenses while we stay with him in San Francisco. Any unused funds will be donated to UCSF Family House and The Ronald McDonald House. Any help is appreciated. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all the prayers, love, and support.
Erika, Kelly, and Julian