As parents, we all wish we could stand in our children's place whenever pain comes their way.  Since this isn't always the case, the next best thing besides prayer is to ensure we are there for them every step of the way as they navigate the uncertainties.  

Derrick's 11yr old daughter Jade was recently diagnosed with a rare disease called Pediatric Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (IPAH).  Test results showed that her lungs looked like shattered glass, and her tiny heart is working overtime to keep her alive. As if this news wasn't bad enough - further tests showed that she has the rarest and most severe form of Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease (PVOD), The worst part?  There’s no cure for this extremely rare and deadly disease.  

Jade is a strong girl, and her attitude remains optimistic despite being confined to a room to limit her physical activity in fear of over-taxing her lungs. She’s been placed on a waiting list for a double lung transplant and knows that this life-altering battle will be an uphill one.

Derrick, being the strong father he is, halted life on a moment's notice, left his job, and moved across the country to ensure he could be by Jade's side as she fights for her life. Luckily, Houston's Children's Hospital in Texas has perhaps the best pediatric pulmonary treatment facility there is.  Derrick is currently looking for work that allows him the flexibility to be by Jade's side and is thankful that he can reside in the Ronald McDonald House while she receives treatment, But as we all know, everything else in life doesn't stop, including financial obligations.  

I pray that whoever reads this and can give, and share with others who may feel compelled to provide, would do so.  Even the smallest donations compounded by many like minds can make a world of difference in Jade's battle.  

Standing together and lightening the load for a loving parent will allow Derrick to be at his strongest as he looks to pass that strength to Jade.