Hi everyone. The latest update is we're getting close but this is not over and I'm asking once again to help in any way you can as we work to get Mariah back home. Mariah's two procedures were ultimately successful and she is now recovering. The latest challenge is this includes ensuring her heart, liver and kidneys can function satisfactorily. This includes a large amount of post-op intravenous and oral medications/antibiotics and eventually transitioning to all oral in order to go home but this takes time and is tricky in her condition. As I've shared earlier, Mariah's cerebral palsy is a huge challenge for medical professionals and creates its own challenges in regards to her being able to deal with it all. We've sadly watched her endure a life of medical procedures and tests up til now and her limited ability to cope with this somehow is a small miracle but unfortunately we have a ways to go. Aundrea and Linda continue spearheading Mariah's daily in person support which best assists the ICU nurses with their 24/7 work. They're still dealing with expensive Bay Area motels with commutes to the hospital or back & forth to their home in the valley which continues to be a mounting cost for their family. To those who've helped Mariah, Aundrea and Linda, I thank you for your caring and attention thus far. To our newest friends, we'd appreciate any amount you can share. Thank you

Hello all. We have an update on Mariah's condition and outlook for the near future. Mariah's heart condition has become slightly more dire as her heart is in failure and will eventually make it to the donor list depending on the rate of any deterioration. Prioritizing is a factor as time has become key. Instead of proceeding with the scheduled and much needed pacemaker surgery, the medical team has determined that replacing her tricuspid valve in her heart is the priority now. The pacemaker will have to wait. This innocent little angel has endured more than all of us put together and she finds the strength to smile for us as she did so many times with the papa that she still grieves for. Her mother, Aundrea, is finding every last bit of courage she can muster for Mariah. And Gramma, Linda, is being the support for two as papa can't be there for them and also somehow finds the drive to be in the moment at every turn. As a family member watching it all I can tell you it is tough but inspiring how this trio is fighting Father Time with a vengeance. A day in their life is a model for us all to admire and support as they now will continue to commute between home with pets and a bay area motel room to be there for Mariah round the clock as she cannot be alone due to her disabilities. And all the while- having to close on the sale of their home while simultaneously planning a timely move to their new one. The need for ongoing support is there as Mariah, mom and gramma are somehow facing this with courage and miraculous daily motivation. Anything you can donate to help them with fuel costs and nightly “Bay Area” motel stays is greatly appreciated. Please feel free to forward this link and story to whomever you can. Thank you for all your heart felt support for their little family. 

Hello all, my name is George Woodward. Aundrea, my niece, is facing increasing medical bills due to compounding issues in recent months for her special needs daughter Mariah. Mariah was born with Cerebral Palsy and has been diagnosed with other major medical issues. During her 17 years on this earth, she has been through it all and somehow still has her sense of humor and smile. (And if you happen to be a cute boy, well hubba hubba). They've lived with Aundrea’s parents/Mariah's grandparents Mark & Linda, which has been necessary for caregiving purposes. Mariah's most recent treatment needs have required her to be in San Francisco due to the severity of multiple things. Transportation/motel stays are a costly necessity and are mounting. Additionally, this tragically comes just months after Mariah's grandfather, Mark her best friend and pal, suddenly passed away and is no longer there for her. Not only did their in-home caregiving village shrink by one third, but they are now not only needing to sell their home of 26 years while simultaneously searching for a new home (with no stairs), but be at Mariah's bedside 24/7, AND hold jobs. Every day is a blessing for us and a gift for Mariah. In this moment of hospital stays, having to relocate, maintain jobs while still grieving Mark’s recent passing, it has all been a load that even the best of us cannot comprehend but somehow the now three of them are. Anything you can do to help out their family during this time would be greatly appreciated as they look forward to some peace and many more happy years together.