Ava's Journey
Donation protected
Brave sweet Ava has been battling FSGS for several years now and was scheduled to have a transplant in August. Well Pittsburgh called Thursday afternoon and said that they want to do Ava's kidney transplant this Monday!
After the transplant, she will be on immunosuppressive medicine forever. Transplant is not a cure, but it's the best possible treatment for her right now. Her function was down to 11% the last time we had labs. Transplants typically last about 15 years, but they can last longer and we are hoping hers does. There is a 30-50% chance the FSGS could come right back on the new kidney...my biggest fear. Ava is being admitted this afternoon. The surgery will be on Monday morning. Nathan will be at Montefiore Hospital, about ten minutes away from Ava. They will put the kidney in an ambulance with the lights/sirens going to get it to Ava ASAP (pretty cool!). Nathan's surgery will take about 2 hours, and Ava's will take about 4-6 hours.
Ashley, Nathan, and their family have had to quickly pick things up and head to Pittsburgh. While they are so thankful that Ava is able to get this surgery done soon, it has also placed a huge burden on them financially. (They had intended to apply for assistance through the national living donor program however that requires a two-week advanced notice which they did not have.)
First and foremost, pray that the surgeries for Ava and Nathan are successful and that they heal quickly. Please especially pray that FSGS does not come back on the new kidney. Finally, if you are able in any way to contribute financially to help ease the stress and burden during this difficult time and allow them to just focus on Ava that would be such a blessing to them.
Psalm 33:20-22
"Our soul waits for the Lord;
He is our help and our shield.
For our heart shall rejoice in Him,
Because we have trusted in His holy name.
Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us,
Just as we hope in You" (NKJV).
After the transplant, she will be on immunosuppressive medicine forever. Transplant is not a cure, but it's the best possible treatment for her right now. Her function was down to 11% the last time we had labs. Transplants typically last about 15 years, but they can last longer and we are hoping hers does. There is a 30-50% chance the FSGS could come right back on the new kidney...my biggest fear. Ava is being admitted this afternoon. The surgery will be on Monday morning. Nathan will be at Montefiore Hospital, about ten minutes away from Ava. They will put the kidney in an ambulance with the lights/sirens going to get it to Ava ASAP (pretty cool!). Nathan's surgery will take about 2 hours, and Ava's will take about 4-6 hours.
Ashley, Nathan, and their family have had to quickly pick things up and head to Pittsburgh. While they are so thankful that Ava is able to get this surgery done soon, it has also placed a huge burden on them financially. (They had intended to apply for assistance through the national living donor program however that requires a two-week advanced notice which they did not have.)
First and foremost, pray that the surgeries for Ava and Nathan are successful and that they heal quickly. Please especially pray that FSGS does not come back on the new kidney. Finally, if you are able in any way to contribute financially to help ease the stress and burden during this difficult time and allow them to just focus on Ava that would be such a blessing to them.
Psalm 33:20-22
"Our soul waits for the Lord;
He is our help and our shield.
For our heart shall rejoice in Him,
Because we have trusted in His holy name.
Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us,
Just as we hope in You" (NKJV).
Organizer and beneficiary
Sarah Wills Hlasko
Organizer
Medina, OH
Ashley Eastlake
Beneficiary