Piper Morrow's Memory

Hey y'all. My name is Heather Rickard and I'm putting this fundraiser together in hopes we can help an Ocean Springs family who lost their 9-year-old daughter, Piper, on Saturday.

Piper was born a fighter with a sassy spirit. She endured more battles in her nine years than many adults.

About mid-November, Piper was admitted to Ocean Springs Hospital then flown to Children's Hospital in New Orleans. She had severe case of pneumonia and Flu-B. Almost immediately, she was intubated to control O2 intake, breathing, and heart rate.

Things started looking up around Thanksgiving and she was even responding to her beloved cartoons. On December 1st there was a conversation about moving her out of the PIC the following week. They were going to remove the intubation and replace it with a tracheostomy.

A few days ago, her body became a battlefield. Her lungs were attacked by an onslaught of respiratory issues and the tracheostomy was not longer an option.

Four days ago, Piper's dad posted:

"The conversation no parent wants to have... we've had to have it.

Basically, we've stated with the doctors that as long as she is fighting, and they are fighting for her, then we keep going.

However, if the situation takes a downward turn, that she be kept as comfortable as possible. There is a quality of life factor that must be accounted for.

We have advised the doctors that we do support donation of her organs as she could very well be another child's miracle.

We are continuing to pray for her miracle, that she'd be healed and we would head on home to a ton of love and a late Thanksgiving supper. Thank you all who have messaged and called. We absolutely appreciate it and love y'all dearly.

Just need Piper to maintain her wonderfully stubborn sassiness!"

On Saturday, Piper left this world surrounded by tons of love. She is in the company of the Lord and in the wonders of Heaven.

But here on earth, her mom, dad, sister, grandparents, family, friends, teachers and schoolmates are left with the shock and sorrow of her absence.

This Christmas will be different.

Through Piper's hospitalization, her parents have been unable to work much.

I've known Piper's dad since I was a teenager and he has always been a good guy and hard worker. Her mother is a gem whose children turn her world. And I've had the pleasure of working with Piper's Maternal Grandmother and Paternal Grandfather. This is a good, loving, and hard-working family.

I've been told Reimann's Funeral Home has offered to help with basic expenses of burial - and for that, we are extremely grateful.

I am asking you to consider donating to this family to help with uncovered expenses of Piper's burial, medical expenses, and the household bills that have accrued during her illness.

I know times are tough for a lot of people. I know I ask for a lot ... a lot. But, I can't not ask for this. If you can help financially, please do. Regardless, I ask for you to pray for peace and comfort for all the people who love Piper.

Thank you for taking the time to read about sweet, sassy Piper.