Friday, July 22, 2011

Been a long time.

We have been neglecting our posts. He has been doing a little better day by day, so the feeling the urgency to post has been absent for a while. Just because we know how he is doing doesn't mean that the rest of you who have been following do.

Here is what we have noticed since the surgery:

He doesn't sweat as profusely during play or sleep.
He has an almost inexhaustible energy supply.
He doesn't like all the attention he has been getting from everybody asking how he is doing.

Regarding the last post, we have changed the time of day we have been giving him his medication and he seldom has headaches and I don't think we have seen him vomit for quite some time. I don't know if this is from the fact that the medication time is different (which makes sense because he now gets it with a meal) or because he is getting stronger over time. Whatever it is, we will keep doing it.

Thank you all for the continued support.

Friday, July 1, 2011

Be as thou as a little child

From Shauna:
I have been struggling a little bit with Ashton's daily headaches and vomiting.Combine that with Wyatt and his 3 baseball teams. The frustration and anger with a coach who feels winning is the ONLY important thing no matter what it teaches his players. I was talking to my mom about a situation on one on Wyatt's tournament teams, very STEAMED!! When Ashton lying on the bed after severe headaches and vomiting said, "Mom, life is good, really good!" Wow!That hit me like a ton of bricks. I have been upset over such worldly, materialistic things like my son getting to play every game and every tournament. What an insignificant thing in the grand scheme of things to worry about!!!! It took a little child to remind me that, "Mom, life is great! Really great!" No wonder we are taught to be thou as a little child! We love Ashton and all that his trials teach us. He is still soooo far from well!! Please continue to pray for us!!!! I worry about him being well enough to go back to school. We need our jobs! We need him to get well!

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Two Weeks Already.

It's so hard to believe we have been home for two weeks. We spent two Thursdays ago travelling all day long. We had a weird experience at the airport in Minneapolis. We had just heard the call that our plane was boarding, when one of Ashton's nurses from St. Mary's came walking by. Rochester is about a two hour drive from Minneapolis, and the nurse had decided kind of last minute to visit some of his family in Atlanta. It was kind of good he came by, because Ashton had been throwing up all morning, which he has a tendency to do from time to time, usually after eating just a bit too much. He had had nothing that morning, nor was he running a fever, so we were pretty sure it was not the flu. Upon talking to the nurse for a couple of minutes he told us that this surgery fixes the heart, but screws everything else up for a while.

The plane rides were short, the layovers long. I was reminded, once again, that I absolutely hate landing in Vegas in the summertime. The heat really throws the plane around (one landing there a few years ago was not a three point landing, but rather a great bouncing hither and yon; that's the closest way to explain it). It was amazing that we could leave the prairie lands, forests, and cool weather of Minnesota in the morning, and end up in the hot, arid deserts 1200 miles away later that afternoon.

From Vegas it was only a short shuttle ride back to Utah's Dixie. Ashton was so excited to be heading back home that he jabbered and sang the whole way. The kid has a set of lungs. I was feeling bad for the other people on the shuttle. We reminded him to keep quiet, but he was just way too exited.


When we got to St. George we were greeted by numerous family members. There were baloons, welcome home cards, and cousins and aunts whom Ashton had never met (his dad's sister was in from Ohio). We were sent home with strict warnings against his falling over. Doing so could break the sternum which had been wired together much as a farmer would mend a fence with bailing wire. The first thing he did when we stopped the van was to fall out of the vehicle. Everyone's heart stopped, I think. Thank goodness he was all right. He caught himself with his knees rather than his hands. One of the Physician Assistants stated that in her 30 years she has never seen anyone have any re-break the sternum. That's our Ashton, always trying to tread off the beaten path.


So, how's he doing? Well, the fluid on his lungs is all gone (hooray!), and he is able to do more things day by day, which means we have to ride him to keep him down. However, he wakes up almost every morning with a headache followed by bouts of vomiting. The headaches are generally bad enough to have him bawling. He wants relief, so we give him acetaminophen. Because of his nausea he quickly rejects that. There is a chance that he may still have problems with blood sugar levels, which means we will have to monitor this, too. Oh boy, more blood tests. He will be thrilled.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Coming Home!

We are leaving Minnesota early in the morning. We will be home by 7 p.m. We are excited to be home, but there are many things we will miss here, and a bit of our hearts will always be in Minnesota. In Ashton's case this will be literally speaking (sorry).

Our last day at the Ronald McDonald House was full of fun. The kids got to make "Cookie Monsters"



For Ashton, this apparently meant an excuse to squeeze the chocolate syrup bottle.

There was pet therapy as well. Ashton loved this because he has been missing his Pughetti. The dogs were awesome.



Anyways, off to bed to be up super early.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

We are out!

So when they told us we were free to go, we were so excited we forgot to blog about it, and this post has been a couple of days in the making. They let us go late Saturday. We had a potpourri of free-roaming doctors, nurses, physician's assistants, x-ray technicians, and the like poking and prodding him for the entire day, but luckily, no blood draws. The poor little guy was fed up with health care professionals. Everyone at the Mayo works as one big team so this would explain why we had so many people in and out, but it sure makes it hard to keep track of who everyone is. Here are a couple of the cardiologists who would frequent the room.

An interesting thing about the doctors here is the fact that when they are not in their scrubs or white coats, they are fully dressed in suits. Highly impressive.

Of course, many new pills were added to Ashton's pill regimen. Due to the fact that he was getting a bit irritated about all of the unwanted attention, he stated that he would not be taking any more medication. He had one more to take for the day, but he claimed everyone was trying to give him dog pills, and he would never take dog pills. Here is what a "dog pill" looks like:


We realized that in a strange way, we would miss the hospital. We wouldn't necessarily miss the sounds of medical machinery making noises all night, the terribly uncomfortable cots that will make end up making a chiropractor independently wealthy, or the carts rumbling by every ten or fifteen minutes while we were trying to sleep, but we will miss watching the reflection of the Mayo-One helicopter take off and return, the top-notch care our boy received, and the Minnesota accent held by all of the nurses (which is something that should be federally mandated, in my opinion, for all nurses; it serves to be both reassuring and soothing).

After being released, we made the trek up two unbelievably long blocks to the Ronald McDonald house. Mom and dad had been frequenting the place to take showers, but Ashton was enthralled by all that is available for kids to do. There is an incredible play room for the kids, as well as regularly scheduled activities; If Ashton had been out earlier on Saturday he could have joined everyone on a trip back to Minneapolis to see a Twins game. Here are some pictures of Ashton in the playroom. We found out he is quite a pinball wizard.




As you can see, he is feeling much better. It will be a major chore keeping him down while he heals up this summer. Anyone have Duct Tape?

Staying at the Ronald McDonald house is quite an experience. There are people here presently from six different countries. We see nuns here, as well as the Amish. We are surrounded by people so different from what we are used to, but we are all connected. There is a great feeling of family and togetherness as we are all drawn together by the trials we are all facing in different ways through our young family members. Everyone is responsible for keeping up the house. There are no chore lists, but everyone busies themselves with their share. This experience serves to remind us daily that our lives our forever changed by our trials. You have choices in how you deal with what comes your way. It can either build you up, or crush you down. This is building us up, all right.

Friday, June 10, 2011

I Think Ashton's Had Enough

Today Ashton started his morning with an early morning wake up call for a chest x-ray and echo-cardiogram. They wanted to get some medicine in him to start with, so they kept him in the room for a while.

While he was waiting for the pain medicine to come up from the pharmacy a couple of ladies came in to do a blood draw. The one he had on Monday was a truly traumatic experience. He absolutely hated it. He climbed into my arms afterward and would not let me put him down for nothing. This time we had them use a numbing cream so he wouldn't feel it. That did absolutely nothing for the anxiety he was feeling, he was expecting a replay of Monday's experience. The numbing cream takes an hour to reach full effect. The ladies applied it and left. Ashton spent the whole hour telling me to get him out of here. He even got up on his own to try to escape a couple of times. He made it a ways down the hall and got tuckered out, so he came back.

They finally came back for the blood draw, and he screamed until the needle went in and he didn't even feel it. He was so proud of himself that he survived the ordeal that we actually heard something we haven't heard for a few days: he laughed. It was music. We sure have missed that. The rest of the morning was filled with tests up until 2:00 when they finally let us have a break.


He asked us today if they had done the surgery yet. We told him they had done it on Tuesday. He didn't remember it (thank goodness) and would not believe us until I took a clearer picture of his incision and showed it to him.



They took the chest tube out yesterday. The tube started a couple of inches below the incision and ran almost the all the way to the top! He screamed when they yanked it out, but can you blame him? That's a lot of tubing.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Wheel Chair Ride!!

This is the Ultimate Ride!! Way better than Disney Land!! I have to work for it though. They make me pee:)

Feeling Better!!

We are feeling much better!Here is my day nurse. His name is Mike! He makes me take walks:( I get a sticker every time I go for a walk.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Recovery

We have kind of left everyone hanging. Sorry. This is the first time Ashton has been awake for an extended period of time. When he was sleeping, it kind of all hit us at once and we realized how exhausted we were. We have been sleeping almost as much as he has. They let me go back with him as he fell asleep, but not without making me look like a goon.


Surgery went without a hitch. They found a mitral valve that had been damaged due to the existing anatomy of the heart. They fixed that, too.

He slept after surgery, clear through the night, and well into most of the day. This morning they removed the tube going into his femoral artery. This afternoon he got to lose the line into his carotid artery; he hated having both of these pulled.




He still has a chest tube which is draining fluids. He won't lose that until tomorrow. He has to carry a box around with him until they get this removed.



This box is acting as a vacuum to drain all the fluids from his chest.


Now he has a zipper running down his chest. Maybe when he wakes up he will want to see if it works

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

In Surgery

They took Ashton back to surgery about 2 hours ago. They Have him hooked up to the bypass machine, which is now pumping his blood for him. They have him opened up, things look just fine. that is all we have for now.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Funny things Ashton Said today!!

After getting his blood taken, Ashton said, "When am I going to get my blood back?"

A few minutes after that he said, "Blood is made from water and a few other ingredients!"
Ashton is our rock here!! The strong one! Everyone he has met here will ALWAYS remember him.

*Sorry if the grammar, spelling etc. is wrong. I am tired.


Reasons we are truly Blessed!!

1. Grandpa Ron and Grandma Karen showed up today!
2. They caught Ashton's heart problem at birth,diagnosed him at age 3.
3. Dr. Susan Ethridge Pediatric cardiologist from Primary Children's Medical center kept close watch over Ashton for 4 years.
4. When the problem became severe. Dr. Ethridge referred Ashton to, AND WAS ACCEPTED, by one the very best heart surgeons in the country.
5. Ashton is receiving a Septal Myectomy. Which is considered to be the "GOLD STANDARD" treatment for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
6. Our entire ward, families and community came together to raise the funds for us to be here!
7. We are now #1 on the Ronald McDonald house waiting list. We were #16 when we arrived here. Which hopefully means we can move there tomorrow.(Grandma and Grandpa Karen too).
8. We have met some amazing people while here and learned from them.
example: A group of about 10 Amish people visiting a beloved one. Many Muslim people, with their headdresses. Ashton played with one little Muslim girl at a park.
9. We have seen beautiful chapels, etc. from other faiths.( See photos)





10. My mom and dad Peterson who are with my special boys; Tyson, Wesley and Wyatt. Whom we miss so Much!!

Shauna's Thoughts

Okay tomorrow at 6:15 is the big day!!! We had to scrub Ashton's chest for 10 minutes tonight, with special soap and 10 minutes tomorrow before we leave for the surgery. He hated it and made us set a timer.
I have been fairly proud of myself for holding it pretty much together but today I didn't. They were taking blood from Ashton(both arms) and he was screaming bloody murder!!!! Part of the problem was that he was STARVING!!! He could not have anything to eat before this test and it wasn't until 11:00. Well, anyway after we got out of there I was MAD!!! VERY MAD!! Why is this happening to my little boy? Why him? He has always been such a kind hearted little one. Why am I not blogging the perfect life like many other blogs? Why am I blogging about my son's life saving heart surgery? And not bragging about vacations, new homes, the thread count of my new sheets(people honestly take the time to count the threads)!!!!
Then I saw many others going through so many heart breaking situations. Right before my own eyes!! It was like our father in heaven heard me, unimportant/trivial me,and felt my pain. And right then and there, I remembered.....
" My son/daughter, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;

And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.

Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands.

Thou art not yet as Job; thy

friends do not contend against thee, neither charge thee with transgression, as they did Job.

Meeting Dr. Dearaini Ashton's heart surgeon

Today we met Dr. Dearaini Ashton's heart surgeon. We were so impressed!! He was so confident and talked to us about everything!! They will be going through the aorta and cutting the troublesome part of his heart out. Dr. Dearaini and the Mayo team has performed 2000 adult septal myectomies and 150 pediatric septal myectomies. So, he was very confident which made us very confident, that Ashton is in the very best hands!!! Here is a picture of Ashton and his surgeon. This is a before shot. We will be posting an after shot too!

Day before the surgery

We spent the entire day at appointments getting ready for Ashton's surgery.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Ashton's tour of the Hospital

The staff here are ALREADY amazing! They have a program called "Child Life." The nurses there are only for pediatric patients. They introduce the child, the brave dad, and the ALREADY crying mom to the hospital and what's going to happen. Then they stay connected to us the entire time we are there. Today they gave us a tour of the ICU, the floor he would be on and talked to him about what tubes, etc are going to be hooked to him. He was very brave, but he admitted to being a bit nervous a few times. We were very proud of him. He was very knowledgeable, and the nurse was impressed with the amount of understanding he showed. He had some very grown up questions and answers. We wish we were as confident and calm as he is. He is doing great!


We have to admit that by Child Life talking to Ashton, mom and dad are feeling much better about everything

St. Mary's at the Mayo Clinic

This is the hospital where Ashton's surgery will take place. It is an amazing,

VERY peaceful and beautiful building. The green EVERYWHERE here in Minnesota is unreal,so beautiful.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Update

Haven't posted for a while. We are in Minnesota. It's hot and muggy. Hard to believe them when they tell us they had snowstorms barely a month ago. It was like 92 today. We are, however, enjoying the great expanse of greenness. Beautiful!

Anyway, got our rental car to get us around for a day or two. As Shauna was crawling in she pointed out a weird smell. We looked around and realized that the car was fairly new, so it must be a new car smell. Something neither of us are familiar with :)

Here's a photo:


We spent the following few hours at the zoo.


This morning we took Ashton to Mall of America. There was a Nickelodeon Universe in the middle. All of the rides were not recommended for those with heart conditions. His special little heart was broken. We took him to Build-A-Bear instead, and he LOVED it. He has been missing his dog, Pughetti, and cried a little as we were leaving here. He got a dog at Build-A-Bear, and named it Doggy.


We are now in Rochester, Mn, staying right across the street from the hospital where he will be getting his surgery. It is St. Mary's, which is about 10 blocks from the main Mayo building. The hotel is a great old hotel with the fine Norwegian name of Fiksdal. Our room reminds us of Mike Brady's office. All we need is olive green shag carpet. This will be our home until a place at the Ronald McDonald house opens up. We were number 16 on the waiting list. We talked to a lady who said it goes surprisingly fast, though. I will have more pics up soon. I have yet to take any of the hospital or hotel.

Keep checking back.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

WE ARE SICK OF SITTING!

All day either riding to airports, sitting and waiting for planes, or sitting on planes. Ashton had a blast, though. He spent almost the whole ride looking out the windows of the airplane. He was amazed that we were up above the clouds, but also a little disappointed that the clouds looked the same from the top down as they do from the bottom up.






Leaving

Up early this morning. Bump around the house for a while and then start getting ready to make it to the airport shuttle by nine. Plane leaves at noon Nevada time. Full day of travelling/sitting in airports. Arrive in Minneapolis this evening.

Ashton's first appointment is Monday, but we need to get there and get settled. Hopefully there is room at the Ronald McDonald house there. Plus, we want to do some fun things with him so that the whole trip isn't about having doctors pick on him.

I will be posting updates and pics soon. Keep checking back.

Oh, and if anyone saw the article in the Spectrum about the young lady who needs a heart transplant, she has the same thing Ashton does. Her family has also set up an account at Southwest Community Credit Union. See her blog at http://abbyninja.blogspot.com/

Friday, May 27, 2011

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASHTON!



It's hard to believe you are already seven!

It seems just like yesterday you were the bright-eyed, inquisitive little newborn in the hospital who would get excited when mom and dad came in.

Thank you for being our little boy. We love you, and we wish you many, many more birthdays to come.

Love mom, dad, Tyson, Wesley, Wyatt, and Pughetti

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Ashton's Attitude, Thoughts, and Celebrations.

We have been talking to Ashton about what he can expect when we go to the Mayo clinic. We feel that if there are no surprises, he will be better prepared to face what is to come. I have been very proud of him. He has shown no fear, and seems to have an attitude of 'alright, let's go get it done'. Mom and dad have been able to lean on him a bit for more strength.

We have had a few things happen around us to help us realize we are not alone. A young lady at my wife's school had her heart stop during P.E. She was saved by quick actions by the school staff, and now is in the care of Primary Children's Hospital. A family from my school had a young man drown at a weekend party; efforts to revive him were not successful. He was such a sweet little kid, and always showed kindness to those around him.

When one experiences a tragedy it is easy to feel that you are the only people to ever experience grief and heartache. My wife often asks me why we were chosen to face these trials, and why some never have anything bad happen to them. I don't believe these things are predetermined so I am not able to answer her. What I am noticing, though, is the fact that we have more empathy towards families who are facing their own trials. We have seen the kindness of others as they have shown us support. Now, I think I can answer this when she asks again: "Why is not important. What is important is that we are learning to become better, stronger people through the human experience.

Enough of the grimness, we have parties to get to. My little boy is turning seven tomorrow, May 27th. He shares his birthday with his best friend, Cheryl. He will go from her party, straight to his own. We are going to give him a party to remember since his summer will be spent in recuperation. We reserved a spot at Pirate Island Pizza, and he invited friends from school and around the neighborhood. One last bash, and then five days until we head to the Mayo. We will keep everyone up to date with this blog, so make sure to keep checking back.


More info.

Thought I would share some more info with y'all. A lot of people have been asking what is to occur during the upcoming surgery. There are a few good sites that give a great overview of what is going to happen in Minnesota, as well as what exactly is going on in his heart. These sites are found here:

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/disorders/hcm/movies.aspx (the second video is the procedure Ashton will be getting).

http://www.healthcentral.com/heart-disease/more-images-6897-146.html

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Another Testament of Human Kindness and the Lessons We've Learned





This is just too sweet. The picture is of Brindley, another first grader at Panorama Elementary. She and her friends (including a sweet young lady by the name of Caiya) have created jars and have gone around collecting money for Ashton. In just a little under a week, these kids have collected around 100 dollars for us.

I've alluded previously to the fact that my wife and I are terribly prideful. We like to be as self sufficient as possible. We have really had to open ourselves up to ask for help, but when your child's life is at stake you will do anything it takes. This has been a great exercise for us, though. I believe that from everything a lesson is learned. Our lessons this go 'round have been that there are truly good people out there. We have learned to be gracious and humble. We have learned what it is to receive, as well as give. These kids have taught us graciousness in innocence. They recognize a peer in need, and they go forth of their own volition to help. As adults, especially in the U.S., we tend to lose this. Sometimes, it takes a child in need to bring back this childhood trait.

May you all be blessed with the ability to see the world through the eyes of a child. Just like Brindley, Caiya, and friends.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Yard Sale News.

Thanks to all who donated and attended, the yard sale was a huge success. I expected to raise around 1000 from this yard sale; I was hoping for more, but not expectant of much more. Earlier I was telling people that we had raised 4100 dollars which is 4 times what I expected. I just looked at the final count and we were able to deposit 4500 dollars into Ashton's Heart Fund. This is incredible. Almost everything went. What did not go is being donated to the Dove Center which is a very worthy cause in my opinion.

Thank you, everyone, for everything you do. We were once again very moved by the generosity of this community.

Friday, April 29, 2011

This Saturday, the 30th, is the big yard sale day. All proceeds will go towards our copay, travel expenses, and other accrued medical bills.

We are at 3078 Wesley Powell Drive, and we will begin at 7 a.m. Please come out and show your support. We have tons of stuff, so there should be something for everyone.

Thanks to all who helped set this up and for all the wonderful donations. This community is awesome!






View Larger Map

Friday, April 22, 2011

About Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM).

Please read this. Especially if you are related to me.

As we have established, HCM is a disorder of the heart which causes a thickening of the muscle walls. That's how they find it; by measuring the thickness. It is quite a prevalent disease. One in five hundred have it. This number would undoubtedly be higher if it were possible to check everyone for this condition. It is a genetic disorder but will sometimes occur as a hiccup. We are not sure it the cause of Ashton's HCM is genetic or not.

Ashton has a rather advanced form of this disease. This is going to sound incredibly strange, but if my son has to have the disorder, I am glad it is as advanced as it is. He has shown symptoms all his life by way of heart murmurs and shortness of breath. Thank goodness! Let me explain a bit, here. The symptoms of HCM are virtually nonexistent, or they mirror symptoms of other disorders, such as asthma or panic attacks. People can have this disease and not even know it. Quite often, the first symptom is sudden death. Let me repeat: SUDDEN DEATH! To reiterate, the FIRST (1st) symptom is most often S-U-D-D-E-N D-E-A-T-H! Where do you go from there?

So now that we have established the very real possibility of sudden death, I would like to point out that this most often occurs during exertion. This is why many young athletes fall over dead for no apparent reason. If you are getting your children involved in sports, have them checked out. Each and every young athlete in Italy is checked for this before they can participate in sports. Their death rate from HCM has dropped by 90%. That is huge.

It was stated earlier that HCM may be genetically transferred. We have all been checked out, and Ashton is the only one in our household to have it. If you are related to either Shauna or Jerry, Please have your family checked; I implore you. It may save a life.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

GOT THE DATE!

We got a call from the Mayo two days ago. Ashton will meet with a cardiologist on Monday, June 6. Surgery will occur on the 7th of June, just eleven short days after his 7th birthday. How's that for a birthday present? Now, I'm off to battle the big bad insurance companies.

I've been threatening to write some stuff we have been holding back. The reason I did not state this stuff earlier is because of the article which ran in The Spectrum, which was wonderful (thank you Brian Passey). I wanted The Spectrum to have first shot at carrying the news. If you read the article, thank you.

Now, the article stated that we cannot appropriately thank everyone involved in helping improve my little boy's condition and quality of life; but we can try. If you have donated anything at all and are reading this. Thank you from the bottom of my very being. If you have offered kind wishes to our family, thank you once again. If you have read about my son and have wished us well, even in silence, thank you.

Now, Due West could have easily taken the money raised during the show, and they each could have walked out of there 800 dollars richer. They did not! They recognized there was a need, and it was within their power to help. They do this all over the country. I think this requires a great amount of empathy and caring. I am calling all together to unite! Tell everyone you know about Due West (www.duewest.com) and let's get these guys into the top country markets. Let's help them get the respect they deserve. Write to their label, Black River Music Group, and tell them how much you appreciate these boys, and what they do. We can raise them up.

Anyway, this is getting long. I am not a fan of long posts. I have more to add, but I think I want this to be a post of its own, because it is highly important. Consider it a P.S.A. about the condition that is afflicting my little boy. Watch for that in the next little while.

If you are still reading up to this point, thanks for sticking around.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Spectrum Article

Here is a link for the story that ran in the Spectrum today: http://www.thespectrum.com/article/20110418/FAMILY/104180334/Local-boy-fights-potentially-fatal-condition

I have been waiting for this to run before I post many of the things that I want to say, but I felt that I wanted to give The Spectrum first run at it. I just feel that this was the more appropriate media. Now that this has run, I can post some of the things I have been holding back. There are a lot of people we need to thank, and much more that we need to say. However, it is late, I have to get up early, and the melatonin is lulling me into a droopy-eyed trance. Good night, all. And watch for more posts.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Upcoming Press

Look for a story about Ashton in Monday's edition of the Spectrum! I will post links when I get them. Ashton had quite a bit to say to the reporter; doubt they could fit it in one paper :)




Thursday, April 14, 2011

Mayo

Just received a call from the Mayo clinic . . . first one so far. We discussed possible dates. We are trying to schedule the consultation and the surgery within a day or two of each other so we don't have to make more than one trip. They will be contacting me tomorrow after speaking to the surgeons and cardiologists with definite dates. This just got a lot more real. I hate that; but, after this is all done, Ashton will feel much better.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

No New News

Hey, all.

Just want to stop in and let you know that we are still here. So far this blog looks like simply a ploy to beg for donations. Let me assure you, my wife and I are both prideful to a fault, and having to ask for help is really not within our personalities. We are truly grateful for the support we have seen from the public. We thank you all. But. . . please don't feel obligated. Just some good vibes and kind wishes are both as well received. I do understand the power of giving; I am always dropping coins where I can. Please keep in mind that there are others who are in need in our community. As soon as we are done with this trial I can guarantee we will be paying this forward.


There are some cool things coming. I have been talking to some of the local media, and we are getting some good support there. I will keep you all posted on things as they pop up. You will be able to check in from time to time to see how our little guy is getting on. This will also be a place to see how he is doing during the surgery and recovery.

Thank you all, and thank you for visiting.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Donation fund

Some have been asking about ways to donate. We set up an account for him at Southwest Federal Credit Union. Ask about Ashton's Heart Fund. They should know what you are talking about.

We seriously did not expect this thing to reach this far. We were not expecting this amount of support.

Thanks all.

Introduction

Ashton is a six year old boy who loves his brothers and his puppy. Whenever he gets a treat he always makes sure there is enough to share. Though he was born with a kind heart, it is far from perfect; he calls it his ‘special heart’. He was born with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. This causes the heart cells to be out of alignment which causes a thickening of the muscle wall. This has lead to an obstruction, and his heart has to work harder to do its job. This is a condition that gets progressively worse. He now requires corrective surgery that is to be performed at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. All donations will go to travel expenses and medical bills which are accrued from this challenge.
We are having a Fundraising Yard Sale
April 30, 2011
7:00 a.m.-?
We need the stuff you aren’t using anymore!
Any and all donations are welcome
Any Questions call Jerry 680-0418 or Shauna 680-2626
Drop off your items by April 27th to 3078 Wesley Powell Drive
Thank you for your generous help, thoughts, and kind wishes.
Make sure to attend the yard sale too!